Phillip Island Penguin Tour

Join us for a sunset symphony of wildlife wonder on our Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tour from Melbourne.

This unforgettable adventure brings you close to some of Australia’s most loved native animals, from adorable little penguins waddling home across the moonlit sand to sleepy koalas resting among eucalyptus trees.

Along the way, enjoy the rugged beauty of Phillip Island, where coastal views, crashing waves, and wild landscapes create the perfect backdrop for a magical evening of nature and wildlife.

You’ll also learn about the island’s unique ecosystem and the important conservation work helping protect its penguins, seals, koalas, and other native species for future generations.

DEPARTS

11:45 am

RETURNS

9:30 pm

Days

PRICE from

$180 AUD

Operates

MON, TUE, WED, THU, FRI, SAT, SUN

Touring Route

Trip Style

Original

Language

Multilingual

Age Restriction

No age restrictions

Group Size

Max 38 people

Highlights

Witness hundreds of the world’s smallest penguins come ashore at sunset
Sunset at the Penguin Parade with spectacular coastal views from Summerland Beach
Visit Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve and stroll along the boardwalk trails
Explore The Nobbies Center at Seal Rocks, with spectacular clifftop views. *The boardwalks are open while the Nobbies Centre is closed for works.
Discover the majestic coastline and natural beauty of Phillip Island
A family-friendly Australian wildlife discovery experience

Trip Inclusions

Penguin Parade general viewing entry
Admission into the Koala Conservation Reserve
World-class wildlife encounter up close
Onboard WiFi and USB charging ports
Hosted by an experienced driver guide
Comprehensive local and entertaining tour commentary
Modern air-conditioned comfortable coach travel, reclining seats and spacious legroom
Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points available, for additional locations call our reservations team
Multilingual translation app available in 20 languages, including 10 with full audio + text support. Please note: personal headphones are required and are not supplied onboard.

What to Bring

Weather-appropriate clothing
Your sense of adventure
Waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker
Water bottle
Comfortable hiking shoes (closed-toe)
Warm clothing as sunset is on the beach, exposed to the elements
Money for snacks and meals
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat

Gallery

Google & TripAdvisor Reviews

Autopia Tours

4.8

Based on 9939 reviews

Review Us

We did the Phillip Island tour and it was amazing. Our tour guide Ilkay was first class. He was knowledgeable, warm and funny. The visit to the koala centre was fantastic and we got to see many koalas but the highlight certainly is the penguin centre. Ilkay gave us tips on where best to sit and then where to go to give us maximum viewing time with the penguins.It's a shame most people who visit can't abide by the rules set and not use their phones. 90% of people took photos even when asked not to. The centre should provide more stewards to police this.But overall, it's a fantastic tour!
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Jamie
10/16/2026

Lovely visit to the koala sanctuary and Philip Island to see the Penguin parade! Our guide Craig was fantastic, knowledge and funny. The bus itself was comfortable, and had in seat phone charging.
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David Russo
10/14/2026

Excellent, Craig the tour guide was a funny fella + Birds always great. We did the penguin parade
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Michal Pionka
10/14/2026
Awesome trip. Our guide was Craig who was humour and knowledgeable. Whole flow was very well planned out. Saw penguins up close. Would recommend .
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Sophie Kate
10/14/2026

I used Autopia for the penguin parade excursion and was really impressed with the guide, who also was the driver, Kiwi. He was very knowledgeable about the animals, history and was enthusiastic. Great tour; highly recommend.
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Alayne Hartranft
10/12/2026

Kiwi Chris was a great guide and driver. He was very knowledgeable about the Australian wildlife and it's history.. kiwi Chris reminded us several times to dress warmly for the penguin parade exhibition as it gets quite chilly after the sun sets.
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Kate Peacock
10/12/2026
Fiona was so lovely and we had the absolute best time! The koalas were just adorable and the penguin parade was extraordinary - so magical walking alongside these little treasures :’) we saw wallabies too which was a great plus! Fiona had great guidance for us on how to have the best time and get the most of our experience! I also so appreciated how the places we went were so conservation focused and prioritized the safety and protection of the animals. Comfy bus and free WiFi too!
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Michelle Olson
10/06/2026

Thanks Fiona for an amazing trip to the penguins. Your knowledge and advise was excellent to have a great time.
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karen john
10/06/2026

