2024 Summerlands Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
Popular Attractions
Nobbies Centre (home of the Antarctic Journey)
Penguin Parade
Witnessing Nature’s Wonder, the Tiny Penguins
#timetotravel #australia #melbournetrip
Must-not-missed trip when you visit Melbourne, watching the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island!
It takes around 2-3hours drive from Melbourne city and there are plenty of day-trip tour services that you can join that will cost anywhere from AUD139 to above AUD1000 depending on the group size and travel time. The tour I joined in called Bunyip Travel departed from Melbourne at 10AM and return by 10PM.
It was mesmerizing to sit and watch those penguins emerge from the ocean towards their burrows.
No photo & videos are allowed during the Penguin Parade and it can take quite a while to wait for those penguins to show up, so if you go in winter time, make sure to pack some warm clothings as you’ll be sitting outside. Or just pay extra to get the indoor - underground seatings.
Fun trivia told by our tour guide: Chris & Liam Hemsworth are from Phillip Island! Their parents still live here 😆
arny_life
Melbourne Surroundings | Steam Train + Penguin Island Day Tour Guide.
| Steam Train + Penguin Island Day Tour Guide. Day 5⃣ I joined a small group day tour, which included tickets for the steam train and Penguin Island. The tour doesn't start too early, and you can rest on the bus, so the itinerary is quite relaxing!
🕣 Departure time: 10:00 am
📍Puffing Billy Steam Train🚂
- The whole journey takes 1 hour, with two stops in between.
- The first part of the journey goes through the woods, and the second part offers vast grassland views, which are stunning.
- You can sit by the window and stretch your legs out. The scenery on the right side is better in the first half, but remember to switch to the left side for the last 20 minutes to capture the train turning over the bridge!
-
📍Maru Wildlife Park🦘
- The ticket is AUD 25 per person. The park is not very big, but it has most of the representative animals of Australia.
- Kangaroo food is AUD 3 per bowl, and you can feed the kangaroos. Taking photos with koalas requires an additional fee.
-
📍Phillip Island to see the little penguins return home
- There are three sets of bleachers similar to stadium stands by the sea, with VIP and regular seats.
- The little penguins landing here are the smallest in the world, about 33 cm tall🐧
- The island keeps track of the penguins' landing time and number every day, as well as the forecast for the day!
- After the sun has completely set, you can see the little penguins waddling ashore from the sea. After watching one or two waves, you can head back. The boardwalk leading to the stands is a must-pass for the little penguins returning home.
- They emphasize not taking photos or videos here, and you can't use flash. You can download photos from the official website!
LiamMcCormick82
Witness the Magic of Phillip Island's Penguin Parade!
Have you ever seen the smallest penguins in the world waddle their way back home? 🐧 If not, Phillip Island is the place to be! This enchanting experience is something you don't want to miss when visiting Melbourne.
I recently visited Phillip Island to witness the famous Penguin Parade. We started our journey from Glen at 10 AM and reached the island after a scenic 1.5-hour drive. The island itself is a treasure trove of natural beauty and wildlife, but the highlight of our trip was undoubtedly the Penguin Parade.
As the sun began to set, we made our way to the viewing area. The anticipation built as we waited for the first penguins to appear. These little blue penguins, standing just about 33 cm tall, are the smallest penguins in the world. Watching them emerge from the ocean and make their way across the beach was both heartwarming and awe-inspiring.
A few tips for your visit:
- Dress warmly, especially in the evening, as it can get quite cold by the beach.
- Remember that photography is not allowed to protect the penguins, so just enjoy the moment.
📍Address: 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands VIC 3922, Australia
🕰️Business Hours: The Penguin Parade usually starts at sunset. Check the official website for exact timings as they vary throughout the year.
#travel #beachlife #naturalwonders #familytravel
Juneeeee
The Nobbies
Nic.K
11-Day Australia Autumn Travel Guide: All the Best Sights!
Hey guys! Here's a super useful guide to an 11-day trip to Australia, so you can see all the best sights without any detours! Save it now and start your dream trip!
/
Australia is a land of history and beauty. From the sail-like design of the Sydney Opera House to the stunning ocean views of the Great Ocean Road and the mysterious charm of Aboriginal culture, every corner of this country offers a unique travel experience! 🌅🏖️🎭
/
🎉 Itinerary:
DAY 1: Departure ✈️ Meet in Shanghai, transfer to Sydney, and start your Australian adventure!
