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Phillip Island Nature Parks

Phillip Island is part of the UNESCO Western Port Biosphere Reserve and encompasses wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands, woodlands and breathtaking coastlines which are protected and managed by world-renowned environmental and research programs. Habitat within Phillip Island Nature Parks supports significant populations of little penguins, hooded plovers, short-tailed shearwaters and other international migratory bird species, and mammals such as koalas, possums, wallabies, Australian fur seals and bats. 

Penguin Parade

The Summerland Peninsula in the south-west of Phillip Island is home to an estimated 32,000 little penguins – one of the largest colonies in Australia. The Penguin Parade represents approximately 10 per cent of the colony. Each night at sunset, little penguins (numbering in the hundreds or thousands depending on the season) make the march across the beach and return to their burrow homes in the sand dunes.

General Viewing

Can you hear the 'huk-huk' of penguins as they gather in their groups and begin moving towards the shore? Watch closely as they emerge from the waves, then waddle across the beach toward their burrows in the dunes.

Fun Facts

• Little penguins are the smallest of the 17 penguin species and the only penguin that lives permanently in Australia.
• There are approximately 32,000 breeding penguins on Phillip Island.
• The first tourists visited the Penguin Parade in the 1920s.
• In 1955 the State Goverment established a large reserve over the penguin colony.
• The Little Penguin Scientific Advisory Committee was formed in 1966 and penguin counts and research programmes began.
• The Phillip Island Nature Parks were established in 1996.

Koala Conversation Reserve

Explore the tree-top boardwalks at the Koala Reserve and see koalas up close in their natural habitat. Wander the extensive trails through the natural Australian bushland and enjoy the abundant bird life. The woodland is home to many animals including wallabies, echidnas and bats.

Things to do and see

• Wander the two treetop boardwalks for superb up-close koala viewing.
  - Tree Top Koala Boardwalk: 800m loop – 20 minutes – easy
  - Tree Top Woodland Boardwalk: 600m loop – 20 minutes – easy
• Explore the six hectares of Australian bushland on the easily accessible trails.
• Lookout for wallabies, echidnas and colourful native birds.
• Uncover the amazing lives of koalas with the interactive displays in the new visitor centre.
• Learn more about what community groups like the Friends of Koalas or Barb Martin Bushbank are doing to help local wildlife.

What to bring

• Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
• Reusable water bottle (drinking fountains are available on-site)
• Insect repellent
• Snacks
• Binoculars & a camera (to capture memories of your visit)

Churchill Island Heritage Farm

Churchill Island is an important place to local Aboriginal people and was the site of Victoria's first crops and European building in 1801. Enter the farm and meet Max the Clydesdale horse or Gregory the peacock. Wander the old homestead and experience the daily heritage farming activities including cow milking, sheep shearing, working dogs and whip cracking. Churchill Island also boasts many beautiful walking trails amongst wetlands and beneath ancient Moonah trees.

Daily activities

Reference only, subject to change without notice.

• 10:30 - Blacksmithing
• 14:00 - Animal feeding
• 14:30 - Sheep shearing
• 14:45 - Working dogs
• 15:00 - Whip cracking

What to bring

• Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
• Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking
• Reusable water bottle (drinking fountains are available on-site)
• Insect repellent
• Snacks
• Binoculars & a camera (to capture memories of your visit)