penguin tours bruny island

Tasmania Explorer

Bruny Island Penguins🐧: Everything You Need To Know

I love penguins and after our great experience getting up close to penguins in Low Head, on Tasmanian’s north coast ( read more here ), I was very excited when I realised we could also check out Bruny Island penguins on our trip to Bruny.

Home to many fairy penguins, The Neck at Bruny Island is set up so you can visit the penguins as they come in at sunset as well as shearwaters. There wasn’t any tours at the time we visited so it’s an independent activity. We wondered if we would have a good experience and if it was worth the effort to visit here in the evening with our three kids.

So should you go? What time can you see penguins? Are there many?

Below, I give you all the details about visiting the penguin rookery Bruny Island and describe exactly what you can expect from a visit here. I hope you enjoy it too!

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!

Bruny Island Penguins

The penguins at Bruny Island are fairy penguins which is the smallest species of penguins. They are the only ones that breed in Australian waters and they can be found in many places from Fremantle in Western Australia to southern Queensland and around the coast in Tasmania.

At The Neck, there are some information boards about the penguins as well as a short boardwalk from the car park to the opposite side of The Neck there the penguins come in off the beach. There is a viewing platform on this side. From the boardwalk, you can see many burrows all around. Same from the path up to the viewing platform.

In the evening, you aren’t allowed on the beach to protect the penguins. You also can’t use regular torches – you need to cover them in red cellophane.

A couple who showed up when we were there obviously didn’t understand this – they not only went on the beach right in front of the viewing area, but set up a party complete with music on speakers, wine and food 😮 Thankfully, someone else watching managed to convince them to leave.

In this area, there aren’t just penguins but many shearwaters nesting.

The Bruny Island penguins’ time is around sunset – when they are meant to come in from the ocean. However, when we visited, no penguins appeared until about 50 minutes after this when it was very dark.

We then only saw a few over the next half hour when finally a bunch of five came out of the water. With my powerful, red cellophane torch, we could see them ok but it was impossible to get any photos that were any good so please forgive the one I show here. It was nothing like our experience at Low Head.

Other people at the platform the same time as us had smaller torches and couldn’t really see anything.

At this point, we had to give up as the kids had had enough and it was very late. I was disappointed as it had seemed like it was just getting good! On the way back over the boardwalk to the car, we saw many shearwaters nesting and making quite a lot of noise.

The drive back to our accommodation was a slow one thanks to wildlife on the roads at night. In a way, this was a better wildlife experience than we had at The Neck as we saw many different creatures up close in the car beams as we waited for them to finish crossing the road including an amazing looking echnida. We didn’t pass a single car in the 30 minute journey – Bruny Island is definitely not a night destination unless you are wildlife.

Bruny Island Penguin Tour

While you may be able to find Bruny Island penguin tours somewhere, there is no sign of any when we visited in October 2020. This is a low key experience you can do by yourself.

Penguins Bruny Island Location

The fairy penguins Bruny Island Tasmania are at The Neck. The viewing point is at the same place as the lookout and shares a small car park. I can imagine at busy times, it could be possible for this car park to fill up and there isn’t any street parking.

There is a toilet by the car park.

Final Words

As a penguin fan, I enjoyed the fairy penguins Bruny Island and I’m glad we stood out in the cold dark to see them. However, it was disappointing after my other penguin experiences and from our experience on this one night, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are a big penguin fan too. It was a lot of waiting for very little.

If you have been to see the Bruny Island penguins, I’d love to hear of your experiences in the comments below to find out if we were unlucky, lucky or if this is a typical experience.

Make sure you have a decent torch covered in red cellophane or a special red light torch for viewing wildlife. You’ll need it.

Otherwise, relax, enjoy and have no expectations. Fairy penguins are awesome little creatures!

Want to drink some delicious wines or ciders and have a nice lunch during your time on Bruny? Read our full review of the Bruny Island winery here . Like some oysters before or after your meal? Read about how to get delicious Bruny Island oysters here . You can also find our full guide to things to do on Bruny Island here and Bruny Island camping guide here . Find more fun things to do in Southern Tasmania here.

Related posts:

By Shan Hutchinson

Shan grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

Where to See Penguins in Tasmania

Are you planning your holiday and wondering where to see penguins in Tasmania?

These cute little feathered friends might be shy, but with my local advice and tips your family will know exactly where to go to have the perfect fairy penguin experience.

Keep reading to find out more!

This page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read our full disclosure policy  here .

With only the cold waters of the Southern Ocean before you reach Antarctica, it isn’t a surprise that penguins make Tasmania their home.

‘Little penguins’ are found all the way from Western Australia in the west, to New Zealand in the east. But with up to 190,000 breeding pairs of penguins, Tasmania has the largest population by far, making it the perfect place to see these cute little waddlers!

For as much as 80% of the time these amazing swimmers spend their time at sea hunting for fish – not just for themselves but for their little chicks waiting for them back home.

Every evening at sunset they call it a day and wait in the water until it is dark enough for them to emerge and walk as quickly as their little legs let them, across the sand to the welcoming squawks of their family and the safety of their burrow.

💡  Best time of year to see penguins in Tasmania?

Your chances of seeing penguins are good year-round, but there are some times of year when they gather in big numbers!

• September – January : The best time of year, as they are breeding and raising their chicks on the beaches – 100+ penguins.
• June – August : Penguins build their nests in winter, making this the second best time of year to see them – 50+ penguins.
• February – May : This is the moulting season and it’s the quietest time of year for penguins (but they are definitely still around!) – 20+ penguins.

It might be a surprise, but fairy penguins are very good diggers, and they like to build their burrows under the sheltered ledges, shrubbery and rocks that lie just beyond the sand of Tasmania’s many beaches.

Rookeries are scattered all the way round Tasmania, but I want to show you the best and most easily accessible places to see these gorgeous birds for yourself and your family – including heaps of free options, and two amazing penguin tours with  Bicheno Penguin Tours  on the east coast and Low Head Penguin Tours   up north.

Where to see penguins in Tasmania

My map below shows you where to see penguins in Tasmania, and if you keep reading you will find a description of each, including how to get there, the best tour options, and even some of my favourite accommodation options right nearby!

