Melbourne Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

Experience Phillip Island with locals, journeying from Melbourne for a full day of boutique wine, beachside charm, and native wildlife—ending with the iconic Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach.
After a friendly welcome and complimentary barista coffee at the Melbourne Arts Centre, we head to coastal San Remo, the gateway to Phillip Island. Our first indulgence: a cellar door wine tasting and grazing platter at the award-winning Phillip Island Winery, followed by a gourmet lunch.

Then, guests discover charming Cowes, with its pristine beaches and local boutiques—or upgrade to intimate koala viewing at the Koala Conservation Reserve.

Next, we continue to The Nobbies Phillip Island, where golden hour brings sweeping ocean views and wildlife encounters. A celebratory glass of sparkling wine sets the tone for the evening.

We end at the world-famous Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where a general viewing ticket provides full immersion in this world-class wildlife experience.

Meeting Point

Arts Centre Melbourne

100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004, Australia

- Meet outside Protagonist Café at Arts Centre Melbourne (100R St Kilda Rd) - look for the giant spire.
- Easy access via trams in Free Tram Zone.
- Just 5 mins from Flinders St Station or 5–10 mins walk from most city centre hotels.
- Post-tour we can dropoff to city-center hotels upon request.

What's included:

• Gourmet wood-fired lunch with seasonal sides and premium Victorian ingredients
• Penguin Parade tickets - witness Australia's Little Penguins return home at Summerland Beach sunset
• Sparkling wine at sunset - toast the day with bubbles and Bass Strait ocean views at The Nobbies
• Cowes township exploration - free time in Phillip Island's charming main town
• Koala Conservation Reserve upgrade available (+$15pp) - see koalas up close in their native habitat
• Melbourne barista coffee on departure - start your day with quality local coffee
• Premium luxury coach transport - comfortable midi-coach with WiFi and charging ports
• Phillip Island wine tasting with generous grazing platter at boutique local winery
• Locally guided, genuine small-group - maximum 15 people with guaranteed window seat for each booking

What to expect:

Duration: 12 hours

Arts Centre Melbourne

100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria

Begin your Phillip Island adventure with a complimentary Melbourne barista coffee from the Arts Centre. Board your luxury midi-coach and join fellow travellers for a personalised small-group experience through Victoria's spectacular coastal region to Phillip Island.

15 minutes

San Remo

San Remo, Victoria

Welcome to San Remo, where the iconic Phillip Island Bridge welcomes you to Bass Coast. Stretch your legs along the foreshore, watch resident Australian pelicans, and capture your first coastal photographs of this famous Victorian fishing village.

30 minutes

Phillip Island

Phillip Island, Victoria

Welcome to Phillip Island, home to a small population of 15,000 which swells well beyond this number during busy holiday seasons.

Pass by without stopping

Phillip Island Winery

414 Berrys Beach Rd, Ventnor, 3922, Victoria

Arrive at boutique Phillip Island Winery for premium cellar-door wine tasting featuring award-winning Gippsland wines. Enjoy guided tasting of six local wines, accompanied by generous grazing boards of Victorian meats, cheeses and artisan breads, followed by wood-fired pizza feast with sea-salt fries and gourmet salads.
Note: On select days, meals are served at our partner Phillip Island seaside restaurant with an identical high-quality menu.

1 hour, 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Cape Woolamai

Cape Woolamai, Victoria

Pass by one of Phillip Island's three main settlements as we make our way to Cowes.

Pass by without stopping

Cowes

Cowes, Victoria

Explore Phillip Island's main township with beaches, local shops, and relaxed coastal streetscape. Your guide highlights local Cowes favorites before free exploration time.

1 hour

Phillip Island Nature Parks - Koala Conservation Reserve

1810 Phillip Island Road, , Rhyll, 3923, Victoria

This is an optional extra (+$15 on the day) in place of your time at Cowes. Upgrade to walk elevated boardwalks for guaranteed koala spotting, and see wallabies and native Australian birds in their natural Phillip Island habitat.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Flynns Beach

1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, 3922, Victoria

Stop at this pristine Phillip Island beach for golden Bass Strait sands, crystal-clear waters, and fresh Victorian sea air.

15 minutes

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade

1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, 3922, Victoria

Experience the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade with general viewing tickets. Explore the interactive Visitor Centre, enjoy dinner from the onsite cafe if you wish, then take your place to witness thousands of Little Penguins return from Bass Strait at sunset, with guided commentary as they waddle through. Australia's most popular wildlife attraction. Penguin Plus viewing upgrades (+$55) available for an extra-special experience to see the penguins at eye level.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

The Nobbies Centre

1320 Ventnor Road, Summerlands, 3922, Victoria

Arrive at The Nobbies' clifftop boardwalks during golden hour. Spot seabirds, wallabies, and Australian fur seals from spectacular Bass Strait views while enjoying a glass of celebratory sparkling wine as day turns to dusk over Phillip Island.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Melbourne

Melbourne, Victoria

Return back to Melbourne after a fulfilling day of nature, wildlife observation, and wine. We Dropoff back at the Melbourne Arts Centre or city center hotels on request.

2 hours