Parks

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Name: Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets
Start: 2025-10-18T19:00:00
End: 2025-10-18T23:00:00
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.

Penguins walking on the shore at Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade.

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Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

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

Book now, pay later

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

4.2/5

(3,040)

Stacey

Sep 2025

Verified booking

5/5

We came in a group of friends, and had the best time in anticipation of the little penguins coming out. It was such an experience to see the little fellas waddling up the sand right in front of us, it made the cold and wet weather absolutely worth it. We brought umbrellas and warm clothes, and though the kids were eagerly waiting, there wasn't too long of a wait until the little ones appeared! The hosts were experts in their knowledge and happy to answer any questions, and suggest best spots to get the best view. We were lucky enough to see some penguins along the side on continuing to their nest as we were walking out. It was an amazing experience for the whole family!

Paulyne

Aug 2025

Verified booking

4/5

Purchase of the tickets was easy, as was the ticket redemption. The event was sold out so very busy at the visitors centre. Plenty of parking space available. Staff were pleasant and knowledgeable. Disappointed at the number of penguins but this can't be predicted or controlled. Much easier and more exciting to watch them waddle back to their "burrows" as you walk back along the boardwalk. A lovely 70th birthday experience for me to share with my family 😀

Tusha

Aug 2025

Verified booking

4/5

The Churchill heritage farm is beautifull and I thoroughly enjoyed the time. The penguin experience was very crowded and not enjoyable for me and the five koalas at the park seem happy enough but sad how they are only allowed on certain trees near the boardwalk must be noisy for them and the poor penguins but this is conservation apparently

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

Entry to Churchill Island

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

4.2
3,040 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
Stacey
Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We came in a group of friends, and had the best time in anticipation of the little penguins coming out. It was such an experience to see the little fellas waddling up the sand right in front of us, it made the cold and wet weather absolutely worth it. We brought umbrellas and warm clothes, and though the kids were eagerly waiting, there wasn't too long of a wait until the little ones appeared! The hosts were experts in their knowledge and happy to answer any questions, and suggest best spots to get the best view. We were lucky enough to see some penguins along the side on continuing to their nest as we were walking out. It was an amazing experience for the whole family!
Tusha
Aug 2025
Verified booking
4/5
The Churchill heritage farm is beautifull and I thoroughly enjoyed the time. The penguin experience was very crowded and not enjoyable for me and the five koalas at the park seem happy enough but sad how they are only allowed on certain trees near the boardwalk must be noisy for them and the poor penguins but this is conservation apparently
Jan
Aug 2025
Verified booking
5/5
A fun night. Cold but entertaining. Penguins arrived hesitantly but scurried quickly once the group was big enough. The displays in the Penguin Parade centre were interesting. Lots to see and do...
Kim
Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
It's amazing to see all the penguins finding there way back to their homes, and injured ones getting help by the staff .. highly recommend +++
Holly
Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Loved every bit of Churchill island and the activities they host and the penguin parade is soo cute.

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 8:30 to 9pm in summer (Dec–Feb), 7 to 8pm in autumn (Mar–May), 5:15 to 6pm in winter (Jun–Aug), and 6:30 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.