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Top 10 attractions in Ventnor

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Penguin Parade
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Penguin Parade

8.6
4.4/5
211 reviews
The Penguin Parade, located on Somerland Beach at the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, is a signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It takes place daily around sunset: flocks of little blue penguins, after a day of foraging at sea, come ashore, first gathering in shallow water to peer around, then waddling across the beach and following a fixed route back to their burrows in the dunes. Spectators can watch this miniature natural parade up close from the stands and boardwalks, with the penguins often passing just a few steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue back feathers and snow-white bellies, adults stand only about 30 centimeters tall and weigh about one kilogram. Their round, plump bodies and waddling gait make them incredibly endearing. During the day, they forage at sea, returning to their nests in groups at dusk. Generation after generation, they round-trip an almost unchanging route between the sea and their burrows, and their calls can be heard throughout the island. A few things to note when observing: Little penguins' eyes are very sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site; quiet observation is necessary to avoid disturbing them. The beach gets windy and cool after sunset, so even in summer, it's advisable to bring a warm jacket and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, but is most prominent during the breeding season in the Southern Hemisphere (approximately August to February), when penguins are more frequently coming ashore and entering/leaving their nests, resulting in a more lively scene. △ The little penguins leave the island during the day to forage at sea, and return to their nests on the shore in groups at night to rest. △ These little penguins are timid and their eyes are very sensitive to light, so taking photos and videos is prohibited on site. You can only wait quietly so as not to disturb them. △ Penguin migration can be observed year-round, but September to January of the following year is the best time to watch as the weather is warmer and it is the breeding season, during which the penguins are more activity.Summerlands · 6.3km from Ventnor
Churchill Island
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Churchill Island

7.5
4.5/5
76 reviews
Churchill Island is located on the side of Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia, connected by a bridge. In 1801, Lieutenant Grant cultivated the land here, planting crops such as wheat and corn, marking the beginning of European agriculture in Victoria. Today, the farm retains the layout of an old estate: the 1872 mansion built by former Melbourne mayor Amess, two 1860s stone cottages, as well as barns and a blacksmith shop remain well-preserved. The old houses display antique furniture, and between the English gardens and pastures, flocks of Australian gray geese can often be seen, along with shaggy Scottish Highland cattle grazing leisurely—descendants of the livestock that once accompanied their owners to the island. Daily demonstrations of traditional farm activities, such as sheep herding by dogs, sheep shearing, milking cows, whip cracking, and blacksmithing, are arranged for travelers to observe up close, with children having the opportunity to participate under staff guidance. The island loop trail is approx. 4–5 km, taking about 2 hrs to walk leisurely, offering views of Western Port Bay's wetlands and birdwatching huts. The Wadjil'garook Wetland Trail near the entrance showcases local Indigenous culture and is often overlooked. Additionally, the island hosts a monthly farmers' market featuring local produce and handmade goods from Phillip Island, worth a visit if your itinerary aligns.Churchill Island · 13km from Ventnor
Koala Conservation Reserve
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Phillip Island

Koala Conservation Reserve

6
4.4/5
86 reviews
The Koala Conservation Center is specially established for the dwindling koalas on Phillip Island and is committed to protecting the sustainable ecology and living environment of koalas, ensuring that Phillip Island can have a protected koala population. 1. Enjoy the view and get up close and personal with koalas The Koala Conservation Centre is located in a dense eucalyptus forest on Phillip Road on Phillip Island, which is home to many koalas. From Melbourne, it takes about an hour and a half to drive to the childcare center. After arriving at the destination, you can first learn about the wonderful living habits of koalas at the Visitor's Centre. Then take two walks between the trees to see wild koalas up close. The two trails are Koala Trail (KoalaBoardwalk) and Woodland Trail (WoodlandBoardwalk). You can see wild koalas in their natural habitat while walking through the Australian bush. Check out the koalas' home in the treetops and come "face to face" with them in their natural habitat in the close-up viewing area. You can easily find traces of koalas, but most of them are sleeping, and it is really not easy to find a awake koala. Raise your camera and take a photo with these wild cute koalas, and make a wonderful memory of getting up close and personal with koalas! 2. Various animals The Koala Conservation Centre also has many Australian wildlife such as black-tailed kangaroos, nocturnal brush-tailed possums, ring-tailed possums, echidnas and hundreds of species of birds. Besides koalas, you can also look for wallabies, echidnas and other wildlife along the way. 3. Teaching explanation and selection of unique small gifts The Koala Conservation Center also has a content-rich teaching and explanation center, where you can learn more about wild animals, or choose unique gifts in the gift shop. Of course, it must be quite pleasant to rest and relax in the cafe, enjoying a good meal or some small snacks.Rhyll · 6.3km from Ventnor
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
No. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

