Where can you watch penguins on Phillip Island?

Find out where and the best way to watch the largest Fairy Penguin colony in the world return to their burrows at sunset.

The best place to watch the little penguins on Phillip Island is at the Penguin Parade. The Penguin Parade is held at Summerland Beach every day, with fairy penguins waddling their way up the beach at sunset.

You can book a tour that takes you from Melbourne to Phillip Island and back. Tours will visit other attractions along the way before the final stop at the Penguin Parade. Most tours include your entry for the Penguin Parade, but make sure you double-check before booking.

General viewing

The general viewing area is what you will get when you book a standard ticket. The general viewing area has plenty of seats for everyone to sit back and watch the sunset while waiting for the penguins to appear.

A hot tip! We suggest you arrive early to find the best seat before the rest of the crowd gets there.

Penguin Plus

Penguin Plus is one of the most popular upgrades for the Penguin Parade. The perk with this upgrade is the better viewing area compared to the general viewing you get with your standard ticket. This viewing platform blends in with the natural elements and you get slightly closer to the penguins.

There are also fewer people at this viewing area compared to the general seating.

Underground viewing

Underground viewing is exactly how you imagine it! You’ll be at eye level with the penguins as they waddle by the viewing windows. This upgrade is perfect during winter when the weather is typically cold, windy, and rainy.

There are also tour upgrades available for the Penguin Parade. Tour upgrades include the guided ranger tour, ultimate adventure tour, and family wildlife tour. These tours give you a bit more information about the Penguin Parade and the little penguins themselves!

If you’re wanting to watch these little penguins waddle up to their burrows at sunset, we recommend booking a tour or driving yourself. Public transport is very limited and there isn’t a way to get back to Melbourne after the Penguin Parade.

However, if you are planning to stay on the island, we recommend Cowes, the main township on Phillip Island.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.