We start our penguin pilgrimage in the town of Stanley on Tasmania’s far North West coast.

The ‘Nut’ is its most famous attraction, soaring out of the stormy waters of Bass Strait. And at the foot of this giant volcanic plug – between the cemetery and the sea – is Godfrey’s Beach Penguin Viewing Platform .

This wheelchair-friendly platform has been a fantastic addition to the foreshore, making it really easy to watch the tiny Fairy Penguins waddle their way back to their burrows of an evening, without disturbing them or getting in their way. It even has built-in nesting boxes, making it easier to get as close as possible!

A nice little bonus for guests staying at the Stanley BIG4 Holiday Park is that penguins also make an appearance on Tatlows Beach, right out front.

If you’re looking for the best place to see penguins in Tasmania then you’ll be pleased to hear that Stanley is my favourite free location.

Address : 11 Harrison Terrace, Stanley ( here )

Options:  DIY only (no paid tours)

Cost : FREE

Website : Stanley and Tarkine – Penguin Viewing Tasmania  

Stay Nearby : BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park   (budget)   / The Ark Stanley  (B&B)

💡  Please be careful

There are some simple things you can do when penguin spotting to look after these shy birds and protect them for future generations:

• Be as quiet as possible, and try not to move around (we recommend finding a good spot and settling in before sunset);
• Don’t use a torch or your mobile phone light. Penguins have excellent eyesight and when they see bright lights they may stay in the water, stopping them from feeding their baby chicks;
• Turn off the flash on your camera or phone;
• Don’t ever bring dogs or cats to a beach where penguins live, as they can a lot of damage to adult and baby penguins, and their homes;
• Don’t ever try and touch a penguin . Not only will it cause them a lot of stress, they are also protected wildlife and serious penalties apply.

2. Burnie Penguin Tours

Working our way east along the ever-changing coast, our next destination is Burnie.

It might have been built on forestry, manufacturing and heavy industry, but Burnie has a softer side that makes it a fantastic destination for penguin peepers.

The Little Penguin Observation Centre is just a a couple of minutes drive from central Burnie, right next to the golden sands of Burnie Beach. Or if you feel like a stroll you can follow the boardwalk along the beach and it will take you straight to the Observation Centre.

The ‘Friends of Burnie Penguins’ are all passionate volunteers, and every evening from 1 October through to 31 March they do a wonderful job of educating children and adults alike about their little penguins.

These Burnie penguin tours are completely free and many of our Facebook group members have given them rave reviews!

Donations are always welcome, and it’s easy to see that all their fundraising efforts go towards protecting the penguins and providing them every opportunity to breed and flourish.

Address : The Boardwalk, Parsonage Point ( here )

Options : DIY only (no paid tours)

Website : Burnie Penguin Observation Centre

Brochure : Click here

Stay Nearby : Coastal Pods Wynyard

💡  Go platypus spotting!

Want to see even more Tassie wildlife? Just outside Burnie is Fern Glade Reserve, one of Tasmania’s best places for spotting platypus. 

Click here to learn more!

3. Penguin (the town!)

As a teenager growing up in South Australia I can still remember hearing about the tiny town of Penguin for the first time.

You mean to say there really IS a place in the world that is called…’penguin’?!

Once upon a time this beachside escape used to be a timber town, but now it’s one of Tasmania’s best places to get your penguin fix!

A photo with the ‘ Big Penguin ‘ by the beach is a must, and keep your eyes peeled for the little Fairy Penguins that decorate the rubbish bins around town.

There are a few beaches within walking distance of Penguin, and from what we’ve heard your best bet for spotting one at dusk is to head toward the southern end of Penguin Beach , or the next beach over (to the east).

A few years ago tours used to be offered at Penguin Point , a couple of kilometres to the east of town. Unfortunately these tours don’t run any more, but you can still park and walk to the nearby beach looking across to the ‘Three Sisters’ where penguins are plentiful of an evening.

Be careful though, it is a narrow, winding road and parking is extremely limited. We recommend pulling over and parking  here .

Address : Penguin Beach ( here ) – OR – Point Penguin ( here )

Stay Nearby : Penguin Waterfront Escape (couples) / Sunrise at Penguin (families)

4. Lillico Beach Penguins (Devonport)

I asked our Facebook members for their recommendations on the best places to see penguins in Tasmania, and Lillico Beach was easily #1.

Positioned between Penguin and the bustling city of Devonport, Lillico Beach Conservation Area isn’t on the typical tourist trail – and that’s why I love it!

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service manage the conservation area, and with the support of the ‘Friends of Lillico Penguins’ you have the opportunity every evening during the season (late September to early April) to ask questions and listen to them speak about these wonderful animals. They do a wonderful job, so please consider making a donation while you’re there.

The whole beach is a great place for a walk in the fresh sea air, but for penguin viewing and to speak with the guides you will need to go to the viewing platform at the eastern end of the beach.

Address : Bass Highway (6km west of Devonport – here )

Website : Lillico Penguins

Brochure : Click Here (includes useful information regarding car parking)

Stay Nearby : The Grand on Macfie B&B ( click here to read my review – and for a special offer!)

💡  See more wildlife!

The Lillico Beach Conservation Area is teeming with local wildlife. Birds are plentiful, and you’ll also spy shy bandicoots, pademelons, and possums. 

A good idea is to get to the beach an hour before sunset and go for a walk, before returning to the platform to see the penguins.

5. Port Sorell Penguins

Port Sorell is a holiday favourite for lots of Tasmanians.

There are plenty of beaches and walking trails nearby, and the wombats and Tasmanian devils of Narawntapu Conservation Park are just a few minutes drive to the west.

As for Penguins, this probably isn’t the best place in Tasmania to see them as they need to swim (and waddle) a bit further to get to Hawley Beach and Freers Beach .

But if you’re staying in the area there’s no harm in waiting by the water at dusk and trying your luck.

Address : Hawley Beach ( here )

🐧 9 fun Fairy Penguin facts for kids

Got a school project? Here are some of our favourite penguins facts for kids!

