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Things to do in Norway: Reindeer Rides
We met real reindeer when we went to Norway! We were paraded around in a sled through the snow! See more of our unbelievable experience on the blog!
Reindeer in Norway
What to do in Tromso, Norway: Reindeer Rides
One of our favorite adventures in Norway was a reindeer sleigh ride!
We booked our entire trip through Off the Map Travel, and they set everything up for us from hotels to activities and getting to and from everything. It was really nice that we didn't have to figure out how to get from the airport or how to get to this random place in the middle of Norway.
Reindeer in Tromso, Norway
REINDEER SLEIGH RIDES
Here's how our day went:
From our hotel, we walked over to the Radisson Blu and got on a small bus of about 14 people to the Tromso Lapland. It was a 20-minute drive to the Sami lavvu where we changed into a winter suit and gloves that they provided so our stuff didn’t get wet! BTW, see our guide as to what to pack for a trip like this: Packing Essentials and Check List for your next Snow Adventure
We jumped back on the bus and drove another 20 mins to the reindeer!
After a small hike uphill, the reindeer were waiting for us by our sleighs. I leaped to them (literally, I was that excited)! Of course, I had to pet them and take tons of pictures, which I'm sure they loved me invading their personal space. It's what I do best. ;-)
Soon after, we were all seated and ready for take off.
Reindeer Rides in Norway
The reindeer don't run quite as fast as the sled dogs, it's a slower paced, more peaceful ride. We did a large lap around the trees through the snow. We were all bundled up so it wasn't too cold! It was nice to take in the sites and experience Norway in such a special way.
White reindeer in Norway
This was a once in a lifetime experience. Not only did we have a reindeer ride, but we also learned of the native Sami culture. The reindeer ride consisted of about 7 or 8 reindeer pulling individual sleds. They are connected buy ropes and then all sleds are connected one by one.
At first, the guide was leading the reindeer up and around the hill and then hopped on the sled and away we went. Our ride lasted about 40 mins total and was very peaceful trekking through the freshly powdered snow.
FEEDING REINDEER
Feeding Reindeer
After our ride, they tied the reindeer in a more open area, where we were able to feed them! Most of the time they would knock the food out of my hands and almost force me out of the way with their antlers to eat the remains from the snowy ground. I did get to pet them, their fur is coarse and some of them even had fur fuzz on their antlers!
We then moved locations to a traditional Sami Lavvu (it looks like a teepee) where we had reindeer stew for lunch while being told stories of their culture along and even a joik (Sami song) was sung for us.
It wasn't quite reindeer leading Santa's sleigh, but still had an enjoyable time!
Related Post: We slept in a teepee in the snow! See why in: Where to Stay in Norway
Don’t forget to pack these guys:
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How to Spend 5 Days in Tromso, Norway - Tromsø, Norway Itinerary
We spent a lot of time in the snow in Tromso Norway! Check out how we spent 5 days in northern Norway and our guide to everything you need to know including our favorite activities, where to stay, where to eat, and how to see the Northern Lights!
What is there to do in Tromsø, Norway during winter? PLENTY!
Northern Lights just outside of Tromsø, Norway
For our winter trip, we wandered to Norway and it has been one of our best trips yet! We wanted to see the northern lights but knew it was never guaranteed, so we booked other excursions to make our trip worthwhile while such as dog sledding, reindeer rides, and whale watching.
Josh was working with a producer that has a friend who has a travel business called Off The Map Travel, specializing in trips to the Arctic Circle to find the northern lights. After a few emails back and forth with Katie, she sent us an itinerary that we could adjust to our liking. One thing listed on our itinerary was spending the night in a Sami lavvu (teepee). Josh was very excited about this, but I didn't like the idea of spending the night in a tent in the cold, it sounded awful. Katie assured us it would be warm and everyone loves it. Fine, we'll try it. I still wasn't completely convinced but agreed to it for some reason. Anyway, we finalized our itinerary and the lavvu was like living in a fairytale (well, almost). The next steps were to book our flights and purchase warm clothes since this California girl doesn't know what to do in the snow but wants to build a snowman.
Click here for our Packing Essentials for Snow Guide and Check-List
Getting to Tromso, Norway
Since we were in Syracuse for Christmas, we flew SAS from Newark to Oslo to Tromsø, Norway, and upgraded to business class for more comfort to hopefully get some sleep on the plane. There weren’t any direct flights to Tromsø from New York.
SAS Business class was really nice complete with a large screen in the seat in front of you and a decent selection of entertainment. The food was ok, not your typical American meal, the venison was very tough, but the wine selection was fantastic. Best part was the ice cream, of course, they served 3 Twins Ice Cream - sea salted caramel! SO DELICIOUS!
Day 1
HOTEL IN TROMSO NORWAY: Clarion at the Edge
We arrived in Oslo, went through customs, and continued to baggage claim to get our bags to check them in again to get to Tromso.
Tromsø views
After landing in Tromso, our taxi driver was there to pick us up and take us to our hotel, the Clarion at the Edge. The Clarion is a newer hotel, very modern and eco-friendly. To power the lights in your room you have to put the key in a switch and they all illuminate.
Clarion at the Edge - Tromso, Norway
Our room overlooked the Tromso Sound towards the Arctic Cathedral. Apparently, they are building a port right in front of the hotel so there were 2 giant cranes obstructing our view. The beds were very comfortable and the bathroom is very tiny.
View from our room at the Clarion in Tromso, Norway
Their restaurant on the second floor had good food (and wine). Oh and they had the best sign:
Stressed Spelled Backwards is desserts! YES IT IS!
Presis has swings as dining room chairs
DINNER IN TROMSO: Presis
Storgata 36, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
We had about an hour before we had to meet for our dog sledding adventure, just enough time to grab a bite. Right around the corner from our hotel was a Tapas bar called Presis serving Spanish and Arctic Tapas.
Upon entering, the candlelight from the tables gave a cozy and welcoming vibe, and my eyes lit up when I looked over observing that instead of chairs, some of the tables had swings! The four-year-old inside me wanted to run over and sit on one instantly, but instead, the hostess sat us at a table with plain old regular four-legged chairs by the window instead. It was probably for the better because I would have played on the swing and knocked over food, water, or a candle with the potential of lighting the restaurant on fire. So instead, I sat for a quick picture.
