Pearcedale

Things to do in Pearcedale

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Pearcedale

View all Attractions
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

7.2
4.6/5
79 reviews
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, about an hour's drive from the city. This bushland sanctuary focuses on conserving native Australian wildlife, and many travelers heading to Phillip Island to see penguins include it in their itinerary. The park is home to dozens of Australian species - koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats, the pitch-black Tasmanian devils (about the size of small dogs), cheerful kookaburras and adorable quokkas - all observable at close range. It also undertakes breeding programs for endangered species, with the orange-bellied parrot being one of its key conservation focuses. Day visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, then join keeper talks and wildlife shows to learn about these animals' behaviors. The park's signature experience is its lantern-lit night tour: after dark, follow an experienced guide carrying lanterns through the bush as daytime-sleepy animals become active - wombats emerge to forage, endangered quolls dart through grass, owls widen their eyes, and feathertail gliders (no larger than mice with plume-like tails) glide between branches. With luck, you might hand-feed nectar to sugar gliders or have kangaroos and wallabies approach for treats. Night tours have limited spots requiring advance booking; remember to turn off camera flashes to avoid startling animals. Note that Victoria prohibits holding koalas, but you can snuggle close for photos - plan ahead for such interactive experiences.Pearcedale · 2 km from downtown
Mornington Peninsula Shire
No. 10 of Family-friendly Attractions in Victoria

Mornington Peninsula Shire

6
4.5/5
101 reviews
Mornington Peninsula Shire is located in Victoria, Australia, on the southern side of the Melbourne metropolitan area, and is connected to the mainland at its northern end via the Frankston area. The peninsula is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The western side of Port Phillip Bay is calm, while the southern side faces the open waves of Bass Strait, across from Phillip Island. It is about a 1-hour drive from Melbourne to switch into this seaside vacation rhythm. This peninsula has several highly recognizable highlights: Arthur's Seat in the center features a sightseeing cable car, and as it slowly climbs to the summit, you get a panoramic view of Port Phillip Bay and the peninsula's coastline. In the Point Nepean National Park at the southern tip, coastal trails extend along the cliffs, with the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and military relics from over 100 years ago scattered throughout. It is also a well-known cool-climate wine region in Victoria, with a high density of wineries around Red Hill, known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Taking a cruise from Sorrento Pier offers the chance to encounter wild dolphins and Australian fur seals in Port Phillip Bay. The town of Sorrento is worth setting aside half a day for: European settlers arrived as early as 1803, more than 30 years before the founding of Melbourne, and the main street still retains old buildings constructed from local limestone. After exploring the town, you can browse local markets for produce and handicrafts, or soak in an open-air hot spring built along the hillside. If you enjoy the water, the beaches on the western bay side have shallow water and calm waves, suitable for swimming and kayaking. The ocean beaches on the southern side have larger waves and are a haven for surfers. There are well-established spots for diving and fishing here, and you may even have the chance to see weedy seadragons underwater. If you have extra time, you can also take a ferry from Sorrento across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff on the other side, which offers another perspective of the peninsula from the sea.Tuerong · 15.1 km from Pearcedale
Penguin Parade
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Penguin Parade

8.6
4.4/5
211 reviews
The Penguin Parade, located on Somerland Beach at the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, is a signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It takes place daily around sunset: flocks of little blue penguins, after a day of foraging at sea, come ashore, first gathering in shallow water to peer around, then waddling across the beach and following a fixed route back to their burrows in the dunes. Spectators can watch this miniature natural parade up close from the stands and boardwalks, with the penguins often passing just a few steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue back feathers and snow-white bellies, adults stand only about 30 centimeters tall and weigh about one kilogram. Their round, plump bodies and waddling gait make them incredibly endearing. During the day, they forage at sea, returning to their nests in groups at dusk. Generation after generation, they round-trip an almost unchanging route between the sea and their burrows, and their calls can be heard throughout the island. A few things to note when observing: Little penguins' eyes are very sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site; quiet observation is necessary to avoid disturbing them. The beach gets windy and cool after sunset, so even in summer, it's advisable to bring a warm jacket and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, but is most prominent during the breeding season in the Southern Hemisphere (approximately August to February), when penguins are more frequently coming ashore and entering/leaving their nests, resulting in a more lively scene. △ The little penguins leave the island during the day to forage at sea, and return to their nests on the shore in groups at night to rest. △ These little penguins are timid and their eyes are very sensitive to light, so taking photos and videos is prohibited on site. You can only wait quietly so as not to disturb them. △ Penguin migration can be observed year-round, but September to January of the following year is the best time to watch as the weather is warmer and it is the breeding season, during which the penguins are more activity.Summerlands · 34.5 km from Pearcedale
Churchill Island
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Churchill Island

