Book Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets
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Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade Tickets
- Treat your eyes to the magical sight of little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk in the world-famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island.
- Home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia, Phillip Island is located just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
- Take your kids along and let them learn about wildlife and nature while watching the cute, pint-sized penguins scurry about.
- Choose to enjoy your parade viewing time on the General Platform, the tiered seating, through an Underground Platform, on a ranger-guided tour, or on a secluded beach!
Inclusions
Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Penguin Parade viewing from the General Viewing Platform
Penguin Parade Penguins Plus Ticket
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Up-close viewing with tiered seating with a capacity of 250 - 300 people
Penguin Parade Underground Viewing Ticket
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Eye-level view from an underground viewing platform with a capacity of 70 people
Penguin Parade Guided Ranger Tour
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Journey through the colony with informative commentary
- Expert Ranger guide
- Personal headsets
- Minimum age to participate in the activity is 12 years
Penguin Parade Ultimate Penguin Tour
- Entry into Penguin Parade
- Expert guide
- Access to a secluded beach away from the Penguin Parade
- Fully-accredited Eco Tour
- Minimum age to participate in the activity is 16 years
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Personal consumption
- Insurance
This ticket offers the following options you can choose from:
- Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket
- Penguin Parade Penguins Plus Ticket
- Penguin Parade Underground Viewing Ticket
- Penguin Parade Guided Ranger Tour
- Penguin Parade Ultimate Penguin Tour
- The Penguin Parade visitor center currently opens daily at 5pm. The penguins arrive at sunset every evening.
- We suggest you arrive approximately one hour before penguin's arrival time, check-in at the visitor center, then walk to their viewing area to wait for the penguins.
- Click here to see the penguin arrival time calendar for estimated penguin arrival times throughout the year.
- General Viewing and Penguins Plus ticket holders should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before penguin arrival time.
- Underground Viewing ticket holders should plan to arrive 1 hour before penguin arrival time.
- Ranger-guided tours each have a specific departure time, so please check your tickets.
- Note: If you are planning a visit from mid-December to late January, or during a long weekend or the school holiday period, please allow extra travel time as the traffic can get busy.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
4 Parks Pass - Penguin Parade, Koalas, Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey Tickets
- Do not miss out on this iconic, explorative, educative, immersive, and interactive journey through Philip Island's Nature Parks!
- A mere 90-minute journey from Melbourne's CBD, Philip Island is easily accessible and promises an all-inclusive and enjoyable tour for all ages.
- Explore Philip Island's rugged beauty, seascape views, and various wildlife attractions with access to 4 of its nature parks.
- The Penguin Parade's three ticket options (general viewing, penguins plus & underground viewing) for fun interaction with the amazing seabirds.
- Stroll through lush woodlands and treetop boardwalks at the Koala Conservation Reserve where you'll meet-and-greet adorable koalas, wallabies, echidnas, many bird species, and more.
- At Churchill Island, you'll get to experience daily heritage farming activities like cow milking, sheep shearing, and whip cracking. Enjoy peeks into the lives of early Australian settlers here.
- Antarctic Journey promises insight into nature conservation, climate resilience, and the inhabitants of the Southern Ocean to Antarctica!
Inclusions
Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Penguin Parade viewing from the General Viewing Platform
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
Penguin Parade Plus + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Up-close Penguin Parade viewing with tiered seating for a capacity of 250 - 300 people
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island Heritage Farm
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
Penguin Parade Underground Viewing + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Eye-level view of the Penguin Parade from an underground viewing platform with a capacity of 70 people
- Access to the Koala Conservation Centre
- Access to Churchill Island
- Access to interactive experiences at Antarctic Journey
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
Please note in between Monday 18 July – Sunday 14 August:
- Churchill Island CLOSED on Monday
- Koala Conservation Reserve CLOSED on Tuesday
This ticket has the following options you can choose from:
- Penguin Parade General Viewing Ticket + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Penguin Parade Plus + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- Penguin Parade Underground Viewing + Koala Conservation Reserve + Churchill Island + Antarctic Journey
- You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Meet a variety of Australian wildlife species and get a chance to feed and interact with them.
- Relish a filling lunch or breakfast at the Homestead Bistro, located within the park.
- Delight in a game of golf at the mini-golf course that features all of Australia’s landscapes.
- Learn about these animals at the numerous talks held in the park.
