
These three Phillip Island private tours all focus on a private day out with the Penguin Parade, but each one packages the day a little differently. One leans into a longer, more open-ended nature outing, one is a fully private custom drive for up to six guests, and one keeps the trip slightly shorter while adding tea and fees in the fare.
TourPickGuide may earn a commission when you book through an affiliate link in this guide, at no extra cost to you.
For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and Australia tours and experiences.
Phillip Island tour options at a glance
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Longer nature day | Travelers who want a fuller day with a more relaxed pace and included Penguin Parade admission | ★ 5.0/5 | 11 reviews | Approx. 9 hr–11 hr | Includes private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle | View on Viator |
Custom private drive | Groups that want a fully private tour with a smaller maximum size and a more tailored day | ★ 5.0/5 | 10 reviews | Approx. 9 hr | Custom and private for up to six passengers | View on Viator |
Shorter premium feel | Travelers who want a shorter private outing with tea, fees, and taxes included in the price structure | ★ 5.0/5 | 9 reviews | Approx. 8 hr–10 hr | Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle are included | View on Viator |
Phillip Island private tours: format and traveler fit
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare by pace and included Penguin access
Phillip Island Penguins Private Adventure
Best for: Travelers who want a fuller day with a more relaxed pace and included Penguin Parade admission
This option is built for travelers who want more than just the Penguin Parade. The day runs longer than the other two tours and combines a private vehicle with a sequence of island experiences, including beach time, wildlife viewing, a scenic boardwalk area, and the parade itself. The listing also mentions a seasonal dinner stop in Cowes, though dinner is not included. Because the itinerary feels broad rather than tightly scripted, it suits visitors who want a fuller private outing and do not mind a longer day.
A longer private island day with multiple nature stops
- Includes private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle
- Penguin Parade tickets and seating pads are included
- Coffee or tea and bottled water are provided
Compare by group size and customization
Private custom Tour of Phillip Island With Penguin Parade
Best for: Groups that want a fully private tour with a smaller maximum size and a more tailored day
This tour is the most explicitly custom option in the set. It is designed as a private day for a small group, with a local guide and a vehicle arranged for the party, then shaped around the day’s interests. The itinerary mentions beaches, wildlife, the Nobbies, and Cape Woolamai before the Penguin Parade. For travelers who want a straightforward private format without choosing a more specialized seating package, this one offers a balance of flexibility and structure while keeping the Penguin Parade as the central finale.
A tailored private tour with a clear penguin-focused finish
- Custom and private for up to six passengers
- General Penguin Viewing tickets are included
- Bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included
Compare by duration and included comfort items
Phillip Island Private Experience
Best for: Travelers who want a shorter private outing with tea, fees, and taxes included in the price structure
This option is the shortest of the three and adds a few useful inclusions that can simplify the day. It starts with a private meet-up, then moves through a beach stop, the Koala Conservation Centre treetops, a clifftop boardwalk, and the Penguin Parade. The itinerary also notes that dinner in Cowes can be included, but that meal is listed as an extra rather than a standard inclusion. If you want a private tour that feels organized, comfortable, and slightly more compact in timing, this is the clearest fit.
A compact private experience with included extras
- Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle are included
- Complimentary morning or afternoon tea and bottled water are provided
- All fees and taxes are included
Choosing the right Phillip Island private tour style
If you want the most expansive day, look at the longer private outing with several island stops. If you prefer a tighter private format, choose the custom small-group route or the shorter comfort-focused experience based on whether flexibility or included extras matter more to you.
Route style
A multi-stop private island day that ends with the Penguin Parade and may include a seasonal stop in Cowes.
Route style
A private custom route through island highlights before ending at the Penguin Parade.
Route style
A concise private island circuit that moves from wildlife and coastline stops to the Penguin Parade.
Before you book in Phillip Island
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Phillip Island booking checklist
- Check which Penguin Parade viewing style is included, since the options differ by product.
- Dinner is not included as a standard feature on these tours, even when a dining stop is mentioned.
- Private transportation and vehicle comfort are included on all three, but the other inclusions are not identical.
Phillip Island tour questions answered
Which tour is best for travelers who want the most flexible private day?
The custom private tour for up to six passengers is the clearest choice for flexibility, since it is explicitly described as a custom and private experience.
Which option is the shortest private tour?
The shortest listed duration belongs to the Phillip Island Private Experience, which also includes tea, bottled water, and fees and taxes.
Do all three tours include Penguin Parade entry?
Yes. Each product includes Penguin Parade access in some form, but the viewing type differs, so it is worth checking the specific option on each tour.








