bicheno penguin tours prices

See penguins in the wild

Tours departing from 07:30 pm tonight book now, penguins arrive in, summer season.

September - January

Tours Depart 7:30pm - 9:10pm

During breeding season, the penguins are very busy preparing for their offspring. The male penguins are especially busy during this time, as they take on the important task of building burrows to protect their growing families. They work tirelessly to create a safe and cozy home that meets the expectations of their mates and their offspring.

(Children under 4 are free)

Winter Season

February + April - August

Tours Depart 5:00pm - 7:30pm

During the Winter Season, penguins are focused on maintaining their burrows, building better nests, and taking a break from the constant stress of being in the ocean. This season is generally quieter for both our penguins and guests, providing a unique opportunity for a more personalised experience in the penguin rookery. It's worth noting that February is typically the moulting season for our penguins, during which they stay home.

Tours Depart 7.45pm

During the month of March, the penguins are splitting their time between the rookery and the sea, as they recover from the task of raising their young. This period typically sees smaller groups of penguins in the rookery, creating a more intimate and peaceful environment for visitors to experience. It's a wonderful time to witness the daily routines of these fascinating birds and gain an appreciation for their resilience and hard work.

Book your tour today!

Every weekend is an adventure

Wild penguins in bicheno: when and where to spot them.

• Post published: 18 January 2023
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Tasmania

Little penguins are adorable, and it is very exciting that they visit several places in Tasmania . Standing at just 40 cm tall, with fluffy babies, they are among the cutest birds to encounter. If you are headed to Tasmania’s East Coast, you will be delighted to know that you can spot wild penguins in Bicheno. Our experience can assist you in making the most of your little penguin adventure.

Responsible travel tip : I strongly recommend joining a guided tour in Bicheno. Alternatively, you could visit another place in Tasmania to observe penguins from a platform , to ensure the safety of wild animals. Spotting penguins on the beach in Bicheno without a guided tour was not particularly enjoyable for me as there was a high risk of disturbing them.

When to see penguins in Bicheno

You will spot more penguins during the breeding season, which is from October to January. The best season to see penguins in Bicheno is from December to January as adults go to sea during the day and return to the beach at night to feed their young ones. You will have to wait on the beach until it gets dark. When the darkness has come and there’s no movement on the beach, the adults feel safe to exit the water and make their way to their babies who have been hidden in their burrows all day and call for them at night.

Penguins are wild animals, so you cannot be certain about the time when they will return to land. When we went to see penguins in Bicheno, the sunset time was 8.50 pm. We expected to see them soon after the last light (around 9.30 pm). However, they arrived much later (after 10 pm) when the beach was finally quiet, and most people had left, thinking they weren’t showing up that night.

You can still see penguins in Bicheno the rest of the year, but in smaller numbers. When the young ones are big enough to fend for themselves, they leave the burrows and do not return until they are ready to mate. From February to May, it’s time for the parents to look after themselves, and it’s when your chances of seeing penguins are the lowest. They hide for a couple of weeks while moulting and cannot go to sea until their new feathers are waterproof. Before and after moulting, they will spend more time at sea to put on weight. From June to September, the males start to regularly return to land to prepare their nests to seduce a female.

Are you guaranteed to see penguins in Bicheno?

Little penguins are wild animals, so you are never assured of seeing them. However, you can do a few things to maximise your chances of spotting penguins in the wild. Going during summer or choosing a day when high tide is around sunset time will maximise your chances.

The best way to see penguins in Bicheno is to book a tour . Many people who go without a tour do not find them or end up not having a positive experience for both the penguins and other visitors. It is much easier to be part of a smaller group following a guide with the right equipment and knowledge.

If the penguins are frightened, they may turn around and not come to shore that night. It’s disappointing for all the visitors who came to spot them. But it’s worse for their young ones, who spent the day waiting to be fed and will have to wait another 24 hours!

If you prefer not to book a tour, you might want to consider visiting the north coast or Bruny Island for a more rewarding wildlife experience. Several places have been designated for visitors to see the penguins without disturbing them and to learn more about the colony. We were able to observe the penguins up close with the aid of red lighting, for a much longer time, and take plenty of photos with our phones. I found it to be one of the best places to see penguins in Tasmania . We couldn’t get any good photos of the penguins in Bicheno because we had to watch them in the dark. Remember not to use torches or flash photography .

Where to see penguins in Bicheno

Penguins visit a few beaches in Bicheno. But you won’t have the same experience everywhere.

The best place to see penguins in Bicheno is on a private beach with a guided tour . This will ensure the penguins’ safety and provide you with a more rewarding and unforgettable experience. If you choose not to go with a tour, you – along with many other visitors – may have difficulty finding a spot to observe the penguins without disturbing them.

Three free-to-access beaches – the blowhole, Redbill Beach, and Waubs Beach – are known to be home to penguins in Bicheno. At Redbill Beach, we joined a group waiting on rocks at the beach’s right end and saw a couple of dozen little penguins making their way to their burrows. At the blowhole, we spotted penguins hiding in the rocks but it wasn’t easy!

