Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour

Contents show

Introduction

If you’re visiting Melbourne and want a day packed with unique Australian experiences, the Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the natural and historical charm of Victoria’s iconic Phillip Island. This tour is perfect for those who love wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a dash of history, all wrapped into one day.

What makes this trip stand out are three things we particularly like: the interactive heritage farm experience at Churchill Island, the spectacular views from The Nobbies, and the adorable Penguin Parade at sunset. The tour is reasonably priced at $102 per person, which is quite fair considering the variety of activities included.

One possible consideration is that the tour schedule is fairly packed, so if you prefer slow, unhurried days, this might feel a bit rushed. However, for most travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Phillip Island, this tour offers excellent value. It’s especially suited for wildlife lovers, history buffs, and those eager for scenic photos and authentic experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

All-inclusive entry fees mean you won’t have to worry about extra costs during the day.
Small group size ensures more personalized attention from your guide and better chances to ask questions.
The heritage farm experience is hands-on, with activities like cow milking and sheep shearing.
Spectacular coastal views from The Nobbies are perfect for photography and enjoying the rugged Australian coastline.
The Fur Seal colony at Seal Rock offers a chance to see Australia’s largest Fur Seal population in their natural habitat.
The Penguin Parade at dusk is the highlight, providing an adorable, memorable close to the day.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Melbourne

A Complete Review of the Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins early, with pickup from the Great Southern Hotel Melbourne at 10:30 am in an air-conditioned coach. This comfortable start keeps the journey relaxed, allowing you to chat with fellow travelers or simply enjoy the scenery en route.

Churchill Island Farm is the first stop. This historic property, dating back to 1872, is an absolute treat for those interested in Australia’s rural past. It’s not just about looking at old buildings; it’s an interactive experience. You get to try milking cows, watch sheep being shorn, and see blacksmithing demonstrations. Some reviews mention that guides are very knowledgeable — one noted that they shared local stories and answered questions with enthusiasm, making the visit feel personal rather than just a sightseeing stop.

The farm is set on a 57-hectare patch of land, surrounded by wetlands, gardens, and walking tracks. It’s a place where you can appreciate pioneer farming techniques, observe working dogs in action, and even participate in some activities if you wish. If you’re hungry, you can purchase a meal at the on-site café, which many find convenient and tasty.

Next, the tour moves to The Nobbies, where spectacular coastal views await. The boardwalk is easy to navigate, meandering around the lookout points, offering sweeping vistas of jagged cliffs and crashing waves. For wildlife enthusiasts, the highlight is seeing Australia’s largest Fur Seal colony at Seal Rock. Visitors report seals frolicking around and basking on the rocks, creating an almost surreal scene. The blow hole adds a thunderous backdrop, and birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse birdlife soaring overhead.

In the late afternoon, the focus shifts to the Penguin Parade, arguably the star attraction. As dusk approaches, the tiny penguins trickle ashore from the surf, carefully waddling across the beach to their burrows. Many reviewers describe this as a “heartwarming” and “adorable” experience, with the penguins appearing surprisingly confident in their evening routine. The tour provides the advantage of being in a smaller group than some public viewing options, often enabling better spotting and a more intimate experience.

What You Can Expect at Churchill Island

Churchill Island’s charm lies in its authenticity. The farm is a living snapshot of Australian pioneer life, with historical buildings well-preserved and demonstrations ongoing throughout the day. Guides are often praised for their engaging storytelling and knowledge-sharing, adding depth to the farm experience.

The activities such as milking cows and shearing sheep are designed to be interactive, even for children or those unfamiliar with farm life. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, with plenty of space for photos, wandering, and soaking in rural scenery. The farm’s location on an island connected by mangroves adds an extra layer of charm, making it feel like a step back in time.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Nobbies: Coastal Views and Seal Colonies

The Nobbies offers some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Victoria. The walk along the boardwalk is brief but packed with photo opportunities. The views of the rugged coastline and surf are spectacular, especially on a clear day.

The Fur Seal colony at Seal Rock is a major highlight. Visitors often comment on how close they can get to the seals without disturbing them, thanks to well-maintained viewing platforms. Watching the seals play and lounge around creates a lively, almost playful atmosphere. The blow hole nearby is another natural spectacle, roaring as the sea crashes into the rocks below.

There's plenty more to explore in Melbourne

The Penguin Parade: A Truly Unique Experience

The Penguin Parade is the culminating event of the tour. This experience is adored for its authenticity and charm. As the sun sets, the tiny penguins emerge from the ocean and begin their journey to their burrows. Watching these adorable creatures waddle home is a heartwarming experience that many say is worth every penny.

Tour guides often provide insights into penguin behavior and conservation efforts, adding educational value. Some reviews mention that the timing of the parade varies slightly with the seasons, so in summer, the penguins come ashore later, giving visitors more time to explore Cowes, the nearby seaside town, before the parade.

Practical Details and Value

The $102 cost includes all entry fees, guided commentary, and transportation, making it a good value for a full-day tour. The small group setting allows for more personalized interaction and flexibility, which many travelers appreciate.

Food and drinks are not included, but there are plenty of options at Churchill Island and Cowes. The on-site café at Churchill Island is convenient for lunch, and you might find the local seafood in Cowes especially appealing if you’re visiting during summer.

The tour ends back in Melbourne around the same time it started, making it easy to plan the rest of your day. The drop-off location is the same as the pickup, simplifying logistics.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for wildlife lovers eager to see seals and penguins in natural settings. It’s also great for history buffs, thanks to Churchill Island’s preserved heritage buildings and demonstrations. The coastal views add a scenic dimension that appeals to photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Families with children will enjoy the interactive farm activities and the penguins, which are sure to delight kids and adults alike. The tour’s manageable size and knowledgeable guides make it a comfortable and enriching option for first-time visitors to Phillip Island.

However, if you prefer a very leisurely pace or are sensitive to busy schedules, some may find the itinerary a bit packed, particularly during the peak seasons when the penguin parade can be crowded.

The Sum Up

The Melbourne: Penguin Parade & Churchill Island Farm Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Phillip Island’s highlights. From historic farming demonstrations to stunning coastal scenery and the adorable penguins, it covers a lot of ground in a single day. The knowledgeable guides, smaller group size, and inclusive price make it a compelling option for those wanting a comprehensive experience without breaking the bank.

This tour suits travelers looking for a mix of wildlife, history, and scenic beauty, especially if they enjoy engaging, hands-on activities and natural spectacles. While it’s relatively full-paced, it’s designed to maximize your time and provide memorable moments throughout the day.

For anyone keen to tick off multiple highlights of Phillip Island on a budget, this tour delivers both value and authenticity in equal measure.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
All entry and admission fees are included, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs during your day.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from and returns to the Great Southern Hotel Melbourne, with pickup at 10:30 am and a same-location drop-off.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are options available at Churchill Island’s café and in Cowes if you visit during summer.

How long is the tour?
The tour runs for a full day, starting at 10:30 am, and ends back at Melbourne in the late afternoon or early evening.

What should I bring?
Bring water (preferably in a reusable bottle), a hat, sunscreen, camera, warm clothing, and an umbrella if rain is forecasted.

Are Churchill Island Farm and The Penguin Parade suitable for sensory-sensitive visitors?
Yes, both venues are KultureCity Certified Sensory Inclusive, making them more welcoming for visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Can I participate in farm activities?
Yes, activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and blacksmithing demonstrations are interactive, and some visitors report being able to participate.

This detailed review hopefully gives you a clear picture of what to expect and how this tour can fit into your Melbourne adventure. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a history lover, Phillip Island’s magic is waiting to be discovered.