Bunyip Tours · Selected Melbourne city hotels
This 12-hour small-group day heads south-east from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary, the boardwalks at The Nobbies and the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, where little penguins come ashore at sunset. It does not go to the Twelve Apostles, and it is the perfect second day out if you have already booked the Great Ocean Road.
The Twelve Apostles lie west of Melbourne. Phillip Island lies about 140 km south-east, and its draw is wildlife. This tour does not visit the Twelve Apostles. It is the day to pair with the reverse Great Ocean Road tour or any other Apostles day, so you see both of Melbourne's famous coastlines.
Pickup is at selected city hotels between 10am and noon, depending on the season. First stop is Moonlit Sanctuary, a bushland wildlife park where you meet kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, with time to buy lunch (kangaroo food is sold there too). In summer the tour adds Cape Woolamai and its cliffs. Then come the boardwalks at The Nobbies, looking across Bass Strait to Seal Rocks. At sunset you take your seat at the Penguin Parade and watch the world's smallest penguins walk out of the surf to their burrows. Photography is not allowed at the parade, so watch with your eyes.
The listing names the operator as Bunyip Tours, a family-owned Melbourne company with more than 20 years of experience. Groups are capped at 24, the vehicle has upgraded seats and Wi-Fi, and audio commentary comes in 16 languages. Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary and a Penguin Parade standard viewing ticket are included. Guests rate it 4.8 from 1,324 reviews. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Pickup at a selected Melbourne city hotel. The time is seasonal, and your exact pickup arrives by email.
Meet native animals in bushland, buy lunch, and pick up kangaroo food if you want to feed them.
In the summer months, cliffs, beaches and ocean views at the island's eastern tip.
Walk the coastal boardwalks with views to Seal Rocks while the guide talks about the island's wildlife.
Watch little penguins come ashore and cross the beach to their burrows, then ride back to Melbourne in the evening.
★★★★★Our guide, Chris N, was fantastic. The time allowed for us to visit each location enabled us to enjoy the views in peace. The Penguin Parade is a must-do experience, and I definitely recommend doing it on this tour.
★★★★★We had wonderful time yesterday. Aleks the tour guide was amazing. She definitely has the great storyteller vibe and so friendly. The tour was child friendly and we were so happy with the child car seat arrangement. The itinerary is perfect. We were not rushing and had plenty of time to enjoy each stop / spot.
★★★★★Had a lovely time on the whole day Moonlit sanctuary/Philip island Penguin eco tour. Our guide Rhys was extremely knowledgeable, engaging and funny. The whole tour is well organised with enough breaks to get food/drinks/toilet. Really enjoyable whole day trip.
★★★★★Our guide, Cloe, was super friendly, cheerful, and made the whole day really enjoyable. This tour is perfect if you don't have a car, as everything is well organized and easy to follow. I really appreciated that the visit to the Moonlit sanctuary was included [...] Seeing iconic Australian animals up close was such a special experience and absolutely worth it.
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No. Phillip Island is south-east of Melbourne and the Twelve Apostles are west. For the Apostles, book the reverse Great Ocean Road tour or another day on our list.
Yes. The listing includes a Penguin Parade standard viewing ticket, plus entry to Moonlit Sanctuary and a visit to The Nobbies.
Between 10am and noon, depending on the season, at selected Melbourne city hotels. The operator emails your exact pickup time after booking.
Sometimes. The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority says little penguins come ashore at dusk near the Twelve Apostles and sometimes at London Bridge, but Phillip Island is the reliable nightly show.
Ready to book
Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies and the Penguin Parade at sunset, with hotel pickup and the parade ticket included.
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