Meet Phillip Island's Little Penguins >>

Located on Phillip Island, only 140 kilometres southeast of Melbourne, you will find the Phillip Island Penguin Parade; Australia’s most popular wildlife attraction. The Penguin Parade was established to protect and promote awareness of the Little Penguins (previously known as Fairy Penguins).

 

The Little Penguins spend all day at sea catching whitebait to feed their young ones back in the burrows. Each night at dusk (without fail) the penguins ‘parade’ across Summerland Beach in small groups, to waddle to their sand burrows.

 

Visitors can view this spectacular and unique ‘parade’ under subdued lighting from elevated stands and walkways, whilst listening to the accompanying commentary. There you sit in the twilight, shivering with cold as the wind comes off the water, waiting for the penguins to appear.  All of a sudden the loudspeaker announces “Here they come “, everyone turns to look. You see little black blobs, that come up with the wave and then recede again. Finally the bravest one gets up and starts to walk across the sand, but then runs back. Gradually the group gathers their courage and the parade begins. You watch them cross the beach and head up to the dunes between the decking. Another group appears and then another, and here they all come. Finally the parade slows and you start walking back up the ramp watching the penguins approach their burrows, calling out to their young that dinner is ready.

 

These Little Penguins attract the attention of everyone, and entrance fees are quite reasonable. There are alternative viewing options available, according to your budget. The Ultimate Penguin Tour takes groups of up to 10 to a stunning and secluded beach to view their own parade. The Penguin Box gives you the comfort of an exclusive elevated viewing box, with your own ranger. The Private Penguin Parade Experience takes you to an exclusive area of the beach, with your own binoculars, mat and headset for your personal ranger’s live commentary. The Penguins Plus, limited to 150 people each night, is from a special viewing platform and boardwalk with a personal ranger. The Penguin Ranger Guided Tour departs 1.5 hours before the penguin’s arrival time and takes you on a behind the scenes tour before viewing the parade.

 

There is also the Visitor Centre to walk through and enjoy. This opens from 10am every day and has interactive and informative displays about the penguins, as well as gift shops, and a café. Flash photography of the penguins is not allowed, and make sure you remember to bring warm clothing, for a fantastic night out. Stay the night on the island and spend some time visiting some of the other attractions, such as the Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island, the Nobbies, Seal Rock and Cowes beach.

 

Penguin Parades tours can be added on as an optional extra to many of the HSP Travel packages.

 

Meet Phillip Island's Little Penguins >>