An enclave for nature as well as visitors, the island close to the Victorian coastline offers not just spectacular sights of its coastline, but also a chance to interact with its inhabitants.

The star inhabitants to the island happen to possess pairs of webbed feet. Not just any webbed feet, but those of the Little Penguins. Those cute little feet waddle really quick as they scamper for cover, making a dash for their nestled homes.

Not too far away from the city, it's a good drive-away for the weekend, just barely 90 minutes drive from Melbourne itself. So if you are a holiday there in Melbourne, it's a quick break from all that normal shopping.

Driving there

Driving there by car shouldn't be too hard as signs are ubiquitous as long as you are on the highway.

Taking the South Eastern Arterial (M1) to the Cranbourne exit will allow you to turn into the South Gippsland Highway (M420). Follow this route to the Bass Highway (A420) and it will take you through Grantville and past Corinella and Bass.

Turn right at the roundabout at Anderson onto the Phillip Island Tourist Road (B420) through to San Remo, over the bridge.

Tip...

Once you catch a glimpse of the bridge, you can relax since you're almost there. But don't stop, you can grab a light snack and a break on Philip island at the Boardwalk Café (Penguin Parade Visitor Centre) (20 minutes from the bridge)

To get to Penguin Island, you will have to drive pass a couple of beaches and the Grand Prix Circuit and thus makes for a good drive across the island

Tip...

It's best to buy your tickets first at the Visitor Centre before driving around the island so that you do not have to rush later. The centre is opened from 10am.

-Refer to the local street directory- Melways ref map 531- 532
-Route Planner on the Tourism Victoria website

The Nobbies

The Nobbies is located on the far end, west of the island and just 5 to 10 minutes drive from the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre.

Look out for a huge car park that can fit at least twenty cars and you will know you have reached it. The sight is spectacular especially when there's good enough cloud cover that lets in this beam of light from the heavens on the ocean. The sight is breath-taking and worth the drive-up.

Catch a sight of nature at work with the blow-hole that sprays back after it sucks in the sea. Also catch a glimpse of the seals at the neighbouring rocks, especially the one with the lighthouse through the drop-coin telescope situated along the walkway.

You may just catch sightings of a whale near October or dolphins and penguins.

Visiting the Penguins

Visitors will have to be there an hour earlier before sunset. That is the time where the penguins come home. Gather early at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre and have a hot meal or drink before you enter because it is going to turn really cold at night. If you did not bring warm clothings, you will be fine as long as you purchase some from the shops
at the centre.

Depending on the tickets you have bought, you will slowly make your way through the boardwalk to either the sky box (Penguin Sky Box) or to the concrete steps just next to the beach (Penguins Plus).

It is a waiting game for all as the little 'fairy' penguins cautiously prepare to make the dash across the beach for their home in the sand dunes, for fear of enemy preys from above. And it's just a sight worth waiting for when they make the dash coming right up just next to you. Hear them call out also when looking for their own

Other areas to visit on the island:
Koala Conservation Centre
Grand Prix Circuit