Infrastructure Projects Updates

OVERVIEW

The Nature Parks manages several iconic visitor attractions on Phillip Island (Milawul), including the Penguin Parade which attracts over 700,000 visitors per year and is home to the world’s largest colony of little penguins. 
The Summerland Peninsula Master Plan (2012) identified that Penguin Parade upgrade works were critical due to: 
Ageing infrastructure at the end of its useful life 
Infrastructure negatively impacting accessibility and customer experience 
Coastal erosion impacting the Penguin Parade viewing stands and jeopardising the financial sustainability of the Nature Parks. 
A detailed design of the Penguin Parade boardwalks and viewing stands (Image 1) was completed in 2019 and provides a staged approach to replace ageing infrastructure to provide an all accessible and improved visitor experience at the Penguin Parade, ensuring that the Penguin Parade continues to support growing visitation and remains the leading paid ecotourism attraction in Victoria. 
The project is being constructed over four stages to ensure the Penguin Parade remains operational throughout construction. This enables the Nature Parks to continue penguin viewing experiences with revenue generated through ecotourism activities invested into vital conservation, research, and education programs as well as funding public assets. 

Image 1 – Overview of the Penguin Parade Boardwalks and Viewing Stands Redevelopment Project 

WHY 

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision to create a holistic experience to immerse our visitors in nature across the Summerland Peninsula.  We have focused our funding to restore the ageing infrastructure at the Penguin Parade to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all.  

HOW 

• This project has involved consultation with key stakeholders to avoid or minimise impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage, flora and fauna, and to ensure the best outcomes for safety, visitor experience, tourism operations and ongoing longevity and maintenance of the infrastructure. 
• Impacts to Aboriginal cultural heritage are being managed through a developed and approved Cultural Heritage Management Plan. The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation has been engaged through this process as the Registered Aboriginal Party of the area and has approved the plan. 
• A proven methodology has been adopted for construction ensuring the development is constructed in an environmentally sensitive way and to reduce impacts to the nightly Penguin Parade operations. 
• A Wildlife Officer will be engaged throughout the project to ensure consideration is made to the sensitive environment during all phases of construction.

WHEN 

Project Stages:  
Stage 1 – Complete 
Included the construction of the New Outbound Path, also referred to as the Shearwater Boardwalk (Image 2) and upgrades to the Penguin Plus viewing platform. In 2022, the Nature Parks was successful in a grant application as part of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund for $5 million. In December 2024, the Nature Parks successfully delivered this stage, constructing a new DDA compliant, all accessible Shearwater Boardwalk providing a new penguin viewing experience, and an upgrade to Penguins Plus viewing platform. 

Image 2 – New Outbound Path ‘Shearwater Boardwalk’

Stage 2 – Complete

Included an upgrade to the Penguins Premium viewing platform and ageing boardwalk behind the general viewing stands, up to but not including the existing amenities.  
Construction of a new Penguins Premium viewing platform was completed in 2024. 
The boardwalk upgrade commenced in March 2025 and was completed in December 2025, providing a new DDA compliant, all accessible boardwalk. 

Image 3 – New Boardwalk behind the General Viewing Stands

Stage 3 – Construction commencing March 2026 

Includes upgrading the remaining boardwalk elements, consisting of new toilet amenities, new viewing area and new return boardwalk to the Visitor Centre. Once completed, the Penguin Parade will have replaced all historic boardwalk infrastructure, providing a new DDA compliant, all accessible looped experience. 
Stage 3 is being constructed in three phases to minimise impacts on the nightly Penguin Parade, little penguin breeding and moulting seasons, and short-tailed shearwater migration season.  

During construction of Phase 1, the boardwalk toilets will be unavailable. The existing toilet block will be demolished and new state-of-the-art amenities built in the same location. Toilets will continue to be available in the Visitor Centre and the Bus Carpark. We apologise for any inconvenience whilst the boardwalk toilets are being upgraded.  
An overview of boardwalk access and toilets for the Penguin Parade during Phase 1 is provided below.   

Image 4  – Phase 1 boardwalk access and construction areas


Image 5 – Render for new Stage 3 viewing area and toilet amenities 

Stage 4 – Design phase

Includes upgrading the existing viewing stands and skybox. Concept design is currently being prepared. Coastal erosion impacts and modelling, and wildlife data on little penguins are informing the design process.  
There is no planned construction at this stage. 

