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Experience the best of Phillip Island Nature Parks

Visit Phillip Island for a serene getaway from the city. Visit the 3 parks: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island, for a wonderful retreat into nature. Choose from Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets that offer entry to the Penguin Parade, a 3-park pass, or guided wildlife tours.
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Slide 1 of 11, Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.
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.
Wooden boardwalk on Churchill Island with visitors exploring coastal landscape.
Visitors watching penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Rocky coastline and ocean waves at sunset on Churchill Island, Australia.
Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.
Penguins walking on sand at night, Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Tourists boarding air-conditioned coach bus for transfer to Montserrat Monastery.
Travelers on a coach to Mount Fuji, enjoying views of cherry blossoms.
Explore at your pace
  • 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.

More details
  • 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.

from
AU$34
Slide 1 of 10, Penguins walking on the beach at dusk during the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island.
Penguins walking on the beach at dusk during the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island.
Visitors watching penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Visitors observing a koala at a conservation reserve.
Koalas resting in a tree at the Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Visitors interacting with a horse at Churchill Island farm.
Ranger with sheepdog and lamb at Churchill Island farm.
Visitors observing penguin sculptures at Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.
Sheep grazing in a field at Churchill Island farm with ocean view in the background.
Visitors observing sheep and a dog at Churchill Island farm.
Aerial view of Churchill Island surrounded by water and lush greenery.
Extended validity
1 more
  • Get access to 3 of Phillip Island’s top wildlife experiences with a single ticket: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island.

  • Wander treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve and spot koalas lounging in their natural eucalyptus habitat.

  • Step into the past on Churchill Island—explore heritage farm buildings, blooming gardens, and daily farming demos.

  • Watch hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle home during the world-famous Penguin Parade.

  • Your ticket includes access to the visitor center, scenic boardwalks, and general viewing platform at Phillip Island National Park.

More details
  • Get access to 3 of Phillip Island’s top wildlife experiences with a single ticket: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island.

  • Wander treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve and spot koalas lounging in their natural eucalyptus habitat.

  • Step into the past on Churchill Island—explore heritage farm buildings, blooming gardens, and daily farming demos.

  • Watch hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle home during the world-famous Penguin Parade.

  • Your ticket includes access to the visitor center, scenic boardwalks, and general viewing platform at Phillip Island National Park.

from
AU$58.50
Slide 1 of 10, Colorful Brighton Beach Boxes lined up on sandy beach, Melbourne, Australia.
Colorful Brighton Beach Boxes lined up on sandy beach, Melbourne, Australia.
Kangaroos grazing on a field at Phillip Island, Australia.
Koalas in a tree on Phillip Island during wildlife tour.
Brighton Beach colorful huts with Melbourne skyline in the background.
Coastal boardwalk leading to modern building on Phillip Island, Australia.
Visitors walking along Nobbies Lookout boardwalk with ocean view, Phillip Island, Australia.
Visitors walking along Nobbies Lookout boardwalk with ocean and coastal views, Phillip Island.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade with little penguins walking on sandy path.
Tour bus on a scenic coastal road at Phillip Island, Australia.
Private car transfer at vineyard, Phillip Island.
12 hrs
2 more
  • Explore Australia's wildlife and beach culture on this full-day tour of Phillip Island and Brighton Beach boxes along with a multilingual audio app.

  • Get ready to click some insta-worthy snaps at the vibrant and iconic Brighton beach boxes. What's not to love about the beach and colorful huts?

  • At the Wildlife Animal Park, get up-close encounters with Australia's cuddly koalas and bounding kangaroos.

  • View the penguin parade where you can see the penguins come out from the ocean and walk towards their burrows on the sand.

  • Choose between the two ticket options, take the bus tour to enjoy a group setting, or for a more intimate experience opt for the private car tour.

  • Now, here's a nugget: Those cute penguins you'll see at Phillip Island? They pair for life, just like lovebirds!

More details
  • Explore Australia's wildlife and beach culture on this full-day tour of Phillip Island and Brighton Beach boxes along with a multilingual audio app.

  • Get ready to click some insta-worthy snaps at the vibrant and iconic Brighton beach boxes. What's not to love about the beach and colorful huts?

