Things to do in Ventnor
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Top 10 attractions in Ventnor
Penguin Parade
The penguin parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, serving as the signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It occurs daily around sunset: groups of little blue penguins return ashore on the waves after a day of foraging at sea, first gathering in shallow waters and peering around before waddling across the beach along fixed routes to their dune burrows. Spectators can observe this natural "mini parade" up close from viewing stands and boardwalks, often with penguins passing just steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, they stand just over 30 cm tall and weigh approx. one kg when fully grown. Their round bodies and waddling gait make them utterly endearing. They spend their days foraging at sea and return to their nests in groups after dusk, following nearly identical round-trip routes between the ocean and their burrows generation after generation. On-site, you can hear their overlapping calls. There are a few points to note when observing: The eyes of little penguins are highly sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site, and quiet waiting is necessary to avoid disturbing them; after sunset, the seaside becomes windy and chilly, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm outerwear and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, with the southern hemisphere's spring and summer seasons (approximately August to February each year) coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin shore arrivals and nest activity become more frequent, typically creating livelier scenes. △ The little penguins leave the island to forage at sea during the day and return to their coastal nests in groups to rest at night. △ These little penguins are the smallest in the world, not only tiny in size but also very timid. Please avoid using flash to prevent irritating their eyes. △ The Penguin Parade can be observed year-round, with warmer weather from September to January coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin activity becomes more frequent, making it an ideal time for viewing.Summerlands · 6.3 km from Ventnor
Phillip Island
Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.Ventnor · 3.1 km from downtown
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Phillip Island Nature Parks was established in 1996, located on Phillip Island, covering an area of 2,750 hectares. It features four main attractions: Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the Nobbies Centre. △ The Penguin Parade is a highly popular attraction within Phillip Island Nature Parks, where you can hear the "huffing" sounds of penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ The Koala Conservation Centre features viewing trails where you can walk along boardwalks to explore the treetop homes of the furry koalas and get up close to wild koalas. △ The Nobbies Centre is surrounded by long, winding cliffside boardwalks. Here, you can enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the ocean view and gaze out towards Seal Rocks, the fur seal colony. △ Churchill Island Heritage Farm holds significant historical importance, preserving well-maintained traditional sites and serene natural scenery. There are also wonderful farm demonstrations every afternoon.Cowes · 3.8 km from Ventnor
Cowes Beach
Cowes · 4.1 km from Ventnor
Nobbies Centre
At the southwest end of Philip Island, there is a peculiar rock area called "Seal Rock", inhabited by Australia's largest seal colony. This is the center of Nobbys Point, famous for its seal viewing. See seals and enjoy the view, with wooden walks and observation decks built for travelers along the coast, where you can enjoy the beauty of the bay and wonderful creatures, including various seabirds and penguins. Through the huge windows of the center, you can enjoy a spectacular view of more than 6,000 Australian seals. From October to December every year, the breeding seals like to stay here. If you are tired of watching them on the wooden island, You can also use an underwater camera to get an up-close look at the adorable seals.Summerlands · 9.1 km from Ventnor
Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station
Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station is located on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, Australia, offering visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty and thrilling experiences. As a signature attraction in the region, the cable car provides breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning coastline and lush forests. Take the cable car and visitors can descend from the summit of Arthur's Seat to the base, covering approximately 1.5 km. The modern cable car cabins feature panoramic windows, allowing visitors to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding natural scenery. Along the way, visitors can admire the sweeping coastline of the Mornington Peninsula, the waters of Port Phillip Bay, and the distant skyline of Melbourne. Beyond the cable car experience, Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station offers a variety of activities. The summit features a viewing platform and cafe where visitors can enjoy both delicious food and stunning views. Additionally, the surrounding trails are perfect for hikers, providing opportunities to explore local flora and fauna.Arthurs Seat · 25 km from Ventnor
Penguin Plus
Summerlands · 6.8 km from Ventnor
Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
On the Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne, there are the largest labyrinths in the southern hemisphere, the IELTS labyrinth and the lavender garden. Here, in the fence made of hedges, live the dwarf and his friends. Here, while walking, surrounded by green curtains, you can walk along the plank road, in a circular maze composed of more than 1,200 roses. Here, go on an olfactory and delicious journey, forget the passage of time and worry about getting lost, take a short break in the greenhouse cafe next to the garden when you are tired, drink a cup of afternoon tea, look at the green and feel the pulse of life . The IELTS Labyrinth and Lavender Garden cover an area of about 15 hectares, with lavender in summer and roses in autumn and winter. The climate of the Mornington Peninsula is very suitable for the growth of lavender. In summer, when you enter the garden, the fragrance of lavender is refreshing. There are 20 labyrinth gardens with different themes in the IELTS Maze and Lavender Garden, which are suitable for "challengers" of different levels. The largest of them is a labyrinth with neatly built pine trees as the boundary of the road. The trees planted in each maze are taller than people. If you are in it, if it is not for the garden owner to remind you, it is estimated that you will not be able to get out for a while. It's hard to find an exit, and the enthusiastic staff will swiftly guide you through the maze. When you are tired of walking, you can take a break in the greenhouse-type cafe next to the garden, watch all kinds of flowers, listen to the sound of the water column rising and falling in the fountain, completely relax, and enjoy the Australian-style pastoral style.Shoreham · 14.9 km from Ventnor
Red Rocks Beach
Phillip Island · 1.3 km from Ventnor
Forrest Caves
Newhaven · 11.8 km from Ventnor
Experiences you can't miss in Ventnor
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Featured Food & drink in Ventnor
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Free things to do in Ventnor
Penguin Parade
Summerlands · 6.3 km from VentnorBook now for tomorrowPhillip Island
Ventnor · 3.1 km from downtownPhillip Island Nature Parks
Cowes · 3.8 km from VentnorBook now for tomorrowCowes Beach
Cowes · 4.1 km from VentnorNobbies Centre
Summerlands · 9.1 km from VentnorArthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station
Arthurs Seat · 25 km from VentnorBook now for tomorrowPenguin Plus
Summerlands · 6.8 km from VentnorAshcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
Shoreham · 14.9 km from VentnorBook now for tomorrowRed Rocks Beach
Phillip Island · 1.3 km from VentnorForrest Caves
Newhaven · 11.8 km from Ventnor
What travelers say about Ventnor
_FB***61October 1, 2026
5.0
Loved watching a group of little penguins head home! It was so sweet seeing them waddle and shake their tails
Penguin Parade
谢颖华October 24, 2025
5.0
It's actually not bad. There are a lot of people, and I really followed the online suggestions and bought ordinary seats. There is no need to buy too good seats. They will be close to each other anyway. Overall, this trip is worth experiencing.
Phillip Island
YoYo_1I8Q7O5OJuly 7, 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
WB2021December 16, 2022
4.0
Relaxing spot in a small village which is a great spot to have a bite to eat with a great bay view. The water isn't the clearest but still a scenic spot.
Cowes Beach
JourneyyymeJuly 28, 2023
5.0
The area next to the center is a viewpoint. This area is a million-dollar viewpoint. It is very beautiful. The sea is beautiful, but we cannot go down. There is a point to stand and enjoy the view. There is a parking lot and a bathroom.
Nobbies Centre
Anonymous userOctober 6, 2026
5.0
Such a beautiful experience! Amazing views, friendly staff, and everything was well organized. Definitely worth a visit!
Arthurs Seat Eagle - Base Station
_TI***fvJanuary 12, 2026
5.0
兩個修剪可可愛愛的迷宮，認真研究感覺可以在裡面1小時吧，適合家庭、情侶、朋友們一同前往，園區內還有很多遊戲跟尋寶活動，雖然薰衣草園不是滿山片野的大，還是還是可以拍出美美的照片，薰衣草冰淇淋也很好吃，很有薰衣草味，推推
Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
