Penguin Parade Tours and Tickets

Q: Why is the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island famous?

The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is famous for its little penguins (also known as fairy or blue penguins), specifically their evening arrival from the ocean to their colony at Summerland Beach. There are platforms and boardwalks for an easy viewing experience of the world's largest little penguin colony.

Q: What time does the Penguin Parade start, and how long does it last?

The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island begins every evening at sunset and typically lasts around an hour. Look on the visitor center’s website for time estimates. You should arrive an hour early to get settled and not miss any of the action.

Q: Can I take photographs or videos during the Penguin Parade?

No, photography and videography are prohibited at the Penguin Parade in Phillip Island. Penguins can be sensitive to bright or unusual light. The visitor center at Philip Island aims to ensure that the penguin colony can and will continue.

Q: What is the best time of year to see the Penguin Parade?

While you can visit the Penguin Parade throughout the year, the best time to go is in the summer months of December to February. Not only does this time of year offer warm weather and later viewing hours, this is the season when you get to see baby penguins.

Q: Is there seating available at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?

Yes, seating is available at the Penguin Parade. Your choice of seating depends on the ticket you purchase. Seating options range from general viewing stands to up-close viewing platforms and underground viewing facilities. Seating options have limited capacity. If the general viewing stands are full, standing room is available.

Q: Can I bring food or drinks to the Penguin Parade?

While there are no restrictions on bringing food or drink to the Penguin Parade, you do need to be responsible for your trash. Offering food or drink to the animals is prohibited. You can buy food at the café and restaurant near the visitor center if you don't bring anything.

64 results

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Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

4.4

(721)

Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $108

Phillip Island: Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour w/ Island Pickup

4.7

(62)

Phillip Island: Golden Hour Penguin Express Tour w/ Island Pickup

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $94

Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

4.8

(926)

Phillip Island Penguins & Wildlife Day Tour from Melbourne

12 to 14 hoursFree Cancellation

from $112

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne

Maximize your time in Australia, and check off two of Victoria's top wildlife spectacles in just one day on this comprehensive tour. From Melbourne, head to the Nobbies to soak up views of Philip Island's south coast, and check out the colony of resident fur seals. Then, it's time to spot some of the area's cutest residents, little penguins (also known as "fairy penguins"). As the night rolls in, watch as hundreds waddle along the beach and head into their burrows.

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Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $98

Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

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Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $181

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

Discover the natural delights of Phillip Island with an eco-tour from Melbourne. See the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the beach and take some time to admire these historic landmarks. Head to the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park for an up-close encounter with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and other native Australian wildlife. Finish the day at a local beach where you can watch hundreds of some of the world's tiniest penguins waddle out of the ocean and across the sand to their burrows.

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4.9

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Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $127

Special Offer

Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

Combine visits to two prominent nature attractions outside Melbourne without having to organize your own transport with this full-day shared tour to Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula. Drive to the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park to see its broad range of Australian wildlife. Then head to Phillip Island for the evening penguin parade, stopping at several coastal spots along the way.

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4.8

(153)

Phillip Island Penguin Parade & Wildlife Tour from Melbourne

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$109

$115

Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

Take in the spectacular Phillip Island Penguin Parade as you watch the colony of Little Penguins crosses the shoreline from the ocean. Heading out to Penguin Parade, we begin our day at a Koala Reserve to meet some furry Australian favourites. Take a tour and get up close and personal with our native Australian wildlife. Travel to Phillip Island Nature Parks, known for its natural beauty, sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and unique wildlife experiences. The island is home to a colony of around 32,000 little penguins. Phillip Island Tour is one of the popular and must-watch tourist attractions in Victoria.

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Phillip Island Penguin and Koala Highlights Day-Trip from Melbourne

9 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $130

Likely to Sell Out

Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

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Puffing Billy And Phillip Island Penguin Parade Bus Tour

11 hoursFree Cancellation

from $173

Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

Travelers short on time can still experience one of Melbourne’s best day trips with this afternoon tour to Phillip Island. After a free morning, travel in the early afternoon to Phillip Island, with time for some sightseeing before watching the famous penguin parade at sunset. For people not sure what to do in the morning, you can choose to include a morning trip to ride the Puffing Billy steam train.

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Phillip Island & Penguin Parade Afternoon Eco Tour from Melbourne

8 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $112

Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour

Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Melbourne that combines two of Victoria’s most iconic experiences. Start your adventure with a nostalgic ride aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train, winding through the breathtaking Dandenong Ranges. After soaking in the beauty of lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash trees, head to Phillip Island for an awe-inspiring encounter with nature. Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade as hundreds of adorable little penguins make their way from the ocean to their sandy burrows at sunset—a truly magical and heartwarming experience you won’t want to miss!

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Puffing Billy Steam Train and Penguins Wildlife Tour

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $166

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small-Group with Lunch and Wine

Experience Phillip Island with locals, journeying from Melbourne for a full day of boutique wine, beachside charm, and native wildlife. You'll be able to indulge in wine tasting without worrying about driving, and discover hidden gems and secret beaches in Cowes that most visitors miss. You'll end at the world-famous Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach, where a general viewing ticket provides full immersion in this world-class wildlife experience.

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Phillip Island Penguin Parade Small-Group with Lunch and Wine

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $170

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne

Learn about Australia’s diverse wildlife on this full-day tour of Phillip Island from Melbourne, including round-trip transport. See native Aussie animals at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve. Then, take a tour of Phillip Island, visiting scenic lookouts and beaches. End the day watching the memorable sunset Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. A must-do tour for animal enthusiasts and families, without the hassle of self-driving.

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Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $130

Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Wildlife and Beach Boxes Bus Tour

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Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Wildlife and Beach Boxes Bus Tour

12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $112

Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour

Steam Train & Penguin Island Day Tour Experience a perfect blend of history, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery with our Steam Train & Penguin Island Day Tour. Start your adventure with a nostalgic steam train ride through lush Australian landscapes. Feel the excitement as you travel back in time, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Next, head to Penguin Island to witness the magical Penguin Parade. As the sun sets, watch hundreds of adorable little penguins waddle from the sea to their burrows, creating a truly unforgettable wildlife experience. Your expert guide will share fascinating facts about the penguins and their conservation. With comfortable air-conditioned transport, a guide, and Steam Train and Penguin Standard Viewing tickets included, this seamless tour offers the perfect day out for nature lovers and families. Book your Steam Train & Penguin Island Day Tour now for a memorable Australian adventure!

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Puffing Billy Train and Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour

11 to 12 hours

from $137

Phillip Island Wildlife Cruise and Penguin Tour from Melbourne

Phillip Island is a popular day trip from Melbourne, although the driving there and back, and working out how best to spend the day, can be a challenge. You don’t have to worry about either of those things on a small-group tour from Melbourne. On it, discover the wildlife around Phillip Island, from the Penguin Parade to a cruise in search of seals, and explore the island’s most scenic spots.

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Phillip Island Wildlife Cruise and Penguin Tour from Melbourne

13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $242

Likely to Sell Out

Melbourne Puffing Billy Penguin wine choc(16 max) Hotel Pick Up

8–11 AM departure (subject to Puffing Billy tickets). Exact time emailed by 9 PM 1 day prior. Extreme weather suspension of Puffing Billy: apply to platform for $60 refund; rest itinerary unchanged. Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery: Try handcrafted chocolates and ice creams for a sweet treat. Local Venue & Wine Tasting (Optional, Own Expense):; optionally pair with Yarra Valley’s cool-climate wines. Puffing Billy Vintage Steam Train: Ride the vintage narrow-gauge steam train through temperate rainforest. Maru Koala Park (Optional, Own Expense Subject to the schedule of the train, not guaranteed to go): Get close to Australia’s wildlife—kangaroos, koalas in eucalyptus trees, and unique native species. Penguin Parade: Watch the world’s smallest wild penguins return to nests, a magical day end.

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4.5

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Melbourne Puffing Billy Penguin wine choc(16 max) Hotel Pick Up

10 to 13 hoursFree Cancellation

from $187

Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne

Join us for an exciting adventure combining the Puffing Billy steam train with the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Ride the Puffing Billy steam train on a scenic journey through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, crossing the famous Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge. You can even dangle your legs over the open-sided carriages as you take in stunning views of fern gullies and tall mountain ash trees. At Lakeside, you’ll have time to explore the peaceful walking trails at Emerald Lake Park, relax by the lake, or grab a coffee at the café. After some free time in Melbourne, join the afternoon tour to Phillip Island. Take in breathtaking views from the Nobbies clifftop boardwalk before the Penguin Parade begins. Watch the little penguins come ashore and waddle across the beach to their burrows. You'll see these adorable penguins in action as they feed & socialise. This tour offers a fun and informative experience with expert guides in small groups of up to 24 guests.

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Puffing Billy Tour and Penguin Parade from Melbourne

14 to 17 hoursFree Cancellation

from $177

3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour

Join us for an exciting 3-day adventure, including a stunning Great Ocean Road tour, a memorable day at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade, and a complimentary city tour! Enjoy a personalised and informative experience with expert guides on small group tours of up to 24 guests, enhanced by a multilingual audio guide application available in 16 languages, including German, Italian, French, Russian, Spanish, and more.

