The Ultimate Guide to Visit Phillip Island Nature Parks in Melbourne | 2023
Phillip Island in Australia is home to stunning natural parks. Known for its world-famous penguin parade, Phillip Island Nature Parks is abundant with pristine beaches, indigenous Australian flora and fauna, and a breath-taking variety of wildlife. Visitors can indulge in various activities such as the Koala Conservation Reserve, virtual Antarctic Journey, Churchill Island, and more! Stay on this page to plan your visit to Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Opening Hours
- The Koala Conservation Reserve is open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. From December 26 to January 30, Koala Conservation Reserve is open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
- The Penguin Parade Visitor Center is open daily from 5 PM onwards.
- Churchill Island is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays and from 9 AM to 4:30 PM during weekends.
- The Antarctic Journey at Nobbies Centre is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.
Closed: All attractions closed on December 25
Best Time to Visit | Phillip Island Nature Parks
Weekday vs Weekend: Weekends are generally more packed and you may not be able to enjoy all the attractions peacefully.
Peak Season vs Low Season: The best time to visit the Phillip Island Nature Parks is anytime between November to April in the summer. Summer has crisp weather and plenty of sunshine, with average temperatures touching 23 degrees Celsius. If you want an off-season adventure, visit during winter from May to October. Winters are not a snowy affair and the temperatures drop to around 15 degrees on average.
Know MoreWhere is Phillip Island Nature Parks?
Address: 154/156 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia
Phillip Island Nature Parks is located on Phillip Island, towards the south-east of Melbourne. It lies on the south coast of Victoria, occupying about 40 square miles of land. The nature parks are located on this island.
Find on mapsHow to Get to Phillip Island Nature Parks?
By Public Transport
Taxi: Phillip Island is accessible via cabs from Melbourne. The journey takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes. Phillip Island Taxis are available on call at 03 5952 2200.
Bus: Travel on the V-line bus from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne city to Cowes in Phillip Island. The duration of the trip is about 2 hours and 34 minutes. Please note that this bus does not have a return trip to Melbourne.
By Car
Phillip Island is about 90 to 120 minutes away from Melbourne. This commute might take longer during busy seasons. Once you reach the coastline, allow yourself another 20 minutes to get across the bridge towards Penguin Parade.
Parking: Free parking is available at Phillip Island.
Know Before You Go
- Restrooms are available at all the attractions.
- You will find a range of restaurants and cafes at the different attractions.
The following arrangements have been made for people with disabilities.
- Wheelchair-friendly pathways.
- Special car parking spaces.
- Ramp access in the visitor center.
- Pram parking at Penguin Parade.
- Complimentary buggy service to the beach.
- Complimentary wheelchair to use inside the visitor center.
- Displays are put up at wheelchair eye height.
- Sensory bags are available with noise-canceling headphones.
- Assistance animals on harness or lead are welcome.
- The Family Wildlife Tour is available at the Penguin Parade. Children can join the tour ranger for a fun and educational tour.
- Tickets are mandatory for children between ages 4 and 15. Children under 4 years can visit for free.
- Digital quest games are available for children at Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation Reserve.
- Baby changing facilities are available on site.
- Photography is strictly prohibited at the Penguin Parade during the night.
- No pets are allowed at the Penguin Parade.
- All children below the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Visitors must give their consent to be a part of any recordings taken at the Penguin Parade.
- Alcohol is prohibited on site.
- All guests must wear face masks when social distancing is not possible.
Stop at any of the restaurants or cafes at the Phillip Island Nature Parks for a delicious meal during your visit.
- The Nobbies Café at Antarctic Journey serves seafood, burgers, cakes, and more. It is open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Savor some delicious seafood at the Shearwater Restaurant inside the Penguin Parade Center. This restaurant is open daily from 5 PM onwards.
- Churchill Island café serves cakes, coffee, and lunch options. It is open from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 4 PM on weekends.
- Pino's Trattoria is a pizzeria in Cowes, Victoria. You can choose to dine in or takeaway.
If you choose to stay an extra day or two at Phillip Island, here are some hotel options for you.
