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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

(3,597)

Thomas Power

Thomas

Mar 2026
Verified booking
The event itself was great. The host and organisers obviously take their work seriously and care about the wildlife and all money from tickets goes to preservation and research efforts. However, there are too many people and many guests are taking photos and videos even after they've been explicitly asked not to multiple times. It all just seems a little bit too much activity for the penguins when they are just trying to get home. I think limiting the amount of people would be a good idea.
Lucy Peet

Lucy

Feb 2026
Verified booking
The staff were super friendly and informative and had a real passion for the penguins. We also had a lovely chat with a team member about the bandicoot we saw and received loads of information about them. The downloadable photos and videos are a great idea as you can't take your own I thought that was a nice touch. So much care is taken to look after the penguins and make sure they feel safe while arriving, it was really special to see. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit!
Christine E Walker

Christine

Feb 2026
Verified booking
Penguin Parade was excellent - wide walkways and clear instructions from friendly and helpful staff - who were plentiful and easy to identify. Experience slightly negative from the patrons who consistently continued to take photos despits information and best efforts from staff. Maybe it needs to be a no phone/ no camera entry to the parade so the evening can be enjoyed by all, in the moment, rather than jumping up to take photos. Never enough women's toilets
    • 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.

  • 3,597 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.

    2.3K
    595
    231
    163
    283
    Guests from United Kingdom, United States, Canada and over 26 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Thomas Power

    Thomas

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    The event itself was great. The host and organisers obviously take their work seriously and care about the wildlife and all money from tickets goes to preservation and research efforts. However, there are too many people and many guests are taking photos and videos even after they've been explicitly asked not to multiple times. It all just seems a little bit too much activity for the penguins when they are just trying to get home. I think limiting the amount of people would be a good idea.
    Guy Cannon

    Guy

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    Booking was straightforward and uncomplicated. Minor glitch with the ticket bar codes not coming through on the original email. Quickly and properly addressed by the help selection. Refreshing., now trusted. Will use again.
    Annelie Brackhahn

    Annelie

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    It was so special and magical to watch all these little penguins returning home! We had a wonderful evening and also the guide Lucky was very helpfull and answered all our questions.
    Jessica Clarke

    Jessica

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    From purchasing the tickets to entry, it was very easy. It was nice and fast to find the tickets and have them scanned. It was a great night and we all loved the penguin parade.
    Leanne M Jackson

    Leanne

    Mar 2026
    Verified booking
    From the minute of entry it ran smoothly well organised and it was so awesome to see so many gorgeous penguins up so v CC lose in their environment. Would go again for sure.

**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.

  • Churchill Island

    Monday10:00am - 4:30pmlast entry 4:00pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 4:30pmlast entry 4:00pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 4:30pmlast entry 4:00pm
    Thursday10:00am - 4:30pmlast entry 4:00pm
    Friday10:00am - 4:30pmlast entry 4:00pm
    Saturday9:00am - 4:30pmlast entry 4:00pm
    Sunday9:00am - 4:30pmlast entry 4:00pm

    Phillip Island Penguin Parade

    Monday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Tuesday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Wednesday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Thursday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Friday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Saturday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Sunday5:00pm - 9:00pm

    Koala Conservation Reserve

    Monday10:00am - 5:30pmlast entry 5:00pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 5:30pmlast entry 5:00pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 5:30pmlast entry 5:00pm
    Thursday10:00am - 5:30pmlast entry 5:00pm
    Friday10:00am - 5:30pmlast entry 5:00pm
    Saturday10:00am - 5:30pmlast entry 5:00pm
    Sunday10:00am - 5:30pmlast entry 5:00pm

    Penguin Parade

    Monday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Tuesday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Wednesday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Thursday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Friday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Saturday5:00pm - 9:00pm
    Sunday5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 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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