  • At the Wildlife Animal Park, get up-close encounters with Australia's cuddly koalas and bounding kangaroos.

  • View the penguin parade where you can see the penguins come out from the ocean and walk towards their burrows on the sand.

  • Choose between the two ticket options, take the bus tour to enjoy a group setting, or for a more intimate experience opt for the private car tour.

  • Now, here's a nugget: Those cute penguins you'll see at Phillip Island? They pair for life, just like lovebirds!

from
AU$159
Slide 1 of 10, Little penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Little penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Phillip Island coastline with rocky cliffs and ocean view.
Koala resting in a tree at Phillip Island Koala Reserve.
Boardwalk through scenic landscape on Phillip Island, Australia, part of Penguin Parade tour.
Photographer capturing ocean view from Phillip Island boardwalk.
Koala sleeping on a tree branch at Phillip Island Koala Reserve.
Group of tourists on a boardwalk at Phillip Island beach during Penguin Parade day trip.
Penguins on the beach at Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Australia.
Couple sitting on a bench with a scenic view of Phillip Island's countryside in the background.
Wooden boardwalk overlooking ocean at Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Australia.
12 hrs
  • Experience a full day exploring Phillip Island’s wildlife, coastal trails, and local history with all entry tickets and transport included.

  • Begin your journey with small-group transport from Melbourne, led by a professional local guide for insights and a relaxed pace.

  • Visit Churchill Island, the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cape Woolamai, and The Nobbies, with entry to every stop covered.

  • Spot koalas in their natural habitat, hike scenic clifftop trails, and watch little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.

  • Enjoy snacks, a complimentary drink, and a printed photo souvenir, all while supporting carbon offset through tree planting.

  • Group size is capped at 11 guests, ensuring a more personal and interactive experience at every destination.

  • Choose your own lunch in Cowes, with plenty of cafes, bakeries, and takeaway spots to suit your taste and schedule.

More details
  • Experience a full day exploring Phillip Island’s wildlife, coastal trails, and local history with all entry tickets and transport included.

  • Begin your journey with small-group transport from Melbourne, led by a professional local guide for insights and a relaxed pace.

  • Visit Churchill Island, the Koala Conservation Reserve, Cape Woolamai, and The Nobbies, with entry to every stop covered.

  • Spot koalas in their natural habitat, hike scenic clifftop trails, and watch little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.

  • Enjoy snacks, a complimentary drink, and a printed photo souvenir, all while supporting carbon offset through tree planting.

  • Group size is capped at 11 guests, ensuring a more personal and interactive experience at every destination.

  • Choose your own lunch in Cowes, with plenty of cafes, bakeries, and takeaway spots to suit your taste and schedule.

from
AU$238
Slide 1 of 11, Boardwalk overlooking ocean at sunset on Phillip Island.
Boardwalk overlooking ocean at sunset on Phillip Island.
Penguins walking along Summerland Beach during the Penguin Parade.
Blowholes and rock formations along Phillip Island's coastline.
Koala eating eucalyptus leaves at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve.
Visitors observing a koala at a conservation reserve.
Visitors watching penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Boardwalk overlooking the ocean at Phillip Island, Australia.
Visitors entering Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Phillip Island penguins walking on sandy path surrounded by grass.
Tourists wearing penguin hats on a coach to Phillip Island.
Tourists boarding air-conditioned coach bus for transfer to Montserrat Monastery.
10 hrs
1 more
  • Explore Phillip Island on a full-day or half-day guided tour from Melbourne, with round-trip coach transfers included for your convenience.

  • Enjoy live commentary from an English-speaking guide, with an audio translation app available in 10 languages for multilingual support.

  • Visit picturesque coastal highlights including the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout for dramatic ocean views and the chance to spot marine wildlife.

  • Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park, with access to the boardwalks, visitor center, and general viewing platform.

  • Choose the Penguins Plus upgrade for an exclusive viewing platform located along the penguins’ main pathway, offering an intimate and limited-capacity experience.

  • Customize your tour with flexible durations and optional upgrades for a personalized encounter with Phillip Island’s unique wildlife and landscapes.

More details
  • Explore Phillip Island on a full-day or half-day guided tour from Melbourne, with round-trip coach transfers included for your convenience.

