Little Penguin Observation Centre

Tourist attraction · Parklands ·

Little Penguin Observation Centre

Tourist attraction · Parklands ·

See wild little penguins waddle ashore with knowledgeable volunteers

Information

Parsonage Point, Parklands TAS 7320, Australia Get directions

@afar

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"From September toMarch, every evening around dusk, little (fairy) penguins noisily waddle around Parsonage Point on the western end of West Beach in Burnie to nest in their igloolike burrows. And each evening during the season, volunteers from Friends of Burnie Penguins come to watch the show and offer free talks and interpretative tours to share their knowledge along with fun facts about these adorable creatures—the smallest of all penguins—like how they can dive nearly 100 feet down, and only sleep for four minutes at a time. Little penguins don’t migrate, so this is Burnie’s home colony, which the Friends have gotten to know well and love over the years. That much is obvious."

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Photo courtesy of Dan Fellow/Tourism Tasmania

Little Penguin Observation Centre

Kodchakorn M.

Google

It was such a great experience seeing all the penguins. All the guides are so nice and so passionate about what they do. They’re always happy to answer questions, and they really know where the penguins are and where they’re going to be. And it’s FREE! Such an amazing and unique experience. If you can, consider donating to help them keep this wonderful centre running and continue sharing their knowledge.

Ls C.

Google

A must see and experience when you’re in Burnie! Kudos the Penguin Observation Centres and the wonderful volunteers working here - your enthusiasm makes the whole experience very worthwhile and memorable in spite of the very cold weather. Lots of penguins here - can see them emerging from the sea to go back to their nests. Do give donations to support their amazing services. ❤️

Jessica C.

Google

The volunteers are extremely helpfull and able to aid all questions. The team were able to show us when the penguins were coming in from the ocean. A great experience. Will Definitely re visit when back in Burnie.

J S.

Google

This is the best penguin observation area that I have ever seen. The path stretched across 500m+ so the visitors are spread over rather than in a giant crowd. It's wheelchair friendly, it's free and they have local volunteers showing you around. Parking is also easy.

Normandy C J.

Google

It is such a beautiful and awe inspiring experience to see the penguins make their way onto shore at Burnie. It starts off as a trickle when only one or two penguins make their appearance and then all of a sudden cute adorable penguins starts popping up everywhere and it just feels you with joy.

Google

Tours starts around 7:35 pm on the 21/3. Great free tour organised by penguin loving local volunteers. Please donate if you can for their cause. Also, bring a red plastic paper for your torch. The white led blinds the penguin for 30 mins.

Danielle B.

Google

A beautiful experience to see lots of fluffy chicks so close to shore waiting to be fed by their parents returning to the burrows. Even saw some mating 😉. The guides were wonderful, talking about the penguins, answering questions and helping to view & photograph the penguins

B C

Google

Fantastic place to visit in Burnie. I visit Penguins in zoos but yo see them in the wild. It's a fantastic experience. The volunteers are dedicated. Braving often the cold night. Please do not flash your torch on the Penguins as it hurts their eye. Put a red, yellow or orange cellophane on your torch to protect the Penguins.