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Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade: Our most recommended tours and activities

Penguin Parade: General Viewing Entry Ticket

1. Penguin Parade: General Viewing Entry Ticket

Discover the magic of watching penguins in their natural environment with this general viewing entry ticket to the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island. With general admission, enjoy tiered seating from grandstands that overlook the picturesque Summerlands Beach where the penguins make their daily march to their burrows.  Arrive an hour before sunset and find out more about these creatures at the visitor center. Have the chance to see them come right up to the window to say hello. Hungry visitors can visit the onsite café serving coffee, snacks, drinks, and full meals.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

2. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade and Koalas Tour

Discover the beauty of the volcanic formations at Nobbies National Park on this day trip from Melbourne in an air-conditioned coach. Experience local wildlife with a guided tour of the Phillip Island Koala Reserve and entry to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Depart Melbourne and travel to Phillip Island to watch the smallest penguin species in the world waddle up the beach at sunset. Before you get to the Island, stop at Phillip Island Koala Reserve where you will experience a ranger-led tour through the koalas' native habitat. Meet the koalas face-to-face on the spectacular tree-top boardwalk. Upon arrival at Phillip Island, visit the Cape Woolamai and Woolamai Beach. Let the sand flow through your toes as you stroll along the pristine beach and watch the local surfers carve the often monstrous waves. Then, journey to the far western end of the Island to view the extinct volcano remains of The Nobbies. Venture onto the boardwalks to explore the beautiful coastline. If you're lucky you may even see some little penguins in their burrows or huddling under the platforms. Experience the highlight of the day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Go to the award-winning visitors center before making your way to the shoreline. As the sun sets to the west the little penguins will begin their dangerous journey across the yellow sands of Summerland Beach. Gathering in groups at the waters edge, watch as they waddle to the safety of the sand dunes. Once there, large numbers gather for one big penguin social evening. Listen as they "huk" to one another and slowly make their way to their burrows for the evening. A truly spectacular experience not to be missed!

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

3. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour

Discover some of Australia's most well-loved creatures on a bus tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island to see the beloved Penguin Parade. See the best of Victoria’s nature and wildlife at the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, getting up close to its animals and learning about them. During the day, get up-close-and-personal with the friendly residents of the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, have your photo taken with a koala, and learn about the conservation of these lovable native animals. While at the sanctuary, see some lesser known, but equally adorable, endangered species, including the Southern Bettong, Eastern Quolls and rare Fluffy Gliders. Visit the stunning Cape Woolamai surf beach (time permitting) and the Nobbies before arriving at Summerland Beach for the nightly Penguin Parade. Home to Victoria’s largest colony of little penguins, Summerland Beach provides a spectacular backdrop to the world famous Penguin Parade. Watch as hundreds of little penguins make their way across the beach and through the sand dunes to their burrows. Come and enjoy the beauty and native wildlife of Phillip Island and make this a journey to remember.

From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

4. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Maru Koala and Animal Park and coastal views at Brighton Beach, Nobbies Boardwalk, and Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Start the day by being picked up by an air-conditioned vehicle and head to Brighton Beach. Explore the area and take photos of the iconic Brighton beach boxes. From here, you can also see views of the Melbourne skyline. Next is a visit to Maru Koala and Animal Park. Here you can see a variety of species of Australian animals who live on the property. There will be time to purchase lunch here before driving to the next location. Stop at Nobbies Tourist and Information Center to learn about Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Then walk along Nobbies Boardwalk and enjoy coastal views. After a relaxing walk along Nobbies Boardwalk, visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Purchase dinner before watching the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way across the sand to their burrows. From here, head back to Melbourne and be dropped off at your accommodation.

Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

5. Melbourne: Phillip Island Tour & Penguin Parade

Experience a day of Australian animals and nature on this guided day trip from Melbourne. Begin your animal adventure with hotel pickup and a trip to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park. Experience up-close encounters with kangaroos, wombats and echidnas in this unique habitat. Next, it's time for Phillip Island. Witness the waves and die-hard surfers of Woolamai Surf Beach, then journey to the dramatic west coast and the dramatic scenery of the Nobbies. Enjoy the commentary and learning about the scenery from your expert, local guide. Finally, settle into your seat on a beachside protective platform for the famous Penguin Parade. Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle out onto the beach in this adorable natural spectacular.

From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

6. From Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Penguin Parade Combo Tour

Enjoy two top experiences with this day trip from Melbourne. Travel from Belgrave to Emerald lake onboard the nostalgic Puffing Billy Railway steam train and be mesmerized by waddling sea birds at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.  Be picked up from a central Melbourne CBD location and travel in air-conditioned comfort to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Hop onboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train for a ride from Belgrave to Emerald through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. Stop at Emerald Lake where you can take a leisurely walk around the picturesque Emerald Lake and have the opportunity topurchase your own lunch at a charming local eatery. Stop at the The Nobbies Lookout and visit the Nobbies Tourist Information Centre to find out about the Nobbies Blowhole and Seal Rock precinct. Take pictures of glorious views of the Nobbies and Seal Rock region from this spectacular lookout. Walk the boardwalk with ocean views to the Nobbies blowhole and Seal Rock and enjoy the stunning surroundings. Head off to watch the penguins emerge from the rolling waves and make their way home into their burrows at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Buy a nice dinner at the Penguin Parade while you watch these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Return to Melbourne CBD with unforgettable memories at the end of your tour.

