Board of Management Update – March 2026
The Phillip Island Nature Parks Board met in March for a planning day and regular Board meeting. This was the first meeting led by Matt McDonald, who was appointed to the Chair role in December 2025.
Peak season summary
We’ve had a strong start to the year across the Nature Parks attractions with double digit growth in visitation at Churchill Island and Koala Conservation Reserve, and a record run of 29 sold out nights over December and January at the Penguin Parade.
The summer peak period ended on a high with an incredible February featuring Lunar New Year as we welcomed international visitors to the Bass Coast and every night of February was sold out at the Penguin Parade!
These incredible results highlight Phillip Island (Milawul) and the Nature Parks as a global nature destination providing significant economic contribution to the region and also demonstrate the successful ecotourism model funding world class conservation and public assets.
We look forward to welcoming more visitors over the April holidays, with tickets for the Penguin Parade selling fast and our Churchill Island Easter Extravaganza sure to be a hit again this year.
Summerland Peninsula Master Plan
The Board reviewed progress on the Summerland Peninsula Master Plan and received high level insights on the feedback received from the recent consultation period on key elements of the ‘developing’ Master Plan.
We thank the community for your thoughtful feedback throughout the consultation period. We’re carefully reviewing all submissions to guide the progress of the Draft Master Plan, that will be released for public comment later in the year.
Penguin Parade Boardwalks and Viewing Stands project
The Board congratulated the project and construction teams who completed Stage 2 ahead of schedule in December 2025 providing a new all accessible boardwalk from behind the viewing stands up to the previous boardwalk amenities.
Construction for Stage 3 commenced this month to complete replacement of boardwalks connecting the viewing stands to the Visitor Centre and new state-of-the-art amenities on the boardwalk. In the meantime, bathroom facilities are available in the Visitor Centre and bus parking area.
Works will be phased over the next 18 months minimising disruption for wildlife and ensuring visitors continue to enjoy the world-famous Penguin Parade.
The Board is excited about Stage 4 design concepts coming mid-year, offering an even better viewing experience for more visitors with increased capacity, accessibility and safety, and an improved habit for the world’s largest colony of little penguins.
These exciting upgrades will further reinforce Phillip Island Nature Parks as a world-class wildlife conservation and visitor experience.
