From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Guided Tour

A sea of seals & penguins

As you drive away from the bustle of Melbourne to the tranquility of Phillip Island, relax in an air-conditioned coach as seascapes pass you by, setting the stage for an exciting escapade. The tour takes you first to the Nobbies Centre, a remarkable marine discovery hub where you'll expand your knowledge about local marine wildlife and enjoy an unbeatable view of Seal Rocks, home to about 16,000 seals, making it Australia's largest fur seal colony.

An enchanting evening with Little Penguins

As the day transitions into a sunset, brace yourself for the famed penguin parade. Watch these little creatures, the smallest penguin species standing just 33 cm tall, as they waddle their way across the beach to their burrows. Upgrade to premium viewing to enjoy a better perspective from the grandstand.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Guided Tour

Discover the natural wonders of Australia on this sightseeing tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, including stops at Seal Rocks, The Nobbies Centre, and the iconic Penguin Parade. This guided tour features a scenic ride in plush air-conditioned coaches with expert local guides for personalized insights. With over 120 species of birds and marine life, visitors can expect an enriching day exploring more than 45 miles of coastline. Tour highlights include witnessing Australia's largest fur seal colony at Seal Rocks and strolling along the Nobbies boardwalk to learn about the island’s rich marine wildlife. The tour covers approximately 78 square miles of Phillip Island and provides audio guides in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Mandarin. With a duration of around six hours, guests can expect an immersive experience that includes stops at four major attractions: Seal Rocks, The Nobbies Centre, the Penguin Parade viewing grandstand, and a scenic coastal drive along Ninety Mile Beach. This tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone interested in Australia's unique biodiversity.

Marvel at Australia's Largest Fur Seal Colony

Your tour stops at Seal Rocks where you can marvel at the thousands of Australian fur seals basking on the rocks. Established in 1980 as a protected marine sanctuary, this area covers about 25 acres and is home to around 7,000 seals during peak season. Visitors can observe the seals sunbathing, swimming, and socializing from a safe distance along the boardwalk that runs through the colony. The viewing platform offers panoramic views of the seals and the surrounding coastline. This unique experience allows guests to learn about the conservation efforts in place since 1987 to protect these marine mammals. Unlike other seal colonies around the world, Seal Rocks is one of the few places where visitors can see such a large number of fur seals in their natural habitat.

Explore The Nobbies Centre and Boardwalk

At The Nobbies Centre, guests can explore the expansive boardwalk that stretches over 1.2 miles along the rugged coastline. Built in 1987, this center offers panoramic views of Bass Strait and is a hub for educational exhibits about Phillip Island's marine wildlife. Visitors spend around an hour here learning about penguins, seals, and other local species through interactive displays and guided tours led by knowledgeable staff. The boardwalk features several observation points with telescopes to spot distant wildlife, including whales during migration season from May to October. Unlike other coastal walks, the Nobbies Centre provides a unique combination of educational content and natural beauty, making it an essential stop for those interested in marine biology and conservation efforts.

Witness Little Penguins Parade at Sunset

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Penguin Parade viewing grandstand, where you can witness hundreds of little penguins returning to their burrows after spending the day hunting. These smallest species of penguin measure about 16 inches in height and weigh around 2 pounds each. The parade begins at sunset, typically between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM depending on the season. Guests can upgrade to a premium viewing experience with reserved seats in the grandstand, ensuring an unobstructed view of the penguins as they emerge from the ocean one by one. Unlike other wildlife viewing experiences, this parade offers a rare glimpse into the daily routines of these nocturnal creatures, making it a highlight for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Tour Highlights

• Scenic ride to Phillip Island
• Guided tour at Seal Rocks with 7,000 seals
• Interactive exhibits at The Nobbies Centre in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin
• Sunset penguin parade viewing grandstand experience
• Coastal drive along Ninety Mile Beach with panoramic views
• Educational displays and guided tours throughout the tour
• Access to exclusive viewing platforms at Seal Rocks and The Nobbies Centre
• Comfortable air-conditioned coaches for a relaxing journey

This afternoon guided tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone interested in Australia's unique biodiversity. It allows you to explore Seal Rocks, The Nobbies Centre, the Penguin Parade viewing grandstand, and Ninety Mile Beach, providing an immersive experience of Phillip Island’s natural wonders.