Penguin Parade (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Penguin Parade?
What makes it 87% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy a romantic sunset wildlife moment, premium side-by-side seating, café drinks and daytime coastal walks, but high demand means booking early and peak crowds may blunt intimacy.
Positives:
- Romantic sunset setting: Soft evening light and beachside views enhance the experience
- Conservation impact: Your ticket helps fund penguin habitat protection
Challenges:
- Limited seating: General seats sell out quickly—arrive at least 1 hour before sunset
- No cameras allowed: Photography and flash are prohibited; rely on memory or sketches
What is Penguin Parade?
- A wildlife attraction on Phillip Island in Victoria, showcasing the nightly shore return of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) from Bass Strait to their dune burrows
- A conservation initiative managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks, featuring purpose-built boardwalks, viewing stands and interpretive displays
- Home to the world’s smallest penguin species forming a longstanding coastal breeding colony following an ancient shoreline route at dusk
What is so special about Penguin Parade for couple trip?
- Interactive Visitor Centre displays
- Scenic Nobbies coastal boardwalk
- Sunset parade of smallest penguins
- Upgraded Premium upgrade for couples
- Supports penguin conservation
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Allows time for Visitor Centre, boardwalk and sunset penguin parade without rushing
Couple-Friendly Activities in Penguin Parade
Visit the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre:
Explore interactive displays about little penguins.
Tip: Arrive by 3 pm to enjoy exhibits before sunset
Walk the Nobbies boardwalk:
See rugged coastline and spot seals at nearby rock pools.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes; the path can be slippery after rain
Watch the Penguin Parade:
Observe penguins waddle from sea to burrows at dusk.
Tip: Bring a warm jacket; seating fills fast so arrive early
Upgrade to Penguins Premium:
Enjoy a small-group ranger talk on a private beachfront boardwalk.
Tip: Book online in advance to secure a spot
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Penguin Parade
- Combine with Nobbies: Arrive by late afternoon to stroll the boardwalk before the parade
- Reserve Premium experience: Book Penguins Premium for a more intimate, small-group viewing
Reviews of Penguin Parade
RZ
Wonderful experience witnessing the world's smallest penguins walk to their burrows and find their mate. I'd recommend getting the premium ticket for a worthwhile viewing and more up close encounter with the penguins. Winter is the perfect time to visit as their activities vary with the seasons. Taking photos and videos of the penguins are not allowed.
Fan
When in Melbourne, don't miss the world famous Penguin Parade! You can either drive yourself, or take a day tour from Melbourne, which we did. It definitely makes sense to upgrade, the viewing platform is right where the penguins arrive. We sat too low and we unfortunately did not see them arriving at the beach behind the small hill. It was amazing to see hundreds of these little penguins arrive...
Sujinda Jarubhat (CuteCuteChannel)
We visited the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as a group of five and had a wonderful experience. We arrived around 4:30pm, which is the perfect time in winter since you need to be seated before the penguins return from the sea—usually around 5pm. We highly recommend booking premium seats in advance, as we did, for the best experience. We were fortunate to have clear weather on the day of our vi...
Gaurav B
What an incredible experience it was—truly beyond what I had hoped for! I highly recommend reserving your tickets in advance and arriving at least an hour before sunset; it really made a difference. There are lovely cafes where you can enjoy some food while you wait for the sunset and the arrival of the adorable penguins, but be mindful of the seagulls—they can be quite cheeky! Before entering, t...
Collins Voo
During my visit, penguin back to the shore at 5.40pm and estimated about 1400 penguin back to their house, so we have waited between 20 - 40 mins for the penguin back to their house. Its really freezing during month of june so during winter its recomended to wear thicker clothing as the wind quite strong. ⁶ Recomended to come at 4pm as gate open only at 4.30pm. Do buy penguin plus ticket to get be...
When is the best time to visit Penguin Parade (Melbourne, Australia)?
September–January brings active breeding season and chicks. Winter (June–August) has fewer crowds but colder evenings—dress in layers.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 General Viewing tickets | AUD 66 |
| Car fuel or bus return | AUD 20 |
| Coffee or snack at café | AUD 15 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 101 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Penguin Parade
Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia
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About Penguin Parade
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 3 5951 2800Explore Popular Things to Do
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