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When in Melbourne, visiting the Phillip Island penguins is a must! Seeing these little penguins waddling across the beach at sunset is a unique experience, and they’re VERY cute.
However, Phillip Island is about two hours away from Melbourne and the penguin parade is very popular, so this experience requires planning ahead. But don’t worry, because we’ve got you covered with this guide!
I’m actually Australian and so Bailey and I often come back to visit, and we love playing tourist in Melbourne together! We visited Phillip Island recently, so now we’re ready to share all of our insider info to ensure you don’t miss out on seeing the famous penguins.
1. About the Phillip Island Penguins
Little penguins can only be found in Australia and New Zealand, so we really couldn’t pass up the chance to watch the “Penguin Parade” on Phillip Island. It’s a small island just off the southern coast of Australia, and it’s about 2 hours from Melbourne. There are walking trails, wineries, and even a Grand Prix circuit on the island, but what it’s best known for is its little penguins.
In fact, Phillip Island is actually home to the largest little penguin colony in the world. It’s estimated that around 40,000 breeding pairs call the island home. How cool is that?
Better still, every night hundreds (and I really do mean hundreds) of little penguins walk across the island’s Summerland Beach, as they return from the ocean back to their nests for the night. We watched from the grandstands, which are set up for tourists, and then after, we were able to follow the boardwalks and see the penguins settling down in their nests, without disturbing them. It was amazing!
Unsurprisingly, this is a super popular thing to do in Melbourne! You’ll need to either book tickets or a tour for the penguin parade, and this should be done well in advance, because it sells out way ahead of time. This is especially true between December and February, which is peak season.
2. Where is Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is 143 kilometers (89 miles) from Melbourne, so it takes about 2 hours to drive each way. It’s best to either drive there or book a guided tour like this popular one we took.
Technically, you can get there via public transport, but it’s time-consuming, and trains, buses, and ferries don’t run late, so you wouldn’t be able to get back to the city after watching the Penguin Parade at dusk.
3. Where do I visit Phillip Island from?
The best place to visit Phillip Island from is Melbourne, which is what we did! It’s a 2-hour drive, but there are lots of tours available, too, which means that you don’t need to worry about renting a car.
We went on this Phillip Island tour from Melbourne in order to see the penguins and had a fantastic time – you can read our full review here!
4. What are the best Phillip Island tours from Melbourne?
Full Day Tour to Phillip Island including Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach
We did this full-day tour to Phillip Island and absolutely loved it! We chose it because it has 2,600+ raving reviews you can read here, and we had also already done and loved other tours run by the same company, so we felt that we were in good hands.
One thing that we liked about the tour was how well-paced it was, with plenty of free time as well as several stops on the way to Phillip Island to break up the journey. First, we stopped at the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes to snap a few photos, and we also got to visit the Moonlit Sanctuary to see emus, kookaburras, and koalas, which we really enjoyed.
Once we arrived on Phillip Island, we had a chance to enjoy some of the walking trails and soak in the scenery before settling down in the grandstands on the beach to watch the Penguin Parade. I had high expectations for this but honestly, it was even better than I thought it would be! Then, afterwards our guide, Terry, took us along the boardwalks to see the penguins in their nests.
The tour costs $175 AUD, which we thought was great value for money given that this price included all entry fees, transport, and a guide. It’s definitely our top choice of Phillip Island tours, and we think it’s suitable for pretty much anyone, from solo travelers to families. We would definitely do it again!
Book our favorite tour to Phillip Island here to get FREE cancellation and pay later options!
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour from Melbourne including Moonlit Sanctuary
This tour is another great option for those looking for an organized tour to Phillip Island from Melbourne. It makes everything super easy with hotel pickup in Melbourne, and then there’s also a stop at the Moonlit Sanctuary on the way to Phillip Island, which breaks up the journey nicely.
Rather than visiting Brighton Beach, you’ll spend some time on the beautiful Cape Woolamai Beach once you arrive on Phillip Island. We love this beach because it’s dramatic and rugged, and the perfect place to view Phillip Island’s pinnacles from, as well as the occasional dolphin! There’s also time to go and see Phillip Island’s fur seals at the Nobbies before the real highlight of the day: the Penguin Parade.
We’ve already talked about how fantastic the Penguin Parade is so we won’t repeat ourselves, but it really is wonderful, so the tour wraps up on a highlight. This tour is super well-organized and with well over 500 5-star reviews, it’s another excellent choice. It’s slightly cheaper than other tours, too, at $165 AUD per person, which includes entry fees.
Book this tour here if you want more time exploring Phillip Island!
