What are the different types of Penguin Parade tickets available?

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.

Are there any Penguin Parade combo tickets available?

Yes, you can opt for a <experience tgid="26270" type="Redirect" title="From Melbourne: Half-Day or Full-Day Phillip Island Guided Tour" id="FuJ0zO0b" /> or a <experience tgid="26356" type="Redirect" title="Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass" id="WlBORh0m" />, 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.

How much do Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets cost?

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.

Can I see the Penguin Parade for free?

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.

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 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.

What is the validity of my Penguin Parade tickets?

Your Penguin Parade ticket is valid only for the day and time slot mentioned in your ticket.

Can my Penguin Parade tickets be cancelled?

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.

Which is the best spot to watch the Penguin Parade?

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.

Is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade worth seeing?

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.

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. Head over to our guide on <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="Qdj2nfmY" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68498e4590a1bfb1db7d0286" text="things to do at Phillip Island" uid="www.phillip-island-tours.com.things-to-do-at-phillip-island" lang="en" /> for more inspo.

What time does the Phillip Island Penguin Parade begin?

With penguins arriving daily at sunset, Phillip Island Visitor Center opens daily at 4pm. You can view the penguin arrival calendar <link linkType="custom" newTab="false" url="https://cdn-imgix.headout.com/media/images/ec4a4d1bd94b606c8cd990cb3f7626e6-%20Phillip%20Island%20nature%20parks.jpg" id="qGZZXhRp" shortCodeType="link" text="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.

What is the location of the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?

The Penguin Parade is located at 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia. <link linkType="custom" newTab="false" url="https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z1yZKWFQyqPfdW138" id="JCwzsUw8" shortCodeType="link" text="Find 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, so if you visit outside of a tour, you will need to hire a taxi to get to the venue.

Is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade wheelchair accessible?

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.

What should I wear to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?

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.

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.

Penguin Parade

Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets

Timings

From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Swetha D

Solo

3 weeks ago

Booked my Melbourne Skydeck experience through Headout and it couldn’t have been smoother. Entry was hassle-free and super quick as all they had to do was scan a QR code - the person next to me in line even asked me how I got through so quickly and I told her that I booked it through Headout. The extra discount made it even better because every dollar saved goes toward more experiences. The booking process was effortless, took me barely 2 minutes, and everything was easily accessible through the app.

Stacey V

Australia

Family

Feb 2026

+1 more

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.

Dianne M

Australia

Group

Feb 2026

Lots of wildlife. Saw penguins. Staff and volunteers were informative, friendly and helpful. Even saw a couple of the endangered bandicoot. Beautiful environment.

Karen D

Australia

Group

Feb 2026

+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 .

Sahilkumar P

Australia

Group

Today

My experience with Headout was really smooth and enjoyable. The booking process was quick and hassle-free, and everything was well organized from start to finish. The location was beautiful, especially the beach views and peaceful atmosphere—it made the whole trip memorable. I also appreciated how easy it was to access everything without confusion. Overall, it was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to others looking for a simple and enjoyable outing.

Martin Z

Netherlands

Couple

3 days ago

It was a one of a kind experience, apart from the animals I was also impressed by your dedication to nature on Philip-island and the knowledge you gathered. We talked to Peter and had a very interesting conversation with him. Thank you very much for this wonderfull evening!

Lai T

Hong Kong

Couple

2 days ago

We first visited churchill island, which is a amazing farm with several delightful demonstrations for farm life. Then we went to koala conservation reserve, and we had a amazing time there. Koalas are so cute. The last stop is penguin parade, which is a unique nature experience and we enjoyed very much.

Rasandeep P

Australia

Family

Last week

It was very good experience. I have my tickets download on the app. It waseast access for everywhere I booked in. Looking forward to book again. Thanks

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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!

All your Penguin Parade viewing options

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General viewing

See the penguins waddle up on the beach as they make their way to the burrows on the other side. If you're lucky, you may see the penguins congregating around the rocks of the beach, waiting for it to get darker, so they can head back to their burrows!