DAY 2-3: Explore Sydney, visit the Opera House 🎭, have afternoon tea at the University of Sydney, go dolphin watching 🐬, and check out popular attractions.
DAY 4: Sydney ✈️ Cairns, visit the tropical rainforest 🌿, enjoy a Wagyu beef feast 🥩, and stay at a 5-star hotel.
DAY 5: Cairns day trip, Moore Outer Reef + Emerald Island, snorkeling 🏊♂️, and water slides.
DAY 6: Cairns ✈️ Brisbane, head to the Gold Coast, and enjoy the surfing 🏄♀️ paradise.
DAY 7: Free time on the Gold Coast, enjoy the sun and sand 🏖️.
DAY 8: Gold Coast - Brisbane ✈️ Melbourne, watch the penguins 🐧 return to their nests, and head to Dandenong.
DAY 9: Visit the Dandenong Ranges 🏔️, take a Great Ocean Road trip, cross the ferry 🛳️, and enjoy the spectacular ocean views.
DAY 10: Free time in Melbourne, head to the airport in the evening, Melbourne ✈️ Shanghai.
DAY 11: Shanghai ✈️ Home, end of a wonderful trip to Australia!
/
Attraction Suggestions:
✨ Sydney Opera House: White shell design, an art palace by the harbor, and an international performance center waiting for you to explore.
🐧 Phillip Island: Get up close and personal with penguins, koalas, and kangaroos, and experience a natural animal paradise. Don't miss the seal colony!
🌊 Great Barrier Reef: Dive into the world's most spectacular coral reef and discover a colorful underwater world.
🎨 National Gallery of Victoria: Discover the essence of Australian art and experience the fusion of art and history.
⛰️ Twelve Apostles: A thousand-year-old wonder on the Great Ocean Road, a group of stone pillars carved by the waves, telling the story of nature's craftsmanship.
/
Travel Tips:
🍽️ Food: Try Australian steak, seafood platters, and specialty meat pies!
⏰ Time difference: Australia is about 2-3 hours ahead of China, so remember to adjust your schedule!
📖 Visa information: You need a visa to travel to Australia, so prepare your documents in advance!
☁️ November climate: November in Australia is mild and pleasant, with sunny days and cool nights, so remember to bring a jacket!
/
🌟 Don't forget to like and follow for more Australian travel tips to make your trip even more exciting! 🌟
William61 Mitchell - Will
5-Day Australia Tour: A Paradise Adventure
Explore the wonders of Australia on a 5-day tour! With an amazing itinerary, you'll experience the unique charm of Australia. Join us and feel the magic!
/
Australia, a land where history and nature intertwine. 🏞️ From the majestic Great Barrier Reef to the elegance of the Sydney Opera House, every corner exudes the unique charm of this land. 🌅 Explore Australia and experience its unique regional charm!
/
🌟 Itinerary:
DAY 1:
Arrival at the airport -> Free time
After checking into the hotel, enjoy some free time! Relax and enjoy your first day.
DAY 2:
Brighton Beach -> Dandenong Ranges -> Puffing Billy Steam Train -> Nobbies Centre -> Phillip Island
Visit the beach and mountains, ride a vintage steam train, and finally head to Phillip Island to discover the little penguins.
DAY 3:
Split Point Lighthouse -> Lorne Beach -> Great Otway National Park -> Twelve Apostles -> Loch Ard Gorge
A coastal journey to admire the stunning coastal scenery and explore the natural wonders of the national park.
DAY 4:
Werribee Mansion -> Sovereign Hill -> Sovereign Hill
Experience the tranquility of the mansion and revisit the gold mining history and culture of Sovereign Hill.
DAY 5:
Free time -> Airport transfer
Enjoy your last day in Australia, then head to the airport to end your journey.
/
**Notes**:
1. November in Australia is warm and perfect for travel, but the north enters the rainy season, so bring rain gear 🌦️.
2. The time difference with China is 2-3 hours, so adjust your schedule to avoid jet lag ⏰.
3. The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi to the city center 🚆🚌🚕.
4. Respect local culture and etiquette, and have a pleasant journey 🌍!
5. Wild animals are cute, but be safe, keep your distance, and don't feed or touch them 🐨🦘.
6. Don't forget sun protection and heat prevention. High SPF sunscreen and a hat are essential 🧢🧴.
/
Australia is waiting for you to explore! Don't miss the beauty of this land, and let your journey be full of surprises and emotions! 🌈✨
FreeSpiritedRoamer
Just returned from a 4-day trip to Australia and I have something to say.