ACCESSIBILITY

Mobility buggy service will not operate at the Penguin Parade during construction. 
The boardwalks and viewing stands will remain open for pedestrian access during the daytime. Access will be limited at times during construction.  
Access for evening Penguin Parade experiences will not be affected. 
Wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Centre on request. 
Please telephone 03 5951 2830 for further information on your individual requirements.  

After a lengthy and comprehensive consultation process to date seeking the community’s aspirations for the Summerland Peninsula, running through various stages from August 2025 to March 2026, we are now in the process of collating and synthesising all feedback received in order to develop the Draft Master Plan. It is anticipated the Draft Master Plan will be released for public comment in June 2026.

For more information on this project, please visit  Engage with Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is planning to deliver infrastructure upgrades to the eastern beach access at Smiths Beach.

Upgrade works will address extensive corrosion that has occurred due to the beachside location to assist lifesaving services and to improve public access to the beach.

Construction will commence May 2026 to prevent disruption during peak lifesaving season and the busy beach season. Completion is expected by Aug 2026. 

Project Elements

Stairway and Landing

The stairway and landing adjacent to the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club rescue base will be rebuilt. Improvements include replacement of corroded steel with improved material choices aimed at increasing sustainability and reducing the maintenance demands in such a highly corrosive environment.

Access Ramp

The accessibility ramp will undertake repairs and maintenance including replacement of deteriorating decking timbers with non-slip materials, and replacement of corroded bolts and brackets.
A separately funded project at this site, involved maintenance and repairs of the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club rescue base structure. The Nature Parks supported the Rescue base works which was managed by WBSLSC and was completed in September 2025.

Smith Beach Access Ramp

Managing Impacts

Necessary planning, approvals are being undertaken. The following permits and consent will be acquired for the works:

• Planning Permit - Bass Coast Shire Council
• Marine and Coastal Consent - DEECA

Beach Access

Works are planned to occur outside of the lifesaving season and busy beach season. Public use of the eastern access to Smiths Beach will be impacted during some construction stages. Please refer to site signage. During all stages of construction, access to Smiths Beach will remain via the western beach access stairway 100m to the west of the eastern beach access. Please follow directions of signage, staff, and contractors during this time for your safety.

Funding

The works will be funded via the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grant program 2024-25 and a contribution from the Nature Parks. The CPAR grant program delivers funding to coastal Crown land managers, including voluntary committees of management and local government, to reduce coastal risk and improve public access.

The Nature Parks construction team, together with local contractors will deliver the project.

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision focused on upgrading and maintaining the ageing infrastructure across our beaches and reserves to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all. 

Further Information

During construction works, please expect closures to the eastern access to Smiths Beach.  Signage and staff will be available to assist you during this time. 

Phillip Island Nature Parks will be undertaking essential repairs at the Nobbies boardwalks to help extend the life of this spectacular attraction.

The upgrades will include replacing sections of boards with brand new FRP due to aging infrastructure and to ensure ongoing public safety. These works will also include some high-level repairs to the substructure.

The works will take place between Monday 2 and Monday 23 March. 

During this time, majority of the boardwalks will remain open with access to view the blow hole. A section of the boardwalk with wheelchair access will be closed. Please follow the directions of staff and signage on site.

These upgrades are part of a longer-term capital works program and are an example of successful eco-tourism directly funding public assets.

We thank the community for their understanding during short-term closures to allow work to be conducted safely and efficiently and ultimately enable long-term safety and benefits for all users.

The Nobbies boardwalks and car park are open.  
To ensure the site is structurally safe, further critical repair works are being undertaken on the building from October 2025 through to March 2026.   

As part of these works, there may be temporary road closures and traffic redirection from Monday 8 December to Friday 12 December 2025 due to the demolition of the existing canopy and to ensure public safety. Traffic management will be in place, please follow the directions of staff and signage on site. 
The Nobbies Centre will remain closed while planning is underway for the updated Summerland Peninsula Master Plan. As part of this, we are seeking the views of our community, visitors, and key stakeholders on the future of the Nobbies site. We want to ensure any further investment in the Nobbies facility helps to achieve the community’s long-term aspirations for this site.    
The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre is open from midday each day, for café and retail options and to access bathroom facilities. Public toilets are also available at the Penguin Parade car park.    
The Boulevard (Southern Road), running along the South coast of the Summerland Peninsula, between the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade, remains open for moving traffic (no parking).  
 

