Agnes

Things to do in Agnes

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Agnes

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

Penguin Parade

8.6
4.4/5
211 reviews
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.Australia · Summerlands
Melbourne Museum
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Melbourne Museum

8.6
4.7/5
622 reviews
The Melbourne Museum was built in July 1996 and officially opened to the public in November 2000. It is the largest and innovative museum in the southern hemisphere. It is located in Carlton Gardens with the Royal Exhibition Hall. 1. Regional introduction The museum has three floors. The first floor includes the Bangiraka Indigenous Cultural Center, the Pacific Exhibition Hall, the Forest Exhibition Hall, the Science and Life Exhibition Hall, the Children's Hall, as well as shops and cafes; the second floor includes the Melbourne Exhibition Hall, the Mind and Body Exhibition Hall, Evolution Showroom; lower level includes Discovery Center and IMAX Cinema. 2. Collections and displays The collections and displays of the Melbourne Museum are amazing. You can see dinosaur fossils at the entrance, and there is also a 20-meter-long blue whale skeleton specimen, which is extremely rare. In more than 20 exhibition halls and independent exhibition halls, the museum has prepared all-inclusive content, and there are more than a dozen permanent exhibitions currently open. 3. Natural culture Nature is obviously the focus of the museum. The Science and Life Pavilion offers "Bees", "Life of Insects", "Ocean Life: Exploring Our Sea", "Human Body", "Consciousness: Enter The Labyrinth" and "From Darwin to DNA" at the Evolution Pavilion. 4. Indoor forest area The three-story indoor forest area introduces the ecological functions of the forest from the forest hierarchy, water conservation, plant composition, the seasonal distinction of Australian forests, and forest fires that often occur in Australia's dry season. There are also some Australian forests in it. Common birds and ants. The "Forest Secret" in the pavilion is at the center of the building, creating an ecosystem that is exactly the same as the natural environment, showing the trees, plants, wildlife and insects in Victoria's high mountains. Walking into the forest corridor, you will see more than 8,000 Australian plants planted here. In addition, there are insect exhibition areas and evolution areas that display the mysteries of the biological world. 5. The style of the style museum is very modern, which forms a strong contrast with the classical style of the Royal Exhibition Hall next to it. In addition to creating a visual effect, the metal frame and glass curtain wall also draw more natural light into the public spaces of the pavilion. You will see that the staff in the museum are wearing brightly colored work clothes, exuding a strong aboriginal cultural style, which contrasts with the avant-garde architectural form.Australia · Carlton
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

7.9
4.6/5
1k reviews
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is located on the banks of the Yarra River, with a building designed to resemble a boat moored by the river; its interior extends several meters underground and features 12 themed exploration zones, connected by a one-way visitor route that links diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical coral reefs to Antarctic ice and snow. Penguin Playground is a much-loved exhibition area in the aquarium, where you can observe king penguins and gentoo penguins up close as they swim and play in a real ice and snow environment. The circular oceanarium at the center of the aquarium is another highlight, where visitors can walk around and watch large marine life such as sharks and rays swimming beside them. The crocodile lair is home to saltwater crocodiles, which can be observed up close through an underwater viewing window. In addition, Seahorse Pier displays delicate creatures such as seahorses, squid, and weedy seadragons, the marine symbol of Victoria; the Coral Atoll presents the brilliant colors of tropical fish schools; and the Marine Invaders area is themed around jellyfish, showcasing a variety of transparent and graceful jellyfish species. The aquarium has a touch pool where you can touch intertidal creatures such as starfish by hand. Free guided talks and feeding demonstrations are held regularly every day, covering multiple exhibition areas. The aquarium also offers paid experience programs such as glass-bottom boat rides and close encounters with penguins, suitable for visitors who want a deeper understanding. A visit takes approx. two hours in total.Australia · Melbourne

Experiences you can't miss in Agnes

Featured Day tours in Agnes

View all Day tours
Winter limited-time special: 1-day tour to Phillip Island cruise for whale & dolphin watching in Melbourne
Trip.Select
󱌍
4.9/5
· 29 reviews· 179 booked
Duration: 11.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
133 travelers saved
FromNZD 448.11
[Explore Australia Tours] Wilsons Promontory & Skull Rock Cruise Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromNZD 402.29
Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Brighton Bathing Boxes tour with penguin parade
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 233.36NZD 245.65
Melbourne: Puffing Billy and Brighton Bathing Boxes tour with penguin parade
󱌍
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 233.36NZD 245.65
[Explore Australia Tours]Wilsons Promontory Wilderness walking Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromNZD 197.42
Australia Wilsons Promontory wilderness tour [English tour | Melbourne pick-up & drop-off/optional cruise]
󱌍
5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 34 booked
Duration: 10.4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromNZD 216.18

Free things to do in Agnes

What travelers say about Agnes

user-avatar
willem_kingOctober 24, 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

user-avatar
M30***18October 6, 2026
5.0
A fantastic museum experience! The entire exhibition hall was beautifully designed, offering an immersive and interactive experience suitable for people of all ages. It allowed for close-up observation of dinosaur fossils and showcased different periods of Australian culture. I recommend allocating 4 to 5 hours for a visit.

Melbourne Museum

user-avatar
Anonymous userJune 6, 2026
5.0
Long train ride outside of the city. Surrounding Great nature. Worth to visit

Puffing Billy Railway

user-avatar
MandadadadaMay 30, 2023
5.0
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.

Carlton Gardens

user-avatar
Avinash KhanapurMarch 22, 2026
4.0
I have completed summit of various tallest buildings and observatory decks. However Eureka Towers lacks the punch or experience and assuming that I was never designed from a commercial aspects. However being jn CBD, it does offer some spectacular views and photographic opportunities. But challenge always remains that Wearher should support u. The GenZ experiences like EDGE and VR are there but can be much better. Felt they are not value for money.

Melbourne Skydeck

user-avatar
zhweieiJuly 6, 2020
4.0
This long embankment is a popular check-in spot. It was sunset when we arrived. The afterglow of the setting sun reflected on the water surface of the bay. It was extremely beautiful. You must come here in person to see the beauty here. It is much more beautiful than in the photos. At the end of the long embankment, sit quietly and watch the sunset slowly fall below the water level. The orange-red sunset glows on the entire lake. It is quiet and beautiful. It is worth a visit.

Port Welshpool Long Jetty

user-avatar
_TS***b1October 21, 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

user-avatar
_TI***ueOctober 5, 2026
5.0
Can see all the native animals at one place. No need to travel to Western Australia to see Quokkas.

Melbourne Zoo

user-avatar
Anonymous userOctober 3, 2026
5.0
It was such a nice experience to visit the aquarium in Mel! Our girl definitely had lots of fun locating all the residents and stamping them in our booklet. It is quite a big space to see various kinds of fish and sea life.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Frequently asked questions

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Agnes?

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 Winter limited-time special: 1-day tour to Phillip Island cruise for whale & dolphin watching in Melbourne, [Explore Australia Tours] Wilsons Promontory & Skull Rock Cruise Day Tour, and Australia Phillip Island 1-day Tour with 2-hour Seal Cruise and Penguin Parade [Round-trip from City]. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 4, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Agnes is around NZD 197.42 – NZD 462.16. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, 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.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.