Explore Australia · Central Melbourne
Explore Australia gives Moonlit Sanctuary a full two hours, with wallaby food included, before a stop at The Nobbies and the parade at dusk. Pick it if the wildlife park matters as much as the penguins, and you want pickup close to your hotel.
Explore Australia is an eco-accredited Melbourne operator, and this is its classic penguin day. Pickup is at one of four central spots: Mercure Melbourne Southbank, the Regent Theatre on Collins Street, Her Majesty's Theatre on Exhibition Street or the Mail Exchange Hotel on Bourke Street. The voucher time can differ from the real pickup time, so read the email.
The first stop is the longest here: two hours at Moonlit Sanctuary, a conservation park in Pearcedale with koalas, kangaroos and endangered species like quolls and bettongs. A wallaby feed is included, which other tours sell as an extra. After that it's an hour and a half to Phillip Island, a 20-minute photo stop at The Nobbies, Cape Woolamai in summer if there's time, and the parade with a General Viewing seat.
The trade-off is The Nobbies. It's a photo stop, not a walk, so if you want time on those boardwalks, Autopia's tour gives you an hour. The day runs about 12 hours, with drop-off between 9 pm and midnight. Wheelchair users can't join, strollers and big bags aren't allowed, and food is extra all day.
From the Mercure Southbank, Regent Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre or Mail Exchange Hotel, at the time in your email.
South-east to the edge of the Mornington Peninsula.
Koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and rare natives, with a bag of wallaby food included.
Over the bridge, with a stop for coffee in Cowes if time allows.
A photo stop above the cliffs and Seal Rocks.
General Viewing at sunset, then about two hours back to the same four drop-off points.
★★★★★Whilst the penguins are absolutely a highlight, they are not the be all and end all to this day.
★★★★★Trip was well paced with more than enough time to embrace the sanctuary and penguin parade.
★★★★★The penguins waddling out of the sea was just magical
★★★★★The trip was an incredible experience. Our guide, Sue, was fantastic.
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Two hours, the longest of the tours we list, and a wallaby feed is included.
Mercure Melbourne Southbank (9 Riverside Quay), the Regent Theatre (191 Collins Street), Her Majesty's Theatre (219 Exhibition Street) and the Mail Exchange Hotel (688 Bourke Street). Drop-off is at the same four.
General Viewing on the main stands. No upgrade is offered on this listing.
Yes, for most: the animals at Moonlit Sanctuary keep kids busy. The catch is the late finish, up to midnight in summer, and strollers aren't allowed. See our what-to-bring guide.
Ready to book
Two hours at Moonlit Sanctuary with a wallaby feed, then The Nobbies and the Penguin Parade.
Penguin Parade Eco Tour from MelbourneHotel pickup, Moonlit Sanctuary and The Nobbies before the parade, in a group of 24 at most. Back 9 pm to midnight.★ 4.8 · 12 hours · from $112
Puffing Billy Train & Penguin ParadeAn hour on the Puffing Billy steam train in the Dandenongs, then The Nobbies and the parade. Four central pickups.★ 4.8 · 12 hours · from $144
Small-Group Penguin & Wildlife TourA Mercedes van for 11 at most, pickup from your CBD address, Moonlit Sanctuary, and General or Penguins Plus.★ 4.9 · 10 hours · from $153