Victoria · Attraction
Penguin Parade
World's smallest penguins come home
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Every evening at sunset, hundreds of little penguins, the smallest penguin species in the world, waddle ashore at Summerlands Beach on Phillip Island, returning to their burrows after a day at sea. The Penguin Parade is one of Australia's most beloved wildlife spectacles and has been welcoming visitors since 1928, drawing wildlife lovers from across the globe.
The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre opens from midday daily and hosts an amphitheatre, a heated underground viewing area, and multiple viewing platforms overlooking the beach. Penguins arrive just after sunset every night of the year, so no matter what season you visit you are guaranteed an encounter with these charming birds.
Tickets range from general beach viewing to premium experiences that let small groups sit just metres from active burrows. The general viewing ticket offers a grandstand seat in the main amphitheatre, while the Penguins Plus and Sky Box options provide elevated or private settings with on-site commentary from trained rangers.
The visitor centre features a cafe, retail shop, and interactive displays about little penguin biology and conservation. Photography is strictly prohibited after dark to protect the penguins, so the experience is best savoured in person rather than through a lens.
Where to stay
Holiday parks near Penguin Parade.
2 options via our booking partner
Anchor Belle Holiday Park
7.6km away
NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
8.1km away
Bookings handled by our partner Parkbooker. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Scenic views
