Tasmania · NW coast
Penguin & Burnie
A seaside town named for the birds, and a nearby observation centre with free guided viewing.
The place
Penguin & Burnie
The town of Penguin was named for the little penguins in 1861 and wears it proudly — a three-metre 'Big Penguin' stands on the foreshore and penguin motifs turn up all over town. Casual dusk viewing is possible along the beaches in season.
Nearby Burnie is arguably the more reliable, structured experience: a dedicated Little Penguin Observation Centre offers free guided viewing led by the 'Friends of Burnie Penguins' volunteers, with a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk.
All places to see penguinsRegion
North-west Tasmania
Nearest
Penguin / Burnie
Species
Little penguin
Season
~Nov – Mar (Burnie: Oct – Mar)
Access
Free foreshore & centre
Also nearby
Burnie observation centre
Good to know
- Burnie's guided viewing runs roughly October to March; donations support the volunteers.
- Also nearby: a free viewing platform at Godfrey's Beach beneath The Nut at Stanley.
- Keep to paths and use no white light.