Twelve Apostles sea stacks at sunset along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Private Tour

Wildlife, Coastlines & Penguins at Sunset

Penguin Parade
Native Wildlife
Coastal Views
Nature Walks

Koalas, rugged coastline and the famous Penguin Parade — experience the best of Phillip Island in one private day.

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Explore Phillip Island on a private day tour combining Australian wildlife, dramatic coastal scenery and the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Cross onto the island via San Remo and discover the rugged coastline at Cape Woolamai before visiting historic Churchill Island. Continue to Cowes for time to enjoy a relaxed meal in Phillip Island’s main seaside town.

Walk among the eucalypts at the Koala Conservation Reserve before exploring Phillip Island’s spectacular southern coastline, with stops at Pyramid Rock and The Nobbies overlooking Bass Strait and Seal Rocks.

Finish the day at the Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean after sunset and make their way across the beach towards their burrows — one of Victoria’s most memorable wildlife experiences.


Tour Details

PRICE

From $1750 AUD

DURATION

11–12 Hours

GROUP SIZE

1–7 Guests

AVAILABILITY

Daily
All year round

DEPARTURE TIME

10:30 AM APR - SEP
12:30 PM OCT - MAR (DST)

PICK UP & RETURN

Hotel pick-up & return
CBD & inner suburbs

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
Coastal walks

AGES

All ages welcome
Child seats available

VEHICLE

Mercedes-Benz V-Classs

WHAT TO EXPECT

Pick Up

Melbourne

City Pick Up
Your private Phillip Island journey begins with door-to-door pickup from your Melbourne accommodation.
Pass By

San Remo

Coastal Town
Travel through the seaside town of San Remo and cross the bridge over Western Port to Phillip Island.
Stop 20 min

Cape Woolamai Surf Beach

Beach Scenic Viewing Photo Stop
Take in the rugged coastline at Cape Woolamai Surf Beach, with views across one of Phillip Island’s most spectacular stretches of surf and coastal scenery.
Stop 45 min

Churchill Island

Heritage Sightseeing Walking Included
Explore historic Churchill Island, with its heritage farm, gardens and walking paths overlooking Western Port and the surrounding coastline.
Stop 1 hr

Cowes

Coastal Town Free Time Lunch At own expense
Enjoy time for lunch and a look around Cowes, Phillip Island’s main township, with cafés, shops and views across Western Port.
Stop 1 hr

Koala Conservation Reserve

Wildlife Walking Wildlife Viewing Included
Walk through the treetop boardwalks of the Koala Conservation Reserve, looking for koalas among the eucalypts and other native wildlife in the surrounding bushland.
Optional 45 min

Forrest Caves

Coastal Scenic Viewing Walking
Walk along the beach to Forrest Caves, a series of sea caves carved into the sandstone cliffs of Phillip Island’s rugged south coast.
Optional 20 min

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Heritage Sightseeing
Visit the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, one of Australia’s best-known motorsport venues and home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
Stop 30 min

Pyramid Rock

Coastal Scenic Viewing Photo Stop
Stop at Pyramid Rock for sweeping views across Phillip Island’s rugged southern coastline and the exposed waters of Bass Strait.
Stop 45 min

The Nobbies

Coastal Scenic Viewing Walking
Walk the coastal boardwalks at The Nobbies, taking in dramatic Bass Strait views, the blowhole and the offshore Seal Rocks.
Stop 1 hr 30 min

Penguin Parade

Wildlife Wildlife Viewing Included
Finish the day at the world-famous Penguin Parade, watching little penguins emerge from the ocean at sunset and make their way across the beach towards their burrows.
Drop Off

Melbourne

City Drop Off
Return to Melbourne with door-to-door drop-off at your accommodation after an evening watching Phillip Island’s famous little penguins.

TOUR MAP

Calculating distance…

Enhancements


  • Phillip Island Go-Karts
    Add a go-kart session at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on a replica of the famous race track.

  • Scenic helicopter flight over Phillip Island
    Add a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight for spectacular aerial views across Phillip Island and its coastline.

  • Penguins Underground viewing
    Upgrade your Penguin Parade experience with underground viewing for an eye-level perspective as the little penguins make their way ashore.

Want to add an experience or upgrade your Penguin Parade viewing?
Contact us before booking and we’ll check availability and arrange it as part of your private tour.

ENQUIRE ABOUT TOUR UPGRADES

Whats Included

  • Door-to-door hotel pickup & drop-off
  • Entry to Churchill Island
  • Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve
  • Penguin Parade admission — Penguins Plus viewing where available
  • Bottled water

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat, sunscreen & sunglasses
  • Jacket or warm layers (the Penguin Parade can be chilly, especially after sunset)
  • Money or card for meals, snacks & purchases

Tour FAQs

Are entry tickets included?

Yes — your tour includes entry to Churchill Island, the Koala Conservation Reserve and the Penguin Parade. Penguins Plus viewing is included where available.

Can we upgrade our Penguin Parade viewing?

Yes. Penguins Underground viewing may be available as an upgrade at additional cost. Contact us before booking and we’ll check availability for your tour date.

Can we visit Forrest Caves or the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit?

Yes — Forrest Caves and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit are optional stops that can be incorporated into your private tour where suitable. Access to Forrest Caves is dependent on tide and coastal conditions.

Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?

No photography is permitted once the penguins begin arriving after sunset. Please follow ranger instructions and put cameras and phones away when requested.

Is this tour suitable for children and families?

Yes — the tour is family-friendly, with wildlife experiences, coastal scenery and generally short walks. Child seats can be provided on request; please advise the ages of children when booking.

What should I wear for the evening?

Coastal evenings can be chilly and breezy, particularly while waiting for the penguins. Bring a warm jacket or layers and comfortable walking shoes. During daylight hours, a hat and sunscreen are recommended.

Are there bathroom and meal stops?

Yes — there are regular opportunities for bathroom breaks throughout the day, with time in Cowes for a meal at your own expense before continuing around Phillip Island.

When do we have dinner?

There is time for dinner before the Penguin Parade, with meals at your own expense. Dinner is usually enjoyed at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, with the timing adjusted around the penguins’ expected arrival time.

How much walking is involved?

Most walking is easy and on boardwalks or formed paths at Churchill Island, the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies and Penguin Parade. The optional Forrest Caves visit involves a longer beach walk.

Is the tour accessible?

Churchill Island, the Koala Conservation Reserve and Penguin Parade have accessible facilities and options. Let us know about any mobility requirements when booking so the itinerary can be planned accordingly.

What vehicle do you use?

Your private tour travels in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class with leather seating, climate control and phone charging on board.

What happens in poor weather?

The Penguin Parade operates in most weather conditions. We may adjust coastal stops and timing during the day to suit the conditions, while keeping the Penguin Parade as the finale of the tour.

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