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)

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

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Experience the beautiful Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Parks near Melbourne, where hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore each evening at sunset. This beloved wildlife encounter offers a chance to witness nature’s charm up close, with access to boardwalks and exhibits that highlight the island's coastal beauty.

Catch sight of little penguins returning home at dusk in the world-famous Penguin Parade. The parade is particularly great for educating children on wildlife and nature awareness.

Admire the penguins on the new Penguins Premium viewing platform that's directly inspired by the magnificent coves of the island's southern coast.

You have the option to upgrade to the 3 Parks Pass for Penguin Parade, Koalas, and Churchill Island Heritage Farm, or take the Penguins Express Afternoon Day Tour from Melbourne.

Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.

Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park

Access to boardwalk and visitor center

Access to general viewing platform

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

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

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

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

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

Experience the magic of the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island

Witness one of Australia’s most beloved wildlife experiences with entry to the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Parks. Every evening at sunset, watch as hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and make their charming waddle home along the beach. With access to both the boardwalks and visitor centre, you’ll enjoy informative exhibits, spectacular coastal views, and up-close encounters with nature.

What to expect

Your visit includes entry to the Penguin Parade, access to the general viewing platform, and the elevated boardwalks that wind along the penguins’ path. This popular vantage point offers sweeping views of Summerlands Beach and the penguins’ nightly journey as they return from a day at sea.

Upgrade your experience

Choose from two premium viewing options for an even more memorable encounter:

  • Penguins Express Afternoon Day Tour: Enjoy a seamless full-day trip from Melbourne, including return transfers and priority entry to the Penguin Parade. Relax on a guided journey with time to explore the coast and soak up the natural scenery along the way.

  • 3 Parks Pass: Enhance your visit by selecting the 3 Parks Pass, which includes entry to two additional nature attractions:

    • Koala Conservation Reserve: Wander tree-top boardwalks through eucalypt woodlands and spot koalas in their natural habitat.

    • Churchill Island: Discover heritage gardens, historical farming displays, and scenic walking trails on one of Victoria’s oldest European settlements.

Whether you stick to the classic Penguin Parade or opt for immersive upgrades, this is an unforgettable wildlife experience suitable for all ages and interests.

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.

What to bring

  • You can pack a raincoat or umbrella if rain is predicted.

What's not allowed

  • Photographs and video recordings are not allowed when penguins are coming home, because the artificial light sources will stimulate the eyes of the penguins. The island implements light control at this time.

  • Big bags are not permitted. Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.

Accessibility

  • All parks are accessible by wheelchair.

Additional information

  • Penguins arrive at sunset each evening, with typical arrival times ranging from 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). Arrive at least 1 hour beforehand to secure your seat and enjoy the visitor center before the parade begins.

  • Daily business hours may change, please check the official website of each attraction before departure.

  • Click here to see the estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.

  • 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.

  • Pensioner tickets: Pensioner discounts for the Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade are only available directly through the park, either by phone or at the counter on the day. Contact details are listed on their official site.

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.

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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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