Welcome to Melbourne - Heart of Australia's classic south. Home to the Australian Open Tennis, Australian rules football, the Melbourne Cup and for a short time Australia's capital. Melbourne is known for its gardens, restaurants, cafes and markets, galleries, the arts and its relaxed elegant charm. Inhabited by peoples from all corners of the globe its cosmopolitan people give generously and share passionately in the riches of this dynamic and elegant city. After exploring the city we head to the Penguin inhabited Phillip Island, where we wait for the Penguins to Parade up the shore at dusk.

So completely Australian - unique in the world. Every evening at dusk the Little Penguins come home from the sea at Phillip Island. From the waves - across the beach - to the sand dunes - the Little Penguins can almost be touched as they waddle to their burrows. Sunset at Summerland Beach has drawn millions of visitors to Phillip Island. It is the nightly ritual of these little flightless birds which will enthrall you as you observe from the beach and the elevated boardwalk. Koalas - totally Australian - peering down from the gum trees where they live. Fat and furry, wet noses and a gentle smile of contented living on Phillip Island. Seals near the sea, basking in the late sunlight on halftide rocks compliment this island, rich in wildlife which makes Phillip Island a very special place. We then head back to Melbourne City where we conclude our action packed day of touring.

Included In Price

Coach touring, complimentary sourvenir gift, entrance to Penguin Parade, meeting wallabies and kangaroos, on-coach videos and Koala Conservation Centre.

Highlights:
The City:
- Federation Square
- St Paul's Cathedral
- Melbourne Town Hall
- Law Courts & Flagstaff Gardens
- Queen Victoria Market
- Melbourne University
- Royal Exhibition Buildings
- Chinatown, Parliament House and Princess Theatre
- St Patrick's Cathedral
- Visit Fitzroy Gardens and see Captain Cook's Cottage (opportunity to inspect)
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Melbourne Park - National Tennis Centre
- Flinders Street Station
- Trendy Southbank on the river
- Arts and Cultural Centre
- Gracious tree lined St Kilda Road
- Albert Park Lake - Grand Prix site
- Docklands - Australia's largest, premium waterfront construction development
- Bolte Bridge - spectacular city overview
- Etihad Stadium at Docklands
- Revitalised South Melbourne
- Ornate Victorian terraced homes
- Port Melbourne by the sea
- Views of historic Williamstown
- Trendy St Kilda with its numerous restaurants, bars and cafes
- Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens - perhaps enjoy a Devonshire Tea or walk by the lake
- The Shrine of Remembrance.

The Penguins:
- Western Port - water birds and mangroves
- Panoramic views of French Island
- Enjoy a short introductory video "The Little Penguin"
- San Remo - maritime fishing village
- Look for birdlife at the island wetlands
- Visit Churchill Island for afternoon tea (own expense)
- Opportunity to hand feed wallabies and kangaroos
- Phillip Island Nature Park - a natural home for koalas, seals, shearwaters and Little Penguins
- Koala Conservation Centre - look for koalas in their natural habitat from tree top boardwalks
- A dinner stop will be made before or after the Penguin Parade (dependent on season and at own expense)
- The Nobbies - a rugged rocky outcrop
- Seal Rocks - home to Australia's largest colony of fur seals
- Witness the Penguin Parade on floodlit Summerland Beach
- See penguin rookeries from an elevated boardwalk
- Inspect the Visitors Centre - an opportunity to learn about the life of the Little Penguin
- During your evening return to Melbourne a panoramic Victorian video feature will be screened.

Participant Guidelines

Please bring warm, waterproof clothing as nights can be cold on the island in any season. The Penguin Parade is a natural phenomenon taking place in the open outdoors.

Price Valid For

Per person (Prices valid 1/4/2012 to 31/3/2013)

Booking Notes

Operates DAILY.Does not operate Christmas Day
Depart: 8:10am
Return: 9:00pm - 11.30pm

Please check in 15 minutes prior to departure.

Children aged 4-14 are eligible to receive a 50% discount off Adult fares unless otherwise stated (15 and over is an adult. Under 4 is free).

Departure Time

8:10am

Meeting Point

Melbourne Day Tour Centre, Federation Square East, crn Flinders & Russell Streets, Melbourne OR Alternatively we offer free hotel courtesy pick-ups. If you wish to be picked up from your hotel please wait outside at least 5 minutes prior to pick-up time. Note: Pick up times may vary depending on traffic, no hotel drop-off after morning tours.

Location

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Location Map