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Wildlife viewing · Bicheno, Tasmania
Bicheno Penguin Tours
A guided dusk tour to see the little penguins, the smallest penguins in the world, returning from the sea to burrows on Bicheno’s coast.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Bicheno Penguin Tours
Little penguins, also called fairy penguins, are the world’s smallest penguins, about 30 centimetres tall. A colony lives on Bicheno’s coast, in burrows among the rocks and vegetation near the village.
The penguins spend the day fishing at sea and return to their burrows at dusk. A guided tour takes visitors, in small groups, to the colony area where you can see the penguins up close as they come out of the water and climb to their nests.
The visit follows rules to avoid disturbing the animals: no flash photography and no photos are taken with flash; guides use low-intensity lights. In spring and summer, chicks wait at the burrow entrances for their parents.
The tour is paid and requires a reservation; check the current price list and the schedule, which changes with the season.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
At dusk, year-round. In spring and summer there’s more activity in the colony, with chicks.
How to get there
Tours depart from Bicheno town center, near the Tasman Highway; the meeting point is given at booking.
Tip
Wear dark clothing and warm layers. Do not use flash or a flashlight near the penguins.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Bicheno Penguin Tours
When can you see the penguins in Bicheno?
At dusk, when they return from the sea; the time changes with the season.
Can you photograph the penguins in Bicheno?
No, the tour does not allow photos, to avoid disturbing the animals.
Do you need to book the penguin tour?
Yes, groups are small; book in advance.