7.5
4.5/5
76 reviews
Churchill Island is located on the side of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, connected by a bridge. In 1801, Lieutenant Grant cultivated the land here, planting crops such as wheat and corn, marking the beginning of European agriculture in Victoria. Today, the farm retains the layout of an old estate: the 1872 mansion built by former Melbourne mayor Amess, two 1860s stone cottages, as well as barns and a blacksmith shop remain well-preserved. The old houses display antique furniture, and between the English gardens and pastures, flocks of Australian gray geese can often be seen, along with shaggy Scottish Highland cattle grazing leisurely—descendants of the livestock that once accompanied their owners to the island. Daily demonstrations of traditional farm activities, such as sheep herding by dogs, sheep shearing, milking cows, whip cracking, and blacksmithing, are arranged for travelers to observe up close, with children having the opportunity to participate under staff guidance. The island loop trail is approx. 4–5 km, taking about 2 hrs to walk leisurely, offering views of Western Port Bay's wetlands and birdwatching huts. The Wadjil'garook Wetland Trail near the entrance showcases local Indigenous culture and is often overlooked. Additionally, the island hosts a monthly farmers' market featuring local produce and handmade goods from Phillip Island, worth a visit if your itinerary aligns.Churchill Island · 34.3 km from Pearcedale
Melbourne Museum
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Melbourne Museum

8.6
4.7/5
623 reviews
The Melbourne Museum was built in July 1996 and officially opened to the public in November 2000. It is the largest and innovative museum in the southern hemisphere. It is located in Carlton Gardens with the Royal Exhibition Hall. 1. Regional introduction The museum has three floors. The first floor includes the Bangiraka Indigenous Cultural Center, the Pacific Exhibition Hall, the Forest Exhibition Hall, the Science and Life Exhibition Hall, the Children's Hall, as well as shops and cafes; the second floor includes the Melbourne Exhibition Hall, the Mind and Body Exhibition Hall, Evolution Showroom; lower level includes Discovery Center and IMAX Cinema. 2. Collections and displays The collections and displays of the Melbourne Museum are amazing. You can see dinosaur fossils at the entrance, and there is also a 20-meter-long blue whale skeleton specimen, which is extremely rare. In more than 20 exhibition halls and independent exhibition halls, the museum has prepared all-inclusive content, and there are more than a dozen permanent exhibitions currently open. 3. Natural culture Nature is obviously the focus of the museum. The Science and Life Pavilion offers "Bees", "Life of Insects", "Ocean Life: Exploring Our Sea", "Human Body", "Consciousness: Enter The Labyrinth" and "From Darwin to DNA" at the Evolution Pavilion. 4. Indoor forest area The three-story indoor forest area introduces the ecological functions of the forest from the forest hierarchy, water conservation, plant composition, the seasonal distinction of Australian forests, and forest fires that often occur in Australia's dry season. There are also some Australian forests in it. Common birds and ants. The "Forest Secret" in the pavilion is at the center of the building, creating an ecosystem that is exactly the same as the natural environment, showing the trees, plants, wildlife and insects in Victoria's high mountains. Walking into the forest corridor, you will see more than 8,000 Australian plants planted here. In addition, there are insect exhibition areas and evolution areas that display the mysteries of the biological world. 5. The style of the style museum is very modern, which forms a strong contrast with the classical style of the Royal Exhibition Hall next to it. In addition to creating a visual effect, the metal frame and glass curtain wall also draw more natural light into the public spaces of the pavilion. You will see that the staff in the museum are wearing brightly colored work clothes, exuding a strong aboriginal cultural style, which contrasts with the avant-garde architectural form.Carlton · 49.9 km from Pearcedale

