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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.
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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.
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Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park
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Access to boardwalk and visitor center
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Access to general viewing platform
Penguins Plus (if option selected)
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Access to Penguins Plus viewing platform
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Closest penguin pathway viewing
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Limited-capacity beachfront stand
Underground Viewing (if option selected)
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Access to underground viewing platform
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Eye-level penguin encounters
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Weatherproof indoor platform
3 Parks Pass (if option selected)
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Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve (visit anytime within 6 months of purchase)
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Entry to Churchill Island (visit anytime within 6 months of purchase)
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You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.
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Experience the magic of the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island
Witness one of Australia’s most beloved wildlife experiences with entry to the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island Nature Parks. Every evening at sunset, watch as hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and make their charming waddle home along the beach. With access to both the boardwalks and visitor centre, you’ll enjoy informative exhibits, spectacular coastal views, and up-close encounters with nature.
What to expect
Your visit includes entry to the Penguin Parade, access to the general viewing platform, and the elevated boardwalks that wind along the penguins’ path. This popular vantage point offers sweeping views of Summerlands Beach and the penguins’ nightly journey as they return from a day at sea.
Upgrade your experience
Choose from two premium viewing options for an even more memorable encounter:
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Penguins Plus: Enjoy exclusive access to the Penguins Plus platform, designed with ranger insights and conservation in mind. Located in a prime beachfront position with limited capacity, it offers the closest viewing point to the penguins’ main highway and a more intimate, unobstructed experience.
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Underground Viewing: Step into a specially designed underground bunker with eye-level outlooks. Stay warm and dry in this weatherproof area while observing penguins pass by just inches from the glass – perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
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3 Parks Pass: Enhance your visit by selecting the 3 Parks Pass, which includes entry to two additional nature attractions:
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Koala Conservation Reserve: Wander tree-top boardwalks through eucalypt woodlands and spot koalas in their natural habitat.
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Churchill Island: Discover heritage gardens, historical farming displays, and scenic walking trails on one of Victoria’s oldest European settlements.
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Whether you stick to the classic Penguin Parade or opt for immersive upgrades, this is an unforgettable wildlife experience suitable for all ages and interests.
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What to bring
- You can pack a raincoat or umbrella if rain is predicted.
What's not allowed
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Photographs and video recordings are not allowed when penguins are coming home, because the artificial light sources will stimulate the eyes of the penguins. The island implements light control at this time.
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Big bags are not permitted. Only small carry-on bags are allowed inside.
Accessibility
- All parks are accessible by wheelchair.
Additional information
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Penguins arrive at sunset each evening, with typical arrival times ranging from 8:30pm to 9pm in summer (Dec–Feb), 7pm to 8pm in autumn (Mar–May), 5:15pm to 6pm in winter (Jun–Aug), and 6:30pm 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.
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Pensioner tickets: Pensioner discounts for the Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade are only available directly through the park, either by phone or at the counter on the day. Contact details are listed on their official site.
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Please arrive at the redemption point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the redemption point.
Ticket redemption point
- Please check your final voucher for the redemption point details and specific instructions.
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