Phillip Island is the proud home of the largest Little Penguin colony in the world, and you can experience the magic of these incredible seabirds as they waddle from the ocean to their burrows every night of the year.
The penguin parade offers a wide variety of activities suitable for all ages, including tiered seating in general viewing grandstands, underground viewing, and ranger-guided tours. Visitors can also get up close and personal with the penguins in the Penguins Plus grandstand or embark on an Ultimate Adventure Tour for a secluded beach experience. The ranger-led Family Wildlife Tour is perfect for families and starts with a talk about the wildlife of the area. The visitor center opens daily a couple of hours before sunset and is accessible for people of all abilities with wide pathways, ramps, and accessible-height ticketing counters.
Most of our Phillip Island day tour from Melbourne inclue a visit to the Penguin Parade.
Penguin Viewing Options
General Viewing
Take in the stunning views from our tiered seating in the general viewing grandstands overlooking Summerlands Beach.
Penguins Plus
Get up close and personal with the Little Penguins from the comfort of our special Penguins Plus grandstand.
Underground Viewing
Go underground and watch the Little Penguins waddle right past the window in this unique viewing experience.
Guided Ranger Tour
Join a ranger guide for an informative journey through the penguin colony, complete with personal headsets for commentary.
The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre opens daily at 5pm, and the Little Penguins arrive at sunset each evening. It is recommended that you arrive about an hour before sunset for general and Penguins Plus viewing, and 30 minutes before for underground viewing. Ranger-guided tours have specific departure times, so be sure to check your tickets.
Location
Phillip Island is located a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, with free parking on site. Public transport options are limited, with the V-line bus going to the main town of Cowes from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Taxis and tours are available.
Wheely Friendly
The Penguin Parade offers accessible facilities for visitors of all abilities, including wide pathways, ramp access, and a complimentary wheelchair for use inside the visitor center.
