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Combo (Save 6%): Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Dolphin & Whale Cruise Tickets

Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors seated at Phillip Island Nature Parks viewing area for Penguin Parade.
Whale breaching in ocean during Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Cruise.
Phillip Island dolphin and whale cruise with tourists observing marine life.

Duration

50 min - 3 hr 15 min

Open today

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 3 days before the start of your experience
4.3/5(3,863)

Rita T

Family
Verified booking
2 days ago
Absolutely loved our visit to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. The whole experience was incredibly well organised from easy ticket entry to the smooth seating process. Watching hundreds of little penguins waddle back to shore at sunset was unforgettable and honestly one of the most magical wildlife experiences we’ve had in Australia. The staff were friendly and helpful and the viewing areas gave everyone a great experience without disturbing the penguins. Booking through Headout was simple and stress free with instant confirmation and clear instructions. Highly recommend arriving before sunset to enjoy the coastal views and visitor centre before the parade begins. A must do experience for families couples and international visitors alike.

Shubham M

Group
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Amazing experience at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Everything was very well organized, and the entry process was smooth and quick. Watching the little penguins return to shore at sunset was such a unique and unforgettable moment. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere was peaceful and family-friendly. Booking through Headout was easy, and the tickets worked perfectly without any issues. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Melbourne!

Alyce S

Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Was so nice to see the little penguins, the set up is really nice. What disappointed me was the amount of people who had no regard for the rules around phones and cameras, it honestly made me mad, the rules are there to protect the penguins, it must be very frustrating for the workers there having to constantly tell people to stop filming or taking photos... and even then they'll still ignor the rules.

Maria H

Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
In my 34 years here in Melbourne, that was my first visit to the Phillip Island to see the penguins. It was an awesome experience and I actually posted my photos on my facebook account to share with my relatives and friends how amazing I felt when I finally ticked this off my bucket list. Thanks to the friendly staff. Cheers!

Gombosuren D

Couple
Verified booking
Apr 2026
On a beautiful seaside, for the first time with my husband and our gorgeous baby, we eagerly and excitedly waited for the sunset and for the adorable little penguins to come out of the ocean. It became one of our most unforgettable memories. Even though taking photos of the penguins was prohibited, the warm atmosphere among the many people, getting to know others while waiting to see the penguins, and spending time together as a family made it one of life’s truly priceless golden moments.

Belinda D

Family
Verified booking
Apr 2026
We had a very good experience at the Penguin Parade, it was the 3rd time i have been and the second for my husband and our son. To start with, we were shocked at how many people were lining up when we arrived, and didn't think we would get seats so we let our son enjoy the playroom area and bought some food, but once the doors opened the queues moved quickly and we were lucky enough to get side seats and were able to see the penguins clearly. It is a fantastic family outing.
    • Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island from the general viewing platform.

    • Cruise past Cape Woolamai and spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the island’s southern coast.

    • Get two signature Phillip Island wildlife experiences in one combo—ideal for nature-loving travelers.

    • Enjoy expert commentary and a relaxed cruise, complete with complimentary tea and snacks.

    • Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to Australia’s largest Little Penguin colony and a key point on the whale migration route.

  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade

    • Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park

    • Access to the boardwalk and the visitor center

    • Access to the general viewing platform

    Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

    • 3-hour Phillip Island southern coast cruise

    • Expert commentary

    • Whale & dolphin spotting

    • Regular seals & sea bird sightings

    • Tea, coffee, cake, and biscuits in the afternoon

    • Access to a licensed bar

  • Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

    • Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 3 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 3,863 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    2.5K
    638
    247
    171
    293
    United Kingdom
    United States
    Canada
    India
    Germany
    New Zealand
    Netherlands
    Singapore
    Ireland
    Malaysia
    United Kingdom
    United States
    Canada
    India
    Germany
    New Zealand
    Netherlands
    Singapore
    Ireland
    Malaysia
    Guests from United Kingdom, United States, Canada and over 28 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Rita T

    Family
    Verified booking
    2 days ago
    Absolutely loved our visit to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. The whole experience was incredibly well organised from easy ticket entry to the smooth seating process. Watching hundreds of little penguins waddle back to shore at sunset was unforgettable and honestly one of the most magical wildlife experiences we’ve had in Australia. The staff were friendly and helpful and the viewing areas gave everyone a great experience without disturbing the penguins. Booking through Headout was simple and stress free with instant confirmation and clear instructions. Highly recommend arriving before sunset to enjoy the coastal views and visitor centre before the parade begins. A must do experience for families couples and international visitors alike.

