Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Entry
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August 2026
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Highlighted reviews
A beautiful experience.
We loved the penguin parade. They are so cute coming out of the water. Theres also lots of penguins to see on the land and in their burrows. There's a licensed restaurant at the venue so you can have dinner before it starts. Would also recommend driving to Nobbie's lookout before you get there. Theres lots of wildlife about so drive carefully, and pay attention to where you park as its dark when you leave.
Penguin Parade and Churchill Island activities were great.
Penguin Parade and Churchill Island activities were great. The Antarctic Journey was not really impressing. Bought 2 tickets but only received 1 by email. I had to ask the counter to check my ticket by providing the agent reference number. It was a little bit inconvenient though.
What you can expect
Watch Little Penguins dash across the sand at sunset with a visit to the Penguin Parade. The explore the boardwalks after dark to see, smell and hear Little Penguins in the colony returning home to their burrows, greeting neighbours and their chicks. While you’re here, make sure you keep an eye out for other local residents including Swamp Wallabies, Eastern Barred Bandicoots, Cape Barren Geese and Short-tailed Shearwaters.
Every visit to the Penguin Parade protects nature for wildlife. It means the Nature Parks rangers can revegetate and maintain Little Penguin habitat for penguins and visitors to enjoy.
You can choose from two viewing options at the Penguin Parade. Penguins Plus provides a more intimate experience with a smaller capacity and located right beside our main penguin highway from the ocean. General Viewing has excellent views of the Little Penguins waddling up the beach and into the colony.
Location
What you need to know
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade general viewing
- Transfer from Melbourne
- Watch the penguins emerge from the waves then waddle across the sand to the safety of their burrows.
- Support conservation, education, and research projects on Phillip Island with every visit.
- Penguins arrive at sunset every night of the year. We suggest you arrive one hour before the penguin's arrival time
- The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre currently opens daily at 12 pm.
- Christmas Day open from 2 pm to close.
- January 8:45pm
- February 8:30pm
- March 8:00pm
- April 7:00pm (DST)
- April 6:00pm (NON DST)
- May 5:30pm
- June 5:15pm
- July 5:45pm
- August 6:00pm
- September 6:15pm
- October 6:45pm (non DST)
- October 7:45pm (DST)
- November 8:15pm
- December 8:30pm
- Children under 4 years old can travel free of charge but do need a ticket to manage Penguin Parade capacity
- Please allow extra travel time if visiting from mid-December to late January, during Long Weekends, School Holidays or other peak periods as traffic can get very busy.
- Change your booking up to 7 days before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 7 days of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a ticket voucher will be received at time of booking. Your ticket will be sent to your email inbox once received by Phillip Island Nature Parks booking team.
- Upon completion of purchase, please present e-ticket on arrival
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- If for any reason, the dates you have selected are unavailable, you will be contacted by Experience Oz customer service staff within 48 hours of your booking
Recent reviews
Photo gallery
A beautiful experience.
We loved the penguin parade. They are so cute coming out of the water. Theres also lots of penguins to see on the land and in their burrows. There's a licensed restaurant at the venue so you can have dinner before it starts. Would also recommend driving to Nobbie's lookout before you get there. Theres lots of wildlife about so drive carefully, and pay attention to where you park as its dark when you leave.
Got teary watching the penguins coming back to their nests.
It's amazing how everything's set up to protect them from invasive species (foxes) and human development. 100% recommended. Facilities before entering the beach is surprisingly modern and clean and offer plenty of amenities. Parking's not too difficult as long as you're not late.
Nice little walk and a very different experience of seeing penguins very close
Great experience with a very good price. Thanks to Experience Oz for discounted prices. I wasn’t expecting hundreds of people in the evening and raining. It’s a must-go place, a bit busy and hard to find a place if you are late...
