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What next for the Summerland Peninsula? Photo: PINP
PHILLIP Island Nature Parks is inviting locals to help shape a bold new vision for the iconic Summerland Peninsula, home to the world’s largest little penguin colony and one of Australia’s most popular eco-tourism destinations.
In 1985 the Victorian Government launched the Summerland Estate buyback program to buy residential properties on the peninsula to protect the little penguin colony. The last houses were demolished or removed in 2010.
In 1985 the Victorian Government launched the Summerland Estate buyback program to buy residential properties on the peninsula to protect the little penguin colony. The last houses were demolished or removed in 2010.
The Summerland Master Plan was developed two years after that. Since then, major projects have transformed the area, including the $58 million Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, the $6 million Penguins Plus viewing stand, and a major boardwalk redevelopment that’s currently underway.
Have your say:
- Community workshop: Tuesday 29 July, 5.30–7pm, Education Rooms at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre. RSVP: community@penguins.org.au
- Drop-in session: Thursday 31 July, 12.30–1.30pm, North Pier Hotel upstairs function room
- Or email your thoughts and ideas to: community@penguins.org.au
“This is about re-setting our vision for the Summerland Peninsula for the next 20 to 30 years and considering fresh opportunities for the area,” Nature Parks spokesman Jarvis Weston said.
The peninsula is home not only to the famous penguins but also to the endangered Eastern-barred bandicoot, migratory shearwaters and fragile coastal habitats. It’s a place held dear by the Bunurong people, conservationists, locals and visitors alike.
Mr Jarvis said Nature Parks wanted to explore ways for people to access the greater area without compromising their user experience or impacting habitat and wildlife; and ensure the traditional Bunurong culture was evident to all community and visitors.
The closure of the Nobbies Visitor Centre in May due to structural issues, while disappointing, has opened the door to new ideas, he said.
The peninsula is home not only to the famous penguins but also to the endangered Eastern-barred bandicoot, migratory shearwaters and fragile coastal habitats. It’s a place held dear by the Bunurong people, conservationists, locals and visitors alike.
Mr Jarvis said Nature Parks wanted to explore ways for people to access the greater area without compromising their user experience or impacting habitat and wildlife; and ensure the traditional Bunurong culture was evident to all community and visitors.
The closure of the Nobbies Visitor Centre in May due to structural issues, while disappointing, has opened the door to new ideas, he said.
The Nobbies jinx
July 23, 2025 - The recent closure of the Nobbies Centre is the latest twist in a long and extraordinary saga that includes mini-tornados and multi-million-dollar court battles .
July 23, 2025 - The recent closure of the Nobbies Centre is the latest twist in a long and extraordinary saga that includes mini-tornados and multi-million-dollar court battles .
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