Phillip Island is located about 140 km (87 mi) south of Melbourne, Victoria. With 40 native wildlife species and more than 300 native plant species, this Australian island is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure. Approximately 20% of the island’s land is managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks, a not-for-profit organization, which operates five incredible attractions: Penguin Parade, Wild Ocean Ecoboat Adventures, Koala Conservation Reserve, Churchill Island and Antarctic Journey. All of the revenue generated through these ecotourism activities is invested into the Nature Parks’ conservation, research and education programs, including revegetation, habitat restoration, eradication of feral animals and weeds and the rescue and rehabilitation of sick and injured wildlife. To learn more about visiting Phillip Island, a Phillip Island Nature Parks representative and long-time island resident shares travel tips for experiencing this extraordinary ecosystem. Check out this travel guide for Australia’s Phillip Island.
Can you describe Phillip Island’s terrain and wildlife?
Phillip Island is approximately 101 square km in size, connected to mainland Victoria by bridge, and is also accessible by ferry. It is home to a vast array of wildlife, and lays claim to having the world’s largest populations of three wildlife species. The island’s famous Little penguin colony includes approximately 32,000 breeding adults, while the aptly named Seal Rocks, around 2km offshore from the island’s western tip, is home to around 25,000 Australian fur seals. Each summer, up to 1.5 million Short-tailed shearwaters migrate from Alaska to breed along the island’s coastlines, made up of wild surf beaches and gentle family-friendly beaches. Additionally, visitors can expect to see a wide range of Australian wildlife on the island including wallabies, possums, Cape Barren geese, and the recently re-introduced Eastern barred bandicoot, which is considered extinct in the wild on the mainland.
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
What makes the Phillip Island Nature Parks different from other parks in the region?
Phillip Island Nature Parks is unique as, rather than being a single site, it is a collection of reserves, wetlands and ecotourism attractions, which interface with a permanent urban population of approximately 10,000 people (40,000 during the peak summer holiday period). The Nature Parks is a self-funded organisation which manages approximately 1,800 hectares of Crown Land on behalf of the Victorian State Government, and it protects and enhances the environment for our important wildlife species. Our ecotourism attractions attract over 1 million visitors to Phillip Island each year, making them an important contribution to the State’s and local community’s economy. They also ensure that important conservation and research activities can continue to be carried out.
Can you describe the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island? And, what are some of the best ways to experience it?
The Penguin Parade allows visitors to witness the natural spectacle of the world’s smallest (and cutest) penguins arriving home at sunset each evening. They will experience the nightly march from the different beachfront viewing stands, watching as the penguins emerge from the waves and waddle across the sand. Visitors can then see them up close from the boardwalks as the penguins trek along their much-used pathways to their burrows.
There are plenty of viewing options to choose from including General viewing from the terraced stands and boardwalks, or the premium Penguins Plus and Underground experiences, located directly adjacent to the penguins’ most popular pathway. There’s also a range of small group ranger guided tours, limited to just 10 people, with a dedicated ranger to enhance the experience.
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
How many koalas live on Phillip Island? And, what might surprise visitors about seeing them in their natural habitat?
The Koala Conservation Reserve was established in 1996 to address the issue of the island’s dwindling koala population. The Reserve is home to around 20 koalas, in addition to a varying number of koalas who transit through the rehab centre if they have been injured, as was the case during the country’s devastating bushfires earlier this year. The latest census identifies that there are likely only about another 20 wild koalas living outside the reserve on Phillip Island. Visitors will be surprised by how close they can get to the wild koalas in the reserve, thanks to the elevated boardwalks – close enough to get a great view, but not close enough to touch as they are wild animals, and we maintain minimal human physical contact.
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
What does it mean for Phillip Island Nature Parks to be an advanced ecotourism destination?
Being ‘ecotourism accredited’ means that we have been recognised by Ecotourism Australia for implementing the world’s best practice when it comes to sharing our unique and sensitive wildlife and its habitat with visitors. It shows that our tourism operations are ecologically sustainable, and our focus is to foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation within our visitors.
What are some of the ways that people can support Phillip Island Nature Parks’ conservation, research, education and ecotourism activities?
Please can support the Nature Parks by simply purchasing a ticket to visit our attractions or buying a souvenir in our retail stores. Our visitors directly contribute to our conservation, research, education and ecotourism activities, as we are a self-funded, not-for-profit organisation. We also hope that when visiting our sites, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the need to protect nature for wildlife. The Penguin Foundation is the charitable arm of the Nature Parks, and people can adopt a penguin, make a donation or bequest to the Foundation, which then funds specific research and conservation projects across the island.
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
Do you have any tips for visiting Phillip Island Nature Parks, such as rules to follow and things to pack?
The Nature Parks is a year-round destination, and there is always something to see or do. Each season has its own beauty. We always suggest being adaptable in clothing choices, as it’s often joked that Victoria, and especially Phillip Island, can experience ‘four seasons in one day’ – so layering is always the best option. We ask that our visitors simply follow the rules of common sense – when in our reserves, stay on the tracks and if they encounter any wildlife, to admire it from a distance. Even though there is no predatory or dangerous wildlife on the island, they are wild animals, and they have the right of way. Come with an open mind and be willing to learn about the importance of protecting nature for wildlife so we can continue to enjoy the experience of being in these natural environments.
What are some of Phillip Island Nature Parks’ best guided tours for first-time visitors?
We offer a range of guided tours at the Penguin Parade, and my personal recommendation is the aptly named Guided Ranger Tour. With a maximum of 10 visitors in a group, a trained and dedicated ranger will take guests, who are equipped with personal headphones, on an informative journey along the boardwalks through the penguin colony. The ultimate destination is an intimate viewing stand, superbly located in the dunes overlooking the western end of Summerland beach, which is the most popular section of the beach the penguins use each night to emerge from the water. Close-up views are then enjoyed from the adjoining boardwalks.
Courtesy of Phillip Island Nature Parks
Do you have any extraordinary wildlife stories or sightings from recent years?
Every day offers extraordinary wildlife sightings, when you consider that at the Penguin Parade, visitors can be part of a completely wild and natural event, watching the penguins come ashore at sunset as they have done for tens of thousands of years. We are in their home, their environment, and we are privileged to have such incredible access to this nightly spectacle. Some of the most enjoyable and extraordinary experiences would include peak nights during the penguin breeding season, when up to 4,000 penguins cross the beach during a 50 minute viewing time – a breathtaking number of penguins.
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Website: https://www.penguins.org.au/
Phone: +61 3 5951 2800
Email: [email protected]
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