Summerland Beach

Located on the Summerland Peninsula, Summerland Beach is one of Australia’s most popular beaches, with hundreds of people flocking to see the penguin parade and wildlife. This natural wonder gives you a glimpse into Australia’s amazing wildlife, including the Fairy Penguins, also known as little penguins, so it’s a must-see tourist attraction. Plus, Summerland Beach offers beach walks along kilometres of the beach Phillip Island is famous for, with views over Bass Strait and birdlife like the short-tailed shearwaters.

History

Summerland Beach has a rich history of conservation and wildlife preservation on Phillip Island. In the 1980s the penguin population was in decline due to human impact and invasive weeds. Action was taken and housing was phased out on the Summerland Peninsula, Crown Land was returned to nature and the ecological vegetation communities restored. Today wildlife is protected through land and habitat management, with nesting areas for species like the Hooded Plover and little penguins and the basalt boulder beaches along the coastline.

Things to Do

At Summerland Beach, you can enjoy a range of activities that showcase the island’s natural attractions. The main event is the Penguin Parade, where hundreds of people gather each evening to see the penguins come ashore from the sea to their burrows. Beyond the parade, visitors on a Phillip Island day tour can walk the trails that offer stunning views of Bass Strait and birdlife, including species protected by the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. The beach has wildlife in abundance, including marine and avian life, the famous Bird Colony Succulent Herbland, and unique plant species like Coast Tussockgrass. The nearby visitor centre is equipped with educational resources, guided tours, and information on Phillip Island’s conservation efforts so you can have a meaningful experience.

Beach Cafe

Just near the Penguin Parade viewing area, the Summerland Beach Café is a great place to sit and rest. You can grab a drink, snack or light meal and it’s a perfect spot to stop before or after the penguins. The café is very family friendly and a warm space for all ages to chill out. Plus, with its focus on environmental care, the café helps to reduce marine debris which is super important for the local bird life and the beach ecosystem.

Surfing on Bay Beach

While we’re famous for the penguins, Summerland Bay Beach is also a haven for surfers. The calm water near the shore turns into waves perfect for beginner surfing or for those who just want to chill out. Conditions sometimes suit keen surfers, and Summerland Bay Beach is an alternative to the busier beaches around Phillip Island. But surfers, please be mindful of the marine life and natural habitat and follow the guidelines to help protect the island and its birds.

The Penguin Parade at the Beach

The Penguin Parade is the best part of any visit to Summerland Beach. Every evening at sunset, Fairy Penguins come out of the ocean and march up the beach to their burrows. This is wildlife at its best and a great example of how Phillip Island manages its wildlife. Through good land management and controlled tourism, the parade is a sustainable and impactful attraction. The centre has high-quality and sensitive images for educational purposes, so you can take away a better understanding of the island’s efforts to reduce penguin mortalities.

Peninsula Beaches

Beyond Summerland Beach, the Summerland Peninsula is home to other famous beaches, such as Shelly Beach and the serene Balnarring Beach, located near Balnarring Beach Rd. Each beach has unique characteristics, from basalt boulder beaches to calm waters, offering visitors more areas to explore Phillip Island’s coastline. These beaches are ideal for family-friendly activities, like light swimming or lakeside relaxation, and they are also home to fantastic bird populations. Whether it’s beachcombing, surfing, or observing the ecological wonders of Phillip Island, the beaches around the Summerland Peninsula add a layer of adventure to any visit.

Getting to Beach

Getting to Summerland Beach is easy. There are multiple options to suit everyone. From Melbourne, it’s about a 90-minute drive, with clear signs to the Summerland Peninsula and the Penguin Parade. If you’re using public transport, buses and trains go to nearby towns on the island, but a car is the most convenient and direct way to the beach. There’s plenty of parking near the famous tourist attraction. Paths lead to the viewing platforms and the visitor centre. Accessible and family-friendly, Summerland Beach is easy to get to for anyone who wants to have a wildlife experience to remember.