Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Name: Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets
Start: 2025-12-15T14:45:00
End: 2025-12-15T14:45:00
Location: Phillip Island

Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.

Visitors seated at Phillip Island Nature Parks viewing area for Penguin Parade.

Child observing penguins at Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Wooden boardwalk on Churchill Island with visitors exploring coastal landscape.

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Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 7 days before the start of your experience

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Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

4.3/5

(3,322)

Sheila

Nov 2025

Verified booking

4/5

Everything was easy to find and navigate. Will be nice when the visitor center is back open. I would recommend more multi-lingual instructions. Not sure what will help your situation with a certain demographic. This demographic was rude in line, in the center, and at the bleacher area. Every time the staff had to remind the crowd of the rules, which was continuous, was the same people. I was left with a bad feeling about the entire event based on their eith mis-understanding of the rules or blatent disregard for the obvious requests. It is unfortunate that your event gets the black eye for these people but the overall experience was affected by these people.. I heard others grumbling the same.. We loved your presentation and the staff was very informative and patient.

Maureen

Nov 2025

Verified booking

5/5

This experience was amazing and a must see for everyone who loves wildlife in general, and who cares about our environment. Watching the adorable little fairy penguins waddle up the beach, and through the native vegetation was incredible. They are so tiny and on the cuteness level, it's nothing short of overload. I do have one complaint and it's nothing to do with the organisation and running of the nightly parade. It's about the people attending - seriously how many times do you have to be told that no photos are allowed - and that means by mobile phones too. The penguins are shy and nervous and this is explained multiple times but some people think they are special and rules don't apply to them. Please don't be THAT person. Definitely a MUST SEE!!

Ruby

Oct 2025

Verified booking

5/5

Absolutely loved getting to see the penguins, and I appreciate the efforts the staff/rangers have made to keep the penguins safe. I do wonder if it would be beneficial to put up more signs along the path and at the beach about no phones or cameras. One or two signs at the entrance isn't enough, and I'm sure the staff/rangers have better things to do - like answering questions and supporting an enjoyable, safe night - than having to constantly tell patrons to put their phones away. I really reckon that more signs (maybe a handful with explanations of the importance of no phones/cameras) would go a long way in keeping the penguins safe. Thanks again for a wonderful night!

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.

Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park

Access to boardwalk and visitor center

Access to general viewing platform

Penguins Plus (if option selected)

Access to Penguins Plus viewing platform

Closest penguin pathway viewing

Limited-capacity beachfront stand

Underground Viewing (if option selected)

Access to underground viewing platform

Eye-level penguin encounters

Weatherproof indoor platform

3 Parks Pass (if option selected)

Entry to Koala Conservation Reserve (visit anytime within 6 months of purchase)

Entry to Churchill Island (visit anytime within 6 months of purchase)

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

4.3
3,322 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.
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Guests from United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Susan
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We booked the Penguin Plus Experience We had brilliant comentary from Stan whilst waiting for the penguins to arrive When the rafts arrived with the penguins we watched as they toddled up the beach - Sometimes running back to the sea as if to get courage to come up. We marvelled as the penguins met their friends after spending up to 3 days fishing in solitude. This was done directly in front of us. Fantastic experience for my sister in law on her first visit to Australia at the age of 83. The Penguins were the only things on her bucket list. Her mother had also visited the penguins on her visit to Australia & that was the highlight of her mothers visit 30 years ago
Rahul
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Well structured half-day trip with a great guide. Rob was friendly and well-informed guide who was also meticulate about the schedule! We had a great time and would highly recommend the half-day trip to anybody who just wants to go to Phillip Island, see the penguin parade and get back to Melbourne CBD.
David
Dec 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Having a view of the penguins from the walkway when they returned to their nests, gave a close up experience. They should mention when purchasing tickets to bring a towel or cushion to sit on because the metal bench seats can become quite uncomfortable.
Gilman
Dec 2025
Verified booking
4/5
The visit to the Nobbies were spectacular especially to see the Little Penguins in natural light, spectacular blowhole & the flora. Evening viewing of the penguins were great save for the crowd control, which I felt, could have been better enforced.
Saurabh
Dec 2025
Verified booking
5/5
My trip to Phillip Island was incredible! The coastal views were stunning, the penguin parade was adorable, and the scenery was perfect for photos. It’s a great place to relax, explore nature, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. Highly recommended!

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:

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.

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.

3 Parks Pass: Enhance your visit by selecting the 3 Parks Pass, which includes entry to two additional nature attractions:

Koala Conservation Reserve: Wander tree-top boardwalks through eucalypt woodlands and spot koalas in their natural habitat.

Churchill Island: Discover heritage gardens, historical farming displays, and scenic walking trails on one of Victoria’s oldest European settlements.

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.

Churchill Island

Monday	10:00am - 05:00pm	last entry 04:30pm
Tuesday	10:00am - 05:00pm	last entry 04:30pm
Wednesday	10:00am - 05:00pm	last entry 04:30pm
Thursday	10:00am - 05:00pm	last entry 04:30pm
Friday	10:00am - 05:00pm	last entry 04:30pm
Saturday	09:00am - 05:00pm	last entry 04:30pm
Sunday	09:00am - 05:00pm	last entry 04:30pm

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Monday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Tuesday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Wednesday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Thursday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Friday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Saturday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Sunday	05:00pm - 09:00pm

Koala Conservation Reserve

Monday	10:00am - 05:30pm	last entry 05:00pm
Tuesday	10:00am - 05:30pm	last entry 05:00pm
Wednesday	10:00am - 05:30pm	last entry 05:00pm
Thursday	10:00am - 05:30pm	last entry 05:00pm
Friday	10:00am - 05:30pm	last entry 05:00pm
Saturday	10:00am - 05:30pm	last entry 05:00pm
Sunday	10:00am - 05:30pm	last entry 05:00pm

Penguin Parade

Monday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Tuesday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Wednesday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Thursday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Friday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Saturday	05:00pm - 09:00pm
Sunday	05:00pm - 09:00pm

What to bring

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

What's not allowed

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.

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

Accessibility

All parks are accessible by wheelchair.

Additional information

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.

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.

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.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Please arrive at the redemption point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

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.