Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Witness the world’s smallest penguins as they waddle ashore at sunset on Phillip Island. Choose from a variety of experiences, from guided tours to VIP viewing platforms, and enjoy the natural beauty of this Australian wildlife sanctuary.-
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.
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Opt for the general viewing ticket to get close to the little waddlers or choose penguin plus – a ticket for tiered seating.
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Admire the penguins on the new Penguins Premium viewing platform that's directly inspired by the magnificent coves of the island's southern coast.
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Enhance your experience with an exclusive ranger-led tour through the penguin colony with an underground viewing upgrade for an exclusive up-close interaction.
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You can also choose the Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass, offering koala encounters at the Conservation Centre and farm experiences on Churchill Island.
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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.
-
Opt for the general viewing ticket to get close to the little waddlers or choose penguin plus – a ticket for tiered seating.
-
Admire the penguins on the new Penguins Premium viewing platform that's directly inspired by the magnificent coves of the island's southern coast.
-
Enhance your experience with an exclusive ranger-led tour through the penguin colony with an underground viewing upgrade for an exclusive up-close interaction.
-
You can also choose the Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass, offering koala encounters at the Conservation Centre and farm experiences on Churchill Island.
-
Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia.
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Just 90 minutes away from Melbourne's heart, Philip Island offers an all-inclusive day of family fun, with access to 3 nature parks.
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Watch penguins waddle home! Pick a seat and wait as a group of penguins appear and steal your heart with their cute shenanigans.
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Spot koalas chilling in their eucalyptus mansions! No need for fancy invitations, just follow the treetop boardwalks to find these adorable creatures.
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Explore the heritage farm at Churchill Island and enjoy daily farming activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and whip cracking.
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Fun fact: Philip Island is home to the world's largest colony of Little Penguins!
More details
-
Just 90 minutes away from Melbourne's heart, Philip Island offers an all-inclusive day of family fun, with access to 3 nature parks.
-
Watch penguins waddle home! Pick a seat and wait as a group of penguins appear and steal your heart with their cute shenanigans.
-
Spot koalas chilling in their eucalyptus mansions! No need for fancy invitations, just follow the treetop boardwalks to find these adorable creatures.
-
Explore the heritage farm at Churchill Island and enjoy daily farming activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and whip cracking.
-
Fun fact: Philip Island is home to the world's largest colony of Little Penguins!
15% off
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Immerse yourself in the wildlife of Australia as you make your way to Philip Island for a half or full-day tour and marvel at the stunning scenery on your way.
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Watch the little penguin superstars waddle home across Summerland Beach – it's a front-row seat to nature's most adorable parade.
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Don’t miss out on the treetop views of the long-term resident koalas with an optional visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve with an expert guide.
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Upgrade your ticket for a premium viewing experience of the Penguin parade. Learn about their life cycle and the initiatives to protect them at Parade Visitors Center.
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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
-
Immerse yourself in the wildlife of Australia as you make your way to Philip Island for a half or full-day tour and marvel at the stunning scenery on your way.
-
Watch the little penguin superstars waddle home across Summerland Beach – it's a front-row seat to nature's most adorable parade.
-
Don’t miss out on the treetop views of the long-term resident koalas with an optional visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve with an expert guide.
-
Upgrade your ticket for a premium viewing experience of the Penguin parade. Learn about their life cycle and the initiatives to protect them at Parade Visitors Center.
-
Fun fact: Penguins at Philip Island are called “fairy penguins”. They just weigh 1kg making them the smallest penguin species in the world.
-
Get picked up from Melbourne and ride the famous Puffing Billy steam train, one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, in the Dandenong Ranges.
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Enjoy a relaxed stroll around the scenic Emerald Lake, where you can also buy your own lunch.
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Explore the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock area, and enjoy watching the waves crashing against the rocks.
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See penguins coming out of the ocean and going back to their homes at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
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Fun fact: The railway operates on a narrow-gauge track, which is just 2 feet 6 inches (762 mm) wide, making it one of the few narrow-gauge steam railways in the world.
More details
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Get picked up from Melbourne and ride the famous Puffing Billy steam train, one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world, in the Dandenong Ranges.
-
Enjoy a relaxed stroll around the scenic Emerald Lake, where you can also buy your own lunch.
-
Explore the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock area, and enjoy watching the waves crashing against the rocks.
-
See penguins coming out of the ocean and going back to their homes at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
-
Fun fact: The railway operates on a narrow-gauge track, which is just 2 feet 6 inches (762 mm) wide, making it one of the few narrow-gauge steam railways in the world.
