About this tour
A 14-hour full-day tour combining Melbourne's landmark architecture and gardens with an evening trip to Phillip Island's Penguin Parade. You'll visit the MCG, Hosier Lane, Fitzroy Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance, then drive to the coast for a boardwalk walk at The Nobbies before watching little penguins return to shore at dusk. Entry fees, transport and a guide are included; food is not.
Highlights
- MCG forecourt, Hosier Lane, Fitzroy Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance photo stops
- Scenic coastal boardwalk walk at The Nobbies before the parade
- World-famous Penguin Parade at sunset on Phillip Island
- All internal transfers and entry fees included in price
- Air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board
- Runs 12–14 hours depending on season and daylight hours
- Suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats available
What to expect
The tour starts in Melbourne where your guide takes you to four key photo locations across the city: the MCG forecourt, street art in Hosier Lane, the landscaped Fitzroy Gardens, and the hilltop Shrine of Remembrance. You'll spend the morning and early afternoon on these stops with time to photograph and absorb each spot.
After lunch (which you arrange separately), you'll drive to Phillip Island on the coast. On arrival, you walk along The Nobbies' boardwalks to take in views and ocean air. As dusk approaches, you move to the penguin parade viewing area and watch little penguins emerge from the water and waddle ashore to their burrows—the natural finale of the day. The return drive to Melbourne takes place afterwards.
What travellers say
- Two major attractions—city landmarks and wildlife—in a single efficient day
- Entry fees and all transport between stops included, no hidden costs
- Penguin Parade timing syncs with natural behaviour at dusk
- Experienced guide handles commentary and logistics
- Accessible for a wide range of fitness levels and ages
- Photography banned at Penguin Parade limits personal wildlife shots
- 14-hour duration tiring for families with young children
- Food and drink not provided; meal planning adds cost
- Large bags prohibited on coach; storage options not mentioned
- Crowds at parade viewing area likely during peak season
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone wanting to tick off Melbourne's highlights and see Phillip Island's penguin spectacle in one trip, especially first-time visitors and families. The long day works well for fit travellers; however, the pace involves substantial coach time and multiple stops on foot, so people with mobility limits should check the walking portions in advance. Photography is strictly forbidden at the Penguin Parade itself, so plan accordingly. Large bags, strollers, prams and luggage can't be brought on the coach. Bring your own food or budget for lunch and snacks separately—neither is provided. Peak penguin season (warmer months) may draw crowds at the parade viewing area. Winter visits are shorter (daylight ends earlier) and can be cooler on the boardwalks.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.