If you’re heading to Victoria and want a carefully curated taste of Phillip Island, this Luxury Phillip Island Tour for Families & Explorers promises a memorable day with a focus on wildlife, stunning scenery, and the iconic Penguin Parade. Designed for small groups—capped at just 10 participants—you’ll enjoy personalized attention, comfortable transport, and a thoughtfully planned itinerary that balances nature, scenery, and wildlife.
What we love about this tour is its combination of authentic encounters with native animals—especially the chance to hand-feed kangaroos and meet koalas—and the opportunity to choose between a chocolate factory experience or a scenic coastal walk. Plus, the stunning views at Nobbies, the coastal exploration, and the Penguin Parade at sunset make this a standout option.
A potential consideration is the full-day duration of around 11 hours, which could be tiring for very young children or those with limited mobility. Still, it’s a fantastic blend of relaxation and adventure, perfect for families wanting a safe yet immersive experience or explorers eager for a well-rounded day trip.
This tour suits those who value small-group intimacy, professional guides, and a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and unique local experiences. Whether you’re traveling with kids or seeking a memorable way to connect with Phillip Island’s nature, this tour hits many high notes.
Key Points

- Personalized small-group experience with limited participants for a more intimate day.
- Authentic wildlife encounters, including kangaroo hand-feeding and koala visits.
- Flexible options: choose between a sweet chocolate factory tour or a scenic coastal walk.
- Dramatic coastal views at Nobbies and other scenic stops.
- World-famous Penguin Parade at sunset, with upgraded viewing options.
- Comfortable transport in a luxury vehicle, making long travel stretches more enjoyable.
An In-Depth Look at the Phillip Island Experience

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Melbourne
Starting with a Luxurious Pickup and a Welcoming Small Group
The tour kicks off with a luxury hotel pickup in Melbourne, delivering a hassle-free start. The small-group format—limited to just 10 people—means you won’t be lost in a crowd. Instead, you’re likely to enjoy a more relaxed and personalized experience, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions or get tailored suggestions from your guide.
The ride out to Phillip Island takes about an hour, giving you time to settle in and get to know your fellow travelers. The vehicle is described as comfortable and stylish, setting a tone of quality that persists through the day.
Moonlit Animal Park: Close Encounters with Australian Wildlife
First stop is the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park — an award-winning spot where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and get close to koalas. This part of the tour is particularly loved by families, as it offers authentic, up-close wildlife experiences. Reviewers highlight how knowledgeable guides make the visit enjoyable and informative, with comments like “Kenny was very accommodating, gave us plenty of information, and made the experience memorable.”
The native bushland setting provides an authentic backdrop for wildlife viewing, and the relaxed atmosphere allows plenty of time to interact with the animals. This stop is a highlight for those wanting genuine animal encounters without the crowds of larger attractions.
Tailoring Your Experience: Chocolate Factory or Coastal Walk
After the wildlife encounter, the tour offers a choice—indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to a boutique chocolate factory, where interactive displays and tastings await. This adds a fun, sensory dimension to the day, especially for those with a sweet tooth or kids eager to learn about artisan chocolate-making.
Alternatively, nature lovers might opt for a scenic walk at Cape Woolamai, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views. This option is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of exercise while taking in the rugged beauty of the coastline. The guide can tailor the experience based on your interests, enhancing the value of your day.
More Great Tours NearbyCoastal Scenic Highlights: Nobbies and Seal Rocks
Next, you’ll venture along some of Phillip Island’s most iconic coastal spots, like The Nobbies—a spectacular headland with windswept boardwalks overlooking volcanic coastline. Here, you’ll breathe in ocean air and marvel at views stretching toward Seal Rocks. It’s a prime spot for photos and appreciating the island’s rugged, natural beauty.
The Nobbies are appreciated for their raw landscape and the chance to spot seabirds and seals. Reviewers often mention how breathtaking the views are, and how the guides’ knowledge enriches the experience.
- Melbourne: History and Donuts Walking Tour
- Melbourne: Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise
- Melbourne: Private Bites & Sights Tour W/ Observation Deck
- Melbourne: 1-Hour Gardens and Sporting Precinct River Cruise
- Melbourne: Street-Style Photoshoot at Hosier Lane
- Small Group Philip Island Express Penguin & Wallaby Spoting
The Ultimate Penguin Experience: Sunset at the Penguin Parade
No trip to Phillip Island feels complete without witnessing the Penguin Parade—the highlight of many travelers’ visits. As the sun sets, hundreds of little penguins emerge from the surf and waddle home across the beach to their burrows. It’s a sight that can melt even the most cynical visitor’s heart.
To enhance the experience, you can upgrade to the Penguin Plus platform, which offers closer, more intimate viewing—something highly recommended by many reviewers who praise the better vantage point and the chance to see the penguins up close.
The tour’s timing and structure ensure you have ample time at the parade, usually around 2 hours at the visitor center, making sure you don’t feel rushed. Keep in mind that the Penguin Parade can attract large crowds, but the small-group approach ensures you aren’t part of a mass.
Returning Comfortably to Melbourne
After the penguins’ homeward journey, the vehicle takes you back to Melbourne, completing an 11-hour day that balances activity, relaxation, and awe. The ride back is an opportunity to reflect on the day’s highlights and share stories with your fellow travelers.
Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

