At the end of the St Kilda Pier, just a hop, skip, and jump outside of Melbourne’s city centre, you’ll find a colony of 1400 little penguins in the breakwater. Every year, thousands of tourists and locals alike flock to see little penguins coming ashore just about thirty minutes after sunset each evening. These little penguins (also called fairy penguins) are the smallest species of penguin and only live natively in Australia and New Zealand. The little St Kilda penguins have been studied since 1986, protected and managed by local non-profit organisation Earthcare St Kilda.
While St Kilda is an incredible place to see these delightful animals, it’s not the only spot in Victoria where you can witness penguins parade home from a day at sea. In this guide, we’ll explore four other ways you can encounter penguins in Victoria.
Phillip Island
Another of Victoria’s most famous penguin viewing spots is Phillip Island, located approximately a two-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD or a short ferry ride from your accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula. Here, you’ll find the iconic Penguin Parade viewing platform, where you can observe the largest colony of little penguins in the world making their way into their tiny burrows after a day in the ocean.
This viewing spot is operated by Phillip Island Nature Park, a unique conservation organisation dedicated to offering responsible ecotourism experiences. Funds raised help conserve Phillip Island’s natural landscape and wildlife. Different viewing options are available, from the viewing deck to guided underground tours.
Warrnambool
There is also a small population of little penguins on Middle Island, roughly a three-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD. The colony is now made up of just about 100 penguins after being decimated by invasive foxes – shrinking from 600 to less than 10 over 6 years. Fortunately, the colony has slowly grown thanks to Maremma Guardian Dogs, who have been trained to protect Middle Island’s Little Penguins and have been doing so since 2006.
To protect the remaining penguins, you can’t directly visit the penguins on Middle Island. However, you can book an experience where you can view the penguins and their canine guardians from afar on the coast. Penguin Protectors Warrnambool is an educational experience where you can learn all about penguins and even meet one of the Maremma dogs! All funds raised help the Middle Island Project, Maremma dogs, and the continued protection of the little penguins.
Melbourne Zoo
If you’re short on time, you can also view little penguins at the Melbourne Zoo Wild Sea exhibit, which showcases the amazing animals and natural beauty of Victoria’s coast and ocean. Melbourne Zoo has taken great care to provide a safe environment for the penguins at Wild Sea, adding glass to their enclosure to prevent human visitors from looming over or touching them. These extra precautions help the penguins feel comfortable and protect their colony. When arriving at the zoo, check your map to learn when a zookeeper will be giving their Penguin Talk during your visit!
The zoo is a convenient, accessible and affordable way to visit the penguins. You can arrive in less than thirty minutes by transit from the Melbourne CBD – even less if you drive directly and park in the zoo’s spacious parking lot. While you’re there, you’ll also have the bonus of getting to see other native and exotic animals after you’ve seen the penguins.
Sea Life Aquarium
Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium offers the chance to meet King and Gentoo penguins face to face with their Penguin Passport Tour. You’ll interact with penguins that each have unique names and personalities like the internet sensation Pesto, cheeky Odin, and dynamic duo Harrison and Bilby. The tour includes Antarctic snow gear to keep you warm as you walk onto the ice with the penguins. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Sea Life’s state-of-the-art exhibit before spending time with their adorable penguin colony.
You can get to Sea Life Aquarium in less than 15 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, making it one of the more tourist-friendly penguin experiences on this list.
How to Prepare for Seeing Penguins in Victoria
How you prepare for your penguin-viewing experience depends on where you’ll be going. Each location has different rules and expectations, but generally, you should remember the following to have a comfortable trip as a responsible tourist:
- Cosy up! Outdoor penguin experiences usually take place at night when the ocean breeze is cold. Bring layers, even if you’re visiting in summer, to ensure you can enjoy watching the penguins in comfort.
- Bring binoculars. Whether you’re at the back of the Phillip Island viewing platform or looking at Middle Island from afar, binoculars will help you get the most out of your trip.
- Make sure your camera or phone’s flash is off. Bright lights can blind and endanger the penguins!
You can find more location-specific information online.
Explore all your Local Penguin Colonies in Victoria
Victorian residents and tourists are so fortunate to have many ways to see penguins. Phillip Island is a great choice for a guided eco-tourism experience that supports native wildlife and conservation efforts.
Similarly, Warrnambool offers an educational experience that explores one of the most innovative efforts to protect Australian penguins from invasive species.
And then there’s Victoria’s many zoos, aquariums, and animal sanctuaries. The Melbourne Zoo is an easy place to make penguins a small part of your exploration of the city. Sea Life Aquarium provides a unique face-to-face experience with penguins that’s so closeby you’ll be back in the city in time for dinner!
No matter where you go to see the penguins, you’ll be helping Victorian state park officials and animals conservationists keep these lovely birds safe and well-cared for, all while having an unforgettable experience that will take your next Victorian family holiday from good to great!