
The Nobbies Melbourne
Dramatic coastal boardwalks with opportunities to spot seals and little penguins, offering breathtaking ocean views and stunning sunset vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour views

The Nobbies Melbourne
Best Time
Golden hour views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal boardwalks with opportunities to spot seals and little penguins, offering breathtaking ocean views and stunning sunset vistas.
"The boardwalk is absolutely stunning—a must-visit! If you're lucky, you'll catch a glimpse of penguins."

🧥 Windproof Jacket Essential
The wind can be strong and cold, so pack a windproof jacket for comfort.
🐧 Penguin Spotting Tips
Look for penguins under the boardwalks, especially at dusk. Patience is key!

Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 · 8,689 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Nobbies Boardwalk
The Nobbies Centre
Stroll along well-maintained boardwalks offering breathtaking ocean views and rugged rock formations.

Seal Rock Views
Overlooking Seal Rock
Spot Australian fur seals basking on the rocks from designated viewing platforms.

Penguin Sightings
Under the boardwalks
With luck, catch a glimpse of little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Wildlife Wonders & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Windproof Jacket Essential
The wind can be strong and cold, so pack a windproof jacket for comfort.
🐧 Penguin Spotting Tips
Look for penguins under the boardwalks, especially at dusk. Patience is key!
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be limited; arrive early or late, or consider cycling.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The coastal views and rock formations are stunning, perfect for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Windproof Jacket Essential
The wind can be strong and cold, so pack a windproof jacket for comfort.
🐧 Penguin Spotting Tips
Look for penguins under the boardwalks, especially at dusk. Patience is key!
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be limited; arrive early or late, or consider cycling.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The coastal views and rock formations are stunning, perfect for photography.
🚶♀️ Scenic Walks
Enjoy the comfortable walking paths and get some great exercise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Nobbies for its breathtaking coastal scenery, well-maintained boardwalks, and opportunities to see wildlife like seals and penguins. The sunset views are particularly highlighted as stunning and magical. Some visitors note the strong winds and the need for warm clothing, and parking can be challenging during peak times.
"One of my favorite places to come and walk about. We got to see penguins and their little homes in the hillsides. We walked the whole path and took a lot of photos. We had an amazing time. Would recommend checking this place out if you're in the area. It is very much worth the time."
Georgina Curry
"Visited during sunset and the view was absolutely stunning. The walkways are well-maintained and offer great vantage points to see the coastline and waves crashing below. The air was fresh, and the area felt peaceful despite a few tourists around. Seals could be seen from a distance, and the golden hour lighting made the whole place feel surreal. A great spot to take in nature and end the day."
Richard C
"This was my first time visiting “Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre".
I arrived there around 4:30 p.m. in April, so it was a bit chilly. But I was glad I visited because I could enjoy the ocean view along with the rugged rock formations. Walking along the pathway was really comfortable, and it was a great bit of exercise, too!
Next time, I’ll come back with my kids so we can explore the paid area together."
Yuki KOIZUMI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Nobbies is located on Phillip Island, which is about a 2-hour drive from Melbourne. You can drive yourself, or consider public transport options like taking a train from Melbourne to Frankston and then a ferry to Phillip Island. Some visitors suggest cycling to The Nobbies once on the island, but be aware of steep roads.
While having a car offers the most flexibility, it is possible to explore Phillip Island without one. You can take a bike on the ferry or hire an e-bike on the island. Some roads are steep and narrow, so caution is advised.
The drive to The Nobbies on Phillip Island is generally scenic. Be mindful of wildlife, such as wallabies, crossing the roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Yes, the drive to the Penguin Parade from The Nobbies car park is considered one of the best scenic drives in Victoria, offering stunning coastal views.
The most common way is to drive, taking approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Frankston and then a ferry to Stony Point, which then connects to Phillip Island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the boardwalks and viewing areas at The Nobbies is generally free. However, the Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre may have an entry fee.
The Nobbies boardwalks are typically accessible during daylight hours. The Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre has specific opening hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
The main attraction at The Nobbies, the boardwalks and viewing platforms, are free to access. There might be charges for specific facilities like the Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre.
While you can visit the general area during daylight, access to the roads leading to the Penguin Parade may be restricted after 7 PM for the free penguin viewing. For the official Penguin Parade experience, separate tickets are required.
No specific booking is usually required for general access to The Nobbies boardwalks. However, if you plan to visit the Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre or attend the Penguin Parade, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At The Nobbies, you can walk along the scenic boardwalks, enjoy stunning ocean views, spot seals at Seal Rock, and potentially see little penguins returning to their burrows at dusk. The Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre offers educational exhibits.
You can often see Australian fur seals at Seal Rock. If you're lucky and visit at the right time, you might also spot little penguins returning to their nests under the boardwalks.
Yes, The Nobbies is great for families. Kids will enjoy the wildlife spotting and the easy-to-navigate boardwalks. The Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre also offers engaging exhibits.
The Nobbies features well-maintained boardwalks that are comfortable for walking and offer excellent vantage points of the coastline and sea.
The Nobbies Ocean Discovery Centre is an educational facility that provides insights into the marine life and environment of Phillip Island, including the local penguin population.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at The Nobbies Centre that offers food and drinks. For more dining options, the nearby town of Cowes has various restaurants and cafes.
The cafe at The Nobbies typically offers light meals, snacks, and beverages. It's a convenient spot for a quick bite while enjoying the views.
The town of Cowes, a short drive away, offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants serving local produce. Ocean Reach Brewery in Cowes is recommended for its beer and burgers.
While there might not be designated picnic areas directly at The Nobbies boardwalks, you can often find suitable spots in the surrounding parklands or car park areas for a picnic. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
Besides The Nobbies cafe, Cowes has many options like Grenache or The Trumpet Bar for drinks, and Shaka Bar in San Remo. Ocean Reach Brewery in Cowes is also a popular choice.
📸 📸 Photography
The Nobbies offers fantastic photo opportunities with its dramatic coastline, rugged rock formations, crashing waves, and potential wildlife sightings like seals and penguins. Sunset provides particularly beautiful lighting.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. If you hope to photograph wildlife, a telephoto lens can be beneficial. A sturdy tripod is useful for sunset shots.
Photographing penguins can be challenging as they are often small and may be in burrows or moving quickly. Patience and a good zoom lens are helpful. Be mindful of not disturbing them.
Late afternoon and sunset are ideal for photography due to the golden hour light, which enhances the natural beauty of the landscape. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer crowds.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged at The Nobbies. However, always be respectful of wildlife and avoid using flash photography, especially near penguin burrows, as it can disturb them.
You may also like

Phillip Island Melbourne
Churchill Island Melbourne
Princess Theatre Melbourne
Marvel Stadium Melbourne
Centre Place Melbourne
Koala Conservation Reserve Melbourne

Phillip Island Melbourne
Churchill Island Melbourne
Princess Theatre Melbourne
Marvel Stadium Melbourne
Centre Place Melbourne
Koala Conservation Reserve Melbourne
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Melbourne
Werribee Park Mansion Melbourne
Penguin Parade Melbourne

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit