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Experience the best of 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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Slide 1 of 11, Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.
Penguins walking on the beach at Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • 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.

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.

  • 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.

from
AU$34
Slide 1 of 10, Penguins walking on the beach at dusk during the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island.
Penguins walking on the beach at dusk during the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island.

Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve & Churchill Island

Extended validity
1 more

  • 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.

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.

from
AU$58.50
Slide 1 of 11, Boardwalk overlooking ocean at sunset on Phillip Island.
Boardwalk overlooking ocean at sunset on Phillip Island.

From Melbourne: Half/Full-Day Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade

10 hrs
1 more

  • 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.

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.

from
AU$155
Slide 1 of 9, Boat near rugged coastline and penguins on sandy beach, Phillip Island, Australia.
Boat near rugged coastline and penguins on sandy beach, Phillip Island, Australia.

Combo: Cape Woolamai Morning Cruise + Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • 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.

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.

from
AU$83
Slide 1 of 17, Puffing Billy steam train crossing a trestle bridge in lush forest, Melbourne.
Puffing Billy steam train crossing a trestle bridge in lush forest, Melbourne.

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

11 hrs
3 more

  • 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.

  • 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 pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point.

  • Did you know? Puffing Billy is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, operating since 1900.

More details

  • 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.

  • 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 pick-up and drop-off from the meeting point.

  • Did you know? Puffing Billy is one of the world’s best-preserved heritage steam railways, operating since 1900.

from
AU$195
Slide 1 of 15, Colorful beach huts on Brighton Beach, part of the Phillip Island Tour.
Colorful beach huts on Brighton Beach, part of the Phillip Island Tour.

From Melbourne: Brighton Beach, Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade

10 hrs
2 more

  • 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.

from
AU$175
Slide 1 of 10, Colorful Brighton Beach Boxes lined up on sandy beach, Melbourne, Australia.
Colorful Brighton Beach Boxes lined up on sandy beach, Melbourne, Australia.

From Melbourne: Full-Day Guided Tour of Phillip Island Wildlife with Penguin Parade & Brighton Beach Boxes

12 hrs
2 more

  • 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!

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!

from Original priceAU$159
AU$139.92

12% off

Slide 1 of 12, Visitors interacting with a horse at Churchill Island farm.
Visitors interacting with a horse at Churchill Island farm.

Churchill Island Tickets & Optional Entry to Phillip Island Nature Parks

Explore at your pace

  • Enjoy entry to Churchill Island, a historic heritage farm with 19th-century buildings, scenic gardens, and daily farming demonstrations.

  • Opt for the 3 Parks Pass to experience three of Phillip Island’s top attractions with one convenient ticket.

  • Witness the famous Penguin Parade from the general viewing platform at Phillip Island National Park as little penguins return to shore at sunset.

  • Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve and stroll treetop boardwalks for up-close views of koalas in their natural habitat.

  • Upgrade to the Penguins Plus option for a premium viewing experience from a limited-capacity platform right next to the penguins’ main pathway.

  • Choose the Underground Viewing upgrade to watch the penguins at eye level from a weatherproof indoor space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

  • Make the most of your visit with flexible options to customize your penguin parade experience for comfort and the best views.

More details

  • Enjoy entry to Churchill Island, a historic heritage farm with 19th-century buildings, scenic gardens, and daily farming demonstrations.

  • Opt for the 3 Parks Pass to experience three of Phillip Island’s top attractions with one convenient ticket.

  • Witness the famous Penguin Parade from the general viewing platform at Phillip Island National Park as little penguins return to shore at sunset.

  • Visit the Koala Conservation Reserve and stroll treetop boardwalks for up-close views of koalas in their natural habitat.

  • Upgrade to the Penguins Plus option for a premium viewing experience from a limited-capacity platform right next to the penguins’ main pathway.

  • Choose the Underground Viewing upgrade to watch the penguins at eye level from a weatherproof indoor space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

  • Make the most of your visit with flexible options to customize your penguin parade experience for comfort and the best views.

from
AU$17.50
Slide 1 of 9, Tour boat near seals and penguins on a beach, wildlife excursion.
Tour boat near seals and penguins on a beach, wildlife excursion.

Combo (Save 5%): Seal Watching Afternoon Cruise + Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Explore at your pace

  • Experience the thrill of cruising to Seal Rocks, home to over 7,000 Australian Fur Seals, from adorable pups to impressive adult bulls.

  • Enjoy educational commentary on board while sipping a hot beverage and indulging in delicious cake as you spot seabirds and dolphins.

  • Witness the magical Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, creating a heartwarming spectacle for wildlife lovers of all ages.

  • Upgrade your experience with the 3 Parks Pass to encounter koalas and enjoy traditional sheep-shearing at Churchill Island.

  • The Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks can dive over 200 meters deep in search of fish. They can hold their breath underwater longer than we can!

