Phillip Island Penguin Parade Entry Tickets

The parade begins after dark when the penguins emerge from the sea, and the timing changes through the year. In summer (December to February), it can be as late as around 9 pm. In winter (June to August), it is as early as around 5:30 to 6 pm. Check the Phillip Island Nature Parks website or your ticket for the current expected time on your visit date.

The Penguin Parade takes place at Summerland Beach on the southern tip of Phillip Island in Victoria, approximately 140 km from Melbourne. By car, take the South Gippsland Highway and the Bass Highway to the island and follow signs for the Penguin Parade. There are coach tours from Melbourne that include the parade.

Little penguins, also called fairy penguins, are the smallest of the world's 18 penguin species. They grow to around 33 cm tall and weigh approximately 1 kg. The colony at Summerland Beach numbers several thousand birds who spend their days at sea and return each night to sleep in their burrows. They have lived on Phillip Island for thousands of years.

Photography and video are strictly prohibited during the penguin parade itself. Flash photography in particular is harmful to the penguins and disrupts their navigation. Some Visitor Centre areas and the general outdoor areas allow photography during the day. Photography is not permitted on the beach or viewing platforms after dark.

The standard ticket includes grandstand seating on tiered stands above the beach. Upgrades include the Discovery Ranger Experience on elevated platforms with guided commentary, and the Underground Viewing option which places visitors at ground level behind glass as the penguins walk past. The underground option is the most immersive experience.

Bring warm layers regardless of season, as evenings on Phillip Island are cool even in summer with the sea breeze. Comfortable shoes are important as there is some walking across the site. Flash photography equipment must be left in your vehicle. The Visitor Centre café is open before the parade for food and drinks.

Yes. The Penguin Parade is one of Australia's most popular family experiences and children respond particularly well to the nightly show. Younger children may need to be held or seated on a lap in the grandstands on cold evenings. The interactive visitor centre is also designed to engage children with penguin biology.

Allow approximately 3 to 4 hours from arrival at the Visitor Centre to departure after the parade ends. The parade itself lasts 30 to 60 minutes from when the first penguins emerge to when the main group has crossed the beach. Most visitors arrive around an hour before the scheduled parade time to explore the Visitor Centre.