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Penguin Tasmania
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Mar 14, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Penguin Tasmania
Penguin is a charming seaside town on Tasmania’s north-west coast, set right on the edge of Bass Strait and known for its relaxed coastal vibe and postcard-pretty esplanade. The main street hugs the waterfront, where beautifully preserved heritage buildings are home to cosy cafés, bakeries, galleries, craft shops and quirky local artworks — including the town’s famous giant penguin statue.
With scenic walking trails, ocean views at every turn and a welcoming small-town feel, Penguin makes a perfect stop on any north-west Tasmania road trip. It’s located just 31 kilometres from Devonport and around 131 kilometres from Launceston.
Town of Penguin
The town of Penguin isn’t just named after its feathered friends — penguins are celebrated throughout the town in fun and quirky ways. The iconic giant penguin statue on the Esplanade is a must-see for photos, while local artworks, murals, and sculptures featuring penguins can be spotted around the streets. Nature lovers can enjoy a stroll along the coastal trails in hopes of spotting real little penguins returning to shore at dusk, making Penguin a delightful mix of seaside charm, creativity, and wildlife magic.
Hiscutt Park
Hiscutt Park is one of Penguin’s favourite outdoor spaces, it is a lovely, family‑friendly green oasis just minutes from the town centre. At its heart stands the charming replica Dutch windmill, a bicentennial gift from the local Dutch community that celebrates the area’s early settlers and adds a touch of old‑world character to the park landscape.
Wander the leafy paths along the gentle creek and lake, where playful ducks are often spotted and locals sometimes catch a glimpse of the shy platypus in the water. The park also offers plenty of facilities for visitors: picnic shelters and BBQ areas for relaxed lunches, a large playground to keep the kids busy, public toilets and accessible walking trails, making it a perfect spot for an afternoon of outdoor fun or a peaceful nature retreat.
Penguin Heritage Trail
Some of the highlights along the Penguin Heritage Trail showcase the town’s rich history and charming architecture. Key stops include the elegant Uniting Church, the historic Commercial Bank building, the grand Neptune Grand Hotel, the beautiful St Stephen’s Church, and the quaint Railway Station, each telling a story of Penguin’s past. Just a short walk from the station is the Penguin Gaol, built in 1902 and famously known as the smallest gaol in Tasmania — a fascinating glimpse into the town’s law-and-order history.
A visit to the Penguin General Cemetery is also worthwhile. Beyond its historical significance, the cemetery offers sweeping views over the town and the ocean, making it both a reflective and scenic stop. Wander among the heritage gravestones and memorials to uncover stories of the early settlers who shaped Penguin, all while enjoying the peaceful surroundings and coastal panorama.
Things to do near Penguin Tasmania
Preston Falls is a beautiful waterfall set within the deep, forested gorge of the Forth River in northwest Tasmania. It is located just 15 minutes south of Ulverstone.
The falls plunge dramatically into Preston Gorge, creating an impressive natural lookout and photo spot. Preston Falls is also commonly referred to as Delaney's Falls, although the signpost definitely says Preston Falls.
Preston Falls is a lovely waterfall formed where Preston Creek plunges 25 metres into a deep gorge. There is a small car parking area near the walkway to Preston Falls.
Castra Circuit
The Castra Circuit is a rewarding bushwalk that takes you through lush Tasmanian forest to discover three stunning waterfalls: Silver Falls, Castra Falls, and the dramatic Step Falls. The full circuit stretches about 6.5 kilometres and typically takes around two and a half hours to complete, making it a perfect half-day adventure for walkers who enjoy nature and a bit of exercise.
The trail winds through tall eucalypts, ferns, and moss-covered trees, offering plenty of opportunities to pause, breathe in the forest air, and take photos. Some sections of the track are steep or muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended. Along the way, the soothing sounds of cascading water and the occasional glimpse of native wildlife make the Castra Circuit a truly immersive Tasmanian bushwalking experience.
Leven Canyon
Leven Canyon is a spectacular natural landmark in Tasmania’s north-west, and it can be admired from two lookout points along the walking track. From both vantage points, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views straight down into the deep canyon, where the Leven River winds its way through lush, steep forested cliffs.
The dramatic drop, dense greenery, and the sparkling river below create a truly awe-inspiring scene, perfect for photography or simply pausing to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape. The walk to the lookouts is relatively short and accessible, making it a fantastic option for families, casual walkers, or anyone wanting a memorable encounter with Tasmania’s rugged wilderness.
The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is a fantastic 11-hectare private garden near Penguin in Tasmania. It has more than 24,000 varieties of rhododendrons and other flowering plants from around the world.
The rhododendrons create a spectacular display when they flower from late August to January. It is also wonderful to visit from March through May and see the stunning Autumn foliage.
It is a lovely, tranquil garden with beautiful lakes, strategically placed seats to sit and relax, and a cafe offering Devonshire Teas, light lunches, and homemade treats. At the gardens, you will also find various bird life and native fauna, such as platypus and echidna.
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