Experience the enchanting wonders of Phillip Island with our immersive full-day private tour. This unique adventure takes you on a journey through the heart of Australia's native wildlife and culminates in a mesmerizing penguin parade that will leave you awe-inspired. The day begins with a visit to a pristine wildlife park, where you'll have the chance to interact with and observe traditional Australian animals in their natural habitats. Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and more will be your companions as you stroll through this remarkable sanctuary. Learn about their behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts dedicated to preserving these remarkable species. As the sun begins its descent towards the horizon, we set off for the main highlight of the tour: the incredible penguin show. At sunset, an extraordinary spectacle unfolds as a multitude of adorable little penguins emerges from the turbulent ocean waves. With their comical waddle, they make their way across the sandy beach, heading towards their burrows where their hungry chicks eagerly await their return.
It's a heartwarming and magical experience to witness these charming creatures' nightly pilgrimage, a sight that epitomizes the wonders of the natural world. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the lives of these penguins, their habitat, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect them. Throughout the day, you'll be treated to breathtaking coastal scenery, offering opportunities for stunning photographs and moments of tranquility as you absorb the beauty of Phillip Island's rugged coastline. Your tour is tailored to your preferences, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, our full-day Phillip Island private tour promises an enriching and heartwarming experience that you'll cherish for years to come.
Melbourne
Tour Code: M4
Inclusions:
Touring vehicle with English speaking professional driver guide
Pick-up and drop-off at you address in Melbourne metropolitan area
Fully customisable tour to 10 hours
Price includes:
Pick up and drop-off by the registered and fully insured vehicle from/to Melbourne Metropolitan Area
Pre-booked itinerary optimised in terms of travel time and your preferences
Professional, Experienced and Industry Accredited Driver-Guide
Bluetooth connection to play your music on board, bottled water and cool box
Fuel, tolls and parking costs
Not included in tour price:
Maru Wildlife Entry Ticket
Lunch and Dinner cost
Penguin Parade Ticket
Phillip Island Private Tour General Itinerary:
Embark on a seamless journey as we whisk you away from your Melbourne hotel, ensuring a stress-free start to your adventure. Sit back and relax in the plush comfort of our spacious minibus as we make our way towards the captivating Phillip Island, nestled approximately 140 km from Melbourne.
Maru Koala and animals wildlife park Our first stop en route to Phillip Island is the enchanting Maru Koala and Animals Wildlife Park. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to witness Australia's iconic wildlife thriving in their natural habitats. Get up close and personal with the charming koalas, capturing that perfect photograph and gaining intimate insights into their fascinating lifestyles. But that's not all; you'll also have the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and closely observe other Australian marvels such as emus, dingoes, wombats, Tasmanian Devils, and many more.
Cape Nobbies As we continue our journey towards the much-anticipated Penguin Parade, we'll make a stop at Cape Nobbies. This rugged coastal area is not only home to a thriving seal colony but also provides a habitat for countless wild wallabies grazing peacefully in their natural environment. The breathtaking views of the coastline and the wild inhabitants of this area make for an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Dinner For your dining pleasure, you have the choice of two fantastic options: the Cowes Restaurant or the Penguin Parade Information Center. Whichever you select promises a delightful experience to round off your day of adventure on Phillip Island.
Cowes Restaurant: Nestled in the heart of Cowes, a charming coastal town on Phillip Island, the Cowes Restaurant offers a delectable culinary experience. This eatery is known for its diverse menu featuring a range of Australian and international dishes, ensuring there's something to tantalize every palate. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, sizzling steaks, flavorful vegetarian options, or any other culinary delight, the Cowes Restaurant has it covered. Enjoy your meal in a relaxed and cozy ambiance while relishing the flavors of the region.
Penguin Parade Information Center: Alternatively, if you're eager to fully immerse yourself in the anticipation of the main event, you can opt for dinner at the Penguin Parade Information Center. This option allows you to stay within close proximity to the iconic Penguin Parade experience, ensuring you won't miss a moment of the enchanting penguin procession.
This dining choice offers a convenient and efficient way to enjoy a meal while maintaining a front-row seat for the captivating nightly spectacle of the little Fairy Penguins returning to their nests. Both options provide an excellent opportunity to unwind, share stories of the day's adventures, and prepare for the magical moments yet to come. Whichever dining experience you choose, you can rest assured that it will be the perfect complement to your unforgettable Phillip Island adventure.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade As the sun begins its descent, we'll transport you to the picturesque Summerland Beach, home to thousands of little Fairy Penguins. These charming creatures embark on their nightly journey to the sea for fishing and return in the evening, carrying food for their eager chicks. Watch in awe as they emerge from the sea waves in small groups, gracefully making their way across the sandy beach to reach their cozy nests. This captivating spectacle, known as the Penguin Parade, draws millions of spectators each year. To ensure that this heartwarming event remains unspoiled, park rangers have thoughtfully constructed special viewing stands and boardwalks for tourists to observe the parade without disturbing these tiny marvels. You'll have the privilege of watching these seabirds from an astonishingly close vantage point, creating a truly intimate connection with the natural world that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
You have a variety of options for your Penguin Parade viewing experience.
Penguin Parade General Admission Ticket: This standard ticket provides access to the general viewing area where you can witness the magical parade of the Little Penguins as they return to their burrows.
Penguin Plus: For an enhanced viewing experience, choose the Penguin Plus option. Positioned closer to the beach shore, this tribune offers a better and closer look at the penguins as they make their way home. You'll enjoy an unobstructed view of these charming creatures.
Penguin Premium: The Penguins Premium viewing platform, inspired by the natural elements of Phillip Island's stunning southern coastline, mirrors the surrounding coves. This new platform provides visitors with an unprecedented, up-close view of the little penguins as they waddle along the Penguin Parade's most popular pathway.
Underground Viewing: Experience a world-first facility with the Underground Viewing option, limited to a maximum of just 70 people. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to watch the Little Penguins waddle along the Parade's most popular pathway. Enjoy up-close viewing of these adorable birds in their natural habitat through an underground viewing window, all while staying comfortably indoors.
Guided Ranger Tour: For an exclusive and informative journey through the penguin colony, opt for the Guided Ranger Tour. This option is limited to a maximum of just 10 people, ensuring a personalized experience. Join the knowledgeable ranger guide and enjoy their insightful commentary via your personal headset. Take your seat in the wonderfully located beachfront viewing stand, offering superb vantage points to witness the penguins emerging from the water and crossing the beach. Binoculars are provided to help you spot the penguins gathering in the water before their triumphant return to their burrows. Please note that the commentary is delivered in English only, and participants must be at least 12 years old to join this tour.
Whichever option you choose, you'll be treated to a memorable encounter with these captivating Little Penguins as they grace the shores of Phillip Island in a heartwarming display of nature's wonders.
Return to Melbourne After the enchanting Penguin Parade concludes, we'll provide transportation for your return journey to Melbourne. The trip back to Melbourne typically takes approximately two hours, allowing you to reflect on the unforgettable moments you've experienced on Phillip Island.
Phillip Island attraction prices:
Price Adult/Child
Maru Koala and animals park
$30/$16
The Penguin Parade general admission
$32/$16
The Penguin Parade PLUS admission
$80/$40
The Penguin PREMIUM admission
$80/$40
The Penguin Parade UNDERGROUND Viewing
$90/$45
The Penguin Parade Ranger Guided Viewing
$100/N/A
Let's goPhillip Island Penguin Parade Private Tour
Tour is available daily
Tour begins 12.00 to 14.00Depends on time of the year