The food was delicious. We had their ham, bread with salt and olive oil, potatoes with a garlic aioli sauce, and spicy meatballs. It was the perfect amount of food for the 2 of us, almost too much!
Click here for our Packing Essentials for Snow Guide and Check-List
Night Dog Sledding and Getting Lost
We quickly walked over to the Scandic Ishavshotel where Arctic Adventure Tours had a small bus was there to take us up to see the puppies! It was about a 30 min drive to our spot and as soon as we got off the bus I ran straight for the dogs!
Dog sledding pup sleeping
They were chained to little dog houses and jumping in and out of them, excited we were there to visit and give them attention! We were called into a room to suit up and get a winter suit, boots, gloves, and a headlamp for our sledding. It was probably for the better to wear their gear since the dogs were so smelly (but still so cute) it wouldn't stink up our clothes on our first day.
We had a quick orientation and headed to the sleds. The dogs instantly started barking and jumping with excitement when they saw us!
We jumped in our sleds and they untied each sled team one by one and off we went! The dogs run fast and are good about following each other. They are even skilled to run and poop at the same time. Lol. I liked riding more than driving! You have to do a little peddling/running when going up hills, the pups get a little tired and need a boost!
The dogs got all tangled and wouldn't run at one point, so we were stranded trying to get them in line. Since we were the last ones, everyone had gone ahead and we were stuck there. We waited for a little bit, and finally saw a headlamp heading towards us. Hooray we were saved! Even the instructor couldn't tear them apart. We sat and waited for another 5 minutes when they finally finished and joined the rest of our group. How could you get mad at a face like this:
Our sleds had pelts to sit on to make it more comfortable!
Dog sleds!
And off we went for about an hour! We saw so many stars and got caught in some snow!
Day 2
Reindeer Sleigh Ride
See our full post here: Reindeer Rides in Norway
The hotel provided a free buffet breakfast in the morning at their restaurant, with tons of options from pancakes to an omelet station.
Our first adventure of the day was a reindeer sleigh ride! We walked over to the Radisson Blu and got on a small bus of about 14 people to the Tromso Lapland. It was a 20 minute drive to the Sami lavvu where we changed into a winter suit and gloves provided by the tour. We jumped back on the bus and drove another 20 mins to the reindeer. After a small hike up the hill, the reindeer were waiting for us by a bunch of sleighs. I leaped to them (literally, I was that excited)!
Reindeer in Norway
Of course I had to pet them and take tons of pictures, which I'm sure they loved me invading their personal space. It's what I do best. Soon after, we were all seated and ready for take off. The reindeer don't run quite as fast as the dogs, it's a slower paced, more peaceful ride.
Reindeer Rides in Tromso, Norway
This was a once in a lifetime experience. Not only did we have a reindeer ride, but we also learned of the native Sami culture. The reindeer ride consisted of about 7 or 8 reindeer pulling individual sleds. They are connected by ropes and then all sleds are connected one by one. At first, the guide was leading the reindeer up and around the hill and then hopped on the sled and away we went. The ride lasted about 40 mins total and was very peaceful trekking through the freshly powdered snow. for 3km. After our ride, they tied the reindeer in a more open area, where we were able to feed them!
Feeding Reindeer
Most of the time they would knock the food out of my hands and almost force me out of the way with their antlers to eat the remains from the snowy ground. I did get to pet them, their fur is coarse and some of them even had fur fuzz on their antlers! We then moved locations to a traditional Sami Lavuu (it looks like a teepee) with an authentic Sami guide where we had reindeer stew for lunch while being told stories of their culture along and even a joik (Sami song) was sung for us. Our guide was from a Sami reindeer herding families explaining how valuable reindeer are enriched in their culture.
See our full story: Reindeer Rides in Tromsø, Norway
Drinks in Tromsø: Huken Pub
Strandgata 22, 9008 Tromsø, Norway
Huken Pub in Tromso, Norway
A storm came in so strong that the rain from it turned into icy roads. We were supposed to go out to see the lights but the bus wasn't going to be safe in the icy conditions and we had to cancel our tour.
We weren't surprised, it was still overcast and others who had gone out the night before drove 2 hours to Finland to see the Northern Lights, some weren't able to catch them at all.
Huken Pub brews
Instead, we went to Huken Pub right around the corner of our hotel. We had some time to kill, where we just wanted to sit and have a beer. This was the perfect place. The decor is unique, suitcases as tables and barn chic interior.
Huken Pub Bar
The people sitting next to us had burgers that looked amazing but we had just had dinner at the hotel. They had a vast selection of Mack beers along with a few others. Not great for large groups as it is a small place inside and doesn't really have a bar to stand at. It's cozy and perfect for 2 people!
After a couple of drinks, we walked around for a bit and enjoyed the charm of this quaint town.
Streets of Tromso
Church in Tromso
Day 3
Whale Watching
See the full story here: Whale Watching in Norway
It was finally our day to go whale watching and we were so excited! I was a little apprehensive as to how cold it was going to be, with being on the water and rain in our forecast, but they said there were warm waterproof suits to wear. Perfect, now my clothes won't get wet and I'll still be warm! Win, Win.
Tromso Harbor
We booked this excursion through Off the Map Travel and our whale watching company name was ACIN (Arctic Cruise in Norway), we boarded the Arctic Princess, a Lagoon 450 Catamaran.
Whale Watching - Orcas in Norway
A fellow tour company had spotted a pod of killer whales and gave a call to our captain. We drove straight towards them. WOW! There were probably about 10 Orcas in the pod and they would surface now and again where you could see their prominent white spot near there eye. They weren't jumping out of the water like Free Willy or Shamu at Sea World, but it was still mesmerizing to watch these beautiful creatures.
Killer whales in Norway
The whales didn't seem bothered by the surrounding boats at all, coming fairly close to a couple of them. There was a flock of seagulls trying to get in on the whales’ feeding situation. We could see where the pod was heading based on where the birds were circling. You could tell when some would surface as they would give a burst through their blowholes.
