Go West Tours Melbourne Magic: City Discovery + Penguin Parade Tour

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Two Melbourne tours in one day: Melbourne's city landmarks, then Phillip Island and the Penguin Parade at sunset.

Days

Full day, 11 to 13 hours

Group size

Small group, max 24

Start / finish

Melbourne / Melbourne
Melbourne, between 9pm and midnight

Return

Melbourne, between 9pm and midnight

Transport

Air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi and a guide, from Flinders Street

Meals

No meals are listed as included; there are meal stops

Route

Map of Go West Tours Melbourne Magic: City Discovery + Penguin Parade Tour

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Included experiences

Melbourne — MCG forecourt, Fitzroy Gardens and Hosier Lane
Melbourne — Old Melbourne Gaol and the Shrine of Remembrance
The Nobbies — coastal boardwalk and fur seals
Phillip Island — the Penguin Parade at sunset

Go West Tours Melbourne Magic: City Discovery + Penguin Parade Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: THE CITY'S STORIES

The day starts from the corner of Market and Flinders Streets, beside the Immigration Museum, and your guide drives you through the centre of Melbourne, a city that grew from a few huts in 1835 to one of the richest in the world within 50 years, thanks to gold. First stop is Hosier Lane, a cobbled laneway covered in street art that changes almost weekly. Then you cross the river to the Shrine of Remembrance, dedicated in 1934, built so that at 11am on 11 November a ray of sunlight falls on the word Love on the Stone of Remembrance.

LATE MORNING: THE MCG, ST PATRICK'S AND FITZROY GARDENS

At the forecourt of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, home of Australian sport since 1853 and main stadium of the 1956 Olympics, you can picture 100,000 fans on Grand Final day. St Patrick's Cathedral is a Gothic Revival building of bluestone whose spires were only finished in 1939. In Fitzroy Gardens you have free time among elms planted in the 1800s, and you'll find Cook's Cottage, built in Yorkshire in 1755 by James Cook's parents and shipped here in 1934. At Little Lon Distilling Co. you hear about the 1850s backstreets of Little Lonsdale Street, the city's notorious red-light district.

AFTERNOON: DOWN TO PHILLIP ISLAND

After the city tour there's time to buy lunch, or bring your own. Then it's a relaxed drive south-east around Western Port and over the bridge at San Remo onto Phillip Island. At The Nobbies, the island's western tip, boardwalks run along the clifftops with views over Bass Strait to Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest colony of fur seals. Look down as you walk, as little penguins sometimes shelter under the boardwalks during the day.

SUNSET: THE PENGUIN PARADE

At sunset you're on Summerland Beach for the Penguin Parade. Little penguins are about 33 cm tall, the smallest penguin species in the world, and after a day fishing at sea they come ashore in small groups and waddle up the beach to their burrows in the dunes. Photos and phones aren't allowed here, so you simply watch. Then it's the drive back to the city, arriving at the same Market and Flinders Streets meeting point between about 9pm and midnight, depending on the season.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Corner of Market and Flinders Streets, Melbourne (next to the Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street). Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Finishes: Back in Melbourne between 9pm and midnight, depending on the season.
Fitness: Only a small amount of walking, so no significant fitness is needed.
Please note: Tours are in English; recorded tour information in 16 languages is in the free Go West Tours app. The tour runs rain or shine. Photography is not permitted at the Penguin Parade after sunset.
Cancellation: Full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Clothing for the weather, with warm layers — Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable
Refillable water bottle
Snacks (there are meal stops)
Spending money or a card for lunch, dinner and purchases
Power bank — there is no charging on the bus or at many stops
Headphones for the audio guide

What is included

Pick-up and drop-off at the corner of Market and Flinders Streets, next to the Immigration Museum
Transport by air-conditioned coach with upgraded seating
Professional tour guide
Audio guide available in 16 languages
Onboard Wi-Fi
Phillip Island Penguin Parade standard viewing
All standard entry fees and taxes

Not included

Meals and drinks (you may bring your own)

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.