Absolutely awesome day with Autopia Tours to Phillip Island! Fiona was a fantastic guide, friendly, knowledgeable, funny and made the whole trip enjoyable from start to finish. Seeing the koalas up close was brilliant, and finishing the day with the Penguin Parade was something really special. 🐨🐧Fiona kept us entertained and informed throughout the journey and made sure everything ran smoothly. A fantastic way to experience Phillip Island without having to worry about driving or organising anything yourself.Highly recommend Autopia Tours, and if you get Fiona as your guide, you’re in great hands! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Lindsay John
10/06/2026
We had such an amazing tour with Vicky!! The koalas and penguins were like nothing I’ve ever experienced. Thank you Vicky!!
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Monica McKitterick-Smith
7/09/2026

Had an awesome time visiting Phillips Island with Fiona as my tour guide!
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infuse10
7/06/2026

Great company to deal with. We did the Phillip Island penguin parade tour in July 2026. Joel was fantastic. The weather performed for us as did the penguins.Great day.
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Bryan Cossart
7/01/2026
Review for the Penguin Parade in Phillip Island:Gorgeous and magical wildlife experience from the moment we met Fiona and hopped on the bus until the end of our trip. The views, the wildlife, the information provided made us connect with nature in a way we weren't expecting. If you are a nature lover and wildlife advocate, you will be very pleased with the tour as animal conservation education is a big part of your day. We spotted countless of animals such as koalas, wallabies, cape barren geese, and of course the main attraction which were the incredible little penguins. In addition, if you are a little scaredy cat like me, just know that the bus is comfortable and spacious, and Fiona's driving skills will make you feel right at home. We are very lucky and grateful to have had such an awesome day. You will not regret it! 💌
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Andrea Efres
6/30/2026

We did the Phillip Island Penguin Parade with Fiona and she was a true ray of sunshine, you could tell that Autopia finds people that are passionate about what they do. Also the penguins were adorable! 5 star guide and 5 star experience
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Jake Goldberg
6/30/2026

I went to Phillip Island with them.Nice service!
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Aly Danilo
6/28/2026

Trip Itinerary

Tour Details

*This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, departure times may change throughout the year to maximise the sunset experience.

Tour code: PI-B
Operates: Daily
Departs: 13:45pm (Oct to Mar) / 11:45am (Apr to Sep)
Returns: 23:45pm (Oct to Mar) / 21:45pm (Apr to Sep)
Duration: 9.5 hours
World-class wildlife encounter
Penguin Parade general viewing entry
Koala Conservation Reserve entry
Hosted by an experienced driver guide
Selected Melbourne inner-city pick-up/drop-off points
Travel in Style and comfort onboard our new fleet of vehicles
Audio translation services available in 10 languages

Melbourne to Phillip Island

Experience one of Australia’s most spectacular wildlife events as hundreds of tiny penguins waddle ashore at Phillip Island.

Australian Wildlife and Coastal Scenery

This unforgettable tour brings you close to unique Australian wildlife while showcasing the island’s breathtaking coastal scenery, rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems.

Koala Conservation Reserve

Our wildlife adventure begins at the Phillip Island Koala Conservation Reserve, the perfect first stop for animal lovers.

Stroll along picturesque boardwalk trails through natural woodlands and keep your eyes peeled for koalas resting in the eucalyptus trees.

Food and Refreshment Options

Meals are not included, but guests can purchase food and refreshments in Cowes or at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, helping support the local island economy.

The Nobbies and Rugged Coastline

Continue to The Nobbies, located at the western end of Phillip Island, where dramatic sea views and rocky coastal landscapes create a stunning photo stop.

Seals, Wallabies and Native Birds

Keep an eye out for the Australian fur seal colony basking offshore, along with wild wallabies and native birds during the back road journey across the island.

Penguin Parade Visitor Centre

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre at Summerland Beach is one of the world’s most fascinating ecotourism attractions.

Explore engaging exhibits and informative displays that share the story of little penguins, local wildlife, and important conservation work.

Little Penguins at Sunset

As the sun sets, witness the magical moment when the world’s tiniest penguins, known as Little Penguins, emerge from the waves and waddle ashore.

Watching these adorable creatures return home after a day at sea is a heartwarming wildlife experience you won’t soon forget.

Things to know before you travel!

What is a suitable age for this tour?

Child fare prices apply from 0 to 12 years old. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed. We are not obligated by regulations to provide child safety seats. Please note our vehicles do not have the storage to accommodate prams or strollers, these must be left at your hotel or accommodation.

How much luggage can I bring on tour?

We ask that guests travelling on day trips bring small day packs and hand luggage only as we have limited storage onboard our vehicles. Suitcases and large backpacks must be put in storage at your hotel or bus station lockers prior to boarding our vehicles.

How many people are on this tour?

We operate this tour with an average of 35 people onboard, our fleet consists mainly of 28-seater or 38-seater Yutong Coaches. These vehicles are designed for safety & comfortable on long journeys (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views and USB charging ports. It is possible that the trip will be conducted in a larger vehicle on rare occasions, based on demand.

