The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one event visitors to this once in a lifetime experience shouldn’t miss. As the name suggests, this event revolves around watching the breathtakingly cute and diminutive fairy penguin, the smallest species of penguin in the world. Due to its natural beauty, stunning landscapes, and beautiful coastlines and beaches, it is a place which cannot be forgotten. In this guide, we will look in-depth at some of the significant points of interest such as the best time to visit the island, offering seasonal tips and suggestions whether it is the penguins that you are interested in or other wonderful things that attract on Phillip Island.
The Penguin Parade Experience
Fairy penguins also known as little penguins return to their shelters at the Summerland Beach after being in the ocean for a long break. It’s very beautiful since these cute penguins are actually waddling out of the water and across the sand after a long day spent foraging for food in the waters of Bass Strait. On any other terms, The Penguin Parade should be included among the best things to see in Australia yet this is not just an entertaining purpose but further serves a great cause. Among them is a ‘do no harm’ policy which assures that wildlife is safe as it enables visitors to enjoy the Phillip Island’s exceptional spectacle of penguins from specially constructed viewing areas and pathways.
The behavioral patterns of the penguinsieve out modified a bit in manner in each of the seasons owing to the courtship season, goose feather time, or varying weather. Here, we will look into what is unique about every season and how you should plan your visit.
Winter (June – August)
Winter is quieter compared to summer. However, attractions such as wildlife and surfing are still an enjoyable pastime during this period. For Penguin Parade viewing, it is necessary to “book” which usually fills up fast.
- Advantages: Although it is winter, the temperatures are mild enough to let you enjoy exploring the depth of the island. Consider winter Penguin Parade video. Visitors can also catch actual parades and other daytime plays and later in the evening, popcorn paging through stage shows. The renovations are expected to increase the number of visitors to best hunting location for watching King Penguins.
- Penguin Activity: Winter is also around the time of molt where general inactivity is common among many marine species. Most of the penguin colonies are pretty sleepy and only a handful of penguins stick around to greet you as Lancelot heads north. Of all the seasons, however, winter is the least favorable to visit as there will be very few if any Packers around.
- Considerations: As it is a peak season, the Penguin Parade might get really packed and this is why it is the best time to book far ahead. Arrive early an hour before the sun sets inches to catch a better view on the viewing platforms. Also, be prepared for cold nights, and so even in summer, it is sensible to take a light sweater.
Visiting in Autumn (March to May)
It is the fall season that is best for Phillip Island tours without too much of a crowd. The island is ideal for that carefree and easy-going feeling as the summer holiday crowds are no more. The weather is still enjoyable with warm days and cold nights which are perfect for outdoor activities.
- Advantages: In autumn, you have the luxury of moving around the sites and sightseeing at Phillip Island however you want as there are fewer visitors than in summer. Koala Island Conservation Habitat could be a delight for those who would love to see the koala in its natural environment, or a place such as Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park where you can see a few native animals like Kangaroo and wallaby. The fall season, therefore, makes everything so beautiful including the scenery.
- Penguin Activity: The numbers of penguins returning to land at the end of each day may be noticeably lower than pre breeding season however, there are still some evenings in autumn where one can view large numbers of penguins as they again turn up for their normal activities. This is the time when it is appropriate to watch penguins since it is normally windy in autumn, but the evening sky is usually clear, providing spectacular views of the penguins at dusk.
- Considerations: When there aren’t any such large crowds, reserving advance tickets is highly advised including during school holidays. There is a possibility that crisp autumn evenings will be very cold and appropriate warm clothing will be needed. This can be comfortable with the aid of the extra layers or blankets which can be packed.
Visiting in Winter (June to August)
Winter is quite a keeper in the hidden treasures of the Phillip island penguin parade. Although it gets cooler; it is the time when the Penguins can be seen going to deeper waters because of the molting cycle of the penguins. This makes winter the best period for the penguin fans who would like to see the penguins huddle up and come out in large numbers.
- Advantages: Winter for the peng aficionados is during the time of molting of a penguin, where the penguin’s feathers are shed and then replaced. This increases their chances of getting to shore when the rest of the penguins are going to shore and have the ducks on shore for some time. This allows you to see vast amounts of penguins in one go, which is a great aspect to appreciate every afternoon. Further with lesser number of tourists around in winters, it is easier to understand why it leaves the feeling that the experience is more personal, more serene and calmer. Seal Rocks also remains a winter spotting area too, where they see the cutest seals lying out in the sun.