  • Enjoy live commentary from an English-speaking guide, with an audio translation app available in 10 languages for multilingual support.

  • Visit picturesque coastal highlights including the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout for dramatic ocean views and the chance to spot marine wildlife.

  • Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park, with access to the boardwalks, visitor center, and general viewing platform.

  • Choose the Penguins Plus upgrade for an exclusive viewing platform located along the penguins’ main pathway, offering an intimate and limited-capacity experience.

  • Customize your tour with flexible durations and optional upgrades for a personalized encounter with Phillip Island’s unique wildlife and landscapes.

from
AU$155
Slide 1 of 17, Puffing Billy steam train crossing a trestle bridge in lush forest, Melbourne.
Puffing Billy steam train crossing a trestle bridge in lush forest, Melbourne.
Feeding kangaroos at a wildlife park during Puffing Billy Steam Train & Penguin Parade Day Tour, Melbourne.
Passengers enjoying the view from Puffing Billy Steam Train in Melbourne forest.
Penguin peeking from greenery during Penguin Parade, Melbourne tour.
Visitors enjoying pedal boats on a lake near a pavilion during the Puffing Billy and Phillip Island tour.
Penguins gathered on sandy ground at Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Koala climbing a eucalyptus tree, part of Puffing Billy Steam Train & Penguin Parade Day Tour, Melbourne.
Coastal boardwalk at Phillip Island, Melbourne, with ocean and greenery.
Passengers on Puffing Billy Steam Train with legs hanging out, Melbourne.
Colorful beach huts at Brighton Beach, Melbourne, part of Puffing Billy Steam Train & Penguin Parade Day Tour.
Tourists wearing penguin hats on a coach to Phillip Island.
Puffing Billy steam train with passengers on a wooden trestle bridge in lush forest.
Phillip Island Nobbies coastal view with boardwalk and ocean waves.
Conductor and passengers wave from a Puffing Billy carriage on a Melbourne tour.
Conductor waves as Puffing Billy steam train departs on a half-day tour from Melbourne.
Puffing Billy steam train travels through pine trees near Melbourne.
Penguins walking on Phillip Island beach during Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade tour.
11 hrs
3 more
  • See the best of Victoria on a full-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with round-trip transfers included.

  • Journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges and enjoy a classic Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Emerald.

  • Watch the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.

  • Travel in comfort with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned coach, plus convenient pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point.

  • Did you know? Puffing Billy is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, operating since 1900.

More details
  • See the best of Victoria on a full-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with round-trip transfers included.

  • Journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges and enjoy a classic Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Emerald.

  • Watch the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.

  • Travel in comfort with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned coach, plus convenient pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point.

  • Did you know? Puffing Billy is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, operating since 1900.

from
AU$195
Slide 1 of 15, Colorful beach huts on Brighton Beach, part of the Phillip Island Tour.
Colorful beach huts on Brighton Beach, part of the Phillip Island Tour.
Koala with animal handler at Moonlit Sanctuary, part of Phillip Island Tour.
Young woman feeding a kangaroo fruit from her hand in an outdoor setting.
Seals resting on rocky shore at Seal Rocks, Phillip Island.
Visitors watching penguins on the beach during the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour.
Penguins gathering on the beach during the Phillip Island penguin parade.
Tourist feeding wallabies at Moonlit Sanctuary, Phillip Island Tour.
Koala sitting on a branch at Moonlit Sanctuary, part of the Phillip Island Tour.
Animal handler with owl at Moonlit Sanctuary, Phillip Island Tour.
Visitors with a koala at Moonlit Sanctuary, Australia.
Tourists enjoying the scenic view at Nobbies, Phillip Island.
Girl watching penguin parade on Phillip Island tour.
Penguins walking on sand during the Phillip Island penguin parade tour.
Tourists wearing penguin hats on a coach to Phillip Island.
Tourist boarding coach at Tirana airport for Adventure Waterpark Desaru trip.
10 hrs
2 more
  • Depart from Melbourne for a day tour of Philip Island and head to Brighton Beach, where the vibrant beach huts are a must-see

  • Journey through Melbourne’s suburbs to Moonlit Sanctuary for a unique Australian wildlife experience as you meet kangaroos, koalas, and more.

