Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour

Melbourne’s Penguin Parade and Churchill Island Farm Tour offers an unparalleled chance to take in the region’s captivating natural wonders. Visitors will explore the historic charm of Churchill Island, engaging in interactive farm activities before marveling at the breathtaking coastal vistas of Nobbies Lookout. As the day draws to a close, the true highlight awaits – witnessing the enchanting Penguin Parade, where the Little Penguins return from the ocean in a mesmerizing display. This full-day adventure promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to uncover the unique beauty and wildlife of the Melbourne area.

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Contents hide

1 Tour Overview

2 Itinerary Details

3 Highlights

4 Important Information

5 Booking and Availability

6 Churchill Island Farm

7 Nobbies Lookout

8 Penguin Parade

Key Points

Comprehensive day tour from Melbourne covering Churchill Island Farm, Nobbies Lookout, and the iconic Penguin Parade, with a total duration of 11 hours.
Interactive experiences at Churchill Island Farm, including live demonstrations of traditional agricultural activities like cow milking and sheep shearing.
Scenic coastal vistas and opportunities to spot Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony at the Nobbies Lookout.
Iconic Penguin Parade event, where guests can observe the nightly ritual of Little Penguins returning from the ocean at dusk.
Tour offers accessibility features and sensory-inclusive experiences, ensuring enjoyment for all guests, regardless of their needs.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers visitors a comprehensive Phillip Island experience, encompassing Churchill Island Farm, Nobbies Lookout, and the renowned Penguin Parade, with a total duration of 11 hours.

Departing from the Great Southern Hotel in Melbourne, the tour takes travelers on a journey to explore the rich history and natural wonders of the region.

Priced from €93.97 per person, the tour provides a flexible booking option with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

Whether you’re looking to learn about the island’s agricultural heritage, witness breathtaking coastal vistas, or observe the enchanting Penguin Parade, this tour promises an unforgettable day on Phillip Island.

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Itinerary Details

Departing from the Great Southern Hotel in Melbourne at 10:30 am, the tour embarks on the 2-hour journey to Churchill Island. Upon arrival, visitors spend 3 hours exploring the historic Churchill Island Farm, where they can witness demonstrations of traditional activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and blacksmithing, while seeing the property’s scenic 57-hectare farmland. After this interactive experience, the tour moves on to the Nobbies Lookout for a 30-minute photo stop, offering stunning coastal views and the opportunity to see Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony. The final leg of the journey takes the group to the Penguin Parade, where they can observe the iconic Little Penguins returning from the ocean at dusk.

Departure Location	Departure Time
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne	10:30 am

Destination	Duration
Churchill Island Farm	3 hours
The Nobbies Lookout	30 minutes
Penguin Parade	3.5 hours

Highlights

Atop the tour’s itinerary are several enthralling highlights, including the interactive experience at Churchill Island Farm, the scenic views from The Nobbies, and the famous Penguin Parade at sunset featuring the captivating Little Penguins.

Visitors have the opportunity to purchase lunch and dinner at the on-site café as well.

At Churchill Island Farm, guests can enjoy hands-on activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and blacksmithing demonstrations, all set against the backdrop of the historic 1872 homestead and 57-hectare scenic farmland.

The Nobbies offers stunning coastal views, including the chance to spot Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony.

And the Penguin Parade, the tour’s main draw, allows visitors to witness the charming Little Penguins returning from the ocean at dusk.

Important Information

This tour is conducted in English with a live guide, allowing participants to fully enjoy the experiences.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, as well as a hat, sunscreen, camera, warm clothing, and an umbrella if rain is forecast, to ensure they’re prepared for the diverse weather conditions.

Plus, both Churchill Island Farm and the Penguin Parade are KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive Venues, catering to the needs of all guests.

This certification ensures that the venues are equipped with sensory bags, designated quiet spaces, and staff trained in sensory awareness, making the tour accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their sensory needs.

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Booking and Availability

Travelers can check the availability of the tour for various starting times on the booking platform. They can then select the desired number of participants and the preferred date to complete the booking process.

On top of that, the tour offers a flexible travel plan with a reserve now and pay later option, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of visitors.

The booking process for the Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour is straightforward and convenient:

Check tour availability and select desired starting time.
Choose the number of participants and preferred date.
Utilize the reserve now and pay later option to secure your spot.

This flexible approach allows travelers to plan their Melbourne experience with ease, ensuring a seamless and memorable tour.

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Churchill Island Farm

The tour includes a visit to the historic Churchill Island Farm, dating back to 1872 and spanning across 57 hectares of scenic farmland.

Visitors can engage in interactive activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and blacksmithing demonstrations, providing an immersive experience into the region’s agricultural heritage.

The 3-hour stop at the farm allows guests to explore the historic homestead and witness live demonstrations that showcase the traditional practices of the area.

These hands-on activities offer a unique opportunity to learn about the island’s past and connect with its enduring farming culture.

The Churchill Island Farm visit is a highlight of the Phillip Island tour, offering a chance to step back in time and experience the region’s rural roots.

Nobbies Lookout

After exploring the historic Churchill Island Farm, the tour proceeds to the photogenic Nobbies Lookout, offering sweeping coastal views and the opportunity to spot Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony. The 30-minute bus ride transports visitors to this natural wonder, where they can:

Take in the panoramic vistas of the rugged cliffs and crashing waves along the Southern Ocean.
Observe the Fur Seals lounging on the Seal Rocks, part of the largest colony in Australia.
Capture stunning photographs of the dramatic scenery and unique wildlife.

This scenic stop provides a chance to stretch one’s legs and immerse in the breathtaking coastal landscapes before continuing on to the renowned Penguin Parade.

Penguin Parade

Concluding the tour, visitors arrive at the iconic Penguin Parade, where they can observe the nightly ritual of Little Penguins returning from the ocean to their burrows on shore.

As dusk falls, the floodlights dim, and guests take their seats in the viewing stands to witness the parade of these endearing seabirds.

Silently and with great purpose, the penguins emerge from the waves, waddling up the beach to their nests.

Guides provide commentary, sharing insights into the penguins’ behaviors and life cycle.

This magical experience offers a unique window into the private lives of these beloved creatures, leaving visitors with lasting memories of their encounter with nature’s little superstars.