Visit the Little Penguins

More Information

Join Friends of Burnie Penguins volunteers for a free interpretative guided tour of the Little Fairy Penguin colony.

See penguins up close for an intimate view into the seasonal life of penguin families, from courtship through to chick rearing and adults molting.

The colony is located along the foreshore in Burnie a very short distance from the city centre. You can walk to the Penguin Observation Centre along the boardwalk from your hotel, or park in the area behind the University of Tasmania – Makers Workshop.

The viewing area is level with wheelchair access and is child friendly.

Knowledgeable volunteer guides talk to you about the penguins, answer questions and help you view and photograph – without flashes! the little penguins as they go about their normal activities.

You will find the guides at the Burnie Penguin Observation Centre at dusk as the penguins come ashore, nightly from October 1st until March 31st, regardless of the weather.

The Little Penguins might be cosy in their snug feathers, but humans do need to be warmly wrapped as our viewing area is exposed to the weather, fair or foul.

Burnie City Council
  • Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
  • Caters for people who use a wheelchair.
  • Family
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Experience is free
  • Actively welcomes people with access needs.
16/04/2026

Burnie

Burnie City Council
Bass Highway
Burnie, Tasmania

Explore around Visit the Little Penguins

Select dates to view sailing schedule

Sailing Days Date Range Fitler

Select your departure location

Ship Status

Geelong to Devonport ( GEX to DPO )

Schedule Sailing

Check-in times

Est. Departure Time

Est. Arrival Time

August 12th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
13 Aug, 06:00 am
August 13th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
14 Aug, 06:00 am
August 14th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
15 Aug, 06:00 am
August 15th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
16 Aug, 06:00 am

Devonport to Geelong ( DPO to GEX )

Schedule Sailing

Check-in times

Est. Departure Time

Est. Arrival Time

August 12th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
13 Aug, 06:00 am
August 13th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
14 Aug, 06:00 am
August 14th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
15 Aug, 06:00 am
August 15th
06:45 pm

04:15 pm – 06:00 pm

06:45 pm
16 Aug, 06:00 am