Get combo tickets to the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island, and Koala Conservation Reserve. Explore Phillip Island Nature Parks on an eco tour, and see little penguins, koalas, possums, wallabies, Australian fur seals, bats, and so much more! Do not miss it!
| Ticket type | E-ticket (direct entry) |
| Attraction type | Ecology & conservation |
| Tour types | None |
Penguins will arrive at the coast by sunset. Please arrive an hour before showtime to exchange your voucher for your ticket
The Penguin Parade ticket is only valid on the selected date; please ensure that the Penguin Parade is available on your selected date
Beach access doors will open approximately 1 hour prior to the penguin arrival time
Penguin Parade duration is 50 minutes from the time the first penguin crosses the beach
No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade
Churchill Island Heritage Farm and Koala Conservation Reserve tickets are valid within 6 months after redemption
Please note that the distance between each attraction is around 10–20 mins by car; travelers are advised to arrange their itinerary accordingly
Penguin numbers and arrival times will vary with the life-cycle activity and weather.
Estimated penguin arrival times (for reference only): January: 8:45 pm, February: 8:30 pm, March: 8:00 pm, April: 7:00 pm (Daylight Saving Time) / 6:00 pm (Non-Daylight Saving Time), May: 5:30 pm, June: 5:15 pm, July: 5:45 pm, August: 6:00 pm, September: 6:15 pm, October: 6:45 pm (Non-Daylight Saving Time) / 7:45 pm (Daylight Saving Time), November: 8:15 pm, December: 8:30 pm
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
Monday 17:00–21:00
Tuesday 17:00–21:00
Wednesday 17:00–21:00
Thursday 17:00–21:00
Friday 17:00–21:00
Saturday 17:00–21:00
Sunday 17:00–21:00
Monday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Tuesday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Wednesday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Thursday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Friday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Saturday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Sunday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:30)
Monday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:45)
Tuesday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:45)
Wednesday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:45)
Thursday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:45)
Friday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:45)
Saturday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:45)
Sunday 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry Time: 16:45)
Penguin Parade
Antarctic Journey
Nobbies Centre
Phillip Island Nature Parks offers various ticket options to suit different interests. You can purchase individual tickets for specific attractions like the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Reserve, or Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Combo tickets are also available, providing access to multiple parks, often at a convenient combined rate. These tickets allow you to explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of the island.
The best time to see the penguins at the Penguin Parade is at sunset, as this is when they waddle ashore after a day of fishing. Sunset times vary throughout the year, so it's advisable to check the official Penguin Parade website for the specific penguin arrival time on your chosen date. Arriving an hour before sunset allows you ample time to find a good viewing spot and explore the visitor centre.
Reaching the Penguin Parade without a car requires some planning. Public transport directly to the parade is limited. However, you can book a tour that includes transfers from Melbourne, which often provides direct transportation to the Penguin Parade and other Phillip Island attractions. Alternatively, taxis and local shuttle services are available on Phillip Island, though booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
While the main Penguin Parade is a ticketed event, there are a few areas on Phillip Island where you might spot penguins for free, although sightings are not guaranteed and should always be done respectfully from a distance. The Nobbies Centre offers boardwalks with views of the rocky coastline where Australian fur seals often gather, and occasionally, little penguins might be seen in the water or near their burrows at dusk. Please maintain a safe distance and do not disturb wildlife.
Phillip Island Nature Parks offers diverse wildlife encounters. At the Penguin Parade, you can witness thousands of little penguins return to their burrows at sunset. The Koala Conservation Reserve provides elevated boardwalks for close-up views of koalas in their natural habitat. Churchill Island Heritage Farm features historical buildings and farm animals, while the coastal areas are home to wallabies, possums, and various bird species. The Nobbies provides opportunities to see Australian fur seals.
The Penguin Parade offers several distinct viewing experiences. The General Viewing area provides tiered seating for a panoramic view of the penguins. For a closer experience, Penguins Plus offers seating on a premium platform closer to the penguins' main thoroughfare. Underground Viewing allows you to observe penguins through a window at ground level. There are also guided ranger tours for an even more in-depth experience and insights into penguin conservation.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm offers a glimpse into traditional Australian farm life with daily farming demonstrations like sheep shearing, cow milking, and working dog displays. You can also explore historical buildings and gardens. At the Koala Conservation Reserve, visitors walk along elevated boardwalks through eucalyptus woodlands to observe koalas at eye-level in their natural environment. The reserve also provides habitat for wallabies and various native birds.
Public transport options for traveling between the different attractions within Phillip Island Nature Parks are limited. While there are some local bus services on Phillip Island, they generally do not connect all the park sites directly or frequently enough for convenient touring. Many visitors opt for private car hire, tour buses that include transfers between sites, or taxis to easily access places like the Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island, and the Penguin Parade.