Bunyip Tours · Central Melbourne
Bunyip Tours' shorter penguin trip leaves the city after lunch, stops at the clifftop boardwalks of The Nobbies, then takes you to the stands for the parade. Pick it if you want the penguins without spending the morning on a coach, for the lowest price of any tour here.
This is the stripped-back version of Bunyip's Eco Tour: same company, same coaches, but no Moonlit Sanctuary and no hotel pickup. You meet on the corner of Flinders and Market Streets, next to the Immigration Museum, at 1:45 pm in winter (AEST) or 2:45 pm in summer (AEDT). The operator emails the exact time. Wait on the corner itself, not at the museum's front door.
Two hours on the road bring you to The Nobbies, where boardwalks run along the cliffs above Bass Strait and look out to Seal Rocks. In the warmer months the guide may add Cape Woolamai. Then it's the parade with a Standard (General) Viewing seat, about two hours on site, and two hours back. One guest reported wallabies, geese, black swans and a wombat on the way.
Nine hours still makes a long half day, and you're back between 9 pm and midnight like everyone else; the morning is the only part you save. The Nobbies Centre itself is shut after storm damage in May 2025, so use the toilets before the stop. Wheelchair users can't join, and there's no stroller space. For koalas or kangaroos up close, the extra $12 for the Wildlife Tour buys two hours at Moonlit Sanctuary.
The corner of Flinders and Market Streets, beside the Immigration Museum. 1:45 pm under AEST, 2:45 pm under daylight saving.
South-east out of the city and over the bridge at San Remo, with commentary from the guide.
Free time on the boardwalks above the cliffs and the blowhole. Cape Woolamai is added in some warmer months.
General Viewing seat over Summerlands Beach, plus time on the boardwalks as the penguins head to their burrows.
Drop-off at the Flinders and Market corner, between 9 pm and midnight.
★★★★★Excellent trip if you’re looking to take in a bit of Phillip Island and see the little penguins after sunset
★★★★★Sherif was an excellent guide and driver. We saw wallabies, grey geese, black swans, a wombat, and the penguins.
★★★★★Watching the penguins arrive on the beach is such a unique experience! I recommend it to everyone!
★★★★★Chris N. was an amazing, funny and knowledgeable guide, and we had the best time!
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1:45 pm under standard time (AEST) and 2:45 pm during daylight saving (AEDT), from the corner of Flinders and Market Streets next to the Immigration Museum. The exact time comes by email.
It starts later, but it ends at the same time: between 9 pm and midnight, after the penguins. It runs about 9 hours instead of 12.
No. The only stops are The Nobbies and the parade, with Cape Woolamai in some warmer months. For koalas, look at the Koalas Highlights tour. The Eco Tour adds Moonlit Sanctuary.
Driving yourself with a General Viewing ticket. Without a car, this is the cheapest tour on our list. Our tours guide compares the rest.
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Leave Melbourne after lunch for The Nobbies and the parade at sunset, General Viewing included.
Penguin Parade Eco Tour from MelbourneHotel pickup, Moonlit Sanctuary and The Nobbies before the parade, in a group of 24 at most. Back 9 pm to midnight.★ 4.8 · 12 hours · from $112
Penguin Parade & Wildlife TourTwo hours at Moonlit Sanctuary with a wallaby feed, then The Nobbies and the parade. Four central pickup points.★ 4.8 · 12 hours · from $107
Penguin Parade General Viewing TicketEntry only, sold by Phillip Island Nature Parks: the tiered stands over the beach. You drive, and it cancels free 2 days out.★ 4.2 · 2 hours · from $24