Premium Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne with Penguins, Wine, and Food
Phillip Island is best known for its penguins, but it’s also home to lots of lovely wineries, amazing fresh produce, and lots of boutique cafes and shops! So if you want to explore the island like a VIP, then we highly recommend this luxury, small group tour.
On the way to Phillip Island, you’ll make a wholesome stop at Caldermeade Farm and Cafe where you’ll have the chance to grab coffee and say “hi” to baby animals down at the nursery!
Then, once you get to Phillip Island, you’ll have a couple of hours to spend in Cowes, which is the island’s main township and a super cute hub of cafes, art galleries, and seafront restaurants. We really like this area so this is a big advantage of doing this tour, and if you like, you’ll be able to go and visit the koalas at the Conservation Reserve, although this does cost extra.
Then, it’s onto the rustic Phillip Island Winery to taste lots of local wines alongside a gourmet charcuterie board, and then you get a full-on feast of woodfired pizza, fries, and salad. Trust me, you’ll be stuffed after this! Phillip Island is known for its fantastic artisan food scene, so I love that this tour allows you to experience this properly.
There’s the chance to walk off all of these treats with a walk to the gorgeous Flynn’s Beach and the Nobbies to take in the island’s dramatic scenery before settling into the grandstands for the Penguin Parade.
I think this is such a fun day out, and it’s the perfect chance for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and luxury travelers to enjoy Phillip Island to the fullest. It costs $220 AUD, which includes transport, your tasting and meal at Phillip Island Winery, and tickets to the Penguin Parade.
Reserve a spot on this luxury tour to Phillip Island here!
Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne
All of the tours we’ve mentioned so far last for at least 12 hours, but this day trip tour is shorter at 8 hours, so it’s not quite as tiring. The tour leaves Melbourne at around 1 pm, so you’ve got the morning to explore the city – or just relax ahead of your busy day.
There’s a stop at the Moonlit Sanctuary on the way to Phillip Island which, as mentioned, we really enjoyed. We saw so many animals and you can pay extra to take photos with koalas or hand-feed the wallabies. Then, when you get to Phillip Island, you’ll visit the Nobbies and have time to grab food or coffee from the Penguin Parade Visitor Center cafe before sitting down to watch the evening spectacle.
The standard option for this tour costs $217 AUD, but what I love about this tour is that it also allows you to upgrade your penguin tickets to the Penguin Plus option for $268 AUD. This means that you get to watch the parade from a smaller grandstand that’s nearer to the birds, so you get a super close-up view. It’s not every day that you go to Phillip Island, so I think that this upgrade is totally worth it!
This tour is one of the most popular Phillip Island tours around, so I would highly recommend booking it well in advance, because it sells out weeks ahead of time. You get free cancellation anyway, so I definitely recommend grabbing your spot now to ensure that you don’t miss out.
Grab your spot on this popular tour by booking here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. What types of penguins can I see?
Little penguins or as they are sometimes called fairy penguins! These are the world’s smallest penguins, at just 40-45 cm (16-18 in) tall. They are only found in Australia and New Zealand, and Phillip Island has the world’s largest population of them.
6. When is the best time to go?
The Penguin Parade happens every night at sunset, all year round! Of course, sunset times change each month, but you can check them here! However, you can see the penguins whenever you happen to be in Melbourne. We visited in March and saw hundreds of penguins!
I would recommend getting to the Penguin Parade Visitor Center about an hour before the penguins are due to arrive. This will ensure you can snag a good seat with a prime view of the beach. If you’re on a tour, your guides will make sure you get there at the right time.
Related Read: For a step-by-step guide full of ideas, our 5-day Melbourne itinerary takes you to all the best sights!
7. Can I visit on my own?
Yes, if you’re renting a car in Melbourne (we use Discover Cars when we’re in town) then you can certainly visit Phillip Island and see the penguins on your own. However, if you do it this way, then it’s really important to book your Penguin Parade tickets in advance. They often sell out weeks in advance!
You can book your tickets online. It costs $32 AUD per person for a general viewing ticket, $80 AUD for a spot on the Premium Platform or Penguins Plus grandstands, and $90 AUD to watch from the underground viewing platform. All of the premium options tend to sell out even further in advance than the general viewing tickets, since spaces are limited.
If you drive here from Melbourne, there’s free parking at the Penguin Parade and Nobbies visitor centers, but do make sure you leave yourself plenty of time. It can take a while to get out of the city, especially during school summer holidays, and then the drive will take around 2 hours.