We watched them for almost an hour it seemed and my feet were so cold, it was to the point where I couldn't really feel them anymore. The fear of frostbite and losing my toes set in, it was time to go inside and warm up and head back to Tromso. See the full story here: Whale Watching in Norway
New Hotel: Sleeping in a Teepee
See our full story of the lavvu stay here: Sleeping in a Teepee
We checked out of our hotel (we told them we needed a late check-out so we could shower and I'm so glad we did! Off the Map travel had arranged our transfer over to the Lyngen Alps. When we arrived, we met Ann Kristin with Aurora Alps, who was in charge of our tours for the next few days. We were supposed to stay in a cabin the first night, so I had one last night to get used to the idea I would be sleeping in a teepee, in the snow. However, they told us our Itinerary had changed and we were spending that night in the teepee. O.M.G. She made it sound like it was no big deal and that it would be easier for us. I was anxious and nervous inside.
Sami Lavvu - Tent we spent the night in
We grabbed our bags and walked to the lavvu (teepee) which was about 50 feet from the house with a lit path and charming white lights strung in front.
HOW ENCHANTING! I then forgot all my fears, and as we entered the candlelit lavvu, I loved everything about it. There was a giant picnic table with food, a bar with hot drinks ready to go, a warm stove with lots of firewood, a comfortable living room setup, and a separate area with sleeping bags. Along with the candles, there were some lights strung along the top of the lavvu giving off plenty of light. I was mesmerized and felt like I was in another world. This was my kind of camping, as long as the fire kept burning!
See more in our full story of the lavvu stay here: Sleeping in a Teepee
Snowshoes and Searching for the Northern Lights
In front of our cozy lavvu, were 2 sets of snowshoes. They were cute and I took a picture but didn't know how to use them. Ann Kristin had advised the Northern Lights would be out that night and we should use the snowshoes to get to the clearing not far from the teepee. We gathered all of our camera gear and Josh helped me get my snowshoes on and off we went. We found the clearing but the sky was cloudy and there was a light rain. We decided to wait a bit and see if the weather would clear up.
After about 15 minutes, we started to see stars and the clouds started to dissipate. We thought we were looking for green flashes or some kind of light in the sky but didn't see anything like that. Josh decided to take pictures of the stars while we waited for the aurora borealis to show. After a few pictures, he yelled, "THAT'S IT!" There it was, on his camera screen, green Northern lights! We realized they looked more like glowing clouds to the naked eye! "What about that?! Or that?!" We shot at everything in the sky, taking tons of shots and getting something a little different every time.
Our first Northern Lights sighting
We were excited we were able to see the lights on our first night and couldn't wait until we were going out with a guide the next night!
Day 4
Dog Sledding Adventure
We checked out of the teepee and stored our bags with Aurora Alps, which they brought them over to the cabin next door later that day. We went back towards Tromsø but stopped just after the bridge for our day dog sledding tour! There were so many cute smelly pups that were so happy to see us!
We felt like pros since we had already gone dog sledding at night in the dark! We put on our suits over our clothes and jumped on our sleds.
Dog sledding in Norway
It was kinda rainy and it seemed like the path they were taking hadn't had snow in a while. In certain areas it was almost like water skiing which was fun but since it was raining, water had somehow leaked into my suit, and I was wet and very very cold.
We warmed up and had some lunch in the community room (and lots of hot chocolate!).
Northern Lights in Finland
Evening Northern Lights Tour
We had a private tour, arranged by Off the Map Travel to go see the Northern Lights. We looked at the weather pattern and hoped we could see the lights and not too many clouds! Our driver picked us up in a large van at our cabin and took us about an hour North of us where the weather was better, and we even drove into Finland to find the Northern Lights! We brought all of our camera gear and ANYTHING to keep us warm.
What are the northern lights exactly? Well, the Aurora is an incredible light show caused by collisions between electrically charged particles released from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and collide with gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The lights are seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres.
After a many stops over 3 hours, it was time to head back to the cabin. We were beyond thrilled we were able to see the lights.
Day 5
We were exhausted by this point, we had done so much in 4 days! We finally slept in a bit, but I was still excited to try cross country skiing!
Cross country skiing in Norway
Since it was my first time, I may have fallen a couple of times, but overall was fun since it was something I had never done before! My thighs were definitely sore the next day! We took in the scenery, being secluded in the woods, and even saw moose tracks!
Winter in Norway
We stopped at their cabin in the middle of the woods which had no power, but a cozy area for a fire to cook hot dogs and have some hot cocoa from a thermos! We signed the guest book hoping we'd return one day!
New Years Eve Night and the Northern Lights
As we were enjoying our last night in Norway, we went to dinner in the main hall, and then went out at midnight for the neighbors fireworks show. The law allows fireworks to be shot off only on New Years Eve night from 11:30pm to 12:30am. The neighbors gather together to compete against other neighborhoods for the best fireworks display!
Last Glimpse of the Northern Lights
At about 1am the skies started to clear and the Northern Lights were directly above us! We got the GoPro and the rest of our gear and setup for a light show!
There was a glow and we were glad we were to able to see them one last time, or so we thought. We went inside for about an hour to warm up and get ready for bed. Josh went out one last time to take a look and came back yelling, "come out, come out!" I ran outside and could actually see the Northern Lights without a lens!
Northern Lights in Norway
We went inside again to warm up and edit some photos to show our family and friends at home. It was getting close to 5am and it was time for bed. As I got into bed and was scrolling threw Instagram, I heard Josh open the door, he yelled, "they're back, come out!" We went running out and there were bright green streaks across the sky!
Aurora Borealis in Norway
As I was looking in the sky, one of the glowing clouds got brighter and greener and started moving! I turned to Josh and said, "look at that," pointing at the green streak of the aurora borealis!
This green streak only got brighter and brighter and danced across the sky, dazzling different colors of white, green and blue as it moved.
Aurora Borealis near Tromso, Norway
It was the perfect way to end our 5-day trip to Norway and great start to a new year!
Don’t forget to pack these guys:
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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11 Hella Cool Things to do in San Francisco, California
Here is a list of our 11 favorite things to do in San Francisco including riding a cable car and visiting Alcatraz. | What to do and where to go in San Francisco, California.
