Acomfortable 1.5 hour drive south of Melbourne will bring you to Phillip
Island a destination which is popular among tourists who flock here
each afternoon to watch the Fairy Penguin Parade. The non for profit
organization which promotes this attraction has converted the area to a
safe habitat for these penguins to live, build their nests, breed and
bring up their off spring.
If you are planning to witness the penguins arrive back into shore
and parade back to their nests, make sure you arrive here well before
dusk. Even if you arrive early, the information centre provides plenty
of great insight into the living habits of penguins and the species of
penguins scattered around the world. There is a cafeteria for you to get
a bite or a drink as well as a souvenir shop for you to collect
something for you to take back home. Every cent you spend here helps us
to protect and ensure the safe breeding of Fairy Penguins, the species
only found in Australia.
If you arrive in Phillip Island around 3pm, you could also visit the
nearby chocolate factory, take a tour of the chocolate making process
and even make your own delicious blend of chocolates.
We took our seats in the Penguin observation area around 5.45pm and
waited eagerly. You are at the southern tip of Victoria and the icy cold
winds can get you if not rugged up well. So even during summer months
you need to be ready for a cold spell of winds from the south.
Theexperience was well worth the wait. Around 6.45 the sun set welcomed
the arrival of the first little penguin. This solitary penguin appeared
out of water, took a few steps towards the shore and kept looking around
for it’s friends. There were none to be seen so it dived back into the
water. It was such a cute sight. The numbers arriving onshore increased
gradually, and groups of 5 – 20 paraded across the sand to their
burrows. Obviously these cute creatures believe in parading in groups
and take the same path which they used to cross the sand during the
early morning journey into the sea to find food for themselves and the
young ones back home. You will be able to spend hours watching these
penguins parading and you can also observe them at close proximity.
These fairy penguins repeat their habitual journey day after day without
a break which makes it a wonderful attraction for you to enjoy any time
of the year.
If you plan to stay in Phillip Island there are Phillip Island holiday houses or caravan parks in Phillip Island available for you. Online bookings are also possible via this link. Ensure you select Victoria as the state and Phillip Island as the region for your search.
