Phillip Island Nature Park (PINP), located on Phillip Island, Victoria, is a conservation park created in 1996 and owned by the Victorian State Government. This park operates complementary ecotourism experiences on Philips Island, generating revenue which is invested in vital research, environment and education programs.
Phillip Island Nature Parks - In a nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | Full day |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Summer [November-April] |
| 💜 Must See: | Penguin Parade |
| 🐧 Penguin Parade Tickets: | AU$32 |
| 🐨 Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass: | AU$54.50 |
Address : 154/156 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia
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Opening hours
Penguin Parade: Opens daily at 5pm
Koala Conservation Reserve: Daily from 10am to 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
Churchill Island: Daily from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)
Antarctic Journey: Daily from 10am to 6pm (last entry at 5:30pm)
Recommended Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets
Experiences at Phillip Island Nature Parks
1Penguin Parade
As the sun sets over Phillip Islands, a truly spectacular sight comes into play - the Penguin Parade. The largest colony of Little Penguins waddle from the ocean, towards their burrows on the shore and this procession can be witnessed from the park’s viewing platforms and boardwalks. Depending on the experience you wish to have, we have different ticketing options available. Check them out below.
2Koala Reserve
If koalas are your spirit animals (like they are mine!), the Koala Reserve is a haven waiting to be explored. As you walk on the boardwalks, you’ll hear the gentle rustle of the leaves and the occasional soft snores of the koalas, creating a peaceful ambiance. In the same habitat, you’ll even discover wallabies, echidnas, and colorful native birds. Currently, the reserve is home to nine koala bears.
3Churchill Island
Located off Phillip Island, Churchill Island is a well preserved heritage farm, where traditional farming techniques such as sheep shearing, cow milking, whip cracking, and blacksmithing are still in practice. These activities have a schedule which is available here. The island is known as Moonar’mia by the Bunurong (the traditional wonders of the area) is a 4.5 km walking trail loop on which you’ll be greeted by honking Cape Barren geese, fossicking purple swamp hens, and curious highland cattle.
4Antarctic Journey
Have you ever wondered about what lives under the deep sea, about climate resistance, and how to conserve your natural habitat better? If you have, Antarctic Journey will answer your questions with interactive and immersive presentations and activities. Take a journey through the Southern Ocean to Antarctica, where upon entering the Antarctica Chill Zone, you can ‘feel the freeze’ before checking out your thermal image and comparing it to that of an Emperor Penguin. At the Sound Lab and Research Station, you can learn about the sights and sounds of the Antarctic wildlife.
5Seal Cruise
Experience an up-close encounter with thousands of seals at one of Australia’s largest fur seal colonies. In partnership with Wildlife Coast Cruises, the 2-hour coastal cruise takes you to Seal Rocks off Phillip Island, where you can witness them in their natural habitat. The cruise sets off from Cowes Jetty at 2 PM (boarding is at 1:45 PM). During the peak summer season, additional cruises are available at - 11 AM & 4:30 PM.
Getting there
- By bus: Public transport is limited on Phillip Island. V-line operates a bus to Phillip Island’s main town, Cowes, from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne city.
Note: Upon the conclusion of the Penguin Parade, there are no buses available to return to Melbourne. - By car: It is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne and a 20-minute (average) drive from the bridge to different attractions.
- By taxi: Contact Phillip Island Taxis to arrange transfers on Phillip Island.
Events at Phillip Island Nature Parks
- Island Whale Festival: Every year, the coastal waters of Phillip Island become a haven for humpback and southern right whales, with occasional sightings of killer whales. The Island Whale Festival, held at different venues across Phillip Island, has its main hub at the newly opened Berninneit Cultural Centre in Cowes. Both locals and visitors can participate in a variety of activities that not only entertain but also highlight the wildlife and natural beauty of Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region. The festival weekend offers a range of events, including whale watching, whale cruises, presentations, craft activities, a pop-up art show, film screenings, and much more!
Dates: July 5 - July 7, 2024 - Summer Markets: During the summer, Phillip Island offers a delightful array of local markets to explore. Discover the finest local and regional produce, wine, cheese, arts and crafts, unique gifts, stylish clothing, delicious food, and refreshing drinks. There's always something special to find. Enjoy the atmosphere as you stroll through beautiful locations like the Churchill Island Farmers Market, which boasts stunning bay views, or visit the Island Foreshore Market and Cowes Sunday Market, both situated right on the waterfront in Cowes.
Dates: Every Saturday across May and June 2024
Restaurants nearby
A cozy ambiance and a memorable culinary experience is what you’ll get here. They serve mouth-watering seafood platters, grilled steak, and flavorful vegetarian options.
Must-try dish: Palms Paradise (rich chocolate + tropical fruits)
Go here for the view, service, and delicious food. The menu boasts of delicious options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians, alike. From grilled barramundi to the mouthwatering foreshore angus beef burger, and flavorful vegetarian options like the Mediterranean vegetable stack, there is a food for every palate.
Must-try dish: Oysters
A passion project that turned into a full fledged family-run business, the Ocean Reach Brewing sells a range of locally-brewed beers and experimental seasonal beers like pineapple IPA or peaches and sour cream.
Must-try dish: Seasonal beers (ask the server)
A pint-sized French bistro, Anerie has an intimate setting and a diverse menu to cater to different taste palates. From seafood platters to tender slow-cooked lamb shanks and scrumptious desserts, this restaurant is definitely a must-visit!
Must-try dish: Cre`me brulee and duck confit
Other attractions around Phillip Island Nature Parks
Known as one of Phillip Island’s most popular walks, Cape Woolamai is famous for its coastal scenery, Pinnacles Lookout, and as one of Victoria’s best surf breaks.
Distance from Phillip Island Nature Parks: 13.1 km
Known to make the finest delectable treats, with more than 190 varieties, Pannys is dominated by chocolates but also includes choc dipped bananas, rocky roads, Turkish delight and ginger. There is a cafe, factory, chocolate village, and an educational exhibition — all about chocolate!
Distance from Phillip Island Nature Parks: 13.9 kms
The Swan Lake is a freshwater body located just outside the Penguin Parade and is a significant site (availability of rich variety of foods during the summer) of the Millowl (Bunrong people). The walk around the lake is an easy trail of 1.3 km, which can be enjoyed by bird watching since the lake is home to numerous bird species including black swan, swamp harriers, cormorants, and purple swamp hens.
Distance from Phillip Island Nature Parks: 10.3 km
An ideal location on the foreshores in Cowes, The Jetty is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy great food and coffee! If it’s a celebration that you’re looking to host, The Jetty is the perfect place - it can accommodate over 100 seated guests.
Tip: In November, every Friday & Saturday night, The Jetty transforms into a Spanish Tapas bar.
Distance from Phillip Island Nature Parks: 900 m
FAQs
Phillip Island Nature Parks is a self-funded organization. All revenue from ticket sales is reinvested into conservation, research, education, and wildlife rescue.
Yes, the penguins can be spotted all year-round, regardless of the weather.
No, it isn’t. This is because penguins have sensitive eyes and sudden bright flash can frighten or disorient them.
For the safety and well-being of the koalas, visitors are not allowed to touch or disturb the koalas.
Except at the Koala Conservation Reserve, every other attraction has a cafe on site serving coffee, snacks, and full meals.
All attractions offer:
Disabled parking, toilets, wheelchair access through the center, and a complimentary wheelchair (if required).
At the Penguin Parade, there is a reserved viewing area for wheelchair guests, right next to a path of penguins.
