Where to See Penguins in Tasmania

Little Penguins, affectionately known as Fairy Penguins throughout my childhood, inhabit pockets of the Australian coastline from Western Australia, right along the southern coastline to New Zealand. However, if you’re keen on witnessing these adorable creatures in abundance, Tasmania is the place to be.

We’ve seen penguins in Phillip Island where we experienced the incredible penguin parade and we’ve even found them in Manly! However, it is down in Tasmania where we had the most intimate experience with no crowds at all!

Tasmania boasts the crown jewel of Little Penguin populations, with an astounding count of up to 190,000 breeding pairs! This staggering number catapults Tasmania to the forefront as the go-to destination for experiencing the delightful antics of these endearing little waddlers in both Australia and New Zealand.

On our latest adventure, we headed off to explore the best places to see penguins in Tasmania.

Tasmanian Penguins

When it comes to adorable wildlife encounters, few creatures can match the charm of the Little Penguin. Standing just over a foot tall and weighing around 1.2 kilograms, they feature distinctive slate-blue plumage and white bellies. This has made them a favourite of Sunshine’s!

Best Time of Year to See Penguins in Tasmania

The best time of year to see penguins in Tasmania is during the breeding season, typically from September to February.

During these months, penguins are more active as they court, nest, and raise their chicks, providing excellent opportunities for observation along the coastlines of Tasmania.

Where to See Penguins in Tasmania

What sets the Little Penguins apart and makes them a must-see attraction in Tasmania is their size and appearance and remarkable adaptability to various environments. Whether you’re exploring the bustling urban coastlines or remote islands of Tasmania, there’s a chance to catch a glimpse of them in so many places!

What makes the experience truly unique is witnessing their nightly return to shore in groups known as rafts. They waddle in, pause, look around, and continue forward. Sometimes they are pushed back by the breaking waves, only to reemerge and continue forward, It is so delightful to watch!

Official Tour or Self-Led?

When looking for penguins in Tasmania you have the choice of either a tour or trying to find them yourself. On our first trip attempt at seeing penguins, we headed off on a tour and enjoyed the Low Head Penguin Tours with the kids. However, when we returned we opted for self-led. They were both incredible.

Opting for a self-led adventure provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, allowing for spontaneous stops and personalised experiences. This flexibility enables visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Tasmania’s coastline and observe penguins in their habitat independently. A number of the locations even have volunteer guides and rangers to answer your questions.

On the other hand, joining a guided tour offers valuable insights from knowledgeable local guides who are well-versed in the behaviour and conservation efforts surrounding these beloved creatures. The guided tours in Tasmania provide access to exclusive viewing areas and provide educational commentary, enhancing the overall understanding and appreciation of Little Penguins and their environment.

Whether you choose to embark on a self-led journey or join a guided tour, both options guarantee unforgettable encounters with Tasmania’s enchanting Little Penguins, leaving you with cherished memories of this unique wildlife experience.

Map of Where to See Penguins in Tasmania

The Best Places to See Penguins Around Tasmania

Stanley

Stanley, Tasmania, is nestled on the northwest coast of Tasmania and is home to a large colony of Little Penguins.

Godfrey’s Beach Penguin Viewing Platform is the place to head for penguin encounters In Stanley. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of The Nut, this wheelchair-friendly platform offers an elevated and accessible vantage point for observing Little Penguins as they return to shore at dusk.

The platform’s strategic positioning provides visitors with a panoramic view of the surrounding coastline, enhancing the spectacle of these charming seabirds waddling ashore. The platform features built-in nesting boxes, providing a rare glimpse into the penguins’ nesting behaviours and fostering conservation awareness among viewers.

Adjacent areas like the Stanley Jetty and rocky outcrops also offer prime viewing spots for those seeking a closer encounter with the penguins in their natural habitat.

Burnie

Nestled along the picturesque northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie exudes a captivating blend of coastal charm and industrial heritage. We based ourselves in Burnie for one night so we could experience the penguins.

The Little Penguin Observation Centre is the best spot to head to see penguins in Burnie. Make sure to arrive a little before dusk so you can listen to the Friends of Burnie Penguins volunteers provide some information about the penguins ahead of their arrival. They do this every single evening from October 1st to March 31st

Devonport

We discovered penguins in Devonport by accident when attempting to find a spot to stop and eat our fish and chips one night! Just by chance, we discovered Lillico Beach and its wonderful viewing platform and also chanced upon the local ranger who gave us a personal tour of the location ahead of the penguins’ arrival!

For many, Devonport serves as a gateway to Tasmania’s scenic wonders and cultural delights as it is the first place they land if arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania. Few explore the area, heading off on their adventures as they reach landfall. Most are unaware that a large colony of penguins is thriving close by that you can see from Spring through to Autumn each year.

The Lillico Beach Conservation Area, a short distance from Devonport, is renowned for its Little Penguin viewing platform. Situated amidst coastal vegetation and overlooking the rocky shoreline, the platform provides an ideal vantage point for witnessing the penguins as they return from their ocean foraging trips at dusk.

You can also visit during the day where you might spot the baby chicks in the nesting boxes that are close to the viewing platform.

Port Sorell

If you’re staying in Port Sorell then you might like to try your luck at spotting penguins, however I wouldn’t book this destination specifically to see them as there are easier spots! You might catch a glimpse of Little Penguins around Shearwater Beach and Hawley Beach. These beaches provide natural habitats for the penguins, and lucky observers may spot them returning from their ocean foraging trips in the evenings.

