Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Name: Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets
Start: 2026-08-17T13:45:00
End: 2026-08-17T13:45:00
Location: Phillip Island

4.4/5(4,165)

Jennath I

Family

Verified booking

3 days ago

The crowd management wasn't the best given too many ppl were standing and taking flash photography and spoiling the view and the experience for others. While it's appreciated there is limited control that could be exercised some enforcement is required.

Alev G

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! Booking through Headout was quick, easy and hassle free, with our tickets delivered instantly and able to just scan at the doors at all attractions. The Penguin Parade was truly unforgettable seeing so many of little penguins waddling ashore at sunset, such a magical and heartwarming experience for our whole family. The facilities were well organised, staff were friendly and everything ran smoothly. This is a must do when visiting Phillip Island we’ll definitely be recommending both the Penguin Parade and Headout to friends and family.

Kuljeet S

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

The viewing platforms and boardwalks provide excellent opportunities to see the penguins up close without disturbing them. Knowledgeable staff and informative displays at the visitor centre add to the experience by explaining the penguins’ behaviour, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving their environment. One of the highlights is the peaceful atmosphere as dusk falls and the penguins make their way home after a day of fishing. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic Australian wildlife experience.

Leah O

Family

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

The Penguin Parade was the highlight of our holiday. The staff were very knowledgeable and shared information about the penguins, what to expect and took the time to answer questions. We were so close to the sand and the magic of watching the tiny little penguins waddle up the beach together was just magical. I love that all the money goes back into protecting the environment of the island as well as research. It is a truly wonderful experience and one of the best eco tourism experiences around.

Deepika V

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

We loved our visit to all 3 places,Churchill Island was greats for kids to watch farm animals, Koala reserve had very few koalas 🐨 but it was lovely to see them in their own safe zone , and last but not the lease penguin 🐧 parade , winters was not the best seasson to watch it as we could hardly witness 4-5 baby penguins. I am not sure about summers thought but it was a well spent day with family. I would love to this again n again n again. 😍

Joanne K

Family

Verified booking

Jul 2026

Loved seeing the penguins and hearing all about them by the knowledgeable rangers. It was a magical experience and despite the rain we had a good sense of humour and just lapped it all up. The rangers were so friendly and welcoming. We felt so comfortable and at ease. Omgosh the penguins were by far the highlight. Sweet little things that they are - and there were so many to see. Definitely a must see, even if you've been before.

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.

Admire the penguins on the new Penguins Premium viewing platform that's directly inspired by the magnificent coves of the island's southern coast.

You have the option to upgrade to the 3 Parks Pass for Penguin Parade, Koalas, and Churchill Island Heritage Farm, or take the Penguins Express Afternoon Day Tour from Melbourne.

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 Express Afternoon Day Tour from Melbourne (if option selected)

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.

4,165 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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What our guests say
Benie N
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
It's my second time of visiting Philip Island and I will always love to bring back my friends and family for the wild life parks and Penguins. Penguin Parade is the highlight of the tour.
Chanthana L
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The entry process was incredibly smooth thanks to the friendly and well-organized tour guides. The start of the experience felt completely stress-free. The boardwalks and coastal views were stunning. Watching the penguins return to shore was a truly memorable experience and adorable to watch. Unfortunately, it started lightly raining just as they began emerging from the water, which made it a little less comfortable. Another downside was that some visitors moved around to get a better view, occasionally blocking the view of others despite the viewing guidelines. Overall, it was still a wonderful and unique wildlife experience, and I would definitely recommend visiting.
Melissa D
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
It was very wet and cold but the entry was smooth and swift. Coats and poncho on we headed off to watch the little cuties come to the sands. The rain stopped but we were disappointed that certain groups of people were standing in front of everyone - despite the lovely guides telling them to sit down 100 times -when they stood in front of the children that were sitting and doing the correct thing Our family told them to get to the back or get out and they went away. Besides that the guides were friendly and informative. I had not been since i was in school which was a long time ago and we enjoyed our time there.
Alev G
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish! Booking through Headout was quick, easy and hassle free, with our tickets delivered instantly and able to just scan at the doors at all attractions. The Penguin Parade was truly unforgettable seeing so many of little penguins waddling ashore at sunset, such a magical and heartwarming experience for our whole family. The facilities were well organised, staff were friendly and everything ran smoothly. This is a must do when visiting Phillip Island we’ll definitely be recommending both the Penguin Parade and Headout to friends and family.
Leah O
Family
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
The Penguin Parade was the highlight of our holiday. The staff were very knowledgeable and shared information about the penguins, what to expect and took the time to answer questions. We were so close to the sand and the magic of watching the tiny little penguins waddle up the beach together was just magical. I love that all the money goes back into protecting the environment of the island as well as research. It is a truly wonderful experience and one of the best eco tourism experiences around.

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 Express Afternoon Day Tour: Enjoy a seamless full-day trip from Melbourne, including return transfers and priority entry to the Penguin Parade. Relax on a guided journey with time to explore the coast and soak up the natural scenery along the way.

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.

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.