About this tour
Catch Victoria's little penguins returning home at dusk on this 8–10 hour return trip from Melbourne. Start at the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, where clifftop walks reveal Australia's largest fur seal colony and sweeping views of Phillip Island's rugged coastline. As darkness falls, head to the Penguin Parade to watch hundreds of these birds shuffle from ocean to burrow—a nightly ritual that's both comical and deeply natural. Air-conditioned coach, guide commentary, and entry fees included.
Highlights
- Clifftop boardwalk at the Nobbies with panoramic southern coast views
- Fur seal colony at Seal Rocks, largest in Australia
- Hundreds of little penguins waddling ashore at dusk
- Spring wildflower displays near natural seabird gardens
- Return journey reaches Melbourne late evening
What to expect
You'll spend the afternoon exploring the Nobbies' elevated walkways, scanning the water and rocks below for seals hauled out and swimming. The clifftop vistas stretch across rough ocean and distant headlands; bring a windproof layer. Later, you'll move to the Penguin Parade grounds as light fades. Hundreds of little penguins emerge from the water in waves, waddling across sand toward their underground burrows—some moving fast, others dawdling. The whole scene unfolds over roughly an hour. It's genuinely wild, not a staged show. The coach departs Melbourne early afternoon and arrives back between 9 pm and midnight depending on season.
Good to know
No cameras or video recording permitted at the Penguin Parade. Leave large bags, prams, and walkers behind—space on the coach is limited. Bring a warm jacket for the evening. Food and drinks aren't provided; pack snacks or eat before departure. Service animals welcome.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.