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- Melbourne To Phillip Island Tours
- Phillip Island Cruises
- Phillip Island Nature Parks
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Antarctic Journey
- Koala Conservation Reserve
- A Maze'n Things
- Chocolate Factory
- Churchill Island
- Moonlit Sanctuary
- SkyBus Melbourne
- Yarra River Cruises
- IceBar Melbourne Tickets
- Monopoly Dreams Tickets
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Tickets
- SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium Tickets
- Ballarat Wildlife Park Tickets
- Melbourne To Great Ocean Road Tours
- Melbourne To Yarra Valley Tours
- Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Tickets
- Healesville Sanctuary Tickets
Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets
4.3(3.7K Ratings)
- Treat your eyes to the magical sight of little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk in the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.
- Home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia, Phillip Island is located just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
- Take your kids along and let them learn about wildlife and nature while watching the cute, pint-sized penguins scurry about.
- Choose to enjoy your parade viewing time on the General Platform, the tiered seating, through an Underground Platform, on a ranger-guided tour, or on a secluded beach!
- Opt for the Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass for koala spotting at the Koala Conservation Centre and farm adventures at Churchill Island.
Inclusions
Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Penguin Parade viewing from the General Viewing Platform
Penguin Parade Penguins Plus Ticket
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Up-close viewing with tiered seating with a capacity of 250 - 300 people
Penguin Parade Underground Viewing Ticket
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Eye-level view from an underground viewing platform with a capacity of 70 people
Penguin Parade Guided Ranger Tour
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Journey through the colony with informative commentary
- Expert Ranger guide
- Personal headsets
- Minimum age to participate in the activity is 12 years
Penguin Parade Ultimate Penguin Tour
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Expert guide
- Access to a secluded beach away from the Penguin Parade
- Fully-accredited Eco Tour
- Minimum age to participate in the activity is 16 years
Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island
- Penguin Parade viewing
- Penguins will arrive at the coast at sunset. We suggest you arrive approximately 1 hour prior.
- The penguin homing usually lasts about 50 minutes.
- Photographs and video recordings are not allowed when penguins are coming home, because they are afraid that artificial light sources will stimulate the eyes of the penguins. The island implements light control at this time.
- Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.
- You can see penguins all year round, regardless of the weather. The Penguin Parade is outside, so pack a raincoat or umbrella if rain is predicted.
- All parks are wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass: Penguin Parade, Koalas Conservation Reserve & Churchill Island
- Explore 3 parks on Phillip Island in 1 day. Bonus – it's only 90 minutes from Melbourne, so ditch the city blues and get your nature fix!
- See penguins waddling on the beach, koalas snoozing in gum trees, and historical farm life coming to life.
- Going for the Penguin Parade? Take a seat and wait until the little waddlers appear in your sight, walking with their group into the sunset.
- Get your dose of cuteness at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Spot them in their eucalyptus hideaways as you stroll the treetop boardwalks.
- Want a taste of heritage farming? At Churchill Island, milk cows, shear sheep, and crack a whip like the early Australian settlers.
Inclusions
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island
- Penguin Parade viewing
- Tip: Bring binoculars for bird-watching and wildlife spotting. The island is a haven for various species, from the majestic white-bellied sea eagles to purple swamphens.
- You can see penguins all year round, regardless of the weather.
- All parks are wheelchair accessible.
- Click here to see the estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 29 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Take a day trip from Melbourne to enjoy a steam train ride on Puffing Billy, and visit the Penguin Parade to witness the penguins at the beach.
- Stroll leisurely by the picturesque Emerald Lake, an idyllic spot for lunch in the Dandenong Ranges.
- Go to the Nobbies Tourist Center and learn about the Blowhole as you enjoy the beautiful ocean views from the lockout spot.
- View the renowned Penguin Parade as penguins return from the sea to their burrows on the sand.
Itinerary
- Pick-up from Melbourne
- Emerald Lake
- Puffing Billy
- Nobbies Tourist Information Centre
- Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Drop-off to Melbourne
Inclusions
- All entry and admission fees
- Round-trip transfers from central Melbourne CBD location
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- Tip: If you plan to take photos, use a camera with a good low-light capability. Remember, flash photography is not allowed as it can distress the penguins.
- Bring along your sunscreen, hat, water bottle, camera, warm clothing, and umbrella.
- Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Experience a guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, ending with nature's enchanting spectacle, the sunset penguin parade.
- Cruise in an air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi with a group of no more than 24 people for a personalized experience accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.
- Savor the panoramic views of Nobbies Centre and Seal Rocks, where you can see Australia's largest fur seal colony of about 16,000 seals.
- Witness the smallest penguin species standing just 33 cm tall as they make their way across the beach to their burrows at sunset.
