From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
Karen Draeger
AU

Karen

Australia
Feb 2026

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+2 more

We as a family had a wonderful morning on the cruise, the weather was perfect, water was quite calm .The scenery & the colours of the water were beautiful & we got to see 2 Seals .Highly recommended going on the cruise. Loved it .
David comber
GB

David

United Kingdom
Feb 2026

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Everything works like clockwork from the moment you book on line till you pull out of car park arrived at Hugh car park and we were told where to park easy walk to main building where we were able to see possums for the first time stopped for tea but cakes looked so good had too Lots of people qued in line which moved very quickly and we were straight out on to the walk ways which lead to seating areas on the beach just sitting there looking into the sea and across beaches was fantastic views so time moved fast and soon the penguins popped out of the sea was wonderful to watch on the walk back there's more to see the penguins all going to there little homes and chatting away the sky was full of stars back to the car after a quick shop in the gift shop where I got my self my own penguin a great experience and so well run thank you
Sasha Conte
AU

Sasha

Australia
Jan 2026

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What an amazing experience! I've been wanting to see the penguin parade for nearly 10 years and finally did it! What a great way to celebrate my birthday, seeing my favourite animal ❤️🐧 the whole trip was incredible and the booking service through Headout was simple and stress free
Stacey Vickman
AU

Stacey

Australia
Feb 2026
Beautiful weather, friendly guides. Best seats on the sand (brought a picnic blanket). The visitor centre was also worthwhile. Nothing beats nature at its finest like this.
Lucy Peet
AU

Lucy

Australia
Feb 2026
The staff were super friendly and informative and had a real passion for the penguins. We also had a lovely chat with a team member about the bandicoot we saw and received loads of information about them. The downloadable photos and videos are a great idea as you can't take your own I thought that was a nice touch. So much care is taken to look after the penguins and make sure they feel safe while arriving, it was really special to see. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!
Stephanie Ng

Stephanie

Feb 2026
Jono shared lots of useful information and fun facts about his experiences. His service was very appreciated. Besides, his voice is so nice to listen to; he should do a podcast.
Aleysha koutsoupias
AU

Aleysha

Australia
Feb 2026
The penguin parade was amazing! The volunteers helped us to understand and also answered all of our questions. The gift shop is also the perfect place to grad a thing or two to remember the occasion. we also saw other wildlife!
Rosalyn Richards
GB

Rosalyn

United Kingdom
Jan 2026
Having bought the ticket for all 3 parks made it really easy. Very smooth to enter the parks and great that we were able to use it over 2days and not rush to go to all the parks on 1 day.

Top things to do in Melbourne

Explore Phillip Island Nature Parks: Home of penguins, koalas & lush wilderness

Phillip Island is the perfect getaway from Melbourne; featuring native wildlife such as Little penguins, koalas, whales & more, and adventure activities, all nestled within acres of protected forests.

Keep reading and take a look at everything that awaits you on this island located just 90 minutes away from the city.

Navigate through the Phillip Island Nature Park tickets guide

  1. Phillip Island Nature Park ticket options
  2. Know before you book your tickets
  3. Phillip Island Nature Park ticket reviews
  4. Top attractions at Phillip Island
  5. Plan your visit
  6. Phillip Island in pictures
  7. Frequently asked questions

All your Phillip Island Nature Park ticket options

Attraction Tickets

These tickets give you entry to one of Phillip Island's top attractions: Koala Conservation Reserve or Churchill Island. Best for folks who want to explore at their own pace, or are short on time.

Recommended experiences:

  • Koala Conservation Reserve Tickets
  • Churchill Island Tickets

Penguin Parade

Get the best seats for Phillip Island's most popular attraction, attracting over 2 million people from all over the world each year! If there's one thing you cannot miss on the island, it would be watching Little Penguins waddle up from the sea to their burrows.

Recommended experience:

  • Penguin Parade Tickets

3 Park Passes

Get the most value for money with the 3 Park Pass, which will give you entry to Penguin Parade, Koala Reserve & Churchill Island. These tickets are great if you're looking to explore Phillip Island on a budget.

Recommended experience:

  • Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass

Day Tours from Melbourne

Enjoy round trip transfers from the city while you explore Phillip Island. Choose to visit attractions like Brighton Beach, Healesville Sanctuary & Puffing Billy, for an added dose of adventure. Great for folks who want hassle free commutes & a guided tour of the island.

Recommended experiences:

  • Half-Day or Full-Day Phillip Island Guided Tour
  • Brighton Beach & Phillip Island Tour

Things to consider before booking your Phillip Island Nature Park tickets

  • Traveler type: Who you travel with and your preferences can play a big part in choosing the right type of ticket. If you are a solo traveler or have time to explore at your own pace, individual **attraction tickets **starting at AU$16 are the way to go. If you want to explore on a budget, 3 park combo passes offer great value for money, starting at AU$64 for entry to the top 3 attractions at Phillip Island. Now, if you're traveling with family, day tours from Melbourne have return transfers, a dedicated tour guide, and optional upgrades to visit attractions like Puffing Billy and Brighton Beach. These tours start at AU$155 and offer you a hassle-free, end-to-end tour of Phillip Island.
  • The Penguin Parade: Whether you plan to do a day trip to Phillip Island, or a weekend getaway, the Penguin Parade is something you should definitely add to your bucket list. If you have time to explore, the 3 park pass is your best bet, with access to the Koala Reserve and Churchill Island. If you want a guided tour of the parade, choose one of the many day trips from the city.
  • Duration: If you plan on staying at Phillip Island overnight, book individual attraction tickets; this way you can spend the first night at the Penguin Parade, and check off Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island the next day. If you want to visit all three parks in one day, but at your own pace, the 3 park pass is a great option; get the flexibility of time and best value for money. Day tours are another great — albeit, more expensive —option for a one day itinerary, especially for travelers looking for hassle-free commutes and guided tours.