San Francisco Skyline
11 Best Things to do in San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is such a great city! We've been so many times, yet there is something new to do every time. With all the hills and located on the coast, there are spectacular views! We love being a tourist and they have some pretty great food there too! Here is a list of our FAVORITE things to do in San Francisco:
1. Ride a Cable Car
I always think of Full House when I see the cable cars. Your trip would not be complete without a ride on these guys! There are three cable car lines: the Powell-Hyde Line, the Powell-Mason Line and the California Line. There's even a cable car museum! It's about $7 to take a ride. Check out San Francisco’s official guide: How to ride a Cable Car
Ride a Cable Car
2. See the Painted Ladies
Address: Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Check out these iconic brightly colored Victorian beauties. Alamo Square Park, located directly across from the ladies, is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy them! If you're not singing the theme song to Full House in front of these houses, there is something wrong with you. Speaking of, the actual Full House house is located: 1709 Broderick Street, about a mile away. We walked to the Mrs. Doubtfire house instead see #10.
Painted Ladies in San Francisco
3. Check Out Alcatraz
This famous prison is in the middle of the bay, once home to Al Capone. Make sure you buy your tickets a couple weeks in advance, the earlier you go, the less crowds there are. Day tickets to The Rock are only $45, including the ferry to get there and the self guided audio tour. I dare you to try the night tour! Buy tickets here: Alcatraz Tours or Viator offers great bundles and you can get into Alcatraz and the Aquarium for $63!
4. Visit Lombard Street
Address: Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Check out the 8 crazy zigzag turns down the hill on Lombard Street. It’s fun to drive down!
5. Visit the Sea Lions at Fisherman's Wharf - Pier 39
Address: Beach Street & The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94133
Grab a bite to eat, do some shopping and then come see these guys! There are hundreds of sea lions at times, swimming, barking, and splashing. I could sit and watch them for hours!
6. Visit the Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94129
You can drive, bike, and even walk across this massive bridge, or enjoy from a beach nearby. Any way you choose, you can appreciate the beauty of this iconic art deco bridge. If you get to the other side, there is a park/lookout area to snap a few photos. This was taken from the Crissy Fields East Beach:
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE FROM CRISSY FIELDS EAST BEACH
7. Walk through the Palace of Fine Arts
Address: 3601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Take a walk through the Palace of Fine Arts walking distance from the Crissy Fields beach in #7! Appreciate the Greco-Roman architecture and lookout for turtles and ducks!
See if there are any events while you are there: Palace of Fine Arts Events
8. Get Ice Cream and Sit in the Park
Bi-Rite: 3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Bi-Rite is one of the best ice cream establishments in San Francisco. There is always a wait, but it is well worth it. Dolores Park is right across the street, which is a great place to enjoy city views and have some ice cream. The park isn’t always so crowded, it had rained all week and it was a warm beautiful day!
See our full BiRite Ice Cream Review here
9. Go Shopping in Union Square
Address: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94108
Shopping is one of my favorite activities and Union Square has some of the best stores: Macy's, Saks 5th Ave, Tiffany & Co, Nike, Apple, Williams-Sonoma, to name a few. Stop at the Burger Bar in Macy’s for Union Square views and a milkshake! If you go down Powell there are even more shops and a mall off of Market Street.
TONY BENNETT'S "I LEFT MY HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO"
Milkshake at the Burger Bar
10. Find the Mrs. Doubtfire House
Mrs. Doubtfire House Address: 2640 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94115
"Steiner Street. Oooh how lovely!" Quote from Mrs. Doubtfire, one of my favorite movies of all-time. There's even a Robin Williams tribute with people that have signed rocks in the planter. Here's what it looks like: inside the house.
11. Catch a Giant's Game at AT&T Park
Address: 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107
Check out their schedule and buy tickets: Click Here
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Things to do Moorea: Buggy Ride Around the Island
Moorea is a gorgeous island with fantastic resorts! To get the best views, rent a buggy from Moorea Roadsters and take a ride around the island! Things to do in Moorea, French Polynesia. What to do in Moorea, French Polynesia!
Moorea is such a beautiful island! One of our favorite activities when we visited was when we took a drive around the island in a cute little buggy! We rented a little 2 seater buggy, which was like a small go-kart that went faster than you would expect, zooming around the island in about 4 hours. The road was super bumpy at parts but overall it was a blast!
Related Post: Top 10 Things to do in Moorea
How to Rent a Buggy
We rented our red buggy through Moorea Fun Roadsters. The Sofitel Moorea concierge assisted us in booking the car the night before, and without a problem, they delivered it to our hotel the very next morning!
We went back and forth between renting for 4 or 8 hours, but we decided to do the 4 hour which was the perfect amount to go around the entire island and make all recommended stops.
Where to Go in Moorea
A map was provided by the Moorea Fun Roadsters, including the best places to stop (which we did most all of them). They recommended the following:
Opunohu Bay (black sand), Opunohu Belvedere, archaeological and legendary sites, Agricultural High School (tasting)
Protestant Papetoai Temple, Churches, Dolphin center & Marine Turtle Clinic (Intercontinental), Tiki village (Polynesian Village)
Surf Spot, Cascasde in the Afareaitu Valley, Golf, Moorea Juice Factory & Distillery (tasting)
Cook's Bay
Tahiti Aromas Factory (Noni, Monoi, Vanilla, Coconut and Tamanu Oil Production Laboratory, Natural Tiare Essences.)
Driving Around the Island
We were on our way! We drove for 2 minutes and then saw a picture-perfect view of our hotel, so we pulled to the side of the road and stopped for pictures. 4 hours didn't seem like it was going to be enough!
We hopped back in and made our way to our first stop, Belvedere lookout. The road to the top was bumpy and unpaved most of the way, but it was totally worth it!
To our surprise, there were many wild chickens around the island (and bugs)!
This was our favorite site, we were able to experience Belvedere and all its beauty.
On the way back down from Belvedere, we stopped at the Moorea Juice Factory & Distillery for a quick refresher. The pineapple drink was delicious, it tasted like ice cream!
We continued on, with many unpaved roads and quick turns, but overall we were enjoying our buggy ride. We kept stopping to enjoy the sights, including the gorgeous aqua water.
We figured it would be a good idea to stop at the only grocery store on the island on the way back since we had a way to get there! We picked up a few things such as cheese and crackers to snack on in the room and needed a mixer to go with our duty-free liquor pickup. Unfortunately, we picked up concentrate instead of juice but had plenty of Mango/Orange drinks for days!
