Our visit to Phillip Island and participation at the Penguin Parade was one of our top experiences (as a family of 5; 2 adults and 3 children (ages 13, 12 and 9)) during our entire vacation over several weeks to Australia. It is well worth the visit...but be prepared for crowds and sitting in the cold...and definitely pay the extra for the private seating area and VIP options.
Lots to do and see all around the Phillip Island. Highlight of all of it was certainly the Penguin Parade at sunset. Get there around 730pm, and be prepared to head to your seats around 8pm, although the penguins don't tend to emerge from the water until about just after 9pm. However, when they emerge, the emerge adorably and by the hundreds/thousands! In total we must have viewed close to a couple thousand penguins coming out of the water and making their slow, waddling way up the hill (climbing often for more than a mile or more). They came out of surf after feeding at sea. They are Little Penguins (smallest of all penguins, around 12 inches in height). The "Parade" then goes on for over an hour, as thousands waddle up trails to find their burrows - you can see them at very close range, no more than a couple meters away. We loved it and our kids loved it and found it to be one of the best animal viewings they ever experienced! Truly an all around fantastic evening - and great rangers who talk and provide additional details.
I recommend this to everyone. Be aware that you should prepare for large crowds and be sure to come prepared with warm clothing. read more