Phillip Island Nature Parks

The basics

The Phillip Island Nature Parks cover 4,460 acres and include five different ticketed attractions plus conservation areas such as Pyramid Walk and Cape Woolamai; where the rugged nature of the island’s coastline impresses at every turn. Learn about early Australian settlers at the Churchill Island Heritage Farm before exploring the world’s most extreme climate at the Nobbies Centre Antarctic Journey exhibit. Get up close to a massive fur seal colony on an EcoBoat Adventure or watch cute koalas in their native habitat at the Koala Reserve. End the day with the natural spectacle of the Penguin Parade, when thousands of native little penguins come scurrying ashore at sunset.

Things to know before you go

• With the exception of the Nobbies Centre, each of the Phillip Island Nature Parks has its own admission fee.
• Passengers on the EcoBoat Adventures must be at least 4 years old.
• Penguin Parade tickets regularly sell out, so book far in advance, especially during holiday seasons.
• If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, save money by purchasing a multi-park pass online.
• Though the parks charge admission fees to visit, all of the money goes directly back into operations and wildlife conservation.
• All attractions have wheelchair-accessible parking and visitor centers.

How to get there

Phillip Island is located about 1.5 hours from downtown Melbourne. It's easiest to reach all the Phillip Island Nature Parks by car, and parking is available at all attractions. If you prefer to focus on the views instead of the road, many guided tours include transportation from Melbourne.

When to get there

Each of the parks and attractions has its own operating hours; check the Phillip Island Nature Parks website for up-to-date hours. The Penguin Parade occurs year-round at sunset.

The Famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Of all the parks, the Penguin Parade is by far the most popular, and it’s easy to see why. During this irresistibly adorable event that has been happening nightly for generations, thousands of little penguins (yes, that’s their official name) emerge from a day of fishing at sea and waddle across the beach to their burrows and waiting chicks. After an influx of curious observers threatened the penguins’ safety, Phillip Island Nature Parks created a special viewing station and regulations to protect this natural phenomenon while letting visitors watch the action from a safe distance.