Phillip Island Penguin Parade: The day we saw 613 penguins

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We visit the Phillip Island Penguin Parade in Australia to see if it is worth the hype

There is a noticeable tension in the air. It reminds me of the atmosphere with a standing room shortly in front of the door opening: everyone behaves calmly, but then rushes desperately forward to get a good place and crowd people like me-small, small, small-from the room.

To mention unnecessarily that I only hate appearances when standing.

Fortunately, the spectators at Phillip Island Penguin Parade are not so aggressive. Yes, there is a zeal to get in, but there is no crowd or push. In addition, Peter and I have "Penguins Plus" tickets that enable us to have a quieter seating area.

We flock into the crowd and then retire to a barrier where we swing our tickets like pearls. Inside we are very satisfied with our decision. The plus seating group is far quieter and quieter.

Alt = “The Plus seating group offers the best view of the penguins”Penguins.orgThe plus seating group offers the best view

The Phillip Island Penguin Parade, 90 minutes away from Melbourne in Australia, is carried out by Phillip Island Nature Parks, a non-profit organization that finances its research, environmental, education and nature conservation activities on Phillip Island and also through five attractions itself: the penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Center, Antarctic Journey, Churchill Island Day Farm and Wild Oceans Ecoboat Tours.

The penguin parade in particular promises a spectacle like no other. Tonight, we are told that we will see hundreds of small penguins who appear from the sea after a day of fish hunt. We will see how to take a break on the beach and then waddle to your treasury. Hundreds, they say.

I am skeptical of how my default is. My encounter with penguins on the Galápagos Islands took only a few seconds and Penguin Island from Perth was beautiful, but I didn't see any in the wild. The promise of hundreds appears absolutely fantastic.

We take our places on a graded platform and torture ourselves over the best place to sit. We choose the second row and decide that it offers the best balance between the proximity to the penguins and the view across the beach. (Note: Actually, places in the front row are the best.)

Alt = “The best places in the seating area of ​​the Penguins Plus are marked in red.“ The best places in Penguins Plus are marked red

The time of the penguin parade on Phillip Island changes depending on the month and season. Today it starts around 8:15 p.m., so we have an hour of waiting. During this time we can use our phones and photograph the beach.

Then we have to clear them away. Penguins are very sensitive to light, so it would be completely irresponsible to allow a hundred screens in their faces. Therefore, phones and cameras themselves are strictly prohibited during the parade.

We are waiting and we are waiting. And we are waiting. We take photos of each other and then wait a little. We curate our photos and then wait a little. We complain about Brexit and then wait a little longer.

It is 8:20 p.m. and there are no signs of penguins. I prepare for disappointment. I would be happy to see just a dozen, I think.

And then we see some movement on the beach. At first it is subtle: a few ink -black figures that stand out against the penetrating twilight sky. One more and one more and then one. Suddenly Phillip Island Penguin Parade begins. The small penguins waddle up the beach and stop at the clearing a few meters away.

Some crouch while others tremble and tremble. Some stumble around and fall my head over the head after having met friends. This place on the beach is your first opportunity to rest, surely in front of predators in the air, and so they gather in droves: dozens, dozens, then dozens over dozens.

They are extremely charming when they move and stumble and fall and play gracefully. Some waddle up a path to the right of the platform, while others go into their warm and cozy home among us.

Finally! Penguins in the wild! And not just a penguin like on Galápagos or six on Penguin Island, but dozens. Hundreds! I am completely enthusiastic.

Alt = "Phillip Island Penguin parade"Penguins.orgMarch of the penguins

They stream and stream and keep coming up and I can't really believe that we can do it. I cannot believe that this spectacle-these precious Disney moments-actually exists.

The cell phone embargo makes the experience even more special-as if moments like this should not be recorded.

We look at the penguin parade for an hour while the cold increases in the air. Peter and I are dressed for the Australian summer and poorly prepared for the refreshing sea breeze.

We endure the cold for a while - when do we see something like that? - But when we look down the beach, we see hundreds of others come like an enchanting little army.

old = "a penguin pauses"Penguins.orgA small penguin pauses on the beach

After all, we agree that we saw enough. We leave the platform and reach the general access area, where penguins wander around next to the catwalks.

Leaving the complex takes almost an hour while we stop to watch a few cuddles here and a loner crouches there. At some point we say goodbye. The next day we ask how many penguins were in the parade that evening and get the answer 613.

I have already said that wide trips have some wonderful experiences faded compared to previous incarnations: Erta ale is amazing, but not as much as Yasur; Franz Josef is cool, but less cool than Perito.

One might think that the penguin parade on Phillip Island with its constructed sidewalks, ticket rows and the queue -length system felt less organic than, for example, diving with sharks or swimming with whales, but I can't do anything. The parade was absolutely adorable and one of the best things I've ever seen.

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  • Alt = "a curious penguin on Phillip Island"
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  • Alt = “The Plus seating group offers the best view of the penguins”
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Penguins.org

Penguin parade tips

  • Book Penguins Plus tickets. You are worth the surcharge.
  • Arrange at least an hour before the start of the parade to secure the best places.
  • If possible, sit down in the first row that is closest to the clearing on the beach. If in doubt, ask an employee about the best seat.
  • Pack a few layers because the evening can be cool.
  • Put your phone and camera away and do not break the rules.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade: The essentials

What: The Phillip Island Penguin Parade from Melbourne, Australia.

Where: We stayed in the Somerset on Elizabeth in the heart of Melbournes Central Business District (CBD). Our service was extremely spacious and included a kitchen, a living room and a large bedroom.

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Atlas & Boots

The employees of Somerset on Elizabeth are obviously very well trained and were wonderful in dealing with our car after a rather stressful journey through the city. (The parking service is included in the parking fee of 45 AUD/day, so just stop outside and hand in your keys to the reception.)

The CBD offers numerous restaurants, shops and activities. Melbournes Chinatown is just a stone's throw away and offers a variety of delicious options. The journey from Melbourne to Phillip Island takes about 90 minutes and can be mastered in a day trip.

When: The penguin parade takes place all year round and penguins can be seen in any weather. The best time for a visit to Phillip Island are the summer months from December to February when the weather is best and the rainfall is low. Visit in February to avoid the school holidays.

Like: The Phillip Island Penguin Parade offers several ticket options. We recommend the Penguin Plus level - worth the surcharge. Book early, especially if you come during school holidays.

The penguins appear at sunset and we recommend having an hour in advance (see opening hours for schedules). If you book Penguins Plus tickets, aim at the seats that are closest to the beach (especially the clearing on the right side of the seats when they are facing the beach).

There is no public transport from Melbourne to Phillip Island, so it is best to book a transfer (Phillip Island Taxis, +61 (03) 5952 2200) or rent a car at Hertz Australia. Plan 90 minutes to drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island and another 20 minutes to reach the Penguin Parade.

There are several other sights worth seeing on Phillip Island, including the Koala Conservation Center and the headland The Nobbies. So it is worth getting there a few hours before the penguin parade to explore the island.

Book domestic or foreign flights via Skyscanner at the best prices.

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Australia is a huge country. If you prefer to make the planning, we recommend G Adventures and your small group Australia tours.

Lonely Planet Australia is a comprehensive travel guide for the country, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and take less roads.

Main picture: penguins.org
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