More details

  • Experience the thrill of cruising to Seal Rocks, home to over 7,000 Australian Fur Seals, from adorable pups to impressive adult bulls.

  • Enjoy educational commentary on board while sipping a hot beverage and indulging in delicious cake as you spot seabirds and dolphins.

  • Witness the magical Penguin Parade as little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, creating a heartwarming spectacle for wildlife lovers of all ages.

  • Upgrade your experience with the 3 Parks Pass to encounter koalas and enjoy traditional sheep-shearing at Churchill Island.

  • The Australian Fur Seals at Seal Rocks can dive over 200 meters deep in search of fish. They can hold their breath underwater longer than we can!

from Original priceAU$149
AU$141.55

5% off

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Children between the ages of 4 and 15 years can get discounted tickets to the Penguin Parade; infants aged 3 years and below can enter for free. Make sure to select a ticket for the exact number of people (including children) who will be attending the parade so seats are reserved accordingly.

Choose between three ticket options for your Penguin Parade visit: Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets, Phillip Island 3 Parks Pass, and the Half-Day or Full-Day Phillip Island Guided Tour from Melbourne. Each ticket type will give you general viewing access by default, but feel free to upgrade your viewing option depending on your preference.

The general viewing option is your default option and will give you direct views of the penguins emerging from the sea and beginning their waddle to the caves. Fair warning: this section does not have the best lighting and can get crowded during peak season.

The underground viewing option offers an eye-level view of the penguins as they march toward their burrows on the famous Penguin Highway’. This is a covered viewing spot with a lower pax limit, making it great for the winter months when the nights are colder. You also get detailed audio commentary in this section.

Penguins Plus viewing is an open-air viewing platform located right at the juncture between the beach and the cove where the penguins have their burrows. You get 360-degree views of the parade, excellent lighting, and close-up views of the penguins as they make their way home. This is a wonderful option for people who can splurge on seats.

Go for the standard Penguin Parade tickets if you have a limited budget and are coming to Phillip Island to see the Little Penguins. Although, you will need to arrange transportation to and from the island.

The 3 Parks Pass is great for folks who want to explore Phillip Island entirely. Apart from the great value, you can visit the Koala Conservation, Churchill Island, and the Penguin Parade all in one day or space it out at your convenience. You will need to arrange for transportation, as return transfers are not included in your ticket.

Take a guided tour from Melbourne if you want the luxury of a guided tour of Phillip Island, return transfers to the city, and an AC coach. These tickets are great for folks traveling in a group or with kids.

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.

Did you know?

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

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What our guests say

Lyla M

Australia
Couple
Last week
Very easy entry as we just had to show our pre-bought tickets, great service from staff, excellent view and experience as well!

Combo: Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower + Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets

Ong S

Singapore
Solo
Last week
I only needed to show my QR code to the ticket counter to redeemmmy ticket. The view from Melbourne Skydeck was simply breathtaking as you get to see a really wide view of Melbourne!

Combo: Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower + Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets

Sue M

United States
Solo
2 weeks ago
I had a great time. Loved the Koalas best. The wee penguins were quite slow coming out of the sea, but did get to see several of the dapper little birds. Scenery was spectacular, too.

From Melbourne: Half/Full-Day Phillip Island Day Trip with Penguin Parade

Tafydd B

United Kingdom
Group
2 weeks ago
Seeing the penguins doing their parade. This was the highlight of the trip and was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.

From Melbourne: Full-Day Guided Tour of Phillip Island Wildlife with Penguin Parade & Brighton Beach Boxes

Gisele D

Australia
Family
2 weeks ago
A great experience for the whole family. With a great value for money we could visit 3 different attractions. They were all nature related. Being a homeschool family we value the natural interactions. It was a wonderful experience, easy to access all the attractions and an opportunity for bonding and learning together.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Andrew M

Australia
Couple
3 weeks ago
Sitting on the sand by the wild Bass Strait, wind in our faces, we waited patiently as the sun set. And then magically, in small groups of 6-10 the fairy penguins emerged from the surf and began there long slow waddle up the beach, into the dunes, to the safety of their burrows. A wonderful nature experience at Philip Island, very well managed and highly recommended.

Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets

Peter M

Australia
Couple
Sep 2026

+2 more

Tom made the day so fantastic and we couldn't recommend anyone higher for your first experience out to Phillip Island. The knowledge he passed on, the little jokes he made here and there made the day so memorable. To top it all off, Tom essentially dropped everyone back to their hotel so no one had to walk far at night time. Thank you Tom.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Afternoon Guided Tour

Mr Gavin O

Australia
Couple
Jul 2026
It was a great day with a very good tour guide name Vance. We loved it, thank you very much cheers, Jane and Gavin O'Brien

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Train Ride & Phillip Island Guided Tour

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