Damon Mcknight
The Australian little penguin, also known as the fairy penguin, is native to Southern Australia and can be found across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Jervis Bay Territory. Phillip Island, a two-hour drive southeast of Melbourne, is home to the largest fairy penguin population in the world, with around 40,000 breeding penguins. The island's pristine coastal beauty and abundance of Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies, make it a popular destination for those seeking a unique Australian experience. Other places to spot fairy penguins in Australia include St Kilda Beach in Melbourne, Middle Island off the coast of Warrnambool, and Granite Island near Victor Harbour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Fairy penguin, little penguin, little blue penguin, blue penguin |
| Scientific name | Eudyptula novaehollandiae |
| Height | 30-33 cm (12-13 in) |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (3.3 lb) |
| Colour | Blue and white feathers, slate-grey ear coverts, pink feet with black soles and webbing |
| Locations in Australia | New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, Jervis Bay Territory, Queensland, Sydney, Melbourne |
| Specific locations | Phillip Island, St Kilda Beach, Middle Island, Shore Beach, Penguin Island, Lion Island, Manly, Kangaroo Island, Granite Island |
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What You'll Learn
Phillip Island, Victoria
Phillip Island in Victoria is home to one of the largest colonies of little penguins in the world. Also known as fairy penguins, little blue penguins, or blue penguins, these penguins are native to Australia and the Otago region of New Zealand. They are the smallest of their species, growing to between 30 and 43 centimetres tall.
Phillip Island is located just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, making it a convenient destination for those looking to spot these adorable creatures. The island is connected to mainland Victoria by a bridge, and visitors can easily access the famous Penguin Parade, an adorable nightly event where you can watch the little penguins waddle and dash home across the sand at dusk. Tickets to the parade support research and care for these charming creatures. The parade offers a wide variety of activities suitable for all ages, including self-guided experiences and guided tours led by knowledgeable rangers.
The little penguins at Phillip Island leave their burrows about an hour before sunrise and swim up to 100 kilometres each day before returning at dusk. Over 4,000 of the 32,000 little penguins on the island have their burrows around Summerland Beach. Visitors can explore the boardwalks after dark to observe, smell, and hear the penguins in the colony, greeting their neighbours, partners, and chicks. The island is also home to other native wildlife, including swamp wallabies, Eastern barred bandicoots, Cape Barren geese, and short-tailed shearwaters.
In addition to the Penguin Parade, Phillip Island offers other attractions such as the Koala Conservation Reserve and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. Visitors can also explore the magnificent coast, visit the Grand Prix circuit, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The island is committed to offering an accessible and inclusive experience for all visitors, with facilities for people with different mobility needs.
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St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
St Kilda Beach in Melbourne is home to a colony of fairy penguins, also known as little penguins. These penguins are native to Southern Australia and can be found in states like New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. They got their name from their small size, standing at only 30 to 33 centimetres tall, weighing around 1.5 kilograms, and featuring distinct bright blue feathers.
At St Kilda Beach, you can find these little penguins at the St Kilda Pier and Breakwater, located at the end of the pier. This spot offers panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, making it a popular destination for a leisurely stroll or fishing. The pier is easily accessible via public transport, with tram routes 12, 16, and 96 stopping nearby, and limited paid parking is also available.
To protect the penguins and ensure a positive viewing experience, a new penguin viewing boardwalk has been constructed. The boardwalk is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but it remains closed in the evenings to give space to the adult penguins raising their young. During the breeding season, between February and April, the local council organises nightly viewings of the penguins, and tickets are free but require registration. Penguin Rangers and volunteers, known as Penguin Guides, patrol the area to ensure the safety of both the penguins and visitors.
St Kilda Beach is more than just a place to see penguins, it's also a vibrant coastal suburb of Melbourne known for its beautiful beaches and lively boardwalk. The nearby Fitzroy Street offers a variety of dining and shopping options, and attractions like Catani Gardens, the Botanical Gardens, and Albert Park provide additional recreational opportunities. So, when planning a visit to St Kilda Beach to see the fairy penguins, one can also enjoy the surrounding amenities and natural beauty that the area has to offer.
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Middle Island, Warrnambool
The Little Penguins on Middle Island were once decimated by fox predation, with numbers declining from an estimated 600 penguins in 1999 to fewer than 10 by 2005. Foxes were able to access the island during low tide due to its proximity to the mainland. In 2006, an innovative project was implemented to protect the Little Penguins using Maremma Guardian Dogs, a suggestion made by a local chicken farmer, Swampy Marsh, who had successfully used these dogs to protect his free-range chickens from foxes. The introduction of the Maremma dogs has been a successful conservation strategy, allowing the Little Penguin population to rebound to over 100 penguins today.
Visitors can learn about the Penguin Protection Project and meet the Maremma Guard Dogs on a 'Meet the Maremma Tour' during the summer. The project has gained worldwide recognition and inspired similar initiatives, including one to protect eastern barred bandicoots at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The story of the first Maremma sheepdog, Oddball, inspired a feature film of the same name, released in 2015.