7.2
4.6/5
79 reviews
Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park is located on the Mornington Peninsula southeast of Melbourne, about an hour's drive from the city. This bushland sanctuary focuses on conserving native Australian wildlife, and many travelers heading to Phillip Island to see penguins include it in their itinerary. The park is home to dozens of Australian species - koalas, kangaroos, emus, dingoes, wombats, the pitch-black Tasmanian devils (about the size of small dogs), cheerful kookaburras and adorable quokkas - all observable at close range. It also undertakes breeding programs for endangered species, with the orange-bellied parrot being one of its key conservation focuses. Day visitors can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, then join keeper talks and wildlife shows to learn about these animals' behaviors. The park's signature experience is its lantern-lit night tour: after dark, follow an experienced guide carrying lanterns through the bush as daytime-sleepy animals become active - wombats emerge to forage, endangered quolls dart through grass, owls widen their eyes, and feathertail gliders (no larger than mice with plume-like tails) glide between branches. With luck, you might hand-feed nectar to sugar gliders or have kangaroos and wallabies approach for treats. Night tours have limited spots requiring advance booking; remember to turn off camera flashes to avoid startling animals. Note that Victoria prohibits holding koalas, but you can snuggle close for photos - plan ahead for such interactive experiences.Pearcedale · 28.4km from Ventnor
Mornington Peninsula Shire
No. 10 of Family-friendly Attractions in Victoria

Mornington Peninsula Shire

6
4.5/5
101 reviews
Mornington Peninsula Shire is located in Victoria, Australia, on the southern side of the Melbourne metropolitan area, and is connected to the mainland at its northern end via the Frankston area. The peninsula is surrounded by the sea on three sides. The western side of Port Phillip Bay is calm, while the southern side faces the open waves of Bass Strait, across from Phillip Island. It is about a 1-hour drive from Melbourne to switch into this seaside vacation rhythm. This peninsula has several highly recognizable highlights: Arthur's Seat in the center features a sightseeing cable car, and as it slowly climbs to the summit, you get a panoramic view of Port Phillip Bay and the peninsula's coastline. In the Point Nepean National Park at the southern tip, coastal trails extend along the cliffs, with the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and military relics from over 100 years ago scattered throughout. It is also a well-known cool-climate wine region in Victoria, with a high density of wineries around Red Hill, known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Taking a cruise from Sorrento Pier offers the chance to encounter wild dolphins and Australian fur seals in Port Phillip Bay. The town of Sorrento is worth setting aside half a day for: European settlers arrived as early as 1803, more than 30 years before the founding of Melbourne, and the main street still retains old buildings constructed from local limestone. After exploring the town, you can browse local markets for produce and handicrafts, or soak in an open-air hot spring built along the hillside. If you enjoy the water, the beaches on the western bay side have shallow water and calm waves, suitable for swimming and kayaking. The ocean beaches on the southern side have larger waves and are a haven for surfers. There are well-established spots for diving and fishing here, and you may even have the chance to see weedy seadragons underwater. If you have extra time, you can also take a ferry from Sorrento across Port Phillip Bay to Queenscliff on the other side, which offers another perspective of the peninsula from the sea.Tuerong · 21.7km from Ventnor

