What is Phillip Island’s 4 Parks Pass?
To be honest I’ve never heard about the 4 Parks Pass till I was looking to see the little penguins at the famous Phillip Island Penguin Parade. I was presented with the option to select the 4 Parks Pass and quickly learned what the 4 parks are;
– The Penguin Parade
– The Koala Reserve
– Churchill Island
– The Antarctic Journey
How much is a 4 Parks Pass?
An adult pass is $63 a child pass is $31.50 and if you hold a pensioner card the pass will cost $44.10. Now you can also get a family pass for $157.50 which includes 2 adults and 2 children. To be considered a child you have to be between the ages of 4 to 15. By that logic, you are an adult when you turn 16. Infants under the age of 4 are free.
I have been coming to Phillip Island for years and of all of the 4 parks I have never heard of the Antarctic Journey. So that is where we will start…
Antarctic Journey
The Antarctic Journey is a joint venture between Phillip Island Nature Parks and WWF Australia (World Wildlife Fund). Located on the far side of the island on the tip of Summerland Peninsula – at a place known as the Nobbies – The Antarctic Journey is like a Scienceworks with a focus on Antarctica and all its wildlife on and in the ocean between. Inside has a series of interactive games where you can learn about the wildlife and the conditions in Antarctica. Downstairs in an is an audio-visual underwater theatre experience. The greatest feature of the Antarctic Journey wasn’t within the center but where it is situated. Right on the tip of the Nobbies, where you can look out over Seal Rock and explore boardwalks to enjoy the wild scenery and the ocean.
The whole experience is great for young families or if you’re dating a scientist. Give yourself 2-3 hours to be enthralled and make sure you go for a walk along those boardwalks as they are free for everyone to experience.
Churchill Island
Churchill Island is an island off Phillip Island, located on the right-hand side after you come over the bridge and pass the Chocolate Factory. You drive through some native bushland, over another bridge and if it feels like your parking right in the centre of the island Farm, it’s because you are. On your way in feel free to pull over and have a geeze at the Cape Barren Geese and the photogenic Highland Cows. The entrance to the park is part gift shop, park Cafe, and part museum sharing the history of Churchill Island. If you get here early enough there are a number of activities happening daily; from sheep shearing to learning how to whip a whip. You can stroll through the ancient farmstead, admire the animals, and enjoy amazing water views. There’s a magical energy about this place. Except it is open to the weather so pack appropriately. If you have the energy and want to get the most out of the island there’s a gorgeous walk that circum-navigates the island that also shares titbits of historical information.
The walk around the island will take you about 40 minutes and exploring the park will take as long as you want to spend exploring the old homestead.
If you have a bit of extra time and have a craving for something sweet there’s the Chocolate Factory, as mentioned, just around the corner.
Koala Reserve
In the heart of Phillip Island, you can come face to face with our cuddliest animal icon at the Koala Reserve. Inside you will find interactive and information displays to teach you everything there is to know about the mellow cousin of the drop bear. But the fun starts when you venture into the reserve. It’s not the easiest to spot these fluffballs, but the rangers have built raised boardwalks that take you up into the gums to assist with the wildlife ‘Where’s Wally’. To make this experience more fun start a friendly game of who can spot more koalas. The reserve is broken up into sections and each section has a number of koalas indicated upon entry. So you know how many koalas SHOULD be within an area.
Pack accordingly as the weather can be the make or break of this activity. Depending on your spotting skills make sure you schedule 2-3 hours for your visit.
Penguins Parade
Where else can you watch little penguins dash across the sand to their burrows? The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is renowned for bringing busloads of tourists to Phillip Island to witness this extraordinary evening event and it is thanks to these little guys that Phillip Island Nature Parks has the funds to run fantastic conservation projects across Phillip Island.
The Penguin Parade has recently updated its visitor center to an architectural masterpiece, that now includes a whole bunch of activities and of course a gift shop filled with plush wild animals. Once you pass through the Visitor Centre you stroll down along the boardwalks to the stadium-like viewing platforms. If you get in early enough you can snag a spot on the sand, down in front, to watch the little penguins come ashore. For the keen observer, you may also spot Swamp Wallabies, Cape Barren Geese, Seagulls are plentiful, Imperial Ibises, and if you are really lucky the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoots. As there are no foxes on Phillip Island bandicoots have been reintroduced as a part of a breeding program and it is proving to be successful.
Watching the beach come alive after dark is a truly magical experience but make sure you pack wet-weather gear as you are sitting in the open to all the elements after dark, also something to sit on is also advised so you don’t get a wet cold bum. The whole evening event only lasts a couple of hours but you will definitely want to have an early dinner before you go. Every visit to the Penguin Parade supports Phillip Island Nature Parks with vital research, education, and conservation projects that ensure Phillip Island’s need for habitats to thrive for future generations to enjoy.
4 parks 1 day
You do not have to do all 4 parks in one day. When booking the four parks pass, you need to understand that are booking it for the date to see the Penguin Parade, but you have 6 months to use your tickets for The Koala Reserve, Churchill Island, and The Antarctic Journey.
If organized you can do all 4 parks in one day. I would suggest going to Churchill Island first, followed by the Koala Reserve, then going out to the Nobbies to experience The Antarctic Journey before finishing at the Penguin Parade. Once again pack appropriately and also pack snacks.
The 4 Parks Pass is perfect for anyone who’s looking for family activities to do on Phillip Island or for anyone who enjoys heritage and nature experiences. Each park has its own unique energy, and information and is its own experience respectively, however, to order them from least to best.
- Koala Reserve could be boring if you can’t spot a koala.
- Antarctic Journey could entertain you for a walk-through, but its free outdoor boardwalks are the cheese
- Churchill Island is a novelty. Highland cows, horses, water views, history, and has its own cafe.
- The Penguin Parade is the winner. Seeing a wild little penguin society come to life as the sun goes down is just magical to witness.
Buy tickets here: https://www.penguins.org.au/buy-tickets/category/id/31
This content isn’t sponsored. I hope this helps when looking for activities on Phillip Island. I am going to be doing a deep dive into each of these parks in future videos, subscribe to us on YouTube to see them first.
