National Parks and Reserves

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.