Tour of Tasmania: Penguin

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Penguin (pop ~3000) gained its name from the fairy penguin colonies which dot the coast in this area of Tasmania. There are twilight viewing sessions of the rookeries, where the penguins clamber ashore to return to their nests after a day of feeding in Bass Strait. The best time for viewing is during the summer breeding season (November until March).

The backdrop for Penguin is the Dial Range, and there are numerous trails for bushwalking and horse riding. Two of the best places are Ferndene Gorge and Mt. Montgomery State Reserves.

In Penguin itself, St. Stephen's Church and Uniting Church are both classified by the National Trust. Hiscutt Park has a working Dutch windmill and tulips (in season), plus a lake which is home to the elusive platypus.

Just south of the town is Mason's Fuschia Fantasy, where 750 varieties are on display. Other attractions further from the town include Gunns Plains caves (see Ulverstone entry).

Penguin is around 15 min drive east of Burnie, and has three 3½-star accommodation facilities (RACT rated).