A Wondrous Encounter with the Penguin Parade

 

A Wondrous Encounter with the Penguin Parade #PenguinParade

Our Melbourne sojourn took an exciting turn when a trip to the Phillip Island Penguin Parade was scheduled. Having only ever seen penguins in pictures, We all were filled with anticipation.

The journey from Melbourne, a scenic two and a half hour drive, revealed the charm of rural Australia. Quaint villages dotted the landscape, boasting sprawling gardens and a peaceful atmosphere unlike anything Sunny had seen before. These villages, with their small houses and sparse population, were a stark contrast to bustling urban life. Tractors and modern machinery parked alongside sleek cars hinted at a balanced lifestyle between tradition and progress. Lush green fields stretched as far as the eye could see, with vibrant orange orchards and vegetable patches adding a touch of color to the idyllic scene. The scenic Bass Coast Highway offered panoramic views of Western Port and French Island, further enriching the journey.

Upon reaching Phillip Island via San Remo, the first stop was Seal Rocks and the Nobbies Centre. Here, a walk along the boardwalk provided stunning views back towards the Mornington Peninsula. Phillip Island, renowned for penguin conservation, offered a glimpse into the penguins' protected habitat. A bumpy ride through thick bushes revealed a couple of kangaroos in the distance, causing a momentary chorus of excitement within the car.

The main event, the Penguin Parade, was a sight to behold. Thousands of little penguins waddled ashore in a rhythmic dance, returning from a day of fishing at sea. As dusk descended, casting long shadows, these adorable creatures shuffled towards their burrows in groups of 50 to 60. Vigilant rangers ensured the penguins' well-being, strictly prohibiting photography, even with mobile phones. While capturing the penguins themselves was not possible, I found solace in photographing the life-size penguin replicas adorning the entrance hall, where refreshments were available.

The penguins' unique waddling gait was mesmerizing, their movements captivating everyone who witnessed this extraordinary spectacle. The large crowd gathered to observe this marvel of nature added to the experience. As a bonus, we even spotted a few penguins navigating the path above and under parked cars, further adding to the whimsical charm of the evening.

Pictures:

1.     Penguin Replicas at Phillip Island

2.     Boardwalk at Phillip Island

Text and Photos by: Ashok Karan, Ashokkaran.blogspot.com