When is the best time to see penguins on Phillip Island?
The best time to see penguins on Phillip Island is just after sunset. But make sure you leave the Phillip Island Penguin Parade at Summerland Bay early for the best viewings.
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of Australia’s tourism institutions. Around two hours’ drive south of Melbourne, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade takes place every evening at Summerland Bay on the island’s western tip.
The best time to see penguins on Phillip Island
The best time to see penguins on Phillip Island varies depending on the time of year. The penguins gather in groups at the water’s edge around sunset. Usually they wait until it has gone dark and any predators are less likely to see them.
Once they have decided the coast is clear, they’ll make a run for it, scampering along the beach, up the path and – sometimes – under the boardwalk where visitors gather to view them.
Which Phillip Island tour from Melbourne should I choose?
- For wildlife: Small group tour including Penguin Parade 🐧, Moonlit Sanctuary and Brighton Beach bathing boxes.
- For koalas: Phillip Island Penguin Parade 🐧 trip including Koala Conservation Reserve 🐨.
- For value: Full day tour including Penguin Parade and seals at the Nobbies Centre.
Obviously, sunset times are seasonal. And thus the best time to see penguins on Phillip Island is seasonal. Come in summer, and it’ll be warmer – but you’ll also have to get there later in the evening. Come in winter, and it’ll be colder and probably rainier – the Phillip Island weather is rarely all that kind in winter. On the flip side, you’ll be able to go and get your dinner earlier.
5 Phillip Island experiences to book before arriving
- The legendary Penguin Parade – watch dozens of little penguins waddle home from the sea.
- Seal-watching cruise – visit Australia’s largest fur seal colony.
- Phillip Island helicopter tour – fly above the beaches and dramatic sea cliffs.
- Whale-watching cruise – with dolphins, seals and rare sea birds on the way.
- Phillip Island Chocolate Factory tour – with more than a touch of Willy Wonka.
Why you should leave the Phillip Island Penguin Parade early
There is one underrated strategy for the best viewings of penguins on Phillip Island, however. And that is making sure you leave the Phillip Island Penguin Parade early.
The penguins arrive in a series of groups called ‘rafts’. This is a defence mechanism – there is strength in numbers. There will be several rafts throughout the evening, but don’t wait until the last one has gone. The best time to see penguins on Phillip Island is while the stragglers are still coming in. Walk back to the visitor centre along the boardwalk, and you will be able to walk alongside the penguins, getting fabulous views of them waddling home.
For bookings, visit the Penguin Parade website.
This article came as a result of a Melbourne to Sydney coastal road trip in March/ April 2022. This trip was supported by Tourism Australia and Visit Victoria.
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