The Nobbies Centre
The Nobbies Centre
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Nobbies Centre. Only 5 minutes from the Penguin Parade this spectacular headland offers stunning ocean views from clifftop boardwalks. View the world’s largest Australian Fur Seal colony at Seal Rocks, approximately 2km offshore. Home to the exciting Antarctic Journey multimedia attraction where you can take a virtual journey to the world's most remote continent.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
1,042 reviews
Excellent
439
Very good
424
Average
128
Poor
32
Terrible
19
apim
Canberra, Australia349 contributions
Jun 2020
A beautiful walk by the coast on a slightly elevated pathwalk created in dead woods. It's actually doable, the full circuit, with infants in a pram. Wheelchair wont work as there are couple small steps where you can raise the pram over.
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane w
Brisbane, Australia17 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We went around the boardwalk and it was amazing. We saw penguins in their burrows and geese making their nests. Beautiful views.
Parking was easy.
We had planned on afternoon tea there however the Cafe was over priced and the Antarctic experience didn't look enticing so we gave it a miss.
Parking was easy.
We had planned on afternoon tea there however the Cafe was over priced and the Antarctic experience didn't look enticing so we gave it a miss.
Written August 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review, we are so glad that you enjoyed the boardwalk, views and wildlife. We are committed to providing an enjoyable and quality visitor experience, and value and consider your feedback in future planning and improvements. Thank you for visiting.
Written August 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mrs F
East Riding of Yorkshire, UK1,581 contributions
Nov 2022
Amazing place to visit, nature at its best!
Visited quite late on a Saturday afternoon in November, the centre was pretty busy but we didn’t expect to see what we did, not knowing the area we thought it was just another Rocky headland, we were amazed to see an area of natural beauty, sea birds nesting, baby penguins waiting for parents to return with food later in the day, we didn’t see many penguin chicks but the ranger was really helpful and full of information, he showed us where the penguins had made their trail from the sea up the steep hill and off in many direction to the nesting boxes and burrows, if we hadn’t been told we would never have known, he also showed the area where large colonies of seals spend their day trying to eat the penguins! Oh my!
The boardwalk was great for exploring the area in safety, I’m so glad we decided to drive to the end of Phillip Island or we would have missed this opportunity to see this amazing place!
If we could have stayed to watch the penguins come in that would have been fantastic but I heard they clear the area of visitors before they come inland to feed their babies. I believe they encourage people to view at the Penguin Parade 5 minutes away.
We didn’t enter the Antarctic journey as it was closing but will if we get to visit the Melbourne area again, really was worth the drive.
We choose not to on this occasion as we had a long drive back to Mornington.
Visited quite late on a Saturday afternoon in November, the centre was pretty busy but we didn’t expect to see what we did, not knowing the area we thought it was just another Rocky headland, we were amazed to see an area of natural beauty, sea birds nesting, baby penguins waiting for parents to return with food later in the day, we didn’t see many penguin chicks but the ranger was really helpful and full of information, he showed us where the penguins had made their trail from the sea up the steep hill and off in many direction to the nesting boxes and burrows, if we hadn’t been told we would never have known, he also showed the area where large colonies of seals spend their day trying to eat the penguins! Oh my!
The boardwalk was great for exploring the area in safety, I’m so glad we decided to drive to the end of Phillip Island or we would have missed this opportunity to see this amazing place!
If we could have stayed to watch the penguins come in that would have been fantastic but I heard they clear the area of visitors before they come inland to feed their babies. I believe they encourage people to view at the Penguin Parade 5 minutes away.
We didn’t enter the Antarctic journey as it was closing but will if we get to visit the Melbourne area again, really was worth the drive.
We choose not to on this occasion as we had a long drive back to Mornington.
Written December 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the review and we agree, the Nobbies is a really special part of Phillip Island. It is different every time you visit. As you note the roads up to the Nobbies are closed at sunset to protect the unique wildlife of the area from any risk of traffic or people.
Written December 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,413 contributions
Nov 2021
My wife and I visited this place a few days ago, during our recent holiday in Phillip Island for two nights.
The Nobbies is one of the major tourist attractions in Phillip Island. We have been here many times over the years as Phillip Island is one of our favourite holiday destinations for intrastate travel within Victoria.
During this recent visit, the place was deserted due to the impact of the Pandemic. Currently, there are no foreign tourists in Australia and most state borders remain closed.
It was a fantastic time to visit. Felt very exclusive to have this entire tourist attraction to ourselves. There were many Cape Barren Geese all over the place. We have never seen so many of them in the past. The lack of human visitors have made them very comfortable in this habitat.
The Nobbies is one of the major tourist attractions in Phillip Island. We have been here many times over the years as Phillip Island is one of our favourite holiday destinations for intrastate travel within Victoria.
During this recent visit, the place was deserted due to the impact of the Pandemic. Currently, there are no foreign tourists in Australia and most state borders remain closed.
