Posted on 21/02/2013 by Phillip Island Nature Parks
The Open Day offers free entry for Bass Coast Shire residents and landholders to all of Phillip Island Nature Parks’ attractions including Churchill Island, Koala Conservation Centre, Nobbies Centre and Penguin Parade including free entry to the nightly Penguin Parade.
An exciting range of activities, walks and demonstrations by Nature Parks’ staff, volunteers and community groups will also be held across the Nature Parks throughout the day.
Community Expo & Activities
This year the Open Day coincides with Clean Up Australia Day and the Community Expo will be located at the Penguin Parade where Clean Up Australia Day activities will also be held.
At the expo Nature Parks’ staff, volunteers and associated community groups will have exhibits about their group and the Nature Parks’ activities. They will answer any questions you may have, as well as provide information and giveaways. They will provide lots of useful information about everything from who to call if you find an injured penguin, to getting information about becoming involved in community groups and activities across Phillip Island. There will also be a sausage sizzle to raise funds for Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club and games for the kids.
Free plant and showbag
Every family, couple or individual that attends the Community Expo will receive a free showbag packed with useful information about Phillip Island Nature Parks. You will also receive a free indigenous plant for your garden.
Walks, talks and more
Throughout the day, choose from a range of fun, interactive activities run by our rangers, researchers and volunteers across the Nature Parks. There is an activity for everyone to enjoy and you can choose from a Koala Walk and Talk, The Private Lives of Penguins tour or a Shearwater Sunset tour – to name a few!
This year, Phillip Island and District Historical Society has put together a fascinating presentation on shipwrecks around Phillip Island’s coast which will be shown at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. You can also join our rangers and build a penguin home – a great fun activity for everyone!
Penguin Parade
In the evening everyone is invited to attend the Penguin Parade at no charge. The magical experience of watching the little penguins return home is different every day, so this is a chance to renew your love of penguins, or perhaps experience it for the very first time. There is also a Shearwater Sunset activity to be held at Cape Woolamai. This activity allows you to view these incredible birds arriving home from fishing. You will also learn about their amazing migration and how we are working with the community to protect these birds.
Free entry all day
Entry to all of the activities (including the nightly Penguin Parade), attractions and walks and talks is free throughout the day for residents and landholders of the Bass Coast Shire. To gain your free entry, please bring proof of your residency such as a rates notice, bill, driver’s licence etc. There is no limit to how many activities you can attend and no bookings are required. Please just come along and enjoy the fun!
Don’t forget that an exclusive Bass Coast Shire residents Local’s Pass is also available and, for the single cost of a 3 Parks Pass, you can enjoy entry to Phillip Island Nature Parks all year round. The pass will be available on the day.
If you have any queries regarding the Community Open Day or Local’s Pass, please call 5951 2820 during business hours. 
Community Open Day full schedule and activitiy descriptions
Community Open Day 2013 media release
Media Enquiries:
Sally O’Neill
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Mobile: 0408 101 976
E-mail: sally.oneill@bigpond.com
Web: www.penguins.org.au
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of Australia's most popular wildlife attractions - perfect for a family holiday or getting back to nature.
Experience wild koalas in their natural habitat and stroll through Aussie bushland at our environmentally sustainable Centre dedicated to koala conservation.
Step back in time... meet the farm animals, relax in the cafe, enjoy the water views, stroll amongst heritage buildings and lovely gardens.
Located only 5 minutes from the Penguin Parade and overlooking the wild water of Bass Strait, the FREE Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the unique marine life in our Southern Oceans.