Phillip Island in Victoria

When the sun slowly sinks on the horizon, a spectacular event takes place on the Australian island of Phillip Island near Melbourne: dozens of little penguins emerge onto the beach and waddle towards the dunes. The Penguin Parade, one of the most popular attractions in Victoria, is sure to put a smile on every visitor's face - and that includes you!

Located just 150 km from Melbourne, Phillip Island is a must-visit destination during your trip to Australia. I also couldn't miss out on experiencing the famous Penguin Parade during my journey through Victoria. However, this animal spectacle is not the only highlight of the island! Learn what else there is to discover on Phillip Island besides the famous parade of the tuxedo-wearing birds in this article.

The flagship of the island is clearly the Penguin Parade, where every evening, right at sunset, dozens of cute little penguins run from the ocean across the beach to return to their burrows in the dunes after a long day in the sea. You can witness this moment from various viewpoints at Summerland Beach.

A fantastic experience for all penguin lovers.

You have several ticket options available: General Viewing ($26.20), Penguins Plus ($52.50), Underground Viewing ($67.50), Guided Ranger Tour ($82.50), VIP Tour ($82.50), and Ultimate Adventure Tour ($92.50). If you choose the least expensive option, you'll watch the Penguin Parade from the large grandstands, whereas the most expensive option allows you to sit right on the beach and observe the march of the sweet tuxedoed birds from an exclusive viewpoint. Tip: Discounts are available, allowing you to save significantly as a family. It's best to purchase your tickets for the Penguin Parade in advance online, especially for popular and limited options such as Underground Viewing, where you can observe the penguins from an underground platform, which tend to sell out quickly.

When the big moment finally arrives, all eyes are on the black-and-white birds waddling loudly along the beach. Note that photography of the animals is strictly prohibited. The reason: The penguins could lose their orientation due to the flash and may perish.

The timing of the penguins' return home depends on the season. You will be informed of the approximate time when purchasing your tickets. Be sure to arrive early to not miss the penguins! If you can't catch the Penguin Parade or simply want to learn more about the birds, the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre offers an exhibition with informative insights about the animals and their habitat.

The Penguin Parade is truly a wonderful experience for all penguin lovers! Be sure to check out the following video and let the little penguins enchant you:

Video: Phillip Island Nature Parks

As I promised, the Penguin Parade is not the only reason why a trip to Phillip Island is worthwhile. A large part of the island belongs to the Phillip Island Nature Park, which offers additional (animal) highlights beyond the Penguin Parade.

I recommend visiting the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can get up close with these fluffy creatures. Two platforms high up in the treetops and various trails inviting for easy hikes provide not only insights into the habitats of koalas but also of wallabies and other bush dwellers. Admission to the Koala Conservation Centre costs $13 for adults, $6.50 for children and $32.50 for families.

The Nobbies Centre in the southwest of Phillip Island is also worth a visit. A walk along the Nobbies Centre Coast Walk allows you to enjoy unique views of the coast dotted with black rocks and the vast, rough sea. Be sure to keep your binoculars handy, as this area is home to the largest colony of fur seals in Australia.

Whale Watching on Phillip Island

Off the coast of Phillip Island, humpback whales and even orcas can frequently be spotted. A good vantage point for observing these sea mammals is along the Nobbies Centre Coast Walk.

The animals lazily sun themselves on the rocks and occasionally leap into the waves to catch a fish. If you want to get even closer to the fur seals and enjoy the dramatic coast of Phillip Island from a different perspective, you can book a 90-minute EcoBoat Adventure Tour for $85 ($65 for children). Upon returning to the Nobbies Centre, I also recommend the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre, where you can dive into the fascinating (animal) world of the Arctic. An outing that is sure to excite not just children.

Are you in the mood for a little time travel? The Heritage Farm on Churchill Island, an island off Phillip Island, takes you back to the time of the first European settlers. Experience what the simple life of the Europeans who landed here in 1798 looked like on the farm built in 1872. You can also help with sheep shearing and cow milking or sit back and relax on a leisurely carriage ride. Admission to the Heritage Farm costs $12.50 for adults and $6.25 for children up to 15 years. Families (two adults and two children) pay $31.25.

If you prefer to be more active, you have a great opportunity to explore the small island on the hiking trails. Furry cows munching on the lush grass of the island and sheep wandering in small groups will greet you along the way.

Can't get enough of Australia's wildlife? Then you should definitely visit the Phillip Island Wildlife Park during your trip to Phillip Island! You can visit this popular park just before heading to the Penguin Parade in the evening.

Feed kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas.

Over 100 different species, including wallabies, koalas, kangaroos, and emus, live on the grounds and can even be fed. Be sure to give the animals their space and respect it if they do not wish to be touched. Admission to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park costs $19 for adults and $9 for children up to 14 years. If you come as a family, the total cost is $50.

But Phillip Island has more to offer than just wildlife highlights - the expansive beaches also impressed me during my visit. My absolute favorite is Cowes Beach in the northern part of the island. The beach with its golden sand invites you to relax under the Australian sun and occasionally cool off in the crystal-clear water.

French Island

Close to Cowes Beach is the ferry to French Island, another great destination near Melbourne.

If you want to experience an unforgettable sunset, make sure to head in the evening to Red Rock Beach west of Cowes Beach. The red rocks that adorn the expansive beach give it its name and make it a popular photo spot.

Another great beach on Phillip Island awaits on a peninsula at Cape Woolamai in the southeast. The special thing: this small town beach is a popular meeting place for skilled surfers. Grab some fresh fruit, find a good spot, and watch the surfers perform their stunts while the wind blows in your face.

I was able to witness the Penguin Parade live during my last trip to Australia, and it was simply indescribably beautiful! In the following video, you can get some impressions of Phillip Island and my unforgettable road trip through Victoria.

If you are looking for a varied day trip destination near Melbourne, I highly recommend a detour to Phillip Island. The island, known throughout the country for the Penguin Parade, boasts spectacular landscapes and vast beaches that are worth more than one visit. And yes - the penguins have captured my heart the most!