- Regular price
- $120.00
- Sale price
- $120.00
- Expert guide and the best possible penguin viewing experience
- Fun small group tour with a maximum of 11 people
- Save time and money with an express afternoon trip
Phillip Island Small-Group Penguin Express
Just the penguins, more free time in Melbourne, more time at the Penguin Parade!
What we'll do
Strap yourself in for the best penguin viewing experience we've found!
Maximise your time in Melbourne by travelling directly to Phillip Island in the afternoon to watch the famous parade of penguins. As your guide takes you on a scenic drive, you'll be entertained with stories about the history of Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade. If time permits, you may also enjoy a short walk at The Nobbies.
For the Penguin Parade, you can choose from the larger General Viewing seating area (Budget), the smaller premium seating area (Premium) or get the VIP treatment with your own wildlife ranger for a Penguin Parade-conducted tour (Guided Ranger Tour). The Budget option is good if you are happy to see smaller numbers of penguins. If you would like to see more penguins from a smaller seating area, we recommend the Premium or Guided Ranger Tour options.
Can you hear the ‘huk-huk’ of penguins as they gather in their groups and begin moving towards the shore? Watch closely as they emerge from the waves, then waddle across the beach toward their burrows in the dunes. This will be one of the most fascinating wildlife events you will ever see. After the Penguin Parade, you'll be returned to Melbourne, with drop-off at your accommodation.
Have the best possible Phillip Island Penguin Parade experience - book your spot on this tour today!
What to know
- Tour days: Most days (see calendar for availability)
- Price includes:
- 8+ hour guided activity
- Expert and professional guide
- Round trip tour with commentary
- Blankets to keep you warm
- Insider tips for best possible penguin viewing
- Penguin Parade entry tickets (different viewing options available)
- Hotel drop off
- Air-conditioned transport
- Language: Tour is given in easy to understand English.
- Perfect for: Solo travellers, couples or small groups. You'll be in a fun and friendly group consisting of locals and travellers.
- Group size: Up to 11 people
- Age range: This tour attracts a range of ages.
- Open Date bookings: must be confirmed at least 7 days in advance.
About your guides
The Little Penguin Bus is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade specialists. They only operate this one tour, providing an afternoon/evening small-group tour (maximum 11) that travels directly to the Penguin Parade at a lower price than any similar tour. They have been operating since 2011 and are consistently rated among the top Melbourne tours on TripAdvisor (currently ranked number 4 out of 215 outdoor activities in Melbourne).
Your guide will be either Mac or Dave, and both of them are absolute experts when it comes to anything penguin-related.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I bring? Comfortable warm clothing and closed footwear. We recommend bringing some cash or a credit card for purchasing some snacks at the Penguin Parade or bringing some food with you. It can get quite cold so your guide will have some blankets for you, but make sure to wear warm clothing. Bring a camera for the scenic views, but be reminded that photographing the penguins is strictly prohibited.
- Is any food included? Food is not included on this tour. Meals and drinks are available for purchase at the Penguin Parade or bring some food with you.
- Where do we start and finish? Tour starts and finish in Melbourne. Meet at Rendezvous Hotel Flinders St, 328 Flinders Street, Melbourne (near Flinders Street Train Station). You will be dropped back at your accommodation at the end of the tour (CBD area, Docklands, or Southbank accommodations only). Please inform us at the time of booking of your accommodation.
- When do we start and finish? The tour start time depends on the season, and tours finish approximately 8 hours later:
- Jan: 4:00 pm
- Feb-Mar: 3:00 pm
- Early Apr: 2:00 pm
- Apr-Aug: 1:30 pm
- Sep-Early Oct: 2:00 pm
- Oct-Nov: 3:00 pm
- Dec: 3:30 pm
- What days does the tour operate? Tours operate daily. Check the calendar for availability.
- Who can come? All ages are welcome.
Cancellation policy
- Cancellations made more than 2 days before the activity starts will receive a 90% refund.
- No cancellations can be made within 2 days of the activity.