#1 – Penguins are birds…but they can’t fly!

#2 – Penguins are fantastic swimmers, diving deep in the ocean to catch fish to eat.

#3 – Tasmania has more penguins than any other place in Australia!

#4 – Fairy penguins dig themselves a home in the sandy soil near the beach – or sometime they nest between rocks.

#5 – Penguins have blue-grey eyes, and blue and white feathers.

#6 – Penguins are shy and easily scared, which is why it is important to be very quiet and not use bright lights near them.

#7 – Fairy penguins are the smallest penguins in the world (which is why some call them ‘Little Penguins’).

#8 – Fairy penguins lay two eggs every year.

#9 – Penguin parents take it in turns to fish for food for their chicks.

6. Low Head Penguin Tours Tasmania

Low Head is only 45 minutes drive from Launceston up the Tamar River, and it would have to be one of Tasmania’s most chilled-out places to relax and soak up the sun.

Beaches dot this tiny spit of land on both sides, and at the tip of Low Head is the famous Low Head Historic Site where you can visit the lighthouse and Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum.

The Conservation Area is where our little feathered friends breed and feed year-round. In our opinion this would have to be the one place in Tasmania where you can nearly guarantee a penguin sighting, no matter what time of year you visit. 

Between November and February there are literally hundreds of penguins, while even in the ‘off’ season you still have a very good chance of seeing some.

The only slight catch is that the Conservation Area closes a few hours before dusk meaning you can’t just turn up and hope to see them. 

Instead, Low Head Penguin Tours Tasmania  offer fantastic and informative tours every evening that take you as close you can possibly get – sometimes right by the water’s edge – every single day of the year!

Tickets cost $22 or $10 per person, and every tour lasts up to an hour, including special torches and plenty of commentary about not just the penguins but the local history as well.

If you are staying in Launceston there is also an option for return coach travel, at a supplementary cost of $80 per adult and $40 per child. Very handy!

Address : 485 Low Head Road ( here )

Options : Tour only

Cost : $22 for adults | $10 for children

Website : Low Head Penguin Tours Tasmania ( click here to book your penguin tour)

Stay Nearby :  Low Head Tourist Park (budget)

7. Bicheno Penguins (free and paid tours)

Whether you’re keen to have a DIY penguin experience, or you’d prefer to take a proper penguin tour, Bicheno is the place to be!

This bustling town is perfectly positioned on the East Coast of Tasmania, halfway between Bay of Fires to the north and Freycinet to the south, making it a really clever place to base yourself for a few nights or more.

You’re probably wondering where to see penguins in Bicheno? 

There are a couple of great places to choose from to see Bicheno penguins – Redbill Beach on the western side of town, and Waubs Beach in the middle of town.

Both of these beaches are easily accessible by foot, and all you will need to do is set yourself up with a picnic rug or a couple of chairs before dusk, and watch the little fellas waddle their way home. 

You can see why I think Bicheno is one of the best places where to see penguins in Tasmania!

Bicheno Penguin Tours is another really good option. The benefit of choosing this tour is that they take you onto private property that can’t normally be accessed by the public. 

Not only that, in addition to fun and engaging commentary they also get you extremely close to the action (safely of course) and even warn you to watch your toes, as penguins have been know to have a little nibble!

Tours run every day of the year, except Christmas, Good Friday and New Years Day, and even in winter you are still likely to see up to 50 penguins every night – making this the best year-round option for penguin spotting in Tasmania.

Address : Waubs Beach ( here ) and Redbill Beach ( here )

Options : DIY – OR – Paid tour

Tours : Bicheno Penguin Tours ( click here to book your penguin tour)

Cost : $40 for adults | $20 for children

Stay Nearby : Diamond Island Resort

💡  Sleep next door to penguins!

Diamond Island Resort is located at the top of end of Redbill Beach, and every evening the penguins come ashore and walk right up to the resort itself. Free tours are available for all guests year-round [ more ]

8. Bruny Island Penguins

Bruny Island is one of those magic places where you could easily spend a week or more, simply chilling out and enjoying the stunning landscapes, gourmet food, and cute wildlife.

You could do a Bruny Island day trip from Hobart, but for the ultimate experience – including Bruny Island penguins of course – I recommend spending a night on the island.

No visit to Bruny is complete without a mandatory stop at ‘ The Neck ‘, the extremely narrow sandy isthmus connecting north and south Bruny. It might take you 279 steps to get to the lookout at the top, but the views are worth it!

Even better if you time your visit for dusk then after enjoying a Tassie sunset you can make your way back down to the boardwalk and continue over to the eastern side of the neck where there is a little penguin viewing platform.

The Neck gets a LOT of tourists during the day, and unfortunately this means that the penguins have been disturbed more than they should. So if you do decide to visit please take extreme care, otherwise they may decide it simply isn’t worth it any more and abandon the area altogether.

Address : The Neck, Bruny Island ( here )

Website : The Neck – Bruny Island

Stay Nearby : 970 Adventure Bay Rd (families) / 43 Degrees (couples)

I was really excited to read reports from visitors and locals talking about taking penguin tours from Strahan to Bonnet Island by boat. It used to be called the Bonnet Island Explorer.

But…unfortunately these tours aren’t being offered any more, despite lots of websites suggesting otherwise.

If you’re in the area anyway, take a 20-30 minute drive to Macquarie Heads and park your car From there you can walk around the heads to the southern end of Ocean Beach where we hear that you might be able to spot penguins. Even if you don’t, it’s still a beautiful part of Tasmania to explore!

Address : Ocean Beach (southern end – here )

Stay Nearby : Harrison House B&B ( click here for my review and a special offer!) 

Final thoughts, and suggested reading...

We hope you’ve found this article helpful in planning your Tassie penguin watching itinerary!

Are you still a little bit unsure which place to visit? Or maybe you’d like to bounce some ideas off other travellers or Tassie locals?

We welcome questions over at our Facebook group , so please stop by and say g’day!

We also have plenty more articles like this to help with your planning. Here are some of our most popular ones:

• Best Places to See Platypus in Tasmania
• Road Trip Packing List ← Easy to download and print!
• Tasmania Car Hire Comparison
• 7 Best Places to See Snow in Tasmania
• Hobart Accommodation Guide

Travel planning resources

Tasmania’s remote location means there are internet ‘black spots’ across the island. 