    Shubham M

    Group
    Verified booking
    2 weeks ago
    Amazing experience at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Everything was very well organized, and the entry process was smooth and quick. Watching the little penguins return to shore at sunset was such a unique and unforgettable moment. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere was peaceful and family-friendly. Booking through Headout was easy, and the tickets worked perfectly without any issues. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Melbourne!

    Alyce S

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Last week
    Was so nice to see the little penguins, the set up is really nice. What disappointed me was the amount of people who had no regard for the rules around phones and cameras, it honestly made me mad, the rules are there to protect the penguins, it must be very frustrating for the workers there having to constantly tell people to stop filming or taking photos... and even then they'll still ignor the rules.

    Maria H

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 weeks ago
    In my 34 years here in Melbourne, that was my first visit to the Phillip Island to see the penguins. It was an awesome experience and I actually posted my photos on my facebook account to share with my relatives and friends how amazing I felt when I finally ticked this off my bucket list. Thanks to the friendly staff. Cheers!

    Adrian A

    Couple
    Verified booking
    2 days ago
    First time visit Melbourne and also visit the penguin show . Saw a lot of small penguins when they aboard the shore to their burrows very eye opening experience for me and my wife. We love it just a pity we can't take photos and videos

**Your Experience (Summary)**Make the most of Phillip Island’s coastal wildlife with this two-in-one adventure—land and sea.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Getting started

Arrive at Phillip Island Nature Parks and show your combo voucher at the ticket desk. Entry includes access to the visitor center and general viewing platform.

What to expect

Watch as hundreds of Little Penguins return ashore after sunset, waddling across the beach to their burrows.

Features

  • Little penguin colony: Watch over 1,000 little penguins waddle ashore, a unique wildlife spectacle that supports vital conservation efforts.

  • Boardwalk views: Enjoy panoramic views from the general viewing area and explore the boardwalks that wind through the dunes.

  • Other wildlife: Keep an eye out for wallabies, Cape Barren geese, and eastern bandicoots in their natural habitat as you explore the park.

Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

Getting started

Head to the designated cruise departure point and present your ticket at check-in. Boarding instructions will be provided on-site.

What to expect

Cruise along Phillip Island’s rugged southern coastline in search of migrating whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

Features

  • Whale and dolphin sightings: Spot humpback and southern right whales, plus dolphins often racing alongside the boat—prime opportunities for wildlife photography.

  • Cape Woolamai cliffs: Cruise past these striking rock formations, home to thriving seabird colonies and panoramic ocean views.

  • Onboard experience: Enjoy afternoon tea as you watch for breaching whales and playful dolphins, with expert guides sharing insights throughout.

  • What to bring

    Penguin Parade

    • You can pack a raincoat or umbrella if rain is predicted.

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Wear layered clothing and bring a windbreaker. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and motion sickness medication, if needed.

    What’s not allowed

    Penguin Parade

    • Photographs and video recordings are not permitted during penguin arrival due to the light sensitivity of the birds.

    • Big bags are not permitted. Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Outside food or drinks, and smoking are not allowed onboard.

    Accessibility

    Penguin Parade

    • All parks are accessible by wheelchair.

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Vessel boarding may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Please check in advance for support requirements.

    Additional information

    Penguin Parade

    • Penguins arrive at sunset each evening, with typical arrival times ranging from 8:30 to 9pm in summer (Dec–Feb), 7 to 8pm in autumn (Mar–May), 5:15 to 6pm in winter (Jun–Aug), and 6:30 to 8pm in spring (Sep–Nov). Arrive at least 1 hour beforehand to secure your seat and enjoy the visitor center before the parade begins.

    • Daily business hours may change; please check the official website of each attraction before departure.

    • Click here to see the estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.

    • If you are planning a visit from mid-December to late January, or during a long weekend or the school holiday period, please allow extra travel time as the traffic can get busy.

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Cruise departures are weather-dependent and require minimum passenger numbers. You’ll be notified of any changes in advance, with refund or transfer options available.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

      • Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

    Ticket redemption points

    Penguin Parade Visitor Centre

    • Redeem your ticket at Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.

    • Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia.

    Get directions to the redemption point

    Wildlife Coast Cruises Tour Agency

    • Show your ticket at Wildlife Coast Cruises Tour Agency.

    • Address: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925, Australia.

    Get directions to the redemption point

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