- Penguin Activity: The winter nesting season is the molting season for the penguins and therefore, one would expect to see a greater number of penguins lying on the shore most times of the day. Due to the relatively colder environment, the penguins retreat to the waters much earlier compared to the summer season allowing for observation even after sunset.
- Considerations: The winter months can be tough owing to the cold and wet weather, particularly in the evening when it is usually windy. A raincoat, waterproof shoes, and warm clothes are essential and should be packed. Phillip Island is still reachable by public transport, although it is advisable to look out for the timetable beforehand as the winter timetable has a low frequency of services.
Visiting in Spring (September to November)
Phillip Island is bursting with life again in spring with its wildlife, such as the adorable penguins on the island, getting ready for another breeding season. This is a great season for flower lovers and admirers of the island’s fauna as the bare land is covered with blooming wildflowers.
- Advantages: Weather in the spring is usually mild and there are not too many tourists unlike in summer. As the days grow warmer on Phillip Island, more animal species such as koalas, wallabies, and echidnas also become active. A visit to the Koala Conservation Reserve and the Moonlit Sanctuary Conservation Park, where you can see the animals in their natural setting, is also very appropriate. The enhanced greenery is majestic in providing excellent views of the Penguin Parade and the other activities on the island. Also, you may notice demonstrations of traditional farming methods on Churchill Island which makes the visit interesting.
- Penguin Activity: It is during the spring that one will begin to see a new breeding season and most likely, Xtina’a baby season, where baby chicks begin to show up from the nest. The number of proven activity by the penguins will escalate in this season as the penguins begin to feed their young ones by coming onto the shore often times. This is however sports, and if penguin bargains are what you are after especially the families spring is your best bet.
- Considerations: Though it is better than summer, spring too brings about a lot of people especially during the school holidays. This will enable people to have a proper view of the activities on the viewpoints within the premises. Also, the place depends on the recent reports it rains occasionally, therefore, rain wear will be needed.
Best Time of Day to Visit the Penguin Parade
Sunset is unequivocally the best time to get a view of the penguins regardless of the season. Since the penguins are in danger from other predators, they prefer to wait until it is dark to come ashore. It is advisable to get to the area about an hour before the sunset as it is ample time to walk around the viewing platforms, sit down and appreciate the view of the surrounding area as much as one can. The duration of the parade is usually between 50 minutes to an hour which usually depends on the number of penguins coming out of the water and since one has paid to watch the parade, it is important to emphasize the onlooker to watch until the end of the parade.
Conclusion
Irrespective of the time of the year that you choose to visit Phillip Island, it is guaranteed that the Penguin Parade will provide you with an experience of a lifetime. Summer has its breeding which is the charm of the season and winter every penguin is busy in activities, which again is a charm distinct to that season. Regardless of if it is the natural beauty of the island or the cuteness of the penguins that draw you in, Phillip Island day trip is sure to be one that you will not soon forget.
FAQs
When can I see the Penguin Parade with thousands of penguins?
The best viewing of the adult penguins is during the winter season (June to August) as it is the time when the penguins come to land to replace old feathers with new ones; this is known summer. Each season has its charm, with summer being the busiest breeding season.
Are there some other animals outside penguins which I can see on Phillip Island?
Indeed, on Phillip Island, you will find other wildlife too, such as the Australian fur seals, Koalas in the Koala Conservation Centre and some other Australian wildlife in the Phillip Island Nature Parks.
Is there a dress code for the Penguin Parade?
Dress in layers of clothing, since Phillip island is normally cool in the nights especially during winter. Remember to take a jacket or blanket out for the duration of the parade, and probably bring a waterproof pancho or good for the rain.
How much do you have to wait before buying the tickets?
Booking up the tickets in advance is better, thus it must be particularly recommended for the high season (December to February or season holidays) for one to avoid loss of experience. To avoid problems you can just book Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour with local companies (Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours and other)
Are there any other points of interest near the Penguin Parade?
Absolutely yes, apart from the Penguin Parade, there are many other attractions to visit in Phillip Island such as the Koala Conservation Reserve and the Seal Rocks. You can also visit Churchill Island and Pyramid Rock with Phillip Island tour for great views of the ocean and incredible landscapes.