Once you cross the bridge over to Phillip Island, it then takes another 20 minutes to get to the Penguin Parade Visitor Center. And then, as mentioned before, you want to be there at least an hour before the penguins are due to arrive. To be honest, I would recommend leaving Melbourne around midday so that you have some time to enjoy the island and don’t have to rush.
8. Is visiting Phillip Island suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s an ideal activity for families. Kids absolutely love the Penguin Parade! The only thing to keep in mind is that since the parade happens at sunset, you will end up getting back to Melbourne pretty late.
9. What else is there to do on Phillip Island?
Around the Penguin Parade area, there’s a museum and a cafe, which you’ll have some time to explore on your own. It’s also worth checking out the Nobbies Visitor Center and some of the island’s rugged beaches.
In the main settlement of Cowes, there are boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants to check out, as well as a koala conservation center, and a theme park for families. There are also lots of walking trails, three wineries, a spa, and two breweries on Phillip Island. Basically, there’s plenty to keep you busy all day long!
And if you do a guided tour from Melbourne like we did, there are also plenty of stops on the way to Phillip Island. We stopped at a wildlife sanctuary and a beach on the way to the island, and had some time to check out the island for ourselves, so we had plenty to do!
10. Is visiting the Phillip Island penguins worth it?
Yes! It’s such a fun and wholesome experience, and we absolutely loved it. It was a really memorable day out, and we consider visiting the penguins a true must-do while you’re in Melbourne.
Related Read: After a busy day visiting Phillip Island, plan to take the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise to relax on another night!
Other Things to do in Melbourne
If you have a little extra time in your itinerary, we have even more epic Melbourne activities. You can check out our full list of the best things to do in Melbourne or our top recommendations below!
- Drive the Great Ocean Road – This scenic drive follows the southern coastline and is one of the most epic things to do in Melbourne. We joined this guided tour so we could stop at the iconic areas, like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, while someone else did the driving so we could enjoy the views! This day trip from the city was our favorite Melbourne experience, it’s stunning and a great break from the bustling city life.
- Wander the Arcades – Melbourne is also home to tons of pretty arcades (covered walkways), and my favorites to explore are the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade. You can see the most famous arcades and visit the best chocolate shops and dessert cafes (with plenty of samples!) on this Arcades Dessert Walking Tour. Our guide was amazing and my sweet tooth was so happy!
- Cruise down the River – The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise isn’t just one of the best cruises in Australia, but one of our all-time favorites. It’s an all-inclusive experience with stunning sunset and nighttime views of Melbourne, unlimited drinks, and a four-course gourmet meal. Seriously, what’s not to love?
- Explore the Melbourne Gardens – The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are another great way to escape the city, without leaving city limits. This huge garden is home to over 8,500 species of plants and has been around for over 170 years. There are often special events going on, so check the website here before you go!
- Explore St Kilda – This cute beach town is just 15 minutes from downtown Melbourne, and is a great place to grab a coffee and take in those ocean views! St Kilda is famous for its coffee scene, there are many to choose from – but our favorite is Galleon Cafe. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out Esplanade Market for some unique souvenirs or Luna Park, super fun for families!
Where to Stay in Melbourne
If you’re planning to visit Melbourne, let us help you find a great place to stay. There’s something to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!
The Langham Melbourne – $$$
For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.
Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.
Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$
Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.
A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.
Space Hotel – $
You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.
Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. You can reserve a spot in advance through Booking.com or HostelWorld.com.
Renting a Car in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is in a rental car.
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time and planning. Plus, we love the freedom of a rental car to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
Car rental in Australia is super affordable, especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. We use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine that compares multiple car rental companies for you – saving you from visiting each website individually.
If you plan to be based in a main city like Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth and do a few day trips while returning your car to the same location, we’ve booked rentals for as cheap as $25 AUD a day! Full coverage insurance can be added for around an extra $12 AUD a day too. The price will vary depending on the time of year, type of car, and if you’re able to pick up and drop off at the same location.
Discover Cars also offers handy filters so you can search for cars that offer features like child seats, GPS, or let you have an additional driver. There are also free cancellation options if your trip changes. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check out the selection and book your car rental online here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the info you need to see the penguins on Phillip Island! This is such a fun day trip from Melbourne but requires a bit of planning so you don’t miss out. Remember to book your Penguin Parade tickets or a guided tour in advance and you’ll have an amazing time!
For more fun activities, have a look through our Australia section which covers lots of major cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and more! Or check out the blogs I picked out for you on Melbourne below.
9 Things to Know Before Visiting the Melbourne Skydeck
Should You do a Melbourne River Cruise? + Which One I Loved the Most!