Phillip Island Tour Review: Go West Tours vs. Penguin Parade Crowds
Experience the Magic: Phillip Island Tour with the Penguin Parade
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Phillip Island with Go West Tours and witness the enchanting Penguin Parade. For a slightly higher price of A$163 compared to the Great Ocean Road Tour, you’ll indulge in the incredible spectacle of these adorable creatures up close. By upgrading to Penguins Plus, I secured prime viewing spots for an enhanced experience.
A leisurely 11:55 AM pickup proved to be a welcome respite after the Great Ocean Road adventure. The spacious front seat of the tour bus offered a comfortable and intimate setting to chat with our knowledgeable guide, Maddie. Her passion for travel and extensive knowledge of the region enriched the journey.
Discover the best Phillip Island tours available through Viator, a trusted platform offering a variety of options. As an affiliate partner, I’m happy to share these recommendations while earning a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you prefer to book directly with Go West Tours, I will not receive a commission.
Prices are accurate as of July 2024.
 Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour from Melbourne Including Koala Conservation Centre - $130.62 Join this once in a lifetime experience and see the phenomenal Penguin Parade at Phillip Island during dusk at the General Viewing Area. This sightseeing coach tour also visits the Koala Conservation Centre and the heritage Churchill Island Farm along the way. With free wi-fi on board the coach you can download the interactive Penguin Parade app and explore the Penguin experience at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre where you can learn all about the Little Penguin. |
 [Private Tour] “Penguin Parade” Phillip Island Tour. - $599.02 Australian wildlife eating from your hands and little penguins marching along the beach in numbers of up to one thousand! It’s a fun day out with a great guided service to keep you entertained throughout the experience. |
 1 Day Exclusively Private Tour Of Phillip Island & The Penguin Parade - $322.49 This bestselling private 12 hour tour includes pre-paid entry to some of the islands most popular attractions, including the Penguin Parade, Churchill island, Koala Conservation centre, plus one additional attraction of your choice (from our optional attractions list - e.g wildlife park). We also make a stop for wildlife spotting as we search for wild wallabies in a quiet natural woodland location. |
Phillip Island Tour - Table of Contents
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Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes: A Step Back in Time
Our first stop was the iconic Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, a charming collection of colorful structures dating back to 1862. Originally designed to maintain modesty during the Victorian era, these boxes offered beachgoers a private space to change clothes. While their primary function has evolved, they remain beloved landmarks and coveted properties.
Individually owned and meticulously maintained, each bathing box boasts unique colors and designs. Despite lacking modern amenities like electricity and running water, their appeal endures. In fact, these quaint structures have become so desirable that a bathing box recently sold for an astonishing A$250,000!
Some of My Favorite Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
We had a brief but delightful 20-minute stroll along the boardwalk, admiring the vibrant boxes and soaking in the stunning views of Melbourne’s skyline across the bay.
Encountering Wildlife at Moonlit Sanctuary
Our next adventure took us to the enchanting Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary. As we arrived, our guide ensured everyone was ready to immerse themselves in the wonders of Australian wildlife. Conveniently included in our tour price, admission granted us access to a captivating world of native creatures.
While opportunities to pet koalas and hand-feed kangaroos were available for an extra fee, I opted to simply observe these magnificent animals from afar. Having already pet a koala in Sydney, I was content to admire them in their natural habitat.
The Birds at the Moonlit Wildlife Sanctuary
As I strolled along the winding path, I was captivated by a symphony of chirps and calls. A closer look revealed a vibrant avian spectacle: a flock of cockatoos had gathered in the treetops. Three distinct varieties caught my eye, each a masterpiece of nature’s artistry. Among them, the Gang-gang Cockatoo stood out, its striking pink plumage creating a stunning contrast against the lush greenery.
A Koala Encounter to Remember
Continuing along the path, I eagerly anticipated my koala encounter. Unlike my previous experience at Featherdale Wildlife Park, where the koalas were seemingly lost in slumber, Moonlit Sanctuary offered a more dynamic display of these beloved marsupials.
To my delight, one koala was wide awake, its curious gaze meeting mine. It was a perfect moment to capture a stunning photograph, a treasured memory of my Australian adventure.
A Kangaroo Encounter
My heart raced with excitement as I came face-to-face with the sanctuary’s giant red kangaroos. These gentle giants stood over five feet tall when upright, their imposing stature tempered by their curious and friendly nature.
I was thrilled to have the opportunity to pet these iconic Australian creatures. Their soft fur and gentle demeanor made for an unforgettable experience. To my amazement, I was even allowed to give one a warm hug! It was an incredible moment that I’ll cherish forever.
A Day Among Australian Wildlife
In addition to the koalas and kangaroos, Moonlit Sanctuary offered encounters with other fascinating creatures. I spent some time observing the intriguing dingoes, those wild dogs of Australia, and the endearing wombat, a burrowing marsupial. A highlight was spotting the Wedge-tailed Eagle, the largest bird in Australia, soaring gracefully above.