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Depart from Melbourne for a day tour of Philip Island and head to Brighton Beach, where the vibrant beach huts are a must-see
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Journey through Melbourne’s suburbs to Moonlit Sanctuary for a unique Australian wildlife experience as you meet Kangaroos, koalas, and more.
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Next stop: Point Grant and The Nobbies offering stunning views of Westernport Bay. Don't miss Seal Rocks – home to Australia's largest fur seal colony!
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The star attraction: the Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Just after dark, 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.
-
Next stop: Point Grant and The Nobbies offering stunning views of Westernport Bay. Don't miss Seal Rocks – home to Australia's largest fur seal colony!
-
The star attraction: the Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Just after dark, 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.
-
Enjoy a guided day tour from Melbourne to three of the greatest wildlife attractions in Victoria.
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Select from ticket options to get the chance to see penguins flourishing in their natural habitat from exclusive viewing areas.
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Encounter some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, tasmanian devils, wombats and more at Moonlit Sanctuary.
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Enjoy the stunning scenery of Philip Island's rugged south coast from the Nobbies Boardwalk.
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Take a seat at the Penguin Parade and see hundreds of Little Penguins make their way across the beach as they return to their burrows.
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Travel in a comfortable coach with your expert and informative guide as you are lead to all the attractions on the day's itinerary.
More details
-
Enjoy a guided day tour from Melbourne to three of the greatest wildlife attractions in Victoria.
-
Select from ticket options to get the chance to see penguins flourishing in their natural habitat from exclusive viewing areas.
-
Encounter some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, tasmanian devils, wombats and more at Moonlit Sanctuary.
-
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Philip Island's rugged south coast from the Nobbies Boardwalk.
-
Take a seat at the Penguin Parade and see hundreds of Little Penguins make their way across the beach as they return to their burrows.
-
Travel in a comfortable coach with your expert and informative guide as you are lead to all the attractions on the day's itinerary.
-
Explore the unique fauna of Australia with a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary & attend the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island with hotel transfers from Melbourne.
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Journey through Melbourne’s suburbs toHealesville Sanctuary for a unique Australian wildlife experience as you meet Kangaroos, koalas, and more.
-
Marvel at the colonies of seals scattered across Seal Rocks and visit Nobbies Centre to learn fascinating insights about the rich marine wildlife.
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Finally, for the highlight of your tour, witness the fantastic Penguin Parade as they make their way to their burrows after merging from the waves.
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Fun fact: Male penguins often give female penguins rocks as gifts to woo them which the females then use to build their nest!
More details
-
Explore the unique fauna of Australia with a visit to the Healesville Sanctuary & attend the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island with hotel transfers from Melbourne.
-
Journey through Melbourne’s suburbs toHealesville Sanctuary for a unique Australian wildlife experience as you meet Kangaroos, koalas, and more.
-
Marvel at the colonies of seals scattered across Seal Rocks and visit Nobbies Centre to learn fascinating insights about the rich marine wildlife.
-
Finally, for the highlight of your tour, witness the fantastic Penguin Parade as they make their way to their burrows after merging from the waves.
-
Fun fact: Male penguins often give female penguins rocks as gifts to woo them which the females then use to build their nest!
-
Visit Churchill Island and see a well-preserved heritage farm as well as the abundant natural beauty surrounding the island.
-
Walk the bay trails soaking in the tranquil scenery and meet friendly farm animals such as Clydesdale horses, chickens, lambs, and more.
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Relax on the deck of the popular Churchill Island Café and soak in the stellar views of Western Port Bay and the surrounding coastline.
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Upgrade to Penguin Plus or Underground Viewing for an up-close encounter–perfect for kids to learn about wildlife while watching the cute, pint-sized penguins scurry about.
-
Fun fact: Churchill Island was named after the HMS Churchill, a British naval vessel that explored the waters around Phillip Island in the early 19th century.
More details
-
Visit Churchill Island and see a well-preserved heritage farm as well as the abundant natural beauty surrounding the island.
-
Walk the bay trails soaking in the tranquil scenery and meet friendly farm animals such as Clydesdale horses, chickens, lambs, and more.
-
Relax on the deck of the popular Churchill Island Café and soak in the stellar views of Western Port Bay and the surrounding coastline.
-
Upgrade to Penguin Plus or Underground Viewing for an up-close encounter–perfect for kids to learn about wildlife while watching the cute, pint-sized penguins scurry about.
-
Fun fact: Churchill Island was named after the HMS Churchill, a British naval vessel that explored the waters around Phillip Island in the early 19th century.