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

A low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary.

What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?

What time do the penguins arrive?

Every day of the year, penguins arrive at sunset. Check our penguin arrival calendar to find out what time that is during your visit. We suggest you arrive one hour before the penguins start arriving so you can explore the visitor center displays, and grab a meal at the cafe, before heading down to the beach for the parade.

Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?

No photography or filming is permitted at the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you not to use your cameras, camcorders, or camera phones at the Penguin Parade. Rangers will be onsite to ensure people adhere to this request.

Are there bathroom breaks?

Yes, regular stops are made throughout the day with access to restrooms.

What is the best way to book Phillip Island tours?

Yes! Phillip Island offers many attractions and nature parks where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature and make unforgettable memories while travelling in comfort and enjoying commentary from an informative tour guide.

Is a tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island worth it?

When is the best time to visit Phillip Island Nature Parks?

You can visit Phillip Island Nature Parks all year round, but the optimum time to visit is in the summer when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

How much does it cost to see the penguins on Phillip Island?

Our main tour price includes General Viewing at the Penguin Parade, any update or exclusive viewing areas will vary in price and subject to availability at the time of booking as the capacity of tickets available are limited.

What viewing upgrades are available for the Penguin Parade?

General Viewing (PI-B) – Enjoy tiered seating in our general viewing grandstands overlooking the picturesque Summerlands Beach. Limited seating If you are visiting in December or January, please arrive at recommended times shown on tickets as seats are limited and not guaranteed. Standing space is available.
Penguins Premium Viewing (PI-B-PD) – Discover little penguins in their natural habitat with this premium beachfront viewing experience. This experience will guide you along a secluded boardwalk and immerse you in the Penguin Parade colony. Minimum age 12 years. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Penguins Plus Platform (PI-B-PP) – The Penguins Plus viewing platform is a joint venture between Phillip Island Nature Parks and the RACV, and offers our visitors great views of Summerland Beach, along with up-close viewing of the little penguins as they waddle along the most popular pathway at the Penguin Parade. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Penguins Underground Viewing (PI-B-UV) – Experience what it’s like to peer out from a burrow, in the Underground Viewing experience. You’ll be protected from the elements and get the best eye-level view of little penguins waddling right by the 25-metre viewing window as they make their way along the popular ‘penguin highway’. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can wheelchair users access Phillip Island tours?

Our buses are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, dedicated floor space, adjustable restraint systems or safe spaces for mobility aids, prams or pushchairs. If you have a folding wheelchair and can board our vehicles without assistance, please call to check wheelchair dimensions and inclusion in the itinerary.

Can I see the koala sanctuary and penguin parade in one day?

Yes, it is possible to visit the koala reserve and penguin parade on a daily basis and they are both included in our Phillip Island day tours. Both are located on Phillip Island, a short drive from each other.

Where is Phillip Island located?

Phillip Island is located about 90 minutes (140 km) southeast of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

What is the Penguin Parade?

It’s a nightly event where Little Penguins (the world’s smallest) return to shore after fishing at sea.

How long does the Penguin Parade last?

The entire experience is about 1.5 to 2 hours, including time to get seated, watch the parade, and visit exhibits.

Is the Penguin Parade suitable for kids?

Absolutely! It’s very family-friendly, with educational exhibits and facilities.

What should I wear to the Penguin Parade?

Warm clothing—even in summer, it can get cold and windy in the evening.

Are food and drinks available at the Penguin Parade?

Yes, there’s a café and gift shop on-site.

What time do we return to Melbourne after the Penguin Parade?

Tours typically return between 9.30 PM (Winter) and 11.30 PM (Summer), depending on sunset time and traffic

How long does the day tour to Phillip Island take from Melbourne?

Most day tours run for approximately 9–12 hours, depending on traffic and season, departing Melbourne around 13.45pm in summer and around 11.45am in winter and returning late at night after the Penguin Parade.

How many penguins can I expect to see?

Numbers vary, but typically hundreds of Little Penguins return each night, especially in breeding season (Sep–Mar).

Is seating provided at the viewing area?

Yes, there is tiered seating at the General Viewing area and premium seats for Penguins Plus.

What is the Koala Conservation Reserve?

It’s a protected area where you can walk

Route details

Where to meet

Our central meeting point for this tour will be the Immigration Museum (east-side), 400 Flinders St, corner of Market St, Melbourne @ 11:45AM (winter) / 13:45PM (summer).

Winter|Summer

11:05 | 13:05 – Pegasus Apartments Hotel – 206 A’Beckett St Melbourne
11:08 | 13:08 – Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane – 388 Lonsdale St Melbourne
11:10 | 13:10 – Melbourne Marriott Hotel – Cnr Exhibition St Lonsdale St Melbourne
11:15 | 13:15 – Space Hotel – 380 Russell St Melbourne
11:20 | 13:20 – Grand Hyatt Melbourne – Russell St entrance Melbourne
11:25 | 13:25 – Windsor Hotel – 111 Spring St Melbourne
11:30 | 13:30 – Adina Apartment Hotel – 189 Queen St Melbourne
11:35 | 13:35 – The Savoy Hotel – 630 Little Collins St Melbourne
11:40 | 13:40 – The Great Southern Hotel Melbourne – 44 Spencer St Melbourne
11:45 | 13:45 – Immigration Museum – 400 Flinders St corner of Market St Melbourne
11:50 | 13:50 – Mercure Melbourne Southbank – 9 Riverside Quay Southbank
This tour is affected by daylight savings hours, and departure time changes to maximize the sunset experience.

07 Apr 2024 – 05 Oct 2024 winter @ 11:45am
06 Oct 2024 – 05 Apr 2025 summer @ 13:45pm
06 Apr 2025 – 04 Oct 2025 winter @ 11:45am
05 Oct 2025 – 04 Apr 2026 summer @ 13:45pm
Please arrive 5-10 mins prior to your nominated pickup time so as not to delay or miss your tour.

Our commitment

At Autopia Tours, we actively promote the protection of flora and fauna on our Melbourne Tours. It is our duty to ensure there is minimal disturbance to this World Heritage Listed region and the species that call it home. Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional owners should also be shown at all times.

Part of our responsibility is educating guests on minimal impact practices and the importance of ensuring the safety of wildlife and the environmental sustainability of the destinations we visit.

Learn more about EcoTourism: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/

Traditional Owners

Autopia Tours would like to begin by paying our respects to the traditional owners of this country, with specific acknowledgement to the Wurundjeri people. Please be conscious and respectful of the sensitivities of indigenous culture and the spiritual connection they have with the land at all times.

Wildlife Encounters

The natural behaviours of wildlife are to be respected and not interfered with. When viewing wildlife, people should take care to avoid rapid or sudden movements, which could frighten the animal, and should keep noise to a minimum and refrain from touching, petting or feeding all wildlife including birds. Contact with people can introduce diseases to wildlife and can cause them to become aggressive.

Wildlife should not be handled or fed, unless by certified wildlife handlers. Feeding wildlife can alter their natural foraging behaviour and can lead to disease or illness through contact with people and the introduction of foods that are harmful to their digestive system. Feeding wildlife can also cause them to become aggressive toward people.

Wildlife that appears to be in distress, injured or in danger should be reported immediately to the appropriate authority, such as your Guide/Tour Leader, a National Park Ranger or Visitor Centre Staff.

Protecting our National Parks

People should remain on designated walking tracks, behind safety barriers/fences and follow all directions given by the guide/tour leader. Venturing off these can alter fragile ecosystems and can harm wildlife shelters and native vegetation. There are other dangers to be aware of too, such as cliff edges, unstable rock formations, overhanging tree branches and slippery ground cover. Remaining on tracks ensures safe visitation for guests and the environment.

No flora or fauna should be removed from their natural setting. This includes dead wood, fallen leaves, flowers and so forth, as they form part of the ecosystem of the region and their removal could cause a disturbance.

Waste Management

All buses are fitted with waste bins. No organic waste should be disposed of onto the ground. Although organic, items such as banana peels, apple cores, bread and other food scraps, are not natural/native to the region and can introduce pest species, diseases or harm to wildlife if found and eaten. We recommend all passengers bring a water bottle with you on our Grampians Tour. Purchasing bottled water contributes large amounts of plastic into the landfill. Therefore, we ask guests to bring their own bottle, as there is access to water refill stations available on our vehicles. Please ensure you stay hydrated throughout the tour to reduce the risk of sun exposure and dehydration.

First Aid

All our guides carry a current Level 2 First Aid certificate. Please report any accident or illness to your tour guide. We recommend anyone with an existing medical condition to carry their medication with them on tour and to notify their tour guide at the beginning of the tour.

If you are a smoker! We ask you to refrain from smoking whilst in the company of other passengers and limit it to designated smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles, or in any type of accommodation including permanent campsites. We make frequent ‘comfort stops’ to allow free time for guests but cannot guaranteed smoke breaks. Please ensure you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly and appropriately.

Know before you book

What is a suitable age for this tour?

What time do the penguins arrive?

