Little Penguins at the 12 Apostles and London Bridge

Where and When

Observe the complex social behaviour of their nightly return at both the 12 Apostles and London Bridge viewing platforms. Kill two birds with one stone (not literally, of course!) and catch a spectacular sunset either at the 12 Apostles or the London Bridge viewing decks.

Arrival times vary according to time of year. We suggest arriving in time for sunset, penguins generally appear between 10 and 15 minutes after sunset with their mass exit usually occurring 20 to 25 minutes later as twilight fades to dark. Much communication occurs as the penguins return from the sea including the odd territorial dispute.

The population of birds is significantly more at the 12 Apostles (around 800 birds) but viewers are a little closer to the birds at London Bridge.

Viewing is from the clifftop between 15 and 50m above the birds. Visitors are reminded that penguin viewing in this region is not the up close and personal experience that is available on Phillip Island. Visitors that do wait after sunset will be treated to penguin viewing in a spectacular location and have the opportunity to observe the complex social behaviour of the penguins as they congregate on the waters edge and make their way nervously to their burrows.

Facts

• They’re also known as the Fairy Penguin
• Little Penguins are the world’s smallest penguin species reaching an average height of 33cm
• They are the only penguin species to breed on the Australian mainland
• They are perfectly camouflaged. Their distinctive blue plumage hiding them from aerial predators and predators above them in the water while their white underbelly makes them difficult to see for marine predators lurking below
• They feed on fish such as sardines, herrings, squid, octopus and crustaceans
• To report injured wildlife call  03 8400 7300

Photo credit: George Chiew