What time do the penguins arrive, and when should I get there?

The penguins come ashore at sunset, which varies throughout the year. Check the official arrival time calendar at https://bit.ly/3N7pg5E before your visit. Plan to arrive at least one hour before the listed penguin arrival time — a ranger talk begins roughly 30 minutes beforehand, and all guests must be seated by then.

Are the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island on the same day as the Penguin Parade?

Not necessarily. The Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island admissions are open-dated, so you can visit them on a different day if you prefer. The Penguin Parade ticket is date-specific and must be used on the date you select at booking.

Is there any disruption to the Penguin Parade boardwalk at the moment?

Yes — the main boardwalk is under construction and is expected to be completed by late December 2025. During this period, General Viewing ticket holders access the east and west stands via the Shearwater Boardwalk. The viewing experience itself is unaffected.

Do I need to print my tickets, or is a mobile ticket accepted?

Mobile tickets are accepted at all three parks, so there is no need to print anything. Simply show your booking confirmation on your phone at each entry gate.

Are the parks accessible for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility?

Phillip Island Nature Parks has accessible facilities at its sites, but terrain and boardwalk conditions vary. Check the official Phillip Island Nature Parks website for up-to-date accessibility information for each specific park before your visit.

What are the opening hours for each park?

Opening hours vary by park and by season. The official Phillip Island Nature Parks website lists daily hours for each attraction — it is worth checking before you travel, particularly for the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island.

Phillip Island Nature Parks - Three-Park Pass

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Duration

4 hours

Cancellation

Free cancellation 24hrs

Ticket type

Mobile ticket

Confirmation

Instant

What's included

Penguin Parade General Viewing admission

Koala Conservation Centre admission

Churchill Island Heritage Farm admission

Not included

Transport to and from Phillip Island

Premium or Guided Penguin Parade viewing upgrades

Food and beverages

Know before you go

Arrive at least one hour before the penguin arrival time listed on the official calendar — latecomers may miss the ranger talk and could have restricted access to seating.

The Penguin Parade boardwalk is under construction until late December 2025; General Viewing guests use the Shearwater Boardwalk to reach the east and west stands.

Photography with flash is strictly prohibited at the Penguin Parade — it disorients the birds.

Children under 4 years are admitted free of charge across all three parks.

Check the official Phillip Island Nature Parks website for daily opening hours before visiting each site.

The three parks are spread across Phillip Island — allow time to travel between them, especially if visiting multiple sites in one day.

How to redeem

Phillip Island Nature Parks, Ventnor Road, Summerlands VIC, Australia

Present your mobile or printed ticket at the entry gate of each park. The Penguin Parade is located at Summerlands; the Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island are separate sites — check the official Phillip Island Nature Parks website for exact locations and daily opening hours before you travel.

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What to bring

Your booking confirmation (mobile or printed)
Warm layers — evenings at the Penguin Parade can be cold, even in summer
Closed-toe shoes for the boardwalks and farm tracks

Phillip Island Nature Parks - Three-Park Pass

Phillip Island Nature Parks - Three-Park Pass

What's included

Know before you go

How to redeem

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