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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

(3,221)

Sheila Ann Staab

Sheila

Nov 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Everything was easy to find and navigate. Will be nice when the visitor center is back open. I would recommend more multi-lingual instructions. Not sure what will help your situation with a certain demographic. This demographic was rude in line, in the center, and at the bleacher area. Every time the staff had to remind the crowd of the rules, which was continuous, was the same people. I was left with a bad feeling about the entire event based on their eith mis-understanding of the rules or blatent disregard for the obvious requests. It is unfortunate that your event gets the black eye for these people but the overall experience was affected by these people.. I heard others grumbling the same.. We loved your presentation and the staff was very informative and patient.
Maureen King

Maureen

Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
This experience was amazing and a must see for everyone who loves wildlife in general, and who cares about our environment. Watching the adorable little fairy penguins waddle up the beach, and through the native vegetation was incredible. They are so tiny and on the cuteness level, it's nothing short of overload. I do have one complaint and it's nothing to do with the organisation and running of the nightly parade. It's about the people attending - seriously how many times do you have to be told that no photos are allowed - and that means by mobile phones too. The penguins are shy and nervous and this is explained multiple times but some people think they are special and rules don't apply to them. Please don't be THAT person. Definitely a MUST SEE!!
Ruby Anderson-Joyce

Ruby

Oct 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Absolutely loved getting to see the penguins, and I appreciate the efforts the staff/rangers have made to keep the penguins safe. I do wonder if it would be beneficial to put up more signs along the path and at the beach about no phones or cameras. One or two signs at the entrance isn't enough, and I'm sure the staff/rangers have better things to do - like answering questions and supporting an enjoyable, safe night - than having to constantly tell patrons to put their phones away. I really reckon that more signs (maybe a handful with explanations of the importance of no phones/cameras) would go a long way in keeping the penguins safe. Thanks again for a wonderful night!
    • 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
    3,221 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.

    2K
    546
    207
    156
    271
    Guests from United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and over 10 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Susan Mary Blenkhorn

    Susan

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    We booked the Penguin Plus Experience We had brilliant comentary from Stan whilst waiting for the penguins to arrive When the rafts arrived with the penguins we watched as they toddled up the beach - Sometimes running back to the sea as if to get courage to come up. We marvelled as the penguins met their friends after spending up to 3 days fishing in solitude. This was done directly in front of us. Fantastic experience for my sister in law on her first visit to Australia at the age of 83. The Penguins were the only things on her bucket list. Her mother had also visited the penguins on her visit to Australia & that was the highlight of her mothers visit 30 years ago
    Ffion Lewis

    Ffion

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Great information centre. Love that the centre is still respectful of the penguins and their wellbeing e.g no photos. Sue was lovely & friendly and very knowledgable about the penguins. A great experience!
    Tavira Lee Cosslett

    Tavira

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    We loved seeing the penguins! It was such an amazing experience to see them so close as we walked up the boardwalk. I would highly recommend this experience!
    Jordan Nirens

    Jordan

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    3/5
    Cute penguins I also liked how some of the assistance was provided well when unforeseen circumstances occurred but other times incorrect info was provided
    Belinda MCLAREN

    Belinda

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The boatwalk over the nesting area were great. They enabled us to get a great view of chicks and parents returning as well as a bandicoot out and about

**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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