Top attractions to see at Phillip Island Nature Parks

A couple watching the penguin parade from the underground centre on Phillip Island
A family enjoying at the  Koala Conservation Reserve in Phillip Island
Visitors with horses at the Churchill Island farm
Antarctic Journey at Nobbies Centre - Phillip Island Nature Park tickets
Seals on Seal Rocks, Phillip Island
A Maze'N Things Theme Park - Phillip Island
Phillip Island Chocolate Factory - Phillip Island
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The Penguin Parade

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you’ll get to see Little Penguins waddle their way back home just after sunset. Standing tall at just 33 centimeters, they might just be the cutest things you see up close!

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Koala Conservation Reserve

Observe koalas in their natural habitat through elevated boardwalks that bring you up to the tree canopy level, providing excellent vantage points to see koalas up close as they eat, sleep, and move through the eucalyptus trees!

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Churchill Island

Explore charming 19th-century cottages, lush gardens and meet farm animals like Clydesdale horses, Highland cattle, and sheep. The island's scenic walking trails provide stunning views of the ocean, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

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Nobbies Centre & Antarctic Journey

Find informative exhibits about the island's unique wildlife, including the unique Australian fur seals. Surrounded by a glistening blue sea, you can step outside onto the boardwalks to enjoy panoramic ocean views and spot seals basking on the rocks.

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Phillip Island Cruises

The Seal cruise takes you to Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest fur seal colony. Watch hundreds of playful seals in their natural habitat, swimming, sunbathing, and interacting with each other – learn all about their way of living from your tour guide!

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A Maze'N Things

The park features a giant maze, mini-golf, and an illusion room that will leave you feeling dizzy. Kids will love the interactive puzzles and games, while adults can enjoy the cleverly designed optical illusions. A great place for a family-friendly day out on the island.

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Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Chocolate lovers rejoice! The factory tour includes interactive machines and activities, such as creating your own chocolate bar. Learn all about the chocolate-making process from bean to bar, and enjoy samples of freshly made chocolates!

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Plan your visit to Phillip Island

Timings - Phillip Island Nature Park tickets
  • Penguin Parade: Daily 4pm
  • Koala Conservation Reserve: Daily 10am - 5pm [Last entry: 4:30pm]
  • Churchill Island: Daily 10am - 4.30pm
  • Nobbies Centre: Daily 10am - 4pm
  • Best time to visit: For pleasant weather with fewer crowds, visit in spring (September to November). For the best penguin viewing conditions, visit in summer (December to February), but expect larger crowds.
  • Note: If you plan on visiting between mid-December to late January, during long weekends, school holidays or other peak periods, set aside some extra time, as traffic can get very busy.
Best time to visit Phillip Island

Distance from Melbourne: 141.8 km

If you're skipping a guided day trip and planning on travelling to Phillip Island by yourself, these are your best options:

  • Bus: V-line operates a bus to Phillip Island’s main town, Cowes, from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne city. 
  • Taxi/car: Approximately a 90-120 minute drive away from Melbourne, you’ll also get to enjoy free parking on site.
Getting to Phillip Island Nature Park
Safety - Phillip Island Nature Park tickets
  • Keep an eye on the weather with the Bureau of Meteorology app to stay informed about conditions and any warnings.
  • Pay attention to safety signs on the beach to know what dangers to watch out for.
  • Stick to swimming between the red and yellow flags whenever you can.
  • Always keep an eye on kids when they're near the water.
  • It's safer to swim with a friend than alone.
  • Learn how to recognize and avoid rip currents. Get more info at beachsafe.org.au.
Tips - Phillip Island Nature Parks
  • Dress in layers as weather conditions on Phillip Island can change quickly.
  • You’ll be doing quite a bit of walking in most places, so wear comfortable walking shoes during your trip. 
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun, especially during peak daylight hours.
  • Carry insect repellent especially during warmer months, to ward off mosquitoes and other insects.
  • Don’t forget to carry a camera or binoculars! They’ll come in handy when you go for the penguin parade.
Plan your visit to Phillip Island
Accessibility - Phillip Island Nature Parks
  • Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island, and the Nobbies Centre are wheelchair accessible. 
  • There is a complimentary buggy service available for visitors with mobility issues.
  • Venues have wide pathways so wheelchairs or strollers can move around comfortably.
  • Handicapped parking spots are reserved on-site.
  • Complimentary wheelchairs are available for visitors in need.
  • Counters and interactive displays are set at accessible heights, especially for wheelchair users.

The views at Phillip Island: Little penguins, koalas, hidden coves, and more!

Penguins walking up the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade

Little Penguins

Watch these adorable birds as they gracefully waddle back to their burrows at sunset.

View from The Nobbies Centre in Melbourne, Australia - Phillip Island Nature Parks
Animals at the Churchill Island farm
Rhyll Inlet, a Wetland reserve at Phillip Island
Pyramid Rock, a rock formation off the coast at Phillip Island, Melbourne

Frequently asked questions about Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets

Absolutely! Phillip Island is one of the most unique experiences in Australia, with untouched wild forests and beaches, penguins visiting every day, whales and dolphins making their presences known to visitors, and a beautiful bar/pub culture. It’s a wonderful experience to go on if it’s your first time in Australia!