What to expect:

During summertime, the penguins might arrive between 8-9pm on most nights, so expect it to be dark outside.
The grandstand of the general viewing area is usually the most crowded, and tends to have less light as compared to other viewing sections.
Cost: AU$32

Penguins Plus viewing

This open-air grandstand gives you great views of the penguins walking from the beach into the cove that houses their burrows. When you compare it with the other two viewing options, it's the best of both worlds.

What to expect:

Great 360-degree visuals of the penguins waddling to their hungry young ones. You'll also see the baby penguins waiting outside their burrows and calling out for food.
This viewing section has better lighting and live commentary from the guides present, for a more interactive experience.
Cost: AU$80

Underground viewing

This viewing section is located right below the Penguin Plus grandstand and lets you see the penguins at eye level, as they walk back to the burrows.

What to expect:

You may see some penguins walk up to the glass and peek inside. Don't forget to wave back!
This viewing section is covered, suitably lit up, and has detailed commentary about the Little Penguins, their behaviors, lifestyle, and more.
Cost: AU$85

Penguins Premium viewing

This viewing section is made to resemble the Phillip Island ecosystem and gives you an up close view of the penguins' trek back to their burrows.

What to expect:

This viewing section is open-aired, well lit, and has guides to give live commentary during the parade.
Cost: AU$80

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.

Choosing the best Phillip Island Penguin Parade ticket

Standard entry tickets

Price: from AU$32
Duration: Flexible

Watch the Little Penguins of Phillip Island in their element with these tickets. Choose the perfect viewing section for the best views of the smallest penguins in the world.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Guided tours from Melbourne

Price: from AU$155
Duration: 10 hours

Go on a guided tour of Phillip Island and get detailed commentary from your tour guide on the Little Penguins, during the parade. Other perks include access to other attractions on the island and return transfers to your hotel.

From Melbourne: Half/Full-Day Phillip Island Guided Tour with Penguin Parade

3-Parks passes

Price: from AU$64
Duration: Flexible

Save big on individual entry tickets, and take your time to explore three of Phillip Island's top attractions: the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, and Koala Conservation Reserve, using this bundled entry pass to all three attractions!

Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve & Churchill Island

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, starting at AU$16.

Plan your visit to the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island

The visitor center opens daily at 4pm. You can easily spend an hour walking through all the exhibits and learning about various species of penguins. The arrival times of the penguins vary according to season, but you can expect them around sunset.

Winter visits (May to Jun): 5:15pm to 5:30pm
Nest building & mating (Jul to Aug): 5:45pm to 6:00pm
Egg laying & incubation (Sep to Oct): 6:15pm to 6:45pm (7:45pm DST)
Chick feeding (Nov to Jan): 8:15pm to 8:45pm
Moulting (Feb to Apr): 7:00pm (6:00pm DST) to 8:30pm

How long does it take to view the Penguin Parade?

We suggest you set aside at least 2-3 hours to explore the visitor center, get good seats, & view the parade. The Penguin Parade can last about an hour or more.

phillip island penguin parade - best time to visit

Mid December to late January is the busiest time to visit the Penguin Parade and Phillip Island as a whole. During this time, the penguins enter their chick-feeding phase, so expect tickets to sell out fast.
September to November comes in at a close second. The penguins will transition from egg laying to the chick feeding phase, which means there will be newborn chicks hatching. Given that it is Spring/Summer in Australia, people will be out and about exploring the island.
Summer break in Australia usually lasts from December to February, and with it come festivals like Christmas, New Year's, and Valentine's Day. If you plan to visit during this time, book your tickets in advance and prepare yourself for a larger crowd than usual.
Low-season (March through August) is a good time to visit Penguin Parade if you want to see them arrive earlier than usual, and don't mind the colder weather. Expect fewer crowds in most attractions during this period.

TL;DR: If you don’t mind the cold, we suggest coming in late autumn or winter for a less crowded and early viewing of the Penguin Parade. Be prepared for the rain with a raincoat or umbrella. If you’d rather remain warm, early spring or late summer will have moderate to large crowds and comfortable temperatures.

