Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

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 Plus: Enjoy exclusive access to the Penguins Plus platform, designed with ranger insights and conservation in mind. Located in a prime beachfront position with limited capacity, it offers the closest viewing point to the penguins’ main highway and a more intimate, unobstructed experience.

• Underground Viewing: Step into a specially designed underground bunker with eye-level outlooks. Stay warm and dry in this weatherproof area while observing penguins pass by just inches from the glass – perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

• 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.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Discover the world-famous Penguin Parade on this sightseeing tour that includes a visit to Phillip Island Nature Parks, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and features general viewing tickets or penguin plus tiered seating options for closer views of little penguins returning home at dusk. Enjoy exclusive ranger-led tours through the penguin colony with an underground viewing upgrade for up-close interaction. Enhance your experience further with a Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass, which grants access to koala encounters and farm experiences on Churchill Island. The tour is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Mandarin), and Russian. Wheelchair accessibility is provided at all major viewing areas.

Witness Little Penguins Returning Home

Your tour stops at the Penguin Parade where you can witness little penguins returning home to their burrows along Phillip Island's shores each evening from March through November, with peak times varying by month. Established in 1985, this natural spectacle is one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually. The viewing platforms offer unobstructed views across a 2-kilometer stretch of beach where up to 400 adult and juvenile penguins can be seen each evening. Rangers provide educational talks on wildlife conservation, emphasizing the importance of preserving these unique marine habitats.

Explore Phillip Island Nature Parks

At Phillip Island Nature Parks, guests can explore a diverse range of ecosystems spanning over 12,000 hectares, including coastal heathlands, grassy woodlands, and wetland areas. The park was established in 1985 to protect native wildlife such as little penguins, koalas, and various bird species. Highlights include the Koala Conservation Reserve where visitors can observe koalas in their natural habitat, and Churchill Island Heritage Farm which offers insights into early colonial farming practices dating back to 1872. Rangers provide guided tours throughout the park, offering educational talks on conservation efforts and the importance of preserving Australia's unique biodiversity.

Visit Koala Conservation Reserve

Your tour includes a visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve where you can observe koalas in their natural habitat within a 120-hectare sanctuary. Established in 1985, this reserve is part of Phillip Island Nature Parks and aims to protect and conserve native wildlife through research and educational initiatives. Visitors can walk along marked trails for up-close views of koalas as well as other local species such as kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species. Rangers provide informative talks on the importance of preserving these habitats and the challenges faced by endangered species.

Experience Churchill Island Heritage Farm

The tour also includes a visit to Churchill Island Heritage Farm where you can learn about early colonial farming practices dating back to 1872. This working farm spans over 40 hectares and features restored buildings, gardens, and livestock typical of the period. Visitors can participate in hands-on activities such as milking cows, feeding sheep, and learning about traditional farming techniques used by settlers during the late 19th century. Rangers provide guided tours throughout the day, offering insights into the agricultural history of Phillip Island and its surrounding regions.

Tour Highlights

• General viewing at Penguin Parade
• Penguin Plus with tiered seating
• Ranger-led tour through penguin colony
• Underground viewing upgrade for close-up interaction
• Koala encounters at Conservation Reserve
• Farm experiences on Churchill Island Heritage Farm
• Access to 12,000-hectare Phillip Island Nature Parks
• Educational talks and conservation efforts throughout the park

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families with children, and wildlife lovers, this guided tour provides an educational experience through visits to key landmarks such as Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. The 8-hour format allows you to witness penguins returning home at dusk, observe koalas in their natural habitat, and learn about early colonial farming practices, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Phillip Island's unique wildlife and history.