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Penguin Parade on Phillip Island

Penguin Parade

On this excursion, we will meet you at your Melbourne hotel and, in the morning, head to Dandenong National Park, the closest nature reserve to Melbourne, where groves of giant eucalyptus trees up to 100 metres high and unique stands of relict tree ferns still stand. Here, we will take a walk through the forest among these tall trees and breathe the clean air soaked in eucalyptus vapours, as well as hand feed the large wild cockatoo parrots in the forest, which fly to the same place to visitors in search of a treat – exceptional food (which we will give you). You will also take an optional ride on a unique vintage steam train, “Puffing Billy” (or “Puffing Billy“), started over 100 years ago, which still runs through this forest on coal, puffing, humming and taking all interested tourists around the scenic areas of this national park.

The Aboriginal tribe once lived in this area, so at the top of Dandenong Mountain, there is a large totem pole carved from old eucalyptus depicting various animals with the face of the Aboriginal spirit and a large snake – the symbol of the creator in the Aboriginal tribes. From here, you also have a magnificent view of the whole of Melbourne on the shores of the vast bay, which has its neighbourhoods and bedroom communities. 

San Remo - Philip Island Bridge

After exploring these areas, you will take a guided walk towards Phillip Island, the world famous for its ‘penguin parade‘. This is home to around 35,000 lesser penguins – the largest colony of the smallest penguins. The penguins emerge every evening after sunset from the ocean to the shore and, gathered in groups, march in rows to their dens, sometimes travelling long distances. But before that, you still have to stop at the Koala and Kangaroo Park and feed the big kangaroos, pet and take photos with them, as well as the other Australian animals that also live here: koalas, wombats, emus, dingoes and wallabies. At this small private farm converted into an animal park, you can get a very close and relaxed look at these animals and learn more about them from your guide.

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San Remo lunch

Next, we head towards the ocean, and on the way, we pass through the small fishing village of San Remo, where you can stop at the most delicious and very inexpensive fisherman’s cafe on the bay. This is where all the locals come to eat the freshest caught fish: barramundi, shark, caranx, and blue. You won’t find fresher and cheaper seafood anywhere! The cooking is fast, but the service is not fancy and luxurious. The dishes are served in paper dishes and with plastic utensils, but their taste and price cannot be beaten! 

After crossing the bridge to Phillip Island, we will stop at a few exciting places, climbing the old dunes and seeing the relentless surf of the open ocean, looking for wild wallabies at the very edge of the island, Cape Nobbys, where the cliffs with the seal colony are also visible, walking along the tip of the cape above the ocean and looking at the dens and penguin houses built by local rangers to preserve the colony. Occasionally, you may also see a few penguins here who have decided to “take the day off” for the day. Phillip Island is renowned for its natural beauty, vastness, and wildlife. It is home to the largest population of rare “hen geese” – grey birds with green noses that, like swans, always stay in pairs.

Phillip Island Nature Park

We will drive through some of the island’s most beautiful areas, visit the beach, see wild wallabies, geese and possibly an echidna, and enjoy a stunning ocean sunset against centuries-old basalt cliffs. And the day’s highlight will be the “penguin parade” after sunset. But unlike most tourists on extensive group tours, you won’t sit for half an hour or longer on cold concrete bleachers waiting for the penguins to come out. No, you and I will be there at precisely the right time and place and stand where you can see the best in the most significant number right next to you. Having a guide who will also tell you many interesting facts about these fantastic birds and Phillip Island and its nature would be best. After you have had your fill of meeting the penguins, listening to their “conversations”, and taking a good look at them, we will drive back to Melbourne, and in 1.5 hours, you will already be in the city, where you can relax in a restaurant for dinner or go to your room.

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Phillip Island Penguin Tours Tour Fare prices: $165 Adult (13+) / $125 Children (0-12)

We can also take you to the airport after the tour for a small extra charge of 125 AUD (transfers typically cost 165 AUD)! 

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