Explore Australia Penguins & Wildlife Nature Experience - Penguins Plus upgrade

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A small group day tour from Melbourne to some of the region's most popular nature spots: Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, The Nobbies boardwalk, and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island from the Penguins Plus viewing platform.

Days

Full day into the evening, about 11 hours

Age

All ages

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Melbourne / Melbourne
Melbourne, between 9pm and midnight depending on the season

Return

Melbourne, between 9pm and midnight depending on the season

Transport

Mini-coach with a guide, return from Melbourne pick-up points

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Explore Australia Penguins & Wildlife Nature Experience - Penguins Plus upgrade

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Included experiences

Moonlit Sanctuary — kangaroos, koalas and Tasmanian devils
The Nobbies — clifftop boardwalks and Seal Rocks views
Phillip Island Nature Parks — visitors' centre
Penguin Parade — little penguins from the Penguins Plus platform

Explore Australia Penguins & Wildlife Nature Experience - Penguins Plus upgrade

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

LATE MORNING: MELBOURNE TO MOONLIT SANCTUARY

Your guide collects you in central Melbourne, with the start time set by the season so you reach the beach at dusk, and the mini-coach heads south-east to Moonlit Sanctuary at Pearcedale. This conservation park focuses on the animals that come out at night, and it breeds rare species for release programs. Walk the Wallaby Walk among the free-roaming wallabies and kangaroos, and see koalas, reptiles and Tasmanian devils, whose wild numbers have been badly hit by a contagious facial tumour disease. For a small extra cost you can get up close to a koala for a photo.

AFTERNOON: COWES AND THE NOBBIES

From the sanctuary it's on to Phillip Island. In Cowes, the island's main town, there's time to walk the pier and the Esplanade, with cafés, shops and a microbrewery, and to buy a meal. Then it's out to The Nobbies on the island's western tip. Clifftop boardwalks look over Bass Strait to Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest colony of Australian fur seals, and on a good swell the blowhole below throws up spray. Keep an eye out for Cape Barren geese grazing the headland.

DUSK: THE PENGUIN PARADE FROM PENGUINS PLUS

At the visitor centre you learn about the research that protects the island's little penguins, the world's smallest penguin species at about 33 cm tall. Your ticket is for Penguins Plus, a smaller viewing platform set closer to where the penguins come ashore on Summerland Beach than the main stands. As the light goes, they gather in the surf and cross the sand in little groups, then waddle along their tracks to burrows in the dunes, calling to their partners and chicks. Cameras and phones stay away the whole time, because flashes hurt the birds' eyes.

NIGHT: BACK TO MELBOURNE

After the parade, a last walk along the boardwalks often shows penguins right beside the path. Short-tailed shearwaters nest in the same dunes from spring to autumn, flying in from as far as the North Pacific each year. Then it's the drive back to Melbourne, arriving later in summer, when the penguins come home late, and earlier in winter.

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Good to know

Meeting point: Pick-up from selected locations in Melbourne.
Finishes: The return time to Melbourne changes with the penguins' arrival time: about midnight November to February, 11pm in March, 10pm in April, 9pm May to August, 9:30pm in September and 10:30pm in October.
Please note: Photos are allowed everywhere except the Penguin Parade. Penguins' eyes are very sensitive, so please do not use cameras of any kind, including phones, during your visit to the Penguin Parade.

What to bring

Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Water bottle
Camera
Comfortable walking shoes
Warm, waterproof clothing — nights on the island can be cold in any season

What is included

Return transport from selected pick-up locations
Tour guide
Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
Penguins Plus viewing at the Penguin Parade
National park fees

Not included

Lunch and dinner
Snacks and drinks
Close-up koala or wallaby encounter at Moonlit Sanctuary (small fee)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.