What's the best time to go to Penguin Island?
What's the best time to go to Penguin Island? If you have never been to the island, we strongly recommend that you make your first visit between late September and early June. That way, you can meet the resident penguins and explore the natural beauty and other wildlife of the Shoalwater Islands.
What animals are on Penguin Island?
More than 30 species of birds have been observed on the island. These include seabirds such as the little penguin, bridled tern (Sterna anaethetus), silver gull (Larus novaehollandiae), pied cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius) and the Australian pelican (Pelicanus conspicillatus).
What is the best time of year to go to Penguin Island?
The best time of year for spotting wild penguins is during the summer moulting period. The little penguins stay ashore for 6- 8 weeks while growing their new feathers.
How long to stay on Penguin Island?
If you would just like to experience the guided wildlife walk, then you can do this and be back at the mainland in just over an hour, however we recommend you allow a minimum of 2 hours so you can at least explore a little bit.
What time do penguins come ashore?
Most penguins return from the sea after dark. They can often be heard calling from out in the water and usually come ashore in small groups pausing briefly before heading off to individual burrows. Due to their movements on land penguins are often mistakenly thought of as nocturnal.
What month is best to see penguins?
But when should you go to Antarctica to see penguins? Trips to Antarctica travel between November and March yet it's important to know exactly which penguins are doing what during which months so you don't go at a time when penguin viewing will be less than stellar. November is a beautiful time to go to Antarctica.
What do you wear to Penguin Island?
For Penguin Island, wear comfortable footwear. Most visitors wear thongs or sandals. Hats, sunscreen and a long sleeve or UV resistant shirt are recommended for sun protection. Bring swimmers and towels if you are planning water activities.
What time of day do penguins come ashore?
A: Each day at dusk, just as the sun is setting, the little fairy penguins come ashore to feed their young. They waddle up the beach to their nests, where they spend the night.
Do penguins swim all day?
They spend most of their time in the water, looking for food. And they seem to feel much more comfortable in water than they do on land. Some penguins stay close to the shore and never swim too far from their breeding colonies. They fish during the day and come back to the shore every night.
Can you stay overnight on Penguin Island?
Make a weekend of your wildlife encounters with our overnight stay & play packages. Spend the day exploring the islands and spotting the wildlife on a guided sea kayak tour!
Do penguins come ashore every night?
They are only active on land at night. They leave from the colony early in the morning before sun-rise, and return to the colony after dark. During the day, if the penguins decide not to go to sea, they will stay hidden inside their nests.
Are there toilets on Penguin Island?
Facilities. There is a picnic area with seating and water taps, and waterless composting toilets on the island. Litter bins are not provided on the island and all visitors are required to take away their own rubbish.
How far to swim to Penguin Island?
The distance between the mainland and Penguin island is approx. 850 metres so if you're considering doing the walk, consider whether or not you are capable of swimming this distance in a strong wind and seas. Report response as inappropriateThank you.
Can you swim in Penguin Island?
It only takes an hour to visit the penguins but if you have more time, go swimming, snorkeling, explore the nature trails or just relax and enjoy this beautiful nature reserve.
Why is Penguin Island closing?
The State Government's decision not to rebuild the facility on the island was based on climate change impacting the island's vulnerable penguin population and following strong feedback from the City of Rockingham, local tourism operators and university researchers.