The world-famous Penguin Parade is Victoria’s most popular regional tourism attraction, and one of the top five nature-based attractions in Australia.
In 2022 Phillip Island Nature Parks finalised detailed designs to reinvigorate the Penguin Parade boardwalks and viewing stands to deliver the final stage of the Summerland Peninsula Master Plan.
The Nature Parks has been successful in securing partial funding for the $37.8M project with a $5 million grant through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund and additional funding through the State Government enabling the construction of new boardwalks and upgrade of ageing infrastructure.
Terroir Architects in partnership with Simpson Construction have been engaged to design and construct this exciting project to ensure the Penguin Parade remains a world class ecotourism destination.
WHAT
New Outbound Boardwalk
The construction of a new all accessible boardwalk, creating an improved looped visitor experience to connect visitors with nature. This new boardwalk will provide a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant walkway to the Penguin Parade viewing stands.
Construction will commence 1 May 2024, outside the penguin breeding and shearwater migration period. Completion is expected by December 2024. 
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Penguins Plus Upgrade Construction will commence 14 June with a completion date of 18 September. During this time the stand will be closed to the public. |
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Guided Penguin Tour (formerly Guided Ranger Tour) Platform |
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HOW
This project has involved consultation with key stakeholders to avoid or minimise impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage, flora, and fauna.
Impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage are being managed through a Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan.
Flora and fauna impact is being managed through a comprehensive biodiversity assessment and a Construction Environmental Management Plan.
WHY
The Nature Parks has a long-term vision to create a holistic experience to immerse our visitors in nature across the Summerland Peninsula. We have focused our funding to restore the ageing infrastructure at the Penguin Parade to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all.
FURTHER INFORMATION
During construction works please expect some minor delays in accessing the viewing stands.
Please allow extra time to get to and from the viewing platforms if you are on a bus tour or time restriction.
Signage and staff will be available to assist you during this time.
Accessibility
A buggy service will continue to operate throughout the construction periods for sections of the boardwalk.
Your own personal wheelchair or other aiding device is recommended.
Please telephone 03 5951 2830 for further information on your individual requirements.
Closures
| Experience | Closure Period |
| Guided Penguin Tour (formerly Guided Ranger Tour) Platform | 3 May–13 Jun |
| Penguins Plus Viewing Platform | 14 Jun–18 Sep |
| Shearwater Boardwalk | 1 May–Dec 2024 |
Day time impacts
Some delays may be experienced accessing Summerland Beach throughout the day.
You may experience work vehicles accessing the pathways and closures of Penguins Plus and Guided Ranger Tour stands.
Delays and restricted access may occur from 1 May to December 2024.
Please follow directions of signage, staff, and contractors during this time for your safety.