Phillip Island Attractions

Phillip Island attractions are mostly wildlife and heritage sites run by Phillip Island Nature Parks: the Penguin Parade, the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. You can book each one separately, bundle them into a multi-park pass, or add them to a day tour from Melbourne, and this page covers each route.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade tickets

The Penguin Parade is the main reason most people cross the bridge. Penguin Parade general viewing puts you on the beach at Summerlands as Little Penguins come ashore at sunset every night of the year, then lets you wander the boardwalks through the colony after dark to see, smell and hear them greeting their neighbours and chicks.

The provider suggests arriving one hour before the penguins are due so you can settle in. Photography isn't permitted at the Penguin Parade, so this one is for watching, not filming. Swamp Wallabies, Eastern Barred Bandicoots, Cape Barren Geese and Short-tailed Shearwaters also live around the colony, so keep an eye out between penguins.

Multi-park passes for the Penguin Parade, koalas and Churchill Island

A park pass bundles Phillip Island Nature Parks sites into one ticket. The Phillip Island 3 Park Pass and the Phillip Island Nature Parks Multi Park Pass cover single entry to the Penguin Parade (general viewing), the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island.

A pass is the easier call for anyone planning a full Phillip Island day, because it sorts the whole itinerary in one booking: koalas and Churchill Island in daylight, and penguins last.

Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island entry

The Koala Conservation Reserve has two elevated boardwalks for up close koala viewing, trails through the bushland, an interactive visitor centre, and a nature play area for kids. Wallabies, echidnas and birdlife show up along the way.

Churchill Island is a heritage working farm, with historic buildings furnished as they were a century ago, heritage gardens, and daily farming jobs like sheep shearing. Entry takes place in all weather conditions, which makes it a safe choice when the forecast is mixed.

Phillip Island attractions on a day tour from Melbourne

If you'd rather not drive, the Phillip Island Penguins Plus Tour is a full-day trip from Melbourne with Penguins Plus viewing from a tiered grandstand, a stop at Moonlit Sanctuary to meet kangaroos, wallabies and koalas, the Brighton Beach Boxes, and Bass Strait views from The Nobbies. Hotel pick-up and a small group of up to 24 are part of the deal.

Some tours in this category pair Melbourne wildlife with a steam train ride through the Dandenong Ranges: the Puffing Billy and Wildlife Tour includes entry to Healesville Sanctuary, and the Puffing Billy and Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Bus Tour adds a stroll around Emerald Lake and chocolate tasting. They're based around Melbourne rather than Phillip Island itself. Browse the full list of Phillip Island tours for more.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main attractions on Phillip Island?

The main attractions on Phillip Island are the Penguin Parade at Summerlands, the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm, all run by Phillip Island Nature Parks.

What time do the penguins arrive at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?

Penguins arrive at sunset every night of the year, so the time changes with the seasons. The Penguin Parade provider suggests arriving one hour before the penguins' arrival time.

Can I take photos at the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?

No. Photography is not permitted at the Penguin Parade.

Is there a pass that covers several Phillip Island attractions?

Yes. The Phillip Island 3 Park Pass and the Phillip Island Nature Parks Multi Park Pass cover the Penguin Parade (general viewing), the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island.

Are the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island accessible?

Yes. The Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island list facilities for visitors with mobility needs, including allocated parking and disabled toilets.

Pick a pass if you want the full Phillip Island Nature Parks run, or book the Penguin Parade on its own and add a day tour from Melbourne if you'd prefer someone else drives.