The Pyramid Rock toilet has been upgraded as part of the asset renewal program by Phillip Island Nature Parks. The redeveloped amenity delivers a new, accessible, gender-neutral off-grid facility. This project was supported by the Victorian State Government Department of Families, Fairness and Housing as part of the Universal Design Funding Round 2022.

The upgraded structure was completed in October 2024.

Upgrades and improvements include:

·       Retreat structure from proximity to cliff edge with partial demolition of existing deck area

·       Upgrade of existing 'anchor point' footings

·       Rebuild viewing area

·       Replacement of deteriorating materials

·       Installation of non-slip decking material

·       Reforming entry path

Illustration of design 

WHY   

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision focused on upgrading and maintaining the ageing infrastructure across our beaches and reserves to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all.   

FURTHER INFORMATION     

If you would like further information, please contact:
Phillip Island Nature Parks
community@penguins.org.au
03 5951 2800 

Stage 2

Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council worked in partnership to upgrade an 800 m section of the Cowes-Rhyll Trail. The project was funded by the Victorian State Government through the Regional Infrastructure Fund, which supports its commitment to upgrade and extend local walking trails to create more active transport opportunities for locals and visitors.

Local contractors and the Nature Parks construction team delivered Stage 2 works which were completed for September school holidays and included:

· 300 m of low boardwalk

· 3 boardwalk ramp structures

· 150 m of concrete path

· 250 m of gravel path upgrade

Stage 3

The Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council are working in partnership to upgrade a 2 km section of the Cowes-Rhyll Trail to provide a safe and accessible shared path between the two townships.  

Stage 3 upgrades encompass the section of trail between Conservation Hill car park and McIlwraith Rd, Rhyll. Stage 3 works were carried out by contractors in March 2025. 

Upgrades include: 

• Providing an improved connection between the townships of Cowes and Rhyll.
• Provide a shared use pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Implementation of upgrades upon existing gravel trail and management track sections.  

Upgrades to the existing low boardwalks and lookout infrastructure such are currently being investigated for future works and upgrades.  

If you would like further information, please contact the Nature Parks on 5951 2800 or at community@penguins.org.au for further information.

The Forrest Caves beach access has been upgraded to improve safety for beachgoers.

Improvements include a reconfiguration of stairs and landings to the north and south stairway and replacement of deteriorating timbers and fixings. Non-slip materials were implemented to improve safety.

The Nature Parks construction team, together with local contractors delivered the project which was undertaken in several stages to prevent disruption during peak summer season and during short-tailed shearwater fledging period.

Fig 1. Upgrades of the various beach access segments

Previous work

The 2025 upgrades follow critical structure strengthening work completed in 2022 whereby the implementation of screw piles secured the southern-most component of the stairway structure previously impacted by beach erosion.

Fig 2. Previous erosion event impacting stairway

Fig 3.Structure strengthening works in 2022

In 2015, the dune-top boardwalk and lookout was upgraded.

Managing Impacts

Upgrades encompass a redevelopment upon existing footings to minimise habitat and Aboriginal cultural heritage disturbance.

Construction was conducted in stages in an attempt to reduce impacts to beach goers and accommodate short tailed shearwater migration patterns which burrow at the site from September to April each year.

The following permits and consent were acquired for the works:

• Council Planning Permit
• Marine and Coastal Consent (DEECA)

The project is jointly funded by the Nature Parks and the State Government through a Coastal and Public Access Risk grant.

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision focused on upgrading and maintaining the ageing infrastructure across our beaches and reserves to support our growing visitation and improve our visitor experience for all. 

BEACH SAFETY

Download the Surf Life Saving Beachsafe app and access important information available on the Life Saving Victoria website and throughout the Visitor Information Centres. 
Warning, swimming is not advised at Forrest Caves or Forrest Caves (Bruce Ave), visit here for more information. 

FURTHER INFORMATION 

Contact: Community@penguins.org.au

The Nature Parks will undertake the replacement of the stair sections due to aging infrastructure and to ensure ongoing public safety.

These works will include strengthening and straightening the entire structure along with the installation of new FRP tread.

The upgrades will commence on 8 September and will take approximately three weeks to complete.

During this time, the staircase will be closed from 7.00 am and will reopen from 3.30 pm each day to enable public access.  

These upgrades are part of a longer-term capital works program and are an example of successful eco-tourism directly funding public assets.

