Top 15 Birdwatching Tours in Australia

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

1.Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,774 reviews · from $118Our pick

Spend about 12 hours with Go West Tours visiting Brighton’s bathing boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Guides such as Cloe, Jools, Aleks, and Graeme are praised for lively commentary. Expect a small-group minivan, late return, cold evening weather, and no photography at the penguin viewing area.

“Beautiful tour! Ashleigh was so personable, knowledgeable, and explained each experience along the way. She educated the busload of folks about the area, the animals, and conveyed the true spirit of a tour guide. Bring an extra blanket for the penguin parade as it gets cold by that time of the day. Would definitely recommend for any travelers. It was a long day but well worth it.”

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From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

2.Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,932 reviews · 12 hours · from $112

Spend 12 hours with an English-speaking guide such as Dirk, Matt, Charlie or Simon, visiting Brighton’s beach boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary, the Nobbies and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. You’ll have time for wildlife, coastal walks, lunch and dinner, but bring warm layers and expect a compact bus with limited legroom.

“It was a very nice experience, the penguin parade was amazing. The guide was great too.”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

3.Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Koalas Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,408 reviews · 9h 30m · from $123

Spend about nine and a half hours with an English-speaking guide such as Fiona, Peter, or Graham, visiting the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. You will travel by air-conditioned coach, walk less than 1 km, and finish with little penguins returning from the sea. Bring warm layers and consider Penguin Plus for closer views.

“Peter the driver was very informative and great fun . He made sure we were comfortable all day . He is an asset to the company . It would have been nice to have more time with the penguins as it felt a little rushed but in the other hand it was very cold by sunset time . We had the best day and we would definitely recommend this trip to friends . An ideal way to see some coastline in Melbourne when only staying a few days”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

4.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,211 reviews · 12 hours · from $109

Travel from Melbourne to Moonlit Sanctuary, The Nobbies, and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade in an air-conditioned vehicle. Your English-speaking guide, such as Jools, Chris, or Graeme, handles the day while you meet koalas and kangaroos, enjoy coastal views, and watch little penguins return home at sunset. Standard parade viewing, Wi-Fi, and sanctuary entry are included.

“loved it from start to finish 👏 penguins are the cutest thing ever so worth seeing”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

5.Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,184 reviews · 12 hours · from $165

Spend 12 hours combining two Victorian favorites: a Puffing Billy steam-train ride through the Dandenong Ranges and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Your English-speaking guide, often a guide such as Lorraine, Matt, Terry, or Nathan, handles transport, timing, and local commentary. Bring warm clothes for the cool evening by the sea.

“This trip was amazing! Lorraine was very knowledgeable on the history of Melbourne and the penguins on Phillip Island. She made it an excellent tour.”

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Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket

6.Penguin Parade: General Viewing Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,069 reviews · 2 hours · from $22Cheapest here

Arrive before sunset at Phillip Island Nature Parks, explore the visitor centre, and watch little penguins cross Summerlands Beach from tiered general seating. Afterward, walk the boardwalks to see them close to their burrows. Bring warm clothes, expect outdoor waiting, and keep cameras and phones away to protect the birds.

“Good night for it. Water well back, penguins easier to see but lack of numbers early. Safety for the little birds was very obvious as they were very cautious.”

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Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

7.Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 867 reviews · from $111

Travel from Melbourne in a small group of up to 24 people with a guide such as Michael, Bluey, David or Reuben. Visit Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai and the Nobbies before watching little penguins return to Summerland Beach. The day lasts 12 to 14 hours, so bring warm layers, snacks and patience for the late return.

“Awesome experience seeing some sights and wildlife with an awesome guide. Bus was on time and comfortable, the tour wasn't rushed and enjoyed some beautiful beaches and learning about and seeing the penguins in the wild. Highly recommend!”

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

8.Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 775 reviews · from $125

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island for a koala reserve, Cowes, the Nobbies, and the famous sunset Penguin Parade. Your 9.5-hour day includes entry fees, a maximum of 38 people, air-conditioned coach travel, and live commentary. Guides such as Cray, Peter, Lauren, Joel, and Tom have earned praise for their stories and practical help.