Can I take photos at the Penguin Parade?

How much luggage can I bring on tour?

How fit do I need to be for this tour?

A low level of fitness is required to complete the walks on this tour itinerary.

How many people are on this tour?

We operate this tour with an average of 35 people onboard, our fleet consists of mainly 28-seater or 38-seater Yutong Coaches. These vehicles are designed for safe & comfortable on long journeys (air-conditioned), with large passenger windows for unobstructed views and USB charging ports. It is possible that the trip will be conducted in a larger vehicle on rare occasions, based on demand.

What happens if it rains, will the tour proceed?

In the event of rain or inclement weather, your travel experience will still go ahead, unless contacted by the provider. This tour would only be cancelled in extreme weather conditions, whereby it’s not safe to travel on Phillip Island. The Penguin Parade is at sunset and outside, we highly recommend bringing all-weather clothing on this tour as temperatures can be cool and windy in the evenings.

Safe Travel Statement

For your safety, we have implemented comprehensive hygiene measures and increased regular sanitation. For more information click here.

Booking terms

Our Contract

All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962).
By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
Your booking is considered confirmed upon receipt of your booking confirmation
and/or invoice.

These Terms & Conditions are valid from 1 August 2025 until 31 March 2027,
though dates and itineraries remain subject to change at any time.

Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries

All bookings must be confirmed within 72 hours of departure via email to

[email protected]

Before You Book

Please ensure you:

Understand the style, itinerary and physical demands of your chosen tour.
Familiarise yourself with these Terms & Conditions and tour details.
Disclose any medical conditions, dietary requirements or special needs.

We are not responsible for passengers who fail to review this information
prior to travel.

Traveller Responsibilities

Travellers are required to comply with all relevant government regulations
(Federal, State and Territory).
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
In exceptional cases (e.g. serious medical issues, visa denials,
or regulatory changes), requests may be considered with supporting
documentation. Approval is not guaranteed.
To ensure the safety of all passengers, if you are feeling unwell during
your tour, you must notify your guide immediately.
If you choose to leave a tour early or join after it has commenced,
no refund will be provided and any additional costs incurred due to
late arrival or early departure remain your responsibility.

Traveller Information

To confirm your booking, you must provide:

Full name and contact details.
Email address and dietary restrictions (if applicable).
Nationality, country of origin or Australian postcode.
Pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your travel.
For Comfort Style Tours including domestic flight,
passport details (or government-issued photo ID
for Australian citizens) are required.
Failure to provide this may result in missed flights
and additional costs.

Please see our Privacy Policy for information
on how we manage your personal data.

Special Requirements

Please advise us at the time of booking or no later
than 7 days before departure of any:

Medical conditions.
Dietary requirements / food allergies.
Mobility or accessibility needs.

We will do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee
all requests, especially in remote regions.
We recommend bringing your own snacks for special dietary needs.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all travellers obtain
comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking.

Insurance should include cover for:

Medical emergencies and repatriation
(recommended minimum AUD $300,000
or USD $200,000).
Personal accident, illness, loss of property and liability.
Tour cancellation, flight delays and force majeure disruption.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all Comfort Style Tours.
Proof of cover will be requested before departure.
If you do not provide adequate cover,
you may be refused travel and cancellation fees will apply.

If relying on credit card insurance,
please bring policy number,
insurer’s name and emergency contact details.

Check Availability & Book Now!

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FAQ

What is the best way to book Phillip Island tours?

Is a tour from Melbourne to Phillip Island worth it?

When is the best time to visit Phillip Island Nature Parks?

You can visit Phillip Island Nature Parks all year round, but the optimum time to visit is in the summer when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Can I take photos of the penguins during the tour?

No photography or videography is allowed on the Penguin Parade. Penguins have sensitive eyes, and a bright sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorient a penguin. To ensure that penguins continue to return to this special area, we ask that you do not use cameras, video cameras or camera phones in the Penguin Parade. Rangers will ensure that people comply with this request.

How much does it cost to see the penguins on Phillip Island?

A general close-up viewing ticket for the Penguin Parade is included in the tour price. Add the Penguin Plus Viewing for a closer view for only $60.

Can wheelchair users access Phillip Island tours?

Can I see the koala sanctuary and penguin parade in one day?

Can you advise on where to stay on Phillip Island?

There are various accommodation options on Phillip Island to suit all tastes and budgets. Island Accommodation offers luxury accommodation with excellent facilities. Families and groups often choose self-contained apartments or holiday homes such as Philip Island Apartments. Genesta House Bed and Breakfast offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere for a more intimate stay. Camping and caravan sites are also available for outdoor enthusiasts.