Go West Tours Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour from Melbourne

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An afternoon tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, for those short on time, with the coastal views at the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade at sunset as the little penguins waddle ashore.

Days

7 to 10 hours, afternoon and evening

Group size

Small group, max 24

Start / finish

Melbourne / Melbourne
Melbourne, 9pm to midnight depending on the season

Return

Melbourne, 9pm to midnight depending on the season

Transport

Air-conditioned bus with Wi-Fi from central Melbourne

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Go West Tours Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour from Melbourne

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Included experiences

Phillip Island Penguin Parade — little penguins at sunset
The Nobbies — boardwalk and coastal views
Seal Rocks — fur seals from the Nobbies

Go West Tours Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Tour from Melbourne

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

AFTERNOON: MELBOURNE TO PHILLIP ISLAND

This shorter tour leaves from the corner of Market and Flinders Streets, beside the Immigration Museum, in the early afternoon. The road runs south-east out of the city and around the top of Western Port, and your driver-guide fills in the stories of the country you pass on the way. You cross onto Phillip Island over the bridge at San Remo. The island is about 100 square kilometres of farmland, beaches and wetland, and its south coast faces straight onto the cold water of Bass Strait.

LATE AFTERNOON: THE NOBBIES

The first stop is The Nobbies, at the island's most westerly point. Boardwalks wind along the clifftops with views across Bass Strait to Seal Rocks, a pair of rocky islets that hold Australia's largest colony of fur seals. Look down as you walk, because little penguins sometimes rest under the boardwalks in burrows and nest boxes in the tussock grass. There's also a designated dinner stop during the evening, where you can buy a meal, or bring your own packed dinner. Ask your guide on the day where it will be.

SUNSET: THE PENGUIN PARADE

You take your seats on Summerland Beach just before sunset for the Penguin Parade. Little penguins stand about 33 cm tall, the smallest penguin species in the world, and after a day fishing at sea they surf in at dusk and cross the beach in small groups to their burrows in the dunes. Photos and phones aren't allowed here, so you simply watch. Afterwards there's time to follow the boardwalks and see the penguins up close as they settle in for the night, then you're driven back to the city, arriving late in the evening.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Corner of Market and Flinders Streets, next to the Immigration Museum (400 Flinders Street). The actual pick-up point can vary and will be shown on your ticket.
Finishes: Between 9pm and midnight, depending on the season.
Please note: Tours run in English; pre-recorded tour information in 16 languages is available on the free Go West Tours app. The tour runs rain or shine. Photography is not permitted at the Penguin Parade after sunset, so the penguins aren't disturbed.

What to bring

Light clothing plus warm layers, as Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable
Comfortable walking shoes
Refillable water bottle
Snacks
Power bank — there's no charging on the bus or at many stops
Card for any extra purchases
Headphones for the tour app

What is included

Pick-up and drop-off at the corner of Market and Flinders Streets, next to the Immigration Museum (400 Flinders Street)
Live guide (English)
Air-conditioned bus and all internal transfers
On-board Wi-Fi
Phillip Island Penguin Parade standard viewing

Not included

Food and drinks — bring your own or buy at the meal stops

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

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.

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 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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

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Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A brilliant half day tour to see the penguins, and I learned so much. David N was charismatic and informative, the best guide I've had, and it was a highlight of my trip.

Nathan Ramos Verified· Travelled 17th October 2026

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