Unfortunately, my exploration led me astray, and I inadvertently found myself back in the kangaroo habitat, missing the scheduled animal demonstration in the amphitheater. These shows occur multiple times daily and offer a unique opportunity to learn more about the sanctuary’s inhabitants.
To satisfy my hunger, I ventured to the on-site cafe. There, I indulged in a delightful chicken schnitzel burger accompanied by a side of crispy chips, or as we call them in the United States, french fries.
A Penguin's Sanctuary - The Nobbies
After a scenic hour-long drive, we arrived at Phillip Island. Our first stop was the captivating Nobbies, a coastal marvel teeming with wildlife. A winding boardwalk led us through a mesmerizing landscape, where countless penguin burrows dotted the terrain.
Our guide shared an inspiring tale of conservation. As development encroached upon the island, a thriving Little Penguin colony was discovered. Through a remarkable community effort, the land was repurchased plot by plot, creating a safe haven for these adorable creatures. By 2010, the entire area had been preserved, ensuring the continued prosperity of the penguin colony.
A Penguin's Home Sweet Home
The boardwalk meandered through a network of carefully constructed penguin homes, designed to shield these tiny creatures from predators like cats, dogs, and other threats. As I strolled along, I caught glimpses of curious penguins peeking out from their burrows. Many homes stood empty, their inhabitants likely out at sea, engaging in their daily fishing expeditions.
The Nobbies offered breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, providing a stunning backdrop for my photographs. With approximately thirty minutes to explore this remarkable site, I immersed myself in the coastal ambiance. While I captured the scenery, Maddie efficiently collected our Penguin Parade tickets, ensuring a smooth transition to our final destination before witnessing the enchanting spectacle.
A Final Breathtaking View - The Southpoint Lookout
Our journey continued to the Southpoint Lookout, a vantage point offering unparalleled vistas. With just ten minutes to soak in the scenery, I was captivated by the raw power of the ocean as waves crashed against the rugged coastline.
The absence of other tour groups created an intimate atmosphere, allowing me to fully appreciate the natural beauty surrounding me. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the landscape, I captured the moment with a few photographs before rejoining the group for the short drive to the highly anticipated Penguin Parade.
The Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade was a stark contrast to my expectations. Upon arrival, I was met with a bustling crowd, hundreds of tour buses, and thousands of people milling about. Despite the chaos, I managed to secure a Penguins Plus ticket, hoping for a more intimate experience.
The visitor center was a bustling hub of activity, filled with penguin-themed merchandise, informative displays, and a large cafe. After exploring the exhibits, I joined the queue to enter the viewing area.
The designated Penguins Plus section offered a slightly less crowded vantage point, but the overall experience was still marred by the overwhelming number of people.
When Crowds Overwhelm Nature
As the sun began to set, anticipation filled the air. The ranger’s instructions were clear: no photography, no standing, and silence after sundown to protect the penguins. Yet, as the first wave of penguins emerged from the water, the crowd erupted in a cacophony of camera shutters and exclamations. The once serene atmosphere transformed into a chaotic spectacle.
The disregard for the penguins’ well-being was disheartening. Many people seemed oblivious to the potential harm caused by camera flashes, and the constant interruptions disrupted the natural rhythm of the parade. It was a frustrating experience, made worse by the lack of effective crowd control.
While the Penguin Parade itself was a remarkable sight, the behavior of some visitors overshadowed the experience.Implementing stricter regulations, such as a complete ban on photography or the use of designated photo areas, could significantly improve the overall enjoyment of this natural wonder.
Conclusions About My Phillip Island Tour with Go West Tours
I really enjoyed most of this tour, and highly recommend Go West Tours as they provide fantastic service. Pick-up was on time, the bus was comfortable, and Maddie was extremely knowledgeable.
The itinerary was well planned, with plenty of unique sights to see. At those sights, adequate time was provided for optimal viewing.
The only part I was disappointed with was the actual Penguin Parade itself. Now, please know that this has nothing to do with Go West Tours as Phillip Island Nature Parks sponsors the Penguin Parade. My issue with the Penguin Parade was the commercialization of the entire process. Despite having purchased Penguins Plus, there were hundreds of people crammed into a small viewing area which made viewing the penguins not as enjoyable as expected — combined with people trying to sneak photos and the rangers constantly lecturing them, it made for a less than pleasant viewing experience.
My final recommendation is as follows. I definitely recommend this tour but know what you are getting with the Penguin Parade. The parade is very commercial, and you will not feel like you are becoming one with nature.
Finally, over two days of touring with Go West, I can tell you they are the real deal. Both guides, ScoMo (Great Ocean Road) and Maddie (Phillip Island) were professional and knowledgeable, and the bus provided a smooth ride to and from the attractions. I have taken a lot of tours and give Go West my highest recommendation.
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