We thank the community for their understanding during short-term closures to allow work to be conducted safely and efficiently and ultimately enable long-term safety and benefits for all users.

Please refer to the below map for alternate beach access during closures.

Phillip Island Nature Parks  essential repairs at the Sunderland Bay boardwalk were completed in two stages.

The first stage of upgrades included replacing the current treated pine decking on the boardwalk walking track with brand new locally produced FRP and new kickers rails to ensure ongoing public safety.  

Stage one works took place between Monday 13 October and Monday 24 November.

During this time, the boardwalk was closed, and a section of the car park was fenced off. 

Access to Sunderland Bay staircase and Surfies Point staircase remained open.

The second stage is planned for after Easter 2026, with dates to be confirmed.

These upgrades are part of a longer-term capital works program and are an example of successful eco-tourism directly funding public assets.

We thank the community for their understanding during short-term closures to allow work to be conducted safely and efficiently and ultimately enable long-term safety and benefits for all users.

An Emergency Access Zone has been implemented at the head of the existing timber access ramp in the front row of car parks at Woolamai Beach to assist with beach/water safety.

Recent erosion has resulted in limited access for critical surf lifesaving vehicles to access the beach. This infrastructure helps to ensure vehicle access to the beach via the car park for ongoing public safety. This work will be completed today.

Phillip Island Nature Parks would like to thank the public for their understanding and cooperation and encourage everyone to check the Beachsafe app and have a safe summer at the island’s beaches.

Phillip Island Nature Parks delivered repair and maintenance upgrades to the infrastructure in the Rhyll Inlet area between Conservation Hill and McIlwraith Rd.   
Upgrade works addressed deteriorating materials to improve safety and the user experience.  

 Rhyll Inlet infrastructure upgrades  

Project Elements    

Wetland Boardwalk - complete
Replacement of deteriorating and slippery decking boards with installation of non-slip material. The defective section of this boardwalk structure will be removed. 

McIlwraith Boardwalk - complete 

Replacement of deteriorating and slippery decking boards with installation of non-slip material. Amendment to handrails and some minor structural improvements.

Gravel trails - complete

Top dressing existing trials adjoining either end of the wetland boardwalk. 

Diamond Dolly Quarry Lookout - complete
Replacement of deteriorating and slippery decking boards with installation of non-slip material. Replacement of handrails and balustrades. 

Funding 

These upgrades are part of a longer-term capital works program and are another example of successful eco-tourism directly funding improvements to public assets.

Thank you for your support whilst works are occurring. 
 
For more information, please contact community@penguins.org.au 

Planning is underway to develop designs for the upgrade of 6 beach access structures along the Surf Beach Estate coastline. All necessary permits and approvals are being obtained and discussions the Bunurong land council are underway.  Construction will be a staged approach to minimise beach access impacts and timing is yet to be confirmed.

Planning is underway to upgrade the remaining old toilet amenities and replace with new. 

Locations include: 

• Berrys beach 
• Conservation Hill 
• Woolamai Beach 
• Shelly Beach 

Phillip Island Nature Parks will be undertaking essential repairs at the Sunderland Bay boardwalk in two stages.

The first stage of upgrades were completed in between Monday 13 October and Monday 24 November 2025, they included replacing the treated pine decking on the boardwalk walking track with brand new locally produced FRP and new kickers rails to ensure ongoing public safety.  

The second stage is planned for after Easter 2026, with dates to be confirmed.

These upgrades are part of a longer-term capital works program and are an example of successful eco-tourism directly funding public assets.

We thank the community for their understanding during short-term closures to allow work to be conducted safely and efficiently and ultimately enable long-term safety and benefits for all users.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is upgrading beach access infrastructure to improve access and safety for beach-goers to Surf Beach. 

Existing infrastructure which connects Surf Beach to The Esplanade will be upgraded at Park St and Dixon St.

Closures are required while work is occurring. Alternate access to Surf Beach is via nearby locations at Surfies Point (Batman Street) and Dunvegan Cres.

The following work will occur in stages from May 2026 to minimise impacts to beach goers and wildlife.  

Why:    

The Nature Parks has a long-term vision focused on upgrading and maintaining the ageing infrastructure across our beaches and reserves to support our growing visitation and improve safety and visitor experience for all.

Further info 

If you would like further information, please contact:  
Phillip Island Nature Parks  
community@penguins.org.au  
03 5951 2800