Community Open Day

 

Connect with nature, wild and community at Phillip Island Nature Parks Community Open Day.

We invite Bass Coast residents and property owners to come along on Saturday 10 October 2026.

 

Join us at Churchill Island for live music, conservation and research presentations, conservation dogs' demonstration, community stalls, farm activities, games and more.

 

With free entry* at Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Reserve and the Penguin Parade General Viewing, enjoy a day in nature with us. Entry to all the Nature Parks attractions and open day activities are free for residents, landholders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members and students of Bass Coast Shire.

 

You can book the Penguin Parade General Viewing on either Friday 9 October or Saturday 10 October. Limited free tickets are available, so booking is essential to secure your spot.

Tickets go live 28 September 2026. See below 'How to book your tickets' for information on how to  receive your complimentary tickets.*

 

 

Join us at Churchill Island for live music, conservation and research presentations, conservation dog demonstrations, community stalls, farm activities, games and more.

 

Activities

10.00 am–3.00 pm

Community Stalls

10. 30 am 

Blacksmithing

11.00 am 

Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony

11.30 am–1.00 pm 

Wagon Rides 

11.30 am 

Sheep Shearing 

11.45 am  

Conservation Dogs 

11.45 am 

Whip Cracking 

12.00 pm 

Working Dogs 

2.00 pm–4.00 pm  

Wagon Rides 

2.00 pm  

Cow milking 

2.30 pm 

Sheep shearing 

2.45 pm 

Working dogs 

3.00 pm 

Whip cracking 

 

Food and Beverages

Churchill Island Visitor Centre have the following deals for Community Open Day only. Other food and beverage options are available off the menu.

☕ Coffee and Muffin Combo – $10

Start your day right with our unbeatable combo! Enjoy any small hot drink of your choice — be it a rich espresso, creamy latte, or velvety hot chocolate — perfectly paired with our freshly baked Muffin of the Day

🍔 Breaky Burger – $13

Our Breaky Burger is a handheld breakfast hero! Featuring crispy smoked bacon, a golden fried egg, melted cheese, and a generous dollop of our old-style tomato relish, all tucked inside a soft toasted bun. It’s hearty, savory, and perfect for fueling your morning on the go.

🌯 Breaky Wrap – $13

Craving something satisfying and portable? Our Breaky Wrap wraps up the goodness with smoked bacon, a perfectly fried egg, slices of grilled halloumi, and a spoonful of our signature tomato relish. All bundled in a warm tortilla for a flavour-packed start to your day.

 

Wander tree-top boardwalks to view the islands iconic koalas and charismatic curlews in their natural habitat. A peaceful way to explore native bushland alive with bird calls and Australian wildlife.

 

 

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre is open from midday each day. Pick up a hot beverage and browse the retail store. Enjoy a Penguin presentation at 6.30 pm in the Penguin Parade Theatre.

From approximately 8.00 pm, watch little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across Summerland Beach from the Penguin Parade General Viewing area on Friday 9 October or Saturday 10 October.

Tickets will be available from September 28.

 

Once you have verified your post code and have gained access to the booking page, please select the product you would like to book.

Choose 3 Parks Pass if you intend to visit all attractions including the Penguin Parade on Saturday October 10.

Choose Penguin Parade General Viewing to select tickets for either October 9 or 10 for the Penguin Parade only.

Choose Koala Conservation Reserve or Churchill Island if you wish to visit these attractions only. Please note these attractions are only available for Community Open Day on October 10.

Click on ‘Buy Now’ then choose the relevant date. Please note you must choose either October 9 or 10. (Choose October 10 if you have selected a 3 Park Pass).

 

Click on the relevant ticket session (click on the price).

Select the number of tickets you require and then click on ‘Next’.

Complete all Billing Contact fields and check boxes.

Please note you must complete all fields for the Promo Code to activate.

Enter the Promo Code: COD2026  and click apply. This will update your ticket cost to free of charge.

Please note that evidence of Bass Coast residency is required at entry.

 

Community Open Day is available exclusively to residents, property owners, landholders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and students of Bass Coast Shire. To gain your free entry, please bring proof of your residency such as photo ID (driver’s licence/student card) and/or rates notice/rental agreement/utilities bill as proof of address. Free entry for households only. Accompanying friends who reside outside the Bass Coast are welcome but must pay entry fees as applicable.

  • Free entry is available all day at Churchill Island and Koala Conservation Reserve. Limited tickets available at the Penguin Parade.
  • Free Parking, toilets and refreshments available at the Nature Parks attractions.
  • Reduce waste, bring your drink bottle, shopping bag and keep cup.
  • No unaccompanied children – thank you.
  • Phillip Island Nature Parks venues are all-weather attractions. 
  • All tickets booked for Community Open Day 2026 are valid on Saturday 10 October only. Penguin Parade General Viewing tickets are available for either Friday 9 October 2026 or Saturday 10 October 2026.
  • Wagon/tractor rides are $7 per person per ride and funds raised are donated to Friends of Churchill Island Society Inc.
  • Free admission is available to for residents, landholders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members and students of Bass Coast Shire only when using COD2026 promo code at checkout. Customer details must be entered for the promo code to be applied. Infants will require a valid ticket. Free entry is for households only. Accompanying non-residents of Bass Coast Shire are welcome but must pay entry fees as applicable.
  • Proof of residency will be required to gain entry via photo ID (driver’s licence/student card) and/or rates notice/rental agreement/utilities bill as proof of address.
  • Tickets cannot be extended, refunded, upgraded, or exchanged for cash.
  • Offer valid for general admission only, and not valid for any other upgrades, offers and tours.
  • The event organiser reserves the right to modify or cancel the event without notice for reasons beyond their control.
  • In the event of cancellation tickets will not be exchanged or rescheduled to another date/session.
  • Special meal offers with our Create Catering partners are subject to change.