Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, Phillip Island Nature Parks

Hundreds of little penguins march ashore at dusk

⚠ Book ahead · no photos

Hours

Visitor centre opens daily around midday; penguins arrive at sunset

Tickets

General Viewing adults A$34, children 4–15 A$17, family A$85; Penguins Plus A$93; Underground Viewing A$103; Guided Penguin Tour (12+) A$108. Must book on the official site

Address

Summerland Beach on Phillip Island's south-west tip, 20 minutes' drive past the bridge

Once the sun's gone and the sky turns navy, small dark dots start appearing in the surf. Little penguins, about 30cm tall, come ashore in huddled groups, look around nervously, then waddle in a line up to their burrows in the dunes. They pass right under the boardwalks beside the stands, close enough to hear them calling. Photography and filming are banned completely, so it ends up being a rare phone-free hour.