Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets
- 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!
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
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Personal consumption
- Insurance
- 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 4 Parks Pass: Penguin Parade, Koalas, Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey
- Do not miss out on this iconic, explorative, educative, immersive, and interactive journey through Philip Island's Nature Parks!
- A mere 90-minute journey from Melbourne's CBD, Philip Island is easily accessible and promises an all-inclusive and enjoyable tour for all ages.
- Explore Philip Island's rugged beauty, seascape views, and various wildlife attractions with access to 4 of its nature parks.
- The Penguin Parade's three ticket options (general viewing, penguins plus & underground viewing) for fun interaction with the amazing seabirds.
- Stroll through lush woodlands and treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve where you'll meet and greet adorable koalas.
- At Churchill Island, you'll get to experience daily heritage farming activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and whip cracking. Enjoy peeks into the lives of early Australian settlers here.
- Antarctic Journey promises insight into nature conservation, climate resilience, and the inhabitants of the Southern Ocean to Antarctica!
Inclusions
Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Penguin Parade viewing from the General Viewing Platform
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
Penguin Parade Plus + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Up-close Penguin Parade viewing with tiered seating for a capacity of 250 - 300 people
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island Heritage Farm
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.
- 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 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour
- 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
- Emerald Lake
- Puffing Billy
- Nobbies Tourist Information Centre
- Nobbies Lookout and Boardwalk
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Inclusions
- All entry and admission fees
- Pick up 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, umbrella.
- Facilities: Pram/Stroller Accessibility.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Combo (Save 11%): Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower + Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets
- Enjoy two enticing experiences in Melbourne with this combo ticket, which includes visits to the Sky Deck at Eureka Tower and Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.
- With access tickets to two attractions at discounted rates, this is a chance you shouldn't pass up.
- Head out to Melbourne Skydeck, the world’s tallest residential skyscraper for an unbeaten experience.
- Ascend to a height of about 300 meters above ground level in the southern hemisphere’s fastest elevator.
- 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 located just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
- With a general viewing ticket, enjoy tiered seating on the general viewing grandstands and witness one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.
Inclusions
Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower
- Admission to the Melbourne Skydeck
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Penguin Parade viewing from the general viewing platform
- Tip: It is recommended to check the weather forecast before visiting the SkyDeck in order to get unobstructed city views, which are only feasible in clear weather. Use the viewfinder at the Sky Deck to locate the top 30 Melbourne landmarks.
- Tip: As penguin homing takes place after sunset and lasts about 50 minutes, it is recommended to arrive at the coast 1 hour before penguin arrival time.
- It's recommended to arrive approximately 1 hour before the penguin arrival time, check in at the visitor center, then walk to their viewing area to wait for the penguins.
- Click here to see the estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.
- Penguins will arrive at the coast at sunset and the penguin homing usually lasts about 50 minutes.
- Photographs and video recordings are not allowed when penguins are coming home.
- Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.
- Facilities: Parking, Wheelchair Accessibility, Pram/Stroller Accessibility, Restroom.
Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower
- Present - 1st Oct, 2023:
- Sun to Thur & Public Holidays: 12pm - 9pm (last entry at 8.30pm)
- Fri & Sat: 12pm - 10pm (last entry at 9.30 pm)
- 2nd Oct, 2023 - 7th April, 2024:
- Daily: 12pm - 9pm (including Public Holidays)
- New Year's Eve:
- 12pm to 5pm (last entry at 04:30pm)
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
- Daily: 5pm
- Note: If you are planning a visit from mid-December to late January, or during a long weekend or the school holiday period, please allow extra travel time as the traffic can get busy.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 29 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Half-Day Guided Tour of Phillip Island & Penguin Parade with Transfers
- Experience a half-day 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
- Half-day tour of Philip Island
- Informative driver/guide
- AC transfers
- 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.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour
- 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.
Guided Tour of Phillip Island
- 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.
Full-Day Tour of Phillip Island Wildlife & Brighton Beach Boxes
- 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.
Guided Tour of Healesville Sanctuary & Phillip Island Wildlife Park with Transfers
- Make your visit to Australia a special one with these tickets to the Healesville Sanctuary and a chance to enjoy the iconic Penguin Parade with hotel transfers included in your ticket.
- Take a walk around the Sanctuary to explore at your own pace or catch a live show or Keeper Talk to enrichen your experience.
- At Phillip Island, enjoy scenic views from the Nobbies as you walk the Boardwalk.
- Don’t miss your chance to explore the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout trail before attending the famed Penguin Parade.
Inclusions
- Hotel transfers to and from CBD
- Admission to Healesville Sanctuary
- The Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Exclusions
- Lunch and dinner
- Tip: While at the Healesville Sanctuary, you can attend Keeper Talks that are free and get to know more about some of your favorite animals like kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and more.
- Children aged 4 and above are permitted on this tour.
- The Healesville Sanctuary is pram/stroller and wheelchair accessible; wheelchairs are also available for hire for which a photographic ID is required.
- Assistance animals are allowed except at the kangaroo walk-through, Koala Forest, all walk-through aviaries, flight arena shows, and close-up encounters.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Australia is home to some of the most enchanting wildlife in the world- koalas, and emus. Victoria is home to an endemic species not found elsewhere in the country. At a stone’s throw from Melbourne is Phillip Island, home to a strong colony of the Little Penguins — also the world’s smallest penguins. The iconic Phillip Island penguin parade offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch little penguins emerge from the seas and waddle their way to their burrows. Learn more about getting Phillip Island penguin parade tickets and what to expect!
