Penguins can be viewed at sunset. To see what time that may be during your visit, please check our penguin calendar.
We suggest you arrive one hour before the penguins to give yourself a chance to have a look at the interactive displays in our visitor centre, grab a meal at the Boardwalk Cafe, and make your way to your seats at the beach.
Is the Penguin Parade suitable for children?
Seeing the penguins come home at night is a great experience for all ages. We have child tickets for those aged 4-15, inclusive. Children under 4 can enter for free and do not require a ticket. Our boardwalks offer easy pram access. As the penguins arrive at sunset, it's an earlier night for children when it's not daylight savings time.
We also offer great value family tickets (2 adults and 2 children between 4 and 15), and family orientated tours.
Is the Penguin Parade an “all weather” event?
The penguins don’t mind getting wet! You can see penguins all year round, regardless of the weather. The parade is outside, so pack a rain coat or umbrella if rain is predicted.
What should I bring to the Penguin Parade?
The Penguin Parade is at sunset and outside. We suggest you bring warm clothes and a rain coat if it looks like rain. A rug to lay on the bleachers is also handy. Please note – unfortunately cameras or camcorders cannot be used at the Penguin Parade.
Why can’t I take photos at the Penguin Parade?
Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. Unfortunately our rangers cannot tell who will use flash and who won’t until after the damage has been done. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you to keep you cameras or camcorders away at the Penguin Parade.
Where does the money go from Penguin Parade and other paid tickets?
Phillip Island Nature Parks is a not-for-profit organisation. All revenue from ticket sales is reinvested into our conservation, research, education, wildlife rescue and environment activities. We thank you for your support. You're helping keep the wildlife of the island safe and cared for.
Is there somewhere to eat at various Phillip Island attractions?
Each of our attractions has a café on site serving coffee, snacks, drinks and full meals.
Can I stay inside Phillip Island Nature Parks?
No camping is permitted at any of our venues, including beaches managed by the Nature Parks. Please visit www.visitphillipisland.com <http://www.visitphillipisland.com>; for a list of accommodation options close by on Phillip Island.
Do I need my own transport on Phillip Island?
Public transport does not operate between our parks. If you do not have your own transport, we recommend taking a day tour.
Phillip Island Nature Parks works with all day tour operators for large and small group touring. Contact details for these operators can be found online or by visiting or contacting the Melbourne Visitor Information Centre located at Federation Square in Melbourne on +61 3 9658 9658.
Please note that the public transport V-line bus that travels between Melbourne and Phillip Island does not operate after the Penguin Parade. The V-line bus travels in a direct route and does not stop at the Nature Parks attractons. If you require overnight accommodation visit the Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre website.
Allow at least an hour at the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, or at the Nobbies Centre, and two hours at the Penguin Parade.
Daily Farming Activities on Churchill Island Heritage Farm:
11:00am Cow milking
2:10pm Cow milking
2:30pm Blacksmithing
3:00pm Working Dogs
3:15pm Sheep Shearing
3:30pm Whip Cracking and Boomerang Throwing
When booking a 3 Parks Pass you need to nominate a night you wish to visit the Penguin Parade (dates are non-transferable and tickets non-refundable). The Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island Heritage Farm portion of your ticket are valid for six months, so why not relax and spend a night or two on the Island?
Travelling with a GPS?! The Penguin Parade is located at 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands 3922.
The Koala Conservation Centre is located at 1810 Phillip Island Tourist Road, Cowes 3922.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm is located on Churchill Island, which is accessible by a free all-vehicle land bridge from Phillip Island. The turnoff to Churchill Island is on the right just past the bridge (from San Remo) and Visitor Information Centre on Phillip Island.
The Nobbies/Seal Rocks is located five minutes beyond the Penguin Parade. All our attractions are well signposted.
How can I redeem my discount coupon?
Discount coupons, including Entertainment Vouchers, cannot be redeemed online. Please call +61 3 5951 2830 to make a booking using your coupon.
What time are you open?
The Penguin Parade visitor centre and cafe are open 10am daily, 2pm on Christmas Day.