A paper travel guide or map is the perfect backup, and we love the range from Lonely Planet.

Guide to Tasmania

Map of tasmania, road trip guide.

Andrew Strikis

Subscribe for road trip tips and advice!

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional owners  and continuing custodians  of  this island lutruwita (Tasmania).

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Every weekend is an adventure

Close encounters with penguins in tasmania: where and when to go.

• Post published: 11 February 2023
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Tasmania

If you love penguins as much as I do, you’ll be excited to find out there are many places where you can see fairy penguins in Tasmania. However, the season matters, and not all penguin viewing spots offer the same experience. Here are some tips to help you organise your trip and see wild fairy penguins in Tasmania.

The numbers in brackets refer to the map of places to see fairy penguins at the end of the article.

At what time of the year are penguins in Tasmania?

Penguins are in Tasmania all year-round. However, they sometimes spend more time at sea. There are three distinct seasons for seeing penguins in Tasmania:

• October to January : It’s the breeding season. From December, penguins spend their day at sea and come back at night to feed their babies who wait for them at the rookery. Mid-December to mid-January is the best time to see penguins in Tasmania as the babies are brave enough to get out of their nests when calling for their parents to bring them food.
• February to May : After the babies leave the nests, the parents first spend time at sea to gain weight before hiding in their burrows for a couple of weeks while moulting. When their new feathers are waterproof, they’ll again go on long fishing trips and only occasionally return to land. So the number of penguins in Tasmania is lower during this season, reducing your chances of seeing them.
• June to September : Males regularly come to the rookery to build or maintain their nest to seduce a female.

How to see fairy penguins in Tasmania

Fairy penguins can be seen when they return to the beach after fishing all day. They usually get out of the water after the last light when they feel it’s safe.

Make sure you don’t shine white lights as it blinds them, and avoid movement so you don’t scare them off. And don’t bring your pet to the beaches that little penguins call home; it’s dangerous for them even if your pet is on a leash. There are some places in Tasmania that make it easier to spot wild penguins as the little ones are used to seeing humans near the rookery.

When looking for penguins in Tasmania, remember these are the smallest species of penguins. They are no bigger than 40 cm.

8 places to see fairy penguins in Tasmania

On the north coast.

Our favourite place to see wild penguins in Tasmania is on the north coast. They have built a viewing platform around the rookery, allowing visitors to get close to the nests and watch both parents and babies reuniting for their meal. The red lights installed are fantastic for seeing the penguins without disturbing them and taking photos. We could easily move around, as the penguins are used to having humans on the platform and don’t get scared easily.

Volunteers are present every night to count the penguins, watch their behaviours, and answer tourists’ questions. Sometimes, a ranger from Tasmania Parks is also present, and activities are available to learn more about the animals. We stayed for hours watching the baby and adult penguins. This wildlife encounter is one of the best wildlife experiences I had in Australia .

We went to Lillico Beach (1), only 10 minutes away from Devonport. There are similar platforms at Stanley (2) and Burnie (3).

There is also a town named Penguin (4) where you can see penguins from the beach, but there are no boardwalks or tours to make it easy for you and the penguins. If you’re interested in a guided tour, have a look at Low Head Penguin Tours (5) near Launceston.

On the east coast

Bicheno (6) is a popular destination for all travellers going to Tasmania and the most famous place to see penguins on the east coast of Tasmania. The best way to see penguins in Bicheno is to join a tour as they will take you to a private beach where penguins are used to human spectators.

I really wished we had booked the tour when I was on Redbill Beach in Bicheno, surrounded by visitors who didn’t know where to wait and what to do to ensure the penguins weren’t disturbed. It was very dark and impossible to take photos or move around as penguins would get scared. I also spotted a few penguins hidden in the rocks at the blowhole during my first trip to Tasmania , but the experience was nowhere as good as the other ones I had in Tasmania.

You may be interested in staying at accommodations that penguins visit: check  Diamond Beach Resort * – they offer a free private penguin show for their guests – and Cod Rock Point *, which has penguins nesting in the gardens surrounding their property.

On the south coast (near Hobart)

Bruny Island (7) is a popular day trip from Hobart, but there’s so much to do there that many visitors choose to spend a night on the island and stay for a couple of days . If you head over to The Neck’s viewing platform after dusk, you might get to catch a glimpse of some penguins. However, it’s a very touristy area, so take extra care not to disturb the penguins.

You may have heard that Maria Island is a great place to see wildlife in Australia . It’s very true for wombats and wallabies. Unfortunately, there are no longer little penguins on Maria Island. The population got decimated with the introduction of Tasmanian Devils .

King Island

King Island (8) is between Victoria and Tasmania, in the middle of Bass Strait. The island belongs to the state of Tasmania, so it deserves a spot on this list. A fairy penguin colony lives at Grassy Harbour.

On the west coast

There’s a colony of little penguins on Bonnet Island, not far from Strahan. Tourists could get there by booking a guided tour *, but it is unfortunately no longer available. I’m still including it on the list in case they open again.

Tips to take photos of little penguins in Tasmania

First of all, ensure that the flash is turned off on your camera or phone. If you don’t, you risk blinding the little penguins and scaring them away. Test your settings before they arrive on the beach to avoid mistakes.

You may be wondering how we managed to take photos of little penguins in the dark without using a flash. We didn’t have any special equipment, just our phones and a point-and-shoot camera. While our photos may not be featured in National Geographic, they are good enough to provide us with great memories and share our experiences with friends and family.

Check if your phone or camera has a night mode. This is likely to give you better results. When taking photos lit by red light, they may not look great initially, so you may need to post-edit them to make them look okay. You can simply adjust the white balance to achieve a sepia or black-and-white photo.

If you arrive early and have a good zoom on your camera, you may be able to photograph a baby penguin close to the exit of its nest when there is still some daylight.

Have you seen fairy penguins in Tasmania? Share your experience in the comments below!

Map of places to see fairy penguins in tasmania.

