Phillip Island Nature Parks · Summerlands, Phillip Island
The standard entry to the Penguin Parade, sold by Phillip Island Nature Parks itself: a seat on the tiered stands above Summerlands Beach as the penguins come out of the surf at dusk. Pick it if you have a car, and because this version cancels free up to 2 days before, which the official ticket doesn't.
This is the ticket nearly every day tour includes, sold on its own. You show the voucher to staff at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, walk the boardwalk down to the stands and sit wherever there's room. General Viewing is the largest area, tiered steps of seating that look straight down Summerlands Beach. Penguins Plus, Underground and the guided options cost more and get you closer; our ticket guide compares them all.
The price is low. On the official site an adult General Viewing ticket is A$34, a child (4 to 15) A$17 and a family A$85, and here it starts at $24 in US dollars, close to the gate price. The real gain is flexibility: Nature Parks' own terms make its tickets non-refundable, even for bad weather, while this listing lets you cancel free up to 2 days before. Children under 4 go free, but they still need a ticket.
What it doesn't include is the hard part. The listing has a line saying "Transportation", but this is entry only. The parade is 90 to 120 minutes from Melbourne by car plus another 20 minutes from the bridge, no public transport goes there, and nothing runs back to the city after dark. If you don't have a car, a tour such as the Eco Tour costs more but solves that. In December and January seats can be tight, and the parade sold out on 47 nights in the 2024-25 summer, so book early for a peak date.
Allow 90 to 120 minutes to Phillip Island and 20 more from the bridge. Parking at the parade is free.
Show your voucher to staff. Use the time for the exhibits, a meal at the restaurant or coffee at Chicks Café.
Walk down the boardwalk to the General Viewing stands. Lower rows fill first; bring a rug or cushion for the concrete.
Small groups of penguins gather in the shallows, then cross the sand to the dunes. Cameras and phones stay off from sunset.
Many penguins head up beside the boardwalks to their burrows. Walk slowly and look down.
Take it easy on the island roads in the dark, then the 90 minutes or more back to the city.
★★★★★Well worth the wait. We got there in plenty of time to get front row seats.
★★★★★The anticipation waiting for the penguins to come out of the water was such a great experience
★★★★★Loved the little guys! Be warned…dress for the cold if you're not there in the warmer months.
★★★★★We took our two grand children to the penguin parade and we all enjoyed it very much.
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Yes. Everyone needs a ticket, including babies (under-4s go free but still need one). Nature Parks says bookings are essential, and summer nights sell out.
A$34 for an adult, A$17 for a child aged 4 to 15 and A$85 for a family on the official site. This listing starts at $24 in US dollars and adds free cancellation up to 2 days before.
Sometimes, if seats are left, at the full price. On peak nights there may be nothing left, so book online first. Our tickets guide covers sell-outs and buying on the day.
No. It's entry only, whatever the listing's "Transportation" line suggests. You drive, take a taxi on the island, or book a day tour that includes the ticket.
Ready to book
The official General Viewing seat above Summerlands Beach, sold by Phillip Island Nature Parks, with free cancellation up to 2 days before.
Penguin Parade & 3 Parks PassParade General Viewing on your date, plus the Koala Reserve and Churchill Island within 6 months. Own transport.★ 4.4 · Valid 6 months · from $41
Penguin Parade Eco Tour from MelbourneHotel pickup, Moonlit Sanctuary and The Nobbies before the parade, in a group of 24 at most. Back 9 pm to midnight.★ 4.8 · 12 hours · from $112
Penguin Parade Afternoon TourLeaves after lunch from the Immigration Museum corner: The Nobbies, then the parade. The cheapest tour on this site.★ 4.8 · 9 hours · from $95