🐧 Penguin Parade is one of the most popular natural wonders around Melbourne, Australia🌊🇳🇿☁️

The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular natural wonders around Melbourne, Australia, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. This unique experience mainly takes place on Phillip Island, which is also known as the "Penguin Island". Highlights of the Penguin Parade Every evening at dusk, thousands of Little Blue Penguins (also known as fairy penguins or fairy penguins, the smallest penguins in the world) end a day of hunting and waddle from the sea to Summerland Beach to return to their nests in the sand dunes. This warm and spectacular scene is the "Penguin Parade". The viewing site is equipped with a dedicated viewing platform and wooden boardwalk to ensure that visitors can watch their lovely homecoming process up close without disturbing the penguins. Viewing Locations and Facilities Main viewing area: Summerland Beach, located in the southwest corner of Phillip Island, is the world's largest wild penguin protection base, managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks. Nobbies Centre: Although not the main penguin parade viewing area, it is at the other end of Phillip Island where you can also see magnificent coastal scenery and sometimes see scattered little penguins among the reefs. Viewing platform options: General Viewing: This is the most common option, offering stepped seating for viewing penguins from above the dunes. Penguins Plus: Located on a lower level closer to the main penguin parade route, it has fewer people and a better view. Underground Viewing: A newer viewing method, located underground, you can see the penguins through glass windows, providing a very unique close-up experience and heating equipment. Guided Tours: There are also some paid guided tours that provide more in-depth explanations and more private viewing locations. Viewing time and precautions Time: Penguin parade occurs every day, and the time varies according to the season and sunset time. It usually starts about 20-30 minutes after sunset and lasts 30 to 90 minutes. Summer (December to February): Penguins usually come ashore around 8:30 to 9:00 pm. Autumn (March to May): Penguins usually come ashore around 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Winter (June to August): Penguins usually come ashore around 5:15 to 6:00 pm. Spring (September to November): Penguins usually come ashore around 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Advice: It is best to arrive at least one hour before the penguins come ashore to find a location and prepare. The official website of Phillip Island Nature Parks will provide an estimated arrival time of the penguins each day, so it is recommended to check in advance. Booking: The Penguin Parade is very popular, especially during school holidays, weekends and summer in Australia, and tickets are often sold out. It is strongly recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. Keep warm: Even in summer, the wind at the seaside in the evening can be very strong and the temperature is low. It is recommended to wear warm clothing such as coats, scarves, hats, etc. No photography: In order to protect the little penguins, it is strictly forbidden to take photos or videos (including using mobile phones) in the viewing area. Flashlights can irritate penguins and affect their eyesight. There will be staff on site to supervise. How to get there Self-driving: It takes about 90-120 minutes to drive from Melbourne city to Phillip Island. After crossing the bridge, it takes about 20 minutes to drive from the Phillip Island Bridge to the penguin parade site. There is free parking on site. Bus/tour group: Many travel agencies offer one-day tours to Phillip Island from Melbourne, which usually include attractions such as penguin parade viewing, koala conservation center, Churchill Island Heritage Farm or Nobis Center, which is a worry-free and convenient option. Penguin Parade is a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience that allows you to experience the charm of nature firsthand.