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)

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo — Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike — See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko — Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes — Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit. — Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.

14 places to see penguins in Australia