From Melbourne: Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Guided Tour with Penguin Parade

Spend a captivating day exploring Phillip Island’s most celebrated sights, from up-close animal encounters to scenic coastal vistas and the magical Penguin Parade at dusk. With round-trip transfers from Melbourne and an expert English-speaking guide, your journey is as seamless as it is unforgettable.

Your day begins in Melbourne

Enjoy convenient hotel pickup or meet your guide at a designated location in central Melbourne. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle as you journey to your first destination, with your guide sharing insights and highlights along the way.

Up close with Australia’s wildlife

Your first stop is Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you’ll have the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, encounter emus, and learn about native species in engaging keeper presentations. This immersive wildlife experience offers a meaningful connection to Australian conservation efforts.

Scenic views at Point Grant & The Nobbies

Next, travel along Phillip Island’s dramatic coastline to Point Grant and The Nobbies. Stroll the boardwalks perched above rugged cliffs, take in sweeping views of Bass Strait and Westernport Bay, and spot Seal Rocks – home to a large colony of Australian fur seals.

Evening spectacle: The Penguin Parade

As evening falls, take your seat for the main event – the nightly Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Park. Watch as little penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the sand to their burrows. You'll have access to the general viewing platform, with the option to upgrade for a more immersive experience:

• Penguins Plus (optional upgrade): Enjoy closer views from a limited-capacity, beachfront platform positioned along the penguins’ most active pathway.

• Underground Viewing (optional upgrade): Step inside a weatherproof, eye-level observation area for intimate views as the penguins pass by just feet away.

Wrap Up at the Visitor Centre

Explore interactive displays and exhibits at the visitor centre before you depart. Then, settle back for a relaxing return trip to Melbourne after an unforgettable day full of nature, wildlife, and coastal charm.

From Melbourne: Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Guided Tour with Penguin Parade

This full-day guided tour from Melbourne offers a comprehensive exploration of iconic wildlife and natural landscapes, including visits to the award-winning Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, Point Grant, The Nobbies, Seal Rocks, and the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park. With convenient round-trip transfers included, you'll spend approximately 8 hours traveling in a comfortable, modern vehicle with an English-speaking guide who will provide engaging commentary throughout your journey. Highlights include meeting native wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas at Moonlit Sanctuary, taking in stunning seaside vistas at Point Grant and The Nobbies, and witnessing the Penguin Parade as little penguins return ashore at sunset. With access to the Penguin Parade boardwalk and visitor center, plus general viewing platform admission, you'll have a great view of these charming creatures. Upgrade options are available for front-row views from an exclusive platform near the penguins’ main path to the beach or an enclosed, weatherproof vantage point with eye-level views of penguins emerging from the ocean. This tour covers approximately 120 kilometers and includes audio commentary in English, ensuring a personalized experience that highlights the unique wildlife and natural beauty of Victoria.

Explore Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park

Your tour stops at Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where guests can hand-feed native Australian animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Established in 2001, this 54-acre park is dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. Visitors will see the Koala Forest, Echidna Walkabout, and Wallaby Woodland, among other habitats. The sanctuary's interactive experiences allow guests to get up close with animals and learn about their natural behaviors and habitat requirements. Moonlit Sanctuary is unique in its hands-on approach to wildlife encounters, offering a deeper connection between humans and native Australian species compared to traditional zoos or parks. This visit typically lasts around 1 hour and is crucial for understanding the conservation efforts that protect these iconic animals.

Witness the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park

Your tour concludes with a stop at the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park where little penguins return to their burrows along the beach. The Penguin Parade is one of Australia's most popular wildlife attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each year since its inception in 1968. Visitors can watch as the penguins emerge from the ocean and make their way up the beach to their nesting areas. The viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points for observing these nocturnal creatures during their nightly routine. Upgrades are available for front-row views or enclosed, weatherproof viewing platforms with eye-level perspectives of the penguins emerging from the water. This experience typically lasts around 1 hour and is a unique highlight that showcases the natural behavior of little penguins in a safe and educational environment.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
• Explore Point Grant with stunning ocean views
• See Seal Rocks at The Nobbies from 1980s boardwalk
• Witness Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
• Upgrade to Penguins Plus for front-row views
• Access exclusive underground viewing platform during penguin parade
• Travel in a comfortable, modern vehicle with English-speaking guide
• Enjoy small group experience with personalized commentary

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and families, this full-day guided tour provides an immersive experience of Melbourne's iconic wildlife and natural landscapes. The 8-hour format allows you to explore Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, take in the breathtaking views at Point Grant, witness the remarkable Seal Rocks colony at The Nobbies, and marvel at the nightly Penguin Parade, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Victoria’s unique wildlife while enjoying personalized commentary and convenient round-trip transfers.