Australian Journeys specialise in Private Phillip Island Tours. Check out some of our tours below.
Nestled just a short drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a breathtaking sanctuary that promises an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Known for its stunning coastal landscapes and rich biodiversity, this captivating destination is home to an array of Australian wildlife, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature. Among its many attractions, the iconic Penguin Parade stands out as a highlight, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness the enchanting spectacle of Little Penguins returning to shore at dusk.
During your Phillip Island tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to interact with some of Australia’s most beloved furry friends. From kangaroos to koalas, Phillip Island offers a chance to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat, all while enjoying the comfort of guided tours that provide insightful commentary about the region’s ecology and wildlife. Whether you’re feeding kangaroos at the Moonlit Sanctuary or watching the adorable penguins waddle up the beach, Phillip Island is a treasure trove of experiences that will leave you in awe of Australia’s natural beauty.
So, pack your bags and embark on an Australian journey that promises adventure, education, and unforgettable memories—a private Phillip Island tour is waiting for you!
Each of our Phillip Island tours & packages includes convenient inner-city pick-up and drop-off, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey without the hassle of transportation. Our experienced driver-guides will not only navigate the scenic routes but also share captivating stories and insights about the region, making your trip educational and entertaining.
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a breathtaking natural spectacle that occurs nightly as hundreds to thousands of Little Penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach at sunset. This event is not only a unique wildlife experience but also a chance to witness the charm of Australia’s native fauna in their natural habitat. The parade takes place on Phillip Island, a stunning destination known for its diverse wildlife, beautiful coastal scenery, and rich regional cuisine.
During the Penguin Parade, you can expect to see adorable Little Penguins returning from the sea to their burrows after a day of fishing. The best viewing spots are along the designated boardwalks and viewing platforms, where you can watch this nightly ritual unfold safely and respectfully. Additionally, the tour may offer opportunities to see other wildlife, such as wallabies, kangaroos, and various bird species, throughout the island.
Phillip Island tours with Australian Journeys are a complete package. Our customer service team will book and secure your reservations so you don’t have to.
General Viewing is included as a minimum and we allow you to upgrade your admission or select a tour with an upgraded viewing experience
Enjoy tiered seating in the general viewing grandstands overlooking the picturesque Summerlands Beach. Video Link
Get up close and personal with the little penguins from the extra special Penguins Plus grandstand. Video Link
The new Penguins Premium viewing platform is inspired by the natural elements. Get up-close viewing of the little penguins as they waddle along the most popular pathway at the Penguin Parade
Fantastic viewing at ground level, premium sheltered viewing away from elements. Video Link
Join a Phillip Island parks guide for an informative journey through the penguin colony, enjoying their commentary via your personal headset. Video Link
Be one of the select few to venture out to a secluded beach away from the Penguin Parade on this fully accredited Eco Tour, perfect for lovers of both nature and adventure. Reasonable fitness required, including the ability to walk on soft sand, descend and ascend 20 stairs, and walk up to 1.5 km in each direction on uneven surfaces. Video Link
Please see our suggested itinerary for one of Private Phillip Island tours. This is a sample of a popular selected itinerary on our 1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour. However, this is not the only route we take. Please look through our catalog of Phillip Island tours and packaged attractions.
Start times for Phillip Island tours including the Phillip Island Penguin Parade will vary. The little penguins arrive only at sunset, therefore all tours are based on their arrival time. Check out this link for the Penguins arrival time
Choose from multiple ticket options to view this amazing natural wildlife experience.
Australia is blessed to be one of only a select few countries that allows visitors international and interstate to see the Little Penguins arrive from the ocean and return to their burrows.
So you want to see Koalas? This is the stop for you. Come face-to-face with koalas in their natural habitat along the treetop boardwalks through the Australian bushland at the Koala Conservation Reserve.
Watch and listen for other native wildlife like wallabies, echidnas, and colourful native birds. For those curious about how koalas live, their visitor centre has interactive and informative displays, or find one of their rangers to ask a question.