Inclusions
- Admission into Maru Koala and Animal Park
- Access to daily keeper talks & presentations
- Kangaroo food
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- Transfers
- Children aged 4-15yrs enjoy reduced ticket pricing (carry a valid photo ID).
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Nearly 150 km from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a place where nature flourishes; where flora and fauna come together to create unmatched beauty. The surrounding emerald waters and the pristine sandy beaches add to the magnificence of the island. Home to a number of wildlife parks — and known for its incredible water sports, especially surfing — Phillip Island makes for a great day trip from Melbourne. Learn more about Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets and how to get them, and what to expect from your visit to Phillip Island Parks.
Why Visit Phillip Island Nature Parks
Set against a scintillating backdrop, your Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets give you the chance to meet some of Australia's native fauna. With your tickets, get the chance to visit the 4 nature parks here: Penguin Parade, Antarctic Journey, Churchill Island, and Koala Conservation Reserve. Admire koalas, meet wallabies, and gather around for a Penguin Parade as you watch Little Penguins head out from the sea and into their burrows. You can also choose to take a Seal Cruise and meet large colonies of these playful, furry semi-aquatic mammals.
You can also indulge in a variety of activities like surfing, sailing, kayaking, or diving. If activities and animals are not for you, you can also head to one of the wineries to try their rich wine.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Ticket Options
4 Parks Pass
With the 4 Parks Pass, visitors get access to the Koala Conservation Reserve, Antarctic Journey, Churchill Island, and the Penguin Parade. This is a great opportunity to meet animals native to Australia like penguins, koalas, seals, and wallabies, and learn about the nature parks' conservation efforts.
The date you select upon checkout is the date valid for the Penguin parade. The other three parks can be visited within 6 months from your visit to the Penguin Parade.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Penguin Parade
This ticket gives you access to the most exciting event on the island — the Penguin Parade. Phillip Island has one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia, and visitors from across the country flock here to watch the Penguin march.
Pick between four options: General Viewing, Penguin Plus, Ultimate Penguin Plus, Underground Viewing and Guided Ranger Tour. Your tickets cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled; and are only valid for the date & time selected at checkout.
Guided Tour
For those looking to explore what this stunning location has to offer, there’s no better way than with a guided tour. Guided tours of Phillip Island are conducted by experienced guides who know the area inside out. They will take you on an unforgettable journey around the island and make sure you get the most out of your visit. You will learn about the history of the island, discover hidden gems that are off-the-beaten paths and see some amazing wildlife up close.
Phillip Island Cruise
During your cruise, you will be able to spot Australian fur seals up close in their natural habitat and observe them as they go about their daily activities such as hunting for food and resting on rocks along the shoreline. In addition, you may have the opportunity to spot other native wildlife such as dolphins, penguins, sea birds and even humpback whales from time to time.
Combo Tickets
Phillip Island Combo Tickets are an ideal solution for travelers looking to explore multiple Melbourne attractions. These tickets include entry to multiple Phillip Island attractions, including the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and Koala Conservation Centre. With Phillip Island Combo Tickets, you can experience all that this beautiful part of Australia has to offer without breaking your budget.
Best Way to Purchase Your Tickets to Phillip Island Nature Parks
The best way to purchase your tickets to Phillip Island Parks is to get them online. While tickets are available at the venue, albeit in a cashless transaction, purchasing them online offers a safe, contactless experience.
- Convenience: You will not have to stand in long queues to get your tickets.
- Advance Purchases: You can book your tickets well in advance to ensure you get a seat for the date of your choosing, consider the venue is not operating at full capacity and tickets may be quick to sell out.
- Mobile Tickets: Your Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets will also be sent as mobile tickets, making it easier for you to just show your tickets on the phone and not worry about misplacing them.
Which Phillip Island Nature Parks Ticket Should You Opt For?
1. For those on a budget
If you want the most special experience of Phillip Island while keeping it budget-friendly, opt for the Penguin Parade tickets. Available in four variants ranging from AUD 27.5 to AUD 80, you can pick and choose the experience of your preference.
2. For those who want to discover all Nature Parks
If you're looking to explore all four Nature Parks, the 4 Parks Pass is for you. Giving you access to Koala Conservation Reserve, Antarctic Journey, Churchill Island, and the Penguin Parade, the 4 Parks Pass lets you connect with nature and discover a myriad of fauna native to Australia and the Southern Hemisphere.
