Watch the world-famous Little Penguin Parade at Phillip Island as hundreds of the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore at sunset, then move on to a curated tasting of cool-climate Gippsland wines. This is quintessential coastal Victoria, distilled into one extraordinary evening.
What to expect
As dusk settles over Summerland Beach, you take your position on the specially designed viewing platform or in the intimate Ranger Guided area. Then, in ones and twos, hundreds of Little Penguins emerge from the surf and wobble past your feet on their way to their burrows — one of the most enchanting wildlife spectacles in the world. Afterwards, a local guide leads a tasting of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Gippsland's boutique vineyards.
Good to know
Phillip Island is approximately 2.5–3 hours from Bairnsdale. This is best suited to itineraries with an overnight or extended stay near the region. Book the Ranger Guided Tour well in advance as it sells out months ahead. No photography with flash is permitted at the parade. Dress warmly — coastal evenings are brisk year-round.