Phillip Island Penguin Parade

With the wobbly gate of a drunken sailor, and the charming black and white attire of a gentlemen’s tuxedo - it's easy to see why the Little Penguins have lured millions of international visitors to Phillip Island.
In fact, an average 500,000 people a year witness their fascinating trek ashore to Phillip Island - undoubtedly one of Victoria's most popular wildlife attractions.

What makes the ritual so intriguing is the amazing aquatic ability of the Little Penguin, who can swim 15 - 20 kilometres a day and dive to depths of 65 metres searching for small fish to feed on. Then, without homing beacons, watches or sophisticated GPS navigation, the flightless seabird swims to reach the shores of Sunderland Bay – a ritual they perform every day at sunset. One penguin was recorded travelling 100 kilometres in one day!

At just 33 centimetres tall, the world's smallest penguins return to their nests at night, their bellies full of fish, ready to feed their hungry offspring. Despite the darkness, the penguins make their way home to their burrows across the sandunes by following the shrill cries of their young (which are not unlike the wail of a newborn).

The sight is a fascinating, and often comical spectacle, with many of the penguins so full with the day's catch that they need to stop and rest along the way. Others seem on a mission, waddling with Charlie Chaplin-style finesse up and around the dunes.

Asian cultures like the Japanese and Chinese have become enamoured with the Little Penguins, with regular bus tours arriving for the magical procession at sunset. Perhaps it is their cartoon-style cuteness, or their hilarious waddling antics, or simply their curious appearance at the same beach every night that have elevated the Phillip Island penguins to iconic status.

Since an access track to the penguin colony was built in the 1920s, there’s been no looking back for the penguins and their fans. The stars of the show get an audience every night - from spectators all over the world - testament to their universal appeal as one of Australia’s most precious natural attractions.

How to view the penguin parade

Head 90 minutes out of Melbourne to Phillip Island, and choose from the following penguin experiences:

Penguin Parade
If you like the buzz of the crowd, you can watch the penguins in their natural habitat from 180 degree viewing stands and boardwalks. Rug up with hats, jackets, and a blanket – even in summer, as the beach location can be mighty windy after the sun goes down. Enjoy the comedy of the penguins as they get washed by the waves onto the shoreline, many of them tumbling back into the surf before venturing up the sand and into the dunes.

Penguins Plus Viewing Platform
For those who enjoy being up high, the exclusive boardwalk offers fewer people and a VIP setting for a more private experience of the penguins. Limited to a 150 people, the platform is located in a high-traffic penguin area for excellent viewing.

Ranger Guided Tour
Nature enthusiasts and curious minds will appreciate the 'behind the scenes' penguin experience, which lets you see what goes on at the Penguin Parade and how rangers and researchers are protecting the Little Penguins. Find out how oil spills and fish shortages can threaten the species.

Ultimate Penguin Tour
Touted as the best penguin viewing in Australia, this premium tour offers a personalised
penguin experience on a stunning, secluded beach. Participants use night vision technology to view the penguins up close. Available only to those 16 and over.

Penguin Sky Box
Just like having the best seats at the football, you can enjoy the Penguin Parade from the comfort of an exclusive, elevated viewing tower, available only to five people each night There's a ranger on hand to answer all your questions and point out the stars of the show as they come ashore. You'll also participate in the "count" which tracks the number of penguins that come ashore each night.

Contact details

• Website: http://www.penguins.org.au