Phillip Island is a special place, famous for its wildlife, natural beauty and the world famous Penguin Parade. Visitors flock to Phillip Island Nature Parks to see Little Penguins waddle ashore at Summerland Beach after a day of fishing in the Bass Strait. But what many visitors don’t realise is that the seasons have a big impact on the Penguin Parade – the penguins’ breeding cycles, their behaviour and even the visitor experience.
In this article we will look at how the seasons affect the penguin colony, the broader marine environment and what you can do to make the most of your visit. We’ll also talk to experts like Peter Dann about the conservation efforts to future proof the penguins of Phillip Island against climate change.
The Penguin Parade and Phillip Island’s Ecosystem
The Penguin Parade is a nightly event where hundreds of Little Penguins return to their burrows after foraging in the ocean. It occurs at the Summerland Peninsula, a key habitat for Phillip Island’s penguin species, which is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks and other wildlife at Fishers Wetland and Oswin Roberts Reserve.
Phillip Island Nature Parks manages and conserves this natural environment. The penguin population is closely monitored with annual health checks on individual penguins to assess their body condition and body weight. The health of the penguin colony is important for tourism but also for the island’s ecosystem as these penguins play a role in the balance of marine life in the Bass Strait.
Seasonal Changes
Penguin behaviour changes with the seasons; understanding these changes will make your visit to Phillip Island even better. Here’s a breakdown of how each season affects the Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour and the penguins themselves.
Summer (December to February):
Summer on Phillip Island is warm and has long days. Penguin viewing is later in the evening as the penguins return from longer foraging trips. Breeding season is in full swing, and the parade will feature more penguins breeding as they return to feed their chicks.
As the penguin population grows in summer, visitor centres at the Penguin Parade and Koala Conservation Reserve will be busier than ever, especially during school holidays. Book your tickets in advance to avoid missing out.
But with climate change causing rising surface temperatures there are concerns about heat stress for the penguins in this season. Researchers are also looking into the impacts of ocean temperature increases on penguin feeding grounds as warmer waters means longer foraging trips and reduced foraging efficiency.
Autumn (March to May):
Autumn is a transition period for penguins on Phillip Island. As the temperature cools, penguins start to prepare for moulting, which usually happens at the end of autumn. During moulting, penguins shed their old feathers and grow new ones, a process that can take several weeks. This is a physically demanding time for penguins as they can’t get in the water until their new feathers grow in.
While the number of penguins in the parade may be less, autumn is a great time to learn more about the challenges penguins face during the catastrophic moult. At this time conservation efforts focus on making sure the penguins are at a healthy weight to get through this tough time.
Winter (June to August):
Winter is often the quietest time on Phillip Island but it’s a more intimate experience for those visiting the Penguin Parade. Fewer tourists means less crowding at Summerland Beach making it a great time for up close penguin viewing. While fewer penguins may come in from the sea, those that do can be seen more clearly.
Winter also highlights the interconnectedness of Phillip Island’s marine environment. Visitors to Seal Rocks can see long-nosed fur seals and Australian fur seals and seabirds like the hooded plovers. The seals are a crucial part of the marine ecosystem and fur seal scats help scientists like Peter Dann learn more about penguin prey and other marine species.
Spring (September to November):
Spring brings new life to Phillip Island as penguins start to return in large numbers to prepare for the next breeding season. Penguins have started to build their nests, and Phillip Island Nature Parks have seen an increase in penguin arrivals. With the island’s natural habitat in full bloom, spring is one of the best times to see the Penguin Parade.
But spring also brings conservation challenges. Researchers are monitoring climate change impacts, rising ocean temperatures and habitat loss, which could reduce the penguins’ food supply. Conservation efforts such as the Penguin sub-colony study and the use of new technologies like sailing drones to monitor ocean conditions are working to protect Phillip Island’s penguins for the future.
Conservation Efforts
Conserving penguins on Phillip Island is crucial to the long term survival of the penguin colony. Climate change impacts like habitat destruction and changing ocean temperatures are threatening penguins’ feeding grounds. This can reduce the availability of penguin prey making penguins go on longer foraging trips and in some cases heat stress.
To combat these challenges Phillip Island Nature Parks has implemented several conservation measures. Annual health checks on individual penguins monitor their body condition and detect early signs of malnutrition or illness. The data from these checks combined with penguin DNA research helps scientists monitor the overall health of the penguin population.
And cutting edge technology is being used to monitor the environment around Bass Strait. Sailing drones for example are “sailing drone ready” to track changes in ocean temperature and marine life conditions so we can future proof Phillip Island’s penguins. The Nature Parks Board is also working on habitat restoration projects around the Summerland Peninsula to mitigate the impact of habitat loss and ensure penguins have safe nesting areas.
Your Visit to Phillip Island
Phillip Island is not just about penguins – its natural environment is home to many native species and cultural heritage sites. From the Koala Conservation Reserve to Cape Woolamai’s walking trails, Phillip Island has wildlife experiences.
To get the most out of your visit, use public transport and reduce your carbon footprint. Personal headsets are available at visitor centres to enhance guided Phillip Island tours, so you don’t miss any key penguin conservation updates. Whether you’re birdwatching for rare species like hooded plovers or learning about deceased birds as part of environmental monitoring, Phillip Island tour has something for every wildlife fan.
Penguin Parade Tips
- Book in Advance: During peak season (summer and school holidays) the Penguin Parade can sell out. Book tickets ahead of time.
- Get There Early: Get there an hour before penguin arrival to get the best spot. Penguin viewing times can vary depending on the season so check in advance.
- Dress for the Weather: Temperatures at Summerland Beach can drop quickly after sunset, so wear layers, especially in autumn and winter.
- Respect Wildlife: No flash photography or bright outdoor lights as these can disturb the penguins and other marine life.
Now you know the seasons and what they mean for Phillip Island’s penguins – get ready to visit! Penguins or conservation – Phillip Island is a wildlife winner.
FAQ
What time is the Penguin Parade?
Time varies by season, around sunset. Summer penguins arrive later due to longer days, winter penguins arrive earlier.
Can I visit the Penguin Parade in winter?
Yes! The Penguin Parade runs all year. There are fewer penguins in winter, but there are fewer crowds and closer viewing.
How does climate change affect penguins on Phillip Island?
Climate change affects penguins by warming the ocean, which impacts their feeding grounds and food supply. Longer foraging trips and heat stress are some of the things scientists are monitoring.
Do I need to book ahead?
Yes, especially during peak season and school holidays. Booking ahead ensures you get a spot at the Penguin Parade, as tickets often sell out.
What other wildlife can I see on Phillip Island?
Little Penguins, Australian fur seals at Seal Rocks, koalas at the Koala Conservation Reserve and various bird species, including the hooded plover. The island is a wildlife haven all year round.
