From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Plus – Grandstand

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Plus – Grandstand

Imagine spending a day exploring Australia’s rugged coastlines, spotting seals at the Nobbies, and ending with a close-up view of adorable penguins waddling ashore at sunset. This full-day tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island offers a well-rounded mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and comfort. For $131 per person, you get about 9.5 hours of a thoughtfully curated experience, including reserved Penguin Plus grandstand tickets—a real plus for those wanting a more intimate penguin viewing.

What we particularly like about this trip is the combination of scenic stops and the exclusive Penguin Plus viewing platform, which limits the number of viewers and enhances the experience. Plus, traveling in a luxury coach equipped with Wi-Fi, USB ports, and a toilet makes what could be a long day feel smooth and comfortable. On the flip side, the timing can be a bit tricky—the parade depends on sunset, so your schedule varies with the seasons. Still, this tour is best suited for travelers eager to see genuine wildlife, appreciate stunning coast views, and enjoy a hassle-free day out.

This tour is ideal for those who prefer guided experiences with insightful commentary, as well as travelers who value a premium vantage point for the penguin parade. If you’re after a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic wildlife encounters, this is a good pick.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Premium Viewing: The Penguin Plus grandstand offers a close-up view with limited guests, enhancing the experience.
• Comfortable Transport: The luxury coach features Wi-Fi, USB ports, and restrooms—making the journey as pleasant as the sights.
• Scenic Stops: Visit Seal Rocks, the Nobbies Centre, and during certain seasons, Cowes or a local chocolate factory—adding variety to your day.
• Wildlife and Views: Expect breathtaking coastal vistas and close encounters with seals, seabirds, and the adorable penguins.
• Seasonal Timing: The parade’s timing depends on sunset, which varies through the year, influencing your schedule.
• Authentic Experience: With a capped number of penguin visitors and knowledgeable guides, this trip emphasizes quality over quantity.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Departing Melbourne for Phillip Island

Starting from Southern Cross Station, the journey heads down the Bass Coast Highway, offering glimpses of Western Port and French Island. The drive is approximately 2 hours, but with the coach’s Wi-Fi, USB charging points, and a bathroom on board, you can settle in comfortably. We find that these amenities turn what might be a mundane bus ride into a relaxing part of your day.

First Stops: Seal Rocks and the Nobbies Centre

Your first stop is at Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Watching these playful creatures basking on the rocks is mesmerizing, and it’s a great warm-up for the main event. Then, at the Nobbies Centre, a walk along the boardwalk reveals stunning views of stormy seas, rugged coastlines, and the French Island in the distance.

The Nobbies are especially worth visiting in winter, although the sea crashing against the rocks provides a dramatic soundtrack year-round. However, during the winter solstice, this stop might be omitted due to daylight restrictions, so plan accordingly.

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Exploring Cowes and the Chocolate Factory

From September to late March, the tour often includes free time in Cowes, the main township on Phillip Island. Here, you can wander local shops, grab a coffee, or visit the Chocolate Factory—a sweet treat for families or anyone with a sweet tooth. The relaxed pace allows for some quick shopping or a leisurely stroll along the beach, making the day feel less rushed.

The Pinnacle: Penguins Plus Grandstand

The highlight, of course, is the Penguin Parade. You’ll arrive at the Penguins Plus grandstand, a joint venture between Phillip Island Nature Parks and RACV. Compared to general viewing areas, this platform offers up-close views of the little penguins waddling ashore—a truly enchanting sight, especially after sunset. The capped nightly number of guests ensures a more intimate experience, avoiding the crush you might find elsewhere.

The Penguins Plus platform also benefits from expert guidance, giving you insight into penguin behavior and ecology. As one reviewer noted, the guide’s knowledge made the experience even more special, providing interesting facts that brought the little creatures’ world to life.

Sunset and the Penguin Parade

Timing is everything here. The parade occurs around sunset, which varies seasonally—earlier in autumn and winter, later in summer. We loved the soothing sounds of waves crashing as the tiny penguins made their way ashore, a moment of pure natural wonder. Keep in mind, photography is not permitted after sunset, to protect the penguins’ natural behaviors.

Return Journey and Drop-offs

After the parade, you’ll return directly to Melbourne via the Monash Freeway with an evening arrival. The tour offers limited drop-off points, including Southern Cross Station, Flinders Street Station, and nearby CBD hotels, making it convenient for those staying in the city.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

One traveler described the experience as “stunning” and mentioned that the guide’s enthusiasm made it even better. They appreciated the quiet, more personal viewing platform, which made the tiny penguins seem almost tame.

However, another reviewer expressed frustration, recounting that “the penguins were exciting to see but the experience was a bit disappointing” because of ticketing issues—the bus driver handed out general tickets instead of Penguin Plus tickets. It shows that even with the best intentions, logistics can sometimes cause stress, so it’s wise to double-check your tickets before arriving.

On the positive side, many praise the knowledgeable guides who go the extra mile, offering interesting facts about the island’s wildlife and environment. The scenic stops are also well-liked, with visitors enjoying the stunning coastal views and the chance to see seals and seabirds up close.

Analyzing the Value

The price of $131 per person includes transportation, Wi-Fi, the exclusive Penguin Plus viewing, and commentary, making it a solid value for a full-day wildlife adventure. Compared to other tours, the small group size and up-close penguin viewing are real highlights. You’re paying for quality experience, expert guides, and the chance to see Australia’s iconic penguins in their natural environment—something many travelers say is worth the expense.

It’s worth noting that evening meals are not included, so you might want to budget for food either before or after the tour. The timing also means a late night, so be prepared for a full day that ends around 11 PM during summer.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy guided tours with insightful commentary. It’s ideal for adventurous families (over 12), couples, or solo travelers looking for a comprehensive day out with comfortable transport and an authentic penguin experience. If you prefer a more intimate viewing and want to avoid large crowds, the Penguin Plus platform is a significant advantage.

However, travelers who are sensitive to seasonal timing or late nights might want to plan accordingly. Those with mobility concerns should check accessibility, as the tour is wheelchair accessible but involves outdoor walking.

Final Thoughts

This Phillip Island tour from Melbourne offers an engaging mix of coastal scenery, wildlife encounters, and exclusive penguin viewing. The comfort of the coach, combined with expert guides and scenic stops, creates a memorable day without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

You’ll love the chance to see the tiny penguins up close, especially if you appreciate the sounds and sights of genuine wildlife. The scenic coastal stops and informative commentary add depth to what might otherwise be a simple wildlife encounter, making it suitable for those wanting both relaxation and discovery.

While the ticketing process and timing variability may pose minor challenges, the overall experience provides excellent value for travelers eager to connect with Australia’s unique nature. It’s especially well-suited for those who want a guided, comfortable day trip with guaranteed access to the penguins’ most charming moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes transportation by a luxury coach with Wi-Fi, USB charging, and toilet facilities, making the journey comfortable.

Where does the tour depart from?
The departure point is Bay 58 at Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station, off Spencer Street, opposite Little Burke Street.

How long is the tour?
The full-day experience lasts around 9.5 hours, with the bulk of the time spent traveling, sightseeing, and waiting for the penguin parade.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transport, Wi-Fi, restroom access, Penguins Plus grandstand tickets, commentary, and bottled water.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to eat in Cowes or other stops.

Can children under 12 participate?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 12.

What if I want to see the general viewing area?
This tour specifically offers access to the Penguins Plus grandstand, which is more limited but provides closer views. General admission tickets are not included.

Is photography allowed?
Photography is not permitted after sunset to protect the penguins’ natural behaviors, but you’ll be encouraged to enjoy the experience with your memories.

In Summary

This tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island offers a well-balanced mix of scenic coastal stops, wildlife viewing, and close-up penguin encounters. It’s perfect for those who value comfort, expert guidance, and the chance to see Australia’s iconic penguins in their natural habitat with minimal hassle. While it requires late-night timing and careful ticketing, the experience of witnessing the penguins’ evening parade is truly special and often described as breathtaking.

If you’re after a comprehensive, guided day trip that combines scenery and wildlife, and you appreciate a more intimate penguin viewing experience, this tour is well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: