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Combo: Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Dolphin & Whale Cruise Tickets

Koala resting in a tree at Koala Conservation Reserve, Phillip Island.
Visitors seated at Phillip Island Nature Parks viewing area for Penguin Parade.
Whale breaching in ocean during Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Cruise.
Phillip Island dolphin and whale cruise with tourists observing marine life.

Duration

50 min - 3 hr 15 min

Open today

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

4.2/5

(3,034)

Stacey Jack

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!
Yi Zhang

Yi

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
It has been a great experience last night at Philips Island. We saw such little lovely penguins waddling from the sea to home. My children were so excited to watch them parading and kept talking about it all the way home. The staff were also very nice and friendly. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
Veronica Butler

Veronica

Jul 2025
Verified booking
5/5
This was so worth diverting our trip to witnesd this beautiful sight They were tiny! Snd do easily frightemrd by noise and people moving and standing even though we sere asked mot to, no photos allowed as this aldo frigjtens thrm thdy literalky turn back into the sea at tje sign of a camera or phone light and yet.....some inconsiderate people did it!! The whole set up foe viewung was great and tbe visitor centre very impressive! We visited in late july it was cold so wrap up!
    • Watch the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island from the general viewing platform.

    • Cruise past Cape Woolamai and spot whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds along the island’s southern coast.

    • Get two signature Phillip Island wildlife experiences in one combo—ideal for nature-loving travelers.

    • Enjoy expert commentary and a relaxed cruise, complete with complimentary tea and snacks.

    • Fun fact: Phillip Island is home to Australia’s largest Little Penguin colony and a key point on the whale migration route.

  • Phillip Island Penguin Parade

    • Entry to Penguin Parade at Phillip Island National Park

    • Access to the boardwalk and the visitor center

    • Access to the general viewing platform

    Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

    • 3-hour Phillip Island southern coast cruise

    • Expert commentary

    • Whale & dolphin spotting

    • Regular seals & sea bird sightings

    • Tea, coffee, cake, and biscuits in the afternoon

    • Access to a licensed bar

  • Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

    • Other food and beverages (available to purchase onboard)
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 4.2
    3,034 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.

    1.9K
    521
    197
    152
    260
    Guests from United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Yi Zhang

    Yi

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    It has been a great experience last night at Philips Island. We saw such little lovely penguins waddling from the sea to home. My children were so excited to watch them parading and kept talking about it all the way home. The staff were also very nice and friendly. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.
    Vicki Kavanagh

    Vicki

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    I learnt so much about Penguins the lady was very knowledgeable on the microphone. 🎤 Thank you. 🐧🐧🐧🐧🐧
    Ian Brocklehurst

    Ian

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The kids loved the habitat zone, our two guides Sharon and Gary were fantastic and the plus seating and views totally worth it.
    Kathleen Alexander

    Kathleen

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Could those little penguins be any cuter? They sure are noisy little things when they make it home to the nest!
    Irene Harrington

    Irene

    Oct 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The staff were amazingly wonderful. So friendly and helpful. Couldn't do enough to help.

**Your Experience (Summary)**Make the most of Phillip Island’s coastal wildlife with this two-in-one adventure—land and sea.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Getting started

Arrive at Phillip Island Nature Parks and show your combo voucher at the ticket desk. Entry includes access to the visitor center and general viewing platform.

What to expect

Watch as hundreds of Little Penguins return ashore after sunset, waddling across the beach to their burrows.

Features

  • Little penguin colony: Watch over 1,000 little penguins waddle ashore, a unique wildlife spectacle that supports vital conservation efforts.

  • Boardwalk views: Enjoy panoramic views from the general viewing area and explore the boardwalks that wind through the dunes.

  • Other wildlife: Keep an eye out for wallabies, Cape Barren geese, and eastern bandicoots in their natural habitat as you explore the park.

Phillip Island Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise

Getting started

Head to the designated cruise departure point and present your ticket at check-in. Boarding instructions will be provided on-site.

What to expect

Cruise along Phillip Island’s rugged southern coastline in search of migrating whales, dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

Features

  • Whale and dolphin sightings: Spot humpback and southern right whales, plus dolphins often racing alongside the boat—prime opportunities for wildlife photography.

  • Cape Woolamai cliffs: Cruise past these striking rock formations, home to thriving seabird colonies and panoramic ocean views.

  • Onboard experience: Enjoy afternoon tea as you watch for breaching whales and playful dolphins, with expert guides sharing insights throughout.

  • Churchill Island

    Monday10:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Thursday10:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Friday10:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Saturday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 04:30pm
    Sunday09:00am - 05:00pmlast entry 04:30pm

    Phillip Island Penguin Parade

    Monday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Tuesday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Wednesday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Thursday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Friday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Saturday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Sunday05:00pm - 09:00pm

    Koala Conservation Reserve

    Monday10:00am - 05:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Tuesday10:00am - 05:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Wednesday10:00am - 05:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Thursday10:00am - 05:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Friday10:00am - 05:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Saturday10:00am - 05:30pmlast entry 05:00pm
    Sunday10:00am - 05:30pmlast entry 05:00pm

    Penguin Parade

    Monday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Tuesday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Wednesday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Thursday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Friday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Saturday05:00pm - 09:00pm
    Sunday05:00pm - 09:00pm
  • What to bring

    Penguin Parade

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

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Wear layered clothing and bring a windbreaker. Don’t forget to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and motion sickness medication, if needed.

    What’s not allowed

    Penguin Parade

    • Photographs and video recordings are not permitted during penguin arrival due to the light sensitivity of the birds.

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

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Outside food or drinks, and smoking are not allowed onboard.

    Accessibility

    Penguin Parade

    • All parks are accessible by wheelchair.

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Vessel boarding may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Please check in advance for support requirements.

    Additional information

    Penguin Parade

    • 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.

    Dolphin & Whale Cruise

    • Cruise departures are weather-dependent and require minimum passenger numbers. You’ll be notified of any changes in advance, with refund or transfer options available.
    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

      • Please display the same at each ticket redemption point along with a valid photo ID.

    Ticket redemption points

    Penguin Parade Visitor Centre

    • Redeem your ticket at Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.

    • Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia.

    Get directions to the redemption point

    Wildlife Coast Cruises Tour Agency

    • Show your ticket at Wildlife Coast Cruises Tour Agency.

    • Address: 170 Marine Parade, San Remo VIC 3925, Australia.

    Get directions to the redemption point

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