Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.
Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors seated at Phillip Island Nature Parks viewing area for Penguin Parade.
Child observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Penguins walking on the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.
Visitors watching penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets, Melbourne

Melbourne
Parks
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Duration: Varies (50 min to 10 hours)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 7 days before the start of your experience

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Experience one of Australia’s most beloved wildlife events with your Penguin Parade Tickets at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Melbourne. Every evening at sunset, witness hundreds of little penguins waddle home along the beach in a charming spectacle. Your visit includes entry to both the boardwalks and visitor centre for informative exhibits and spectacular coastal views.

The world-famous Penguin Parade offers an excellent opportunity for children and adults alike to learn about wildlife conservation as little penguins return home at dusk.

Experience enhanced views from the Penguins Premium viewing platform on Phillip Island, which draws inspiration from the island's stunning southern coast coves.

Phillip Island boasts one of Australia's largest colonies of little penguins.

Admission to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park

Access to boardwalk and visitor center

Use of general viewing platform for access

Ticket for Penguins Express Afternoon Day Tour from Melbourne (if option selected)

Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve (visit anytime within 6 months of purchase)

Admission to Churchill Island (visit anytime within 6 months of purchase)

Individual Costs

Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.

Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.

Discover Phillip Island's Beautiful Wildlife Experience

Located in Australia, Phillip Island Nature Parks offers a spectacular evening at the Penguin Parade. Here, hundreds of penguins make their delightful journey from the ocean to their nests along Summerlands Beach as the sun sets.

The Highlights Await You

During your visit, you'll gain entry to both the general viewing platform and bringd boardwalks that provide sweeping views over the beach. These vantage points are perfect for observing the penguins' nightly return from their ocean adventures.

Bring Your Adventure with Optional Add-ons

Consider enhancing your experience by choosing one of two premium options:

  • Penguins Express Afternoon Day Tour: This full-day excursion starts in Melbourne, offering priority entry to the Penguin Parade along with return transfers and a guided exploration of nearby coastal attractions.
  • 3 Parks Pass: Expand your adventure by adding two more nature experiences:
    • Koala Conservation Reserve: Explore tree-top boardwalks through eucalypt woodlands to spot koalas in their natural setting.
    • Churchill Island: Venture into heritage gardens and historical displays, set against the backdrop of one of Victoria’s oldest European settlements.

Your choice—whether sticking to the classic Penguin Parade or opting for an engaging upgrade—promises a wonderful wildlife experience suitable for everyone.

Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.

Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.

Visitors seated at Phillip Island Nature Parks viewing area for Penguin Parade.

Visitors seated at Phillip Island Nature Parks viewing area for Penguin Parade.

Child observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Child observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Packing essentials

    If rain is expected, consider bringing a raincoat or umbrella.

    Prohibited items and activities

    • No photographs or video recordings are allowed when penguins return to shore due to the artificial lighting affecting their eyes. The island enforces light control during this period.

    Large bags are not permitted; only small carry-on bags can be brought inside.

    Accessibility features

      All parks offer wheelchair access.

      Tour details and additional notes

      • Penguins typically return at sunset, with arrival times varying by season: between 8:30pm to 9pm in summer (Dec–Feb), 7pm to 8pm in autumn (Mar–May), 5:15pm to 6pm in winter (Jun–Aug), and 6:30pm to 8pm in spring (Sep–Nov). Plan to arrive at least one hour early to secure your spot and enjoy the visitor center before the parade starts.
      • Business hours for attractions may vary; check their official websites prior to departure.
      • View estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year here.
      • If visiting from mid-December through late January, or during a long weekend or school holiday period, allow extra time for travel due to increased traffic congestion.

      Pensioner discounts are available directly at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade only via phone or on-site. Contact details can be found on their official website.

      Penguins walking on the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.

      Penguins walking on the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.

      Visitors watching penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

      Visitors watching penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

      Book your visit in advance during peak seasons to avoid sold-out sessions and ensure you have a spot at the Penguin Parade.

      If planning multiple visits on Phillip Island, consider starting with Koalas or Churchill Island Heritage Farm after experiencing the penguin parade for an efficient day out.

      Prepare for your visit by packing a raincoat or umbrella if there's any chance of rain to stay comfortable throughout your experience.

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      Operating hours

      Phillip Island Penguin Parade

      Monday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Tuesday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Wednesday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Thursday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Friday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Saturday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Sunday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

      Koala Conservation Reserve

      Monday
      10:00am - 5:30pm • last entry 5:00pm
      Tuesday
      10:00am - 5:30pm • last entry 5:00pm
      Wednesday
      10:00am - 5:30pm • last entry 5:00pm
      Thursday
      10:00am - 5:30pm • last entry 5:00pm
      Friday
      10:00am - 5:30pm • last entry 5:00pm
      Saturday
      10:00am - 5:30pm • last entry 5:00pm
      Sunday
      10:00am - 5:30pm • last entry 5:00pm
      • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

      Churchill Island

      Monday
      10:00am - 4:30pm • last entry 4:00pm
      Tuesday
      10:00am - 4:30pm • last entry 4:00pm
      Wednesday
      10:00am - 4:30pm • last entry 4:00pm
      Thursday
      10:00am - 4:30pm • last entry 4:00pm
      Friday
      10:00am - 4:30pm • last entry 4:00pm
      Saturday
      9:00am - 4:30pm • last entry 4:00pm
      Sunday
      9:00am - 4:30pm • last entry 4:00pm
      • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

      Penguin Parade

      Monday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Tuesday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Wednesday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Thursday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Friday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Saturday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      Sunday
      5:00pm - 9:00pm
      • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

      By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

      FAQs

      Photographs and videos aren't allowed while penguins are returning home, as artificial light can disturb them.
      It's recommended to bring a raincoat or umbrella if rain is expected. No large bags are allowed inside.
      Yes, you can choose the Penguins Express Afternoon Day Tour which provides transport directly from Melbourne.
      The ticket includes entry to the Penguin Parade, access to the general viewing platform and bringd boardwalks, as well as access to the visitor centre.
      Yes, entry to the Koala Conservation Reserve is included in the 3 Parks Pass option within six months of purchase.
      Phillip Island hosts one of Australia's largest penguin colonies and offers a chance to see little penguins return home at dusk in their natural habitat.
      The parade takes place every evening at sunset and lasts for around an hour as penguins return home along the beach.
      Yes, you can upgrade to a 3 Parks Pass that includes entry to Koalas and Churchill Island Heritage Farm within six months of purchase.
      Yes, all areas of the park are wheelchair accessible to ensure everyone has a comfortable visit.
      Only small carry-on bags are allowed. Large bags aren't permitted for security reasons.

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