Experiences you can't miss in Pearcedale

Featured Food & drink in Pearcedale

View all Food & drink
Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne
Trip.Select
󱌍
4.9/5
· 141 reviews· 1.6k booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
28 consecutive positive reviews
FromPHP 5,128.45
Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5.9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 8,457.56
1-day tour of Yarra Valley winery in Melbourne with lunch, wine tasting and cheese sampling
󱌍
Duration: 6.9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 15,033.31
Australia Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Food and Wine day tour (includes multiple famous wineries and lunch)
󱌍
FromPHP 15,033.31
Melbourne Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges wine tasting + gourmet food + Healesville 1-day tour with hotel transfer
󱌍
4.8/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
92 travelers saved
FromPHP 7,909.17

Featured Day tours in Pearcedale

View all Day tours
Melbourne Phillip Island + Brighton Bathing Boxes + Moonlit Sanctuary day tour [Penguin Island transfer quality group]
󱌍
4.5/5
· 4 reviews· 118 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
61 travelers saved
FromPHP 7,507.14
[Explore Australia] Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Day Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 4.3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 7,518.66
From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos
󱌍
4.8/5
· 155 reviews
Duration: 12 hrs
English
Free cancellation
93.5% of travelers recommend
FromPHP 6,350.16
Australia Phillip Island + Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park Day Tour [Penguin Parade/Kangaroo Feeding]
󱌍
FromPHP 7,167.69
Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park Tour [Optional Underground Viewing Stand]
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review· 59 booked
Duration: 12.8 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 8,650.66
[Go West Tours]Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour Round-Trip from Melbourne|Max 24
󱌍
Duration: 9.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 7,785.59
1-day tour in Melbourne - Puffing Billy steam train or Phillip Island Penguin Parade (optional zoo)
󱌍
FromPHP 8,135.11
ExploreAus Tour Phillip Island + Puffing Billy Steam Train/Island Hopping Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 8,135.11

Featured Spa & wellness in Pearcedale

View all Spa & wellness
1-day round-trip tour to Peninsula Hot Springs from Melbourne
󱌍
23 booked
Duration: 8.3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromPHP 8,753.57
Mornington Peninsula: SUP, Hike, & Hot Springs Trip w/ Lunch
󱌍
FromPHP 13,977.91
Admission ticket to Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia [Unlimited enjoyment of 50 bathing experiences]
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review· 32 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromPHP 4,033.43
Luxury Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula
󱌍
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 4,226.47
From Melbourne: Peninsula Hot Springs and Bath Box tour
󱌍
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 8,387.03
Peninsula Hot Springs: Fire, Ice, and Bathe
󱌍
Duration: 45 mins
English
Free cancellation
FromPHP 4,437.34
From Melbourne: Peninsula Hot Springs & Bathing Boxes Tour
󱌍
4.9/5
· 23 reviews
Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
23 consecutive positive reviews
FromPHP 8,387.03

Featured Culture & history in Pearcedale

View all Culture & history
Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]
󱌍
FromPHP 8,801.15
[Go West Tours]Great Ocean Road DayTour fromMelbourne|EnglishGuide|Max24|16Languages Audio
Trip.Select
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 30 booked
Duration: 5.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 7,073.77
Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket
󱌍
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromPHP 1,688.96
Geelong Audio Tour: Maritime Marvels and Heritage Highlights of Geelong
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Filipino
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromPHP 455.71PHP 569.64
Melbourne: Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Walking Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromPHP 2,595.82
Melbourne: MCG & Sports Venue Sightseeing Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 3,549.73
Melbourne riverside, alleys and coffee culture experience
󱌍
Duration: 2.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromPHP 6,152.88

