Australia is home to a unique species of penguin, a fact that surprises many who associate these flightless birds primarily with Antarctica and colder climates. These animals are found along the southern coastlines of the continent, including the waters of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia. The species found here is protected coastal wildlife. Their presence offers a remarkable opportunity to witness natural behaviors in accessible coastal areas.
Australia’s Unique Penguin Species
The sole penguin species naturally occurring in Australia is the Little Penguin, scientifically known as Eudyptula minor. These birds are also commonly referred to as Fairy Penguins. They are the smallest of the world’s 18 penguin species, typically standing only 30 to 43 centimeters tall.
The Little Penguin has a slate-blue or dark grey-blue plumage on its back and head, providing camouflage from predators above while swimming. This is sharply contrasted by a bright white underbelly, which helps them blend in with the brighter surface light when viewed from below. They are uniquely adapted to temperate waters and are the only penguin species that is strictly nocturnal on land, returning to their colonies only after dusk.
Their diet primarily consists of small schooling fish such as anchovies and sardines, along with squid and small crustaceans. Little Penguins spend the majority of their day foraging at sea, taking short, shallow dives to hunt. When on land, they nest in burrows dug into the soil, under dense vegetation, or within rock crevices along the coast.
Major Viewing Destinations
The most famous and accessible location to see these seabirds is the nightly Penguin Parade at Phillip Island in Victoria, which hosts one of the largest Little Penguin colonies globally. Every evening at sunset, hundreds to thousands of penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across Summerland Beach to reach their burrows in the dunes. Visitors observe this spectacular return from elevated boardwalks and viewing stands designed to minimize disturbance to the colony.
In the state of Victoria, another significant colony is found at St Kilda Pier, close to the city of Melbourne. Approximately 1,200 Little Penguins nest in the breakwater rocks at the end of the pier. The penguins return just after sunset, and viewing is often possible from a designated elevated platform.
Other Viewing Locations
Other colonies are found across the southern coastlines, offering diverse viewing experiences. These locations often require specific access times or guided tours to ensure the protection of the nesting birds.
- Along the east coast of Tasmania, Bicheno offers tours to a private rookery to observe the penguins coming ashore.
- In New South Wales, a small colony nests near Shore Beach in Manly, an area protected by conservation efforts including artificial nesting boxes.
- In Western Australia, Penguin Island, located near Perth, is home to the largest colony in the state, though visitor access is limited to specific daylight hours during the breeding season.
Essential Etiquette for Viewing Penguins
Little Penguins are a protected species highly sensitive to human presence, requiring adherence to conservation guidelines. The most important rule at all viewing sites is the prohibition of flash photography, bright lights, and phone torches after dark. A sudden flash or bright light can disorient the nocturnal birds as they make their way to their nests, potentially causing them to drop food or become vulnerable to predators.
Visitors should always remain on designated paths, boardwalks, and viewing platforms. This ensures the protection of the fragile burrows and nests that are often hidden in the dunes and under vegetation. It is important to keep noise levels low and avoid sudden movements, as the penguins have excellent vision and can be easily startled, which may prevent them from coming ashore.
Never attempt to approach, touch, or feed the wild penguins, as they are easily stressed and human interaction can be detrimental to their health and behavior. Many locations, such as Bicheno, allow the use of dim red light torches, which the penguins are less sensitive to, for assistance with walking. Following the directions of park rangers and volunteer guides is the best way to ensure the safety and well-being of the colony.