Just your group
Share the day with your partner, family or friends, with up to 10 guests and a vehicle and local guide exclusively for you.
Penguins at sunset. Adventure all day.
Private Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Hiking Adventure
Share wild coastal trails, koalas and the magic of the Penguin Parade with your own group. Your private guide and vehicle bring the day together, with hotel pickup and time to enjoy Phillip Island with the people you choose.
Up to 10 guests6.8 km coastal hikePrivate vehicle & guideHotel pickup
Wild coast. Good company.
Make a whole adventure out of it.
Phillip Island brings together the things we love about a day outdoors: fresh ocean air, coastal trails, wildlife and time to enjoy it all together. Your private tour combines those moments with an evening watching Little Penguins return home.
Start with your own group and a local guide. Grab coffee and something to eat in San Remo, hike Cape Woolamai and the Pinnacles, and look for native wildlife. After the koalas, enjoy dinner in Cowes before continuing to the Nobbies and Penguin Parade.
Follow our recommended itinerary or contact us beforehand to discuss a shorter walk, different stops or your preferred penguin viewing option. We will plan the details around your group and the natural timing of sunset.
The Hike & Seek difference
Penguins at sunset. Adventure all day.
The Penguin Parade is the headline act. We just make sure the adventure starts long before the sun goes down.
Coastal adventure together
Explore Cape Woolamai on our recommended 6.8 km hike. Enjoy time on the trail, ocean views and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
Hotel pickup included
Start from your Melbourne CBD hotel or accommodation within approximately 5 km by road of the CBD. We will confirm your address before booking.
Shape the day beforehand
Prefer a shorter hike or more time at a favourite stop? Tell us your group's interests so we can plan around them, while keeping sunset and the penguins in mind.
Time for local flavours
Enjoy a bakery stop in San Remo and dinner in Cowes after the koalas. Share your dietary needs and meal preferences when we plan your day.
A wildlife-filled finale
Combine coastal wildlife and koalas with the Penguin Parade at sunset. Ask about viewing options when you enquire; tickets are subject to availability.
Your suggested adventure
Hike. Explore. Waddle.
A bakery stop in San Remo, coastal hiking at Cape Woolamai, koalas and dinner in Cowes. Then explore the Nobbies before watching Little Penguins return from the ocean as daylight fades.
This is our recommended route. We can discuss changes before booking, with stop timings adjusted for sunset, attraction access, conditions and your agreed plan.
The adventure
Melbourne→San Remo→Cape Woolamai→The Pinnacles→Koalas→Dinner in Cowes→The Nobbies→Penguin Parade
Seasonal
Private Melbourne Pickup
Start with your own guide and vehicle, reserved exclusively for your group. Hotel pickup is included from Melbourne CBD and accommodation within approximately 5 km by road of the CBD. Send us your address so we can confirm pickup; otherwise, meet us at our usual central Melbourne meeting point. Departure is planned around sunset and your agreed itinerary.
Meeting point if outside the hotel pickup area:180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
First Stop
San Remo Bakery Stop
Before crossing the bridge to Phillip Island, we stop in the seaside town of San Remo at a local bakery. Grab a coffee and something to eat, stretch your legs and settle into the road-trip rhythm before we head onto the island and hit the trail.
Daytime
Cape Woolamai
Feel the fresh ocean air as we arrive at Cape Woolamai. Surf beaches, rugged cliffs and coastal heathland open out towards Bass Strait. Explore on foot with your own guide and enjoy this wild stretch of Phillip Island together.
Daytime
The Pinnacles Coastal Hike
Our recommended route is a 6.8 km guided circuit around Cape Woolamai and the dramatic Pinnacles. Walk above the surf and through open coastal landscapes, stopping for views, photos and wildlife along the way. If your group would prefer a shorter walk, contact us beforehand so we can plan a suitable alternative.
On the Trail
Wildlife Along the Way
Keep your eyes open while we hike. Wallabies, echidnas and seabirds all call this part of Phillip Island home, while Cape Woolamai is also one of Australia's important shearwater habitats. During whale migration season, there's even a chance of spotting whales moving through Bass Strait.
Afternoon
Koala Conservation Reserve
Swap the coastline for eucalyptus woodland at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Explore the treetop boardwalks with your group and look for koalas resting among the branches. We will confirm admission arrangements in your private-tour quote.