- Upgrade to the premium viewing for a better perspective of the penguins waddling to their burrows from the grandstand seats.
Inclusions
- Philip Island tour
- Informative driver/guide
- AC transfers from Melbourne
- Standard viewing at penguin parade
- Entry fees and taxes
- Wi-Fi onboard
- Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for larger marine species at Seal Rocks and the Nobbies Centre. You might get lucky!
- Note that the following are not allowed during this experience: large bags, luggage, prams, and strollers.
- Photography is strictly forbidden after sunset at the Penguins Parade in order to protect the little penguins.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Take a day tour from Melbourne to the famous and colorful Brighton Beach boxes
- Gear up for a unique Australian wildlife experience at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park with guided walks and hand-feeding native species
- Make way to Phillip Island and witness the cutest parade of Little Penguins as they waddle the way back to their burrows
- View and learn about an array of fascinating Australian wildlife, including koalas, wombats, dingoes, and more. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Point Grant for stunning views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock.
Inclusions
- Brighton Beach Boxes
- Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park
- Hand feed wallabies, emus & more
- Entry to Point Grant and The Nobbies
- Access to Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Tour + Penguin Plus Upgrade (optional)
- Tour + Underground Viewing Experience (optional)
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- No photography is allowed during the Penguin Parade.
- It is recommended to wear warm clothes and carry a rain jacket during the winter months.
- It is advised to carry snacks and bottled water.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Explore 3 wildlife attractions in Victoria on this guided day tour from Melbourne.
- Encounter Australia’s native species, including kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and more at Moonlit Sanctuary.
- Select from ticket options to get the chance to see penguins flourishing in their natural habitat from exclusive viewing areas.
- Enjoy stunning coastal views of south Phillip Island at Nobbies Center
- Enjoy free wifi onboard the coach with insightful commentary by an expert guide
Inclusions
- Entry to Moonlit Sanctuary
- Phillip Island tour - Nobbies Center Boardwalk and Seal Rocks
- Entry to Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Transfers to and from Melbourne
- Free Wi-Fi on board the coach
- Expert and informative guide
- Access to exclusive viewing area (optional)
- Access to private boardwalk (optional)
- Up-close viewing of penguins from underground viewing window (optional)
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- Animal feeding at Moonlit Sanctuary
- No photography is allowed during the Penguin Parade.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Soak up the Aussie way of life, mingling with native wildlife and snapping vibrant beach hut shots on this full-day tour complete with a multi-lingual audio guide.
- Snap away at the picturesque Brighton beach boxes, each bursting with color and charisma.
- Embrace the exhilaration of the Nobbies blowhole and be wowed by the marine spectacle on display.
- At the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, you can see the smallest species of penguins, known as little penguins, waddling back to their burrows at dusk.
- With both bus and private car tour options, you choose how you want to explore this Aussie paradise.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour in AC bus or private car
- Brighton Beach boxes visit
- Wildlife Animal Park visit
- Nobbies Tourist Information Centre visit
- Nobbies lookout & boardwalk visit
- Phillip Island penguin parade
Exclusions
- Lunch & dinner
- Tip: Please be mindful not to disturb the penguins during the parade with flash photography or loud noises.
- The audio guide is available in Arabic, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Thai.
- This tour is pram/stroller accessible.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Melbourne
Why view the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
- Smallest penguins in the world: Growing barely 32 centimetres in height and 43 centimetres in length, Little Penguins are the smallest of the 18 species of penguins found in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Watch them waddle: After a long day going as far as 20-100 km into the sea, these little furry creatures waddle back to their burrows.
- Delightful sunset views: The Penguin Parade usually begins at sunset and is coupled with stunning coastline views and sparkling water.
- Viewing platforms: Upgrade your tickets to sit on a tiered platform or the underground platform to get a closer look at the penguins.
- Guided experiences: Get an expert ranger to share incredible stories about the Little Penguins, their role in the ecosystem and conservation methods.
Your Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets explained
If you’re on a budget
Go for: Parade viewing ticket
Price: from AU$30
Duration: 4 hours
- Watch the penguins waddle back to their burrows with a general parade viewing ticket.
- Upgrade your tickets to get tiered or underground viewing access.
Recommended tickets:
If you want a guided tour
Go for: Guided tours
Price: from AU$139
Duration: 10-12 hours
- An expert guide will share keen insights about the Little Penguins that can only be found in Australia.
- Learn about their role in the ecosystem and conservation efforts to maintain this adorable penguin species.
Recommended tickets:
If you want Nature Parks access
Go for: Park passes, guided tours
Price: from AU$63
Duration: 10 hours +
- Discover the other Nature Parks on Phillip Island like Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey, Koala Conservation Reserve and Nobbies boardwalks.