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

7. Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

Admire the rich diversity of Australia's wildlife on a guided bus tour to Phillip Island Nature Parks from Melbourne. Continue to Philip Island to watch the Penguin Parade and relax on the shores of Woolamai Beach. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in central Melbourne and hop aboard an airconditioned bus. Relax on your journey out through the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne to the small country town of Tooradin. Continue above the top of Westernport Bay and stop at Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Get up close to local koalas in their natural bushland habitat. Take a short drive to Phillip Island to enjoy sweeping views of Cape Woolamai and Woolamai surf beach. Walk along the beach, dip your feet in the cool water, or unwind on the beach. Make your way to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Take in views on the far western end of the island of Australia's stunning and dynamic coastline. See the remains of an ancient volcano called The Nobbies. Go along the coastline looking for wallabies in the wild on the way to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Settle yourself into the little penguin’s environment as you watch them come ashore for the night, waddling next to and underneath the boardwalks. Return to your accommodation at the end of your tour.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade: 4 Parks Pass

8. Phillip Island Penguin Parade: 4 Parks Pass

Explore 4 of Phillip Island’s top attractions with a flexible pass, including the famous Penguin Parade at sunset. Located just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers an abundance of Australian wildlife, spectacular scenery and exciting experiences to enjoy. Make your own way to and around the island to explore at your own pace. You can experience all 4 attractions in a single day, or visit within 6 months to enjoy them at leisure. Take a walk on the wild side and see wild little penguins at the Penguin Parade just before sunset. Marvel as the world’s smallest penguin species emerge from the ocean after a day of fishing and waddle up the beach at Australia's largest penguin colony. Come face-to-face with marsupials at the Koala Conservation Reserve, and wander the tree-top boardwalks and extensive trails through the Australian bush. Travel back in time at the site of the first European farm in Victoria at Churchill Island Heritage Farm, where you can watch sheep shearing and herding demonstrations and take a stroll in the fragrant cottage gardens. Go on a virtual trip to the world's most extreme continent at the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre and feel the freeze at hands-on multimedia displays! 

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour

9. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour

This tour departs from Melbourne and includes the very best of the region’s wildlife. Journey to the city’s most colourful attraction, the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, for an opportunity to visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Take a guided tour of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and get an opportunity to interact with and learn about an array of Australian animals. Hand feed the kangaroos, emus, and wallabies and learn about the numerous breeding programs undertaken here to preserve many endangered native species including Tasmanian Devils, Spotted Quolls, and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats. Afterward, enjoy a visit to Point Grant and The Nobbies, taking in the views of Westernport Bay, Bass Strait, and Seal Rocks, home to Australia’s largest fur seal population. Finally, it's time for the main event. As the sun goes down each evening, the world’s smallest penguins come ashore after fishing out at sea all day. Your guide will help you get the best seats possible so you'll have a great view of the Penguin Parade.

From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

10. From Melbourne: Penguins and Wildlife Nature Day Tour

This small group day tour departing from Melbourne will take you to some of the most popular nature spots in the region, including Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, The Nobbies boardwalk, and the world-famous Penguin Parade. At Moonlit Sanctuary, you'll get to encounter famous Australian wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles, Tasmanian Devils, and of course, Koalas! You may even have the opportunity to get up close to a Koala or wallaby. *Small fee applies At The Nobbies, you can explore the boardwalks and enjoy panoramic coastal views of Bass Strait, stroll along the clifftop boardwalks with views out to the Nobbies and Seal Rocks. You'll be able to take in an array of stunning sights as you explore the boardwalks, and if you're lucky, you might even see the blowhole in action! Experience the amazing sight of little penguins waddling home from the ocean to their burrows at Phillip Island. Home to the largest little penguin colony in the world, you can watch these amazing seabirds every night of the year from our viewing platforms and boardwalks. As darkness falls, see the little penguins dash across the sand to their nests. Then explore the boardwalks and discover these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. You might see them greeting their neighbours, mating, or caring for their chicks. While you're on your wildlife adventure, keep an eye out for other resident animals including swamp wallabies, Eastern barred bandicoots, Cape Barren geese, and short-tailed shearwaters This is a truly unique opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and wildlife!

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What people are saying about Penguin Parade

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 377 reviews

A long day with varied activities and stops along the way. Recommend upgrading to Penguin Plus or underground viewing (was booked out and not an option for us) as crowds can be large in General Viewing area during peak times. Still had a lot of fun. Bus ride very comfortable, great host. Maybe research food / dining options on Cowes before the trip (where we were dropped off for dinner).

I had an amazing time looking at the koalas, wallabies and penguins. The guide was amazing: she was super nice, she knew everything about the place, and gave lots of interesting details. I totally recommend it.

I greatly recommend this tour of Brighton beach, the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, and the penguin parade. Very well organised, well structured day, and we had an absolutely amazing tour guide!

Amazing night in penguins plus seating! Wallabies, bandicoots and penguins! Friendly and helpful staff. Great experience

Did not need to get there at 6.30 7.30 would have been better