Phillip Island Nature Parks has announced increased capacity at the Penguin Parade and the planned re-opening of the Nobbies Centre and Antarctic Journey, as we take the last steps towards COVID Normal and a COVID Safe summer.
The details of the announcements that come into effect at midnight on 22 November will bring all of the Nature Parks’ attractions back into operation seven days a week for the first time since March. Numbers 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.
Catherine Basterfield, CEO, Nature Parks, said, “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 starting on 23 November. 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. Our community have been incredible in adapting to all of the changes across the year and our team is doing a wonderful job of maintaining a safe workplace for each other and visitors.”
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, planned for Thursday 3 December, 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.
All of the Nature Parks’ attractions are operating under a comprehensive COVID Safe plan to keep visitors and staff safe with capacity management, and enhanced cleaning and hygiene procedures in place.
Online tickets are required for the Penguin Parade and are recommended for each of the attractions. Please refer to www.penguins.org.au for latest updates on visiting the Nature Parks.
“We are excited to be taking these final steps with our community. Victorians have done a wonderful job, and we are all looking forward to sharing a COVID Safe summer together and to be with family, enjoy nature and wildlife and relax after a very challenging year,” said Catherine.
