The pretty seaside town of Penguin is as charming as its name, and the perfect stop-off for exploring Tasmania’s scenic north-west coast.
Sitting on the edge of Bass Strait, Penguin is an easy 90-minute drive from Launceston or a quick 20 minutes from the ferry terminal at Devonport.
First settled in 1861 as a timber town, Penguin was named by renowned botanist Ronald Campbell for the little fairy penguin rookeries found along the coastline.
Today, this friendly community is home to a population of just over 4000.
Interestingly, the town is named Penguin due to an error in the mapping department back in England. It was given a name from a neighbouring area (now named sulphur Creek) where the penguins actually reside. But don’t worry – there are plenty of penguin-themed attractions in town, plus lots of penguin-viewing spots just a short drive away.
In quintessential Aussie style, Penguin’s most popular attraction is The Big Penguin, the town’s iconic 3.5-metre-tall landmark and favourite selfie-spot. The local council has proudly embraced the town’s penguin theme with penguin shaped rubbish bins and painted bollards. Local cafes and the Penguin Country Bakehouse have done the same by offering penguin-themed treats – the bakery’s Flaming Penguin Pie is a must.
The Penguin Beer Co offers craft beers by the beach, with a stunning view over Bass Strait. A favourite with locals for a Saturday or Sunday hang, it has been offering live music and a range of signature brews since 2020.
On Sundays, the vibrant Penguin Undercover Market welcomes locals and tourists alike. It is Tasmania’s largest undercover market, with over 100 stalls offering local food, wine, handicrafts, art and vintage treasures. Drawing a large crowd every week, the market has been operating every Sunday from 9am to 3pm for more than 20 years.
Further on, the stretch of Bass Highway from Ulverstone to Wynyard is breathtaking as it snakes alongside the ocean. With Penguin sitting in the middle, it’s the ideal spot for a stretch of the legs along the Penguin Heritage Trail, a bite to eat at a beachfront café, or to use as a base to explore the area. The Penguin Heritage Trail provides QR codes all along the walk, which offer more detail about all 26 fascinating heritage sites. The QR codes also provide access to audio narration from locals, who share stories and personal experiences from the past.
Just 10 minutes outside of Penguin is Mount Gnomon Farm, which offers an authentic paddock-to-plate experience in its award-winning dining room. Wander the kitchen gardens before embarking on a culinary journey as the head chef prepares a multi-course meal which champions the best local produce. The french-style cuisine can be enjoyed with a cold cider from the nearby heritage orchard, taking this experience to a whole new level.
Sitting at the bottom of the Dial Range, there’s a variety of popular hiking or biking trails for those looking for outdoor activities and adventures. The Penguin Mountain Bike Park features more than six kilometres of trails, jumps, wall rides, and a smaller skills park. It is suitable for all skill levels, with challenging hills for confident riders, and gentle slopes for those new to their wheels. It is also a great starting point for more challenging rides into the Dial Range, including the famous Iron Tor trail.
But in Penguin, it’s all about the penguins – and there are many great spots in nearby towns to catch a glimpse of these tiny, protected natives. Guided tours are offered in Burnie during breeding season (from September to February), when the fairy penguins can be seen waddling from the sea back to their nests in the evenings.
Another great place to spot Penguins is Lillico Beach, which is a 20 minute drive from town. The free guided viewing platform is ideal for watching Little Penguins as they move along the sand, with two or three guides stationed on the platform each night to share all the insider knowledge you could want.
This teeny town is as sweet as its namesakes, so don’t miss the chance to experience it for yourself next time you’re in Tasmania.
Loving all these great things to do in the town of Penguin? To read about the best things to do in nearby Devonport, click here.
