THANKS to the state Government’s $5 million investment in a new accessible boardwalk and upgraded penguin viewing stands, the Phillip Island Penguin Parade has had a stellar summer season – selling out a record 47 nights between December and February.
Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale was at the Penguin Parade last week on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos to congratulate the team and experience the new boardwalk and upgraded viewing stands – which were completed by Terroir Architects and Simpson Construction.
The works, funded through the Regional Tourism Investment Fund, have modernised the famous Penguin Parade and created an accessible boardwalk so families of all abilities can enjoy the beloved Victorian experience.
“Even if you’ve visited the Parade before, this new boardwalk gets you closer to the little penguins as they waddle up the shore. The whole Sunderland experience is one that visitors and locals alike can enjoy and be immersed in our beautiful natural environment.”
The works have also improved the flow of visitors coming through, increasing the capacity while allowing people to get even closer to the penguins waddling home each evening.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said, “the Penguin Parade is one of Victoria’s most beloved tourist attractions, bringing more than 700,000 visitors a year to Phillip Island. We are proud to support this upgrade so more families can be part of this incredible experience well into the future.”
The upgrades required careful consideration to protect the little penguins’ sensitive natural habitat from heavy construction vehicles. As part of the construction, steel framework was lifted by helicopter into location, with a skilled pilot guiding the beams and frames into position.
Other components of the boardwalk were carried in by hand and installed one-by-one to ensure as little disruption as possible to the penguin population.
All works were undertaken with qualified wildlife officers on-site, so any penguins present during construction were not disturbed.
The upgrade will also protect the penguins’ habitat by reducing erosion from visitors walking in the area, minimising the impact of visitors on the species.
Phillip Island Nature Parks CEO Catherine Basterfield said, “Support from the Victorian Government has enabled the Nature Parks to complete the first stage of critical works as part of a broader project to ensure the Penguin Parade can remain open for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.”
For more information and to book tickets visit penguins.org.au