Duration
Open today
Free cancellation
4.2/5
(2,967)
Julie
Paulyne
Graham
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Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island from the general viewing platform.
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Cruise past Cape Woolamai and spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the island’s southern coast.
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Get two signature Phillip Island wildlife experiences in one combo—ideal for nature-loving travelers.
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Enjoy expert commentary and a relaxed cruise, complete with complimentary tea and snacks.
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Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to Australia’s largest Little Penguin colony and a key point on the whale migration route.
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Phillip Island Penguin Parade
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Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
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Access to the boardwalk and the visitor center
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Access to the general viewing platform
Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise
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3-hour Phillip Island southern coast cruise
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Expert commentary
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Whale & dolphin spotting
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Regular seals & sea bird sightings
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Tea, coffee, cake, and biscuits in the afternoon
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Access to a licensed bar
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Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise
- Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand and over 34 countries have loved this experience
Stuart
Jun, 2025Verified booking
The staff were so friendly and knowledgeable, making our experience a great one. And the penguins were so cute and adorable when they came into the beach.
Karen
Jun, 2025Verified booking
Everything and it was great and my cousins loved seening the penguins as they were from America
Paulyne
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Purchase of the tickets was easy, as was the ticket redemption. The event was sold out so very busy at the visitors centre. Plenty of parking space available. Staff were pleasant and knowledgeable. Disappointed at the number of penguins but this can't be predicted or controlled. Much easier and more exciting to watch them waddle back to their "burrows" as you walk back along the boardwalk. A lovely 70th birthday experience for me to share with my family 😀
Julie
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The whole experience was amazing, I was so in awe of these little creatures who show such reslience to get up to their little homes eahc night after a big day out in the ocean. The architecture of the building at the Penguin Parade is something to see. Also the reason I found this opportunity was listening to Martin Clunes on a documentary about the best Islands in Australia where he shared the plight and story of these 30cm (1 kg in weight) snallest penguins in the world.
Serina
Aug, 2025Verified booking
The penguins of course but disliked the fact too many people, no photos but everyone was taking photos whilst penguins were walking up to their burrow and stunning them. I felt it distressing. That's not keeping them safe
**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
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Little penguin colony: Watch over 1,000 little penguins waddle ashore, a unique wildlife spectacle that supports vital conservation efforts.
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Boardwalk views: Enjoy panoramic views from the general viewing area and explore the boardwalks that wind through the dunes.
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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
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Whale and dolphin sightings: Spot humpback and southern right whales, plus dolphins often racing alongside the boat—prime opportunities for wildlife photography.
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Cape Woolamai cliffs: Cruise past these striking rock formations, home to thriving seabird colonies and panoramic ocean views.
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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
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Photographs and video recordings are not permitted during penguin arrival due to the light sensitivity of the birds.
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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
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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.
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Daily business hours may change; please check the official website of each attraction before departure.
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Click here to see the estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.
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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.
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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
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Redeem your ticket at Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.
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Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia.
Get directions to the redemption point
Wildlife Coast Cruises Tour Agency
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Show your ticket at Wildlife Coast Cruises Tour Agency.
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Address: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925, Australia.
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