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On the eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, in Melbourne, Australia, is a little island called Phillip Island. As well as a tourist beach destination, Phillip Island is home of thousands of Fairy Penguins and the very famous Penguin colony. You can visit them year round by travelling the 2 hours journey from Melbourne.

The penguin colony is located amongst the sand dunes at Summerland beach. It’s well set up for visitors with boardwalks and viewing platforms, so the penguins can go about their business of nesting and reproducing in complete safety.

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These penguins are the Little Blue Penguins unique to the Southern Hemisphere. They grow to a maximum of 33-38 centimetres and a weight of around 1 kilo. Being small doesn’t affect their swimming ability and they dive hundreds of times in a day to depths of nearly 70 metres, to catch squid, fish or krill. They can swim up to 20 kilometres in a day and go to sleep on the water extending their range further. Their natural enemies are sharks and birds so sleeping in the ocean can be a bit risky. Food shortages also take care of a few of the little fellas.

Many tour companies operate from downtown Melbourne. So if you are visiting from out of town, just book one or hire a car and be there in a few hours.

The ideal time to see the Penguins is at dusk. Depending on the time of year, this varies from as early as 5.30 pm in the winter to 9 pm in the summer. Check the sunset time with your host before heading down to the Island, or make a day of it and stay in one of the many Motels and accommodation facilities provided for visitors near the island. Be sure to book your accommodation during the summer as the island is a very attractive holiday venue for locals and visitors alike.

While you are in the area call into Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm and catch a trout, or pop into the Phillip Island Nature Park. Stroke a Koala or see the new "joeys" (baby kangaroos) hopping around their enclosure. If you are into history see the Vietnam Veterans Museum. You can also do a cruise on the fresh waters of Port Phillip Bay. There are heaps of things to do while you are in this area.

Nearby Melbourne is a beautiful Australian city. Well known for its parks and cultural venues. It is Australia's second largest city, located at the Southern end of Australia easily reached by air, rail or car. It’s about a days drive from Sydney, Australia’s main commercial centre. Many International flights also land directly at Tullamarine, Melbourne's International airport.