Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Watching the World’s Smallest Penguins in Melbourne
- Dr. K.
- Aug 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 13
A few years ago, we were planning a trip to Ushuaia, Argentina—gateway to Antarctica and home to thousands of penguins in their natural habitat. It was going to be a once-in-a-lifetime thing. But plans changed. My daughter was bang in the middle of Grade 10, and that school year required our full attention. We postponed the trip and the penguins had to wait.
Fast forward to this past July in Australia. We had five days in Melbourne, and somewhere between browsing local wildlife tours and looking up day trips, we realized we had another shot—Phillip Island, just 90 minutes from the city, is home to the world’s smallest penguin species. Every night, like clockwork, they waddle in from the ocean to nest. And there’s a front-row seat waiting for anyone willing to sit still long enough to watch.
A Plan That Shifted, and Shifted Again
We originally booked Penguin Plus tickets and fully intended to rent a car. But after landing in Melbourne and thinking through what it would actually mean to drive on the left side of the road, in the dark, after a long day—no thank you. We shifted gears and opted for a guided tour instead. Most of these tours included general admission seating to the Penguin Parade, plus stops at scenic viewpoints or wildlife centers along the way.
So we did both. We joined a tour but kept our original Penguin Plus tickets. The general admission tickets that came with the tour went unused, but no complaints. Penguin Plus gave us slightly elevated, more intimate seating on a quieter platform—close enough to watch the penguins emerge from the surf and begin their slow, purposeful march home. There’s also a Penguin Premium tier for those wanting an even more secluded experience, but honestly, every view was lovely.
Pro tip: If you choose Penguin Plus, head to the front right of the platform. From there, you can see both the waves and the beach—meaning you’ll catch the penguins as they appear from the water and begin waddling toward land. That angle offers the most complete view of the experience.
The Penguin Parade: What We Witnessed
Here’s how it unfolded: just after sunset, once the skies were free of predators, the penguins began to surface. Tiny, flippered silhouettes emerged from the waves in small groups, shaking off the salt and scanning for safety. These tiny penguins were barely over a foot tall, and yet they had spent days—sometimes weeks—out at sea.
And despite their size, they were strong swimmers. According to our driver-guide, these little penguins could cover up to 1,000 kilometers in open water. Most lived for about six years, spending the bulk of their lives in the ocean before returning to land in groups, often to the same burrow year after year.
Everyone in the audience was asked to stay completely still for the first 15–20 minutes. No standing. No flash. No photos. It was a shared moment of reverence for a natural ritual that predated us by thousands of years.
And once the initial procession slowed, we moved gently onto the elevated boardwalk, where even more penguins waddled through the grasses, found their burrows, or chirped back and forth like neighborhood chatter.
They were surprisingly loud—something between a honk and a cackle—and the air was filled with their sound.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Q: What time do penguins arrive at Phillip Island?
A: Penguins usually return to shore at sunset, though exact timing varies by season. Visitors are seated at dusk to watch the “penguin parade” as they waddle from the ocean to their burrows.
Q: Is the Penguin Parade family-friendly?
A: Yes, the event is designed for families, with boardwalk seating, ranger talks, and facilities for children. Photography is restricted to protect the penguins.
Beyond the Penguins: The Nobbies and Coastal Views
Our tour also stopped at The Nobbies, where ocean spray hits black volcanic cliffs with staggering force. There’s a blowhole lookout, rugged coastline, and long boardwalks that stretch across the headlands. Though we didn’t spot any seals that day, the panoramic views were reason enough to stop. Pale skies, turquoise water, and jagged rocks— elemental beauty in its rawest form.
Logistics: Getting to Phillip Island from Melbourne
Before we visited, I assumed Phillip Island would feel remote—isolated roads, little signage, difficult terrain. That’s not the case at all. The roads are well maintained, the route is clearly marked, and there are plenty of towns along the way. It’s a very tourist-friendly region, and the island is well-equipped to welcome the 5 million+ visitors it receives each year.
If you’re an Australian local, driving yourself is easy and efficient—you can add in whale watching, koala sanctuaries, or stop for dinner at your own pace. Parking at the penguin parade is easy.
But for international travelers, the unfamiliar road rules and nighttime driving can be disorienting. In that case, a tour is a great option. Consider these Viator tours:
Penguin Parade, & Wildlife Encounters Eco Tour from Melbourne: This is a 12-hour tour where you spend time at Brighton Beach, see wildlife at a conservation park before heading over to see the penguins. 3500 positive reviews on Viator!
Small-Group Phillip Island Afternoon Day Trip from Melbourne: This is a 8-hour tour where you can spot fur seals at the Nobbies, see wildlife at a conservation park before heading over to see the penguins. 450+ reviews!
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Express Tour from Melbourne: Walk along the Nobbies boardwalk, then head to see the penguins - This is the one we signed up for, it worked for us as we were only interested in the boardwalk and the penguins, and not the wildlife. (although out guide talked too much!)
Facilities at the Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade building had everything we needed:
Clean bathrooms in three locations
A restaurant and café inside
A gift shop and interactive displays on penguin conservation
A knitting station where you can donate handmade jumpers for rescue penguins (especially after oil spills)
Friendly, well-trained staff to guide you to your seating area
There were also accessibility carts for those who needed support, and the outdoor arena had clear signage and plenty of staff in orange vests helping you find your way.
In the End: Why the Penguins Matter
Someday, I’ll still make it to Argentina. But on this night, surrounded by cold air, crashing waves, and waddling footsteps, I felt something I hadn’t expected: a deep, grateful quiet. Watching animals return home—on their terms, in their habitat—had a way of bringing me back to myself.
In wellness, we talk so much about restoration and balance, but sometimes, all it takes is bearing witness to another species going about its life. That, too, can soften stress, open your heart, and remind you that you’re not separate from nature—you’re part of it.