Returning the Buggy
Before you return the vehicle, just like renting a regular car, you have to fill it up but it doesn't use much gas and it cost about $8 to fill it back up!
This was a great way to see the island and get out of the resort for a little bit. We would highly recommend it to anyone who visits Moorea!
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10 Best Things to Do in Sydney, Australia for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Sydney? Here are 10 of the best things to do in Sydney, Australia, from the Opera House and Bondi Beach to the Blue Mountains, wildlife, Taronga Zoo and more.
Updated August 2026
Sydney is one of those cities that has a little bit of everything: beautiful beaches, incredible coastal walks, Australian wildlife, iconic landmarks, great food and one seriously gorgeous harbor.
We spent five days exploring Sydney and packed A LOT into our trip. From touring the Sydney Opera House and walking from Bondi to Coogee to meeting koalas and kangaroos, these were the experiences that stood out the most.
If you're visiting Sydney for the first time, here are 10 of the best things to do in Sydney, Australia—plus a couple of bonus stops we loved!
Planning a longer trip? Check out my 5-Day Sydney, Australia Itinerary for exactly how we fit many of these Sydney attractions into one trip.
This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Sweetest Escapes!
Best Things to Do in Sydney at a Glance
Tour the Sydney Opera House
Walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach
See the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Ride a ferry across Sydney Harbour
Get up close with Australian wildlife at Featherdale
Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains and Scenic World
Visit Taronga Zoo
Explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
Play at Luna Park Sydney
Eat gelato—obviously!
1. Take a Tour of the Sydney Opera House
You can't go to Sydney for the first time without seeing the Sydney Opera House, but I highly recommend doing more than just taking a picture of it from the outside.
We took a tour and loved getting to see the building up close and learning more about its history and architecture.
One thing that surprised me was the roof. From a distance, the sails look almost perfectly white, but once you're close you can actually see the individual tiles and the chevron-like pattern they create.
The inside is just as impressive. The Opera House contains multiple performance spaces, including the Concert Hall and its incredible Grand Organ, which has more than 10,200 pipes and is considered the largest known mechanical-action pipe organ in the world.
Even if you don't have time to see a performance, I think taking a tour is one of the best ways to experience this Sydney icon.
2. Get up close with Australian Wildlife at Featherdale
I LOVE animals, so Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park was probably one of my favorite stops of the entire trip.
This is where you can see so many of Australia's animals in one place, including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies and more.
When we visited, one koala in particular completely stole my heart. I loved him so much that I actually had my mom paint him from one of the photos I took so I could keep looking at that adorable face after we got home!
Featherdale currently offers opportunities to pat a koala and hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons.
If seeing Australian wildlife is high on your bucket list, I would absolutely make time for this.
The easiest way to visit Featherdale from Sydney
Rather than visiting Featherdale by itself, you can combine it with a Blue Mountains day trip, which is essentially what we did. Our tour picked us up, took us out to the mountains and Scenic World, included the wildlife park and handled the transportation for us.
If you're only in Sydney for a few days, combining these attractions makes SO much sense.
🐨 BOOK IT:Blue Mountains, Scenic World + Featherdale Wildlife Park Tour
3. Walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach
This was easily one of the most beautiful things we did in Sydney.
The Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk stretches about 6 kilometers, or 3.7 miles, along Sydney's coastline and takes roughly two to three hours if you're walking at a leisurely pace.
Along the way you'll pass Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly and eventually Coogee Beach, with ocean views pretty much the entire way.
Just don't underestimate it!
There are stairs, hills and very little escape from the sun in certain sections. We did the walk during summer and, even though we reapplied sunscreen, we still got burned. The Australian sun felt so much stronger than what we were used to in California.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and something to cover your shoulders—especially if you're doing the walk in the middle of summer.
Pro Tip: You don't have to walk the entire route. If you're short on time, even doing part of the walk around Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte will give you some gorgeous coastal views.
Here’s a guided tour: Bondi and coastal walking tours.
4. See the Sydney Harbor Bridge
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is another Sydney landmark that you really can't miss—literally. It's right across the harbor from the Opera House and somehow looks different depending on where you see it from.
You can walk across it, sail underneath it, admire it from Circular Quay or, if you're much braver than I am, climb it.
We were also lucky enough to see the bridge during New Year's Eve, when fireworks were shooting off of it. It was an unforgettable way to ring in the New Year!
If you're not visiting for New Year's Eve, don't worry. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge together are still one of the prettiest views in the city.
For a first trip, I'd make sure you see them during both the day and at night.
Want to see the harbor from the water? A Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise is an easy way to get views of both the Harbour Bridge and Opera House without committing to a longer dinner cruise.
🚢 BOOK IT: Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise
Under the Sydney Harbor Bridge
You have to check it out on New Years Eve!
Sydney Harbor Bridge Fireworks on New Years Eve
5. Explore SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
If you're visiting Sydney with kids—or you're a big kid like me—SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is another fun stop.
We visited after scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef, so admittedly we had already been spoiled by seeing some pretty incredible marine life in the wild!
But the aquarium still gave us a chance to see creatures we hadn't spotted while diving, and I loved walking through the underwater tunnels with sharks and rays swimming around us.
Today, SEA LIFE Sydney is home to a huge variety of marine life, including multiple shark species, a rescued dugong and a penguin exhibit with king and gentoo penguins.
I probably wouldn't put the aquarium ahead of the Opera House or Bondi if you only have one or two days in Sydney, but it's a great addition if you have more time, are visiting with kids or need an indoor activity.
6. Visit the Blue Mountains and Scenic World
If you have enough time to take one day trip from Sydney, put the Blue Mountains high on your list.
The scenery is completely different from Sydney, and it makes a great break from the city.
One of the most famous viewpoints is the Three Sisters, but my favorite part of the day was Scenic World.
We rode over the eucalyptus forest on the Scenic Skyway, which travels between the cliffs high above the valley. Today, Scenic World's Skyway travels about 270 meters above the ravine, with views toward the Three Sisters, Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley.
