Phillip Island, a beautiful spot off the Victorian coast of Australia, is a nature lover’s paradise. One of its biggest drawcards is the world-famous Penguin Parade, where you can see one of the most amazing wildlife shows on the planet. This nightly spectacle where little fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows is a must-see for anyone who loves nature. In this guide, we’ll get into the magic of the Penguin Parade and Phillip Island’s scenery and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Phillip Island’s Scenery
Phillip Island is famous for its natural beauty and varied landscapes. The island has rugged cliffs with spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and sandy beaches like Summerland Beach, where you can take a leisurely walk or have a picnic. The island’s natural beauty goes beyond its beaches. You can enjoy clifftop views, walk through natural woodlands and take in the scenery of the coastal rock formations. Phillip Island is committed to preserving its natural environment, so every corner of the island is unspoilt and a haven for wildlife and a nature lover’s paradise.
One of the island’s best features is the Nobbies Centre, which is where you can see the largest fur seal colony in Australia. The Nobbies Centre is a great spot to see these amazing creatures in their natural environment. For a more up close and personal experience, the island has treetop boardwalks that give you a different perspective of the island’s many ecosystems. The combination of beaches, cliffs and natural woodlands makes for a beautiful backdrop to the Penguin Parade.
What are Fairy Penguins?
Fairy penguins, also known as little penguins or blue penguins, are the smallest penguins in the world. They stand at 30cm tall and weigh about 1kg. These little guys are a cute part of Australia’s native wildlife. Fairy penguins are small, blue-grey and playful. Their small size allows them to waddle through tiny burrows for protection from predators and harsh weather.
Native to the southern coast of Australia and New Zealand, fairy penguins have adapted to the temperate climate of these regions. Their blue colouring is camouflage when viewed from above in the ocean, and their special feathers provide insulation against the cold water. This adaptation allows them to thrive in their marine environment and makes them a favourite of Australia’s wildlife.
Meet the Little Penguins at the Penguin Parade
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is your chance to get up close to the fairy penguins. Every evening, as the sun sets, the little penguins come out of the ocean and cross the sandy beach of Summerland Beach to their burrows. This nightly show is called the Penguin Parade and attracts visitors from all over to see these little cuties in their natural habitat. The Penguin Parade has various viewing options, including the Underground Viewing area, where you can see the penguins at eye level as they waddle by. The experience is enhanced by the park’s presentations and conservation messages to help you learn more about these amazing animals and their home.
How to Get to the Penguin Parade
Getting to the Penguin Parade is easy and convenient, and there are several options to choose from. Phillip Island is 1 hour and 45 minutes from Melbourne, so it’s a great day trip or destination for a longer stay. You can drive to the island via the coastal road, a beautiful scenic drive along Westernport Bay and the countryside.
Or you can take a direct coach from Melbourne to Phillip Island, a comfortable and stress free way to get to the Penguin Parade. If you prefer a guided tour a Phillip Island tour is a great option, it includes transportation, commentary and extra sightseeing.
Times
The Penguin Parade runs nightly. Times vary depending on the season. The parade starts at dusk and the penguins start to arrive on the beach about 30 minutes after sunset. Please check the time in advance and book tickets early, especially during peak season. The Visitor Centre opens a few hours before the parade starts so you can visit the exhibits and learn about the fairy penguins and their home.
Accessibility
Phillip Island is wheelchair accessible and the Penguin Parade is designed to cater for all levels of mobility. The Visitor Centre and viewing areas have ramps and accessible toilets. Assistance animals are welcome and the park has services to ensure all visitors have an enjoyable experience. Please contact the park in advance to discuss any special needs and we will make sure your visit runs smoothly.
Activities & Tickets
A Penguin Parade has activities and ticket options. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the Visitor Centre, standard or premium. Premium options include guided tours, which give you more insight into the penguins’ behaviour and conservation. The park also has educational programs and wildlife talks to enhance your experience. Other activities on the island are the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Maru Koala Park or a drive around the island.
What happens at the Penguin Parade?
The Penguin Parade is a nightly ritual where fairy penguins return from the ocean to their burrows on the island. As the sun sets visitors gather at the viewing areas to watch this magic happen. The penguins come out of the sea in groups, waddle across the beach and head to their nests. Commentary from park rangers accompanies this spectacle, telling you all about the penguins’ behaviour and conservation.
Penguin Parade has various viewing options, from general admission to premium experiences, which get you closer to the penguins. The park’s facilities, including the Underground Viewing area, allow you to see the penguins at eye level as they come ashore. This up-close experience will make you feel more connected to these little guys and give you a better understanding of their natural behaviour.
How Many Penguins Will You See?
The number of fairy penguins you will see at the Penguin Parade can vary depending on the time of year and weather. During peak season (summer and school holidays), you will see more penguins. On average, you will see between 500 and 1000 penguins in one night, but this can vary.
The penguins start to arrive around sunset and the parade goes for about an hour. The park staff do everything to make the penguins’ experience as minimal disturbance as possible and allow visitors to watch the parade while respecting the animals’ natural behaviour.
What else is there to do on Phillip Island?
Phillip Island has many other attractions beyond the Penguin Parade. The island has several other notable sites, such as the Koala Conservation Reserve, where you can see koalas in the wild, and Churchill Island, for its historic significance and beautiful gardens. The Nobbies Centre has stunning views of the rugged coastline and the largest fur seal colony in Australia, which can be seen from the boardwalks over the sea. For the adventurous, the island has scenic drives and beautiful beaches, Cape Woolamai Beach and Brighton Beach, to explore and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.
Where to Stay on Phillip Island?
Phillip Island has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. From luxury hotels to beachside cottages, you can find somewhere to suit you. Popular options are near the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre for convenience or in nearby towns like Cowes and San Remo. If you want to really get up close and personal with wildlife, accommodations like the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park offer the chance to stay with Australian animals and participate in feeding and conservation activities. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Conclusion
The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island is a must see. Australia’s smallest penguins in their natural habitat. Stunning views, breathtaking scenery and so much to do. Wildlife enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will love Phillip Island. Whether you’re mesmerised by the nightly penguin parade or exploring the rest of the island’s attractions, Phillip Island is a beautiful and unforgettable experience of Australian wildlife and nature.
FAQ
What is the Penguin Parade?
The Penguin Parade is a nightly event on Phillip Island where you can see the fairy penguins come in from the ocean to their burrows. This world famous event is an eye level experience with these little creatures.
How do I get to Phillip Island?
Phillip Island is 1hr 45min from Melbourne. You can also take a direct coach from the city. If you want a full day tour, a Phillip Island Tour offers transportation and commentary.
When is the Penguin Parade?
The Penguin Parade is nightly, times vary depending on the season. The event starts at dusk and the penguins arrive on the beach about 30 minutes after sunset. Check the time and book in advance.
What else is there to do on Phillip Island?
Phillip Island has many attractions, the Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island, the Nobbies Centre, Cape Woolamai Beach and Summerland Beach. You can also visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park and the Maru Koala Park.
What to wear?
Dress warm and comfortable, it gets cold in the evening. Sturdy shoes for walking to and from the viewing areas. Check the weather before you come and dress for the weather.
