THE LITTLE PENGUIN PARADISE

Phillip Island is an interesting mix of amazing wildlife and petrol-loving vehicles, all located within a hour’s drive from the city of Melbourne. The island has been witness to foot traffic ever since the Boonwurrung people settled here centuries ago, coming for the amazing seafood and the calm waters which can both still be seen today. Most tourists will naturally come to see the cute little penguins waddle up to the beach every night to sleep in the dunes, but thinking that the island lacks any other kind of activity is a serious error. There are seal colonies and great surf beaches, and the island also is home to the Motorcycle Grand Prix. Feel free to get lost in one of three nature parks that dot the island, which are linked by a central ticket. Also explore the Seal Rocks and the Nobbies Centre, an interactive game centre nearby. If you’re done with all the nature stuff, the Motor Racing Circuit is open for tours as well. Feel free to explore this unspoiled yet cosmopolitan island for yourself.

PENGUIN PARADE

The little penguins are the world’s smallest, hence the name. They live off the coasts of New Zealand and the southern coast of Australia, forming large colonies in which to raise their chicks. It’s this little piece of information that makes them travel in large groups as well, often returning to the shores at dusk to sleep and for defence against predators at night. This little penguin parade from the oceans up to the shores can be seen most readily at Summerland, located to the far west of the island.

The complex is made up of concrete amphitheatres that can hold up to 3800 people, all watching to see the little penguins waddle up the beach to their nesting spots. Penguins parade year-round for happy tourists, but the numbers especially swell after the breeding period in summer. You may want to get a closer look by heading onto the boardwalk as the little penguins look for their burrow spots and mates, or take a tour with rangers and see them from up above with a skybox. Just remember to bring warm clothing with you; it gets awfully cold waiting for the little penguins to trot up to the beach.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

PENGUIN TOURS

Looking to see the little penguins up close and personal? Head out for a personalized tour of Phillip Island, complete with a view of the fantastic penguin parade. Tours may pick up from as far away as Melbourne.

To locate tours specifically for the penguin parade, search for them using our handy-dandy widget. Choose “Phillip Island” as the Destination after selecting “Victoria” as the state, then type in the keyword “penguin.”

MOTOR RACING

For those of you who prefer your wildlife zooming at speeds most animals can’t get to, head on over to the Motor Racing Circuit. The visitor centre runs 45-minute tours, will allow you to race around the track in V8s, and there’s even a go-cart track available for those who don’t want to go as fast.

SOMEWHERE TO STAY

Phillip Island’s few accommodations don’t really make it a destination to spend more than one day, so it might be easier to stay in Melbourne and transport to and from the island. Search the widget to the left in order to find the perfect place for you.

VICTORIA

Melbourne | Mornington Peninsula | Phillip Island

Yarra Valley | Great Ocean Road | Bendigo

 Wangaratta