Phillip Island is off the Bass Coast and is a favourite spot for wildlife, beaches and history. Whether you’re at the Nobbies Centre, looking at stunning views of Pyramid Rock or visiting the Koala Conservation Centre, there’s hours of fun for all visitors.

But did you know Phillip Island has the world’s largest Little Penguin colony? Yep! Every evening at Summerland Beach, visitors can watch the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade where thousands of these awesome creatures waddle in from the shallow waters of Bass Strait after a long day of fishing.

The Famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade

One of the island’s biggest attractions is the Penguin Parade, an amazing experience where visitors gather at specially designed boardwalks to watch these loved animals make their way back to their burrows. Many Penguin Parade tours offer guided tours, so you can learn about the penguins’ behavior and conservation efforts.

If you’re doing a Phillip Island tour from Melbourne, this is one of the top highlights as many tour operators include the Penguin Parade in their itinerary along with other wildlife attractions like the Koala Conservation Centre and Seal Rock where you can find the largest fur seal colony in Australia.

More Fun Facts

• Largest Colony: Phillip Island is home to over 40,000 Little Penguins, the largest colony of this species in the world.
• Unique Appearance: Unlike other penguins, these curious creatures have blue feathers not black.
• Cold Waters: The deep waters of Bass Strait provide a great food source for these penguins.
• Colony of Penguins Venture: These penguins can travel up to 20 km per day to find food before returning to their burrows.

Other Must-Visit Attractions

While the Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a must see, there’s plenty more to explore:

Australian Wildlife & Nature Parks

• Churchill Island Heritage Farm: Step back in time and experience farm activities like cow milking and sheep shearing.
• Maru Wildlife Park: Get up close with Australian animals like koalas, wombats and kangaroos.
• Phillip Island Nature Parks: Home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bird species and extinct species displays.

Beautiful Beaches & Coastal Views

• Woolamai Beach: A popular beach for surfers and a National Surfing Reserve.
• Cowes Main Beach: The biggest north facing beach on the island, perfect for beach games and holiday fun.
• Berries Beach: A hidden gem with flat waters perfect for swimming.
• Bay Beaches: Enjoy the coastal views and deep waters of the island’s beautiful beaches.
• Summerland Beach: Where the Penguin Parade takes place, with stunning views of the sunset as the penguins return to their burrows.

Motorsport & Adventure Activities

• Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit: Home to world famous motorcycle and car racing events.
• Climb Phillip Island: A thrill ride with breathtaking views of the island.
• Road Trip & Dirt Roads: Explore the island’s historic sites and natural attractions along scenic back roads.

Food, Dining & Chocolate Lovers Paradise

• Phillip Island Chocolate Factory (Panny’s): A sweet treat for chocolate lovers, with interactive exhibits and meals.
• Beach HQ Restaurant & Bar: Casual dining with stunning views of the South Coast.
• More Dining Options: From cold drinks to gourmet meals, Phillip Island has something for everyone.
• Churchill Island Marine National Park & Churchill Island Marine Park: Marine life and beach views.
• Swan Lake: Birds and wildlife.

Explore Phillip Island with Guided Tours

For visitors who want to make the most of their trip, Phillip Island tours are the way to go. These tours include wildlife encounters, scenic coastal drives and stops at the Phillip Island Circuit and Pannys Phillip Island Chocolate Factory.

If you’re short on time, a Phillip Island tour from Melbourne is a good option, with transport and expert guides to the island’s natural resources, historical grounds and animals.

Plan Your Perfect Phillip Island Getaway

Whether you’re into the penguin colony, looking for a real escape into Australian wildlife or wanting to visit the Phillip Island Circuit, this island has it all. With historical sites, world-class exhibits, beach attractions and public holiday events it’s the place for day trips, road trips and holidays.

So next time someone asks, “What’s a fun fact about Phillip Island?” you’ll know the answer: It’s home to the world’s largest Little Penguin colony and so much more!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time to visit Phillip Island?

Best time to visit is spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) when the weather is warm and wildlife is active. However the Penguin Parade tour runs year round so any time is a good time to visit.

How do I get to Phillip Island from Melbourne?

You can get to Phillip Island by car in about 90 minutes from Melbourne. Or there are many Phillip Island tours from Melbourne that offer transport and experiences.

What other wildlife can I see on Phillip Island?

Apart from the famous penguin colony you can see koalas at the Koala Conservation Centre, kangaroos and wombats at Maru Wildlife Park and fur seals at Seal Rock which is home to the largest fur seal colony in Australia.

Is the Penguin Parade suitable for kids?

Yes! The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is a family friendly attraction. Kids will love watching the penguins waddle back to their burrows at Summerland Beach and there are information centres with fun, educational activities.

Can I swim at the beaches on Phillip Island?

Yes! Phillip Island has beaches, Woolamai Beach, Cowes Main Beach and Berries Beach. Some are swimming beaches and others like Woolamai Beach are for surfing.