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Little penguins: The best locations and safest ways to see them in Tasmania

With Tasmania's proximity to Antarctica, it is no surprise the island state is a popular posting for penguins.

But the only species to breed on Tasmania is the world's smallest penguin, the eudyptula minor.

Known as the little or fairy penguin, an estimated 110,000 to 190,000 of them are thought to call Tasmania and its islands home.

Little penguins are sedentary; in fact, they build a burrow and return to the same spot night after night after spending the day in the ocean feeding.

This makes little penguins perfect for bird watching, but they are shy and timid birds mostly, so you need to be careful to not upset them.

Here are some tips on where you can see them and how to do it safely.

Join a tour or stick to official observation points

Penguin viewing tours run at various spots around Tasmania and these are often the best way to see the birds without running the risk of scaring them away or damaging their burrows.

Observation decks have been built near some larger established little penguin colonies, such as on Bruny Island and Lillico Beach near Devonport.

Stick to these designated areas and follow the instructions on the information panels, that way you can safely watch the penguins coming home without hurting them or yourself.

Watch your step and stay off the beach

Little penguins return after dark from feeding in the ocean.

They gather together on the water's edge before making a dash up the beach to their burrows.

If you are on the beach as they are trying to return, they may get scared away, so try not to get between the water's edge and the burrows.

Also, watch where you put your feet, or stick to built paths, to make sure you do not trample a burrow or penguin.

Keep quiet and use a red light

Little penguins are shy and they can be startled by bright lights and too much movement and noise from excited humans.

Keep still and quiet when waiting for the penguins to return from a day's feeding and only use dim, red lights to watch the penguins.

Keep dogs far away

Dogs and penguins are not friends .

Never take your dog for a walk near known penguin burrows and certainly do not take your pooch with you to watch penguins coming home.

Penguins are protected wildlife and it is illegal to try to catch them, harass them or hurt them and their burrows.

You can find out more about little penguins and how to safely watch them on the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife website .

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Visit the Little Penguins

Friends of Burnie Penguins provide a free interpretative guided experience to visitors to the Burnie Little Fairy Penguin colony. You will have an opportunity for an intimate view into the seasonal life of penguin families from courtship, through to chick rearing and moulting adults at the end of the breeding season.

The colony is located along the foreshore in Burnie a very short distance from the city centre, you can observe baby penguins in their burrows along the Burnie boardwalk, and lookout over the forshore to the Penguin Observation Centre.  The viewing area platform is level with wheelchair access and is child friendly.  

On dusk knowledgeable volunteer guides talk to you about the penguins, answer questions and help you view and photograph penguins as they go about their normal activities - without flashes!

The Little Penguins might be cosy in their snug feathers, but humans do need to be warmly wrapped as our viewing area is exposed to the weather, fair or foul.

Donations are welcome and are used to protect penguins and their habitat.  Guided Penguin viewing operates October to March each year. Starting at dusk from the Penguin Observation Centre, with penguins starting to come ashore shortly after.

Where else can you see little penguins in Tassie?

There are many popular spots to see little penguins around Tasmania:

• Godfrey’s Beach Viewing Platform - Stanley 
• Lillico Beach - Devonport.
• Low Head Penguin Tours - Launceston
• Bicheno Penguin Tours on the East Coast
• The Neck - Bruny Island

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Little Penguin Frequently Asked Questions

