Phillip Island: Wine, Wildlife & Penguins with Gourmet Feast

Planning a trip to Victoria? If you’re after a well-rounded day that combines stunning scenery, adorable wildlife, and some delicious eats and drinks, then the Phillip Island: Wine, Wildlife & Penguins with Gourmet Feast tour might be just what you need. This five-hour journey offers a taste of everything — from scenic coastal views and local wines to the famous Penguin Parade at sunset.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get the chance to indulge at the Phillip Island Winery, sampling wines paired with a grazing platter and a gourmet lunch. Second, the sunset Penguin Parade delivers that iconic, magical moment when thousands of little penguins waddle back home. Lastly, the Golden Hour at the Nobbies offers spectacular coastal vistas with native wildlife in their natural habitat.

That said, with such a packed itinerary, some might find the schedule tight, especially if they prefer a more relaxed pace. Still, this tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience without the hassle of planning transport or worrying about logistics. Perfect for those keen to enjoy a little bit of everything and make the most of their day on Phillip Island.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with entry to the Penguin Parade, wine tasting, and gourmet lunch.
• Comfortable transport with a luxury midi-bus, window seat guarantee, and WiFi.
• Knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience with local insights.
• Stunning views at Nobbies during the golden hour, perfect for photos.
• Wildlife spotting opportunities with visits to Nobbies and other scenic stops.
• Flexible cancellation policy allowing cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Look at the Tour

Transportation and Comfort: We loved the way the tour handles transport — a luxury midi-bus with plenty of space, air conditioning, and the all-important window seat guarantee. This means you won’t miss out on those panoramic coastal views, especially during the Golden Hour at Nobbies. Reviewers frequently mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides (like Russell and Sue) who keep the ride lively and informative, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destinations.

Itinerary Breakdown: The day begins with a pickup from your accommodation on Phillip Island or San Remo, making it hassle-free. The first stop is the Phillip Island Winery, where you’ll enjoy a private wine tasting along with a grazing platter that complements the wines perfectly. Many reviews highlight the quality of the wines and the delicious food — “fabulous nibbles and meal,” as one guest put it. This is not just a quick tasting; it’s an indulgent experience that elevates the day.

Following the winery, the tour takes you to scenic spots like the Nobbies, where you’ll experience your Golden Hour moment with spectacular views and native wildlife. The timing here is key — this period offers the best light for photos and a more relaxed atmosphere than midday crowds.

Wildlife and Scenic Views: The Nobbies boardwalk is a highlight, particularly at sunset, offering sweeping vistas of the coast and views of Australian fur seals and seabirds. The walk is gentle, making it accessible and enjoyable for most. This stop also allows for wildlife viewing in a natural setting, which many reviewers find memorable.

Penguin Parade: No trip to Phillip Island is complete without seeing the Penguin Parade — and this tour ensures you get a front-row experience. The tickets include general viewing, which is excellent since it’s enough to see thousands of penguins waddling ashore in their adorable and iconic manner. One reviewer described it as “magical,” emphasizing how special the moment is, especially at sunset when the penguins start to arrive home.

Value for Money: At $109 per person, this tour offers a lot. The inclusion of transport, entry fees, lunch, wine tasting, and the Penguin Parade makes it a good deal compared to booking each element separately. With experienced guides ensuring smooth logistics and engaging commentary, you pay for convenience and quality.

Authentic Experiences and Customer Insights

Multiple reviews praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, adding a personal touch to the experience. “Russell was the best tour guide! A great day,” one guest shared, highlighting how much guides can influence your overall enjoyment.

Guests also appreciate the timing of each stop, noting that they managed to see the sunset at Nobbies and the Penguin Parade at just the right moments — “especially the sunset we saw in Nobbies was amazing,” said a traveler. This suggests the itinerary is well-paced and thoughtfully planned around natural lighting and wildlife activity.

Some practical tips from reviewers: bring a light jacket for the evening, as it can get breezy near the coast, and wear comfortable shoes for the walk on the Nobbies boardwalk. Also, since only those 18+ can consume alcohol, expect a family-friendly vibe during the wine tasting.

What to Expect on the Day

Start with a pickup from your accommodation within Phillip Island or San Remo, with a friendly guide contacting you on the day to confirm the exact time. The bus ride is part of the experience — relaxing, with scenic views and engaging commentary.

At Phillip Island Winery, you’ll enjoy a private tasting session paired with a grazing platter. The quality of the wines and the relaxed setting make it a highlight for many. You also get a gourmet lunch, which many reviewers describe as delicious and filling, making it an excellent value considering all included.

The scenic drive then takes you to Nobbies — a stunning rugged coastline that offers a perfect setting for photos, wildlife watching, and soaking in the natural beauty. The Golden Hour here is often described as breathtaking, with warm light illuminating the cliffs and seals lounging on rocks below.

Wildlife spotting isn’t limited to just penguins. The Nobbies and nearby areas are teeming with seabirds and sometimes seals. Many reviews note how the guides point out native fauna, making it educational as well as pretty.

The highlight — the Penguin Parade — arrives at sunset, when thousands of Little Penguins emerge from the sea and waddle ashore. The general viewing tickets provide a close view and an unforgettable experience. Reviewers often mention how “magical” and “adorable” the penguins are — a memorable climax to the day.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This tour is an excellent choice if you want a well-rounded, guided experience on Phillip Island. It offers a comfortable way to see the island’s best highlights without the stress of planning and transportation. The inclusion of wine tasting, scenic stops, and the Penguin Parade makes it perfect for travelers who want a mix of nature, food, and iconic Australian wildlife.

If you’re a foodie or wine lover, you’ll especially appreciate the gourmet lunch and private tasting. Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts will love the wildlife sightings and breathtaking coastal views. The guided aspect ensures you gain local insights, and the window seat guarantee makes sure you don’t miss the stunning scenery.

However, if you prefer a very slow pace or detailed, extensive wildlife encounters, you might find this tour somewhat brisk. It’s best suited for those who want a sampled taste of Phillip Island’s highlights in a single, well-organized day.

Overall, for $109, this experience offers significant value — combining comfort, scenery, wildlife, and gourmet delights in just five hours. It’s a good pick for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a hassle-free day packed with memorable moments.

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FAQ

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, you are picked up from your accommodation on Phillip Island or San Remo in a luxury midi-bus, with all transfers included during the tour.

Is there a guarantee for window seats?
Absolutely. The tour offers a window seat guarantee, ensuring you get a good view throughout the drive.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting with pickup and concluding after the Penguin Parade at sunset.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

Is alcohol available on the tour?
Only guests aged 18 and over can consume wine, as per Victorian law, but the tour includes a private wine tasting experience.

Are family groups welcome?
Yes, generally families can enjoy the tour, but keep in mind the wine tasting is limited to those over 18. The walking involved is gentle and suitable for most ages.

In closing, this tour offers a lively, well-organized way to experience the best of Phillip Island’s scenery, wildlife, and culinary delights. It balances educational commentary with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Perfect for first-timers, food and wine enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a snapshot of Phillip Island’s magic — all in just five hours.