Join us at Churchill Island for live music, conservation and research presentations, community stalls, farm activities, games and more.

Activities

10.15 am                        Welcome to country and smoking

10.00 am – 2.00 pm      Cultural activity

10.00 am – 3.00 pm      Community Stallholders

10.30 am                        Blacksmithing

10.30 am – 1.00 pm       Wagon rides

10.45 am                       Phillip Island Nature Parks research presentation

10.45 am                       Sheep shearing

11.00 am                       Whip cracking

11.00 am – 2.00pm       Live music

11.15 am                        Working dogs

1.45 pm                        Phillip Island Nature Parks conservation presentation                  

2.00 pm – 4.00 pm       Wagon rides

2.00 pm                        Cow milking

2.30 pm                        Sheep shearing

2.45 pm                        Working dogs

3.00 pm                        Whip cracking

Food and Beverages

Churchill Island Visitor Centre have the following deals available for Community Open Day only. Other food and beverage options are available off the menu.

☕ Coffee and Muffin Combo – $10

Start your day right with our unbeatable combo! Enjoy any small hot drink of your choice — be it a rich espresso, creamy latte, or velvety hot chocolate — perfectly paired with our freshly baked Muffin of the Day. 

🍔 Breaky Burger – $13

Our Breaky Burger is a handheld breakfast hero! Featuring crispy smoked bacon, a golden fried egg, melted cheese, and a generous dollop of our old-style tomato relish, all tucked inside a soft toasted bun. It’s hearty, savory, and perfect for fueling your morning on the go.

🌯 Breaky Wrap – $13

Craving something satisfying and portable? Our Breaky Wrap wraps up the goodness with smoked bacon, a perfectly fried egg, slices of grilled halloumi, and a spoonful of our signature tomato relish. All bundled in a warm tortilla for a flavour-packed start to your day.

Discover the island’s iconic koalas and charismatic curlews with the Nature Parks staff and volunteers.

Boardwalks are open! Enjoy an afternoon stroll on the boardwalks, take in the spectacular Nobbies views.

Please note the Nobbies Centre, café and toilets remain closed. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The Boulevard, running along the South coast of the Summerland Peninsula, between the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade, remains open for daytime access.

The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre is open from midday each day. Pick up a hot beverage and check out the retail store.

Enjoy a Penguin presentation at 5.00 pm in the Penguin Parade Theatre.

Watch little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across Summerland beach from approx. 6.30 pm from the Penguin Parade General Viewing area.

Tickets will be available from August 30 here.

Scroll down or choose the 'Community Open Day' in the 'I’m looking for' selector.

Choose 3 Parks Pass if you intend to visit all attractions including the Penguin Parade on Saturday September 13.

Choose Penguin Parade General Viewing to select tickets for either September 12 or 13 for the Penguin Parade only.

Choose Koala Conservation Reserve or Churchill Island if you wish to visit these attractions only. Please note these attractions are only available for Community Open Day on September 13.

Click on ‘Buy Now’ then choose the relevant date. Please note you must choose either September 12 or 13. (Choose September 13 if you have selected a 3 Park Pass).

Click on the relevant ticket session (click on the price).

Select the number of tickets you require and then click on ‘Next’.

Complete all Billing Contact fields and check boxes.

Please note you must complete all fields for the Promo Code to activate.

Enter the Promo Code: COD2025  and click apply. This will update your ticket cost to free of charge.

Please note that evidence of Bass Coast residency is required at entry.

Community Open Day is available exclusively to residents, landholders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members and students of Bass Coast Shire. To gain your free entry, please bring proof of your residency such as photo ID (driver’s licence/student card) and/or rates notice/rental agreement/utilities bill as proof of address. Free entry for households only. 
Accompanying friends who reside outside the Bass Coast are welcome but must pay entry fees as applicable.  

• Free entry is available all day at Churchill Island and Koala Conservation Reserve. Limited tickets available at the Penguin Parade.
• Free Parking, toilets and refreshments available at the Nature Parks attractions.
• Reduce waste, bring your drink bottle, shopping bag and keep cup.
• No unaccompanied children – thank you.
• Phillip Island Nature Parks venues are all-weather attractions. 

• All tickets booked for Community Open Day 2025 are valid on Saturday 13 September only. Penguin Parade General Viewing tickets are available for either Friday 12 September 2025 or Saturday 13 September 2025.
• Wagon/tractor rides, donation per person per ride to Friends of Churchill Island Society Inc.
• Free admission is available to for residents, landholders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members and students of Bass Coast Shire only when using COD2025 promo code at checkout. Customer details must be entered for the promo code to be applied. Infants will require a valid ticket. Free entry is for households only. 
  Accompanying non-residents of Bass Coast Shire are welcome but must pay entry fees as applicable.
• Proof of residency will be required to gain entry via photo ID (driver’s licence/student card) and/or rates notice/rental agreement/utilities bill as proof of address.
• Tickets cannot be extended, refunded, upgraded, or exchanged for cash.
• Offer valid for general admission only, and not valid for any other upgrades, offers and tours.
• The event organiser reserves the right to modify or cancel the event without notice for reasons beyond their control.
• In the event of cancellation tickets will not be exchanged or rescheduled to another date/session.
• Special meal offers with our Create Catering partners are subject to change.