4-day trip to Australia, all the highlights are here! Beautiful scenery, amazing experiences, don't miss out! Come and explore the unique charm of Australia with us!
/
Australia, with its unique history and beautiful scenery! 🌏 From the sails of the Sydney Opera House to the waves of the Gold Coast 🌊, to the mysterious Great Barrier Reef, every place is mesmerizing. The local culture is also unique and definitely worth a visit!
/
🛫 Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive at the airport -> Free time
Arrive on the first day, arrange for airport pick-up and free time, adjust to the time difference, and explore the surroundings.
Day 2: Brighton Beach -> Dandenong Ranges -> Puffing Billy Steam Train -> Nobbies Centre -> Phillip Island
Cross the beach and mountains, take a vintage steam train, visit the city center, and stay overnight on Phillip Island to enjoy a journey of nature and culture.
Day 3: Split Point Lighthouse -> Lorne Beach -> Great Otway National Park -> Twelve Apostles -> Loch Ard Gorge
Explore the lighthouse, stroll along the beach, cross the national park, admire the spectacular rocks and gorges, and experience the wonders of nature.
Day 4: Free time -> Airport transfer
Free time on the last day to enjoy the end of the trip, then arrange for airport transfer to end the wonderful trip.
/
Travel tips:
🎁 Specialty prices: Australian specialties are diverse, and prices vary greatly by region and store, so it's recommended to compare prices before buying.
📌 Visa information: You need to apply for a visa in advance to go to Australia to ensure a smooth trip and avoid disappointment!
✈️ Airport transportation: Australian airports are well-connected, with taxis, buses, and subways, so you can travel without worry.
🌞 Sun protection: The sun is strong in Australia, so sunscreen is a must, and don't forget your hat and sunglasses!
💡 Voltage reminder: Australia uses 230V voltage, so remember to bring a converter, so you don't have to worry about charging!
/
Come to Australia and enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique culture! Don't hesitate, start your dream trip now, Trip.com is waiting for you!
STEVIE MARQUEZ
Roadtrip to Phillip Island 🚗
#travelvlog
🚙 A road trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne takes about 2 to 2.5 hours (140 km). Drive via the M1 and A440 highways
🐨 Key attractions on the island include the Penguin Parade, where Little Penguins come ashore at dusk, the Koala Conservation Centre, and scenic views from the Nobbies Centre.
☀️It's a perfect spot for a day or weekend trip, combining wildlife, nature, and coastal beauty.
Prang.O
11-day Australia travel guide is here!
11 days in Australia! A detailed guide to make your trip more exciting. Don't miss it!
.
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere and has a rich history. It has a unique regional style and is known as the country on the back of a sheep. 🏞️ Visit the Sydney Opera House to experience the beauty of art, or go to the Gold Coast to enjoy the sun and the beach! 🌅
.
📅 Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart for Shanghai Pudong Airport and prepare to fly to Sydney.
Day 2-3: Arrive in Sydney. On the second day, go to Blue Mountains National Park and take a three-way cable car tour. On the third day, enjoy a free day in Sydney.
Day 4-6: Visit the Sydney Opera House and the University of Sydney, then fly to Melbourne. Watch the little penguins return home in Melbourne and visit the Great Ocean Road.
Day 7-8: Fly to Cairns, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to explore the rainforest, and enjoy a seafood platter at the Crocodile Restaurant. On the eighth day, go to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and experience a glass-bottom boat, semi-submarine, Aboriginal performance, and more.
Day 9-10: Fly to the Gold Coast, visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and take a photo with a koala, or go surfing at Surfers Paradise. On the tenth day, enjoy a free day on the Gold Coast.
Day 11: Fly from the Gold Coast to Brisbane, then transfer to Shanghai, and end your wonderful trip to Australia!
.
Must-see attractions:
Sydney Opera House ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Opening hours: 9:00 am–7:30 pm
Duration: 1–2 hours
The white shell stands in the harbor and is one of the largest performing arts centers in the world. Don't miss it!
