Getting to the Penguin Parade: Drive & Transport Guide
The Penguin Parade is located at the western tip of Phillip Island, a 2-hour drive (140 km) from Melbourne CBD. The easiest way to get here is by car or guided tour bus, as there is no public transport returning to Melbourne after the parade finishes.
🚗 Route Summary
Phillip Island Location Map
This diagram shows the route from Melbourne down through the South Gippsland Highway, crossing the bridge at San Remo onto Phillip Island, and driving to the western point at Summerlands.
Melbourne to Phillip Island Route Map
How to Drive from Melbourne (Self-Drive)
Driving is the most popular way to visit. From Melbourne CBD:
- Take the Monash Freeway (M1) south-east.
- Take the exit for the South Gippsland Highway (M420).
- Follow the signs onto the Bass Highway (A420).
- Turn right at Anderson onto the Phillip Island Road (B420), which runs through San Remo and crosses the bridge.
- Once on the island, follow the clear brown tourist signs indicating "Penguin Parade". The venue is at the end of Ventnor Road.
GPS Address: 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands VIC 3922.
🛑 Crucial Public Transport Limitation
You can catch a V/Line coach from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne to Cowes during the day. However, there are no bus or train services returning to Melbourne after the parade finishes at night. Local taxis and rideshares (Uber) on the island are extremely rare. Do not catch the public bus to the island unless you have pre-booked accommodation in Cowes and have arranged a private taxi to take you to/from the parade venue.
Alternative Transport: Guided Bus Tours
If you do not want to rent a car or drive at night, booking a guided bus tour from Melbourne CBD is the best choice. Bus tours handle all transport, parking logistics, and return you directly to the city after the parade finishes.
Tours depart from Melbourne between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM and return around midnight.
FAQ: Transport & Directions
Is there a toll road on the route from Melbourne?
Depending on where you start in Melbourne, the Monash Freeway (M1) or CityLink may charge electronic tolls. You can avoid tolls by selecting "Avoid Tolls" on Google Maps, which redirects you via highway arterials, adding about 15 minutes to the trip.
Can I catch an Uber or taxi from Cowes to the parade?
While there are a few local taxi services in Cowes, they are limited and must be booked hours in advance. Uber and other rideshares are virtually non-existent on Phillip Island. Do not rely on ridesharing to get back to your hotel after the parade.
Is the bridge to Phillip Island open all night?
Yes. The bridge connecting San Remo to Newhaven (Phillip Island) is a standard highway bridge. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is completely free to cross in both directions.