  • Visit Point Grant and The Nobbies to enjoy stunning views of Westernport Bay. Don't miss Seal Rocks – home to Australia's largest fur seal colony!

  • Go to Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you can hundreds of the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore after a day of fishing at sea.

  • Upgrade your ticket to include a Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing Experience and enjoy the parade from a prime vantage point.

  • Fun fact: Penguins at Philip Island are called “fairy penguins”. They just weigh 1kg making them the smallest penguin species in the world.

More details
  • Depart from Melbourne for a day tour of Philip Island and head to Brighton Beach, where the vibrant beach huts are a must-see

  • Journey through Melbourne’s suburbs to Moonlit Sanctuary for a unique Australian wildlife experience as you meet kangaroos, koalas, and more.

  • Visit Point Grant and The Nobbies to enjoy stunning views of Westernport Bay. Don't miss Seal Rocks – home to Australia's largest fur seal colony!

  • Go to Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you can hundreds of the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore after a day of fishing at sea.

  • Upgrade your ticket to include a Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing Experience and enjoy the parade from a prime vantage point.

  • Fun fact: Penguins at Philip Island are called “fairy penguins”. They just weigh 1kg making them the smallest penguin species in the world.

from
AU$175
Slide 1 of 9, Boat near rugged coastline and penguins on sandy beach, Phillip Island, Australia.
Boat near rugged coastline and penguins on sandy beach, Phillip Island, Australia.
Cruise boat near Cape Woolamai rock formations, Phillip Island.
Tourists on a boat admire rocky cliffs during Cape Woolamai morning cruise, Phillip Island.
Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.
Visitors watching penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Dolphin leaping from the water during Phillip Island Cape Woolamai cruise.
Seal swimming in clear blue water.
Child observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Penguins walking on the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.
Explore at your pace
  • Set sail on a 1-hour morning cruise around Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point, and marvel at its rugged cliffs and sea caves.

  • Spot local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and seabirds while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and cake on board.

  • Learn about Phillip Island’s natural and cultural history with expert commentary from experienced local guides.

  • Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade and watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore from the general viewing area at sunset.

  • Upgrade your experience with a 3 Parks Pass to explore Phillip Island Nature Parks, including the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

More details
  • Set sail on a 1-hour morning cruise around Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point, and marvel at its rugged cliffs and sea caves.

  • Spot local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and seabirds while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and cake on board.

  • Learn about Phillip Island’s natural and cultural history with expert commentary from experienced local guides.

  • Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade and watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore from the general viewing area at sunset.

  • Upgrade your experience with a 3 Parks Pass to explore Phillip Island Nature Parks, including the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.

from
AU$83
Slide 1 of 10, Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors smiling outside Koala Conservation Reserve entrance, Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Wallaby eating leaves in a natural setting.
Echidna walking on rocky terrain at Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Visitors observing a koala at a conservation reserve.
Penguins walking on a beach during sunset at the Penguin Parade.
Family smiling near a koala at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors enjoying the boardwalk at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors at Phillip Island gift shop with koala plush toys, Koala Conservation Reserve.
Visitors entering Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Explore at your pace
  • Enjoy entry to the Koala Conservation Reserve, where you can wander along elevated boardwalks and observe koalas up close in their natural bushland habitat.

  • Spot other native Australian wildlife such as wallabies and echidnas as you explore the peaceful surroundings.

  • Choose the 3 Parks Pass option to enhance your visit with entry to the Penguin Parade and historic Churchill Island.

  • Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park from the general viewing platform as little penguins waddle ashore at dusk.

  • Step back in time at Churchill Island with access to heritage buildings, beautiful gardens, and working farm demonstrations.

  • Upgrade with the Penguins Plus option for an exclusive beachfront viewing platform positioned closest to the main penguin pathway.

  • Select Underground Viewing for an eye-level encounter from a weatherproof indoor space, offering a unique perspective of the penguins’ return.

  • Customize your adventure with flexible upgrade options for a more intimate and immersive wildlife experience on Phillip Island.

More details
  • Enjoy entry to the Koala Conservation Reserve, where you can wander along elevated boardwalks and observe koalas up close in their natural bushland habitat.

  • Spot other native Australian wildlife such as wallabies and echidnas as you explore the peaceful surroundings.