Value for money is evident when you consider all the included stops and experiences—wildlife encounters, scenic scenery, and the world-famous penguins—all in one day. The small-group setting adds to the feeling of exclusivity and comfort, while the professional guides ensure you get the most out of each stop.
Reviews consistently praise the guides for their knowledge and friendliness. Arash from Australia calls the guide “very professional,” while others mention the “awesome recommendations for dinner,” indicating the guides go beyond just driving and explaining—they enhance the entire experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This trip is ideal for families wanting safe, engaging wildlife encounters, as well as explorers who appreciate scenic beauty and local wildlife. The option to choose between a chocolate factory or beach visit makes it flexible, catering to different interests. It’s a great option for those who want a comprehensive day trip in comfort, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained.
Practical Tips
- Dress for all weather conditions—layers, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
- The tour operates in all weather, so be prepared for wind or rain, especially at Nobbies and the coastal walks.
- Book early for the Penguin Plus upgrade, as spots are limited.
- The full-day nature of the tour means you should be ready for a long, but rewarding, day.
Final Thoughts

This Luxury Phillip Island Tour provides a balanced blend of wildlife, scenic coastal views, and iconic wildlife experiences like the Penguin Parade. The small-group format and professional guides enhance the trip’s intimacy and educational value, making it more than just a sightseeing outing.
Whether you’re traveling as a family, a couple, or a solo explorer, you’ll find the mix of encounters, scenery, and comfort makes for a worthwhile day out. The tour’s flexibility, quality transportation, and knowledgeable guides ensure you’re well cared for from start to finish.
While it is a full day, the diversity of experiences and the chance to see Phillip Island’s highlights in one go make it a strong choice for anyone wanting a well-rounded, authentic taste of this unique Australian destination.
FAQs

- What is included in this tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup in Melbourne, transportation in a luxury vehicle, wildlife encounters at Moonlit Sanctuary, a choice between a chocolate factory or coastal walk, scenic stops at Nobbies, and the Penguin Parade.
- How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 11 hours, from pickup to return.
- Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s suitable for families and explorers, especially those interested in wildlife and scenic scenery. Just note that the Penguin Parade is popular and can be crowded.
- What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a camera for capturing the scenery and wildlife.
- Can I upgrade my Penguin Parade viewing?
Yes, there’s an option to upgrade to the Penguin Plus platform for closer viewing, which is highly recommended.
- What if I have animal allergies?
The tour involves encounters with wildlife, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to animals.
- Is the tour operated in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs regardless of weather, so dress accordingly. The coastal and outdoor parts are weather-dependent, but the experience remains valuable.
- How many people are in a group?
The group is limited to 10 participants, making for a more personal experience.
- What time does the tour typically start?
Availability varies, so check current scheduling. The itinerary is flexible to accommodate the Penguin Parade sunset.
- How do I book?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour date.
In summary, this luxury small-group tour offers a thoughtfully curated day of wildlife, scenic beauty, and iconic Australian experiences. Perfect for those seeking comfort, authenticity, and a touch of adventure in Victoria’s wildlife haven.
You can check availability for your dates here:More VIP Experiences in Melbourne
- VIP Sanctuary Tour at Healesville Sanctuary – excl. entry
- Mornington Peninsula Luxury Day Escape
- Melbourne: Kick on Club VIP Nighclub tour St Kilda
- McLaren 720S Luxury Car Rental Experience in Melbourne
- Melbourne to 12 Apostles VIP Helicopter Tour (1 hour Flight)
- Private and Customised Great Ocean Road and Luxury Tour
More Tours in Melbourne
- Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Iconic Coastal Views Day Tour
- Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Private Day Tour
- Melbourne Yarra Valley Wineries Explore Private Tour
- Healesville Sanctuary and Rayners Orchard Tour from Melbourne
- Melbourne Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
- VIP Sanctuary Tour at Healesville Sanctuary – excl. entry
More Tour Reviews in Melbourne
- Melbourne: Great Ocean Road & Iconic Coastal Views Day Tour
- Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles Private Day Tour
- Melbourne Yarra Valley Wineries Explore Private Tour
- Hippo Experience at Werribee Open Range Zoo – excl. entry
- Healesville Sanctuary and Rayners Orchard Tour from Melbourne
- Melbourne Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Melbourne we have reviewed
- Sovereign Hill & 12 Apostle Private Tour Up to 14 pax
- 12 Apostles Great Ocean Road Tour From Melbourne
- Mornington Peninsula Luxury Day Escape
- Chauffeured Cheese and Wine Tour with 3 Course Lunch – For 2
- Full Day Tour of Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles from Melbourne
- 2 Days Melbourne-Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island Private Tour
- Melbourne Shore Excursion, Wine Region, Wildlife, Shared Tour
- Melbourne: Street Art Walking Tour with a Street Artist
- Mornington Peninsula Private Car Winery Tour.1-7 People One Car Price.
- 1 day Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne
- Melbourne’s True Crime Tour
- Melbourne Airport Private Transfer to City by premium vehicle
