Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Name: Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets
Start: 2026-04-23T17:30:00
End: 2026-04-23T19:30:00
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 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(3,966)

Gombosuren D

Couple

Verified booking

3 days ago

On a beautiful seaside, for the first time with my husband and our gorgeous baby, we eagerly and excitedly waited for the sunset and for the adorable little penguins to come out of the ocean. It became one of our most unforgettable memories. Even though taking photos of the penguins was prohibited, the warm atmosphere among the many people, getting to know others while waiting to see the penguins, and spending time together as a family made it one of life’s truly priceless golden moments.

Belinda D

Family

Verified booking

3 days ago

We had a very good experience at the Penguin Parade, it was the 3rd time i have been and the second for my husband and our son. To start with, we were shocked at how many people were lining up when we arrived, and didn't think we would get seats so we let our son enjoy the playroom area and bought some food, but once the doors opened the queues moved quickly and we were lucky enough to get side seats and were able to see the penguins clearly. It is a fantastic family outing.

Manpreet K

Family

Verified booking

Last week

The ambience was beautiful, sitting over the beach and being with nature. We loved the idea of not having the phones on. Gave me and my children a time away from the screens and just looking at the ocean. Loved watching the penguins waddling out of the water and making their way to their houses. Thanks for the wonderful experience!!

Aastha N

Group

Verified booking

Last week

Absolutely loved the Penguin Parade! Watching the little penguins waddle back to their burrows was such a magical experience 🐧✨ The setup is really well organized, Thank you to friendly staff, and the atmosphere feels peaceful and special. Definitely worth it ❤️

Ratan S

Family

Verified booking

Last week

We visited philip Island few days back. We witnessed little penguins to return to their natural habitat after day long fishing for their families. The season and day was not appropriate though. So we saw only a few. The nature park is well maintained and with necessary amenities.

Deborah P

Family

Verified booking

Last week

Very impressive visitor centre, lots for all ages including little kids. Lovely sunset walk along the boardwalk. Gorgeous display of the penguins and in an effort to beat the crowds we left early and spotted a little penguin burrowing into its hole.

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.

3,966 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, United States, Germany and over 29 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Ratan S
Family
Verified booking
Last week
We visited philip Island few days back. We witnessed little penguins to return to their natural habitat after day long fishing for their families. The season and day was not appropriate though. So we saw only a few. The nature park is well maintained and with necessary amenities.
Muhammad A
Group
Verified booking
5 days ago
We were supposed to be at the Penguin Parade on a Monday at 5.45pm , but only arrived at 8pm. Luckily, they were accomodating and gave us new tickets on Wednesday, a day before we left Melbourne. Basically, the "General Viewing" ticket is having a seat at the stands and hoping to catch a glimpse of the penguins leaving the water and going onto the beach and into their burrows further inland. There were a lot of people, and quite annoying as the public were told to not use their cameras, flashes or even stand up(to not block the view) but there is a certain demographic of tourists that seem to do all of the above... Therefore, my family and I couldnt see that much at the stands. The real fun began when we were walking back to the visitor centre on the boardwalks as we could see the penguins going back to their burrows up close. Personally, that was one of the highlights of this event. If I were to come to the parade again, I would have brought - binoculars (to abide by the "no phones/cameras" rule) - Poncho/a big plastic mat to put on the dirty/wet seating area (it was raining that day and no umbrellas were allowed) - Extra inner clothing/jackets (it was cold) Overall, it was a fun experience, I would have planned it with other activities on Philip Island as it was a 4hr drive, to and back.
Gombosuren D
Couple
Verified booking
3 days ago
On a beautiful seaside, for the first time with my husband and our gorgeous baby, we eagerly and excitedly waited for the sunset and for the adorable little penguins to come out of the ocean. It became one of our most unforgettable memories. Even though taking photos of the penguins was prohibited, the warm atmosphere among the many people, getting to know others while waiting to see the penguins, and spending time together as a family made it one of life’s truly priceless golden moments.
Belinda D
Family
Verified booking
3 days ago
We had a very good experience at the Penguin Parade, it was the 3rd time i have been and the second for my husband and our son. To start with, we were shocked at how many people were lining up when we arrived, and didn't think we would get seats so we let our son enjoy the playroom area and bought some food, but once the doors opened the queues moved quickly and we were lucky enough to get side seats and were able to see the penguins clearly. It is a fantastic family outing.
Brad W
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
The best part was seeing these beautiful birds in their natural environment. The most disappointing aspect are the numerous individuals who blatantly ignored instructions not to use their phones/cameras risking major interference to these wonderful creatures. Unfortunately there to were many, who ignored the clear warnings and reasons behind the ban of these devices. Ps How do you upload photes of the favourite moments, when photography is not allowed at that time?

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.

Churchill Island

Monday	10:00am - 4:30pm	last entry 4:00pm
Tuesday	10:00am - 4:30pm	last entry 4:00pm
Wednesday	10:00am - 4:30pm	last entry 4:00pm
Thursday	10:00am - 4:30pm	last entry 4:00pm
Friday	10:00am - 4:30pm	last entry 4:00pm
Saturday	9:00am - 4:30pm	last entry 4:00pm
Sunday	9:00am - 4:30pm	last entry 4:00pm

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Monday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Sunday	5:00pm - 9:00pm

Koala Conservation Reserve

Monday	10:00am - 5:30pm	last entry 5:00pm
Tuesday	10:00am - 5:30pm	last entry 5:00pm
Wednesday	10:00am - 5:30pm	last entry 5:00pm
Thursday	10:00am - 5:30pm	last entry 5:00pm
Friday	10:00am - 5:30pm	last entry 5:00pm
Saturday	10:00am - 5:30pm	last entry 5:00pm
Sunday	10:00am - 5:30pm	last entry 5:00pm

Penguin Parade

Monday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Tuesday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Thursday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Friday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday	5:00pm - 9:00pm
Sunday	5:00pm - 9:00pm

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.