Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Every night at sunset, the truly incredible spectacle of the Penguin Parade occurs on the beaches of Phillip Island. The local colony of little penguins emerges from the water to make their way to the burrows in the sand dunes - and this tour is your chance to witness this unforgettable phenomenon in real life!
We’ll spend the day exploring top attractions including Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and the Nobbies, before settling in on the sand, ready for the main show at the Penguin Parade. Including all entrance fees, this great value tour is the best way to discover the wild coastal scenery and delightful animals of Phillip Island.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately we cannot take infants under the age of 3 years old
Please note: Evenings on Phillip Island can be cold and windy during the Penguin Parade. We recommend wearing warm clothing, such as a good jacket, to stay comfortable.
Most travellers can participate
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Moonlit Sanctuary is home to stacks of well-known Aussie animals including kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils, plus many lesser-known species such as the spot-tailed quoll, yellow-bellied glider and long-nosed potoroo.
Woolamai Beach
Located at the base of Cape Woolamai, Woolamia Beach is one of Victoria's most beautiful and rugged beaches. With huge surf and a soft golden sand, any trip to Phillip Island must include a stop here.
Entrance to the Moonlit Sanctuary
Wildlife Viewing
General admission to the Penguin Parade
Air-conditioned vehicle
Free Audio Guide App
Melbourne CBD Pick up and Drop off
Lunch
You can purchase dinner at the town of Cowes
Please bring you own water bottles, we discourage the use of single use plastic bottles
Pickup included
721 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Arup G,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
Our drive and guide was great. He has a great sense of humor. He really works hard to give us a great experience judging by the amount of time he allowed on each site. He took the time and effort to spot wallaby on the road , provided history of the place we were passing through, suggesting food and restaurants to go for snack/dinner stop. We thank him for his energy, enthusiasm, and spirit. One thing I would like to mention that our pick up time at Savoy hotel was 10:30am. It was the same time for another tourist. The bus didn’t show up until 10:53am which left us wondering if we were forgotten. Yet, the driver upon artisans he is on time (10:50am pick up). There was a lack of communication, which is uncomfortable.
Jennifer S,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
The tour was mostly just a semi-narrated bus ride. There was no “guide” as the driver while attentive didn’t guide us anywhere but dropped us off at various locations with times to be back on the bus. The sanctuary was nice but not necessary as part of the Phillips Island tour since it’s not on Phillips Island. Then we would have had more time at the Nobbies which was crowded and rushed. The penguin parade was just ok. They made a big deal about being quiet so as to not scare the penguins and then staff ran around yelling a people to put their cameras away. The best part of our day was dinner at Pino’s Trattoria in Cowes. The carbonara is better than the Cheesecake Factory!
Daydream706608,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a good experience, the tour guide very good
Geraldine M,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
From the emails, to pick up & meeting Steve the driver , the journey & commentary out of the city to moonlit sanctuary, trip to Philips Island,surfers beach ,lunch at Cowes , the walk at Nobbies & onto the main attraction, the cutest blue penguins who came onto the beach in great numbers at sunset … The entire day was so organised & safe & entertaining with Steve the driver, I would love to do it all again









wheretonext1919,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
PENGUINS!! Absolutely LOVED seeing the penguins come ashore! The French Island portion was cool to see wild Koalas and the rustic lunch was definitely unique but there wasn't much else. Drove around a lot of dirt roads looking at farmland so we'd skip that part next time. Would have loved to have more time to explore some of the local shops upon arrival to Phillip Island but really the tour is all about the Penguin Parade and that alone is worth it.
Blossom H,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
Fun trip with animal experiences. Was able to see Wallabies, Quokkas, and some Australian native animals. The tour guide Craig was friendly and caring.
Susietude,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The driver turned off the AC when talking to us rather than using the microphone and leaving the AC on. There were too many stops for 40 passengers to have to get on and off the bus and have time to move about. An hour was not enough time in Cowes (to eat and get to/from the restaurant choices). The driver did not lower the bus for us to get on and off when probably half the passengers were over 50 and a few made it more obvious how difficult it was to pull ourselves in and out of the bus.




Thomas M,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
We had a great tour of the Moonlit sanctuary and headed to the Penguin Parade. We were disappointed that we didn’t find out until 15 minutes before arriving at the Penguin Parade that photos of the penguins were not allowed. The description of the tour should mention this. Even some of the tourist photos show the penguins and those should be removed.
sandra g,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Despite the weather we had a fabulous day with lots of interesting commentary from John our driver guide. These little penguins are so cute and it was well worth the time and value for money.
Rachel K,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
Great experience especially the visit to the Moonlit Sanctuary where we got to handfeed wallabies. The penguin parade was a bit dissapointing - only saw 7 penguins (too many people) and the weather was dismal. I think March may not be the best time to visit. Luke the tour guide was great though
Operated by Sightseeing Tours Australia