PHILLIP Island Nature Parks invites Bass Coast Shire residents to visit its eco-tourism attractions for a complimentary day of fun on Saturday, September 14. Locals can enjoy experiences at Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Reserve and the Penguin Parade and learn about the island’s diverse beach and bush environments and wonderful wildlife.
This year marks the 13th annual Community Open Day where locals can discover all the Nature Parks attractions, celebrate the remarkable conservation work being done on Phillip Island (Millowl), and connect with rangers, volunteers and staff.
In 2023 the Nature Parks welcomed over 4000 Bass Coast Shire residents and this year the community can choose to attend complimentary General Viewing at the Penguin Parade on either Friday, September 13 or Saturday September 14. In addition, locals can obtain free entry to Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation Reserve during the day on Saturday.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Chief Executive Officer Catherine Basterfield highlighted the Community Open Day provides an opportunity for residents and community to experience the remarkable wildlife and conservation projects occurring in their backyard.
“The island is one of Australia’s most cherished destinations, our team and our community share a deep love of this unique place,” Ms Basterfield said.
“The Community Open Day is our way of expressing gratitude to our local supporters and engaging with people in our community of all ages. By showcasing the important research and conservation work we undertake, we hope to inspire others to act for nature and proudly share the wild side of the island with families, friends and visitors from all over the world.”
This year Churchill Island and the Koala Conservation Reserve will be open all day on Saturday, September 14. If you want to catch all the action, plan your day around the program with activities scheduled for Churchill Island in the morning, the Koala Conservation Reserve from lunchtime and then out to the Nobbies and Penguin Parade for the afternoon and evening.
The day will start with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation. This is a special opportunity to experience and learn about this important traditional ceremony of the Bunurong.
At Churchill Island, the café will be open from 9am with access to the heritage farm area from 10am. Visitors can enjoy the farm demonstrations, wagon rides, hear from the Friends of Churchill Island Society about the site’s history, listen to the choir and play old-time lawn games.
Grab some lunch at the Koala Conservation Reserve and connect with staff and volunteers to learn more about the iconic koalas and meet the charismatic Critically Endangered bush stone-curlew and learn about its recent reintroduction to Phillip Island.
Community Open Day ticket holders can enjoy 15 per cent off all food menu items at all locations (Churchill Island’s Farmhouse Kitchen, Koala’s Café, Nobbies Fish & Chippery, and the Penguin Parade’s Shearwater Restaurant) with our Create Catering partners.
Out at the Nobbies, the incredible coastal cliff views are eternal and something every local can be proud of. If you require a sweet treat, visit Ben and Jerry’s ice creamery for 10 per cent off any Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cone.
At the Penguin Parade, activities kick off at 3.30pm with a demonstration from the furry and fabulous conservation dogs. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre will open doors at 4pm with a Conservation Expo.
The expo offers a deep dive into conservation stories and programs with partners from the Penguin Foundation, Westernport Water, the Association of Rangers and Conservationists, Phillip Island Fire Brigade, Phillip Island Land Alliance, Birdlife Bass Coast, the Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group and more, all hosting interactive stalls.
Penguin Parade Attraction Manager Stuart Stevens will share some exciting new parade experiences followed by a ‘Secret Life of Penguins’ walk-and-talk from 4.15pm. All of this before residents can enjoy the thrill of penguin viewing, watching the magical waddlers emerge from the ocean and return to their burrows.
Entry to all attractions is free throughout the day for residents, students and landholders of the Bass Coast Shire and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members.
The event is ticketed, and you can see the full timetable of events and register for your free tickets at www.penguins.org.au/openday
Please bring your ticket and proof of your residency such as rates notice, bill, or driver’s licence to enter. Accompanying friends are welcome but must pay the applicable entry fees.
For further information call 5951 2830 during business hours or visit penguins.org.au
