From Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour with Penguin Parade

Experience Australia’s Wildlife and Scenic Wonders on a Full-Day Phillip Island Tour

Discover the best of Victoria’s nature and wildlife on this full-day guided tour to Phillip Island. With round-trip transfers from Melbourne, a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, and entry to top attractions included, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the adventure.

Your journey begins in Melbourne

Start your day with a convenient pickup from your Melbourne accommodation. Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as your guide shares fascinating stories about the region's landscapes, history, and wildlife.

Healesville Sanctuary – Australia’s native Wildlife Park

Your first stop is the renowned Healesville Sanctuary, where you’ll come face-to-face with Australia's most iconic animals. Wander through the park's bushland setting and encounter koalas, kangaroos, wombats, platypuses, and more. Keeper talks and wildlife shows offer deeper insight into conservation efforts and the lives of these unique species.

Coastal views at Point Grant & The Nobbies

Continue to Phillip Island and visit Point Grant and The Nobbies – one of the island’s most scenic coastal areas. Stroll the boardwalks perched above rugged cliffs, peer out over Seal Rocks (home to a large fur seal colony), and witness the dramatic blowhole depending on conditions.

Evening highlight: The Penguin Parade

As sunset approaches, head to the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Parks. Settle into your seat on the general viewing platform for an unforgettable view of little penguins as they emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows. Stroll the surrounding boardwalks and explore the visitor centre to learn more about the penguins’ life cycle and conservation efforts.

Return to Melbourne

After the parade, relax on the return journey to Melbourne, arriving back at your original pickup point with wonderful memories of Australia’s wildlife and coastal beauty.

This expertly guided experience is the perfect blend of education, adventure, and awe-inspiring nature – ideal for visitors of all ages.

From Melbourne: Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Tour with Penguin Parade

This full-day guided tour from Melbourne includes round-trip transfers to Healesville Sanctuary, a premier wildlife park established in 1970, and Phillip Island Nature Parks, home to the world-famous Penguin Parade. The tour covers approximately 250 kilometers over eight hours, with stops at key attractions like Point Grant, The Nobbies Centre, and the Penguin Viewing Platform. Guests will spend about three hours exploring Healesville Sanctuary, where they can see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other native Australian animals in their natural habitats. At Phillip Island, visitors get to witness hundreds of little penguins returning from a day at sea during the sunset Penguin Parade. The tour also includes visits to scenic viewpoints like Seal Rocks and The Nobbies Centre, offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. With English-speaking guides providing insights throughout, this tour ensures an engaging and educational experience for all participants.

Explore Healesville Sanctuary Wildlife

Your tour stops at Healesville Sanctuary where guests can observe koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other native Australian animals in their natural habitats. Established in 1970, the sanctuary covers over 25 acres of land and includes various exhibits such as the Koala Walkabout and Wombat Woodland. Guests spend about three hours exploring this wildlife park, which is renowned for its conservation efforts and educational programs. The sanctuary's extensive facilities include a veterinary hospital, research center, and interactive displays that provide visitors with detailed information on Australia’s unique flora and fauna. Healesville Sanctuary stands out from other zoos due to its focus on animal welfare and habitat preservation, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Witness the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island

Your tour takes you to Phillip Island Nature Parks where guests can witness the famous Penguin Parade. This natural spectacle occurs nightly during sunset when hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore after a day spent hunting in the ocean. The viewing platform, built in 1985, offers panoramic views of the Southern Ocean and Seal Rocks, enhancing the experience with informative displays about penguin conservation efforts. Visitors spend approximately an hour at this location, learning about the life cycle and habits of these charming creatures through interactive exhibits and guided tours led by knowledgeable staff members. The Penguin Parade stands out as a unique wildlife event because it provides visitors with up-close encounters while maintaining strict environmental protections to ensure the well-being of the penguins.

Discover Scenic Views at Point Grant & The Nobbies

Your tour includes stops at scenic locations like Point Grant and The Nobbies Centre, where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. These sites are part of Phillip Island Nature Parks and offer visitors access to cliffside boardwalks that stretch for over a mile, providing opportunities to observe marine life such as seals and seabirds in their natural habitats. Established in 2013, The Nobbies Centre includes interactive displays on local flora and fauna conservation efforts. Visitors spend about two hours exploring these areas, which are unique due to their combination of educational content and stunning coastal scenery.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Healesville Sanctuary wildlife
• Visit scenic viewpoints with panoramic views
• Witness the Penguin Parade at sunset
• Learn from English-speaking guides throughout
• Access interactive exhibits on conservation efforts
• Enjoy round-trip transfers from Melbourne city center
• Experience guided tours at key attractions and landmarks
• Benefit from insights shared by knowledgeable staff members

Perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and families, this full-day tour provides an immersive experience through visits to Healesville Sanctuary, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Point Grant, and The Nobbies Centre. The eight-hour format allows you to explore koalas at Healesville Sanctuary, view seals at Seal Rocks, and witness the Penguin Parade, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Australia's unique wildlife while enjoying stunning coastal views.