3. For those who want to explore multiple attractions
Phillip Island Combo Tickets offer a great value way to experience multiple Melbourne attractions in one go. With the combo ticket, you can visit Phillip Island Nature Parks and Eureka Skydeck, two of the city's most popular attractions.
4. For those who want to discover hidden gems
A guided tour is an excellent way to get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems in Phillip Island. Your knowledgeable guide will take you along scenic tracks that are often overlooked by visitors and show you places where Australian wildlife thrives.
Things To Do at Phillip Island
Phillip Island is home to wonderful variety of animals, birds, flowers, and trees. Here is what to expect at each of the 4 parks:
Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is home to one of the largest colonies of Little Penguins in the Southern hemisphere. At the Penguin Parade, enjoy the unique opportunity to watch these penguins waddle home from the sea and learn about their fascinating behavior.
Churchill Island
Churchill Island is a tranquil paradise for those looking to reconnect with nature. Visitors can use the many walking and cycling trails, or indulge in a host of activities such as whip cracking, blacksmithing, and sheep shearing, among others.
Koala Conservation Reserve
True to its name, the Koala Conservation Reserve gives visitors a chance to see native Australian animals, especially the koala. Use the boardwalks to walk around the Australian bushland and spot the animals in their natural habitat.
Antarctic Journey
Here, you can learn about the animals that live in the Antarctic region; check out sustainable seafood options, conservation efforts, and research; and participate in a multimedia experience where you can "float" on ice and meet the animals on screen.
Seal Cruises
Phillip Island Seal Cruises offers a unique experience for visitors to the island. You will be taken on an unforgettable journey as you explore the breathtaking scenery and fascinating wildlife of this nature reserve. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to take photographs and observe some of nature’s most incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
A Maze'N Things Theme Park
If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity, then head to A Maze’n Things at Phillip Island. This unique attraction is full of interactive mazes and puzzles that will challenge your mental skills and keep the kids entertained for hours. A Maze’n Things has something for everyone – from small children with their parents to adults who get a thrill out of solving complex puzzles.
Chocolate Park
Phillip Island’s Chocolate Park is a chocolate lover’s paradise! Located in Ventnor, the park features an array of delectable treats for visitors of all ages. From decadent chocolates to sugary-sweet fudge, there's something for everyone at this delightful attraction. There are also plenty of activities and attractions to keep you entertained throughout your visit.
Plan Your Visit to Phillip Island Parks
Every day: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Last entry to the boardwalk: 4 PM; Last entry for treetop boardwalks: 30 minutes before closing time
The parade begins everyday from 5:00 PM. It is recommended that guests reach the attraction at least 1 hour prior to the penguin arrival time. Please check the timings on the penguin calendar for details regarding the penguin arrival time during the month of your visit.
After checking in at the visitor center, guests can walk to their viewing area to wait for penguin sighting. The last check-in time for Penguin Parade will be the time mentioned on your tickets.
Farm Entry:
Weekdays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Last Entry: 4:00 PM
Weekends: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Last Entry: 4:00 PM
Daily activities start at 10:30 am every day. Arrive early to enjoy the views of the beautiful farm, walk around, see the animals and take photos.
Every day: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM; Last Entry: 6:30 PM
Roads to Nobbies Centre are closed before sunset every day.
Car: Phillip Island is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne city. You will need another 10-20 minutes from the bridge to get to the park of your choice.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site at the parks.
Bus: There isn't much public transportation on the island. You can take a V-line bus from Southern Cross station, Melbourne to Cowes on Phillip Island. From there, you can take a taxi to the venue of your choice.
Ferry: You can take a ferry from Stony Point on the Mornington Peninsula to Phillip Island.
The best time to visit the Phillip Island Nature Parks is between November and April. The weather is pleasant and sunny, and more penguins tend to visit during this time.
However, if you are looking to have a budget-friendly trip, you can go between May and October — while the weather is cooler, the crowds are less and the accommodation is reasonably priced.
- Respect wildlife: Do not approach, feed or disturb any native wildlife, including penguins and seals, as this may disrupt their natural behavior or cause them harm.
- Practice safe swimming: For your own safety and in consideration of other swimmers around you, practice safe swimming at all times.
- Respect nature: Visitors should be mindful of any flora and fauna on the island. Remain on designated pathways and don't remove anything from its natural environment.