Middle Island is currently closed to general public access due to the low penguin population, with groups of volunteers assisting in the protection of the penguins from attacks at night. The Warrnambool City Council acknowledges the Peek Whurrong and Kirrae Whurrung Peoples of the Gunditjmara, Eastern Maar Nations as the Traditional Owners of the land, waterways, and skies within the Warrnambool municipality.
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Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Kangaroo Island in South Australia is a sanctuary for Australian wildlife, including fairy penguins. The Penneshaw Penguin Centre, the last operational penguin centre in South Australia, offers nightly tours for small groups to learn about and search for the small colony of penguins on the island. The centre is generally not open during the day as it is used for night walking tours.
Fairy penguins, also known as little penguins, are the smallest of all penguin species, growing to between 30 and 43 cm tall and weighing on average 1.5 kg. They are native to Southern Australia and are found across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Jervis Bay Territory. Colonies primarily exist on offshore islands, where they are protected from predators and human disturbance.
While the Penneshaw Penguin Centre tour provides an opportunity to see fairy penguins on Kangaroo Island, it is important to manage your expectations. The tour takes place after dark, and sightings of the penguins are not guaranteed. Most sightings occur while the penguins are hanging out by their nests, and photography is not allowed as they are afraid of the light. The tour groups can also be quite large, making it challenging for everyone to hear the guide or see the penguins.
In addition to Kangaroo Island, there are several other places in South Australia where you can spot fairy penguins. Flinders Chase on Kangaroo Island used to have "thousands" of little penguins inhabiting the shorelines, and while the current number is unknown, it could be a good spot to search for them. Lipson Island, located in the Spencer Gulf, is another location where fairy penguins can be found. There are also small colonies on Goose Island, Louth Bay, Thistle Island, Wedge Island, and sightings on Wardang Island, which was formerly the largest colony in the Spencer Gulf. Troubridge Island, a private island requiring a permit to access, was once home to around 6000 fairy penguins.
Outside of South Australia, you can find fairy penguins in various locations across Australia. Phillip Island, a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, is home to one of the largest little penguin colonies in the world. The famous Penguin Parade is a nightly event where you can see these adorable creatures. St Kilda Beach in Melbourne is another spot to see fairy penguins, with three nightly viewings between February and April organised by the local council. Middle Island, off the coast from Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road, is home to a colony of little penguins protected by Maremma guard dogs. Sydney also has a colony of Australian little penguins, with a small colony thriving at a little-known beach in Manly.
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Shore Beach, New South Wales
Shore Beach in New South Wales is one of the best places in Australia to see fairy penguins in their natural habitat. These adorable little penguins, also known as little blue penguins or little penguins, are a delight to observe as they waddle their way across the sand and dive gracefully into the ocean.
Located on the state's stunning south coast, Shore Beach offers a unique opportunity to witness fairy penguins in a relatively tranquil setting. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit and ensure a respectful and enjoyable encounter with these captivating creatures.
When to Go
The best time to see fairy penguins at Shore Beach is during their nesting season, which typically runs from September to February. This period offers the highest chance of spotting the penguins as they come ashore to rest or feed their young. Aim for a visit between October and December for the peak nesting activity.
Where Exactly to Find Them
At Shore Beach, the penguins often nest in the rocky areas and small caves along the shoreline. Look for secluded spots and nooks where the penguins feel safe from predators. You may see them tucked away in rocky crevices or snuggled together under natural shelters. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid any actions that might disturb them.
What Time of Day
The ideal time to observe fairy penguins is around sunset when they return to shore after a day of fishing at sea. You can witness their adorable waddle from the water's edge to their nesting sites. Arriving at Shore Beach an hour before sunset and staying until full dark gives you a good chance of catching their evening arrival.
What to Expect
Fairy penguins are small, standing around 30 to 35 centimetres tall. They have a blue-grey back and a white chest. Their size and colouring make them quite challenging to spot, so patience is key. You may see them swimming close to shore or, if you're lucky, witness their comical walk as they head to their nests. Keep an eye out for larger groups of penguins, as they often fish and return to shore together.
How to Respectfully Observe
It is crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and certain practices should be followed to ensure their wellbeing. Always maintain a quiet and respectful distance, avoiding any loud noises or sudden movements that might startle them. Do not feed or touch the penguins, and refrain from shining lights or using camera flashes. Keep dogs and other pets away from the area, and ensure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
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Frequently asked questions
Fairy penguins, also known as little penguins, can be found all over Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Jervis Bay Territory. Phillip Island, a two-hour drive southeast of Melbourne, is home to the largest fairy penguin population in the world.
You can see fairy penguins at St Kilda Beach in Melbourne, or at Shore Beach in New South Wales, which is only accessible by kayak.
Yes, you can see fairy penguins at Sea Life in Sydney. There is also an endangered population of fairy penguins in Manly, in Sydney's North Harbour.
Kangaroo Island is home to the last operational penguin centre in South Australia, the Penneshaw Penguin Centre, which runs nightly tours. Victor Harbour, 80km south of Adelaide, also hosts fairy penguins across many of its islands, particularly Granite Island.
Penguin Island is home to the largest population of fairy penguins in Western Australia. Colonies are found from Port Stephens in northern New South Wales to Fremantle, Western Australia.
