- Non-migratory penguins: Most birds have a migration schedule they follow every year, but not the Little Penguins of Phillip Island! These tiny birds have chosen Summerland Beach and Phillip Island as their forever home, which is why you get to see the Penguin Parade every day of the year.
- Self-funded conservation: Phillip Island Nature Parks and the Penguin Parade self-fund their conservation efforts, so purchasing tickets to the Penguin Parade and other Phillip Island attractions can help them continue their good work.
- Blue-feathered colony: Little Penguins are the only species of penguins that have blue feathers on their coat, which is unlike the traditional black & white seen on other penguins.
- A progressive household: Both the male and female penguins take turns with hunting for food, caring for their chicks, and watching over their burrows.
The world's largest Little Penguin Parade at Phillip Island
Located 142 kilometers from Melbourne, Phillip Island is teeming with wildlife, its most popular attraction being the Penguin Parade. Watch Little Penguins waddle back to the shore after a day of foraging for food, in this sought after activity at the island. We've curated some special experiences for you that include spotting penguins swimming up to Summerland Beach, congregating around the rocks, and waddling their way to their burrows at sunset. Keep reading to know more about the experience, and book your Penguin Parade tickets today!
Things to know before you book Penguin Parade tickets
- There are three types of tickets that give you access to the Penguin Parade: Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets, Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass, and the Half-Day or Full-Day Phillip Island Guided Tour from Melbourne.
- The Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade tickets will give you general viewing access to the parade. You can upgrade to the Penguins Plus option for AU$80, or the underground viewing option for AU$85. This ticket option is great for folks who have a packed itinerary and are here just to see the parade.
- The Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass lets you explore three of the island's top attractions: Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Reserve, and of course, the Penguin Parade. You are allotted general viewing tickets by default, but feel free to upgrade your ticket to the Penguins Plus or underground viewing, for a small fee. Go for this ticket if you have a full day to explore Phillip Island at your own pace. You get access to three attractions for a great deal, so go for this if you are looking for a great value, budget buy.
- The guided tours from Melbourne include free transfers to and from your hotels, an expert tour guide, AC coaches, as well as access to attractions including the Penguin Parade. You can upgrade your ticket to the Penguins Plus viewing, if you wish to. This ticket is great for folks travelling in a larger group, or want the luxury of private transport, and a guided tour of the island.
- Children between 4-15 years have discounted tickets to Penguin Parade; infants under 4 can enter for free. Please note: you will still need to select an infant ticket, just so the seats are reserved accordingly.
- Don't worry about missing out on interesting tidbits about the penguins just because you chose a different viewing section. There are rangers at every section, to give you real-time commentary and insights about the penguins and their lives.
Views at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
A parade of Little Penguins
Watch thousands of tiny penguins swim up to the beach and make their way to the burrows, each night of the year.
Frequently asked questions about Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets
You can book your Penguin Parade tickets online or over the counter at the venue through a cashless transaction. It is best to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid tickets being sold out.
You have three types of viewing options available: General viewing tickets which are AU$32, Underground viewing tickets which are AU$85, and Penguin Plus tickets which are AU$80. If you are looking for a budget buy, go for the General viewing ticket. If you want the best close up views of the penguins, their arrival and walk home, go for the Underground viewing tickets.
Yes, you can opt for a From Melbourne: Half-Day or Full-Day Phillip Island Guided Tour or a Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass, both of which includes access to the Penguin Parade. By default, you get the General viewing option, but you can upgrade to an Underground or Penguin Plus viewing option.
The standard ticket prices for the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island start from AU$32 and can go higher depending on your viewing option. The 3-Parks pass starts from AU$64, and the guided tours start from AU$155.
While you may see the odd penguin or two on the boardwalks at Phillip Island, the Summerland Beach cove is where the main colony lives, and is also where the Penguin Parade takes place. You will need a paid ticket to access this zone.
We recommend booking your Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets online as they come with a plethora of benefits.
- Good seats: If you pick a Penguin Plus or Underground viewing ticket, you can get reserved seats for the attraction.
- Online discounts: You can enjoy great discounts on online tickets.
- Free cancellations: Depending on your ticket, you can get free cancellations and get a full refund if your plans change.
- Combos: Choose from a variety of combo options that allow you to explore other Nature Parks or other Melbourne attractions.
- Transfers: Some tickets include transfers to and from Melbourne to ensure you don’t have to plan for it on the day of your booking.
Your Penguin Parade ticket is valid only for the day and time slot mentioned in your ticket.
Yes, your Penguin Parade tickets allow you to cancel them for free, however, the duration within which you can cancel will vary depending on the type of tickets you book. Make sure to read the cancellation policy for your tickets carefully while booking.
If you want a great 360-degree view of the penguins emerging from the sea and waddling to their burrows, go for the Penguins Plus viewing. Although, you will need to be prepared for the chilly sea winds, so dress in layers. The General viewing area also has some good spots on the beach, right below the grandstands, where you can watch the parade on a budget. Make sure to arrive at least an hour in advance to grab the best spots.
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Little Penguins, the smallest species of penguins. Barring Australia and New Zealand, these species are not found anywhere else in the world and watching them waddle back to their burrows after a day of swimming and hunting in the sea is an experience that can’t be missed.
So many amazing things! You can go on a tour of Phillip Island and explore the other Nature Parks. Sign up for paid activities or find things to do for free! From surfing, cycling and whale searching to walking up beach trails and learning about aboriginal culture and wildlife, the options are endless. Head over to our guide on things to do at Phillip Island for more inspo.
With penguins arriving daily at sunset, Phillip Island Visitor Center opens daily at 4pm. You can view the penguin arrival calendar here. There is never a bad time to visit the Penguin Parade, since the penguins will parade every day of the year. Plan your visit depending on your weather and time preferences. If you prefer to see them earlier in the day and don't mind the cold, then visit between May and August. If you want a less cold climate and don't mind waiting till later in the night, then visit between November and January.
The Penguin Parade is located at 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia. Find on maps.
The best way to get to the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is to get your own vehicle or book a Penguin Parade ticket that includes transfers. Public transport is limited on Phillip Island, so if you visit outside of a tour, you will need to hire a taxi to get to the venue.
The Penguin Parade is completely wheelchair-accessible. Complimentary wheelchairs are available on request. Additionally, the venue has accessible parking and toilets for those with limited mobility. There are designated wheelchair accessible viewing areas right next to the path of penguins, and along the boardwalks.
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and footwear to the Penguin Parade. Dress in layers as it can get cold and breezy in the evenings, especially during the winter months.
The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is a popular attraction for all ages, especially children. We suggest that you book Penguin Plus or Underground viewing tickets to ensure that you get the best views of the penguins for your young ones.