Blue Mountains National Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: New South Wales, Australia
Opening hours: All day
Duration: 1–2 days
Explore the eucalyptus forest, rainforest, and spectacular natural waterfalls.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Opening hours: 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Duration: 3–4 hours
Get close to Australia's wildlife and experience the charm of nature!
Phillip Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Penguin Parade, 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, Victoria 3922
Opening hours: All day
Duration: 1 day
Animal paradise! Penguins, koalas, and kangaroos will accompany you, and you can also watch seals!
Hyde Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Opening hours: All day
Duration: 1–2 hours
A historic city park in the center of Sydney, a great place for a relaxing walk.
.
Travel essentials: 🧳 Traveling to Australia, you need to bring these things!
📞 SIM card and plug adapter, for communication and charging.
🪪 Passport, visa, and driver's license, you need all the documents.
👕 T-shirts, shorts, and sunscreen, it's still hot in Australia in November.
🎒 Camera, umbrella, and medicine, for a safe and comfortable trip.
.
🌟 Don't forget to like and save this post. Take you to Australia and start a dream trip! ✨
OliverChamberlain61
Saw some penguins and koala 🐨
The penguins were so tiny but the little noise they made was super cute 🥰
Lylaaa
Unforgettable Encounters: Moonlit Sanctuary & Phillip Island Penguins!
This day trip was a perfect blend of wildlife and wonder! Starting at Moonlit Sanctuary, we got up close with Australia’s unique animals, feeding kangaroos and meeting cuddly koalas. As the sun set, we headed to Phillip Island to watch the adorable penguins waddle ashore—a heartwarming sight! Both experiences offered incredible photo ops and left lasting memories. Nature and wildlife lovers, this is a must! #outdooradventures
Peter LLTT
Phillip island
#myhiddengems
Was very cute watching the penguins go back to their homes
mykneesarecold
A Journey to Meet the Majestic Ocean - Experiencing the Breath of Nature at Nobbies Centre
During a bus tour, we visited the Nobbies Centre, and the scenery was truly breathtaking.
Walking leisurely with my family along the boardwalk, we were awestruck by the rugged coastline and the Southern Ocean. Seals were basking in the sun on the rocks, and I couldn't resist capturing the moment with my camera.
The sea breeze was incredibly pleasant, making us feel one with nature. The nearby blowhole was also impressive, especially during high tide when its power was awe-inspiring. It's a quiet and refreshing place where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature.
sakipyon
Mesmerizing March of the Penguins: A Phillip Island Adventure
#phillipisland Visiting the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island was an unforgettable experience. As dusk fell, anticipation built among the crowd, and soon, hundreds of little penguins began their nightly march from the sea to their burrows. The sight of these adorable creatures waddling across the sand was both enchanting and surreal. The boardwalks provided an excellent view while ensuring the penguins’ safety, highlighting the balance of tourism and conservation.
The knowledgeable guides enriched the experience with fascinating insights into penguin behavior and the island’s ecology. The facilities were well-maintained, and the visitor center offered engaging exhibits for all ages. Watching the penguins in their natural habitat was a heartwarming reminder of nature's wonders.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply seeking a unique outing, Phillip Island's Penguin Parade is a must-see. It's a magical experience that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for these charming creatures.
Zephan Sheepy
Nobbies view point
The Nobbies is a popular tourist destination on Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia, known for its stunning coastal views, rugged cliffs, and diverse wildlife. The viewpoint offers visitors a chance to see spectacular ocean vistas, with waves crashing against the rocky shore. It is also a prime location for observing seals, as the nearby Seal Rocks are home to Australia's largest fur seal colony. The area features boardwalks and lookout points, allowing for safe and accessible exploration of the natural beauty. The Nobbies Centre provides educational displays about the local marine life and conservation efforts.#Nobbies
Kazi Mostafa
Seaside Serenity: Cowes, Philip Island's Hidden Gem
#weekendgetaways
My visit to Cowes, Philip Island, was a tranquil escape from the ordinary. This charming seaside town captivated me with its picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The iconic Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, and Seal Rocks Sea Life Cruise left me in awe of the island's unique wildlife. The town's quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants offered a taste of local culture. With its stunning coastal scenery, fascinating wildlife, and warm hospitality, Cowes is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and enriching experience. Whether you're a nature lover or simply looking to unwind, Cowes, Philip Island, is a true gem waiting to be discovered