Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Phillip Island lies just off the coast of Melbourne and promises a colourful show of wildlife and beautiful landscapes. One of the most popular activities on the island is the Penguin Parade, an after-dark extravaganza that sees the island’s colony of Little Penguins waddle up the beach to their nests after a hard day’s fishing.

This breed of penguin is the world’s smallest, and the beaches of Phillip Island have been their home for many years. Today, they are widely protected and continue to be an important part of the ecosystem on the island and beyond.

The Penguin Parade is the perfect way to learn more about these cute critters and watch them make the great pilgrimage they make every single day when the sun begins to set.

At the site, there are also a number of educational displays that showcase stories and information about the penguins and their habitat, as well as details of the protection program that is in place to conserve the lifestyle of the penguins and their surroundings.

The Parade itself takes place on Summerland Beach, where there is a special viewing area set up for members of the public. Here, you can grab a spot in the tiered seating system that offers a 180-degree view all around the beach and its surroundings.

As well as seating, there are a few wooden boardwalks that span the beach which you can walk along to watch the penguins in action as they waddle up the sand to their burrows.

Other Ways to View the Penguin Parade

If you want a more intimate experience, you can opt for one of the other viewing options. Penguins Plus is a VIP experience that provides visitors with the chance to view the penguins from up close. There is also a detailed commentary that accompanies the parade, giving you the chance to learn more about the creatures and their lives.

In addition to this, there is a place to view the parade from underground, where you can watch the penguins bustle up the sand from a completely new and unique perspective. This method gives you a more intimate experience than the other options.

Finally, there is the Penguin Sky Box, which gives you the chance to view the parade from above on an elevated viewing tower. Only five people each evening can watch from this incredible vantage point, where they can chat to the ranger and help count the penguins in as they come ashore.

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