Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Witness the world’s smallest penguins as they waddle ashore at sunset on Phillip Island. Choose from a variety of experiences, from guided tours to VIP viewing platforms, and enjoy the natural beauty of this Australian wildlife sanctuary.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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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.
More details
-
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.
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Enjoy entry to Melbourne Skydeck and Phillip Island Penguin Parade with this convenient combo ticket—two top Melbourne experiences in one.
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Take in 360° views of Melbourne from 300 meters up, with access to Bar 88.
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Weekday bonus: Visit between 21 July and 29 August to get a free upgrade to the Ultimate Skydeck experience—this includes The Edge, Voyager Theatre, and AUD10 worth of vouchers at no extra cost.
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Watch the famous Penguin Parade at dusk, with access to boardwalks, a visitor center, and general viewing platforms.
-
Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to one of Australia’s largest penguin colonies—perfect for wildlife lovers and families.
More details
-
Enjoy entry to Melbourne Skydeck and Phillip Island Penguin Parade with this convenient combo ticket—two top Melbourne experiences in one.
-
Take in 360° views of Melbourne from 300 meters up, with access to Bar 88.
-
Weekday bonus: Visit between 21 July and 29 August to get a free upgrade to the Ultimate Skydeck experience—this includes The Edge, Voyager Theatre, and AUD10 worth of vouchers at no extra cost.
-
Watch the famous Penguin Parade at dusk, with access to boardwalks, a visitor center, and general viewing platforms.
-
Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to one of Australia’s largest penguin colonies—perfect for wildlife lovers and families.
-
Explore Australia's wildlife and beach culture on this full-day tour of Phillip Island and Brighton Beach boxes along with a multilingual audio app.
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Get ready to click some insta-worthy snaps at the vibrant and iconic Brighton beach boxes. What's not to love about the beach and colorful huts?
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At the Wildlife Animal Park, get up-close encounters with Australia's cuddly koalas and bounding kangaroos.
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View the penguin parade where you can see the penguins come out from the ocean and walk towards their burrows on the sand.
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Choose between the two ticket options, take the bus tour to enjoy a group setting, or for a more intimate experience opt for the private car tour.
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Now, here's a nugget: Those cute penguins you'll see at Phillip Island? They pair for life, just like lovebirds!
More details
-
Explore Australia's wildlife and beach culture on this full-day tour of Phillip Island and Brighton Beach boxes along with a multilingual audio app.
-
Get ready to click some insta-worthy snaps at the vibrant and iconic Brighton beach boxes. What's not to love about the beach and colorful huts?
-
At the Wildlife Animal Park, get up-close encounters with Australia's cuddly koalas and bounding kangaroos.
-
View the penguin parade where you can see the penguins come out from the ocean and walk towards their burrows on the sand.
-
Choose between the two ticket options, take the bus tour to enjoy a group setting, or for a more intimate experience opt for the private car tour.
-
Now, here's a nugget: Those cute penguins you'll see at Phillip Island? They pair for life, just like lovebirds!
-
Get access to 3 of Phillip Island’s top wildlife experiences with a single ticket: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island.
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Wander treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve and spot koalas lounging in their natural eucalyptus habitat.
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Step into the past on Churchill Island—explore heritage farm buildings, blooming gardens, and daily farming demos.
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Watch hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle home during the world-famous Penguin Parade.
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Your ticket includes access to the visitor center, scenic boardwalks, and general viewing platform at Phillip Island National Park.
More details
-
Get access to 3 of Phillip Island’s top wildlife experiences with a single ticket: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, and Churchill Island.
-
Wander treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve and spot koalas lounging in their natural eucalyptus habitat.
-
Step into the past on Churchill Island—explore heritage farm buildings, blooming gardens, and daily farming demos.
-
Watch hundreds of little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle home during the world-famous Penguin Parade.
-
Your ticket includes access to the visitor center, scenic boardwalks, and general viewing platform at Phillip Island National Park.
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See the best of Victoria on a full-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with round-trip transfers included.
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Journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges and enjoy a classic Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Emerald.
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Watch the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
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Travel in comfort with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned coach, plus convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off.
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Did you know? Puffing Billy is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, operating since 1900.
More details
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See the best of Victoria on a full-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with round-trip transfers included.
-
Journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges and enjoy a classic Puffing Billy steam train ride from Belgrave to Emerald.
-
Watch the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
-
Travel in comfort with an English-speaking guide and air-conditioned coach, plus convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off.
-
Did you know? Puffing Billy is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, operating since 1900.
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Set sail on a 1-hour morning cruise around Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point, and marvel at its rugged cliffs and sea caves.
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Spot local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and seabirds while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and cake on board.
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Learn about Phillip Island’s natural and cultural history with expert commentary from experienced local guides.
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Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade and watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore from the general viewing area at sunset.
-
Upgrade your experience with a 3 Parks Pass to explore Phillip Island Nature Parks, including the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.
More details
-
Set sail on a 1-hour morning cruise around Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island’s highest point, and marvel at its rugged cliffs and sea caves.
-
Spot local wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and seabirds while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and cake on board.
-
Learn about Phillip Island’s natural and cultural history with expert commentary from experienced local guides.
-
Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade and watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore from the general viewing area at sunset.
-
Upgrade your experience with a 3 Parks Pass to explore Phillip Island Nature Parks, including the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm.
-
Explore Phillip Island on a full-day or half-day guided tour from Melbourne, with round-trip coach transfers included for your convenience.
-
Enjoy live commentary from an English-speaking guide, with an audio translation app available in 10 languages for multilingual support.
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Visit picturesque coastal highlights including the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout for dramatic ocean views and the chance to spot marine wildlife.
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Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park, with access to the boardwalks, visitor center, and general viewing platform.
-
Choose the Penguins Plus upgrade for an exclusive viewing platform located along the penguins’ main pathway, offering an intimate and limited-capacity experience.
-
Customize your tour with flexible durations and optional upgrades for a personalized encounter with Phillip Island’s unique wildlife and landscapes.
More details
-
Explore Phillip Island on a full-day or half-day guided tour from Melbourne, with round-trip coach transfers included for your convenience.
-
Enjoy live commentary from an English-speaking guide, with an audio translation app available in 10 languages for multilingual support.
-
Visit picturesque coastal highlights including the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rocks Lookout for dramatic ocean views and the chance to spot marine wildlife.
-
Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park, with access to the boardwalks, visitor center, and general viewing platform.
-
Choose the Penguins Plus upgrade for an exclusive viewing platform located along the penguins’ main pathway, offering an intimate and limited-capacity experience.
-
Customize your tour with flexible durations and optional upgrades for a personalized encounter with Phillip Island’s unique wildlife and landscapes.
-
Enjoy a full-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with convenient round-trip transfers included for a hassle-free adventure.
-
Explore Healesville Sanctuary, one of Australia’s premier wildlife parks, and come face-to-face with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other native animals.
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Visit the scenic Point Grant and The Nobbies, where you can stroll cliffside boardwalks and take in spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and Seal Rocks.
-
Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
-
Access the general viewing platform, visitor center, and scenic boardwalks to learn about penguin conservation and enjoy panoramic coastal views.
-
Benefit from insights shared by your English-speaking guide throughout the tour, making it both engaging and educational.
More details
-
Enjoy a full-day guided tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island, with convenient round-trip transfers included for a hassle-free adventure.
-
Explore Healesville Sanctuary, one of Australia’s premier wildlife parks, and come face-to-face with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other native animals.
-
Visit the scenic Point Grant and The Nobbies, where you can stroll cliffside boardwalks and take in spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and Seal Rocks.
-
Experience the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park as hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.
-
Access the general viewing platform, visitor center, and scenic boardwalks to learn about penguin conservation and enjoy panoramic coastal views.
-
Benefit from insights shared by your English-speaking guide throughout the tour, making it both engaging and educational.
-
Depart from Melbourne for a day tour of Philip Island and head to Brighton Beach, where the vibrant beach huts are a must-see
-
Journey through Melbourne’s suburbs to Moonlit Sanctuary for a unique Australian wildlife experience as you meet kangaroos, koalas, and more.
-
Visit Point Grant and The Nobbies to enjoy stunning views of Westernport Bay. Don't miss Seal Rocks – home to Australia's largest fur seal colony!
-
Go to Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you can hundreds of the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore after a day of fishing at sea.
-
Upgrade your ticket to include a Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing Experience and enjoy the parade from a prime vantage point.
-
Fun fact: Penguins at Philip Island are called “fairy penguins”. They just weigh 1kg making them the smallest penguin species in the world.
More details
-
Depart from Melbourne for a day tour of Philip Island and head to Brighton Beach, where the vibrant beach huts are a must-see
-
Journey through Melbourne’s suburbs to Moonlit Sanctuary for a unique Australian wildlife experience as you meet kangaroos, koalas, and more.
-
Visit Point Grant and The Nobbies to enjoy stunning views of Westernport Bay. Don't miss Seal Rocks – home to Australia's largest fur seal colony!
-
Go to Phillip Island Penguin Parade where you can hundreds of the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore after a day of fishing at sea.
-
Upgrade your ticket to include a Penguins Plus or Underground Viewing Experience and enjoy the parade from a prime vantage point.
-
Fun fact: Penguins at Philip Island are called “fairy penguins”. They just weigh 1kg making them the smallest penguin species in the world.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Melbourne
About Penguin Parade
Watch the world’s tiniest penguins return to their burrows each evening in an enchanting spectacle you won’t want to miss! Check out all your viewing options at the Penguin Parade and pick the best option.
Little Penguins are the smallest penguins in the world, standing at an average height of 45cm and weighing an average of 1.2kg. For reference, an Emperor Penguin has an average height of 110cm and weighs up to 30kg!
These penguins believe in gender equality for all. You’ll see both male and female penguins caring for the chicks, guarding their burrows, and going to sea for food.
These penguins spend a large percentage of their lives at sea. They can dive up to 60 meters underwater to catch fish! Within the first year of hatching, these penguins can cover a distance of 1,000km in the sea.
Why visit Penguin Parade?
The largest Little Penguin colony in the world
The only reason you really need to visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is that Summerland Beach is home to one of the world's largest colonies of Little Penguins. These are the smallest penguins in the world, with icy-blue feathers that make for an adorable viewing experience overall.
The penguins’ permanent home
The fascinating thing about these Little Penguins is that, unlike most birds following a migratory pattern throughout the year, they have claimed Phillip Island as their permanent home. So whenever you decide to visit, you’ll always find penguins there.
Good for the environment
The Phillip Island Nature Parks, which is responsible for the Penguin Parade, is a non-profit, which means every ticket you purchase will help them continue with their ecotourism and conservation efforts.
Highlights
Little Penguins at Summerland Beach
Every evening, just around sunset, thousands of penguins swim up to the Summerland Beach and make their way to their burrows. If you’re lucky, you may even see them stand around and socialize near the rocks by the beach before they begin their commute.
Penguin Highway
This stretch is just off the beach, turning into the cove where all the burrows are. It is called the Penguin Highway because all the birds flock together in a file as they walk through this area before they divert into the lanes that lead them home.
Visitor Center
The Penguin Parade visitor center is a place that you must definitely explore before you head down to the beach. You will find plenty of interesting exhibits that showcase the lives, habitats, and behavior of Little Penguins, as well as real-time data on the number of penguins that visited the beach the day before.
Plan your visit
While the visitor center at the Penguin Parade is open from 4pm, the actual parade does not have a fixed timing through the year. May to July is when the penguins arrive the earliest at around 5:15pm - 5:45pm. During the summer months they can arrive as late as 9pm, owing to the longer days.
Even so, arriving at least 1 hour early is always a good idea, since there is a lot to explore at the visitor center. Not to mention, you get better seats!
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Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve & Churchill Island
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Koala Conservation Reserve Tickets & Optional Entry to Phillip Island Nature Parks
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