Warrnambool - Middle Island Penguin Project Experience
The Middle Island Penguin Project Experience, also called Penguin Protectors Warrnambool, is an educator-led family experience explaining how specially trained Maremma guardian dogs protect Middle Island’s Little Penguins from foxes. Participants learn about the penguin colony, conservation work and the behaviour of the working dogs, with an opportunity to take a photograph with a Maremma at the end.
This is an educational conservation experience, not a penguin-viewing tour. Participants do not visit Middle Island and should not expect to see wild penguins.
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes - allow up to one hour for photographs
Bookings: Essential
Availability: Selected school-holiday dates and pre-arranged group sessions
Meeting point: Varies according to the booked session
Features:
- Educational presentation about Little Penguins and Middle Island
- Explanation of how Maremma guardian dogs deter foxes
- Opportunity to see one of the project’s working Maremma dogs
- Photograph opportunity with the Maremma
- Information about penguin monitoring, habitat restoration and conservation
- Family-friendly presentation suitable for different ages
- Proceeds support the Maremma dogs and conservation of the penguin colony
The Penguin Project:
Middle Island’s Little Penguin population declined from an estimated 600 penguins in 1999 to fewer than 10 by 2005 following repeated fox attacks. Maremma guardian dogs have protected the colony since 2006, allowing the population to recover to well over 100 penguins.
Important Information:
- Middle Island is permanently closed to the public.
- The experience does not travel to Middle Island.
- Participants cannot pat or touch the working Maremma dog.
- Remain calm and quiet around the dog and follow all staff instructions.
- The dog may be removed from a session if staff have concerns about its welfare.
- Some Foreshore Pavilion sessions include an approximately 600-metre walk to Stingray Bay and access onto sand.
- Foreshore sessions may have no seating available on the beach.
- Wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for the weather.
- Sessions may be relocated or cancelled during extreme weather.
Facilities:
Facilities depend on the session location. Flagstaff Hill has parking, accessible toilets, a visitor centre and food outlets. Foreshore Pavilion sessions begin near parking, a café and public amenities before walking to Stingray Bay.
Accessibility:
Accessibility varies between sessions. Foreshore Pavilion experiences can involve walking approximately 600 metres and accessing a sandy beach without seating. Visitors with mobility requirements should contact the organisers before booking to confirm the venue and available assistance.
Access for Dogs:
Pet dogs should not attend this experience. Stingray Bay is a dog-prohibited area, and the safety and wellbeing of the working Maremma dog must be protected. Contact the organisers before booking if attending with an assistance dog.
Opening Hours:
Public sessions operate on selected school-holiday dates. See the current session dates and availability.
Cost:
See the current ticket prices. A ticket for this experience does not include general admission to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. Every participant, including children admitted free under the current ticket conditions, requires a booked ticket.
Group Bookings:
Schools, tour groups and other organisations can enquire about year-round group presentations by emailing green@warrnambool.vic.gov.au.
✆ (03) 5559 4800 / 1300 003 280
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.warrnamboolpenguins.com.au/education
→ Middle Island - Maremma Penguin Project on Facebook