- Explore the parks at your own pace with a Park Pass or even travel in a group with a guided tour.
Recommended tickets:
If you want transfers included
Go for: Tours starting from Melbourne
Price: from AU$139
Duration: 10-12 hours
- Get transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle from Melbourne to avoid the hassle of reaching Phillip Island by yourself.
- Get picked up from prominent points in Melbourne for ease of access.
Recommended tickets:
If you want to explore beyond
Go for: Combo tickets
Price: from AU$51
Duration: Flexible durations
- Get a combo ticket that allows you to explore other attractions in and near Melbourne at affordable prices.
- Choose from various options including Melbourne Skydeck, Puffing Billy tours, Brighton Beach and more.
Recommended tickets:
Discounted Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets
Children aged 3 and under go free. However, their tickets will still need to be booked because of the strict seating capacity. Children aged 4-15 enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
Views at Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Plan your visit to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Timings
Getting there
Best time to visit
Wheelchair accessibility
Sensory accessibility
Facilities
Rules
Dining
Tips
The arrival times of the penguins vary according to season.
- Winter visits (May to Jun): 5:15 to 5:30 PM
- Nest building & mating (Jul to Aug): 5:45 to 6:00 PM
- Egg laying & incubation (Sep to Oct): 6:15 to 6:45 PM (7:45 PM DST)
- Chick feeding (Nov to Jan): 8:15 to 8:45 PM
- Moulting (Feb to Apr): 7:00 (6:00 PM DST) to 8:30 PM
Note: The time mentioned on your voucher is the last check-in time to attend the Penguin Parade. You can view and download the penguin arrival times here.
How long does it take to view the Penguin Parade?
We suggest you set aside at least 2-3 hours to get good seats and view the parade. The Penguin Parade can itself last about an hour or more.
Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia. Find on Maps
- By car: You can drive to Phillip Island. It takes approximately 90 minutes. Add another 20 minutes from San Remo Bridge in Phillip Island to get to Cowes.
undefined - By bus: There is no direct bus to Phillip Island. Take the V/L line bus services from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Koo Wee Rup. Hop on the connecting bus from here to get to Cowes.
- By ferry: For a ferry ride to Phillip Island, take a train from Finder’s Street Railway Station to Frankston. Change trains to get to Stony Point. At Stony Point Jetty, board the Inter-Island Ferries passenger catamaran to Cowes Jetty.
What is the best way to get to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
As public transportation is limited on Phillip Island, the best way to get to the Penguin Parade would be to come in your own vehicle or a taxi. You can also book tickets that include transfers to take you directly to the parade.
Autumn (Mar to May) or Spring (Sep to Nov)
The peak season to view the penguins is in the Spring and Summer (Sep to Feb) when the weather is pleasant and evenings are cool. The children have summer holidays and the festive season brings long weekends, which means the crowds are higher at this time. However, even the summer months can get quite breezy and you may need to carry a jacket to fight the biting cool breeze.
The off-seasons for the Penguin Parade are usually in Autumn and Winter when it can get a lot cooler with unpredictable showers. The crowds are far smaller and the penguins also arrive earlier compared to the rest of the year.
Final verdict:
If you don’t mind the cold, we suggest coming in late autumn or winter. You can grab a good spot to view the penguins without bumping shoulders. Be prepared for the rain with a raincoat or umbrella. However, if you’d rather remain warm, early spring or late summer will have moderate crowds and comfortable temperatures.
- Wheelchair accessibility: There are wide pathways and ramp access available at the Penguin Parade for those with limited mobility. There is also a complementary wheelchair provided inside the visitor centre.
- Parking: There are dedicated car parking spaces available for those in a wheelchair.
- Accessible counters: The ticket counter and interactive displays are placed at accessible heights for everyone to access easily.
- Buggy service: There is a complementary buggy service located at the beach doors that you can use by asking any of the staff members.
- Exclusive viewing: There are exclusive wheelchair-accessible viewing stands in all the areas of Penguin Parade.
- Sensory needs: Sensory bags are available for those with sensory issues that are equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, verbal cue cards and fidget tools. You can get it for free by lending your ID to the staff. Weighted lap pads are also available.
- Designated areas: There are designated quiet areas and headphone zones.
- Service animals: You can bring along your service animal with a valid certification. Ensure to keep them on a lead in designated pathways.
- Carer cards: Companion Cards get free access and Victorian Carer Cards get discounted access to the Penguin Parade.
- Baby changing facilities: There are baby changing facilities available at the Penguin Parade with a height-adjustable table, automatic doors and privacy screens.
- Pram parking: There are also pram parking spaces at the viewing stands.
