Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, you may see tiny penguins emerge from the water and flock to the beach at sunset. They travel daily before bed, and the penguin parade lets you receive an up-close viewing experience.
The Penguin Parade's history
Little penguins have lived on Phillip Island’s shore for thousands of years. Every day, they go fishing and return after dark to care for their nest. For almost 80 years, people have visited Phillip Island at sunset to witness this spectacle.
It all started in the 1920s when islanders Bert West, Bern Denham and Bert Wattorn opened Summerland Beach to the first organised penguin visits.
They greeted visitors as they stepped off the ferry and charged them five shillings for a Phillip Island tour (for an extra shilling, you got strawberries and cream).
Visitors increased dramatically in the 1940s when a bridge was built to connect the mainland with Phillip Island. After that, people started constructing homes around Summerland Beach as tourists began to pour into the beautiful shores.
People would bring picnic baskets and blankets to the beach and sit on the sand to watch the penguins come ashore, but the caves and habitats soon began to collapse. Visitors bringing their dogs to the beaches didn’t help and, unfortunately, wiped out a large part of the small penguin colony. The population of these cute little seabirds began to decline, which required radical changes in people’s attitudes towards penguins.
Only later were fences and watchtowers built to prevent visitors from stepping on penguins and damaging their bodies. Since then, changes have been made to make the paths, platforms and watchtowers safer for the penguins.
Summerland used to have apartment complexes, but those have since been gone. One of the top ecotourism locations in the world is Phillip Island Nature Park, which blends rare wildlife events, tourist education, and scientific study.
Penguin Parade Visitor Centre
The Penguin Parade is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations, welcoming more than 700 ecotourism visitors annually. Before the parade starts, you’ll have plenty of time to wander around the exhibits, get informed and prepare for one of the most amazing natural experiences in the country. This information centre provides a detailed look at the daily lives of baby penguins and what makes them so unique. It displays the world’s biggest colony of tiny penguins and the history and culture of their habitat.
After learning everything you need to know about these fascinating creatures, you can grab a bite to eat at the on-site café before you start watching.
How to see the penguins
Penguin parade
The main penguin viewing area is on a platform 180 degrees from the shore. Penguins spend most of the day in the ocean searching for food and only come to the surface at night to rest. So when the sun goes down and the penguins return home after a long day of fishing, the flock moves up the beach to their dens. The penguin parade platform is located along the sandy shore, giving visitors a front-row seat as the penguins waddle across the sand. The platform fills up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot at the show.
Underground Observations
Take advantage of your visit and the Underground Observation opportunity for an even better up-close viewing! This section is limited to 70 people per night and is comfortably equipped indoors. The unique feature is that you are next to penguins, and an expert guide discusses their history, daily lives, and intriguing information.
However you choose to attend the parade, don’t forget to add to your trip by learning more about penguins and their habitat at the exhibitions in the Visitor Centre, which give you unrivalled access to current research, discoveries and conservation projects.
Closer to Penguins
This viewing platform mirrors the south coast bays and is inspired by the island’s natural environment. This allows you to get up close and personal with the nearby penguins. There are never too many people there because there are only 300 seats available. Park rangers also commented on the section, allowing visitors to understand and learn about the fascinating lives of these penguins.
FAQ
What is the Penguin Parade?
The Penguin Parade is a nightly wildlife event where little penguins return from the ocean to their nests on Phillip Island at sunset.
How long have penguins lived on Phillip Island?
Little penguins have inhabited the shores of Phillip Island for thousands of years, fishing by day and returning home at night.
Where can I watch the penguins?
The main viewing platform is set along Summerland Beach, giving visitors a 180-degree view of the penguins waddling ashore.
Can I get a closer view of the penguins?
Yes — the Underground Observation area offers an intimate, eye-level view of the penguins, limited to 70 people per night.
What facilities are available at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre?
The centre features educational exhibits, penguin habitat information, a café, and insights into conservation efforts.