Explore the historical grounds and farming activities, soak in the tranquil scenery on bay trails, enjoy the bird watching, or relax on the deck of the café with a hot drink in hand.
Churchill Island has been a farm, a vegetable garden, and a summer retreat for the well-heeled since European settlement. The Victorian gardens are a legacy of this history and are lovingly tended to explore today. While in the farm precinct, try your hand at the daily heritage farming activities like sheep shearing, working dogs, cow milking, and whip cracking. Then take the walking track around the edge of the island to enjoy views of Western Port Bay.
The island is known as Moonar’mia by the Bunurong, the Traditional Owners of the area.
A Maze’N Things is a unique, award-winning theme park located on Phillip Island. It is an exciting world of illusions, puzzles, mazes, magic and mini golf that provides hours of fun, magic and adventure. Families, school groups, social groups and couples young and old have spent hours challenging their minds, exploring Puzzle Island, wandering through kilometres of maze and swinging putters on the Maxi Golf course. Whatever you decide to do, you will be laughing all the way.
Looking for some thing different to break up the day. We can include a stop to check out Panny’s chocolates on Phillip Island. They also have an interactive tour great for all ages.
Entry to the cafe and factory direct retail store is free, as too is your first sample. Admission charges apply for Pannys Amazing World of Chocolate attraction.
Visit Panny’s Amazing World of Chocolate and see the educational exhibition on cocoa production, see the two metre chocolate statue of Michelangelo’s David, a 12,000 piece chocolate mosaic of Dame Edna Everage. A chocolate village complete with working trains and an amazing spinning Zoetrope. You will be able to see Panny’s life animated in the Family Window, a Side Show Ally and test your skills and aim to win chocolate.
Explore the winding boardwalks (500m in length) and see the explosive blowhole in action. Gaze out to the Nobbies rock formations and beyond to Seal Rocks, home of Australia’s largest fur seal colony. You may even spot a migrating whale in the right season.
Choose from our range of Phillip Island Tours & packages. We have tours prebuilt and ready to book now online. As a Private tour specialists, speak with the Australian Journeys team to customise your ideal day.
Express/Direct Penguins parade: Great for those, who want have the day to themselves and just go straight to the Penguins Parade. 2 options General Viewing or Penguins Plus.
1 Day Phillip Island Penguin Parade – Private Groups of 2-11 people , Moonlit Sanctuary, Nobbies, & Penguin Parade
Private tours are personalized for specific groups or individuals, offering customized itineraries and dedicated guides. Public tours are open to anyone, with set schedules and routes, often sharing the day with other members of the public.
The best time to visit Philip Island for tours, especially for the Penguin Parade, is during the warmer months from November to March. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and the penguins are particularly active
Philip Island is located approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) southeast of Melbourne. Visitors can reach the island by car, taking the M1 freeway, or by booking a guided tour that includes transportation from Melbourne. Luckily you’ve already found one; Australian Journeys provides door to door service and collect from Melbourne CBD and surrounding suburbs.
Yes! Many of our Phillip Island tours cater to families, including the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and various wildlife parks. Family packages often include discounted rates for children.
It’s advisable to bring warm clothing for cooler evenings, binoculars for a closer view of the penguins. Also, consider bringing some snacks or a picnic blanket for a relaxing wait before the parade begins.
It is recommended to arrive at least one hour before sunset to secure a good viewing spot. Sunset times vary throughout the year, so check the local sunset schedule before you visit.
All of our tours allow for our groups to arrive 1 hour before to hopefully secure some preferable seating
In addition to the Penguin Parade, visitors can explore the Koala Conservation Reserve, the Nobbies Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and various beaches and nature trails. Each offers unique experiences and opportunities to witness Phillip Island’s famous wildlife.
Phillip Island is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Little Penguins, koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and many bird species. The island’s ecosystems provide a rich environment for observing these animals in their natural habitats.
Please contact us, with any further enquiries or questions you may have regarding Phillip Island tours. Please also see our about us page.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Australian Journeys acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Private Tour Specialist – Focused on guided tours from Melbourne though out Victoria
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