- Minimise noise pollution: To maintain the tranquility of Phillip Island’s surroundings, refrain from making excessive noise while visiting.
- Follow local laws: All national and local laws must be observed while visiting Phillip Island, including but not limited to parking regulations and littering restrictions.
- Be responsible with fire: Exercise caution when using an open flame while camping or barbecuing in order to avoid accidental bushfires.
Tips for Visiting Phillip Island Nature Parks
- Be prepared for all weather: Phillip Island has a temperate climate with frequent weather changes. Pack warm jackets, hats sun protection and sunglasses, and also insect repellants.
- Bring along plenty of water and snacks: If you’re planning extended stays at some of the island's remote locations, have some snacks and water with you to keep your energy levels up.
- Don’t forget your camera: You’ll want to capture all of the amazing sights, sounds and smells this unique island has to offer, so don't forget your camera or smartphone.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Exploring Phillip Island includes quite a bit of walking, so bring along suitable and comfortable footwear. Sturdy sandals or sneakers are usually best.
- Off-peak timings: As one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, Phillip Island can get crowded during peak season. If you wish to avoid the crowds, try visiting early in the morning or late afternoon.
- Carry a bottle: Phillip Island has drinking water fountains, so carry along a reusable water bottle to avoid littering.
- Be prepared for rain: Carry a raincoat, especially if you're visiting on a rainy day. Avoid using umbrellas as rain is usually followed by heavy winds.
- Pack light: Try to pack light as large backpacks or luggage aren't allowed on the island. A medium-sized backpack should be able to accommodate all your needs.
- Book in advance: Phillip Island is an extremely popular attraction that gets crowded quite easily. It is advised that you purchase your tickets in advance to ensure your own visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets
Yes, all the Phillip Island Nature Parks are now open to visitors.
You can purchase your Phillip Island Nature Parks tickets online or directly at the venue.
Yes, you can purchase tickets to Phillip Island Nature Parks online.
The best way to get Phillip Island Parks tickets is to get them online. This ensures contactless delivery, eliminates the hassle of standing in long queues to get tickets, and also helps you enjoy the benefits of advance booking.
You can choose between the Penguin Parade ticket and the 4 Parks Pass. The Penguin Parade ticket gives you access only to the parade, while the 4 Parks Pass gives you access to the Penguin Parade, along with the other 3 parks.
Your Penguin Parade tickets are valid for the date and time selected at checkout. As for the 4 Parks Pass, entry to the Penguin Parade is valid for the date and time selected at checkout. However, you can visit the other three parks at any time within six months from the Penguin Parade.
Your tickets cannot be canceled, amended, or rescheduled.
Apart from visiting the wineries and indulging in a host of water activities, you can watch the Penguin Parade, or head to Churchill Island, Antarctic Journey, and Koala Conservation Reserve.
The best time to visit Phillip Island parks is between November and April which is when the weather is mild and pleasant making it easy to be outdoors.
Yes, all Phillip Island Nature Parks are wheelchair-accessible.
Yes, guided tours of Phillip Island are available. The tours provide an excellent overview of the island and its many attractions, including Phillip Island Nature Parks.
If you plan to spend some time exploring the island without breaking the bank, the Penguin Parade tickets are a great option to choose.
Yes, Phillip Island offers combo tickets that provide visitors with access to a variety of popular attractions. These tickets can be purchased online or at one of the many kiosks on site.
The Phillip Island Nature Parks are open from 9:00am until 5:00pm in summer (October to April) and from 10:00am until 4:00pm in winter (May to September). The parks are open 365 days a year, except for Christmas Day. Last entry is one hour before closing times.
When visiting Phillip Island, it is important to keep safety in mind. Always be aware of your surroundings and the potential for dangers such as strong currents and tides or dangerous wildlife. Also, it is a good idea to wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and protect yourself with sunscreen and insect repellent.
Phillip Island can be reached by bus quite easily. Most buses that service Phillip Island depart from Melbourne and/or the nearby towns of Wonthaggi, Inverloch or San Remo. The most popular route is from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Cowes on Phillip Island.
The quickest route to get to Phillip Island by car is via the M1/M11 motorway. This route will take approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
No, visitors must purchase tickets to the Penguin Parade.
Yes, Phillip Island has a range of accommodation options for visitors.