Free things to do in Pearcedale

What travelers say about Pearcedale

user-avatar
fupolarbearOctober 12, 2025
5.0
It's a great zoo where you can get up close and personal with the animals. It's better than other zoos. You can buy food and the animals will come over. The whole experience takes about an hour. Remember to make an appointment in advance to interact with the koalas, which will be longer and more interesting.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

user-avatar
飞飞翔的鱼123July 17, 2023
5.0
In Melbourne's Mornington Forest, a pair of kangaroos, father and son, have become the most popular family in the forest. The father kangaroo, steady and tough, is the guardian of the family; the mother kangaroo, gentle and loving, is the soul of the family; the brother kangaroo, lively and curious, is the hope of the family. The little kangaroo in the mother kangaroo's pocket is the future of the family, quiet and dependent. Each kangaroo interprets the happiness and harmony of this family in its own way. When the sun penetrates the leaves and sprinkles on them, their fur gleams with a warm luster, as if the whole world is illuminated by their existence. They jump and play in the forest, and their free and unrestrained attitude towards life makes people applaud and cheer for them. However, their existence also allows us to see the power of nature and the miracle of life. They are not just a group of kangaroos, but also part of this forest and the key to ecological balance. Their existence reminds us to respect nature, protect ecology, and make every corner of this world full of the power of life. When we leave this forest and this kangaroo family, we take away our awe of life, our gratitude for nature, and our love for life. We know that in our lives, we will encounter various challenges and difficulties, but as long as we have enough courage and determination, we will be able to be as tenacious as kangaroos at any time and in any place. Finally, let us pay tribute to this kangaroo family, to the courage and determination they show, and to the life force they represent. May every life be respected and loved, and may every corner be filled with the power of life.

Mornington Peninsula Shire

user-avatar
willem_kingOctober 24, 2026
5.0
It's best to buy the plus ticket. The visitor center has an estimated time when the penguins will come ashore, so just arrive a little early. The estimated time is very accurate; the penguins appear little by little as soon as the time comes, and then they come ashore in groups. They're tiny and very cute.

Penguin Parade

user-avatar
Anonymous userJune 6, 2026
5.0
Long train ride outside of the city. Surrounding Great nature. Worth to visit

Puffing Billy Railway

user-avatar
ไก่ย่าง123321November 4, 2026
5.0
Phillip Island is a beautiful place with stunning coastal views and amazing wildlife. I really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, scenic spots, and the opportunity to see penguins up close. Definitely worth visiting, especially for nature lovers. Highly recommended!

Phillip Island

user-avatar
_TS***b1October 21, 2026
5.0
a nice place to just chill and see some animals! selection of animals not wide, kangaroos there are pretty lazy as well so don’t expect too much if you’re visiting!

Maru Koala and Animal Park

user-avatar
_TI***j1June 30, 2026
5.0
All 3 parks are wonderful, great experience overall. Highly recommended!

Churchill Island

user-avatar
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OJuly 7, 2025
5.0
菲利普岛自然公园是一次难忘的旅行体验。这里仿佛是自然的宝藏,企鹅归巢的壮观场景令人动容,小家伙们摇摇摆摆,萌态十足。还有海豹懒洋洋地晒太阳,与海浪嬉戏。漫步在沙滩,呼吸着清新的海风,感受着大自然的宁静与美好,让人忘却尘世的喧嚣,只想沉浸在这片纯净的天地中。

Phillip Island Nature Parks

user-avatar
M30***18October 6, 2026
5.0
A fantastic museum experience! The entire exhibition hall was beautifully designed, offering an immersive and interactive experience suitable for people of all ages. It allowed for close-up observation of dinosaur fossils and showcased different periods of Australian culture. I recommend allocating 4 to 5 hours for a visit.

Melbourne Museum

Trip Moments in Pearcedale

Frequently asked questions

You can give Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne and Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Melbourne Phillip Island + Brighton Bathing Boxes + Moonlit Sanctuary day tour [Penguin Island transfer quality group], [Explore Australia] Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Day Tour, and From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 5, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Pearcedale is around PHP 6,350.16 – PHP 8,650.66. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.