🛳 Arrival at Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade
After leaving Melbourne, the Viking Neptune made a slow overnight cruise to Phillip Island, one of the many islands scattered along the southeastern coast of Victoria. Our goal was to witness the famed Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
We arrived around 10 a.m., anchoring off Rhyll on the island’s northeast coast. The only thing we really knew about Phillip Island was that we would be heading out that evening to witness the famous Penguin Parade.
Everything else was a mystery.
⛈️A Stormy Start & Exploring Cowes
Before heading ashore, we learned that the town of Cowes, where the shuttle bus runs, had suffered large-scale power outages from storms and high winds the night before. Many shops and restaurants were closed.
Rather than head into town immediately, Bob and I stayed aboard the Neptune for lunch and waited until early afternoon to explore.
By the time we tendered into Rhyll’s jetty, power was gradually being restored and the shuttle buses were still operating.
Near the dock stood a massive wooden sculpture carved from the stump of a giant fallen tree — a tribute to the sea, sailors, and wildlife of the region. It was beautifully done and set the tone for this rugged coastal island.
We boarded the shuttle and rode into Cowes, Phillip Island’s main seaside town.
Some shops were reopening. Others remained dark. We wandered down the main street toward the waterfront, browsing souvenir shops and picking up a few keepsakes and magnets. The seaside paths were peaceful, and we walked out along the pier, taking in the calm water and fresh coastal air.
It was simple sightseeing — unhurried and pleasant.
After a few hours, we returned to Main Street, caught the shuttle back to Rhyll, and tendered to the ship to prepare for the evening’s main event.
🐧Time for the Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Viking had arranged complimentary shuttle buses for all passengers wishing to attend the Penguin Parade — a terrific inclusion since tickets typically start around $40 AUD per person.
We headed across the island to Phillip Island Penguin Parade at Summerlands Beach.
Before heading down to the viewing areas, we spent nearly an hour inside the Visitor Centre, which featured educational displays about penguins — not just the Little Penguins we would see, but all penguin species worldwide.
That’s where we learned more about the stars of the evening.
🐧The Little Blue Penguin
The Little Blue Penguin — also known as the Fairy Penguin — is the smallest penguin species in the world:
- About 30–33 cm (12–13 inches) tall
- Weighing around 1 kg (2 lbs)
- Native to southern Australia and New Zealand
They spend most of their lives at sea, often staying out for days or even weeks feeding on small fish and squid. When they return to land, it is typically to breed, lay eggs, or feed their chicks.
Each evening at dusk, they gather offshore in small groups called “rafts” before coming ashore together — a survival strategy that reduces predation risk.
Soon, we would see this for ourselves.
🏝️Down Through the Dunes
Boardwalks led us through the dunes toward two large cement grandstands overlooking the beach.
Along the way, dozens of wallabies hopped through the sandy vegetation — an unexpected treat before the main event.
We chose to stay along the boardwalk instead of sitting in the grandstands.
We were given strict instructions:
- Remain quiet
- No photos
- No phones
- No flash
Rangers enforced these rules carefully. Anyone attempting photos was immediately asked to stop.
Then darkness settled in.
🌅The Parade Begins
On our evening, fewer than 1,000 penguins came ashore.
Just after dusk, we saw the first small group emerge from the surf — tiny blue silhouettes against the fading light.
They paused. Looked around. Regrouped.
Then they began waddling up the sand in small rafts, determined and surprisingly quick.
Watching them move together — instinct guiding them home — was quietly magical.
💙A Special Moment on the Boardwalk
After the penguins crossed the beach, we were directed to follow the boardwalks back toward the Visitor Centre.
Because we had stayed on the boardwalk rather than in the stands, we were gifted with something special.
Two little penguins emerged from their burrows just a few feet from us. They began chirping and calling — likely waiting for a parent returning from sea.
Little Blue Penguins use vocal calls to recognize mates and chicks in densely populated colonies. Hearing their sharp, high-pitched chirps so close — in near darkness — felt incredibly intimate.
No cameras. No distractions.
Just the sound of tiny penguins calling in the night.
🌿More Than Just a Spectacle
The Penguin Parade is carefully managed by Phillip Island Nature Parks, which protects the habitat and monitors the colony.
The dunes at Summerlands were once privately owned and developed with homes. Over time, the government bought back properties, removed infrastructure, and restored the natural habitat to protect the penguins.
What we witnessed wasn’t just adorable wildlife.
It was conservation in action.
🌌A Night to Remember
Phillip Island turned out to be much more than a quick island stop.
We:
- Explored Cowes
- Walked along the waterfront
- Saw wallabies in the dunes
- And watched the world’s smallest penguins return home
As we tendered back to the Neptune under a dark sky, the experience lingered.
It wasn’t flashy or dramatic.
It was simple, natural, and deeply special.
Returning to the Neptune
It was around midnight by the time we returned to the ship. Chilled by the night air, we tendered back and found a wonderful surprise waiting for us.
The ship’s senior staff was hosting a soup, salad and sandwich buffet with coffee, tea and hot chocolate to warm us up and fill our hungry bellies. The senior kitchen staff was making the food as the ships senior staff waited on us, handling all the details so the rest of the crew could rest and be ready to take care of us in the morning.
That is the definition of excellent leadership!
🌏 Our Australia Cruise Journey
Our Australian itinerary included four unforgettable stops:
- Melbourne Sea Dragons and the Great Open Road: Underwater wonders in Portsea & a scenic Great Ocean Road adventure
- Parade of the Penguins – Wildlife spectacle with Little Penguins at sunset
- Eden, Australia – Whales, coastal history, and seaside charm
- Discovering The Sights and Sounds of Sydney – Iconic city landmarks, harbor views, and urban exploration
- A Premature End to our World Cruise – sad, but so thankful.
Follow along as we explore this remarkable country from south to north — from unique marine life to rugged coastlines and vibrant cities.
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amazing pictures of a beautiful place and birds!!