Experiences you can't miss in Ventnor

Featured Culture & history in Ventnor

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Melbourne: Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes Tour
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· 8 reviews
Duration: 1 day
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]
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FromS$ 177.27
[Go West Tours]Great Ocean Road DayTour fromMelbourne|EnglishGuide|Max24|16Languages Audio
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 30 booked
Duration: 5.2 hrs
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Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket
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Geelong Audio Tour: Maritime Marvels and Heritage Highlights of Geelong
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Melbourne: Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Ventnor

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Melbourne: Boutique Phillip Island Wine, Dine & Penguin Tour
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4.7/5
· 46 reviews
Duration: 11 hrs
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93.5% of travelers recommend
FromS$ 220.08
Phillip Island Small-Group Penguins & Wine Tour from Melbourne
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4.9/5
· 113 reviews
Duration: 12 hrs
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31 consecutive positive reviews
FromS$ 224.29
Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne
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4.9/5
· 141 reviews· 1.6k booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5.9 hrs
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1-day tour of Yarra Valley winery in Melbourne with lunch, wine tasting and cheese sampling
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Duration: 6.9 hrs
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Featured Spa & wellness in Ventnor

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1-day round-trip tour to Peninsula Hot Springs from Melbourne
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23 booked
Duration: 8.3 hrs
English
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FromS$ 176.31
Mornington Peninsula: SUP, Hike, & Hot Springs Trip w/ Lunch
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FromS$ 281.54
Admission ticket to Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia [Unlimited enjoyment of 50 bathing experiences]
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 32 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
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Luxury Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula
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From Melbourne: Peninsula Hot Springs and Bath Box tour
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Duration: 4 hrs
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Peninsula Hot Springs: Fire, Ice, and Bathe
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Duration: 45 mins
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From Melbourne: Peninsula Hot Springs & Bathing Boxes Tour
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4.9/5
· 23 reviews
Duration: 9.5 hrs
English
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23 consecutive positive reviews
FromS$ 168.93

Featured Day tours in Ventnor

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[Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 1.6k reviews· 17.4k booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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Optional Mercedes-Benz 499] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Penguin Parade Phillip Island 1-day tour
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4.8/5
· 1.2k reviews· 16k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade one-day tour
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4.7/5
· 289 reviews· 1.7k booked
Duration: 6.1 hrs
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93.4% of travelers recommend
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Melbourne Phillip Island + Brighton Bathing Boxes + Moonlit Sanctuary day tour [Penguin Island transfer quality group]
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4.5/5
· 4 reviews· 118 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
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Melbourne Brighton Beach Boxes/Zoo + Penguin Island one-day tour with Chinese/English Option available
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4.5/5
· 22 reviews· 317 booked
Duration: 14 hrs
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Penguin Island Day Tour [Visit two popular attractions in one day]
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4.6/5
· 189 reviews· 3k booked
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Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Park Tour [Optional Underground Viewing Stand]
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 59 booked
Duration: 12.8 hrs
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Melbourne Phillip Island Half-Day Tour [Noon Departure | Designated Pick-Up | Premium Penguin Island Group]
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5.0/5
· 12 reviews· 199 booked
Duration: 50 mins
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Free things to do in Ventnor

What travellers say about Ventnor

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willem_king24 October 2026
5.0
It's best to buy the plus ticket. The visitor center has an estimated time when the penguins will come ashore, so just arrive a little early. The estimated time is very accurate; the penguins appear little by little as soon as the time comes, and then they come ashore in groups. They're tiny and very cute.

Penguin Parade

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ไก่ย่าง1233214 November 2026
5.0
Phillip Island is a beautiful place with stunning coastal views and amazing wildlife. I really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, scenic spots, and the opportunity to see penguins up close. Definitely worth visiting, especially for nature lovers. Highly recommended!