Scenic World also has the Scenic Cableway and the Scenic Railway—the latter is billed as the world's steepest passenger railway.
This is one of those places where I really appreciated being on a tour. We didn't have to worry about driving, parking or figuring out how to fit all of the different stops into one day.
Is a Blue Mountains tour from Sydney worth it?
For us, yes.
If you're comfortable renting a car and want complete flexibility, you can certainly visit independently. But for a first trip to Australia, I loved being able to get picked up in Sydney and let someone else take care of the logistics.
And if you want to visit Featherdale too, a combination tour lets you knock out two of my favorite Sydney-area experiences in one day.
🐨 BOOK IT: Blue Mountains, Scenic World + Featherdale Wildlife Park Tour
7. Visit the Taronga Zoo and Take in the Views!
Yes, there is another animal stop on this list. I told you I love animals!
But Taronga Zoo is completely different from Featherdale.
The zoo is built into the hillside overlooking Sydney Harbour, so you get beautiful views of the city while walking through the zoo. It makes for some pretty amazing photo opportunities.
Taronga is home to both Australian wildlife and animals from around the world, but I think the location is what makes it especially memorable.
And getting there is part of the fun.
You can take a ferry from Circular Quay across the harbor to the zoo, which means this attraction can double as your Sydney Harbour ferry experience.
Pro Tip: Taronga is built on a hill, so plan accordingly when deciding which direction you want to explore the zoo!
8. Visit Olympic Park
The park hosted the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and you can still see pieces of that history today, including the Olympic Cauldron and memorials honoring the athletes who competed.
I wouldn't necessarily prioritize it on a very first visit if you only have a few days in Sydney, which is why I've moved it into the bonus section.
But if you remember watching the Sydney Olympics, it's really fun to see everything in person. They had the torch, the Olympic Cauldron that looks like a spaceship which was where the flame was lit the duration of the games, markers that noted how high someone jumped, who won each sport, and name of everyone who participated.
9. Find the Speakeasy, the Baxter Inn
If you're visiting Sydney without kids and love finding hidden bars, we had so much fun tracking down The Baxter Inn.
Part of the experience is finding it.
We headed down a nondescript alley off Clarence Street, through an unmarked entrance and downstairs into a dark basement bar that felt like we'd stepped into a completely different world.
It's known for its enormous whisky selection, but even if you're not a big whisky drinker, the atmosphere alone made it a memorable stop for us.
This is definitely more of a fun extra than a Sydney must-do, but I loved how completely different it felt from everything else we did during the trip.
Baxter Inn Speakeasy - Sydney, Australia
10. Play at Luna Park
After spending the day sightseeing, we cleaned up and took the ferry over to Luna Park Sydney.
You really can't miss the giant smiling face at the entrance!
Luna Park is an amusement park right on Sydney Harbour, with rides ranging from family-friendly attractions to roller coasters.
But want to know what our highlight was?
The slides in the fun house.
Josh and I raced each other over and over again for probably 30 minutes. We were DEFINITELY the biggest kids in there.
That fun house, Coney Island, is still part of Luna Park today and is actually a heritage-listed attraction. The park also now has newer rides including the Big Dipper roller coaster.
If you have kids, love amusement parks or just want to do something completely different after a day of traditional sightseeing, Luna Park is such a fun addition to a Sydney itinerary.
Plus, those Harbour Bridge views aren't bad either!
Buy tickets ahead of time here through Google Maps: Luna Park Tickets
Eat Gelato in Sydney!
It wouldn't be The Sweetest Escapes if I didn't tell you where to find something sweet.
And in Sydney, that means GELATO.
One of my favorites was Gelato Messina. They have tons of flavors and fun rotating specials, and yes, I think trying it should officially count as sightseeing.
We also loved Gelatissimo.
Did we need multiple gelato stops while we were in Sydney?
Of course we did.
After walking all those hills, coastal trails and zoo paths, I think we earned it!
If you see a Messina while you're exploring Sydney, do yourself a favor and stop.
Messina Ice Cream is my favorite!
Gelato from Gelatissimo is sooo good!
How Many Days Do You Need in Sydney?
I would give yourself at least four to five days in Sydney if you want to experience the city without rushing.
You can see many of the major Sydney attractions in three days, but adding a fourth or fifth day gives you time for the Bondi to Coogee walk, Taronga Zoo and a full-day trip to the Blue Mountains.
We spent five days in Sydney, and I loved having enough time to mix sightseeing with beaches, animals, food and a few completely ridiculous fun stops along the way.
For help putting everything together, head over to my 5-Day Sydney Itinerary next.
What Should You Not Miss on Your First Trip to Sydney?
If I had to narrow this entire list down, my five must-do Sydney experiences would be:
Tour the Sydney Opera House
See the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water
Walk at least part of the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains
See Australian wildlife up close
And yes, I would still find room for gelato.
Is Sydney Worth Visiting?
Absolutely!
Sydney gave us such a fun mix of city sightseeing, beaches, wildlife and outdoor adventure. I loved that one day we could be touring the Opera House and the next we could be hiking along the coast or hanging out with kangaroos.
Whether you're visiting Australia for the first time or adding Sydney to a bigger Australia itinerary, there is SO much to see and do here.
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Phillip Island Penguin Parade from Melbourne: Our Tour + Penguins Plus Review
We watched the parade of little fairy penguins waddle in at the end of the day and return to their burrows! See why you can’t miss this cute event! | Things to do in Australia | Where to go and What to do in Melbourne, Australia #Melbourne #australia #penguins
Updated August 15, 2026
Phillip Island Penguin Parade from Melbourne: Tour + Tips
Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia
Viator Tour: Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform
Phillip Island Penguin Parade from Melbourne
Watching hundreds of tiny penguins waddle out of the ocean and make their way home for the night was easily one of my favorite experiences in Australia!
We visited the Phillip Island Penguin Parade from Melbourne, where the world's smallest penguins return from the ocean to their burrows each evening around sunset. These adorable little penguins stand only about a foot tall and have the prettiest blue-and-white coloring.
They're officially called little penguins, although you may also hear them called fairy penguins or little blue penguins — and I still think "fairy penguins" is the cutest name ever!
