Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary Premium Day Tour Small group

Melbourne , Australia

Phillip Island and Moonlit Sanctuary Premium Day Tour Small group

Active

8h - 12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

What sets the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour apart is the intimate and personalized experience of a small-group journey. Forget the crowds and rigid schedules of large Coaches. We prioritize your comfort and preferences, allowing for:

Flexible Itinerary: Enjoy a relaxed pace with extra time at the stops you love most, including Brighton Beach Boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai, Cowes, and The Nobbies.

Direct Pick-up: Convenient door-to-door service from your Melbourne accommodation.

Exclusive Moments: Travel in a smaller vehicle for a more personal connection with your guide, fewer crowds, and better photo opportunities.

Stress-Free Experience: Moonlit Sanctuary and Penguin Parade tickets are included, so you can simply relax and enjoy the day without worrying about extra costs or pre-booking.

Book with us for a truly memorable and personal encounter with Australia’s wildlife, beaches, and the unforgettable Penguin Parade at sunset.

Available options

Phillip Island & Moonlit Sanctuary Premium Day Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private Tour for 1-3 guests - one price covers the whole group

WiFi on board

Bottled water

Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket

All Tolls and Parking Fees

Pickup and drop-off from your designated accommodation (Start and end at the same location)

Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation

USB-C charging ports available in vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

These colorful bathing boxes were originally built in the early 1900s as changing sheds. Today, they’re privately owned and can cost over $300,000 each — despite having no electricity or running water! They’ve become one of Melbourne’s most photographed landmarks. Take your time to enjoy the views of Port Phillip Bay and snap some photos of the vibrant boxes with the city skyline in the background.

Stop 2

Here at Moonlit Sanctuary, you can handfeed kangaroos and wallabies, see koalas up close, and learn about wombats, dingoes, and colorful bird species. The park is dedicated to wildlife conservation, so you’ll also hear about their efforts to protect endangered species. This is the perfect opportunity to experience Australian animals in a natural bushland setting. After our wildlife experience, we’ll stop for lunch at the café here, they serve a variety of Australian style meals and drinks, so it’s a convenient spot before we continue towards Phillip Island.

Stop 3

Cape Woolamai is Phillip Island’s most famous surf beach. With golden sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs, it’s one of the best coastal viewpoints on the island.

Cowes is Phillip Island’s main town and a popular holiday spot for Victorians. The main street is lined with cafés, boutique shops, and restaurants. Just nearby, the beach foreshore is perfect for a relaxing walk and taking in the island’s laid-back atmosphere. This is also a good chance for a quick coffee or ice cream before we continue.

Stop 5

The Nobbies boardwalk offers sweeping views of Bass Strait. Offshore at Seal Rocks, you’ll find Australia’s largest fur seal colony. On some days, you may spot them basking on the rocks or swimming in the surf

Stop 6

Every evening at sunset, hundreds of little penguins return from the ocean after a day of fishing. They’re the smallest penguins in the world, only about 33 cm tall. It’s one of Australia’s most magical wildlife encounters. Please remember: no photography or video is allowed, as it can harm the penguins’ sensitive eyes.

What's not included

Feel free to bring your own packed lunch, or explore the plenty of options in cafes and restaurants

Available languages

Guide guide

TE HI EN

Important information

Service animals allowed

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Tickets for both attractions will be with the guide and will be provided to travelers by the guide on the day of the tour. The Viator booking confirmation or “My Attractions” ticket cannot be used for entry to the individual attractions.

About Melbourne

Melbourne, the vibrant capital of Victoria, is renowned for its dynamic arts scene, world-class dining, and sporting culture. With a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, lush parks, and a thriving coffee culture, Melbourne offers a rich and diverse travel experience.

Top Attractions

Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne's cultural heart, hosting major events, exhibitions, and cultural institutions like the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

Cultural 1-3 hours Free (some attractions may have entry fees)

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 94-acre oasis in the heart of Melbourne, featuring a diverse range of plants, lakes, and walking trails.

Nature 1-3 hours Free

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The MCG is Australia's most iconic sports venue, hosting major events like the Australian Open, AFL, and cricket matches.

Sports 1-3 hours (longer for events) Free to enter (tours and events have fees)

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world's most scenic drives, featuring breathtaking coastal views, the Twelve Apostles, and the lush Otway Ranges.

Scenic Drive Full day or overnight trip Free to drive (attractions may have entry fees)

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is Melbourne's largest and most iconic market, offering a vast array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs.

Market 1-3 hours Free to enter (food and shopping at your expense)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The NGV is Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, featuring an extensive collection of international and Australian art.

Art 1-3 hours Free (some exhibitions may have entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast dish featuring toasted sourdough bread topped with mashed avocado, often accompanied by poached eggs, feta, or smoked salmon.

Breakfast Vegetarian (can be made vegan without eggs or feta)

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often served medium-rare with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a rich red wine jus.

Dinner Contains meat

Pavlova

A meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, often enjoyed during the summer months.

Dessert Contains dairy and egg whites (can be made gluten-free)

Flat White

A popular Australian coffee drink, similar to a latte but with a higher coffee-to-milk ratio and a velvety microfoam texture.

Drink Contains dairy (can be made with plant-based milk alternatives)

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges Hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley Kayaking on the Yarra River Spa and wellness retreats Picnics in the Royal Botanic Gardens Beachcombing at St Kilda Beach Visiting museums and galleries Attending live performances and events

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and vibrant nightlife. However, it can be crowded and more expensive.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Vietnamese, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Time Zone

AEST (UTC+10) during standard time, AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight saving time (October to April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Melbourne is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Didi, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Book tours and tickets through official channels or reputable tour operators

Getting there

By air

Melbourne Airport • 23 km from city center

By train

Southern Cross Station

By bus

Southern Cross Coach Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trams are a convenient and iconic way to get around Melbourne. The free tram zone in the city center is a great way to explore.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Fitzroy St Kilda Carlton Southbank Brunswick

Day trips

Yarra Valley

60 km from Melbourne • Full day

The Yarra Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, and stunning natural landscapes.

Mornington Peninsula

80 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

The Mornington Peninsula offers beautiful beaches, coastal walks, hot springs, and a range of outdoor activities.

Phillip Island

140 km from Melbourne • Full day or overnight

Phillip Island is a scenic island known for its wildlife, particularly the famous Penguin Parade, as well as beautiful beaches and coastal walks.

Festivals

Australian Open • Mid-January Melbourne International Comedy Festival • March to April Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) • August

Pro tips

Use the free tram zone in the city center to explore Melbourne's attractions and neighborhoods
Get a myki card for easy and discounted travel on trams, trains, and buses
Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs
Explore Melbourne's laneways and street art for a unique and authentic experience
Try Melbourne's famous coffee culture at one of the city's many specialty coffee shops and cafes