Your Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets Explained
Phillip Island Tickets - 4 Parks Nature Pass
- Spot koalas, wallabies, and echidnas in their natural habitat, at the Koala Conservation Reserve
- Go on a walking trail, soak in some fresh air, and spot birds at the Churchill Island
- Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle to their little ones on Summerland Beach
- Learn about climate change and conversion efforts through an interactive experience at the Antarctic journey
- Your tickets cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled
- Your tickets are valid for the date and time selected while booking
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Ticket
- Phillip Island brings a waddle of little penguins to your feet, making for a once-in-a-lifetime experience once you are here
- Pick from different options: General Viewing Ticket, Penguin Plus, Underground Viewing, Guided Ranger Tour, and Ultimate Penguin Tour
- Learn how your visit supports conservation projects at the Phillip Island
- Your tickets cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled
- Your tickets are valid for the date and time selected while booking
Best Way to Buy Penguin Parade Tickets
The best way to buy Phillip Island tour tickets is online: you’ll save yourself from standing in a long queue. You get to decide which option works best for you without worrying about the person behind you in line, as is the case with over-the-counter tickets. You can read the inclusions and the exclusions on your ticket before booking a ticket online.
Discounted Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets
Children aged 3 and under go free. However, their tickets need to be booked because of the strict seating capacity. Children aged 4-15 enjoy reduced ticket pricing.
Plan Your Visit to the Penguin Parade
With penguins arriving daily at sunset, Phillip Island Visitor Center currently opens daily at 5 PM. It is recommended that guests reach the attraction at least 1 hour prior to the penguin arrival time. Please check the timings on the penguin calendar for details regarding the penguin arrival time during the month of your visit.
After checking in at the visitor center, guests can walk to their viewing area to wait for penguin sightings. Please note that the time mentioned on your confirmation voucher is the last check-in time to get ready for Penguin Parade.
Duration: Visitors can expect to spend 50-60 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Parking: There is free car parking on site.
Being on the South coast of Australia, Phillip Island has a temperate climate. It experiences cold winters and warm summers, with ocean breezes year-round. Be prepared for sudden weather changes here.
Penguins waddle throughout the year around sunset. But from November - April, the island becomes a hotspot for tourists as the number of penguins waddling back to their breeding grounds is high. However, the island receives fewer tourists during the cooler months of May - September. Plan a visit during these months for a reasonable accommodation as compared to peak seasons.
Skip the peak season crown during mid-December to late January, long weekends, and school holidays period.
What 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 little penguins waddling. Apart from this, Phillip Island is also home to nature parks that offer wide spaces and trails to wander, hosts various fun activities, and a great place to watch native species in their habitat from many other experiences. Read on to know about the top-things-to-do at 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. During the weekdays, Churchill Island Heritage Farm opens from 10 AM to 4:30 PM and from 9 AM to 4:30 PM during the weekends (last entry: 4 PM). Daily activities start at 10:30 am everyday. If you arrive early enjoy the views of the beautiful farm, walk around, 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. Stroll tree-top boardwalks to meet the koalas who call our Koala Conservation Reserve home. View them in their natural habitat and learn about their lives. Look out for the abundant colorful birds, wallabies, and echidnas. It remains open daily, except during Christmas, from 10 am to 4.30 pm (last entry to the boardwalk: 4 pm).
The Nobbies Centre
The Nobbies Centre is an ecotourism attraction located at Point Grant, Phillip Island, where you can learn about the animals that live between Phillip Island and Antarctica. Currently, it is open on weekdays from 10 am to 4.30 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 6 pm, and access to the roads leading to the Nobbies Centre is closed before sunset. Check out the interactive Lab, with sustainable seafood options, Whale Racer, Research Zone, and more! Dive deep into the Southern Ocean in our immersive theatre and experience what it’s like to be up close with these wondrous creatures.
All Your Questions About Phillip Island Penguin Parade Answered
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 to ensure you don’t miss out. You might have to wait in long queues for over-the-counter tickets.
Yes, you can buy Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets online. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance.
Phillip Island nature parks penguin parade is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see little penguins, the smallest species of penguins. Barring Australia and New Zealand, these species are not found anywhere else in the world.
Go on a Phillip Island tour. You can explore nature parks or sign up for paid and free family activities here. The island offers a host of activities. Watch species endemic to Australia, learn about Aboriginal culture, surf in the blue waters, bask in the idyllic beaches, go on cycling or walking trails, go whale searching, or more. The options are endless.
With penguins arriving daily at sunset, Phillip Island Visitor Center currently opens daily at 6 PM. View the penguin arrival time calendar for estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.
It depends on the kind of Phillip Island Penguin Parade Ticket you book. Please check the ticket details at the checkout page while booking.
Phillip Island penguin ticket is valid only for the day and time slot mentioned in your ticket.
The venue is wheelchair-accessible. A complimentary wheelchair is available on request. Additionally, the venue has parking and toilets for people with special needs. People with disabilities can enjoy a designated viewing area right next to a path of penguins.
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and footwear to Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Carry a warm jacket or a windcheater as it can get breezy in the evenings.
Phillip Island penguin parade is suitable for all ages.
