Australia boasts an array of quirky animals, but penguins truly stand out – they’re small, exhibit a charming waddle, and are exceptionally cute! Whether you’re eager to see the magnificent King Penguin, like those depicted in Happy Feet, or to marvel at the petite Little Penguin frolicking on the southern coast, you’ll quickly find opportunities to enjoy these adorable waddlers at prime spots across Australia.
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Among the various marine creatures at SEA LIFE in Sydney, the Little Penguin, often lovingly called the Fairy Penguin, is arguably the most endearing. The center boasts a successful breeding colony, ensuring there are always plenty of penguins playing in the water, with the delightful possibility of spotting a baby chick or two.
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At SeaWorld, a theme park on the Gold Coast – you’ll not only witness dolphins leaping through hoops and trainers executing breathtaking stunts with killer whales, but you’ll also see the noble King Penguin. Their icy environment is mimicked in a distinct tank that maintains a temperature averaging around -35˚C, or -31˚F, allowing visitors to watch the penguins as they relax on shore or dive energetically through the water. Be sure to catch them during feeding time for an energetic display.
If you’d prefer to see Little Penguins in their natural habitat, each night on Phillip Island, south of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria, these tiny flightless birds return from the ocean to their burrows on land. This charming spectacle is known as the Penguin Parade. Elevated boardwalks provide visitors the chance to observe the penguins as they make their way to their shelters. Remember to check beneath your car before leaving for the night, in case you have a little stowaway!
The aptly named Penguin Island serves as the breeding ground for the largest group of Little Penguins in Western Australia, as they flock to the island yearly to nest. Visits are strictly limited to specific daylight hours from mid-September to early June. Besides the penguins, you’re also likely to encounter pelicans, sea eagles, albatrosses, and various other native birds, with a chance of spotting a pod of dolphins.
If you’re fortunate, you might find yourself visiting Lion Island in Broken Bay, where you could encounter a small colony of Little Penguins. This colony, accessible only by boat, has been experiencing a decline, prompting conservation efforts to establish Lion Island as a sanctuary for Little Penguins for generations to come.
At a lesser-known beach in Manly, a small colony of Little Penguins thrives. Thanks to nesting boxes and other conservation initiatives, Shore Beach has evolved into a sanctuary for Little Penguins in New South Wales. While visiting this serene beach may not guarantee a glimpse of the penguins, it does promise a tranquil and sunny retreat for an afternoon. Shore Beach is only accessible by kayak, following the general guideline that the best way to reach the beach is by paddling.
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