Phillip Island in Victoria 

Just 150 km from Melbourne is Phillip Island, the destination you should not miss on your trip to Australia. Of course, I also visited the famous Penguin Parade on my trip through Victoria. But the animal spectacle is not the only highlight of the island! In this article, you will find out what else to discover on Phillip Island besides the famous parade of tuxedo wearers.

The island’s flagship event is clearly the Penguin Parade. Every evening, just before sunset, dozens of cute little penguins walk from the sea across the beach to return to their sleeping caves in the dunes after a long day in the ocean. You can witness this moment from various vantage points on Summerland Beach.

A great experience for anyone who loves penguins

You can choose from the following ticket options: 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 cheapest option, you can watch the Penguin Parade from the big stands, while the most expensive option lets you sit right on the beach and watch the cute tuxedo wearers march from an exclusive angle. Tip: You can use discounts as a family to save a lot. It’s best to buy your tickets for the Penguin Parade online in advance, as particularly popular and limited options such as the Underground Viewing, where you can watch the penguins from an underground platform, are usually booked up quickly.

When the big moment finally arrives, all eyes are on the black-and-white birds waddling loudly along the beach. Photographing the animals is strictly prohibited. The reason is that the penguins could lose their bearings due to the flash and die.

When the penguins start their journey home depends on the time of year. However, you will be informed of the approximate time when you buy your ticket. Be sure to arrive on time so you don’t miss the penguins! Suppose you can’t attend the Penguin Parade or just want to learn more about the birds. In that case, the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre has an exhibition with useful information about the animals and their habitat.

The Penguin Parade is really a great experience for everyone who loves penguins! Watch the following video and let yourself be enchanted by the little penguins:

More experiences in Phillip Island Nature Park

As I already promised, the Penguin Parade is not the only reason to visit Phillip Island. A large part of the island belongs to the Phillip Island Nature Park, which offers other (animal) highlights in addition to the Penguin Parade.

Koala Conservation Centre

I recommend visiting the Koala Conservation Centre, where you can get up close and personal with these fluffy creatures. Two platforms high up in the treetops and various trails that invite easy hikes give you an insight into the koalas’ habitats and those of the wallabies and other bush dwellers. Entry to the Koala Conservation Centre costs $13 for adults, $6.50 for children, and $32.50 for families.

Nobbies Centre

The Nobbies Centre in the southwest of Phillip Island is also recommended. A walk along the Nobbies Centre Coast Walk gives you unique views of the coast dotted with black rocks and the wide, rough sea. Be sure to have your binoculars ready, as Australia’s largest fur seal colony lives here.

Whale Watching on Phillip Island

Humpback whales and even orcas can often be seen off the coast of Phillip Island. The Nobbies Centre Coast Walk is a good vantage point for observing these marine mammals.

The animals lazily sunbathe on the rocks and occasionally jump into the water to catch a fish. If you want to get even closer to the fur seals and admire the dramatic coastline off Phillip Island from a different perspective, you can book a 90-minute Eco Boat Adventure Tour for $85 ($65 for children). Once you’re back at the Nobbies Centre, I also recommend the Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies Centre, where you can immerse yourself in the exciting (animal) world of the Arctic. An excursion that is sure to make more than just children’s hearts beat faster.

Heritage Farm on Churchill Island

Are you in the mood for a little trip back in time? The Heritage Farm on Churchill Island, an island off Phillip Island, takes you back to the time of the first European settlers. On the farm, built in 1872, you can experience the simple life of the Europeans who landed here in 1798 and settled on Churchill Island. You can also help shear the sheep and milk the cows or sit back and take a leisurely carriage ride. Entry to the Heritage Farm costs $12.50 for adults and $6.25 for children up to 15 years old. Families (two children and two adults) pay $31.25.

If you prefer to be more active, you can explore the small island on the hiking trails. You will often come across shaggy cows grazing on the island’s lush grass and sheep roaming around in small groups.

Kangaroos, emus & more at Phillip Island Wildlife Park

Can’t get enough of Australia’s animals? Then you should visit the Phillip Island Wildlife Park on your trip through Phillip Island! For example, you can visit the popular park before going to the Penguin Parade in the evening.

Feeds kangaroos, wallabies and koalas

100 species, including wallabies, koalas, kangaroos and emus, live on-site and can even be fed. But be sure to give the animals their space and respect it if they don’t want to be touched. Entry to the Phillip Island Wildlife Park costs $19 for adults and $9 for children up to 14 years. If you come as a family, you pay $50 for everyone together.

Fancy a little break at the beach?

But Phillip Island is not just home to animal highlights – the extensive beaches also impressed me during my visit. My absolute favourite is Cowes Beach, which is north of the island. The beach, with its golden sand, invites you to simply laze around under the Australian sun and cool off in crystal-clear water from time to time.

French Island

The ferry to French Island, another tourist destination near Melbourne, departs very close to Cowes Beach.

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

Another great beach on Phillip Island awaits your visit on a headland near Cape Woolamai in the southeast. What’s special about it: The small town’s beach is a popular meeting place for experienced surfers. Get some fresh fruit, find a good spot and watch the surfers do their stunts while the wind blows around your nose.

Victoria’s highlights in one video

I was able to experience the Penguin Parade live on my last trip to Australia, and it was indescribably beautiful! The following video gives you some impressions of Phillip Island and my unforgettable road trip through Victoria.

Natural paradise Phillip Island

If you are looking for a varied day trip near Melbourne, I can only recommend a trip to Phillip Island. The island, known throughout the country for the Penguin Parade, has spectacular landscapes and expansive beaches that are more than worth a visit. And yes – of course, the penguins are what I like most!