Phillip Island Nature Parks image

Phillip Island Nature Parks

Hiking area Nature preserve Corporate office Environmental protection organization

One of the Best Places To Visits in Cowes


Address

154/156 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Website

penguins.org.au

Contact

+61 3 5951 2800

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (3.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: (Labour Day), 10 AM to 3 PM, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 3 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 3 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: penguins (44) experience (22) penguin (19) parade (13) kids (11) photos (9) time (9) visit (8) cold (8) close (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jian 3 years ago on Google • 308 reviews
    An experience not to be missed if you are travelling around Melborn, this is also a small highlight to visit, actually you'd better book tickets a few day before, on the road 3-4 km to the park, we have seen the notice of "ticket sold out", and it had been so crowed in the park a few hours before the big show. Nice park to walk around, many different animals viewable from the road some including the geese tend to get on the road. The highlight is for sure to spot penguins in the burrows, at the beginning there was hardly a penguin to be seen, when most of them left (around 9:30 p.m.) then a lot of them came and it was just great! It's a big pity that it was forbidden to take photos and videos, but also understandable. You really learned a lot about penguins, e.g. that they go back into the sea about 2 hours before the sunrise. Recommendation to wear warmly, it is windy and fresh, but beautiful sunset.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Faisal P. 3 years ago on Google
    Well organized & all attractions has a safe parking facility. On spot cafeterias are best to taste some food. Staff members are well polite to assist in any sense. Helpful guidelines about safety of Wildlife's. One day is enough to cover all the parks in a bit rush at the island and 2 day is better for big family tour to hold a night stay.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cherylz K. 2 years ago on Google • 63 reviews
    Breathtaking views and change in scenery as sunset transcended. The sound of the ocean waves crashing and the crisps coolness of the air is amazing. And the little fairy penguins are so adorable! The kids LOVED it! The experience is well worth paying for it, at least once 😆 We paid for the general viewing ticket. Coming during winter is good as the penguins generally come to shore when dark (around 5-ish pm). Suppose it’s better for younger kids so they don’t have to wait too long but got to rugged up for the cold. We wanted to get as close to the front row seats so we were here about 1 1/2 hours earlier before estimated penguin return time. And we did 😀 Recommend to wear sufficient warm clothing and bring snacks to nibble. A rug/mat as well if it’s a rainy day. As an adult it is surprisingly fun to watch the penguins waddling/running in to shore. I guess there is a kid in every one of us 😊 So cute to see how the penguins care for each other. They literally come in ones or pairs and they wait for their “small group” and then run in together as a team to their burrows. As you walk back on the boardwalk you get to see how the penguins interact with each other. So many different sounds they emit - be it playing, resting, fighting, feeding, resting or mating. Beauty of life and nature. It’s a pity photo taking aren’t allowed but it’s understandable. But it allows us to savour the moment 😀 They have information posters and few activities indoor. Good range of souvenirs (especially for kids…..parents $$$😅). There are food kiosk as well but did not check it out. Great work done for preserving this nature park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 IGuideU 4 years ago on Google • 643 reviews
    Being able to get up close to one of nature's truly unique experiences is wonderful. The facilities are undergoing an extreme transformation - a brand new building further away from the beach and carpark further again underlines that the penguins are put first. The rangers do their best as often as possible. There are a lot of people coming here nightly, I think 3,700 is the maximum - so if you are local choose your time to visit outside of the tourist peak season. The cafeteria's offering has improved somewhat but Cowes has more to offer and is only 10 minutes away. Get the Penguins Plus tickets if you can, more penguins - less people. But enjoy the penguins - they are awesome. It can get chilly, so check ahead for the weather report and be prepared with suitable clothing.

