Happy feet! Phillip Island Nature Parks enhances visitor capacity

Phillip Island Nature Parks, Australia has increased capacity at the Penguin Parade and the planned re-opening of the Nobbies Centre and Antarctic Journey.

The details of the announcements have brought all of the Nature Parks’ attractions back into operation seven days a week for the first time since March. Number of tickets to the Penguin Parade will increase from 50 to 500 per night with all venues operating under the organisation’s strict COVID Safe Plan.

“Welcoming all Victorian visitors back over the past few weeks has been a thrill and we are happy to be able to increase the offering of more tickets to the Penguin Parade. We’re also planning the reopening of the Nobbies Centre and Antarctic Journey in early December. This helps us to meet the demand of many who have been looking forward to coming back to the Nature Parks, and to also extend visitor stay for businesses on Phillip Island,” said Catherine Basterfield, CEO of Nature Parks.

The increased capacity at the Penguin Parade is a welcome move as the popular penguins have been in high demand with sell outs each night. Tickets for the Penguin Parade will be released in stages and are only available for purchase online. A new system of ticket holders being given a staggered entry time to the visitor centre is also being introduced to ensure physical distancing is maintained. All visitors will be at the beach before the penguins arrive.

The positive breeding season for the Little Penguins at the Penguin Parade is also positive news. Researchers report that, across the colony, most adult penguins have successfully raised their first two chicks which have left and gone to sea and are now looking set to start laying a second clutch of eggs.

The reopening of the Nobbies Centre and Antarctic journey will bring the Nature Parks’ attraction offering whole again and also offers locals and visitors the chance to enjoy the ocean views, café, exhibits and to do some Christmas shopping. The team has been busy treating the Nobbies Centre to a complete makeover to ensure it is fresh for the summer.