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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!
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!
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
Phillip Islands Nature Parks Reopens Post COVID-19
After several months of closure due to the pandemic, Phillip Islands Nature Parks has reopened for the visitors from 29 October, 2021. It has opened all its attractions including food and beverages outlets, keeping the safety measures in mind to ensure a safe and healthy experience for all its visitors.
Visiting Phillip Islands Nature Parks Post-COVID 19
- Phillip Island ensures the safety of its visitors by following the updated guidelines.
- Most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions have been removed, as per the latest guidelines.
- Visitors are no longer be required to have provide proof of double vaccination or show their vaccination status before entering any venue.
- QR code check in is no longer required at the venue.
- With most restrictions being lifted, visitors are encouraged to wear masks in spaces where maintaining physical distance is not an option.
- To ensure the safety of the visitors, Phillip Island authorities and team members whose roles involve interacting with guests and visitors will continue to wear face masks within all indoor and outdoor environments.
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. The Nature Parks include Penguin Parade, Antarctic Journey, Churchill Island, and Koala Conservation Reserve. At the Nature Parks, you can 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. Your tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled. 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.
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.
Phillip Island Nature Parks
There are a total of four Phillip Island Nature Parks:
Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is home to one of the largest colonies of Little Penguins in the Southern hemisphere. Add Penguin Parade you get a chance to watch these penguins waddle home from the sea.
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.
Plan Your Visit to Phillip Island Parks
Koala Conservation Reserve is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
(Last entry to the boardwalk: is 4 PM; Last entry for treetop boardwalks: 30 minutes before closing time).
With penguins arriving daily at sunset, Phillip Island Visitor Center currently opens daily at 5 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.
Churchill Island is open from 10 AM during the weekdays and from 9 AM during the weekends. The farm closes at 4:30 PM.
(Last entry: 4 PM). Daily activities start at 10:30 am everyday. If you arrive early enjoy the views of the beautiful farm, walk around, see the farm animals and take photos.
Nobbies Centre (Antarctic Journey) is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays, and on weekends it is 10 AM to 6 PM. It is important to note that roads to Nobbies Centre is closed before sunset every night.
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.
Tips for Visiting Phillip Island Nature Parks
- Ensure you wear comfortable shoes as you will have to walk quite a bit.
- Carry along insect repellant, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses — especially if you're visiting in the summer.
- The venue offers drinking water fountains, so carry along a reusable water bottle.
- Since the parks are open, it is advised that you carry along a light jacket or raincoat, especially if you're visiting on a rainy day. Avoid using umbrellas as rain is usually followed by heavy winds where umbrellas might cause problems.
- Please note small carry-on bags are allowed inside, so avoid carrying large backpacks or luggage.
- Weekdays are the best time to visit Phillip Island, as weekends see a flock of tourists and locals descend to meet the little penguins.
- It is advised that you purchase your tickets in advance, as the attraction is extremely popular.
All Your Questions About Phillip Island Nature Parks Tickets Answered
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.
No, visitors must purchase tickets to the Penguin Parade.
Yes, all Phillip Island Nature Parks are wheelchair-accessible.
Yes, Phillip Island has a range of accommodation options for visitors.