  • 2/5 Nancy B. 3 years ago on Google
    We visited this place in February 2017 to experience the penguin parade. We appreciate the conservation carried out by this organisation however we did not enjoy the amount of people allowed to enter the viewing of the penguin parade. We were told in many languages not to leave our seats (as this would frighten them) when the penguins returned to land from their ocean excursion. However, the majority of vistors did not listen and ran after the penguins to take photos of them. In turn, those who were seated had to follow the crowd in a some what respectable way to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures as they made their way back into their burrows. Totally flabbergasted at how people behaved and the lack of control from the tour companies and the organisation themselves. I'm not sure if this was a once off but it did ruined the experience for us. I hope this has since changed. Priorities should be the safety of the penguins and guests. Staff need to be strict and rules need to be reinforced.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manu V. 5 years ago on Google
    A surreal experience to watch the Penguins come in. You are required to sit in one of two stadium style step seating leading down to the beach, or on the sand below. These are divided by a narrow stretch of slope covered with vegetation through which the Penguins access their nesting sites. You should be there early to get good seats close to the access slope. Photography is prohibited from shortly before and during the "march" as the light from phones and cameras could disturb the Penguins. After the "show" as you walk, back to the car parking, along the boardwalks you can see the Penguins walking to their nests and greeting their mates.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenneth T. 4 years ago on Google • 124 reviews
    Do come early to get the best seats to watch the penguins stroll in, unless you've paid to view them from underground. The place is well maintained and managed to sneak a few pictures of the penguins. Great place for kids to learn about the penguins and conservation efforts to protect them. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frances S. 1 year ago on Google • 117 reviews
    A great place to relax and go for holidays! Something kids would love to see nature and those little penguins! Worth the wait staying at the penguin parade until 11:30pm!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ange M. 4 years ago on Google • 105 reviews
    Such precious, amazing penguins! How lucky we are to have the opportunity to visit them in their own habitat. Very easy accessibility for all, including disabled. Take a cushion to sit on, a blanket to wrap yourself in. It can be quite cold, especially if windy. Get there at least an hour beforehand for good posi if general admission. The Rangers are terrific and very informative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan T. 5 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    Penguin parade - do not miss this no matter what! Watch the penguins come out of the ocean after the sun sets, watch them gather in groups and then race up the beach. You then get to watch them waddle all the way to the nests in the hills to feed their babies- yes it is breading season right now. This is one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I cannot recommend the penguin parade highly enough. Don’t be the idiot that takes photos or video - no one wants to be that idiot. If you do nothing else on Phillip island, do the penguin parade!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benedict U. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice park to drive around. Lots of different animals viewable from the road some including the geese tend to get on the road but they have right of way. If you have a good eye you can also spot penguins in their burrows. A very large area which is closed at dusk to ensure the safety of the animals there. It encompasses the penguin parade to the nobbies.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mary G. 4 years ago on Google
    Tour was oversold with standing room only. Not enough staff there to enforce the no photos rule to ensure no harm to the animals. The facility is lovely and staff are great but unless you get there very early, plan on being crammed into standing room only with limited views.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 王茗萱 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Penguin's home is well worth a visit! But please also respect the laws of nature, don't take photos and take pictures, and scare wild animals! But the sea breeze is really cold at night, so you must keep warm! (Original) 企鵝歸巢非常值得一看!但也請尊重大自然的規律,不要攝影拍照,嚇到野生動物們! 但晚上海風真的很冷,一定要做好保暖工作!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthew F. 4 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Loved the penguins here, do book ahead for for the seats and the tour. And make sure you are well wrapped up, it does get cold!

  • 4/5 Mathias M. 1 month ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Einfach traumhaft die Pinguine zu sehen, wie sie aus dem Wasser, rein in die Nester kommen.

  • 5/5 Ain N. 2 months ago on Google • 25 reviews New
    Definitely worth the visit!! This place is soooo nice and has a breathtaking view. We went there during winter/spring hence it was very windy and please bring a coat, jacket or blanket if you're stay for the penguin parade. Love to see the cute penguins! I would definitely come again if i have the chance to.

  • 4/5 Milan C. 4 years ago on Google
    Superb

  • 5/5 Rohit J. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent nature Park and fairy penguin look out

  • 5/5 Magdalena S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Incredible (Original) Niesamowite

  • 5/5 John C. 4 years ago on Google
    Kids loved our time here. Priced accordingly for a ‘every now and then’ event. But I’d space it out between visits.

