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Penguin Parade Nature & adventure

Our most recommended Penguin Parade Nature & adventure

Phillip Island: Penguin Parade General Viewing Entry Ticket

1. Phillip Island: 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 Entry with Return Transfers

4. From Melbourne: Penguin Parade Entry with Return Transfers

Spend the day exploring Phillip Island and Brighton Beach on this day trip from Melbourne. See native wildlife at the Wildlife 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 Phillip Island Wildlife Park. Here you can see over 100 species of Australian animals who live on the 60-acre 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.

Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

6. 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.

From Melbourne: Phillip Island Eco Wildlife Tour

7. 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: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Full-Day Tour

8. From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Full-Day Tour

Visit Phillip Island on this one-day tour starting from Melbourne city. Pass by San Remo, and then head to Cowes town for some free time before going to Phillip Island to watch the penguins return to their nests. Start from your meeting point in Melbourne City. Meet your driver and hop into the air-conditioned coach to begin your day trip. Relax on the coach and marvel at the views from the windows. On the way, the coach will make a stop for you to admire the views of San Remo. Capture photos of the only bridge connecting Phillip Island to Victoria and then cross over it. Continue to Cowes, the main town on Phillip Island. Soak up the seaside vibe and enjoy some free time for dinner or exploring the town. Finally, make your way to the Penguin Parade with your guide. Penguin Parade is the largest wild penguin protection base in the world, with more than 30,000 penguins living on Phillip Island. After sunset, watch as the world's smallest fairy penguins fight in the waves, their mouths are full of food to be brought back to the nest. See the penguins swim back to the shore and waddle in line back to their nests. Under the guidance of management staff, you and passengers from all over the world will sit in turn on the open-air observation deck built along the coast, waiting for the penguins to return to their nests. After this incredible experience, return to the coach to begin the journey back to Melbourne.

Phillip Island: Penguins, Kangaroos, and Koalas

9. Phillip Island: Penguins, Kangaroos, and Koalas

Take a full-day tour to Phillip Island from Melbourne and spend an afternoon and evening surrounded by an array of wildlife, including Australia's largest fur seal colony, cuddly koalas, and more. Explore the Koala Conservation Center and learn the importance of the conservation work done by Phillip Island Nature Parks in protecting this island haven and the biodiversity of Victoria. View the spectacular coastal scenery at the Nobbies, 2 rocky outcrops abundant in marine life. From the walkways, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of Australia's largest population of fur seals along the rugged coastline. Browse the educational Phillip Island Visitors Information Centre to learn about the little penguins of the stunning island.  Then, watch the lovable birds as they battle the surf and waddle their way to their dune burrows. Hear about the environmental and conservation methods that are initiated to ensure the wildlife and vulnerable geology of Phillip Island remain protected. Stay to see the penguins as they return to their nests from their daily fishing expeditions and greet their young families back onshore. Marvel at the powerful coastline of the Southern Ocean, with its clean, sandy beaches and rocky shores. During the summer season, there will be time for dinner at the seaside town of Cowes or the Penguin Parade Café before returning to Melbourne. 

Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

10. Melbourne: French and Phillip Island Wildlife Expedition

Start off your journey with a short ferry crossing across Western Port Bay to French Island. Cruise over the crystal-blue sea, taking in views of the picturesque scenery along the way. Arrive on French Island, a hidden treasure of wilderness and where your guided 4WD tour will take place. Buzz around the island as your guide shares knowledge of the surrounding environment. Admire the koalas and the vast array of wildlife that inhabits the island. Stop for a lunch or afternoon tea at a local farm gate (seasonal), experiencing how locals live. Travel then by ferry across Western Port Bay to one of Australia's most amazing locations, Phillip Island, which is world-renowned and locally loved. Explore this magical place, home to some of the greatest surf conditions, amazing beaches, native Australian wildlife, and the world-famous motorbike circuit. Set off then on a short adventure to Point Grant, known by the locals as Nobbies. Marvel at the remarkable natural sights and discover the home to a seal colony, dramatic sea bluffs, and panoramic ocean views. To finish off the journey, get up close and personal with some cute little penguins and listen to expert ranger commentary on the lives of these delightful creatures at the Penguin Parade.

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What people are saying about Penguin Parade

Overall rating

3.9 / 5

based on 37 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