Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour

5.0 (281 reviews) 14 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

281 reviews

5.0

Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Melbourne City Highlights & Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience two completely different sides of Melbourne in one seamless day. Start with the city’s laneways, landmarks, gardens and sporting culture, then leave the city behind for Phillip Island’s dramatic coastline and the unforgettable Penguin Parade.

Travel in a small group of no more than 24 guests with an expert local guide who brings both destinations to life through stories, local knowledge and wildlife insights. With more than 25 years of touring experience, Go West Tours has carefully combined the city and island highlights into one easy, engaging experience.

Comfortable upgraded seating, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi and multilingual audio commentary through the Go West Tours app help make the long day feel relaxed, informative and easy to enjoy.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Audio Guides Cultural Tours Excellent Quality Carnival

At a glance

Duration: 14 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 24 people
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: Hindi, German, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Malay, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese
Written guide: Hindi, German, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese, Malay, English, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese
Guide: English
Operated by: Go West Tours

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–15 years) · Adults (16–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entry fees for attractions & Phillip island Penguin Parade
Included: On-board WiFi: WiFi on board
Included: All internal transfers
Included: Friendly & Informative Tour Guide
Included: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Food & Drink
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Melbourne

2 hours

Join us for a morning Melbourne City Discovery Tour, followed by a trip to Phillip Island to experience the Penguin Parade!
Collins Street

Passing by

Travel through the elegant eastern end of Collins Street, often known as Melbourne’s “Paris End”, while your guide introduces you to the architecture, stories and character of the city.
Hosier Lane

15 min

Step into the heart of Melbourne’s famous street-art scene at Hosier Lane. Wander among colourful murals and ever-changing artworks while experiencing the creative energy that has made this laneway a Melbourne icon.
National Gallery of Victoria

Passing by

Travel through Melbourne’s Arts Precinct and pass the National Gallery of Victoria, one of the city’s best-known cultural institutions.
Shrine of Remembrance

30 min Admission included

Take in the impressive Gothic Revival architecture of St Patrick’s Cathedral, built from bluestone and sandstone. Enjoy time to appreciate one of Melbourne’s most striking historic landmarks.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

15 min Admission not included

Stop at the forecourt of the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground, one of Australia’s most famous sporting venues. Hear about Melbourne’s passion for sport and discover the story of Australian Rules Football from your local guide.
Parliament House of Victoria

Passing by

Appreciate the Parliament House, a landmark with remarkable architecture at the center of the city's political landscape.
St. Patrick's Cathedral

20 min

Take in the impressive Gothic Revival architecture of St Patrick’s Cathedral, built from bluestone and sandstone. Enjoy time to appreciate one of Melbourne’s most striking historic landmarks.
Fitzroy Gardens

20 min

Escape the city streets for a stroll through the peaceful Fitzroy Gardens. Explore the greenery, visit the conservatory and enjoy a glimpse into Melbourne’s history at Cooks’ Cottage.
Little Lon Distilling Co.

5 min

Stop for a photo at Little Lon Distilling Co., tucked away in one of Melbourne’s most historic neighbourhoods. Your guide will share a glimpse into the colourful past of the notorious Little Lon district of the 1850s.
Old Melbourne Gaol

10 min

Discover a darker chapter of Melbourne’s past at the historic Old Melbourne Gaol. Hear stories from your guide about the prison’s place in the city’s history, including its connection to infamous bushranger Ned Kelly.
Lygon Street

Passing by

Travel through Melbourne’s famous Little Italy, known for its long-standing café culture, restaurants and strong connection to the city’s Italian community.
Melbourne Museum

Passing by

Pass Melbourne Museum as you travel alongside the beautiful Carlton Gardens and through one of the city’s important cultural precincts.
Queen Victoria Market

Passing by

Pass the iconic Queen Victoria Market, a much-loved Melbourne institution known for its fresh produce, delicatessens, specialty stalls and lively market atmosphere.
Phillip Island

5 hours

Once we meet next to the Immigration Museum after lunch, we’ll begin our journey to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade!
Cape Woolamai Beach

30 min

Stop at the spectacular Cape Woolamai and take in rolling surf, rugged coastline and wide-open ocean views. It’s a beautiful introduction to the wilder side of Phillip Island.

We visit this spot only during the summer.
Cowes

one hour

Enjoy a relaxed dinner stop in the seaside town of Cowes. Take some time to choose from a variety of local dining options and soak up the island atmosphere before the evening’s main event.

We visit this dinner spot only during the summer.
The Nobbies

15 min

Take in dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views at one of Phillip Island’s most spectacular coastal locations. Explore the boardwalks, keep watch for native wildlife and look towards the famous Seal Rocks offshore.
Penguin Parade

2 hours Admission included

Finish the day with Phillip Island’s most unforgettable wildlife experience. Watch as the world’s smallest penguins emerge from the ocean at sunset and waddle across the beach towards their burrows — a magical natural spectacle and the perfect finale to your island adventure.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please wait at the corner of Flinders & Market Streets, next to the Immigration Museum. **Please do not wait at the front entry of the Museum**
- Pickup is at 9am if travelling during non-daylight savings, AEST.
- Pickup is at 10am if travelling during daylight savings, AEDT.

End point

Please wait at the corner of Flinders & Market Streets, next to the Immigration Museum. **Please do not wait at the front entry of the Museum**
- Pickup is at 9am if travelling during non-daylight savings, AEST.
- Pickup is at 10am if travelling during daylight savings, AEDT.

Using your ticket

You must contact Go West Tours directly at least 24 hours prior to departure to confirm your booking and pick up details as these will not be provided on your voucher

Pick up is at 9am (Apr-Sep) & at 10am (Oct-Mar)

Our guides are unable to wait for extended periods of time for missing guests and we ask that you arrive at the designated departure point at least 10 minutes early

Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board

Want to listen to tour information in your own language while enjoying the sights on the day? Don't forget to download the free Go West Tours app prior to your tour departure!

Follow these links to download the App:

Apple Store: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/go-west-tours/id1397169660?mt=8

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.GoWest.GoWest.GoWest

Go West’s opening hours are:

07:00 - 18:00 Monday to Friday

07:00 - 12:00 Saturday to Sunday

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photography of any kind is not permitted at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Large bags, strollers, prams, baby capsules, luggage & walkers cannot be brought on board
The total duration of the tour is between 12-14 hours depending on the season
The itinerary includes vehicle based sightseeing across Melbourne, photo opportunities at key locations, all internal transfers & a visit to Phillip Island