We booked a Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour from Melbourne and upgraded to the Penguins Plus viewing area, which ended up being one of the best parts of the experience. The exact tour we booked in 2019 is no longer available, but this is the closest current option I found — and the one I would choose today.
If you're trying to decide whether the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is worth the trip from Melbourne, whether you should book a tour, or if Penguins Plus is worth the upgrade, here's everything you need to know before you go.
PHILLIP ISLAND PENGUIN PARADE AT A GLANCE
Where: 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands, Victoria
From Melbourne: About a 90-minute drive to Phillip Island, plus additional driving time across the island
When: Every evening around sunset
Our viewing area: Penguins Plus
Should you book ahead? YES! We booked at the last minute and got lucky.
Photos: No photography or filming after sunset
Don't have a car? I would book a tour from Melbourne.
🐨 Planning more of Australia? 🐨
🦘See How to spend 5 days in Sydney Australia with our full itinerary!
Penguin Parade in Melbourne, Australia on Phillip Island - Evening Tour
BOOKING THE TOUR
We booked our Penguin Parade tour through Viator: Phillip Island Little Penguin Parade Evening Tour to see the fairy penguins (it was about $100 per person)! Although we booked it the night before, we should have booked further in advance!
A bus picked us up near Finders Street Station in Melbourne (just down the street from our hotel) and the drive was just about 2 hours through the countryside outback! Our driver/guide was informative and kept us entertained for the duration of the ride, I just couldn't wait to see these little penguins!
Is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Worth It?
YES!
We did a lot during our trip to Australia, but this is still one of those experiences that immediately comes to mind when I think about the trip.
There's something completely different about seeing little penguins in the wild rather than at a zoo or aquarium. You sit facing the ocean waiting for the sun to go down, and then suddenly you start hearing them.
And then they appear!
Little groups of penguins emerge from the water and start waddling across the beach toward their burrows. Before long, there are penguins everywhere.
It was adorable, fascinating and unlike anything we had experienced before.
If you're visiting Melbourne and love wildlife, I would absolutely make room in your itinerary for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Should You Take a Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour From Melbourne?
We did, and I would do it again — especially if you're staying in Melbourne without a rental car.
The Penguin Parade is located on Phillip Island, Victoria, outside of Melbourne. Public transportation on Phillip Island is limited, and the public bus doesn't actually take you all the way to the Penguin Parade. There also isn't a return public bus to Melbourne after the parade ends.
That makes a Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour from Melbourne one of the easiest ways to see the penguins without worrying about transportation or driving back to the city late at night.
Our tour picked us up near Flinders Street Station, just down the street from our hotel, and took care of the transportation for the entire evening.
Plus, our guide pointed out wildlife along the way, which is how we spotted our first wallaby in the wild!
A note about booking your tour
When we went, we booked our tour through Viator the night before.
I don't recommend doing that!
We got lucky, but knowing what I know now, I would book the Penguin Parade as soon as I knew which day I wanted to visit. Tickets can sell out, especially during holidays and other busy travel periods.
When you're comparing tours, pay attention to the viewing option included. Some tours include general Penguin Parade admission, while others offer the option to upgrade your ticket.
If I were choosing again, I would specifically look for a tour that includes or allows an upgrade to Penguins Plus.
Don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Things to do in Sydney, Australia
Our Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
Tour bus for the penguin parade
One thing I loved about booking a tour was that getting to Phillip Island became part of the experience.
After leaving Melbourne, we drove through the countryside toward Phillip Island while our driver and guide shared information along the way.
I was excited for the entire drive because... PENGUINS!
Once we reached Phillip Island, we had some time to get food, walk around and explore before continuing toward the Penguin Parade.
We could see the coastline and wildlife offshore, and our guide was constantly watching for Australian wildlife along the drive.
That's when we saw our first wild wallaby!
Seeing a wallaby in the wild in Australia felt like one of those "Yep, we're definitely in Australia!" moments.
FIRST WALLABY SIGHTING IN THE WILD on Philip Island!
HAD TO TAKE A WALLABY SELFIE!
Arriving at the Penguin Parade
Funniest and cutest parking lot sign - Please check under your car
We arrived in the parking lot and saw these cute signs warning to look under your car. Apparently, some of the penguins lose their way, ending up in the parking lot, hiding under cars. When you go, be careful, and triple check under your car before you leave!
We walked into their visitors center where they had another cafeteria and a gift shop. The tour came with a coupon for a free drink so we redeemed our coupon - the cafeteria had sodas and light snacks. I ran into the gift shop and had to get a magnet for our collection on our fridge!
SEATING FOR THE PENGUIN PARADE
Finally, it was time to get our spot for the parade! There were little pathways built to lead to the bleachers and among the path were some of the burrows of the penguins as well as more wild Wallaby!
The viewing section was set up almost like a football stadium where bleachers were set up facing the ocean, with paths for the penguins to come between.
WAITING FOR THE PENGUINS TO ARRIVE FROM OUR PENGUIN PLUS VIEWING SECTION
Is Penguins Plus Worth It at Phillip Island?
For me, YES. I thought Penguins Plus was absolutely worth the upgrade.
This was something we had traveled halfway around the world to see, and I wanted the best view we could reasonably get.
The Penguins Plus viewing area put us closer to the penguins, and once they started coming in from the ocean, some waddled incredibly close to where we were watching.
We arrived early so we could get a good spot and settled in to wait.
When we visited, there was also a wildlife ranger nearby who could explain what was happening as we waited for the penguins to arrive.
If you're already spending the time and money to travel from Melbourne to Phillip Island specifically to see the penguins, Penguins Plus would be my pick.
Especially if this is a once-in-a-lifetime Australia trip.
What Happens During the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
THE FIRST FEW START THE PARADE, MAKING THEIR WAY BACK HOME TO THEIR BURROW
This is where the experience became magical.
At first... nothing.
We sat overlooking the ocean waiting for the sun to go down.
Then we started hearing the penguins before we could really see them.
Little penguins spend much of their lives at sea and return to land around dusk. Before coming ashore, they gather together offshore in groups called "rafts."
Then groups start making their way out of the water.
Some penguins confidently waddled toward shore while others seemed to change their minds and head right back toward the water!
They naturally wait for the darker evening hours because it helps give them some protection from predators.
Then more appeared.
And more.
And MORE.
Before we knew it, there were hundreds of tiny penguins waddling across the beach and making their way toward their burrows.
HUNDREDS OF PENGUINS COME BACK LOOKING FOR THEIR FAMILIES
During breeding season, some adult penguins return to their burrows to feed their chicks, and you can hear the colony calling back and forth.
The SOUND was one of the things that surprised me most.
There are penguins calling everywhere!
It was impossible not to smile.
The Best Part Happens on the Walk Back
As cute as it was watching the little penguins come out of the ocean, I think one of my favorite parts was actually walking back toward the Visitor Centre afterward.
The boardwalks take you through areas around their burrows, and suddenly the penguins are right there beside you making their way home.
We could watch them waddle along below us and get such a close look at how TINY they really are.
I could have stayed there all night.
Eventually, though, we had to get back on the bus and return to Melbourne.
But first...
We checked under the bus for penguins.
Obviously.
Can You Take Pictures at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
This is one thing that has changed from the way I originally wrote about our experience back in 2019, and it's important.
Photography and filming are not allowed after sunset during the Penguin Parade.
So once the parade begins, put the phone and camera away and just enjoy it.
I know. I'm a blogger. I want pictures of EVERYTHING.
But this is one of those experiences where you're better off being completely present anyway.
And trust me — watching hundreds of these tiny blue penguins waddle home is something you're going to remember without a picture.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade - Penguins heading back to their burrows
What Time Does the Penguin Parade Start?
The little penguins arrive around sunset, so the exact time changes throughout the year.
You'll want to check the expected penguin arrival time for the date you're visiting rather than planning around one specific time.
For General Viewing and Penguins Plus, Phillip Island Nature Parks currently recommends arriving about one hour before the expected penguin arrival.
I would rather arrive early, explore the Visitor Centre and get settled than be rushing in while everyone else has already found their seats.
What Should You Wear to the Penguin Parade?
Bring layers!
Even if Melbourne or Phillip Island feels warm during the day, you're sitting outside near the water after sunset, and it can get chilly and windy.
Depending on the season and forecast, I would bring:
A jacket or sweatshirt
Layers
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain protection if needed
Something warm for kids if you're visiting as a family
The Penguin Parade takes place outdoors in all kinds of weather, so check the forecast before you go.
Tips for Visiting the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
After doing it ourselves, these are the things I would want to know before going:
Book ahead. We booked the night before and got lucky, but I wouldn't plan a trip that way now.
Consider Penguins Plus. We loved having the closer viewing area and I would pay for the upgrade again.
Arrive early. Give yourself time to use the bathroom, grab something to eat and find your viewing area without rushing.
Bring layers. Phillip Island can get COLD once the sun goes down.
Put your camera away after sunset. Photography and filming aren't permitted once the parade begins.
Take your time walking back. Don't race directly back to the bus or parking lot! Watching the penguins near the boardwalk on their way to their burrows was one of our favorite parts.
Watch for wildlife. Wallabies and other native wildlife live around Phillip Island, so keep your eyes open throughout the trip.
Check underneath your car before you leave. I mean... there's a sign telling you to. And how often do you get to say you checked underneath your car for a penguin?
Is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Good for Kids?
The Penguin Parade is definitely an experience families can enjoy, but there are a couple of things I would consider when planning with younger kids.
The biggest one is timing.
Because the penguins arrive around sunset, summer visits can mean a fairly late night — particularly if you're taking a tour all the way back to Melbourne afterward.
There's also some waiting involved before the penguins appear.
But once those little penguins start waddling in?
I can't imagine too many animal-loving kids NOT getting excited.
If you're traveling with younger children, I would look carefully at the length of the Melbourne day tour you choose. There are full-day tours that include several Phillip Island attractions as well as shorter afternoon/evening options focused more heavily on the Penguin Parade.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade FAQs
What are the penguins at Phillip Island called?
They're called little penguins and are the smallest species of penguin in the world. You may also hear them called fairy penguins or little blue penguins.
Does the Penguin Parade happen every night?
Yes! Little penguins return to the colony around sunset every evening of the year.
How far is the Penguin Parade from Melbourne?
Phillip Island is roughly a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, and the Penguin Parade is farther across the island once you cross the bridge. I would allow plenty of extra time, especially during busy travel periods.
Can you visit the Penguin Parade without a tour?
Absolutely, if you have a car.
If you don't have a rental car, taking a tour from Melbourne is much easier because public transportation doesn't go directly to the Penguin Parade and there isn't a public return bus to Melbourne after the parade ends.
Do you need to book the Phillip Island Penguin Parade in advance?
YES.
Tickets and popular viewing areas can sell out, so I would book as soon as you know which date you want to visit.
Is Penguins Plus worth it?
I thought so!
We chose Penguins Plus because this was a major bucket-list experience for us, and I loved getting the closer viewing experience. If your budget allows for the upgrade, I would choose it again.
Can you take photos of the Phillip Island penguins?
Photography and filming are prohibited after sunset during the Penguin Parade.
Take your photos earlier in the day and then put the phone away once the penguins start arriving.
What time should I arrive at the Penguin Parade?
Arrival time depends on sunset. For General Viewing and Penguins Plus, plan to arrive about an hour before the expected penguin arrival time unless your ticket tells you otherwise.
Is the Penguin Parade outdoors?
Yes. You'll be outside for the viewing experience, so dress for the weather and bring layers.
Would I Visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Again?
In a heartbeat!
We experienced so many amazing things in Australia, but watching the little penguins come home at Phillip Island remains one of my favorites.
I loved hearing them before we could see them, watching those first brave little groups waddle out of the ocean, spotting our first wild wallaby and getting an up-close view of the penguins as we walked along the boardwalk afterward.
And yes, I loved the ridiculous parking lot sign too.
If you're planning a trip to Melbourne, I would absolutely add a Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour to your itinerary.
And if you're wondering whether I'd spend the extra money for Penguins Plus again?
Definitely.
Now go see those little penguins!
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Looking for a change of scenery, or want to get away from the cold winter weather? Why not book a family holiday this winter. There are many great places to choose between – from sunny escapes to snowy mountain towns. We’ve put together a list of things to do and places to go that families will love, so pack your bags and get ready for some fun.