Heading to Phillip Island to see the famous Penguin Parade is one of Australia’s top wildlife experiences. Only 2 hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island has cute fairy penguins and so much more. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to plan your Phillip Island Penguin Parade trip, including itineraries, when to go and what to pack.
Why Phillip Island is the best for Penguin Viewing
Phillip Island is famous for its natural beauty and wildlife. One of the top attractions is the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour at Summerland Beach, where hundreds of fairy penguins (the smallest penguin species) emerge from the ocean and make their way to their burrows. It’s a magic experience, and the Phillip Island Nature Park has designed the viewing area to be both penguin-friendly and visitor-friendly.
But Phillip Island has so much more than just penguin viewing. Whether it’s a scenic drive through Cape Woolamai, visiting the famous Seal Rocks (home to one of the largest seal colonies) or walking through the giant gum trees at the Koala Conservation Centre, there are heaps for nature lovers. Families will also love the Koala Conservation Reserve, Maru Koala and Animal Park and all the outdoor activities the island has to offer.
If you want to stay a bit longer the island has plenty of accommodation options like Wyndham Phillip Island and Phillip Island Apartments both close to the main attractions.
Phillip Island Itinerary
Phillip Island has so much to see and do, so you can easily stay for 3-5 days or pack in a day trip from Melbourne. Here are some itineraries for different types of travellers.
Itinerary 1: 2-Day Adventure on Phillip Island
Day 1: Nature and Wildlife Encounters
- Drive from Melbourne along the Mornington Peninsula and stop at Brighton Beach to take some snaps of the bathing boxes.
- Once on Phillip Island, head to the Koala Conservation Centre. Walk along the treetop boardwalks and get up close and personal with the koalas in their natural habitat.
- Next, visit Churchill Island, a heritage farm and conservation area where you can see traditional farming techniques and beautiful gardens.
- Lunchtime, drive to San Remo and eat by the beach, maybe at Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar. A great spot for families to chill out.
- In the afternoon, visit Seal Rocks to see the largest fur seal colony in Australia. The viewing platform has great views of the seals on the rocks and the sound of the waves crashing.
- Finish the day at the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory for a tour and tastings.
- End the day with the highlight of the day – the Phillip Island Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. Check the penguin arrival time and event time at the visitor centre so you get there with plenty of time. For a better view book an underground viewing or Penguin Plus seating. No flash photography please, it disturbs the penguins.
Day 2: More of Phillip Island’s Outdoor Attractions
- Start the day with a sunrise hike at Cape Woolamai. This rugged coastal walk has the best views in the area and takes you through a unique ecosystem with native flora and fauna. The walk ends at one of the island’s beautiful beaches.
- After your walk, head to Maru Koala and Animal Park for interactive experiences with native wildlife, including hand-feeding kangaroos and emus. Don’t forget to take a photo with a koala!
- In the afternoon, chill out at Oak Tree Lodge or drive to Moonlit Sanctuary to see Australia’s nocturnal animals in action.
- Finish the day with dinner at Beach HQ Restaurant, our recommended spot. A great place to unwind after a day of exploring with beautiful city views over the water.
Itinerary 2: Family Fun Day Trip from Melbourne
Phillip Island is the perfect day trip from Melbourne. Whether you want family fun, an outdoor adventure or a relaxing escape the island has it all.
- Morning: Depart Melbourne and first stop at Marlin Beachfront for a quiet walk along the beach.
- Late Morning: Arrive at Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park for some fun with the kids. The park has playgrounds, BBQs and plenty of space for kids to run around.
- Lunch: Drive to San Remo for lunch at a local café with ocean views.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Phillip Island Nature Park, where you can visit Seal Rocks and stroll along the treetop boardwalk at the Koala Conservation Centre. This is perfect for those who want to get up close to native wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Evening: Finish off your day trip with the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Check the time stamps for event time to catch the best view as the penguins come ashore. Recommended to arrive early to get the best up close viewing.
Best Time to Visit and How to Make the Most of Your Trip
The Phillip Island Penguine tour is every evening at Summerland Beach, but the penguin arrival time varies depending on the season. Summer (December to February) is peak season, and the crowds are big, so booking in advance is essential to get a spot. Winter (June to August) is quieter, but you may need extra layers as the wind off the coast can be cold.
Booking the right tickets in advance makes all the difference. Whether it’s the Penguin Plus seating or the underground viewing, these exclusive areas get you closer to the action while respecting the penguins natural habitat. For those who want a bit more comfort some venues also have heated seating areas and ranger guided tours to make the experience even better.
Phillip Island Packing List
When packing for Phillip Island, make sure you’re prepared for changing weather and outdoor activities:
- Warm Layers: Even in summer, the ocean breeze can be chilly in the evening.
- Waterproof Gear: Rain can pop up at any time, especially in winter.
- Comfortable Shoes: You’ll need these for walking on the coastal drives, treetop boardwalks, and the hikes around Cape Woolamai.
- Binoculars: You’ll get a great view of the penguins during the Penguin Parade, and binoculars will make your wildlife viewing at Seal Rocks even better.
- Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: The sun in Australia can be strong even when it seems cool. Make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the environment.
Other Must-See and Hidden Gems
While the Penguin Parade is the main event, Phillip Island tour has so much more to offer. Here are some other things to add to your itinerary:
- A Maze’N Things: Great for families, this weird and wonderful attraction is full of optical illusions, mazes and puzzles.
- Phillip Island Chocolate Factory: A sweet treat for all ages, chocolate-making Phillip Island tours and tastings.
- Healesville Sanctuary: Not on the island but if you’re heading back to Melbourne this is a great stop. Here you’ll find all sorts of Australian animals including wombats, platypus and eagles.
- Langham Melbourne: If you want to indulge in some luxury before or after your Phillip Island visit the Langham Melbourne has city limits views and is the perfect place to unwind after an adventure.
FAQ
How do I get to Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is 2 hours from Melbourne. You can rent a car or join a guided day trip from the city. The coastal drive along the Mornington Peninsula is beautiful and offers stunning ocean views.
What time do the Penguins come out?
Penguins come ashore at Summerland Beach at sunset. The exact time can vary, so check the visitor centre or website for the day’s event time. Get there early to get a good spot.
Are there other wildlife experiences on Phillip Island?
Yes! Besides the Penguin Parade you can visit the Koala Conservation Centre for koala spotting, Seal Rocks to see seals and Maru Koala and Animal Park for interactive wildlife encounters.
Can I take photos during the Penguin Parade?
Flash photography is not allowed during the Penguin Parade to not disturb the penguins. Non flash photography is allowed in some areas. Always check the photography policy for the best wildlife experience.
Where to stay?
Wyndham Phillip Island is for families, and Oak Tree Lodge is for peace and quiet. For the full island experience, stay at Phillip Island Apartments or Phillip Island Park Lane Holiday Park if you’re bringing kids.