Passenger in transfer car, Istanbul airport to city center.

Given that the Penguin Parade lasts for an hour and can end as late as 10pm on some winter nights and public commute options like buses are far and few in between, having a guaranteed ride back to Melbourne will be helpful for you. Both the half-day and full-day tours of Phillip Island and Penguin Parade offer return transfers to Melbourne.

The full-day tour pickup is at 11:45am; you can choose from 8 different hotels within Melbourne.

The half-day tour pickup is at 1:45pm (from April to September), and 2:45pm (from October to March); the pick-up and drop-off point is at Immigration Museum, Melbourne.

phillip island penguin parade accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility: Wide pathways and ramp access are available for those with limited mobility. Complementary wheelchairs are available inside the visitor center.
Parking: There are four parking spaces available for differently-abled visitors.
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.
Sensory needs: Sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, verbal cue cards, and fidget tools, are available. You can get one for free by showing your ID to the staff. They also have designated quiet areas and headphone zones.
Service animals: You can bring your service animal with a valid certification. Ensure to keep them on a leash in designated pathways.

phillip island penguin parade facilities

Burrow camera: A burrow camera shares a live feed from the penguins’ homes for you to catch a glimpse of their lives. The feed is unedited and some behaviors of these penguins may be harsh or territorial, so viewer discretion is advised.
Baby changing rooms
Free WiFi
Restrooms
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. Guests who are found flouting this rule may be asked to leave.
Pets: Pets are not allowed at the Penguin Parade except service animals. Make sure they are on a leash at all times inside the venue.
Safety procedures: To ensure a safe experience, you are requested to follow safety precautions, which include wearing a mask in some indoor areas of the park, as instructed by the park rangers.

Book in advance: Penguin Parade is a top pick amongst Phillip Island visitors, so book your tickets and stay in advance to get better deals and avoid tickets being sold out.
Dress in layers: The weather at Phillip Island can be unpredictable throughout the year. Sunsets and nights can get windy and cold, irrespective of the time of year, so layering up can help you stay warm.
Best views: To get the best views of the waddling Little Penguins, book your seats in the Penguin Plus grandstand or Underground viewing tickets.
Carry a blanket: The General viewing section extends down to the start of Summerland Beach. If you plan to sit there, make sure to get a blanket. P.S.: These are some of the best spots in the General viewing, so try to arrive early and claim your spot on the beach.
Arrive early: Before you actually see the Penguin Parade, we recommend exploring the visitor center first. You'll learn lots of fun facts about penguins and their lifestyle, habits, social behaviors and more, here. You will also need to arrive at least 1 hour early to get good spots at each view point.

phillip island penguin parade restaurants

There are two eateries at the Penguin Parade for hungry visitors.

Chicks Cafe: If you don't have a large appetite, drop by for some beverages or a quick bite to eat. The cafe is open from 4pm to 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 of Purple Hen Wines, a family-owned vineyard on Phillip Island. The restaurant is open from 4pm every day.

Modern hotel room with large bed, city view window, and stylish decor in New York City.

Bed & breakfasts: Glen Isla House, Rhyll Haven Luxury Getaway

Resorts: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Phillip Island, Kaloha Holiday Resort

Backpacker stays: Phillip Island Camps, CYC The Island

Hotels & motels: Seahorse Motel, North Pier Hotel

Views at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Fun facts about the Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Penguins walking along the beach at sunset during the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island.

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.

More things to do near the Penguin Parade

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Enjoy the views of this beautiful, 19th-century farm, interact with 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.

Know more

Koala Conservation Reserve

Take a stroll on the tree-top boardwalks to meet koalas that call the reserve their home. View them in their natural habitat and learn about their lives. Keep an eye out for native birds, wallabies, and echidnas while you're there.

Know more

The Nobbies Centre

Learn about the animals that live between Phillip Island and Antarctica. Explore the interactive Lab, Whale Racer, and dive into the Southern Ocean to experience what it’s like to be up close with these wondrous creatures.

Check out our comprehensive guide on things to do at Phillip Island for more information on what you should see and do at the island.

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.