Every evening at sunset, hundreds of little penguins — the smallest penguin species in the world, standing about 33 centimetres tall — come ashore at Summerland Beach and waddle up the sand to their burrows. They have done it every night for as long as anyone has been watching, and it remains one of the most genuinely moving wildlife experiences in Australia.
The parade is the reason people come, but it happens at dusk, which leaves a full day on an island most visitors never properly explore. This guide covers how to use that day, what else is worth seeing, and the practical details that catch people out.
What the Day Includes
The Penguin Parade sets the clock. Everything else is arranged around getting you there comfortably before sunset, with a full day of the island beforehand.
Maru Koala and Animal Park
On the way to the island, a wildlife park where you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies and see koalas, wombats, dingoes and Tasmanian devils at close range. Popular with families and a good first stop.
Koala Conservation Reserve
Elevated treetop boardwalks put you at eye level with koalas in natural bushland rather than an enclosure. Considerably better than looking up from the ground, and one of the more reliable places in Victoria to actually see one awake.
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
A small island connected by bridge, and the site of the first European crop planted in Victoria in 1801. Working sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking and blacksmithing run to a daily timetable, set among heritage gardens.
The Nobbies and Seal Rocks
Boardwalks across the island’s exposed western headland, with blowholes below and Seal Rocks offshore — home to Australia’s largest colony of fur seals, around 25,000 animals. The wind here is serious; bring a jacket regardless of the forecast.
Cape Woolamai and the Beaches
The island’s surf coast, with the highest point on Phillip Island and walking tracks along the granite cliffs. If time and weather allow, a worthwhile detour.
The Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach
Tiered viewing stands and boardwalks look directly onto the beach. The penguins emerge in groups shortly after sunset, gathering in the shallows before crossing the open sand together. Rangers narrate throughout. Allow around two hours in total including arrival, seating and the walk back.
Private Tours
See the Penguins in Comfort
A private vehicle means a warm car waiting the moment the parade ends — not a queue for a coach.
Enquire About This Tour →What to Know About the Penguin Parade
A few things regularly surprise first-time visitors, and knowing them in advance makes the evening considerably better.
- No photography of any kind. Cameras, phones and video are prohibited — flash and screens disorient the penguins. This is enforced, and the rule exists for good reason.
- Sunset moves the start time. The parade begins after sunset, which ranges from around 5:15pm in midwinter to after 8:30pm in midsummer. The finish time of your day shifts accordingly.
- It is cold. Summerland Beach is exposed to the Southern Ocean and the viewing stands are unsheltered. It is markedly colder than Melbourne, even in January. Bring more layers than you think.
- Tickets are timed and sell out. Book ahead, particularly over summer, school holidays and public holidays.
- Admission is separate. Penguin Parade tickets are not included in the tour price and are paid directly to Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Several ticket tiers exist, from general viewing stands through to smaller guided platforms and underground viewing. We are happy to advise on which suits your group.
Best Time to Visit
The penguins come ashore every night of the year, so there is no closed season. The variables are daylight, weather and crowds.
- Winter (Jun–Aug) — the parade starts early, around 5:30pm, making for a shorter day. Fewest visitors, but genuinely cold.
- Summer (Dec–Feb) — the largest numbers of penguins, but a late start after 8:30pm and a return to Melbourne close to midnight.
- Autumn and spring — the best balance of manageable timing, moderate crowds and reasonable weather.
Practical Details
- Departure — usually late morning or early afternoon, calculated backwards from sunset on your date.
- Return — typically between 10:00pm and midnight depending on the season.
- What to bring — warm layers, a windproof jacket, and a blanket in winter if you feel the cold.
- Meals — not included; we stop in Cowes or San Remo, and an early dinner before the parade works best.
- Accessibility — the main Penguin Parade viewing area and most island boardwalks are wheelchair accessible.
- Children — one of the best family days in Victoria. Approved child seats provided free of charge on request.
Pricing
This tour is priced from a$1,100 for a full day. The figure is confirmed in writing before you book and does not change afterwards.
- Included — the vehicle, your chauffeur, fuel and tolls for the full day.
- Not included — attraction admissions and meals, which you pay directly on the day.
- Larger vehicles — the V-Class and Sprinter carry a higher rate; we quote per vehicle, not per person.
- GST — all prices include GST. There are no booking fees and no surge pricing.
Your Vehicle and Chauffeur
Every Prima tour is fully private. There is no shared coach, no other passengers and no fixed departure time — the vehicle and the chauffeur are yours for the day.
Luxury Sedan or SUV — up to 3 passengers
Quiet, comfortable and climate controlled, with leather seating and room for cameras, coats and day bags. Ideal for couples, solo travellers and small families.
Mercedes V-Class or similar — up to 6 passengers
A spacious luxury people mover with individual seats, generous legroom and space for everyone’s belongings. The most popular choice for families and small groups.
Mercedes Sprinter or similar — up to 11 passengers
Premium large-group transport for extended families, corporate groups and multi-generational travel, with ample luggage space for a long day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Penguin Parade start?
It begins shortly after sunset, so the time changes through the year. Expect around 5:15pm to 5:45pm in June and July, and after 8:30pm in December and January. Your pickup time is calculated backwards from sunset on your specific date.
Can I take photos of the penguins?
No. Photography and video are strictly prohibited at the Penguin Parade, including phone cameras. Flash and illuminated screens disorient the birds. The rule is actively enforced by rangers.
Are Penguin Parade tickets included in the tour?
No. Admission is paid directly to Phillip Island Nature Parks and should be booked in advance, especially in summer and school holidays. We are happy to advise on which viewing tier suits your group.
Will we definitely see penguins?
Yes. Little penguins return to Summerland Beach every night of the year to reach their burrows. Numbers vary with the season, being highest over summer, but the parade itself does not fail.
Is this a private tour or a shared group tour?
Every Prima tour is completely private. You travel only with your own party, in your own vehicle, with a dedicated chauffeur. There are no other passengers and no fixed schedule.
Can the itinerary be changed?
Yes. The stops listed are our recommended route, but the day is yours. Tell your chauffeur what you would like to see more of, what to skip, or where you would like to stop for a meal, and the itinerary is adjusted on the spot.
Where does the tour start and finish?
We collect you from your hotel, private address, or any location in Melbourne that suits you, and return you to the same place or anywhere else you prefer at the end of the day.
How much does the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour cost?
This tour starts from From A$1,100 per vehicle for a full day. The price covers the vehicle, chauffeur, fuel and tolls; attraction admissions and meals are paid directly on the day. Your figure is confirmed in writing before you book.