Penguin Parade (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Penguin Parade?
What makes it 80% Kids-Friendly: Children learn conservation through centre exhibits and family tours; ramps, pram parking and sensory packs help, yet late-evening timing, no-flash rule and cold seaside wind test young patience.
Positives:
- Educational Experience: Kids learn about penguin biology through hands-on displays at the Visitor Centre.
- Wildlife Viewing: Quiet viewing areas let children see penguin behavior up close without disturbance.
Challenges:
- Early Start: Arrive 1 hour before sunset for best viewing, which may be late in summer.
- No Flash: Flashes are banned to protect penguin eyes; plan to adjust camera settings or enjoy the view without photos.
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 with kids?
- Interactive Visitor Centre exhibits teach kids about penguins
- Scenic Nobbies boardwalk lets families spot seals before the parade
- General Viewing area offers safe, close seats for children
- Late afternoon parade matches kids’ energy and nap schedules
- Pram-friendly paths, sensory aids and family tickets simplify logistics
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2-3 hours lets kids enjoy the Visitor Centre exhibits, boardwalks and the evening penguin parade without feeling rushed.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Penguin Parade
Explore the Visitor Centre:
Interactive displays explain penguin life and island ecology.
Tip: Let kids try touchscreen games before dusk to learn penguin habits.
Walk the Nobbies Boardwalk:
Scenic coastal path with seal-spotting platforms.
Tip: Go 2 hours before parade to tire small legs and spot seals on rocks.
Enjoy the Penguin Parade:
Watch little penguins waddle from sea to burrows at sunset.
Tip: Book general viewing family tickets online and arrive 1 hour early for front-row seats.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Penguin Parade
- Book Online: Reserve tickets and select seats in advance to secure a family spot.
- Dress Warmly: Bring layers, wind-proof jackets and blankets as temperatures drop quickly after sunset.
- Use Prams: Utilize pram-friendly paths and pram parking at viewing stands for toddler comfort.
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)?
Visit between September and January when breeding activity makes penguins more active and chicks often wobble behind parents.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General Viewing Family Ticket (2 A + 2 C) | AUD 82.5 |
| On-site snack at Chicks Café | AUD 50 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 132.5 |
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
🇦🇺 Australia, with kids
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