Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Day Tour - Small Group (4 - 11 guests)
- Duration: 12 Hours (approx.)
- Product code: PKRU9Z
Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Small-Group Hiking Adventure
Experience the magic of the Penguin Parade, hike along spectacular coastal cliffs, meet Australian wildlife and discover the wild beauty of Phillip Island — all on an unforgettable small-group adventure from Melbourne!
With a maximum of just 10 guests, our Phillip Island tour combines breathtaking views across Bass Strait, a spectacular 6.8 km coastal hike, encounters with native Australian animals and the incredible sight of Little Penguins waddling home at sunset.
Unlike traditional Penguin Parade tours, we don't just drive you between attractions. We make the whole day an adventure!
Explore the rugged coastline of Cape Woolamai, discover the dramatic Pinnacles rock formations, wander among koalas in eucalyptus woodland, enjoy local food and experience the wild scenery of the Nobbies before watching the world's smallest penguins return from the ocean.
Penguins at sunset. Adventure all day.
San Remo – Seaside Bakery & Coffee Stop
Our adventure begins as we leave Melbourne behind and head towards the beautiful Bass Coast.
Before crossing the bridge to Phillip Island, we'll stop in the charming seaside town of San Remo at a local bakery.
Grab a freshly brewed coffee, something delicious to eat and enjoy a relaxed introduction to the day before we head onto the island.
Cape Woolamai – Explore the Wild Coastline
Our first big adventure takes us to Cape Woolamai, one of Phillip Island's most spectacular natural landscapes.
Famous for its powerful surf, dramatic granite cliffs and rugged coastal scenery, Cape Woolamai offers breathtaking views across Bass Strait and the wild Southern Ocean.
We'll lace up our hiking shoes and embark on an approximately 6.8 km guided coastal circuit, following beautiful trails through coastal heathland, rocky headlands and incredible natural scenery.
Along the way, keep your eyes open for native wildlife, including wallabies, echidnas and seabirds.
During whale migration season, there's even a chance of spotting whales passing through the waters offshore!
The Pinnacles – Phillip Island's Dramatic Rock Formations
One of the highlights of our Cape Woolamai hike is the spectacular Pinnacles.
These impressive granite formations rise dramatically from the coastline, surrounded by crashing waves and breathtaking ocean views.
We'll take our time exploring the surrounding trails, enjoying the fresh sea air and capturing some incredible photographs of this wild and beautiful part of Phillip Island.
The combination of dramatic cliffs, colourful coastal vegetation and endless ocean makes this one of the island's most memorable landscapes.
Wildlife Along the Way – Wallabies, Echidnas & Seabirds
Phillip Island is home to an incredible variety of Australian wildlife, and our coastal hike provides some wonderful opportunities to spot animals in their natural habitat.
Keep an eye out for wallabies, echidnas and native birds, including short-tailed shearwaters during their seasonal presence on the island.
Our guides will share interesting facts about the local wildlife and unique environments we explore.
Wildlife sightings vary naturally and cannot be guaranteed.
Koala Conservation Reserve – Meet Australia's Iconic Koalas
Next, we'll visit the beautiful Koala Conservation Reserve, where you'll have the opportunity to observe koalas among their natural eucalyptus woodland habitat.
Wander along the elevated treetop boardwalks, look into the branches and discover these fascinating Australian animals resting, feeding and moving through the trees.
The reserve offers excellent viewing opportunities while helping visitors learn about koala conservation and the importance of protecting native habitats.
Entry to the Koala Conservation Reserve is included in your tour.
Cowes – Dinner by the Seaside
After visiting the koalas, we'll head into Cowes, Phillip Island's charming main seaside town.
Take some time to relax, explore the local atmosphere and enjoy dinner at one of the town's cafés or restaurants.
Whether you're after something casual, a hearty meal or a quick bite, there's something for everyone.
Dinner is purchased separately.
The Nobbies – Spectacular Coastal Views & Seal Rocks
As sunset approaches, we'll travel to the western end of Phillip Island to explore the breathtaking Nobbies coastline.
Follow the scenic boardwalks above rugged cliffs, crashing waves and the famous blowhole as you take in spectacular views over Bass Strait.
Look out towards Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest colony of Australian fur seals.
The Nobbies is also an important habitat for native seabirds and Little Penguins, making it another incredible stop for wildlife and coastal scenery.
Penguin Parade – The Unforgettable Grand Finale!
And now for the moment we've all been waiting for!
As the sun sets, we'll visit the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade to witness one of Australia's most extraordinary natural wildlife experiences.
Watch as hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of adorable Little Penguins emerge from the ocean after a day of fishing and begin their journey back to their burrows.
These remarkable little birds are the world's smallest penguins, and seeing them waddle across the beach in their natural habitat is a truly unforgettable experience.
After watching the penguins arrive from the viewing area, follow the boardwalks through the colony for opportunities to observe them making their way home.
