About Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Highlights of Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Head over to witness the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, which is a one of a kind spectacle wherein you get the chance to see the world’s largest colony of Little Penguins head back to their homes after sundown
- With your Penguin Parade tickets watch as hundreds of Little Penguins return from the ocean with fishes in their little mouths, and waddle past you to return to their burrows.
- Apart from many things to do in Phillip Island you must observe the penguins using headphones and night vision binoculars, and enjoy listening to their squeaky voices and see the finer details of their actions, as they reunite with their mates, make dancing moves or even kiss their mates
History of Penguin Parade
The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island has a long and rich history. The colony of Little Penguins have resided on the shores of this island for many thousands of years, making it the place which has the largest colony of these penguin species in the whole world. These penguins fish in the ocean throughout the day, and then return back home as the sun starts to set, to look after their burrows and nests.
For over 80 years in the past, people have been visiting the Phillip Island during sunset to witness the events of the Penguin Parade, making it one of the best things to do here. The official commencement date when people began to enjoy the Penguin Parade Phillip Island dates back to the 1920s, when three residents of the island opened the Summerland Beach for organised viewings of these penguins.
However, it was in the 1960s when the fences and viewing stands were built away from the beach, to stop the visitors from standing or destroying the burrows. Ever since, numerous developments have taken place, from the construction of platforms and boardwalks, to the creation of viewing boxes which would help people enjoy the Penguin Parade Phillip Island without disturbing the penguins.
How can you see the Penguins?
The Penguin Parade Phillip Island is the best way to enjoy seeing the Little Penguins here. Upon your arrival at the island, you can head to the main penguin viewing area, which has a 180 degree elevated platform that not only offers you spectacular views of the coast and the ocean, but also that of the penguins. Little Penguins are known to fish for a majority of the day and swim up after sundown to rest for the night in their burrows. So, in addition to witnessing the sunsets here, you can also see how the penguins swim back to the shore and waddle their way back to their burrows.
One of the more exclusive experiences of witnessing the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is by choosing the Penguin Plus package. Although expensive, this upgrade lets you enjoy the parade without having to stand amongst several hundreds of other spectators on the viewing platform. With the Penguin Plus option, you get to head up to another viewing platform, located close by, and resembling the coves of the coastline. The seats here are limited to 300 people and offer closer views of the penguins as they pass by. You can also get to understand and learn about the lives of these penguins with this package.
For a one of a kind experience of the Penguin Parade Phillip Island, you must choose the underground viewing option here. This section only accommodates 70 people every night, and is located indoors. However, what sets the underground viewing option apart from others, is that you can enjoy an up close and eye level proximity to the penguins as they waddle back to their homes. You can also enjoy learning about the history, daily life and other facts and trivia about Little Penguins from a professional guide here.
Tips to visit Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- It is best to arrive at least an hour before your timings of the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island, especially since the parade is a natural phenomenon, which means that the penguins could easily return from oceans early
- It is advisable to bring an extra layer of clothing, such as a light jacket, since it can get quite chilly around the shores after sunset
- While you can sit in your seats during the parade, you can only stand in place if you are in the last row of seats, so that the view for other spectators is not blocked during the parade
- It is important to keep in mind that you cannot click photographs of the penguins so as to ensure their safety
Phillip Island Penguin Parade FAQs
How long does the Penguin Parade last?
The Penguin Parade Phillip Island lasts for around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the time when the penguins arrive back at the island. This also includes the time taken to see the penguins as they come ashore from the sea and waddle all the way back to their burrows located along the hillside.
What is the best time to experience the Phillip Island Penguin Parade?
The best time to experience the Penguin Parade Phillip Island is during the cooler months, from May to September. This is when the island has relatively lesser crowds, which will give you a chance to witness the parade in a nicer way, without having to tip-toe your way around the rest of the spectators.
What are the timings of the Penguin Parade?
The Penguin Parade Phillip Island begins every day after sunset, when the penguins come back to the shore. The tentative timings of the parade vary from month to month, and are as follows:- February to April: 07:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m.- May to June: 05:30 p.m. onwards- July to august: 06:00 p.m. onwards- September to October: 06:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m. - November to January: 08:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m.
Can we click pictures while watching the Penguin Parade?
No, you cannot click pictures while watching the Penguin Parade, since photography is strictly prohibited for this activity and can disturb the penguins.
Why is Phillip Island so famous?
Phillip Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Victoria, and is known for its stunning natural landscapes, along with its indigenous wildlife. It is also famous for being home to the largest colony of Little Penguins, the smallest species of penguins, in the whole world.
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