Dinner
Dinner in Cowes
After visiting the koalas, we head into the seaside town of Cowes for dinner. Take a break, choose something to eat from the local cafés and restaurants and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere before we continue to the Nobbies and Penguin Parade.
Before Sunset
The Nobbies
Explore Phillip Island's western coastline at the Nobbies, with boardwalk views across the waves, cliffs and towards Seal Rocks. This stop is planned around daylight, access and the Penguin Parade arrival time, so your guide may adjust its timing or the route on the day.
Sunset
The Penguin Parade
As daylight fades, watch Little Penguins return from the ocean and make their way across the beach towards their burrows. Share the anticipation with your group, then follow the boardwalks through the colony. The penguins set the pace, and their numbers and arrival times vary naturally. We will confirm your viewing option and admission before you book.
Evening
Return to Melbourne
Relax in your private vehicle for the drive back to Melbourne after coastal trails, koalas, dinner in Cowes and the Penguin Parade. Return time varies with the season and sunset, with your approximate timing and drop-off arrangements confirmed before your tour.
Wild coast. Good company.
Make a whole adventure out of it.
Your own guide and vehicle. Coastal trails and wildlife. Share your preferred date and let us help plan your day.
Is this your kind of day?
Made for shared adventures and wild encounters.
Bring your partner, family or friends for a day exploring together. Enjoy the freedom of your own vehicle and guide, with the walking, food stops and wildlife experiences planned around your group's interests.
You'll love this tour if you:
- ✓Want the Penguin Parade to be the finale to a full adventure.
- ✓Want a private guide and vehicle for your own group.
- ✓Want to hike the 6.8 km Cape Woolamai circuit.
- ✓Love wild coastline, huge ocean views and being outdoors.
- ✓Want opportunities to see wildlife throughout the day.
- ✓Enjoy local bakery stops and a relaxed dinner in Cowes.
- ✓Want to spend time outdoors with family or friends.
- ✓Enjoy exploring with a local outdoor guide.
Talk to us before booking if you:
- —Only want transport to and from the Penguin Parade.
- —Prefer sightseeing with minimal walking.
- —Are uncomfortable walking approximately 6.8 km.
- —Need a fully accessible, step-free itinerary.
- —Need an earlier return or a shorter day.
Your local crew
A local guide for your island adventure.
Hike & Seek is a small independent Melbourne tour company built around hiking, wildlife and time outdoors. Our friendly, First Aid qualified guides love sharing the landscapes they explore.
Your guide walks Cape Woolamai with you, helps you spot wildlife and takes care of the driving between stops. With your own group, there is time for questions, conversation and enjoying the places along the way.
Tell us what your group enjoys before you travel. We will help shape a practical itinerary, confirm your attraction bookings and explain what to expect from the day.
First Aid qualifiedOutdoor guidesIndependent & localPrivate guiding
The essentials
What's included
- ✓Your own local outdoor guide
- ✓Private vehicle for your group
- ✓Guided 6.8 km Cape Woolamai circuit
- ✓Koala visit on the suggested itinerary
- ✓The Nobbies coastal boardwalk
- ✓Penguin Parade visit on the suggested itinerary
- ✓Wildlife spotting opportunities
- ✓Delicious snacks
- ✓Hotel pickup within the eligible area
- ✓Up to 10 guests
Not included:Meals, coffee, drinks and personal expenses. Your quote will specify Koala Conservation Reserve admission, Penguin Parade tickets and any viewing upgrades, with all costs confirmed before booking. We stop in San Remo for bakery food and in Cowes for dinner after the koalas.
Before you book
Private Phillip Island tour FAQs
What makes this a private Phillip Island tour?
Your vehicle and local outdoor guide are reserved exclusively for your group, with up to 10 guests. The recommended day includes Cape Woolamai, koalas, dinner in Cowes, the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade. Attractions and penguin viewing areas are shared with other visitors.
How much does the private tour cost?
Send us your preferred date, group size and any itinerary requests for a private quote. We will confirm the total price, admission inclusions and Penguin Parade viewing option before you book. Meals and drinks are purchased separately unless your quote states otherwise.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. We offer hotel pickup from Melbourne CBD and accommodation within approximately 5 km by road of the CBD. Send us your address so we can confirm it is within the pickup area.