Looking to see some penguins in Burnie, Tasmania? You're in luck! Burnie is known for its Little Penguin colonies, at west beach alone there are more than 600 that you can observe in their natural habitat during the breeding season. Q: What type of penguins live in Burnie, Tasmania? A: The penguins that live in Burnie, Tasmania are commonly known as little penguins, blue penguins (NZ) or fairy penguins (AUS). They are the smallest species of penguins, standing at just 30cm tall. Q: When can you see penguins in Burnie? A: The best months to plan your visit are between October and March. This is when the Little Penguins are breeding and nesting on the land, and you can witness the unforgettable sight of penguins returning to their burrows to feed their young and interact with each other. Q: Where can I see penguins in Burnie, Tasmania? A: The colony is located along the foreshore in Burnie a very short distance from the city centre. You can observe baby penguins in their burrows any time of the day along the Burnie waterfront boardwalk, head over to the Little Penguin Observation Centre at Parsonage Point, The viewing area where you can see penguins up close is level with wheelchair access and is child friendly. To ensure the safety of the penguins and preserve their natural environment, it's important to follow the guidelines and maintain a safe distance while observing them. Q: What time of day do little penguins come ashore? A: Each day at dusk, just as the sun is setting, the little fairy penguins come ashore to feed their young. They waddle up the beach to their nests, where they spend the night. It's an amazing event to watch, and if you're lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, you can see hundreds of little penguins coming ashore all at once. Q: Are there any guided tours available to see the penguins? A: The Friends of Burnie Penguins provide a free interpretative guided experience. You will have an opportunity for an intimate view into the seasonal life of penguin families from courtship, through to chick rearing and moulting adults at the end of the breeding season. Q: Tell me more about what Friends of Burnie Penguins do? A: If you're interested in the conservation and protection of penguins in Burnie, check out the Friends of Burnie Penguins organization. They're dedicated to developing strategies to mitigate the challenges penguins face, such as threats, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. They also engage volunteers in various activities, including monitoring penguin populations, building and maintaining nesting boxes, and providing education programs to the community. Donations are welcome and are used to protect penguins and their habitat. Q: Can I view the Burnie Penguins on livestream from home? A: If you're interested in learning more about penguins, or if you just want to watch some cute little birds, The Burnie Penguin Centre live stream on YouTube offers a great way to observe penguins up close and learn about their behavior in their natural habitat. It's available day and night, and you can even use it for educational or research purposes. Q: Where can I see penguins elsewhere in Tasmania for free? A: But wait, there's more! There are many popular spots to see little penguins around Tasmania for free, such as Godfrey’s Beach Viewing Platform in Stanley, Lillico Beach in Devonport, The Neck in Bruny Island, and Low Head Penguin Tours in Launceston. For guided tours, you can check out Bicheno Penguin Tours on the East Coast and Low Head Penguin Tours in George Town. Q: Can I touch or handle the penguins? A: No, it is not allowed to touch or handle the penguins. It is important to respect the penguins and their natural habitat, as they are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act. Q: How many little penguins are there in Burnie? A: It's difficult to estimate the exact number of little penguins in Burnie, as their population can vary from year to year depending on various factors such as food availability and weather conditions. However, it's believed that there are several hundred breeding pairs in the area. Q: What is a collective of penguins called? A: The various collective nouns for penguins are raft, waddle, rookery, colony, and huddle. Q: How long do penguins stay on land? A: Little penguins spend most of their time at sea, but during the breeding season, they come ashore from dusk to dawn to mate, nest, and raise their young. They typically spend several weeks on land during this time before returning to the sea. Q: Do penguins mate for life? A: Little penguins are monogamous, meaning they usually mate with the same partner year after year. However, if one of the mates dies or fails to return to the breeding site, the other may find a new mate. Q: What do penguins eat? A: Little penguins mainly feed on small fish, such as anchovies, pilchards, and sardines, as well as squid and krill. Q: What are some threats to penguins in Burnie? A: Penguins in Burnie face a number of threats, including habitat loss and degradation, pollution, climate change, and predation by introduced species such as dogs and feral cats. It's important to take steps to protect their habitat and reduce these threats to ensure their survival. Q: How can I help protect the penguins in Burnie? A: You can help protect the penguins in Burnie by following a few simple rules. Firstly, always stay on the designated paths and viewing areas, and avoid disturbing the penguins or their nesting areas. Additionally, keep your pets away from nesting areas on the foreshore and make sure to dispose of your rubbish properly never leave litter behind. Lastly, you can also support local conservation efforts by donating to or volunteering with wildlife rescue and conservation organisations. Q: What is the Penguin Rehab & Release organisation and what do they do? A: The Penguin Rehab & Release organisation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of penguins in Tasmania, Australia. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick, injured, or orphaned penguins back into the wild. They work closely with local wildlife rescue groups, veterinarians, and government agencies to provide care and support for injured or sick penguins. In addition to rehabilitation efforts, the organisation also works to protect penguin habitats, raise awareness about penguin conservation, and engage the community in conservation efforts. Q: How can I support the Penguin Rehab & Release organisation? A: There are several ways to support the Penguin Rehab & Release organisation. You can make a donation to help fund their rehabilitation and conservation efforts, sponsor an injured penguin, volunteer your time to help with rescue and rehabilitation efforts, or participate in one of their community education programs. You can also follow their social media channels to stay up to date on their work and spread awareness about penguin conservation. Remember to always respect the penguins and their habitat by keeping a safe distance, not using flash photography, and avoiding loud noises or sudden movements. Enjoy this unique and memorable wildlife experience in Tasmania!

Little Penguin Observation Centre, Parsonage Point, Burnie 7320   View Map and directions

Little Penguin Observation Centre, Parsonage Point , Burnie 7320

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Burrows can be viewed anytime. Parent penguins return at dusk.

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Little penguin habitat in Tasmanian city of Burnie to expand into existing car park

Little penguins

Eudyptula minor are the smallest penguins, they are found in colonies in southern Australia (fairy penguins) and New Zealand (little blue penguins).

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Penguin Rehab & Release

A facility in the North-West of Tasmania dedicated to rehabilitating penguins (and other seabirds) that come into care due to illness, injury or misadventure, with the aim of preparing them for successful release back into the wild.

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Bodies huddle in the dark. Thick black coats and beanies blur into one. Sunset was half an hour ago, and the fuzziness of the last light hides everyone’s facial features.

The raised platform we stand on is soft and weathered and points out towards the thrashing ocean. It’s the colour of sand, an attempt to blend the angular structure into the soft coastal scape it sits on. Admittedly it does quite a good job of it at this hour.

Hushed whispers float down the platform and along the raised boardwalk, disappearing into the soft breathing of the Marram grasses hemming the shoreline. They too are intruders to the Neck of Bruny Island, planted to slow erosion of the sandy isthmus connecting the island’s two land masses. Perhaps more welcome, however, to the black and white, foot tall residents of the Neck. 

Worries grow of the bright full moon. “What if they don’t come?”

“We just need to be patient,” hushes another. “They should be landing on the beach in the next half an hour.” Sitting on steps, blocking anyone’s access to the sand below us, is the voice’s owner. Through a lens, his eyes fixate on the sea. Bigger than the subject he is capturing, his camera is relentlessly snapping, sure to be doing a better job at framing the full moon than my three year old phone. Next to him, a sign reads “Penguins only on the beach, from dusk to dawn”. 

A torch clicks on, flooding the faces, the bodies, the platform, the beach. 

"Are you serious?" grumbles the camera man. Stirring movement of bodies and angered voices disrupt the sleepy scene. 

"Sorry, sorry!" The owner of the torch wraps the light under his black fleece, fumbling to click it off. Behind him are two small children, their footsteps pitter pattering down the boardwalk. Desperately trying to hush their excitement, the father settles them against the back hand railing of the platform. Our eyes slowly adjust again to the fuzzy darkness. Next to me, my partner checks hisphone; one hour past sunset. 

“Penguins, penguins, where arrre you?” sings the older child, hanging off his father’s leg.“ I wanna see some penguins, penguins.” The agitation is obvious among the group. I stifle a giggle. 

The smaller child rests on her father’s hip, “Daddy, I’m cooold,” he whines, burying his face into his father’s chest. Loud, purposeful sighs and aggressive head turns are made in the father’s direction. Most coming from the camera man. These are not exaggerated reactions, however. 

The Little Penguins nesting on Bruny Island are the smallest species of penguin in the world, so are understandably extremely wary of and vulnerable to predators. Particularly on the exposed open beach, between their fishing haven and their burrows, nestled between the marram grasses on shore. 

One flash of a light, or noise estranged from the coastline’s ecosystem is enough to keep the penguins from their chicks for another night. 

“Do you want to stay and wait for the penguins?” asks the father. 

