Melbourne, known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture, also offers wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to experience some of Australia’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats. One of the most beloved creatures you can spot near the city are the Little Penguins—the world’s smallest species of penguin. While penguins are typically associated with colder climates, Australia offers a number of accessible locations where you can witness these charming, flightless birds up close. If you’re planning a trip and want to add a unique wildlife experience to your Melbourne itinerary, here’s a guide to the best spots to see penguins near Melbourne.
1. Phillip Island – The Penguin Capital of Australia
Location: 140 km southeast of Melbourne (approximately 2 hours by car)
Arguably the most famous destination for penguin viewing in Australia, Phillip Island is renowned for its Penguin Parade, where visitors can watch Little Penguins waddle ashore at sunset. This is an unforgettable experience, and one of the best wildlife encounters in the country.
Penguin Parade
- Every evening, Little Penguins make their way from the water to their burrows along the beaches of Phillip Island. The best time to visit is at dusk, when the penguins begin their journey after a day of fishing in the ocean. The Penguin Parade is a spectacular natural show that takes place year-round, but is most popular during the warmer months of spring and summer.
- The viewing platforms at Summerland Beach offer fantastic views of the penguins, and visitors can also opt for more exclusive experiences like the Penguin Plus or VIP Viewing areas for a closer look.
Additional Penguin Viewing Spots
While the Penguin Parade is the star attraction, Phillip Island is home to several other areas where you can see penguins and their colonies:
- Koala Conservation Centre: While you’re on the island, check out the Koala Conservation Centre where you can spot koalas in the wild. Although it’s not dedicated to penguins, it’s a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
- The Nobbies Centre: Located on the western tip of Phillip Island, The Nobbies offers a chance to spot Little Penguins and other seabirds, as well as stunning coastal views from the boardwalks.
Best Time to Visit:
- The Penguin Parade runs year-round, but the peak season for penguin viewing is from November to February during the breeding season. However, penguins can be seen throughout the year, and visiting during the off-season often means fewer crowds.
2. St Kilda Pier – A Melbourne City Spot for Penguin Watching
Location: 6 km southeast of Melbourne’s CBD
You don’t have to venture far from the city to see penguins. St Kilda Pier, a popular spot in Melbourne, offers a unique opportunity to spot Little Penguins right within the city’s limits. At St Kilda, you can find a small colony of penguins living in and around the rocks near the breakwater.
Penguin Viewing at St Kilda Pier
- St Kilda Pier is an easily accessible spot where you can spot Little Penguins particularly at dusk, when they return to their burrows for the night. They typically nest in the rocks under the pier and can be seen in the evenings.
- The penguins in this area are a small colony, and while they might not be as numerous as at Phillip Island, it’s still a special experience to witness these little creatures up close in a city setting.
- The St Kilda Pier Breakwater is a popular area for viewing, and there are a few local conservation programs that help protect the penguin colony here.
Best Time to Visit:
- The penguins are most active around dusk, so visiting in the late afternoon or early evening (around 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM) is ideal. Penguin sightings are more frequent during the breeding season from September to February, but you can spot them year-round.
3. Wilsons Promontory National Park – An Off-the-Beaten-Path Penguin Encounter
Location: 220 km southeast of Melbourne (approximately 3 hours by car)
For those who want a quieter, more natural experience with wildlife, Wilsons Promontory (or “The Prom”) is a hidden gem. Located further along the coast from Phillip Island, this protected national park is home to some of Australia’s best natural scenery and wildlife. While Little Penguins are not as abundant here as at Phillip Island, there are a few spots where you can catch a glimpse of them, particularly at Norman Beach.
Penguin Viewing at Wilsons Promontory
- The park is a haven for wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, wombats, and, of course, Little Penguins. You may see penguins at Norman Beach or the nearby Squeaky Beach, though sightings are less predictable than at Phillip Island.
- You may also come across Fairy Penguins along the coast, particularly after dark. These penguins tend to come ashore after sunset, but it’s important to respect their nesting areas and maintain a safe distance.
Best Time to Visit:
- Late afternoon and early evening are the best times to spot penguins, especially in summer when the nights are warmer. The breeding season between September and February is the most active time for penguin sightings.
4. Philip Island Nature Parks – More Than Just the Penguin Parade
Location: 140 km southeast of Melbourne (around 2 hours by car)
In addition to the famous Penguin Parade, Philip Island Nature Parks offers other ways to see penguins up close in their natural environment. The Koala Conservation Centre and The Nobbies are great stops, but don’t miss The Antarctic Journey at the Phillip Island Nature Parks where you can learn about penguin conservation and the challenges these little creatures face.
Conservation and Education
- The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre offers educational exhibits about penguin biology, behavior, and the conservation efforts underway to protect the penguin colonies.
- If you’re particularly interested in penguin conservation, you can participate in an exclusive Penguin Eco Tour or join a Penguin Conservation Night Tour that goes beyond the regular Penguin Parade experience.
Best Time to Visit:
- As with the Penguin Parade, the peak viewing time for penguins is in the summer months from November to February, but you can also visit year-round for educational tours.
5. Grampians National Park – For the Adventurer Who Loves Wildlife
Location: 250 km northwest of Melbourne (approximately 3 hours by car)
While not a typical penguin destination, the Grampians National Park offers an unexpected wildlife experience. The park is home to various bird species, and while Little Penguins are not native to the park, Fairy Penguins have been spotted along the park’s coastline. If you’re planning to explore both the Grampians’ rugged landscapes and the coastal areas, you may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these charming birds near the Warrnambool coastline or Logan Beach.
Best Time to Visit:
- The best chance of seeing penguins here is during winter to spring, as the colder months bring more penguin activity.
Tips for Watching Penguins
- Respect the wildlife: Penguins are naturally shy, so it’s important to maintain a safe distance. Don’t use flash photography as it can disturb the penguins.
- Dress warmly: Penguin watching often takes place in the evening, so bring warm clothing, especially if you plan to visit in winter.
- Bring binoculars: To enhance your penguin-watching experience, binoculars are a great way to get a closer look without disturbing the animals.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing penguins in the wild, Melbourne and its surrounding areas provide several fantastic opportunities to do so. From the famous Penguin Parade at Phillip Island to city-based sightings at St Kilda Pier, these delightful birds offer a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone looking for a fun and heartwarming experience, a penguin encounter near Melbourne is a memory you’ll treasure for years to come.
