Watching penguins in Bicheno

Bicheno is well known for its nightly penguin tours, which offer visitors a close look at little penguins in their natural habitat. These tours are a popular activity for those hoping to experience Tasmanian wildlife and learn about local conservation efforts. Bicheno Penguin Tours provide an organised, respectful approach to viewing these animals, ensuring the experience is informative and minimally intrusive.

The little penguin, also called the fairy penguin, is the smallest species of penguin and is native to southern Australia and New Zealand. The Bicheno area has long been a habitat for these penguins, which come ashore each evening after spending the day fishing at sea. Over the years, this nightly return has become a local attraction. Bicheno Penguin Tours was established to offer guided, structured viewing experiences that respect the penguins’ environment and discourage unregulated tourism, which can disturb the animals.

The tours also highlight Tasmania’s conservation work and educate visitors on the need for environmental protection. Staff explain how the local community helps protect the penguins, which face risks from human activity, pets, and habitat loss. This commitment to sustainable tourism supports the preservation of Bicheno’s natural heritage, ensuring that both the town’s residents and visitors can enjoy the penguins’ presence responsibly.

The penguin watching experience

Visitors taking one of these tours can expect to see Little Penguins as they return to their burrows after sunset. Guided by knowledgeable staff, tour groups observe the penguins from a safe distance without causing disruption to the birds. The tour provides access to private viewing areas, giving visitors a chance to see the penguins closer than would be possible elsewhere. These areas are protected from external noise and artificial light, minimising disturbance to the penguins.

As the penguins emerge from the sea, guides provide information on their behaviour, nesting patterns, and the challenges they face in the wild. The Little Penguins usually come ashore in small groups, making their way to their burrows or nesting sites near the beach. With no barriers or enclosures, the experience allows for an authentic view of these animals, though guides ensure that visitors maintain an appropriate distance.

It is a more intimate experience than visiting the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island in Victoria.

The tour is suitable for all ages, but visitors are asked to remain quiet and follow all guidelines to avoid distressing the animals.

Bicheno Penguin Tours operates daily, though start times vary throughout the year. Generally, tours depart in the evening to align with the penguins’ return from the ocean, with precise start times provided upon booking.

The meeting point for the tour is at the Bicheno Penguin Tours office, which is shared with a surf shop on Burgess Street in Bicheno. It is recommended that you book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Flash photography is not permitted during the tour to avoid startling the penguins with camera flashes or bright screens. The guides provide thorough explanations of what visitors should expect before the tour begins, covering safety protocols, rules on noise levels, and how to approach the viewing areas.

Burgess Street, Bicheno TAS 7215
Website bichenopenguintours.com.au
Open 10am–5pm daily
Tours depart 5pm–7.45pm depending on the season
Website $46.50–73.50