- 1 DAY
-
PRICE:
$165 AUD
- SPECIAL $115 AUD
- DEPARTS 11:40 RETURNS 21:00 (WINTER)
- DEPARTS 11:40 RETURNS 23:45 (SUMMER)
- Departs all year round except 25th Dec & 1st Jan
Experience the ultimate adventure with our Phillip Island Penguins Tour, where you’ll witness the mesmerising beauty of Phillip Island like never before. Welcome to Phillip Island, a charming oasis on Victoria’s South Coast, where a delightful community of approximately 32,000 adorable Little Penguins call home! Every night, hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of penguins come out of the water and walk across the beach at the famous Penguin Parade. This full-day tour includes nature walks on Phillip Island’s beautiful beaches and boardwalks, meeting local animals, and watching the Penguin Parade. Your tour guide will tell you the best places in each Penguin Viewing Area for the best experience.
Highlights
- Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, a captivating wildlife phenomenon.
- Experience a guided tour through the Philip Island Koala Conservation Reserve with a park ranger.
- Learn about the natural beauty, history, and significance of Phillip Island.
- Travel along less-travelled dirt roads along the coastal cliffs of Phillips Island, where you may spot wallabies and birds of prey.
- Explore the Nobbies and Seal Rocks coastal boardwalks by taking a leisurely walk.
- Visit the Phillip Island Penguin visitor centre.
Pricing options
The fares are priced at $165 for adults (13+) and $125 for children (0-12). Experience the magic of Phillip Island with a private tour tailored just for you! Reach out to our incredible charters team at charters@gltg.com.au, and let the adventure begin! You have the option to follow our pre-planned itinerary or create your own. Experience the ultimate convenience of door-to-door service as you embark on a whimsical journey of discovery, accompanied by your cherished companions.
Join us at the stunning Immigration Museum on the vibrant east side of 400 Flinders St, at the captivating corner of Market St in Melbourne. The meeting time is 11:45 am during winter and 1:45 pm during Summer. Winter|Summer
- The Pegasus Apartments Hotel is located at 206 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, with check-in available from 11:05 am to 1:05 pm.
- The Melbourne Marriott Hotel is located at the corner of Exhibition St and Lonsdale St in Melbourne, with a time frame of 11:10 to 13:10.
- The Space Hotel is located at 380 Russell St in Melbourne and has check-in times at 11:15 and 13:15.
- The Grand Hyatt Melbourne is located on Russell St entrance in Melbourne, with check-in available at 11:20 and check-out at 13:20.
- The meeting will occur at Adina Apartment Hotel, 189 Queen St, Melbourne, from 11:30 to 13:30.
- The Savoy Hotel is at 630 Little Collins St, Melbourne, at 11:35 | 13:35.
- The Immigration Museum is located at 400 Flinders St on the corner of Market St in Melbourne, with visiting hours from 11:45 to 13:45.
- The Crown Towers is located at 8 Whiteman St Queens Bridge St, Southbank and operates from 11:50 to 13:50.
- Water Bottle
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Flashlight
- Rain jacket
- A sense of adventure!
- Penguin Parade entry
- Urban pickup and drop-off
- The driver/guide has extensive experience and provides informative tour commentary.
- Koala Reserve Entry Fees
The Phillip Island Penguin Tours allows animal enthusiasts to explore the scenic beauty of Phillip Island. The tour includes a guided ranger journey through the Philip Island Koala Reserve, a walk along the surf beaches, and sightings of wild Kangaroos and Wallabies. The tour concludes with a visit to the renowned Penguin Parade.
- The summer season will be from October 2, 2022, to April 1, 2023, starting at the winter season will be from 02 Apr 2023 to 30 Sep 2023, starting at 11:45 am.
- The summer season will be from October 1, 2023, to April 6, 2024, starting at 1:45 pm.
Day 1
The itinerary for the Phillip Island Penguins Tour is as follows
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of Phillip Island, a mere 140 km southeast of Melbourne, where a vibrant tapestry of 7,000 people and an astonishing menagerie of animal species thrive in perfect harmony. Despite its small size, the island boasts significant areas of beauty with scientific, historical, and archaeological importance.
Phillip Island's Koala Reserve
The drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Prepare to be enchanted as you step onto Phillip Island, where a friendly Phillip Island Nature Parks Ranger awaits to escort you on an unforgettable journey through the majestic Koala Reserve. Embark on a captivating stroll where you’ll be immersed in a fascinating presentation about the adorable Koalas, the rich history and importance of the Reserve, and the enchanting natural woodland that still thrives on the island.
Discover the captivating tales and rich Aboriginal heritage of Phillip Island
The Yalloc Bulluck clan of the Bunurong people used to frequent Phillip Island for hunting, fishing, and foraging. They would come over during the Summer and egg season. The island was attractive due to its abundant wildlife. Witness the remarkable legacy of the Yalloc Bulluk as their foraging activities leave a lasting mark on the Penguin Parade and Summerlands National Park, evident through the intriguing presence of middens. Phillip Island Nature Parks focuses on educating visitors and preserving these culturally significant areas.