“This is a once in a life time experience. Watching the little penguins waddle out of the ocean was amazing. The rest of the tour included stops at a nature preserve where koalas and other Aussie animals reside and stops at various scenic loRead more”

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From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

9.Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 660 reviews

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island with guides such as Shano, Shane, Justin, or Jason, stopping at Seal Rocks and the Nobbies before the nightly Penguin Parade. You’ll ride a touring vehicle with Wi-Fi, USB charging, and a toilet, then watch little penguins come ashore after sunset. Consider the Penguins Plus upgrade for closer seats.

“It’s been a lifetime experience I have ever had! I am so grateful to Shano who led the trip yesterday. He is very kind and professional. Even, he was kind to our kids too even though my older son asked many questions. I storongly recommend him and this tour (Bus name was Snowbus!). It is worth it for sure!”

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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

10.Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 658 reviews · from $104

Spend about 10 hours exploring Phillip Island from Melbourne with stops at Moonlit Sanctuary, Woolamai Beach, Cowes and the Nobbies. Your day ends at the famous Penguin Parade. Guides such as Luke, Steve, John and James add local stories, but expect a large group, long bus rides and a cold evening. Bring layers, water and patience.

“It was a fun day out. The sights were beautiful. Our guide Luke was a real character. He educated us, entertained us and got us all around the different places safely. Unfortunately for us not alot of Penguins came in that night but they had the previous night. We would definitely do another tour with this company next time we are in Melbourne.”

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Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

11.Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 642 reviews · 10 hours · from $109

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking local guide such as Fiona, Joe, or Ben. Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve, The Nobbies, Woolamai Beach, Cowes, and the Penguin Parade. The day lasts about 10 hours, with audio translations available in 10 languages.

“Excellent trip. Definitely upgrade for penguin plus. If you’re general admission, you better bring your binoculars. Koala reserve was great and plenty of time to explore. Overall, 10/10.”

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From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

12.Puffing Billy Train & Penguin Wildlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 605 reviews · 12 hours · from $145

This 12-hour Melbourne day trip pairs a one-hour Puffing Billy steam-train ride with The Nobbies coast and Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. English-speaking guides such as Gina, Alan, Jose, and Stuart lead the route, share wildlife tips, and help you choose good viewing spots. Expect long bus rides, cold evening air, and general penguin viewing, with a Penguin Plus upgrade available separately.

“Nathan was amazing! Super knowledgeable and was really friendly. Thank you for making this trip one of our main highlights of Melbourne.”

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Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket

13.Maleny Botanic Gardens Bird Aviary Experience Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 579 reviews · from $33

Spend one to four hours at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, with access to walk-through aviaries, bird photo opportunities, six kilometres of garden paths, lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views. Guides such as Lydia help visitors meet cockatoos, macaws, and other friendly birds. Bring a picnic or stop at the cafe.

“Majestic and amazing was so cool to have the family experience the delight of all the birds doing what they do”

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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

14.Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 428 reviews · from $111

Leave Melbourne after lunch for Phillip Island, stopping at Cape Woolamai, Cowes, and The Nobbies before the famous penguin parade. Your guide, such as Lisa, Chloe, or Shane, handles the day’s details, while entry, Wi-Fi, and return transport are included. A Puffing Billy and penguin combination is also available.

“Easy, last-minute booking with good communication about meeting location. Our tour guide, Shane, was knowledgeable, had a good sense of humor, and went out of his way to drop us off close by to our hotels after a long day. The Little Penguins were the highlight, but we also saw a lot of Wallabies and Cape Barren Geese with their chicks.”

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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

15.Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · from $172

Travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island by air-conditioned coach, with stops at the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cowes, and The Nobbies. Your evening ends at the Little Penguin Parade with Penguin Plus access. Guides such as Fiona, Craig, Vicky, and Ben may lead the day, which runs about 9.5 hours.

“Wonderful experience. I wasn't excited about the penguins until I saw the penguins. Now I'm glad I did it. The koalas were their cute, lazy selves. Lots of Insta-ready spots. Even though I was solo traveling, people were happy to take my photo. If you do the Immigration Museum as the pickup spot, it is on the side of the building.”

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