Watch the world's smallest penguins waddle home at sunset — one of Victoria's most magical wildlife moments. We make the two-hour drive effortless, with koalas, coastal lookouts and family stops along the way.
The Penguin Parade happens at sunset, which makes it an awkward trip by coach and a long drive home if you're behind the wheel. A private tour solves both — we plan the day backwards from parade time and drive you home while the kids fall asleep in the back.
Every night at sunset, hundreds of little penguins surf ashore at Summerland Beach and march to their burrows — viewed from grandstands and boardwalks metres away.
Walk the treetop boardwalks for guaranteed close-up koala sightings on the way in — a favourite with kids and visitors.
Dramatic clifftop boardwalks overlooking Seal Rocks, home to Australia's largest fur seal colony, with the Antarctic Journey centre for cold days.
A heritage farm with animal feeding, whip cracking and sheep shearing demonstrations — perfect for younger kids before the evening parade.
The parade can finish at 9:30pm in summer. Instead of a two-hour night drive, you relax while your driver takes you to your door.
Parade time moves from 5:30pm in winter to 9:30pm in summer — we build your whole day around the right time for your date.
Phillip Island sits two hours southeast of Melbourne, and its Penguin Parade is one of Australia's most-loved wildlife experiences — the nightly homecoming of the world's smallest penguin species, watched from purpose-built viewing areas that protect the colony.
Everything works backwards from sunset. A typical summer itinerary: leave Melbourne early afternoon, koalas at the Conservation Reserve around 3pm, the Nobbies and Seal Rocks lookouts before dinner in Cowes, then to the Penguin Parade in time for good seats. In winter it all shifts earlier — and your driver keeps track so you never miss the main event.
Penguin Parade tickets are purchased separately (general viewing, Penguins Plus or underground viewing) and we'll advise which suits your group and help you book the right session for your date. Churchill Island and the Koala Reserve can be added on a combined parks pass.
Travelling with a bigger group or planning a weekend? Combine it with our Mornington Peninsula tour on the way.
Private Phillip Island tour, timed to sunset, door-to-door. Call, WhatsApp or book online.