“Yes, yes, yes!” The older child jumps, his feet sending thumping vibrations under our feet. I stifle another giggle. Groans and frustrations seep from the bodies. 

“You need to stay really, really, quiet. Like you’re a grass in the sand.”

“Ok!” The child is still. The camera man’s shoulders relax, and he leans back against the platform railing. By now the moon is high enough to dissolve the fuzziness, bringing everyone’s features into view. Clenched jaws ease, and glares soften to gazes. Stark, sharp shadows of the platform are cast onto the beach. A chilly breeze has picked up, rustling the marram grasses. Its salty presence calms the group’s upset.

“Swish, swish, swish,” whispers the child. The camera man’s body seizes up once more.

An hour and half since the sun sunk into the sea, there is movement on the shore. The group falls still, children included. The camera man adjusts focus, ready to take his shot. 

We watch the dark shape emerge from the sea, find its feet and waddle up the sand. The camera man’s finger curls, then snaps down on the trigger. A crunching click releases his tension, and finally, he smiles. 

The shape waddles closer. Another and another burst out of receding waves, belly flopping onto the sand. We are silent, still, seemingly unthreatening, but the shapes give a wide berth from the platform, and disappear into the seas of marram grasses. Excited cheeps sing out above the dancing tufts, our confirmation the shapes were not tricks of the moon’s light. 

“Right, that’s it. Bedtime.” The father hoists the smaller child further up his hip with one hand, and grabs the older child’s arm with the other, leading his skips back down the boardwalk, to the carpark. 

“Penguins, penguins, cheep cheep!” echoes off the weathered wood. Giggles and grins are shared among us.

How and When to see the penguins

The Little Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins can be seen at The Neck Game Reserve on Bruny Island. The best time to see them is in the warmer months, from September to February. You will need to take the SeaLink Bruny Island Ferry during the day, and stay overnight. 

There are plenty of airbnbs on the island, you can stay at Hotel Bruny, or camp across the island, including at The Neck Game Reserve . 

Before going to see the penguins, we suggest grabbing a take away dinner from Hotel Bruny . Park at The Neck Carpark and climb the steep set of stairs for a 360° view of the island for sunset at Truganini Lookout. Then, follow the boardwalk trail from the bottom of the stairs that takes you over the neck and to a viewing platform overlooking the surf beach. 

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Top 9 Bruny Island tours

Kate Bettes

Travel Journalist

15 February 2023

We’ve lined up the best tours to take on Lunawanna-Alonnah, also known as Bruny Island.

A growing number of travellers are being drawn down south from Hobart to the stark and beautiful wilderness that is Bruny Island. And with stunning beaches, waters brimming with oysters, locally crafted cheese, whiskies and beers, and magical hikes among the invigorating sea air , all available just an hour away, who can blame them?

The twin island of Bruny, also known as Lunawanna-Alonnah to First Nations peoples, has plenty on offer for the adventurous. But if you only have time for a day trip , don’t waste a moment! Instead, book one of these tours to make the most of your time there.

Bruny Island food tours

Bruny island foods, sightseeing and lighthouse tour by bruny island safari tours.

Price: From $215 for adults

This fully guided day tour from Bruny Island Safari Tours takes in the best of the island. And of course, this means sampling the produce that Bruny is most famous for; fresh, plump oysters, drams of Tasmanian distilled whisky, traditionally matured cheeses dished up on generous platters and pints of locally brewed, malty beer.

Get Shucked harvests fresh oysters before plating them up. (Image: Adam Gibson)

But you won’t have to loosen your belt too much. Starting from Hobart on the Bruny Island Foods, Sightseeing and Lighthouse Tour , as a group you’ll take the SeaLink ferry to explore the Mount Mangana rainforests, search for elusive white wallabies at Adventure Bay, traverse The Neck Lookout and Wildlife Reserve and climb the staircase of the Cape Bruny Island Lighthouse (the only Southern Tasmanian lighthouse open for tours). The tour includes lunch, tastings and morning tea.

Cape Bruny Lighthouse overlooks stunning views of the island. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Bruny Island Magic Gourmet Food Tour by Tasmania Gourmet Food Tours

Price: From $390

This Hobart-based company specialises in small-group gourmet food tours, with trips available around both the Huon Valley and the Derwent Valley. When you book onto their Bruny Island Magic Gourmet Food Tour , you’ll start the day munching on flaky delicacies at a patisserie in Hobart before heading off for the ferry.

Between enjoying the rugged scenery, stop by Bruny Island Premium Wines for a gourmet lunch and wine tasting. And you’re not done yet — there are also cheese, oyster and whisky tastings to come.

Bruny Island Traveller by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Price: From $210 for adults

Meet the local producers on this full-day Bruny Island food tour from Hobart , with stops that include the famous Bruny Island Cheese Company, Bruny Island Chocolate Company and Bruny Island, Honey.

Grab a loaf of wood-fired sourdough bread with cheese. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Come lunchtime, you’ll sit down for lunch at Pennicott’s restaurant at Adventure Bay, where you’ll be able to sample some of the best oysters from the Get Shucked oyster farm along with Tasmanian wine.

Have a bucket of oysters freshly harvested on Bruny Island. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The tour also includes a stop at Bligh Museum, where you will learn about Pacific sea exploration, a lookout at The Neck, a walk through the Mavista rainforest, searching for white wallabies, and a beachside walk.

Take a relaxing stroll along The Neck’s tranquil shoreline. (Image: Jess Bonde)

Want to do a DIY foodie tour? We’ve lined up the most delicious Bruny Island experiences that will have you drooling.

Bruny Island cruises

Bruny island wilderness cruises by pennicott wilderness journeys.

Price: from $155 for adults

Did you know that the waters around Bruny Island are home to kelp gardens, a seal colony, pods of dolphins, migrating humpback whales and southern right whales, and short-tailed shearwaters?

Humpback whales will get you acquainted on the island. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Joe Shemesh)

Look out for this and more when you set sail past the towering dolerite sea cliffs from beneath with Bruny Island Wilderness Cruises by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.

Seals also await you. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Joe Shemesh)

You will even get the chance to enter a sea cave, an incredible experience to have on your bucket list. Wrap up warmly before you depart onboard from Adventure Bay.

