Penguin Parade summer season experiences record 47 sell out nights

The summer season for Phillip Island’s world-famous Penguin Parade experienced a record 47 sell out nights between December 2024 and February 2025 with visitors able to get closer to the penguins following upgraded viewing stands and a new boardwalk along the beachfront.

Phillip Island Nature Parks team were congratulated by the Victorian Government for continuing to grow one of Australia’s most iconic tourist attractions, while protecting the precious coastal habitat.

Works to establish the new Shearwater Boardwalk and viewing stand received $5 million from the Victorian Government, adding additional seating and letting visitors get a close up experience while ensuring the safety of both Penguins and visitors alike.

Importantly the upgrades make it more accessible for all Victorians to enjoy the penguin viewing stands, increasing the visitor capacity and creating an even closer view of the little penguins waddling home each evening.

The upgrades required careful consideration to protect the little penguins’ sensitive natural habitat from heavy construction vehicles.

As part of the construction, steel framework was lifted by helicopter into location, with a skilled pilot guiding the beams and frames into position.

Other components of the boardwalk were carried in by hand and installed one-by-one to ensure as little disruption as possible to Phillip Island’s much loved little penguin population.

All works were conducted with qualified wildlife officers on-site, ensuring any penguins present during construction were monitored and undisturbed by the works.

To book your next visit to the Penguin Parade, visit penguins.org.au.  

Image. Penguin Island Parade Credit: Visit Victoria