Phillip Island
One of Australia’s great wildlife escapes — the dusk Penguin Parade, koalas in the treetops, fur seals at the Nobbies and surf at Cape Woolamai, south of Melbourne.
Phillip Island
Two hours south-east of Melbourne, Phillip Island is one of Australia’s great wildlife escapes. Every evening, little penguins ride the surf and waddle up the sand in the famous Penguin Parade; by day, koalas doze in the treetops, fur seals bask at the Nobbies, and surfers ride Cape Woolamai. Add a world-championship racing circuit and a heritage farm, and it’s a full day out — or a relaxed overnight.
What to Do
The Penguin Parade
Little penguins come ashore at dusk at Summerland Beach — the island’s unmissable spectacle.
Koala Reserve
Boardwalks through the treetops at the Koala Conservation Reserve for close, wild sightings.
The Nobbies & Seal Rocks
Clifftop boardwalks above Australia’s largest fur-seal colony at the island’s wild western tip.
Circuit & Cape Woolamai
The seaside Grand Prix circuit and the island’s best surf and coastal walks.
Tips
- The island is ~2 hrs from Melbourne — consider an overnight for the dusk parade
- Book Penguin Parade tickets ahead and check current viewing times
- Dress warmly for the parade — it’s outdoors and often cold at dusk
- Keep a respectful distance from penguins, koalas and seals — and no flash photography
- A penguins tour handles the timing and transport
Plan Your Visit
Phillip Island — FAQ
What is Phillip Island famous for?
The nightly Penguin Parade — little penguins waddling ashore at dusk — plus koalas, Australia’s largest fur-seal colony at the Nobbies, and the Grand Prix motorcycle circuit. See our Phillip Island penguins guide.
What time is the Penguin Parade?
The little penguins come ashore at dusk every night, so viewing times shift through the year — later in summer, earlier in winter. Book ahead and check current Penguin Parade times.
How far is Phillip Island from Melbourne?
About a 2-hour drive south-east, over the bridge at San Remo. It works as a long day trip, but an overnight lets you enjoy the penguins without a late-night drive back.
What else is there to do on Phillip Island?
Meet koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve, watch fur seals at the Nobbies and Seal Rocks, visit Churchill Island heritage farm, and surf at Cape Woolamai. The island tours tie it together.
Is Phillip Island good for families?
Very — the penguins, koalas, seals and heritage farm make it one of Victoria’s best family wildlife destinations. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife.
Victoria, Planned Around You
Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the wine country and the penguins — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry