As part of our Melbourne MOTO GP holiday we decided to see the penguins at Phillip Island. We booked the Ultimate Tour where a group of no larger than 10 get to sit on a secluded beach and watch the cute penguins walk right past . You are given an informative talk by the ranger before dressing in supplied jackets... more

We did this trip in October 2009 as part of a day tour. It was amazing to be so close to the penguins. Pros: 1 hour of watching penguins; see them come in from the sea and cautiously come across the beach; watch them climb the hill; watch them find their 'home' and be as close as a foot from... more

We loved the Penguin Parade! Even though there were heaps of people there was still plenty of room for us to find a seat and to get a good view of the penguins swimming in and walking up the beach. The best part though was walking back along the boardwalks and watching the penguins coming up through the scrub to... more

I went to the Penguin Parade as part of a bus coach tour -- APT tours. It was nice to not have to make the drive myself and the bus guide was very useful. The tour bus also took you to an area where you can see the penguin burrows. I also splurged and upgraded to the Private Penguin Parade... more

We chose Grayline tours for our visit to Philip Island. Typically we prefer much smaller groups, however in this case it doesn't really matter as several other tour groups (both large and small) will be at the Penguin Parade. Definitely, get the Penguin Plus as you'll get to sit closer to where the Penguins actually arrive on the beach. Also,... more

None of the literature said there was a charge for tickets, and even when warned we could find no promotional discounts. Drove there and it would have cost over $20USD for a distant viewing of the penguins, $72 for closer and NO photos allowed. Better value at a zoo and just about as genuine. Overrated and over-priced. Free viewing of... more

The extimated time of arrival of the penguins was about 530pm, and doors were open for everyone to get in to be seated at 5pm. You should arrive slightly earlier as there is a small exhibition on the penguins. Bring along warm clothings during winter as you will be seating out there in the beach. When you are walking on... more

First stop on a lovely southern road trip we picked the sky box option for only a few dollars more and were extremely pleased with the value for money and service here. Even in the lead up, and afterwards (an oft forgotten part of "service" these days) the staff provided us with excellent and timely results. Quite some way more... more

My husband and I went to Melbourne for two days and two nights in February 2009 on our New Zealand/Australia honeymoon trip. We drove to Phillip Island to see the Penguin parade. The drive is about 2 - 2.5 hours south of Melbourne. The penguin parade was so much fun! We had bought the Penguin Plus option. Not only do... more