Close by are The Nobbies, Southpointe Lookout with views over Bass Strait, and Seal Rocks, home to thousands of fur seals.
Summerland Beach
The breathtaking Summerland Peninsula is located at Phillip Island’s westernmost point. This protected area is filled with stunning local flora and fauna.
Summerland Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Australia. Every evening, hundreds of people flock there to watch the magnificent penguin parade.
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Phillip Island - coves, beaches and surfing
You may discover calm islands along the coast, surrounded by fantastic scenery, abundant wildlife, and thrill-seekers taking to the sea. The island has some of Australia’s greatest surfing, a surfing solid legacy, and beautiful scenery, earning it the title of National Surfing Reserve.
One of the most significant locations on the island is Summerland Bay Beach, especially if you’re hoping to combine your surfing adventures with some native animal viewing. With a penguin parade and spectacular waves, it has something for everyone, whether you want to see the islanders, try surfing, or rest in a lovely location. If wildlife is your reason for visiting, you may spend the day exploring the more than 1.2 kilometres of surf beach. Hundreds of people go to Summerland Beach at night to witness the majestic penguins walking down the coast.
Penguins
A famous wildlife event in Australia is the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.
Since the 1920s, locals have brought tourists to the Bay beach to watch little penguins strolling along the shore. Today’s parade is slightly different, focusing on conservation and ensuring spectators do not disturb the penguins or their habitat.
Every evening, the little penguin colony emerges from the calm water and goes to their huts to rest for the night. Several viewing platforms, including coastal locations and underground coves, are available.
We recommend getting there as early as possible to get a good spot close to the action. The penguin parade is famous year-round, so organizing yourself in a beautiful place is essential.
If you want to know more about penguins and their significance to the local environment, visit the visitor centre if you can’t get enough of seeing them from a distance. There is information on how you may assist in safeguarding these adorable creatures. And why not treat yourself to a sweet souvenir? The little penguin souvenir shop is just lovely!
Beaches
Summerland Beach stretches for just over a kilometre and enjoys a steady tide most of the time, making it ideal for boogie boarding and paddle boarding in shallow water. The small summer swells make it suitable for beginners, while the big winter swells are perfect for experienced surfers. Many beaches around Summerland Beach become inaccessible in the winter, making it an ideal destination for avid surfers all year round.
Summerland Beach is famous for its fine, powdery sand—so be sure to shake it off before you hop back in the car or head indoors.
Looking for the perfect Phillip Island tour? Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable memories.
Local flora and fauna
Little penguins are not the only wildlife on the Summerland Peninsula. It is home to many fantastic birds, including hooded and short-tailed petrels. Around one million short-tailed petrels migrate to Phillip Island from Alaska to breed along the island’s shore yearly. In Victoria, they are a protected species formerly hunted for their meat and oil. Unfortunately, marine debris has led to declining numbers in recent years.
Phillip Island is renowned for its fantastic seal colonies. The seas around the island are home to thousands. Over 25,000 fur seals call Nobby home, and Summerland Beach views the area. The sandy beach may be reached by car about five minutes from the Nobby Visitor Centre!
Summerland Beach on Phillip Island is a popular day trip destination. Dip in the water and relax on the sand, then cover up and watch the penguins emerge from the water, ready for a night’s sleep.
Nearby attractions
Nobby
Breathtaking views at every turn on this walk at the western end of Phillip Island. Nobby is located at the tip of the Summerland Peninsula.
Southpointe Lookout
Stunning views of Bass Street. Less than a 15-minute walk from The Nobbies along the boulevard will take you to the observation deck.
Seal Rocks
Grab your binoculars and watch the coastline during surf breaks. You will be entertained by thousands of seals basking on the rocks.
FAQ
Where is the Summerland Peninsula located?
The Summerland Peninsula sits at the westernmost point of Phillip Island, Victoria, and is a protected area rich in native flora and fauna.
What is the Penguin Parade and when does it happen?
The Penguin Parade is a nightly wildlife event where little penguins waddle from the sea to their burrows. It takes place every evening at Summerland Beach.
Can you surf at Summerland Beach?
Yes. Summerland Beach offers small summer swells for beginners and larger winter swells for experienced surfers, making it popular year-round.
What other wildlife can be seen on the Summerland Peninsula?
Besides little penguins, the area hosts hooded plovers, short-tailed petrels, and large fur seal colonies, particularly near Seal Rocks.