Accommodations in Bicheno where you can see penguins

Given that the penguins arrive at night, it’s best to stay near where you’ll be spotting them. Bicheno has plenty of accommodation options.

As penguins arrive at night, you don’t want to sleep too far away from where you’ll spot them. You’ll find many accommodation options in Bicheno.

Why not consider spending the night at a location where the penguins visit, so you won’t have to drive to the beach?

Diamond Beach Resort * offers a free private penguin show for its guests, while penguins also nest in the gardens surrounding Cod Rock Point *.

Remember the rules to increase your chances of seeing penguins

To increase your chances of seeing penguins in Bicheno, you must follow a few rules so that they feel safe to come out of the water. Otherwise, you may have to wait longer or not see any penguins at all.

The two most important rules to spot penguins are not to use white light, even to find your way on the beach (dimmed red light is okay), and not to move around too much. This means that you cannot use a torch and must not take photos using a flash or any other bright light. If you arrive early, it will be easy to see where you’re stepping. It’s also better to stay in a larger group, so try to join other people who are already waiting on the beach.

When you plan to see penguins in Bicheno, you should understand that you may not be able to leave whenever you feel like it. Moving around on the beach will disturb the penguins, and even turning on your light will cause a disturbance. Make sure you bring warm and dark clothing, as you’ll get cold waiting and want to blend in with the darkness to increase your chances of seeing the penguins.

Responsible travel tip: It’s important to follow the rules during your wildlife experience to increase your chances of seeing penguins. However, it should not stop there. After your experience, drive slowly when leaving the site. Penguins can travel a few hundred metres on land, and driving slowly will make it safer for other wildlife too. If you have pets, understand when and where you can take them to the beach. Ideally, avoid bringing them to beaches where the penguins nest. This will protect penguins and shorebirds.

Did you see penguins in Bicheno? Share your experience in the comments below!

Where is bicheno.

Bicheno is located on the East Coast of Tasmania, and it takes approximately 2.5 hours to drive there from Hobart. It’s a popular destination for visitors touring Tasmania due to its proximity to Freycinet National Park in the south and the Bay of Fires in the north.

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Bicheno Penguin Tour

from 0 review

1 Hr Duration

Book the Bicheno Penguin Tour and get up close with the world’s smallest and cutest penguins at Bicheno!

Centrally located on Tasmania’s East Coast, Bicheno is home to the world-famous little penguins. This penguin tour is the best way to see little penguins up close and safely without disturbing them in their natural habitat. Your tour begins at dusk with an expert guide giving an informative commentary and introduction to the penguin colony. Then watch carefully as these adorable small creatures come back to the shore, making their way to the dunes after a day of fishing.

Bicheno Penguin Tour inclusive:

• Penguin night tour
• Experienced guide
• Expert commentary
• Free Cancellation 5 Days Before

Come see the adorable penguins march up onto the shore – book your spot with us today at Discount Price!

Assembling arrangement

Meeting point: 70 Burgess St, Bicheno TAS 7215, Australia This tour does not include hotel transfers. Please make your way to the tour location. Tour operates daily except for Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

Booking Information

Upon booking this product, you will receive confirmation in the form of a tour voucher. Please present the voucher on your mobile device on the day of the tour. Your tour operator's contact details are included on the tour voucher.

Child ticket: Ages 4 - 14 years Infants aged 0 - 3 years can take part in this tour for free. Strictly no cameras or videos are allowed during the tour. Loud noises can scare the penguins away. Please wear warm clothing in winter and covered footwear.

Cancellation

• Full refunds will be issued for cancellation or revision made at least 5 days before use.
• No cancellation or revision within 4 days before use.
• If you do not show up at the required time, you will be considered to have forfeited your booking and will not be entitled to a refund.

Included/Excluded

• Hotel transfers
• All other personal expenses

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Bicheno Penguin Tours

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Bicheno Penguin Tours

Shop One, Town Centre, Tasman Highway, Bicheno

From $42.50 per person*

Bicheno Penguin Tours is an exciting educational wildlife experience for the whole family.

Your tour departs from the office in Bicheno, a shuttle bus takes you to the Private Bicheno Penguin Reserve. You will be met by an experienced guide who will give you a comprehensive explanation of the penguins daily life and answer all your questions.

The protected private penguin rookery allows you to view these remarkable birds up close and undisturbed in their own environment. If you are very quiet sometimes the penguins may stand on your feet.

The tour duration is one hour and ten minutes.

Tour Includes:

• Small Tour Sizes
• Expert Guide and Commentary
• Return Shuttle from Bicheno Penguin Tours Office to the Penguin Reserve

Tour Details:

• Tours depart at dusk
• Closed Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
• Mobile phone photography permitted (no flash)

Tour Availability:

• Tours operate 7 days
• Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm Sunday 10:00am - 2:00pm

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Bicheno Penguin Tour

Bicheno Penguin Tours takes you to see the Little Blue Penguins (Fairy penguin) at dusk on Tasmania’s east coast. The nightly tours offer a rare and thrilling chance to visit a private penguin rookery. Upon arriving at the rookery you can can be a part of their journey home, from emerging from the ocean to entering the burrow. 