- Arthur Phillip Motor Inn: A top-rated 3-star hotel in Cowes, Phillip Island.
- North Pier Hotel, Bar, Bistro & Accommodation: A three-star hotel with a pool, restaurant, and free parking.
- Sea Horse Motel: A top-rated 3-star hotel with a pool and quality service. This is an Ideal choice for families.
- Kaloha Holiday Resort: A three-star hotel with a spa.
Things to Do
Penguin Parade
Penguin Parade is the most sought-after activity in Phillip Island Nature Parks. Phillip Island has the largest Little Penguin colony in the world. Visitors can take part in the Penguin Parade year-round when the seabirds walk to their burrows from the ocean every night. Phillip Island Nature Parks have arranged platforms and boardwalks to watch the majestic parade of penguins.
Koala Conservation Reserve
Visitors can take a stroll through the woodlands to watch koalas. Phillip Island Nature Parks allow visitors to wander through the trails and broad walks to sight koalas up-close. The program is an exclusive opportunity to meet the reclusive koalas in their natural habitat. You can also sight wallabies, echidnas, and colourful birds from the Australian bush. The unique experience allows you to explore trails in the sprawling six-hectare bushland.
Churchill Island
The beautiful Churchill Island located just off Phillip Island is a historical location. The beautiful landscape takes you back to the olden days with its majestic scenery. You can wander around the place and enjoy the fresh air, join historical farming grounds for farm activities, or watch birds in their nests.
Antarctic Journey at Nobbies Centre
The Antarctic Journey takes you on a virtual tour of the Southern Ocean, all the way to Antarctica. You can enjoy an interactive experience and enrich your knowledge about the region. The Sound Lab and Research Station at Nobbies Centre will introduce us to the sights and sounds of the Antarctic wildlife. The program is a must-visit for family visitors and is conducted with the partnership of World Wildlife Fund.
Visitor Tips
- The different attractions of Phillip Island Nature Parks are scattered around Phillip Island. Plan your visit before you venture into the region.
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Make sure you carry a reusable water bottle.
- You might need insect repellent at some of the attractions.
- If you are visiting the Koala Conservation Centre, it's advisable to carry snacks as the cafe only serves a small selection of food items.
- Bring binoculars to get a close look at the wildlife but remember not to take pictures at the Penguin Parade.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Phillip Island Nature Parks
A. Phillip Island Nature Parks are on Phillip Island, south-east of Melbourne.
A. Yes, Phillip Island Nature Parks is open and tickets are available.
A. Phillip Island Nature Parks has multiple attractions such as the Koala Conservation Center, Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, and Antarctic Journey. Get a close look at the wildlife of the region including the largest colony of Little Penguins.
A. No. You need to book Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets to visit.
A. Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets are available online. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Phillip Island Nature Parks encouraged visitors to buy tickets online and there are no cash payments allowed in the facility.
A. Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets start at AU$27.25.
A. The best time to visit Phillip Island Nature Parks is on a weekday. Plan your visit during the second half of the day so you can catch the Penguin Parade around 6 PM.
A. Penguin Parade is open daily from 5 PM onwards. Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Centre, and the Antarctic Journey open at 10 AM. All attractions are closed on December 25.
A. Yes, Phillip Island Nature Parks allows you to book up to 15 tickets together.
A. Yes, Phillip Island Nature Parks is a family-friendly destination. It is a great place to introduce your children to the wildlife of the region. Keep in mind that children above the age 4-year-old need tickets to enter the attractions.
A. Yes, you can hire a wheelchair at the Visitors Center. Most of the ramps and boardwalks are designed to accommodate people with reduced mobility.
A. Yes, Phillip Island Nature Parks have a range of restaurants within the attractions.
A. Phillip Island Nature Parks includes four major attractions. Each activity requires 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. In total, we recommend spending at least 4 to 5 hours at the parks. Alternatively, a bundle ticket allows you access to all four attractions in under six months.
A. Yes. Phillip Island is home to the largest population of Little Penguins and other animals that are endemic to this region. A visit to the nature parks will be a unique and memorable experience.
