Bicheno or Philip Island for penguins?
Mar 24th, 2008, 03:09 PM
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Bicheno or Philip Island for penguins?
We are visiting both Melbourne (5 nights) and then Tasmania (8 nights)in October. We would like to see the penguins and I would welcome views on whether we should take the penguin tour to Phillip Island or to Bicheno (where we are staying for 2 nights so that would make most sense if it is as memorable as PI). Many thanks
Mar 24th, 2008, 05:51 PM
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It is much easier to see penguins at Bicheno than to go from Melbourne to Phillip Island. Also there are lots of other places in Tassie where you can see Penguins as well - say should it be raining a lot ( wishful thinking here)
May 18th, 2008, 12:35 AM
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There are approximately 36,000 breeding pairs of Penguins at Phillip Island, and a avriey of viewing options of which the best is the Ultimate Penguin Tour - a ranger guided tour with MAX 10 participants. No infrstructure - just up to 9 people on the beach with the Penguins (they provide night vision goggles, and cold weather gear). See www.penguins.org.au for all the details. The Phillip Island Nature park cover some 22% of the island and is a not for profit organisation.
There's also many other things to see and do on Phillip Island - you should allocate at least an overnight stay to take in the regional food and wine + other wildlife activities including Koalas in the wild and seal watching.
See www.visitphillipisland.com for theofficial visitor web site.
There's also many other things to see and do on Phillip Island - you should allocate at least an overnight stay to take in the regional food and wine + other wildlife activities including Koalas in the wild and seal watching.
See www.visitphillipisland.com for theofficial visitor web site.
May 18th, 2008, 02:26 PM
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Just one other point about Philip Island and penguins - if you are coming to Tasmania and staying on the eastern side or the northern side of Tassie you can take a short walk to see penguins - if you are staying in Melbourne you have to visit Philip island which takes a couple of hours or so and then after seeing the penguins trip back to Melbourne - makes for a late night.
May 21st, 2008, 05:52 PM
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Hi Michaels,
In my opinion, Bicheno, hands down.
Phillip Island is a mass commerical tourist operation (even with the private viewing optiion), whereas Bicheno is small and you get up close and personal with penguins - as in, they will be brushing up against your legs!
It's the difference of taking a tour with approx. 15 people versus a venue that has many 50 passenger motorcoaches pulling in.
Hope this is helpful!
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
In my opinion, Bicheno, hands down.
Phillip Island is a mass commerical tourist operation (even with the private viewing optiion), whereas Bicheno is small and you get up close and personal with penguins - as in, they will be brushing up against your legs!
It's the difference of taking a tour with approx. 15 people versus a venue that has many 50 passenger motorcoaches pulling in.
Hope this is helpful!
Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist
