It might be winter ‘down under’ and a bit cold for visitors, but its just perfect weather for the little penguins, the smallest of these flightless birds and the place they call home.
Over 30,000 of these beautiful creatures use the area for nesting and a place to rest after long days of hunting fish. Every night at sunset they make their way up the hilly cliffs, returning home to feed the kids or just a stop to pal around with mates.
Visitors aren’t allowed to take pictures during the wave after wave of these little penguins making tracks as it could scare the little guys from returning, but its a sight to see and just one of natures wonders that the whole family will enjoy.
Phillip Island is also home to a small group of Koala’s, which live mostly on protected lands and conservatories. These adorable mammals live exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, a diet that gives them little energy, thus sleeping 20+ hours per day is the usual.
The Koala sanctuary on the island has three separate walking trails through the bush and trees with visitors able to get very close to these timid creatures. Photographs are allowed and some beautiful shots can be had with some patience and a little luck.
Animals aren’t the only attraction as the area has also hosted Gran Prix racing for 60 years. Some of the best motorcycle and V-8 racers have won here and it holds a special place in the heart of Australians.
The island doesn’t have a large population, just over 7,000 at last count, but when summer hits and the water gets warm, upwards of 100,000 visitors can call this place home, but no matter what time of year it is, Phillip Island is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Australia.