  • 5/5 Manjusha J. 4 years ago on Google
    Visited zoo, penguin parade it was very nice experience. Cows beach is so butiful.

  • 5/5 Carsten H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place lots of animals and it's bigger than it looks???

  • 5/5 M E. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff and a nice atmosphere, the cafes and gift shops are really nice with a range of great souvenirs and seeing the penguins up close is definitely a highlight. Don't bring your cameras though expecting a photography shoot as there are no photos allowed.

  • 5/5 Michael C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Watching penguins return home is a very meaningful ecological education (Original) 看企鵝回家,很有意義的生態教育

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great experience with my wife, definitely recommend

  • 5/5 Brett N. 2 years ago on Google
    This review really applies to my experience going with kids during non daylight savings time. During this time of year they open the centre at 4pm and the gates at 5pm. The penguins were out around 6.10pm I’d recommend prebooking your tickets and have them for arrival. Arrive at 4pm to get a parking spot close to the entrance. The visitor centre has lots of interesting and informative interactive presentations and activities. This was handy to tie us over until we could get some food for the kids. If you plan to eat there it was helpful to order before 4.20 as by about then the line was huge and people were waiting a while for their food. But if you’re not eating you could just get in line to be ready to get a spot. We had a great view and got very lucky to have the first lot of penguins appear right in front of us. We managed to see a lot more quite up close on the walk back to the visitor centre. Overall, the centre is well managed and offers an excellent experience. Our kids (2yo and 4yo) enjoyed themselves even though there was a bit of waiting involved.

  • 5/5 Mommy Alice and H. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful place. My kids love to see the kind of birds there...!!!

  • 4/5 Michael K. 2 years ago on Google
    The evening penguin show was absolutely mesmerising. Enjoyed every little bit of it. I’d say this is a must visit venue if you are in Melbourne.

  • 5/5 Annmarie W. 2 years ago on Google
    What a wonderful experience to share with our little boy. All staff were professional and Tom was full of knowledge which was awesome. We loved watching many penguins come to shore and then loved walking along aode many on our way back. We booked our trip to Phillip Island to see the penguins and they did not disappoint.

  • 5/5 Lori P. 2 years ago on Google
    Something you need to do at least once in your lifetime. Informative staff, adorable penguins, beautiful environment- what’s not to love? Pay extra for the premium seating/underground viewing- it’s totally worth it!!

  • 5/5 Aisha L. 1 year ago on Google
    wonderful experience, a great memory. so much conservation work and care by all the staff, allowing us to experience this and avoid negative impact on the penguins natural behaviours and emvironment. sadly people had to be asked then begged to stop taking photos of the penguins... shame so many disrespected this simple request to respect nature.

  • 5/5 Greta W. 4 years ago on Google
    Organised coach trips visit this island from all around. The bird life is spectacular and the scenery stunning. The centre to view the Penguin Parade is highly organised. The seating is good in all areas but once the penguins come ashore photography and torches are forbidden in order not to frighten the birds.

  • 3/5 C2 7 months ago on Google
    Amazing experience, although it gets really cold. The time the penguins come up to shore varies from 5-6pm in winter till as late as 8pm in summer. No idea why no photos or videos (even without flash) is not allowed at all. Apparently photons entering a camera's CMOS sensor will hurt a penguin's eyes, but the bright lights all under the broadwalk are okay? If this is the case, Phillip Island should do more to educate all the zoologists in other countries. It is really tragic when I think of all the penguins blinded by having their photos taken in zoos worldwide...

  • 5/5 Theresia M. 7 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Great experience and suitable for older kids who can survive long journey in the mini bus. The travelling time is about 2 hrs one way. I joined Go West tour operator for a full day tour to Philip Island and went to see a few other places before heading to Penguin Parade at the end of the destination. Penguins are coming after sunset is down or around 6pm local time. These penguins are the smallest species among the other penguins in the world. They are super cute walking around the beach and climbs to the hills to find place to rest after hunting for the foods. It was amazing experience exploring the surroundings since the views are breathtaking especially in nice cold sunny weather.

  • 5/5 Jenny L. 6 months ago on Google
    Look at the right side or left side. Can’t see much at middle. Booking is essential. The underground viewing is good to try.

