14 Places To See Penguins In Australia

Australia is home to the smallest of any of the world’s penguins. This is where to find them.

Endemic penguins in Australia might all be the same species, but between our shores and New Zealand, it’s the only place in the world to spot adorable (and aptly named) little penguins. So-called for their small stature (at only 36 to 43 centimetres tall, they’re some of the smallest aquatic birds in the world), you’ll mostly find their colonies on islands just off the (mostly southern) coast. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t found their way to other states.

We’ve rounded up some of the best places to see little penguins in the Australian wild.

1. Phillip Island, Vic

It would be wrong to start this list with anything other than Phillip Island, home to one of the largest little penguin colonies in the world. Just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne and connected to mainland Victoria by a bridge, not only is it easy to get to, but the famous Penguin Parade is an adorable nightly event, tickets to which also support more research into and care for these waddly creatures. Elevated boardwalks make for perfect viewing points as a controlled number of visitors watch these feathered locals return to their burrows every night as the sun goes down.

little penguins return to their burrows during Phillip Island penguin parade — Buy a ticket to the Penguin Parade. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. St Kilda, Vic

Then again, you don’t need to leave Melbourne at all to spot little penguins. Head to St Kilda Beach and stop by Breakwater (the rocky outcrop at the end of the pier) to spot this local colony. To protect the penguins, there are three nightly viewings of the penguins between February and April run by the local council. Tickets are free but you do need to register . Penguin Rangers patrol the area for everyone’s safety.

St Kilda Penguin hiding in breakwater rocks — Spot penguins hiding in the rocks of the breakwater. (Image: Eric Fortin)

3. Middle Island, Warrnambool, Vic

Further south, little penguins also call Middle Island home, off the coast from Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road. Sadly, numbers were dwindling by 2006 after foxes made their way from the mainland to hunt during low tide. These days, after the installation of famously protective Maremma guard dogs on the island, the penguin population is soaring. Each summer, visitors can meet these pawed penguin pals on a ‘Meet the Maremma Tour’ and learn about the Penguin Protection Project .

maemma dogs protect little penguins on Middle Island victoria — See maemma dogs on duty at Middle Island. (Image: GOR Regional Tourism)

4. Penguin Island, WA

As the name suggests, Penguin Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in Western Australia. Visits to this pristine island are limited and only available during specific daylight hours in mid-September to early June. But it’s worth nabbing one of these tickets as the island is also home to pelicans, sea eagles and albatross. Guided wildlife walks are also available to book.

aerial shot of Penguin Island in western australia — Nab a ticket to Penguin Island. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Kangaroo Island, SA

Kangaroo Island already has a reputation as something of a sanctuary for Australian Wildlife, and it’s no different for little penguins. As the last operational penguin centre in South Australia, Penneshaw Penguin Centre runs nightly tours throughout the year. Seeing as the colony can be difficult to find on your own, it’s recommended to book in. Plus you’ll likely get a bit of astronomy thrown in.

little penguin spotted during Penneshaw Penguin Centre tour on Kangaroo Island — Go on tour with Penneshaw Penguin Centre. (Image: Milton Wordley)

6. Victor Harbor, West Island, SA

Victor Harbour – some 80 kilometres south of Adelaide – hosts little penguins across many of its islands (it’s also one of the best places to go whale-watching), but the best place to spot them is Granite Island. Sitting inside the Encounter Marine Park, penguin numbers have been struggling in recent years – so be sure to keep the fox-proof gate shut when you visit. If you’re not lucky enough to see a penguin, dolphins leafy sea dragons and seals all await. To increase your wildlife spotting success, check out Big Duck Boat Tours .

little penguin in Granite Island conservation area — Head into Granite Island’s Encounter Marine Park to spot little penguins. (Image: Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism)

7. Lion Island, NSW

Off the coast of Broken Bay sits Lion Island, the ironically named home of a little penguin colony. A joint project between National Parks and Wildlife and Taronga Zoo has been going since early 1990 to support the colony, which has now grown to about 300 breeding pairs. As a highly protected sanctuary, you’ll have to try and spot these cuties from a boat at a respectful distance.

Lion Island off the coast of Broken Bay — Spot penguins from the water around Lion Island. (Image: DNSW)

8. Manly, NSW

Sydney’s second-most famous beach suburb, Manly, is also home to its only little penguin breeding colony. While these penguins are known to forage for food throughout Sydney Harbour and along the Sydney coast, every May to February they return to the nesting boxes at Shore Beach in Manly to have their babies. Not accessible by land, kayak is generally the best way to get to the beach. As it’s a smaller population, it’s not guaranteed to see them – but if you do, keep a respectful distance, never bring your dog and don’t use flash photography as it disorientates them.

manly beach aerial shot — Watch penguins return to their nesting boxes at Shore Beach. (Image: DNSW)

9. Jervis Bay, NSW

Bowen Island – at the entrance to Jervis Bay – may be small. In fact, this sandstone island is only about a kilometre long and half as wide. But it packs a little penguin punch with around 5000 breeding pairs calling it home. Every night from dawn to an hour before dusk they head out in search of food, before returning to their burrows before they lose all daylight.

aerial shot of Bowen Island — Circle the tiny Bowen Island to spot a large penguin colony. (Image: DNSW)

10. Stanley, Tas

Stanley might be most famous for a giant rock formation known as The Nut. But its little penguins are a strong second. Head to Godfrey’s Beach for a wheelchair-friendly penguin viewing platform, or book a cabin at BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park to watch the little critters walking along Tatlow Beach.

a couple sits on picnic bench at Tatlow Beach, BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park — Book a spot at BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park to watch little penguins along Tatlow Beach. (Image: Jess Bonde)

11. Penguin, Tas

Yes, the town named Penguin in Tasmania is home to plenty of little penguins. Here, they’re so proud of their feathery locals that they’ve even erected a ‘big penguin’ statue. See real-life ones when you head toward the southern end of Penguin Beach, or pop over to the next beach, eastways.

big penguin statue in penguin township tasmania — See the big penguin, then look for little ones. (Image: Adrian Cook)

12. Bicheno, Tas

The bustling town of Bicheno on Tasmania’s east coast is worth a visit for several reasons. Top of the list is their little penguins on Redbill and Waubs beaches. Both are easy to get to by foot (the latter is even in the middle of town) so you won’t be the only person setting up a picnic blanket before dusk to watch the local penguins head home for the night. You can also join Bicheno Penguin Tours for access to a private property loved by penguins that other tourists can’t.

woman watching wild little penguin during Bicheno Penguin Tours — Join Bicheno Penguin Tours. (Image: Tourism Australia)

13. Low Head, Tas

Just a 45-minute drive from Launceston, Low Head is home to a conservation area where hundreds of local little penguins like to breed between November and February. As the area closes before dusk, you’ll need to join Low Head Penguin Tours Tasmania for access.

little penguins on low head beach in tasmania — Book a tour to see the little penguins of Low Head conservation area. (Image: Florian Rohart)

14. Devonport, Tas

Lillico Beach Conservation Area is something of a local secret for penguin spotting. From late September to early April, head to the eastern end of the beach to watch little penguins from the viewing platform. Guides will be patrolling the area and ready to answer your penguin-related questions.

a little penguin scurries across a beach in tasmania — Join locals for penguin spotting. (Image: Chi Kueng Renault Wong)

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

14 places to see penguins in Australia