Phillip Island Nature Parks
Located only 1.5 hours from the teeming streets of modern, fast-paced Melbourne—Phillip Island is known for its wildlife and rural, undeveloped shores. The fact that the island has remained so wild is in large part due to the Phillip Island Nature Parks—a group of five family-friendly attractions, plus conservation areas that preserve and promote the island’s wildlife wealth.
The basics
The Phillip Island Nature Parks cover 4,460 acres and include five different ticketed attractions plus conservation areas such as Pyramid Walk and Cape Woolamai; where the rugged nature of the island’s coastline impresses at every turn. Learn about early Australian settlers at the Churchill Island Heritage Farm before exploring the world’s most extreme climate at the Nobbies Centre Antarctic Journey exhibit. Get up close to a massive fur seal colony on an EcoBoat Adventure or watch cute koalas in their native habitat at the Koala Reserve. End the day with the natural spectacle of the Penguin Parade, when thousands of native little penguins come scurrying ashore at sunset.
Things to know before you go
- With the exception of the Nobbies Centre, each of the Phillip Island Nature Parks has its own admission fee.
- Passengers on the EcoBoat Adventures must be at least 4 years old.
- Penguin Parade tickets regularly sell out, so book far in advance, especially during holiday seasons.
- If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, save money by purchasing a multi-park pass online.
- Though the parks charge admission fees to visit, all of the money goes directly back into operations and wildlife conservation.
- All attractions have wheelchair-accessible parking and visitor centers.
How to get there
Phillip Island is located about 1.5 hours from downtown Melbourne. It's easiest to reach all the Phillip Island Nature Parks by car, and parking is available at all attractions. If you prefer to focus on the views instead of the road, many guided tours include transportation from Melbourne.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Each of the parks and attractions has its own operating hours; check the Phillip Island Nature Parks website for up-to-date hours. The Penguin Parade occurs year-round at sunset.