Phillip Island Penguin Parade day tour

What the day looks like

Phillip Island sits about two hours southeast of Melbourne, connected to the mainland by the bridge at San Remo. The day builds toward dusk: wildlife and coastal stops through the afternoon, then the Penguin Parade, where little penguins — the world's smallest penguin species — come ashore in groups after sunset.

Because the parade follows the sun rather than the clock, departure and return times shift across the year. Winter viewings start early evening; in midsummer the birds may not land until well after 9pm.

Stops usually included

• The Nobbies, with boardwalks looking out to the Seal Rocks fur seal colony
• Koala Conservation Reserve, viewed from raised treetop boardwalks
• Churchill Island, a working heritage farm with bay views
• Cape Woolamai or the Pinnacles for the island's granite coastline
• Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach

Good to know

Photography and filming are not permitted at the Penguin Parade — camera flash disorients the birds, and the rule is enforced. The viewing stands are open to the weather and it is consistently colder on the beach than in Melbourne, so bring warm layers whatever the forecast.