The big Penguin, courtesy Discover Tasmania
Things to do in Penguin Tasmania
Penguin is a charming seaside town named after the little fairy penguins that can be heard coming ashore after dark from September to March to feed their young.
Penguin has a number of coffee shops, restaurants, and amenities.
Along Main Road, you will also find our renowned Big Penguin as well as a bakery, eateries, supermarkets, a butchery, cafes, a doctor, churches, a chemist, a newsagent, ATM’s, and a well-stocked bottle shop.
Larger shopping centres are less than 20 minutes away at either Devonport to the East or Burnie to the West.
Penguin market, on Sundays, is said to be the largest undercover market in Tasmania.
Penguin Foreshore: A scenic walking track runs along the coast from the town to Preservation Bay.
Hiscutt Park: Features a Dutch windmill, walking paths, playground and picnic area.
Beaches: Enjoy local spots like Preservation Bay Beach, Penguin Main Beach, Johnsons Beach.
Walking into Penguin Town Centre
The walk from Seaside Farm to Penguin is just over 2.5km each way along West Ridge Road with magnificent coastline views. The return journey is a little steep but well worth the effort, and you can take a break at our historic cemetery on the return trip. The Penguin Esplanade is a beautiful walk, and the nearby Dial Range provides numerous walking opportunities, e.g., Ferndene Gorge and Mount Montgomery State Reserve. Cradle Mountain National Park is just over an hour’s drive away and offers numerous walking tracks.
Tourist Attractions within an easy drive of Penguin
Wings Wildlife Park is a favourite and a great place to view many animals including Tassie Devils.
See penguins during the breeding season at the Burnie Penguin Observation Centre or Lillico beach, near Devonport.
The Nut at Stanley and Highfields Homestead. Stop at beautiful Boat Harbour for a coffee on the way.
Cradle Mountain , located in Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed National Park, offers world-class hiking and diverse wildlife.
Hellyers Whisky Distillery has daily tours and a great restaurant.
The October Tulip festival and tulip farm near Wynyard are spectacular.
Natone Hills Fly Fishing Farm will allow you to experience fly fishing and catch your own rainbow trout (no license required)
Gunns Plains Caves, featuring impressive limestone formations.
Leven Canyon, a scenic canyon with a walk to a lookout
Mountain biking: Penguin Mountain Bike Park, offers 6 km of trails, acting as a gateway to the more challenging Dial Range trails.