Nov 282 min read

A Guide to Melbourne, Australia’s Little Penguins (Part 1)

Updated: Dec 2

Measuring just 33 cm and weighing under 1 kg, it’s easy to see how the little penguin got its name.

little penguin phillip island melbourne tours

There are 18 species of penguin found around the world, with the little penguin being the smallest and only penguin with blue and white feathers.
Little penguins are found along the coastline of southern Australia and in New Zealand, with Phillip Island boasting the largest colony—home to around 40,000 breeding penguins.

The History of Phillip Island’s Little Penguins

Before European settlement, Phillip Island was home to 10 little penguin colonies.
However, as roads, infrastructure, housing, and land clearing disrupted their natural habitat, and with the introduction of predators like foxes, nine of these colonies gradually disappeared over time.
By the 1980s, the last remaining colony was located on the Summerland Peninsula, but even their numbers were in decline!
This led to the Victorian Government in 1985 launching the Penguin Protection Plan, a 30-year initiative aimed at reversing this trend.
Fast forward to today and the ongoing tireless efforts of the dedicated rangers at Phillip Island Nature Parks, the little penguins are now thriving!!
The rangers have implemented a variety of conservation measures, including:
- Placing specially designed penguin nesting boxes throughout the colony;
- Eradicating foxes;
- Removing invasive plant species; and
- Replanting native vegetation that provides ideal shelter and food for the penguins.

history of phillip island little penguins

Today, Phillip Island Nature Parks manages around 20% of the island, including the Summerland Peninsula, and the revenue generated through eco-tourism plays a crucial role in supporting these conservation efforts.

The funds help protect not only little penguins but also a wide range of native flora and fauna through research, education, and habitat management.

By increasing our understanding of these fascinating creatures, we not only help to raise awareness but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect them both on land and at sea.