While there isn’t a dedicated viewing platform in Port Sorell like in some other areas of Tasmania, patient and respectful observers can often spot these charming seabirds from the shoreline or nearby walking tracks. You’ll just need a little patience!

Low Head Penguin Tour

On our first trip to Tasmania as a family, we booked the Low Head Penguin Tour as it promised a chance to see penguins. We had no idea that there were so many free spots to see penguins across the state.

Low Head is situated at the historic Low Head Lighthouse precinct near George Town, approximately 45 kilometres north of Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city. The drive from Launceston to Low Head takes approximately 45 minutes by car, although it took us quite a lot longer on the way back to our accommodation due to nightfall and slowing down to avoid hitting any wildlife.

The Low Head Penguin tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to observe Little Penguins in their natural habitat. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes guests on a journey through the penguin colony’s nesting grounds, providing fascinating insights into their behaviours and conservation efforts. As dusk descends, witness the magic unfold as the penguins return from their ocean foraging trips, waddling ashore in adorable formations.

Whilst this is a paid tour, you do get a lot closer to the penguins in comparison to the viewing platforms. Here at Low Head, the penguins literally waked across my feet!

Bicheno

Bicheno is a picturesque seaside town nestled on Tasmania’s east coast along the famous Great Eastern Drive, Bicheno offers a perfect vantage point for observing Little Penguins in their natural habitat.

In the early 1990s, the Bicheno penguin colony faced grave peril from dog attacks, prompting locals Paul Male and Nic Wardlaw to establish Bicheno Penguin Tours. to protect native wildlife. Utilizing Nic’s teaching background and Paul’s expertise in landscaping, they implemented an education and land management approach to revitalize the dwindling penguin population, which had plummeted to just 40 birds.

Over the years, Bicheno Penguin Tours has vigilantly monitored the colony’s activities, swiftly responding to any threats. Collaborating with local farmers, they’ve reclaimed paddock space as a penguin habitat, resulting in a thriving population resurgence and the creation of a sustainable environment for multiple penguin generations.

The tours run all year round providing visitors with unforgettable opportunities to witness the penguins returning from their daily fishing trips to nest along the rocky shoreline at dusk.

If you want to try your luck to see penguins on your own in Bicheno, Redbill Beach provides a picturesque setting for observing Little Penguins as they return from their daily fishing expeditions to nest along the shoreline at dusk. Meanwhile, Waubs Beach, located in the middle of town, offers convenient access for visitors to witness these charming seabirds in their natural habitat.

Bruny Island

Located off the southeastern coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island is renowned for its rugged natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The island’s remote and unspoiled landscapes provide an ideal habitat for various seabird species, including Little Penguins.

The Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island, is renowned for its panoramic views and abundant wildlife, including penguins. Visitors can enjoy elevated platforms and walking trails that provide excellent vantage points for watching these charming seabirds return from their ocean foraging trips at dusk.

Strahan

Seeing Little Penguins in Strahan is a little tricky if you don’t have access to a 4X4 or boat. We’ve been told visitors can venture to nearby Hells Gates, the entrance to Macquarie Harbour, where penguins can sometimes be spotted darting through the waters in search of food.

Top Tips for Seeing Penguins

Embarking on a journey to witness the Little Penguins in any of the areas across Tasmania requires a delicate balance of respect and consideration. To ensure a memorable and responsible wildlife encounter, here are our top tips for penguin viewing etiquette in Tasmania.

Keep Quiet

Little Penguins are sensitive to noise, so maintaining a hushed demeanour is crucial to avoid disturbing them during their nightly return to shore. Whispered conversations and minimal movement are recommended to create a peaceful environment conducive to penguin viewing.

Turn Off Your Flash

Refraining from using flash photography or loud electronic devices ensures minimal disruption to the Little Penguins’ natural behaviour. By respecting their need for tranquillity, visitors can enhance their chances of witnessing these charming creatures in their element.

Use a Red Light

On our adventures to see Little Penguins we noted that many people had come along with their own red light torches. Utilising a red light source instead of white light is essential for penguin viewing as it minimises disturbance to their nocturnal activities.

Little Penguins have adapted to the darkness of the night and are less sensitive to red light, allowing observers to witness their behaviours without causing undue stress. Red-filtered flashlights or headlamps with adjustable settings are ideal tools for illuminating viewing areas while preserving the penguins’ natural environment.

Don’t Bring Your Dog Along (or any other animals)

I’ve noted that many visitors to Tasmania head over on the Spirit of Tasmania with their caravans and dogs, You’ll need to make arrangements for your animals before visiting any of the locations that the Little Penguins frequent.

To ensure the safety and comfort of Little Penguins, it’s essential to refrain from bringing any pets or domestic animals to the viewing areas. The presence of unfamiliar animals can create stress and disturbance among the penguin colonies, potentially disrupting their breeding and nesting activities.

All of the wildlife reserves and protected areas have strict regulations prohibiting the entry of pets to safeguard native wildlife populations. Don’t bring them along!

Essential Attire for Penguin Viewing Across the Settings

Whether you’re visiting during the mild summers or the crisp winters, dressing appropriately is key to maximizing comfort and enjoyment during your penguin-viewing adventure.

Lightweight, breathable clothing coupled with sturdy, waterproof footwear is ideal for navigating Tasmania’s coastal terrain. In cooler months, layering up with thermal undergarments and a waterproof jacket ensures warmth against the brisk sea breeze. I recommend a beanie and gloves almost all year round! Even in summer the wind can be chilly.

By dressing for the elements, you’ll be well-prepared to immerse yourself in the magic of Tasmania’s Little Penguins year-round