About this tour
A 13-hour loop from Melbourne that pairs coastal exploration with Australia's most celebrated penguin spectacle. Start in San Remo spotting pelicans, then choose between a two-hour seal-watching cruise around Phillip Island's rocky outcrops or the Wildlife Park. Spend the afternoon in Cowes browsing independent shops and cafés, with the option to visit the Koala Conservation Reserve. As light fades, walk the clifftop trails at the Nobbies before settling in for the Penguin Parade—thousands of Little Penguins returning to shore as darkness falls.
Highlights
- Seal colony cruise with hundreds of fur seals visible
- Clifftop boardwalks at the Nobbies during golden hour
- Little Penguins waddling ashore at dusk
- Pelican watching in San Remo township
- Free time in Cowes for shops and waterfront bars
- Optional Koala Conservation Reserve visit
- Small-group format with local guide throughout
What to expect
You'll start early from Melbourne and drive to San Remo, where the first wildlife encounter happens naturally—look for pelicans working the shallows. The seal cruise (if selected) takes you into the waters around Phillip Island; expect close-up views of fur seals hauling out on rocks and lounging in groups. If you skip the cruise, the Wildlife Park offers a land-based alternative. The afternoon break in Cowes gives real breathing room to eat, shop locally, or venture inland to see koalas. As sunset approaches, the clifftop walk at the Nobbies reveals the island's wilder southern face—windswept, dramatic, alive with native birds. Finally, you'll join the crowds at the Penguin Parade reserve, where the spectacle unfolds naturally: birds emerging from the ocean, shaking off, and waddling inland to their burrows as light drains from the sky.
Good to know
Bring layers—coastal wind at the Nobbies can be sharp, especially at dusk. The penguin viewing has premium and standard seating; your ticket specifies which. The cruise is optional; choosing to skip it gives you more time in Cowes or at the Wildlife Park. Prams work fine on most paths. Infants sit on laps during transport.
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.