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(37)

3 Day Combo: Great Ocean Road, Penguin Parade and FREE City Tour

3 daysFree Cancellation

from $242

Melbourne Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Parade Day Tour Escape

3.0

(4)

Melbourne Puffing Billy Train and Penguin Parade Day Tour Escape

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $134

Special Offer

Phillip Island Penguins and Moonlit Sanctuary Private Day Tour

What sets the Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour apart is the intimate and personalized experience of a small-group journey. Forget the crowds and rigid schedules of large Coaches. We prioritize your comfort and preferences, allowing for: Flexible Itinerary: Enjoy a relaxed pace with extra time at the stops you love most, including Brighton Beach Boxes, Moonlit Sanctuary, Cape Woolamai, Cowes, and The Nobbies. Direct Pick-up: Convenient door-to-door service from your Melbourne accommodation. Exclusive Moments: Travel in a smaller vehicle for a more personal connection with your guide, fewer crowds, and better photo opportunities. Stress-Free Experience: Moonlit Sanctuary and Penguin Parade tickets are included, so you can simply relax and enjoy the day without worrying about extra costs or pre-booking. Book with us for a truly memorable and personal encounter with Australia’s wildlife, beaches, and the unforgettable Penguin Parade at sunset.

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4.8

(4)

Phillip Island Penguins and Moonlit Sanctuary Private Day Tour

8 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$292

$308

Price varies by group size

Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

Get up close to Australia’s native wildlife on this memorable full-day tour of Phillip Island from Melbourne, including a handy hotel pick-up. See adorable koalas and wallabies at the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park on the Mornington Peninsula, spot Australia’s largest colony of fur seals at the Nobbies, and watch the sunset penguin parade along Phillip Island's coast. This small-group tour limits numbers to ensure a personalized experience.

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4.8

(703)

Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $178

Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

4.9

(24)

Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

9 to 11 hoursFree Cancellation

from $416

Price varies by group size

Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition

4.7

(37)

Phillip Island and French Island Wildlife Expedition

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $173

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What are people saying about Penguin Parade

Phillip Island Day Trip from Melbourne with Penguin Plus Viewing Platform

Antonia_W, Apr 2026

An amazing trip to Phillip Island!

A fantastic trip to Phillip Island! Our guide was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and the local area. The itinerary was very well organised. It was great to see the koala bears being looked after in the sanctuary and we even spotted a kookaburra! The penguin parade was amazing and it was wonderful to watch the penguins waddling out of the sea and into their burrows. A wonderful day trip from Melbourne!

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

Han_V, Mar 2026

Excellent tour for watching penguin parade

Amazing! We enjoyed not only the main activity (watching the penguin parade) but also the other parts of the tour. We were very impressed by Cloe, our tour guide. Her storytelling and presentation were clear and engaging. Although English is not our first language, we had almost no difficulty following her explanations and guidance. We were truly captivated by her agility, confidence, and energy.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Trip with Koalas from Melbourne

Sylvie_B, Oct 2023

To do but to fo go with our own foid

Koalas were amazing Too short time in penguin parade Was a mess to get dinner, too quick before to see penguins, much better when organized by tour operator Enthusiastic guide

Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

Thomas_M, Mar 2026

We had a great tour of...

We had a great tour of the Moonlit sanctuary and headed to the Penguin Parade. We were disappointed that we didn’t find out until 15 minutes before arriving at the Penguin Parade that photos of the penguins were not allowed. The description of the tour should mention this. Even some of the tourist photos show the penguins and those should be removed.

Full-Day Phillip Island Tour with Kangaroo, Koala and Penguin Parade

Rachel_K, Mar 2026

Great experience...

Great experience especially the visit to the Moonlit Sanctuary where we got to handfeed wallabies. The penguin parade was a bit dissapointing - only saw 7 penguins (too many people) and the weather was dismal. I think March may not be the best time to visit. Luke the tour guide was great though

Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne

Jackie_C, Mar 2026

A long day, but so worth it!!

Three days with Go West Tours and our guide Mike was amazing!! The Great Ocean road is not to be missed. So fun to drive and very scenic. The Penguin Parade is beyond cuteness. The Penguin Highway is a must see after dark!! Only suggestion is that the city tour should be moved to the first of the three days so you can figure out what you need to add to your agenda as a visitor to this great City of Melbourne. Certainly a lot to offer here and we ran out of time!!

Penguin Parade

5.0

(10,299)

Phillip Island

Know before you go

There's an admission fee to enter the viewing area, and advance bookings are essential. Children under 4 enter for free.
There's a visitor center, café, restrooms, and free parking at the Penguin Parade site.
Bring warm clothing as it can get chilly along the seafront at night, even in the summer.
In order to protect the penguins from flashes and lights, no photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade.
The Penguin Parade viewing areas and boardwalks are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Penguin Parade Tours and Tickets

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