  • Choose the 3 Parks Pass option to enhance your visit with entry to the Penguin Parade and historic Churchill Island.

  • Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park from the general viewing platform as little penguins waddle ashore at dusk.

  • Step back in time at Churchill Island with access to heritage buildings, beautiful gardens, and working farm demonstrations.

  • Upgrade with the Penguins Plus option for an exclusive beachfront viewing platform positioned closest to the main penguin pathway.

  • Select Underground Viewing for an eye-level encounter from a weatherproof indoor space, offering a unique perspective of the penguins’ return.

  • Customize your adventure with flexible upgrade options for a more intimate and immersive wildlife experience on Phillip Island.

from
AU$17.50

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Choose a Penguin Parade-only ticket if you only have an evening. A 3 Parks Pass is better value only if you can realistically visit 2–3 included sites such as Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island.

Premium Penguin Parade tiers such as Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing are most useful in school holidays, summer weekends, or if you want closer views, less crowding, or more shelter.

Arrive about 1–1.5 hours before the published penguin arrival time, especially for standard viewing. That gives you time for parking, facilities, exhibits, and better seat choice before the wait begins.

Nature Parks visits are generally self-guided. Research mentions ranger talks or announcements at the Penguin Parade and live commentary on coach tours, but not an audio guide, so check your voucher if guided interpretation matters to you.

If you do not want to drive back to Melbourne late at night, compare self-drive tickets with full-day coach tours. Tours usually include return transport and commentary, but give you less flexibility at each stop.

Dress for colder, windier conditions than Melbourne, even in summer. Standard viewing and Penguins Plus are exposed, while Underground Viewing gives more shelter in wet or windy weather.

Public transport is possible but slow for this trip. Melbourne to Cowes by V/Line takes about 3–3.5 hours including connections, and you still need a taxi or pre-arranged shuttle for the final 10–12 km to the Penguin Parade.

If you are using a multi-attraction pass, plan daytime sites first and the Penguin Parade last. Trying to fit several parks into a short late-afternoon arrival often leads to underused passes and a rushed evening.

About Phillip Island Nature Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks combines wild little penguins, koala habitat, headland lookouts, and a heritage farm within one not-for-profit conservation network rather than a single zoo-style site. Visitors move between boardwalks, visitor centres, and coastal reserves, with profits reinvested into habitat protection, research, and wildlife rescue. That mix of evening wildlife viewing and daytime outdoor stops shapes most itineraries.


Address252 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Also known asPhillip Island Nature Reserve
Year opened1996
Visitors per year1000000
Expected wait time - Standard30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a Victorian Government-created not-for-profit that manages about 20% of Phillip Island as conservation reserves and visitor attractions.

The Penguin Parade follows sunset rather than a fixed nightly schedule, so arrival times shift through the year and the experience can finish quite late in summer.

Photography and filming are completely banned during the Penguin Parade because lights and screens can affect the penguins’ sensitive eyes and orientation.

The Nature Parks run nightly penguin counting and other monitoring programs to track population health and guide conservation work.

Churchill Island is one of Victoria’s earliest farming sites, with 19th-century homestead buildings, heritage gardens, and traditional farming practices still interpreted for visitors.

Why visit Phillip Island Nature Parks?

Nightly Little Penguin Arrivals at Dusk

The Penguin Parade lets you watch hundreds of wild little penguins emerge from the surf at dusk and cross the beach to their burrows. Standard tickets use tiered outdoor seating, while boardwalks and premium areas bring you closer along the penguin pathways. Photography and filming are banned to protect the birds.

Eye-Level Koala Views on Treetop Boardwalks

The Koala Conservation Reserve uses elevated wooden walkways and treetop platforms through eucalypt stands, making koalas easier to spot than in open bushland. Ground-level bush tracks and interpretive signage add more context on koala ecology and threats. The layout is designed for low-impact viewing rather than animal encounters or feeding.

19th-Century Farm Life on Churchill Island

Churchill Island adds a heritage layer to the wildlife visit with a historic homestead, old farm buildings, heritage gardens, and paddocks with farm animals. It is one of Victoria’s earliest farming sites, and scheduled demonstrations such as sheep shearing or working dogs may be part of the visit. Coastal walking trails around the island broaden the experience.

