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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.

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Must-see highlights & key info

Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Penguins marching on Phillip Island Nature Parks during Penguin Parade tour at dusk
Koala resting on a tree branch at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors' seating at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
Child observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.
Penguins walking up the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade, Australia.
Visitors observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks during sunset.
Penguins walking along the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade, Australia.
Phillip Island penguins walking on sandy beach at sunset during Penguin Parade.
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  • 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.

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.

from
AU$33
Phillip Island penguins at Summerland Beach during Penguin Parade, Melbourne.
Visitors at Koala Conservation Reserve entrance, Phillip Island, Australia.
Koala resting in a tree at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve, Australia.
Visitors observe koalas in their natural habitat at Phillip Island Conservation Reserve, Australia.
Sunset views from Phillip island
Visitors observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks during sunset.
Penguins at Phillip Island.
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10 hr
4 more
  • 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.

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.
from
AU$155
Puffing Billy Train in Melbourne , Australia
Emerald Lake
Phillip Island Nobbies coastal view with rugged cliffs and ocean waves.
Penguin parading at dusk
Phillip Island Penguin Parade with penguins walking on sandy beach at sunset.
The Puffing Billy Railway is a heritage railway in Melbourne, Australia
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11 hr
3 more
  • 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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  • 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.

from
AU$224
Brighton Beach colorful huts with tourists, part of Phillip Island Tour.
Animal handler with a koala at Moonlit Sanctuary during Phillip Island Tour.
Young woman feeding a kangaroo fruit from her hand in an Australian wildlife park.
Seals resting on rocky shores at Seal Rocks, Phillip Island.
Tourists watching the Penguin Parade.
Tourist feeding a wallaby at Moonlit Sanctuary during Phillip Island Tour.
Koala resting in a tree at Moonlit Sanctuary during Phillip Island Tour.
Animal handler with koala at Moonlit Sanctuary on Phillip Island Tour.
Tourists at Nobbies, Phillip Island, viewing coastal scenery during the Phillip Island Tour.
Girl watching penguins at Phillip Island Penguin Parade during Melbourne tour.
Phillip Island penguin parade at dusk with penguins returning to shore, part of Melbourne's Phillip Island Tour.
Phillip Island penguin parade at dusk with penguins returning from the sea.
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10 hr
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
Phillip Island penguin parade with tourists observing penguins on the beach during guided tour.
Group of tourists on a guided tour of Phillip Island, observing penguins in their natural habitat at sunset
Phillip Island penguin parade at dusk during guided wildlife tour, Melbourne, Australia.
Phillip Island penguin parade at dusk during guided wildlife tour, Melbourne, Australia.
Phillip Island guided tour featuring penguins at sunset on the beach.
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12 hr
3 more
  • 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.

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.

from
AU$165
Visitors watching penguin parade on deck at Phillip Island, Australia.
group of penguins at Healesville Sanctuary And Phillip Island Wildlife Park
Koalas resting on eucalyptus tree branches in an Australian wildlife sanctuary.
Owl ( Bird of Prey ) sitting on a helper's hand at Healesville Sanctuary And Phillip Island Wildlife Park
people walking on the deck for penguin parade
Penguin Parade during sunset
Penguins walking along the beach at sunset, Phillip Island, Australia.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
12 hr
3 more
  • 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!

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!

from
AU$177
Visitors interacting with horses at Churchill Island farm, Melbourne, Australia.
Working dog Demonstrations at Churchill Island
Couple enjoying a meal at a cafe on Churchill Island, Phillip Island Nature Parks.
A blacksmith at Churchill Island
Inside Churchill Island
Sheep shearing demonstration at Churchill Island, Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Sheep shearing demonstration at Churchill Island, Australia.
Amess House on Churchill Island
Inside Amess House on Churchill Island
Visitors walking on a scenic trail surrounded by lush greenery on Churchill Island, Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Ranger guiding visitors on a nature trail at Churchill Island, Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Churchill Island Visitor Centre entrance with historical architecture and surrounding gardens.
Free cancellation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
  • 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.

