Culture Questt Tours · Melbourne CBD
Culture Questt Tours takes no more than 11 people in a Mercedes van to Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies and the parade, picking you up from your own CBD address. Pick it for the small group and the choice of Penguins Plus at booking.
This is the closest thing to a private day without the private price. Culture Questt Tours picks up from any CBD hotel or address you give (or an agreed point if you're outside the CBD) and drops you back at the same place. The vehicle is a climate-controlled Mercedes-Benz Vito or Sprinter, and the cap is 11 guests. At $153 it costs more than the coach tours and less than the wine or cruise days.
The route starts with an hour and a half at Moonlit Sanctuary, where admission is included; kangaroo food is for sale, and a koala encounter is an extra. Then you choose: the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (entry not included) or a stop at Cape Woolamai's surf beach. In winter there's a scenic stop at the Grand Prix circuit. The Nobbies gets 30 minutes, and you pick General Viewing or Penguins Plus when you book, at different prices; Plus is confirmed by the operator.
One honest flag. The listing has only a couple of dozen reviews so far, so the high rating rests on a small sample. It's also a 10-hour day with times that shift with sunset and traffic, and it isn't for people with animal allergies. Meals aren't included: in winter you eat at Moonlit Sanctuary and the parade's visitor centre, in summer the van stops in Cowes.
The operator confirms the time before the day; it moves with sunset and the season.
An hour and a half with koalas, kangaroos and wallabies. Food for the kangaroos is sold, but feeding isn't guaranteed.
Choose the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (pay entry on the day) or the surf beach at Cape Woolamai. In winter, a stop at the Grand Prix circuit too.
Coastal boardwalks, seabirds and the view to Seal Rocks.
General Viewing or Penguins Plus, as you booked, with time in the visitor centre first.
Drop-off where you were collected.
★★★★★The smaller size groups are better than tour buses as you don't get people lagging behind
★★★★★This is the best way to see the little penguins and also visit the koalas
★★★★★Seeing the little penguins come out of the ocean at sunset was a truly magical experience
★★★★★We wish everyone could have Ben as their guide [...] he's super professional, attentive, and knowledgeable!
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No more than 11, in a Mercedes-Benz Vito or Sprinter van.
Yes. You choose General Viewing or Penguins Plus at booking; they're priced differently, and Plus is subject to the operator's confirmation.
The visit is an option, but the entry ticket isn't included. The free alternative is Cape Woolamai's surf beach.
The rating is high, but it rests on only a couple of dozen reviews so far, far fewer than the big coach tours. Our tours comparison weighs it against the rest.
Ready to book
A van of 11 at most, Moonlit Sanctuary and the parade, with General Viewing or Penguins Plus.
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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
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