Where do we meet if we are outside the pickup area?
Our usual central meeting point is 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne. Your pickup location and departure time will be confirmed before the tour.
Can we customise the itinerary?
Yes. Contact us before booking with your interests, walking abilities and preferred stops. We can discuss a shorter walk or a different balance of activities, subject to travel time, attraction availability and conditions. The Penguin Parade happens around sunset, so that part of the day follows nature's timing.
How much walking is involved?
The recommended itinerary includes an approximately 6.8 km guided circuit around Cape Woolamai and the Pinnacles, plus walking at the Koala Conservation Reserve, the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade. If you would prefer less walking, tell us before booking.
How difficult is the Cape Woolamai hike?
The recommended circuit is Grade 2, with formed tracks, gentle hills and occasional steps. You should be comfortable walking approximately 6.8 km. Coastal conditions can make the walk feel more demanding, so bring suitable shoes and layers.
Is the tour suitable for children or different walking abilities?
Tell us the ages, walking experience and needs of everyone in your group before booking. We can discuss suitable walking options, vehicle requirements and the late return. The standard hiking itinerary is not fully step-free.
Is Penguin Parade entry included?
Your private quote will clearly state the Penguin Parade tickets included and the viewing option booked. General Viewing is the suggested option for the standard itinerary. Tickets are subject to availability and will be confirmed before you book.
Can we upgrade our Penguin Parade viewing?
Ask us about available viewing options when you enquire. We can check availability and confirm any additional cost before booking. A private vehicle and guide do not provide exclusive access to the Penguin Parade.
What happens at the Penguin Parade?
Around sunset, Little Penguins return from the ocean, cross the beach and head towards their burrows. You can watch from the viewing area and follow the boardwalks through the colony. Arrival times and numbers vary naturally.
Is Koala Conservation Reserve admission included?
We will specify Koala Conservation Reserve admission in your private-tour quote, along with the other confirmed inclusions. The reserve is part of our recommended itinerary.
Where do we stop for food?
We stop at a local bakery in San Remo on the way to Phillip Island for coffee and something to eat. After the Koala Conservation Reserve, we stop in Cowes for dinner before continuing towards the Nobbies and Penguin Parade. Stop timings may be adjusted around sunset and access.
Are meals included?
Meals, coffee and other drinks are purchased separately unless specified in your quote. Snacks are included. Let us know any dietary requirements before booking so we can plan suitable food stops.
What time do we depart and return?
Departure and return times vary seasonally because the day is planned around sunset and the Penguin Parade. Allow approximately 12 hours for the recommended itinerary, with a late return to Melbourne. We will confirm expected times for your date, pickup location and agreed route.
What wildlife might we see?
Along the coast, we look for wallabies, echidnas and seabirds. Seasonal sightings may include shearwaters or whales offshore. The recommended itinerary also visits the koalas and Penguin Parade. Wildlife sightings and animal numbers vary naturally.
What should we bring?
Bring comfortable trainers or hiking shoes, at least 1 litre of water, warm layers and a waterproof jacket. A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are useful during the day. Bring an extra warm layer for the Penguin Parade, plus a card or cash for meals and drinks.
Can we photograph the penguins?
Please follow the photography and filming instructions provided by Phillip Island Nature Parks staff and your guide. Your guide will explain the applicable rules before you enter the viewing area.
What happens if the weather changes?
Your guide may adjust the walk, stop timings or route for weather, track conditions, attraction access and safety. We will discuss significant changes with you.
Can we bring luggage?
Vehicle storage is limited. Please contact us before booking if you need to bring anything larger than a small day bag.
How do we book, and what are the cancellation terms?
Enquire with your date, group size, pickup address and any special requests. We will confirm availability, the full price, admission inclusions and private-tour cancellation terms before booking, including any attraction ticket conditions.
Penguins at sunset. Adventure all day.
Make a whole adventure out of Phillip Island.
Share coastal trails, koalas and an evening with the Little Penguins with your own group. Send us your preferred date, group size and ideas, and we will help plan your private Phillip Island adventure.
Enquire Now