It's the perfect ending to an incredible day of hiking, wildlife encounters and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Penguin Parade General Viewing entry is included in your tour.
Penguin numbers and arrival times vary naturally throughout the year.
WHY CHOOSE HIKE & SEEK?Maximum 10 guests: Enjoy a personal, relaxed adventure with a small group of like-minded travellers.
More than just the penguins: Experience spectacular coastal hiking, wildlife, local food and iconic landscapes before the Penguin Parade.
A proper 6.8 km hike: Explore the beautiful Cape Woolamai circuit and its dramatic Pinnacles rock formations.
Penguin Parade included: Witness one of Australia's most extraordinary wildlife experiences at sunset.
Koala Conservation Reserve included: Get fantastic opportunities to observe koalas in their natural habitat.
Wildlife encounters: Look for wallabies, echidnas, seabirds and other native Australian animals.
Spectacular coastal scenery: Discover the rugged beauty of Cape Woolamai, the Pinnacles and the Nobbies.
Passionate local guides: Friendly, knowledgeable, First Aid-qualified guides who genuinely love hiking, wildlife and the outdoors.
Local food stops: Enjoy a seaside bakery stop in San Remo and dinner in Cowes.
Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade at sunset
Enjoy a 6.8 km guided Cape Woolamai coastal hike
Explore the dramatic Pinnacles rock formations
Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve
Discover the spectacular Nobbies coastline and blowhole
See Seal Rocks, home to a large colony of Australian fur seals
Opportunities to spot wallabies, echidnas, shearwaters and other native wildlife
Enjoy local food stops in San Remo and Cowes
Small-group experience with a maximum of 10 guests
Friendly, knowledgeable local hiking guide
Comfortable small-group transport from Melbourne
Penguin Parade General Viewing admission
Koala Conservation Reserve admission
Guided 6.8 km Cape Woolamai and Pinnacles hike
Visit to the Nobbies coastal boardwalk
Wildlife spotting opportunities
Delicious snacks
Rain ponchos when needed
First-aid equipment
An unforgettable day exploring Phillip Island!
Lunch and dinner
Coffee, drinks and personal purchases
Hotel pickup
Optional Penguin Parade viewing upgrades
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – Grade 2
Main hike distance: Approximately 6.8 km
Our Cape Woolamai circuit follows beautiful coastal trails through heathland, grassy areas and rocky coastal landscapes.
The walk features some gentle hills, occasional steps and uneven surfaces, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the views.
No previous bushwalking experience is required, but you should be comfortable walking approximately 6.8 km.
There is also some additional easy walking at the Koala Conservation Reserve, the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade.
This is an active day outdoors, so comfortable walking shoes and a reasonable level of mobility are recommended.
Our itinerary may be adjusted according to weather, track conditions, attraction access and other safety considerations.
WHAT TO BRINGComfortable walking shoes, trainers or hiking boots
Reusable water bottle (at least 1 litre)
Warm layers and a waterproof jacket
Extra warm clothing for the evening Penguin Parade
Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
Small day backpack
Card or cash for meals and drinks (allow approximately A$25–$40 for dinner)
Camera or phone for coastal scenery and wildlife photography outside restricted areas
Important: Phillip Island can become very cold and windy after sunset, even during summer. We strongly recommend bringing a warm jacket.
PICKUP & RETURNMeeting point: 180 St Kilda Road, Southbank, Melbourne — near the big thumb sculpture outside the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Winter departure: Approximately 9:30am
Winter return: Approximately 9:30pm
Summer departure: Approximately 11:30am
Summer return: Approximately 11:30pm
Tour duration: Approximately 12 hours.
Departure and return times vary seasonally because the Penguin Parade takes place around sunset.
Please check the exact departure time shown on your booking confirmation. Return times are approximate and depend on traffic, conditions and penguin arrival times.
IMPORTANT INFORMATIONPenguin Parade photography: Photography and video recording are not permitted during the Penguin Parade. This protects the Little Penguins from disturbance. You are welcome to take photos at other stops throughout the day where permitted.
Wildlife: We visit some excellent wildlife habitats, but sightings of wild animals cannot be guaranteed.
Food: Meals and drinks are purchased separately. We stop at a local bakery in San Remo and later in Cowes for dinner.
Seasonal timing: Our schedule changes throughout the year to align with sunset and the natural arrival of the Little Penguins.
READY FOR A WILD ISLAND ADVENTURE?Whether you're travelling solo, exploring with friends or looking for an unforgettable Australian wildlife experience, our Phillip Island adventure is the perfect combination of coastal hiking, breathtaking scenery and iconic native animals.
Join a small group of fellow adventurers and discover why Phillip Island is so much more than just the Penguin Parade.
Small groups. Wild coastlines. Penguins at sunset.
See you on the trails!
Hike & Seek