Bass Strait Lookouts at the Nobbies

The Nobbies Boardwalks and lookouts give you cliff-top views over rock formations, seabird areas, and the exposed Bass Strait coastline. On rough days, the blowhole viewpoint becomes a highlight. From here, you can also look toward Seal Rocks, where a large Australian fur seal colony lives offshore.

Tickets Fund Habitat Protection and Research

Visits here support more than sightseeing. Profits are reinvested into habitat protection, wildlife rescue, and research across Phillip Island Nature Parks. The organisation also counts penguins nightly and runs monitoring programs that help track population health and guide conservation decisions.

Plan your visit

Penguin Parade Main Entrance

Located at the main visitor centre at 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, this is the primary entry for all Penguin Parade visitors, including standard tickets, premium viewing guests, and coach tour groups. Mobile or printed tickets are scanned here before you move into the centre and out to the viewing areas. Facilities include interpretive displays, a gift shop, café, and toilets. The route from the adjacent car park is step-free, with ramps, lifts, and dedicated accessible viewing areas. This entrance is busiest around 1 hour before penguin arrival in peak periods, so allow extra time if you are using standard seating.

Koala Conservation Reserve Visitor Centre Entrance

Found off Phillip Island Tourist Rd and clearly signed as the Koala Conservation Reserve, this entrance is for single-site koala tickets and multi-park pass holders. Tickets are scanned at the visitor centre before you access the elevated boardwalks and bush tracks. The site also has exhibits, ranger talks, a small shop/café, and toilets. Queues are generally light compared with Penguin Parade. The boardwalk network is designed for wheelchair and pram access, although some gradients may require extra effort or assistance.

Churchill Island Heritage Farm Entrance

This entrance is reached via the bridge off Phillip Island Rd onto Churchill Island, where visitors enter through the visitor centre and homestead area. It is used by Churchill Island ticket holders and multi-park pass visitors. Entry here is typically straightforward, with lighter queues than Penguin Parade, though demonstrations and farm activities can draw small crowds. Grounds are mostly level, but surfaces can be uneven in places, and some heritage buildings have steps, so accessibility is more mixed than at the newer visitor centres.

Travel guides and tips

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What our guests say

Mr Gavin O

Australia
Couple
Jul 2026
It was a great day with a very good tour guide name Vance. We loved it, thank you very much cheers, Jane and Gavin O'Brien

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

Angela A

Australia
Family
Jul 2026
Was so remarkable and amazing adventure I had ever experienced. I would love to go there the second time 🥰

Combo: Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower + Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets

Bernardus C

Australia
Solo
Jul 2026
I spent 3 hours going around and around seeing some thing different each time had lunch ice coffees had a great day thanks cheers Paul

Combo: Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower + Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets

Benie N

Australia
Couple
Jul 2026
It's my second time of visiting Philip Island and I will always love to bring back my friends and family for the wild life parks and Penguins. Penguin Parade is the highlight of the tour.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Md H

Australia
Couple
Jul 2026
Proper guidance and instructions over time. Thought of getting it very close but not that much, however, we enjoyed the moment once it started heading towards their own home

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Marcus C

Australia
Couple
Jul 2026
Although it was really thick fog and visibility was almost non existent the skipper managed to locate some whales as well as a nice sized pod of dolphins. It was well worth going and I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see the whales. We also saw some great scenery along the coast in one of the rare clear fog free spots.

Combo: Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Dolphin & Whale Cruise Tickets

Monique C

Australia
Couple
Jun 2026

+2 more

We had James who was extremely knowledgeable, full of information and gave us a good laugh. It was such a nice day & really enjoyed every moment. Didn't once feel rushed on the tour, felt like there was plenty of time at each spot and really got to know all about Melbourne, Penguins and the good that the sanctuary does. Highly recommend

From Melbourne: Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade

Aditya N

Australia
Family
May 2026
Amazing experience on the Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise at Phillip Island. The scenery was absolutely stunning, with beautiful cliffs, clear water, and incredible coastal views throughout the trip. The crew were friendly, professional, and shared interesting information along the way. We were lucky enough to spot wildlife, which made the cruise even more special. The ride was relaxing, well organised, and a perfect way to start the morning. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Phillip Island.

Combo: Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise + Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

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