-
Getting up close with koalas in their natural habitat – that's an experience you'll only get at the Koala Conservation Reserve at Philip Island.
-
Stroll along the two treetop boardwalks and amidst the woodland as you keep a lookout for wallabies, echidnas, and colorful native birds.
-
The star attraction: the Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Just after dark, 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 Penguin Parade from an exclusive observing area.
-
Fun fact: Koalas nap for up to 20 hours daily, conserving energy due to their low-nutrition eucalyptus diet. Watch them snooze when you visit!
More details
-
Getting up close with koalas in their natural habitat – that's an experience you'll only get at the Koala Conservation Reserve at Philip Island.
-
Stroll along the two treetop boardwalks and amidst the woodland as you keep a lookout for wallabies, echidnas, and colorful native birds.
-
The star attraction: the Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Just after dark, 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 Penguin Parade from an exclusive observing area.
-
Fun fact: Koalas nap for up to 20 hours daily, conserving energy due to their low-nutrition eucalyptus diet. Watch them snooze when you visit!
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Children between the ages of 4 and 15 years can get discounted tickets to the Penguin Parade; infants aged 3 years and below can enter for free. Make sure to select a ticket for the exact number of people (including children) who will be attending the parade so seats are reserved accordingly.
Choose between three ticket options for your Penguin Parade visit: Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets, Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass, and the Half-Day or Full-Day Phillip Island Guided Tour from Melbourne. Each ticket type will give you general viewing access by default, but feel free to upgrade your viewing option depending on your preference.
The general viewing option is your default option and will give you direct views of the penguins emerging from the sea and beginning their waddle to the caves. Fair warning: this section does not have the best lighting and can get crowded during peak season.
The underground viewing option offers an eye-level view of the penguins as they march toward their burrows on the famous Penguin Highway’. This is a covered viewing spot with a lower pax limit, making it great for the winter months when the nights are colder. You also get detailed audio commentary in this section.
Penguins Plus viewing is an open-air viewing platform located right at the juncture between the beach and the cove where the penguins have their burrows. You get 360-degree views of the parade, excellent lighting, and close-up views of the penguins as they make their way home. This is a wonderful option for people who can splurge on seats.
Go for the standard Penguin Parade tickets if you have a limited budget and are coming to Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins. Although, you will need to arrange transportation to and from the island.
The 3 Parks Pass is great for folks who want to explore Phillip Island entirely. Apart from the great value, you can visit the Koala Conservation, Churchill Island, and the Penguin Parade all in one day or space it out at your convenience. You will need to arrange for transportation, as return transfers are not included in your ticket.
Take a guided tour from Melbourne if you want the luxury of a guided tour of Phillip Island, return transfers to the city, and an AC coach. These tickets are great for folks traveling in a group or with kids.
Top things to do in Melbourne
About Penguin Parade
Watch the world’s tiniest penguins return to their burrows each evening in an enchanting spectacle you won’t want to miss! Check out all your viewing options at the Penguin Parade and pick the best option.
Little Penguins are the smallest penguins in the world, standing at an average height of 45cm and weighing an average of 1.2kg. For reference, an Emperor Penguin has an average height of 110cm and weighs up to 30kg!
These penguins believe in gender equality for all. You’ll see both male and female penguins caring for the chicks, guarding their burrows, and going to sea for food.
These penguins spend a large percentage of their lives at sea. They can dive up to 60 meters underwater to catch fish! Within the first year of hatching, these penguins can cover a distance of 1,000km in the sea.
Why visit Penguin Parade?
The largest Little Penguin colony in the world
The only reason you really need to visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is that Summerland Beach is home to one of the world's largest colonies of Little Penguins. These are the smallest penguins in the world, with icy-blue feathers that make for an adorable viewing experience overall.
The penguins’ permanent home
The fascinating thing about these Little Penguins is that, unlike most birds following a migratory pattern throughout the year, they have claimed Phillip Island as their permanent home. So whenever you decide to visit, you’ll always find penguins there.
Good for the environment
The Phillip Island Nature Parks, which is responsible for the Penguin Parade, is a non-profit, which means every ticket you purchase will help them continue with their ecotourism and conservation efforts.
Highlights
Plan your visit
While the visitor center at the Penguin Parade is open from 4pm, the actual parade does not have a fixed timing through the year. May to July is when the penguins arrive the earliest at around 5:15pm - 5:45pm. During the summer months they can arrive as late as 9pm, owing to the longer days.
Even so, arriving at least 1 hour early is always a good idea, since there is a lot to explore at the visitor center. Not to mention, you get better seats!