The rocks at Phillip Island Nature Park are stunning
When you enter Summerlands, there are no houses. It’s all National Park. You’ll see wooden burrows where penguins hide when they’re not fishing. We’ll walk along ‘The Nobbies’ boardwalks to look for Little Penguins in their burrows. You can also see ‘The Blowhole’, where waves crash onto the volcanic rock. The caves and formations here make for dramatic photos, with Seal Rocks in the background. On a sunny day, you might see Australian Fur Seals. If you don’t want to walk on the boardwalks, you can enter the Nobbies Information Centre. They have a gift shop, hot drinks, and the ‘Antarctic Journey Experience’. For $18 per person, you can learn about marine animals in the Southern Hemisphere. The entrance fee supports WWF’s efforts to protect these creatures of the Southern Ocean.
Off-Road Wildlife Coastal Drive
Leaving the Nobbies, we begin an off-road adventure with stunning views and the chance to see Wallabies. Your guided tour will educate you about the habits and characteristics of wild Little Penguins, including their over 3000 feathers.
Take advantage of the fantastic Phillip Island Tour Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade occurs after sunset when the Little Penguins come out of the water. Photography is not allowed during this time in order not to scare the penguins. Wayoutback Tours supports this request and believes experiencing the spectacle without distractions is enjoyable. Combine the Penguin Parade with a trip on the Great Ocean Road by joining our 2-Day Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Tour. Let us handle the planning and driving while you sit back and enjoy the journey.
What to Bring
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Tropical strength insect repellent
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes/boots
- Camera
- Money for lunch and snacks (alternatively BYO as we will have an eski onboard for chilled items)
- Small day bag
- Hand sanitiser
Important Notes
- This tour will only depart if we have 8 passengers or more. We will wait until one week before departure to cancel if minimum numbers aren’t met.
- The itinerary may be subject to change due to cultural reasons, seasonal weather changes, operational logistics and accessibility.
- The minimum age requirements for this tour is 6 years old. This trip is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
- Please email our Reservations Team (reservations@wayoutback.com.au) at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm pick-up location and time.
- Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
- COVID-19 – together we can stop the spread, please seek medical attention and stay at home if you are feeling unwell
FAQ
What is the cost of visiting Phillip Island?
The cost of a 7-day trip to Phillip Island varies depending on the number of people and accommodation type. For a single tourist, it is $2000; for a couple, it is $3600; and for a family of 4, it is $6800. The price range for hotels in Phillip Island is $60 to $175 per night, with an average of $100. Vacation rentals range from $170 to $1050 per night for the entire house.
Is Phillip Island worth it?
Declared Victoria’s first National Surf Sanctuary, Phillip Island has plenty of coastal hotspots. It’s the ideal place for a day trip from Melbourne or a weekend.
Is there a fee to see the penguins at Phillip Island?
Can you see penguins on Phillip Island for free? The answer is yes. But not like the penguin parade. Minimum age 12 years. Penguin Parade Prices from $88.00. Tours Operate Nightly.
What are the unique features of Phillip Island?
Phillip Island offers a unique opportunity to witness Australia’s wildlife amidst breathtaking scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure, surrounded by spectacular nature, indulging in delicious local cuisine, sipping on exquisite wines, and basking in the rejuvenating sea breeze – and that’s just the beginning! Join us for the world-famous penguin parade and embark on a vacation. Transportation to Phillip Island is most conveniently done by car.
When should we go to Phillip Island?
The optimal time to visit Phillip Island is from November to March, as the weather is warm and allows for a pleasant experience of all the attractions this beautiful region of Australia offers.
Is swimming allowed at Phillip Island?
For swimming and paddleboarding on Phillip Island, take benefit of the calm waters of Cowes Main Beach, Ventnor Beach, Red Rocks Beach, San Remo Back Beach and Silverleaves Beach.
Is it permitted to have cars on Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is easily accessible by car via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. Embark on an unforgettable adventure from Melbourne or Gippsland, where you’ll discover breathtaking landscapes, captivating attractions, delightful wineries, and mouthwatering eateries.
Are you interested in the water temperature in Phillip Island?
The water temperature in Forrest Caves (Phillip Island) is approximately 59 °F. When the sun is expected to appear, the water should reach a suitable temperature for surfing with a spring wetsuit that offers good coverage. Some surfers opt to wear gloves and boots.
What is the cost of viewing penguins at Phillip Island?
The ticket options include Adult (16 years+) – AUD 13.70, Child (4-15 years) – AUD 6.85, Family (2 adults and two children) – AUD 34.30, and Australian Pensioner (ID required) – AUD 9.55.
Is it necessary to make a reservation to see penguins at Phillip Island?
Reservations are required year-round for our Guided Ranger, Penguins Plus and Underground Viewing tours.
When do the adorable penguins grace the shores of Phillip Island?
The Penguin Parade visitor centre opens at 5 pm. The penguins arrive every evening at sunset. It is recommended to arrive about an hour before the penguins’ arrival time.