- Burrow camera: There is a burrow camera that shares live feed from the penguins’ homes for you to witness their everyday lives. As the feed is unedited, some behaviours of these penguins may be harsh or territorial, so viewer discretion is advised.
- Free wifi
- Toilets
- Information kiosk
- Cafe
- Gift shop
- No photography: Photography is strictly prohibited at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. The penguins’ eyes are extremely sensitive to light and can get disoriented with sudden flashes of light. To make sure that these penguins keep returning to this spot every year, you’re requested not to take any photographs during the parade.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed at the Penguin Parade unless they’re service animals.
- Follow safety procedures: To ensure a safe experience, you are requested to follow safety precautions, which include wearing a mask in some of the indoor areas of the park.
There are two eateries at the Penguin Parade for hungry visitors.
Chicks Cafe: 5 PM till the end of the Penguin Parade every day.
Shearwater Restaurant: Enjoy delicious appetizers like beer-battered fish & chips or indulge in a delicious beef burger at this restaurant located on the premises of the Penguin Parade. Pair your food with beer or a selection from Purple Hen Wines, a family-owned vineyard on Phillip Island. The restaurant is open from 5 PM to 9 PM every day.
- Book in advance: Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a top pick amongst visitors, so plan your trip and accommodation on a weekday and well ahead of time to enjoy this slice of paradise.
- Carry rain protection: The weather at Phillip Island can be unpredictable throughout the year. Carry a windcheater or a raincoat.
- Best views: To get the best views of the waddling Little Penguins, book your seats in the Penguin Plus grandstand or Underground.
What else to see around Phillip Island
Phillip Island receives a footfall of millions of visitors each year to get up close with nature and watch the famous Little Penguins in their natural habitat. The island is also dotted with nature parks that offer exciting trails and adventure activities for tourists to take part in. Besides that, Phillip Island is a great spot to watch unique native wildlife species in their natural habitat, just as they are in all their glory. Sounds exciting? Read more to learn about the top things to do on Phillip Island!
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Churchill Island is a 19th-century farm in Victoria, connected to Phillip Island by a bridge. The island boasts a range of daily farm activities like sheep shearing, and whip cracking. Enjoy the views of the beautiful farm, see the farm animals and take photos. You can also take one of the walking trails to learn about the Aboriginal culture and view wetland birds.
Koala Conservation Reserve
Calm your mind and breathe in some fresh air at the Koala Conservation Reserve. Take a stroll on the tree-top boardwalks to meet the koalas that call the reserve their home. View them in their natural habitat and learn about their lives. Look out for the abundant colourful birds, wallabies, and echidnas as well.
The Nobbies Centre
The Nobbies Centre is an ecotourism attraction with seal rocks located at Point Grant, Phillip Island, where you can learn about the animals that live between Phillip Island and Antarctica. Check out the interactive Lab, Whale Racer, Research Zone, and more! Dive deep into the Southern Ocean in the immersive theatre and experience what it’s like to be up close with these wondrous creatures.
Frequently asked questions about the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Where can I get Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets?
You can book your Phillip Island penguin tickets online or over the counter at the venue through a cashless transaction. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance as you may have to wait in long queues for over-the-counter tickets.
How much do Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets cost?
The ticket prices for the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island start from AU$30 and can go higher depending on the inclusions in your tickets, like an expert guide, transfers, access to other parks, etc.
Can I buy Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets online?
Yes, you can easily book Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets online. You can also book your tickets when you arrive at the attraction, however, with limited seating, it’s possible that you won’t be able to get good seats for the view.
What is the best way to book Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets?
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 Parade 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.
Is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade worth seeing?
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’s swimming in the sea is an experience that can’t be missed.
What else can I do on Phillip Island?
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.
What are the timings for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
With penguins arriving daily at sunset, Phillip Island Visitor Center currently opens daily at 4 PM. You can view the penguin arrival calendar here. The best time to visit the Penguin Parade is from March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant and cool.
What is the location of the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
The Penguin Parade is located at 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia. Find it on Maps.
What is the best way to get to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
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.
Can my Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets be cancelled?
While most Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets allow you to cancel them for free, the duration within which free cancellations vary depending on the type of tickets you book. Make sure to read the cancellation policy for your tickets carefully while booking.
What is the validity of my Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets?
Your Phillip Island Penguin Parade ticket is valid only for the day and time slot mentioned in your ticket.
Is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade wheelchair accessible?
The Penguin Parade is completely wheelchair-accessible. A complimentary wheelchair is available on request. Additionally, the venue has accessible parking and toilets for those with limited mobility. There is also a designated accessible viewing area right next to a path of penguins.
What should I wear to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and footwear to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Carry a warm jacket or a windcheater as it can get breezy in the evenings.
Is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade suitable for children?
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.