Established by Bicheno locals to protect the penguin population, the tour lets you get close to the penguins without disturbing their nightly journey. The experienced guides will give you a comprehensive explanation of the penguins daily life and answer all your questions. 

Departure details

Shop 1-70 Burgess street, Town Centre, Bicheno. Tasman Highway . Bicheno TAS 7215 Australia

Price Includes

• Expert guide and commentary
• Return bus transfer from the office (Town Centre) (70 Burgess Street Bicheno)
• Free photos of penguins

You can expect to get very close to a penguin. Wear very warm clothing in winter and covered footwear – Penguins bite toes! Personal photography is permitted; however we maintain a strict ‘No Flash’ policy – please enquire for further details.

A Penguin Tour is the best way to see penguins up close and safely without disturbing them or hurting yourself! The penguins are accustomed to our tour and lights, but loud noises and camera flashes will scare them away.

Terms & Conditions

ENVIRONMENT

Please note that Bicheno Penguin Tours is operated within the natural habitat of the Little Blue Penguin. The tour involves walking approximately 500 metres over an hour period. The tracks that we walk along are not conducive to wheelchairs, walking frames or prams. All patrons are transported to the tour site via our shuttle bus – all patrons must wear seatbelts during the trip, and all infants must be seated on their parent’s/carer’s lap during the journey.

DURATION OF THE TOUR

The duration of each Penguin Tour is approximately 1 hour, depending on the arrival of the Penguins.

Please check in at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

WHAT TO WEAR

For Penguin Tours you are required to wear enclosed and comfortable shoes without prominent heels. As the tour is entirely outdoors, we recommend warm comfortable clothing and during the cooler months you are advised to bring a weather proof jacket.

Please note that the tours will go ahead even if the weather is inclement.

We have a strict no-photography policy – this includes all forms of cameras including phones and video cameras.

Bicheno Penguin Tours operates in all weather conditions and tours will only be cancelled in weather conditions such as extreme winds. We will postpone tours at our own discretion with the safety of our patrons in mind.    

BOOKING CANCELLATION POLICY

Your booking is for a specific time and date. Changes to the date and/or time of your reservation will be accommodated where practical, however you will only be accommodated at an available time and date.  Cancellations made 24 hours before the tours departs are fully refundable.

No refunds for change of mind. It is your responsibility to ensure you have chosen the correct day, date and time before purchasing a ticket.

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Visit Bicheno Penguin Tours

Bicheno Penguin Tours is located in Bicheno and has an admission fee. Looking for more interesting attractions in the area? These are all nearby — Bicheno Blowhole, East Coast Natureworld and Whalers Lookout.

Popular places to visit

• Bicheno's Motorcycle Museum & Restoration

Admire the fascinating motorbikes, learn some motoring history or browse the shop of this Tasmanian tribute to all things motorcycling.

• Bicheno Blowhole

Get sprayed by salty water from up close or witness the power of nature from a safe distance at this powerful natural water feature in a dramatic coastal setting.

East Coast Natureworld

Why not visit the native and exotic animals who call East Coast Natureworld home during your travels in Bicheno? While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

• Devil’s Corner Cellar Door

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Devil’s Corner Cellar Door during your travels to Apslawn. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Waubs Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Waubs Beach during your trip to Bicheno? While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Lookout Rock State Reserve

Explore the great outdoors at Lookout Rock State Reserve, a lovely green space in Bicheno. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

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Bicheno Penguin Tours Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

• Things To Do In Bicheno

Bicheno Penguin Tours

• Address: 70 Burgess St, Bicheno TAS 7215, Australia
• Timings: 24-hrs Details

95% of people who visit Bicheno include Bicheno Penguin Tours in their plan

• 3 PM - 4 PM

40% of people start their Bicheno Penguin Tours visit around 3 PM - 4 PM

People usually take around 30 Minutes to see Bicheno Penguin Tours

86.36% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Bicheno Penguin Tours

People normally club together Freycinet Vineyards and East Coast Natureworld while planning their visit to Bicheno Penguin Tours.

Bicheno Penguin Tours Reviews & Ratings

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Bicheno Penguin Tours

Bicheno Penguin Tours takes you to see fairy penguins at dusk on Tasmania’s East Coast. The nightly evening tours offer a rare and thrilling chance to visit a private rookery. You can watch the fairy penguins (also known as the little penguin) emerge from the ocean and head for their homes.

Established by Bicheno locals to protect the penguin population, the tour lets you get close to the penguins without disturbing their nightly journey.

Tours operate daily except Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Tours depart at dusk and penguin numbers vary seasonally. Bookings are essential for penguin tours.

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Bicheno Penguin Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Bicheno Penguin Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)