Phillip Island

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_TI***j130 June 2026
5.0
All 3 parks are wonderful, great experience overall. Highly recommended!

Churchill Island

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O7 July 2025
5.0
菲利普岛自然公园是一次难忘的旅行体验。这里仿佛是自然的宝藏,企鹅归巢的壮观场景令人动容,小家伙们摇摇摆摆,萌态十足。还有海豹懒洋洋地晒太阳,与海浪嬉戏。漫步在沙滩,呼吸着清新的海风,感受着大自然的宁静与美好,让人忘却尘世的喧嚣,只想沉浸在这片纯净的天地中。

Phillip Island Nature Parks

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圆宝辣妈22 August 2024
5.0
The koalas are very cute. The whole center is not big. You can visit it all in one hour. There are koalas, kangaroos and many birds. The overall environment is very quiet. The koalas are very cooperative. There is also a machine at the door that can make coins and commemorative coins. The children like it very much.

Koala Conservation Reserve

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小思文23 April 2021
4.0
The chocolate factory is a typical good place. You can also see many interesting projects in this factory. Many settings of the chocolate factory are also quite interesting. You can see the chocolate processing process and taste some special chocolates.

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

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GOdwin.o21 January 2024
3.0
A beautiful lookout at the edge of Melbourne. Penguins can also been seen from the locations when the sun goes down.

The Nobbies View Point

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_TS***b121 October 2026
5.0
a nice place to just chill and see some animals! selection of animals not wide, kangaroos there are pretty lazy as well so don’t expect too much if you’re visiting!

Maru Koala and Animal Park

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fupolarbear12 October 2025
5.0
It's a great zoo where you can get up close and personal with the animals. It's better than other zoos. You can buy food and the animals will come over. The whole experience takes about an hour. Remember to make an appointment in advance to interact with the koalas, which will be longer and more interesting.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park

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飞飞翔的鱼12317 July 2023
5.0
In Melbourne's Mornington Forest, a pair of kangaroos, father and son, have become the most popular family in the forest. The father kangaroo, steady and tough, is the guardian of the family; the mother kangaroo, gentle and loving, is the soul of the family; the brother kangaroo, lively and curious, is the hope of the family. The little kangaroo in the mother kangaroo's pocket is the future of the family, quiet and dependent. Each kangaroo interprets the happiness and harmony of this family in its own way. When the sun penetrates the leaves and sprinkles on them, their fur gleams with a warm luster, as if the whole world is illuminated by their existence. They jump and play in the forest, and their free and unrestrained attitude towards life makes people applaud and cheer for them. However, their existence also allows us to see the power of nature and the miracle of life. They are not just a group of kangaroos, but also part of this forest and the key to ecological balance. Their existence reminds us to respect nature, protect ecology, and make every corner of this world full of the power of life. When we leave this forest and this kangaroo family, we take away our awe of life, our gratitude for nature, and our love for life. We know that in our lives, we will encounter various challenges and difficulties, but as long as we have enough courage and determination, we will be able to be as tenacious as kangaroos at any time and in any place. Finally, let us pay tribute to this kangaroo family, to the courage and determination they show, and to the life force they represent. May every life be respected and loved, and may every corner be filled with the power of life.

Mornington Peninsula Shire

Trip Moments in Ventnor

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Ventnor?

Don't miss these attractions in Ventnor: Penguin Parade, Phillip Island, and Churchill Island. If you like Culture & history, try Melbourne: Puffing Billy Penguin Parade Brighton Boxes Tour. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Australia Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Winery Tasting 1-Day Tour [Including Lunch / Round-Trip from City].

You can give Australia Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Winery Tasting 1-Day Tour [Including Lunch / Round-Trip from City] and Melbourne: Boutique Phillip Island Wine, Dine & Penguin Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include [Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip, Optional Mercedes-Benz 499] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Penguin Parade Phillip Island 1-day tour, and Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade one-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 5 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Ventnor is around SGD 71.87 – SGD 174.24. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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