The Island Departure: Phillip Island Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour is a fabulously relaxed sunset experience that showcases the very best of Phillip Island. Enjoy stunning coastal views, encounter native wildlife such as wallabies, and end the evening at the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade, where thousands of Little Penguins return ashore at sunset.
The Phillip Island Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour offers a perfect introduction to the island’s picturesque coastline, incredible wildlife, and iconic attractions in a short and memorable experience. With convenient hotel pick-up, you can sit back, relax, and let the experts guide you through this spectacular destination.
This small-group tour is designed for travellers who want to explore the island like a local. Along the way, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, stroll along coastal boardwalks, and visit wildlife habitats where wallabies and seabirds thrive.
One of the tour’s standout highlights is visiting the Nobbies during golden hour, when the setting sun creates a breathtaking backdrop of dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas.
The experience concludes with the unforgettable Phillip Island Penguin Parade, where thousands of Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle back to their burrows—truly a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.
Begin Your Journey
Your evening begins with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation on Phillip Island or a nearby meeting point. Meet your friendly local guide and settle into a comfortable midi-coach, where premium seating ensures a relaxing ride with excellent views.
The Locals Beach
First up, we’ll visit one of Phillip Island’s most beautiful local beaches, known for its golden sands and the soothing sound of waves rolling in from Bass Strait. This serene location perfectly captures the island’s laid-back coastal charm.
Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, breathe in the fresh sea air, and soak up the stunning ocean views. It’s the ideal way to unwind and experience the relaxed island lifestyle.
The Nobbies Golden Hour Experience
Next, we head to the iconic Nobbies Coastal Reserve, arriving during golden hour when the setting sun casts a warm glow across the dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline.
Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you take in the breathtaking scenery, then explore the scenic boardwalks for closer views of the coastline. Keep an eye out for native wildlife and seabirds that inhabit this remarkable landscape.
Afterwards, we’ll travel along the island’s scenic back roads, watching the sun dip over Westernport Bay and Bass Strait, while searching for local wildlife along the way.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
The highlight of the tour is the world-famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade, one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife experiences.
Arrive early at the visitor centre to explore the exhibits or grab a snack before heading to the viewing platforms. As night falls, watch thousands of Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle across the sand to their burrows.
Your ranger guide will share fascinating insights into their lives. Afterwards, take a stroll along the boardwalk, where you may spot penguins up close in their natural habitat.
Returning to Your Accommodation
After an unforgettable evening, relax on the journey back to your accommodation on Phillip Island or your chosen pick-up location. Your guide will ensure a comfortable and seamless return to conclude this memorable experience.
If you have any dietary requirements, please inform us when booking. Light refreshments are available at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre Café, and we will notify staff to assist where possible.
General Viewing access to watch the Little Penguins return to their burrows at sunset.
A magical visit to the western tip of the island to enjoy the coastal views at sunset.
Walk the elevated boardwalks to spot wallabies, echidnas, and the local seal colony.
Convenient transfers from your accommodation on Phillip Island or in San Remo.
Travel in comfort with a guaranteed window seat to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Stay connected and keep your devices powered up throughout the tour.
Want to get even closer to the action? You can upgrade to the exclusive Penguin Plus viewing platform, which gives you a far better and less crowded view of the penguin arrival.
Funds for any meals, drinks, or souvenirs not mentioned in the itinerary.
Strongly recommended for all participants to cover any unforeseen changes.
The tour starts from your preferred pickup location on Phillip Island, whether that’s your accommodation in Cowes or a hotel in San Remo.
Of course! If you’re arriving on Phillip Island by cruise and need to get to the tour from the Phillip Island Transit Centre, just let us know, and we’ll sort out the logistics for you
The penguins always come back to shore at sunset, which varies throughout the year, so we make sure to plan the tour so we’re there at the right time
Yes! We welcome families on this tour, as long as everyone is aged 0+, of course. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy th
From the viewing platforms, you can watch penguins coming ashore, and along the boardwalks, they may pass very close as they head to their burrows.