It was a fantastic time to visit. Felt very exclusive to have this entire tourist attraction to ourselves. There were many Cape Barren Geese all over the place. We have never seen so many of them in the past. The lack of human visitors have made them very comfortable in this habitat.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbugDelhi
New Delhi, India787 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
We loved this place...a meandering boardwalk snaking it’s way along the coastline with stunning vistas all around. Very very windy & sunny on the morning we went but the views & grassy green with smattering of wild flowers was totally worth it. Remember to look beneath the boardwalk to see nesting penguins & sometimes a chick if you are lucky. The drive back from the parking lot on the alternative route is beautiful too with lots of wildlife sightings.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramadama
New Providence, NJ2,908 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Before you go to the center where you see the penguins it's worth stopping here. The views are spectacular as you walk down the boardwalk. It probably takes about 10 minutes to walk down slowly taking in the views and 10 minutes back. The have a cute gift shop and cafe.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia5,936 contributions
Feb 2020
While staying in Cowes recently we visited the Centre.
A great venue from where you can look out the big windows at the ocean and the Nobbies, beautiful scenery.
We did the Antarctic Journey Tour there which was very interesting, you are given a very short introduction which was not very good and then left to wander around on your own. Lots of visual displays to take in , it gives you a good idea what the Antarctic is like and the conditions the animals there live under. One of the visuals is fantastic as you are part of it on the big screen , great fun . There is a cost to do the Antarctic Tour
A great venue from where you can look out the big windows at the ocean and the Nobbies, beautiful scenery.
We did the Antarctic Journey Tour there which was very interesting, you are given a very short introduction which was not very good and then left to wander around on your own. Lots of visual displays to take in , it gives you a good idea what the Antarctic is like and the conditions the animals there live under. One of the visuals is fantastic as you are part of it on the big screen , great fun . There is a cost to do the Antarctic Tour
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol
Sydney, Australia18 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It was wonderful walking the boardwalk with birds flying around us and seeing the gulls nesting. Natural, rugged landscape but so relaxing enjoying the walk then the Antarctic experience after. Lots of reading in the exhibition then finished off sitting watching the big screens highlighting life at the Antarctic. We spent about 2 hours in total here.
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your valuable feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Nobbies Centre!
Written May 20, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Missy T
5 contributions
Oct 2022
The nobbies centre, is, as I remember it. Beautiful views out to sea. Nice boardwalk which has been well maintained. We went into the new attraction which is Antarctic journey. Complete waste of time unless you are 5 years old. Good access to toilets. Coffee was half bad either.
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks, the views from the Nobbies Centre are pretty stunning and a walk along the boardwalks makes the most of them too. Sorry you didn't enjoy Antarctic journey.
Written October 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Single Mum Travels
Canberra, Australia208 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
The view from the boardwalks is amazing. We spotted 3 penguins hiding in the homes too. The centre itself was about to close (due to covid staffing issues) but we still managed to quickly purchase a toy penguin in a knitted jumper, to add to my son's collection.
Would love to go back when covid has gone so we could see and experience more at the centre
Would love to go back when covid has gone so we could see and experience more at the centre
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi SingleMum Travels
Thanks for your review, and we're glad you managed to get into the shop before it closed. Thanks for your understanding around our staffing levels, which have been impacted by COVID. We're hoping to bounce back to normal in the very near future.
Written April 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hanson0211
Hong Kong, China
I’m going to spend a weekend in Melbourne and would like to visit the Nobbies Centre, which day will be better to visit to avoid traffic and crowd, Saturday or Sunday?
Written October 25, 2018
The weekends would be the most busy of the week. You are best to go as early as possible to the centre to avoid the daily tourist buses. Grand Prix motor racing on this weekend so don't even go - traffic to get on and off the island will be horrendous
Written October 27, 2018
Can we see penguins in the burrows now (May)?
Written May 6, 2018
You can see penguins every night at the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island.
Written July 24, 2018
I only have one day and would like to visit your Centre, the Koala Conservation and the Penguin Parade. Any recommendations as to what time of day for each and how long a visit to each would be appreciated.
,e
Written February 10, 2018
This is easily achievable,
My 2 suggestions would be -
1, Visit the koalas In the morning, have lunch somewhere and then visit nobbies early evening, before the penguin parade.
2, Nobbies is busiest before the penguin parade so you could also visit nobbies in the morning, then the koalas and return early evening to the penguin parade.
Make sure you check what time you need to be at the parade for, then arrive a bit earlier to get a good seat
Written February 10, 2018
What is the best time to visit hobbies
Written January 7, 2018
We tend to go late morning or early afternoon to avoid the traffic headed for the Penguin Parade towards dusk. The scenery is spectacular so every time of Day has its own reward. There really is no bad time to visit the Nobbies.
Written January 8, 2018
Where is the best place to go to see Penguins w/o a tour? Thank you!!!
Written September 26, 2016
Hello guys,
I am a bit confused about the answers I see here.
I'm flying to Australia next week and not exactly sure about the time I will visit the Philip Island, but on their website it seems like the tickets are limited and should be booked in advance. Do I really need to do this? Or can I just drive to the island and walk around and if needed buy ticket on the spot?
Thanks!
Written November 21, 2019
Hi, what is the best time to arrive to have a walk along the boardwalk, go to the Antarctica Journey Exhibition and then go to the general viewing Penguin Parade?
Thanks
Michelle
Written March 16, 2016
Penguin parade starts at sunset.. Be thr one hr before that. We did Board walk around late noon then went to near by town for dinner around 6.30 or so then came back for penguin ride. You need to keep post noon till late evening time for all of three together.,
Written March 16, 2016
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