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Private tour in Melbourne Leanne S

Phillip Island Day Tour and Ultimate Penguin Adventure

5.0

(7) reviews

-
Hours icon 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Leanne S.

5.0

Guide rating

140

Reviews

Tours delivered

15 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi, and a very warm welcome to Melbourne! I have been a tour guide since 2016 and absolutely love sharing Melbourne and Victoria with travellers like you. My background as a research librarian and then a school teacher has provided the perfect preparation and skill set for what I do now. My approach on your tour is to 'peel back the layers' of what you are seeing so you truly understand the 'why' and 'how' of Melbourne's natural and built environments, our history and culture. I do this with a strong connection to this part of Australia, living all of my life here and being a proud 7th generation Melburnian with a convict ancestor. I love history and I enjoy sharing stories about local people, events and places to bring your tour alive. I show you hidden treasures you would miss if exploring alone or in a large group. My main interests are cycling and walking. I have cycled the The Camino in Spain, pedalled across Australia from west to east, and trekked the Great Ocean Walk twice. On a day off, I'm likely to be walking, cycling or taking a tram or road trip to explore another local area that could inspire a new tour addition for you. You will find me to be professional, friendly, easygoing and a good listener. I understand the importance of representing the face of Australia to you and I genuinely enjoy your company. I am a Professional member of Tour Guides Australia, an assurance that I am fully accredited and maintain all of the appropriate certificates, licences and insurances, to work as a tour guide in Australia. This includes a Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority licence to conduct tours in the region's national and state parks (check that your tour guide has this essential certification for your peace of mind and safety). Melbourne itself is best seen by walking and using the trams. Further afield, I generally drive my own vehicle, a top-of-the-range 2017 SUV Ford Escape Titanium, with air conditioning, leather seats, a sunroof, tray tables and full safety features. My vehicle comfortably seats 3 average size adults. I take great pride in presenting my car to a super clean standard. For groups of 4-11 travellers requiring more room, I can hire and drive a larger modern car or minibus to suit. I also have a licence to drive a 24-seater coach. If you would like a tour modified or extended to a multi-day experience, please just ask, as I happily accommodate all reasonable requests. Leanne

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Leanne S.

Overview of your Melbourne tour

Phillip Island is where Victorians head for their holidays. Surrounded by both restful lapping waves in secluded bays and the roaring surf of Bass Strait, this destination has much to offer. Everyone's favourite residents, the Little Penguins, share their island home with an abundance of other wildlife, including swamp wallabies, Cape Barren geese, echidnas, pelicans, and the migratory shearwater. All of these are plentiful and often spotted on tour. This tour is designed around the daily arrival of the Little Penguins at sunset, which varies according to the time of year. You will experience a relaxing drive across the Mornington Peninsula, a sampling of life in the quiet local beachside towns, opportunities for short walks and photos along the coast, wildlife viewing, tastes from regional producers and a semi-private close up encounter at the Penguin Parade.

Recent Reviews

Sharon A Y.United States
March 2026

I can only say Leanne was my perfect choice for the penquin parade. She knows all the ins and outs of the location. As a person with a minor disability Leanne did everything possible to make sure I got to see things and I appreciate that. I felt I was not in a car with a stranger, but someone I knew-totally at ease from the beginning. Leanne I cannot say as many comments as I would like, but suffice I would recommend you for a guide without hesitation. Thank you for the time and your assistance, Sharon

Evelyn C.United States
December 2025

If I could give her 10 stars, I would. WOW, Leanne was the perfect guide and took us to more places than we could keep track of. The day was amazing and made our stay in Melbourne so memorable. I HIGHLY recommend her as she is so organized and thoughtful.

Susanna K.United States
October 2025

Leanne is a great tour guide. Very knowledgeable and proactive to your needs. Would highly recommend her services!

Nancy H.United States
October 2024

Wonderful day! Highly recommend.

Barry F.United States
July 2024

This was our second tour with Leanne, and she was spectacular. At our request she arranged curated visits to see (and play with) kangaroos and koalas, and then arranged a curated Phillip Island viewing of the penguins crossing from the sea to their burrows. In spite of cold stormy weather, we were kept warm and relatively dry (she cautioned us that one must dress properly, especially in winter). Her choices of what and where to eat were lovely, and her car very comfortable. It doesn't get any better.

Stephanie D.United States
April 2024

I could not have asked for a better guide than Leeanne! I hired her for a private tour of Phillip Island with pick up and drop off from Melbourne. She is a safe driver, knowledgeable, and easy to be with. She took us for a nice lunch and a tasty dinner. The day was magical with beautiful scenery and all kinds of animal sightings including pelicans, lots of birds, koala, and wallabies. In the evening Leeanne arranged a bucket list penguin experience. Wow! Amazing! I highly recommend Leeanne as a tour guide

Your Melbourne tour itinerary

Drive to Phillip Island . We take a route along the scenic south eastern edge of Port Phillip Bay before crossing Mornington Peninsula to Westernport . Take a short break at a local farmer or cheese producer for some light refreshments straight from the paddock Phillip Island Scenic Drive . Stop at San Remo or Newhaven which bookend the bridge to Phillip Island, to see sights like the Fishermen Memorial or pelicans . Wander the route to Cape Woolamai or Rhyll to see some of the local holiday villages and coastal walks . View the Cowes waterfront from a high vantage point back towards the mainland Penguin Parade . Enjoy the slow route to Summerland Bay via The Nobbies to see the swamp wallabies and Cape Barren geese . The Ultimate Adventure Tour awaits you, away from the main viewing platforms and crowds on a secluded beach, for a close up encounter and walk through the heart of the little penguin colony with hi-tech night vision scopes to maximise your experience

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv

I use my own vehicle, a mid size SUV, Ford Escape Titanium, top of range, fully appointed. Please also note that travellers need to walk approximately 1/2 mile (1km) to and from a secluded beach for this semi-private penguin experience. If you prefer less walking, alternative penguin experiences are available and a custom tour can be prepared for you that meets your needs.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
Tickets: Penguin Parade Ultimate Adventure Tour
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Please note that the little penguins arrive at sunset each evening, so the tour start/finish times vary each month, and you will be advised of the start time to match your tour date when you book.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Bird Watching
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1249245
Languages
English
Activity level
Moderate

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Melbourne best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for families, children, and travellers with mobility needs. It's ideal for those interested in wildlife, scenic drives, and experiencing the natural beauty of Phillip Island. You'll enjoy a semi-private penguin encounter and explore local beachside towns.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Melbourne be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Melbourne suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 11 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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