Rubber Ninja vs Little Penguin Tour

EXPERIENCE SOMETHING NEW



Penguins coming ashore
Phillip Island, Melbourne

I wish I had a cute pic of a Little Penguin emerging from the shore to share with you, but photography of these little cuties is not allowed.

So here's a dramatic re-enactment instead.

Taa-daaaaaaaaa!




Well..... that's not quite how it happens..... :)

At sunset, the penguins congregate in a large group out in the ocean, waiting for the sun to go down before heading into the shore. They surf the waves in, coming in groups of ten.

It's entertaining to watch them drag themselves out of the water and try to waddle clumsily up the beach. That is, until the next wave comes along and washes the little things back out.

You'll be in the bleachers being cheerleaders for the little guys (they're only 30cm tall!).
And maybe, as I like to do, improvising voice-over dialogue of the events from the point of view of the penguin with your friends.

Don't look at me like that :)

After several failed attempts they finally make it out of the surf, hesitating on the beach at first, then racing up to their burrows as quick as their little legs can take them while under the cover of darkness.

Lucky for us, August is mating season for the penguin. Apparently now is the time that male penguins renovate their burrows in preparation for the laaaaadies.

Seriously.

While watching the penguins settle in their burrows for the night, I think we may have inadvertently witnessed penguin jiggy-jiggy too.

Fun fact: Most penguins are monogamous for their lifespan. Who can blame them for spicing things up with a little public action???




"For shame......."









THE TOUR:

Phillip Island is around 90 minutes from the Melbourne CBD. We booked a Penguin Express tour, which departs Federation Square at 3pm and returns at 9pm.
Bill the tour guide, provided pleasant (and not too inane) commentary on the history of Melbourne and the surrounding countryside on the journey.

The trip takes you past Fountain Gate shopping centre, retail venue of choice for Kath & Kim,
and through rural Victoria:










Reaching the far end of Phillip Island, we stopped for photos at Point Grant:





























Before heading down to the penguin viewing platforms.















Awwww....... :)