  • 5/5 Chen Y. 3 years ago on Google
    wonderful experience for penguin watching.

  • 5/5 ronak j. 4 years ago on Google
    If you have come to Melbourne and haven't seen the penguin parade, you have missed the best thing. It's an absolute pleasure to see those tiny creatures walking in groups ? This is so gorgeous absolutely. It's the best part of my Aussie trip. ❤️

  • 5/5 Johnathan C. 4 years ago on Google
    Come during the day as well. Good chance to see the visitor center and the interactive displays. You can also access the bordwalks and the beach, keep a close eye out and you might see some of the penguins in the borrows.

  • 4/5 Adlee C. 4 years ago on Google
    Loved the penguin walk. So many come up onto the Penguin Plus section. Recommended at least once to see them arrive from the sea to feed their babies in the burrows.

  • 5/5 David V. 4 years ago on Google
    Very adorable penguins, one of the few places in the world to still see the semi-wild flightless birds in action. The way they waddle up into groups and run (at least try to) to the rocks is worth every second that it takes to get down there.

  • 5/5 Sue M. 3 years ago on Google
    Was in 2010 but an experience never forgotten. Loved it all

  • 4/5 prakhar c. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Really enjoyed the penguin parade. Reach the spot early even if you have penguin plus tickets to score the best view.

  • 5/5 John A. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent saw over 2000 Penguins tonight

  • 5/5 Chloe M. 3 years ago on Google
    Omg this place is amazing watching these little penguins walk to their small houses

  • 5/5 Robert D. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a really great time here. I have a very young family and the kids had a blast. I suggest coming early, bring a blanket and a thermos for hot chocolate and book the penguins plus.

  • 4/5 Aga H. 3 years ago on Google
    Fresh air, nice facility, and the penguin are live on their natural schedule. But kinda pricey and not enough sitting place (from my experience). Make sure to check it out online before coming, in case this place are not your taste

  • 5/5 Jens B. 3 years ago on Google
    A unforgettable experience! Dress warm with wind breakers (even after a hot summer day it can become very chilly). Our son got lost and the park rangers where super nice and helpful, very nice people!

  • 5/5 Joanne C. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful day

  • 5/5 沈炳 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The seaside is quite cold in summer! Although you ca n’t take pictures, you have to protect the animals But it was an unforgettable night (Original) 夏天海邊還蠻冷的! 雖然不能拍照,要保護動物 不過是一個難忘的一晚

  • 5/5 fong jik p. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to visit while you are in Melbourne.

  • 5/5 Heather G. 4 years ago on Google
    Unique and info from rangers interesting

  • 5/5 Flying Turtle D. 3 years ago on Google
    Amaine place to get up close and hand feed kangoroos

  • 5/5 nicky h. 3 years ago on Google
    Cute

  • 4/5 Peter W. 3 years ago on Google
    Trying to watch black and white penguins at night. Challenge that i failed in.

  • 5/5 Caitlin M. 3 years ago on Google
    A must see experience when visiting Phillip island

  • 5/5 Joylin M. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful experience

  • 5/5 Petri P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great pinguine parade, lots of wallabies, geese and rabbits.

  • 1/5 Ilia K. 4 years ago on Google
    $6.50 for a small latte. What a joke

  • 4/5 Chinn H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's so cold, but it's good to wait until these little cute. (Original) 天氣是那麼的冷,但等到這些小可愛還是不錯。

  • 3/5 WILSON G. 4 years ago on Google
    Good environment, reasonable price but limited interaction with penguins.

  • 4/5 Tess P. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing seeing the penguins but overpriced entry and food

  • 4/5 Tauhid K. 4 years ago on Google
    Watched penguin parade. Worth the wait.

  • 5/5 Mayuresh B. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing to see Penguins in their natural habitat

  • 5/5 Travis T. 4 years ago on Google
    What a magical experience! Seeing the penguin's arrive back to shore and waddle up the hill is something special.

  • 4/5 Steve M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great night watching the penguins


Call +61 3 5951 2800 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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