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.

from
AU$17
Koala resting on a tree branch at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Koala Conservation Entrance
Wallaby grazing in a lush green field at Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney, Australia.
echidna
Visitors observe koalas in their natural habitat at Phillip Island Conservation Reserve, Australia.
Penguins walking along the beach at sunset, Phillip Island, Australia.
Family observing koalas at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors observing koalas in trees at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors at the gift shop at the Koala Conservation Reserve in Phillip Island
Visitors at Koala Conservation Reserve entrance, Phillip Island, Australia.
Free cancellation
Flexible duration
Mobile ticket
  • 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!

from
AU$17
Eiffel Tower view from Seine River cruise in Paris, France.
Cape Woolamai coastline with rocky cliffs and ocean view from morning cruise, Phillip Island.
Cape Woolamai coastline view from Phillip Island morning cruise.
Penguins marching on Phillip Island Nature Parks during Penguin Parade tour at dusk
Visitors observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks during sunset.
Phillip Island Cape Woolamai Cruise showcasing rugged cliffs and ocean views.
Seals resting on rocks at Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island, Australia.
Child observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.
Penguins walking up the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade, Australia.
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Flexible duration
1 more
  • Sail from San Remo along Cape Woolamai’s stunning coastline, where towering granite cliffs and dramatic sea caves rise from turquoise waters.

  • Spot playful dolphins, seals, and even whales while enjoying coffee and cake onboard, with insightful commentary about Phillip Island’s marine life.

  • Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as adorable little penguins waddle ashore at sunset, returning to their burrows after a day of fishing.

  • Upgrade to the 3 Parks Pass for extra wildlife encounters, including koalas at the Conservation Centre and traditional farming at Churchill Island.

  • Fun fact: Little penguins are the smallest penguin species in the world, standing just about 33cm tall – roughly the height of a bowling pin.

More details

  • Sail from San Remo along Cape Woolamai’s stunning coastline, where towering granite cliffs and dramatic sea caves rise from turquoise waters.

  • Spot playful dolphins, seals, and even whales while enjoying coffee and cake onboard, with insightful commentary about Phillip Island’s marine life.

  • Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as adorable little penguins waddle ashore at sunset, returning to their burrows after a day of fishing.

  • Upgrade to the 3 Parks Pass for extra wildlife encounters, including koalas at the Conservation Centre and traditional farming at Churchill Island.

  • Fun fact: Little penguins are the smallest penguin species in the world, standing just about 33cm tall – roughly the height of a bowling pin.

from
AU$78

Pro tips to help you make a pick

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.

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Why visit Penguin Parade?

Highlights

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Millions love heading out with us

Aarati Tanmay Nayak
IN

Aarati

5/5
India
The tour guide Graeme was great and went out of the way to stop the bus and help us spot roos, wallabies and other wild life on our journey.
phui eng ko

Phui

5/5
The trip was awesome. The guild Chris was fantastic, he knowledgable and patient. The trip was smooth and well taken care by him.
Martin McGonnell
IE

Martin

4/5
Ireland
It's a unique experience for sure and it was very special watching the wee guys gather together n make their way up the beach....hoping the seagulls wouldn't attack them. However, I would advise anyone going to wrap up warm as it was pretty chilly. We all loved the experience
Bharati Vikas Mujumdar
IN

Bharati

4/5
India
Ticketing was online, and seamless. However, disappointed that we saw a total of possibly less than 50 penguins. So not a parade, more like a small trickle.
gillian singh
GB

Gillian

4/5
United Kingdom
Penguin island was fabulous- really enjoyed it . The farm was okay but had a good cafe and the walk was interesting. The Antarctic was shut so I'm very disappointed I bought for tickets and only got to see three . That said it was still good value for money
Daniel Robert van der Heijden
NL

Daniel

5/5
Netherlands
Lovely Parks and easy access with all the passes. Just a tip, take people's phone away or something at the penguin parade, unbelievable how many people still took pictures at the beach or on the boardwalk back to the visitor centre. Really sad to see. Other than that great experience!!
Joanne King
AU

Joanne

5/5
Australia
An all day tour went so quickly as James C our driver and tour guide was fantastic. Good driver and good historian. Got lots of info about Australia and Melbourne and Victoria. Tour bus comfortable and interesting group of co travellers. Loved all four of our stops. The stops also broke up the bus travel and just loved the penguin parade plus bandicoots, geese, wallabies and a possum who all showed up for the parade too. We will book with Go West again next time in Melbourne perhaps for the great ocean road tour.
Karen Jane Williams
GB

Karen

5/5
United Kingdom
Great guide with Bluey giving us lots of information along the way and when we got there the best places to see the penguins. A must see trip.

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