Unlock hidden gems on your journey. (Image: Sean Scott)

Bruny Island Scenic Flights

Price: From $80

Get a load of the spectacular views from above when you book a tour by air with Island Scenic Flights . See the winding bays, rocky outcrops and sensational coastline of Bruny Island, before returning to land. Prices range from $80 per person to tour around the Neck for approximately 10 minutes, to $370 per person to fly around South Bruny Island before heading to Mt Wellington and Hobart or the Southern Wilderness Area. Extended flights are also available.

Catch idyllic sea views on top while riding a scenic flight to Bruny Island. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Bruny Island historical tours

Cape bruny lighthouse tours.

Built by convict labour out of local dolerite rocks in 1835, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse at the tip of the south island in South Bruny National Park is the second oldest lighthouse in Australia still in existence.

Stars light up over the Cape Bruny Lighthouse at night. (Image: Mauricio E. Mozo)

Today, you can join a Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour to learn more about the fascinating maritime history of this place, and the lives of the keepers who worked here. Climb the tower for awe-inspiring views over the southern oceans.

Go sightseeing on top of the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Bruny Island Quarantine Station

Price: Free

Fear of infection, quarantining and isolation … sounding horribly familiar? Back in the day, quarantining travellers was considered one of the best ways to keep disease and infections out of Australia. During this time, quarantine stations like the one you can find on Bruny Island sprung up all over the country, in an effort to lessen the impact of typhoid, influenza and other dangerous illnesses.

Since then the Quarantine Station at Barnes Bay has also been used as a wartime internment camp and a plant quarantine! When here, take the self-guided two-hour-long heritage interpretive walk to find out more about its fascinating history.

Bruny Island walking tours

Bruny island long weekend walk with the tasmanian walking company.

Price: From $1,695

With white sand beaches, breathtaking coastal lookouts, and forests of eucalyptus and rainforests, there’s lots to discover for the keen rambler of Luawanna-Alonnah. See them all on a Bruny Island Long Weekend Walk. The Tasmanian Walking Company , traversing 35 kilometres at a moderate pace over three days.

Immerse into the best of Bruny Island’s scenery. (Image: Tourism Australia/Graham Freeman)

Not only will you get to see all of the above and more, but you also won’t miss out when it comes to the finer things in life. Walkers will get to shuck and consume shellfish in the water at an exclusive oyster lease, sleep every night in a glamping retreat and try the best of Tasmanian food and wine.

Set foot on the powdery, cream-coloured sand. (Image: Alice Hansen)

Fluted Cape Walk with Pennicott Journeys

Price: From $85

Set out from Hobart to complete this challenging, but spectacular walk above the cliff tops near Adventure Bay. The 6.3-kilometre return walk takes 2.5 hours but is well worth it, with the steep climbs rewarding walkers with views down from the rock walls and over the sea. Pack good shoes for any slippery parts.

Don’t feel quite up to it? Whether travelling with Pennicott Journeys or solo, you can take the Grass Point, which is a 1.5-hour return. Both hikes offer opportunities to spot white wallabies down at the bay. Cost includes a return bus from Hobart, a National Parks pass, ferry crossing and morning tea.

Stroll along Adventure Bay. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Want to see what other incredible things there are to do on Bruny Island? Check out the top 18 here.

Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.

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Things to Do & Tours

Bruny Island offers a diverse range of activities and tours. Including scenic flights, wilderness cruises, nature tours, and scenic drives to the lighthouse or the Neck (Truganini lookout) for some picturesque 360-degrees views.

THE NECK LOOKOUT

TRUGANINI LOOKOUT & PENGUIN WATCHING

A must visit on Bruny Island, the neck has breathtaking views of the middle of Bruny isthmus after walking up a series of steps, sometimes you will see those little penguins footprint in the morning. Best to visit on a nice clear day or after sunset for penguin watching. There is a penguin lookout point near the beach. The beach on the neck is spectacular, clear blue water and a great spot for an easy walk.

CAPE BRUNY LIGHTHOUSE

It’s an inactive lighthouse located in the South Bruny National Park. Cape Bruny Lighthouse is the second oldest extant lighthouse tower in Australia. A setting that features an amazing landscape overseeing the imposing sea cliffs experience the 360° view of the day and the magic sunset. No need to pre-book the lighthouse tour. Fee to enter the top of the lighthouse is around $15/person.

BRUNY ISLAND CRUISES

Bruny Island Cruises offers 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise exploring the coastline of Bruny Island.  Cruise alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, enter deep-sea caves, and join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales, and sea birds.

Book direct your Bruny Island Tour Cruises now. Phone (03) 6234 4270.  Book online at www.brunycruises.com.au

INALA NATURE TOURS

For wildlife and bird enthusiast, this is the place. Enjoy bird watching and wildlife tours with specialist guides that have knowledge both flora and fauna of Tasmania. They offer day or night tours to see penguins, possums and other wildlife. Inala Nature Museum and jurassic garden open weekdays or by appointment.

Address at 320 Cloudy Bay Rd, South Bruny. Phone 03 6293 1217. www.inalanaturetours.com.au

ISLAND SCENIC FLIGHT

Experience of the unique and beautiful land of Bruny Island and surrounding areas from a bird’s eye view. Island Scenic Flights is the only carrier based at the Bruny Island Airport. Flights around South Bruny Island start from $60 per person (minimum 2 people).

Phone (airfield office): (03) 6293 1448. Mobile: 0428 293 272. Address: 2179 Bruny Island Main Road

BRUNY ISLAND SAFARIS

Discover everything that makes Bruny Island amazing with Bruny Island Safaris Sightseeing, adventure and food tour. They take small groups of up to 12 people and also offer a private tour for day and two days tour.

Phone 03 6144 3045. Visit website at www.brunyislandsafaris.com

CYCLE BRUNY ISLAND HIRE AND TOURS

Explore and cycle picturesque Bruny Island with Cycle Bruny Island. Ranging from 29er and Hybrid touring eBikes along with a selection of normal Hybrid touring bikes. The bike renting is available for daily or multiple days hire from starting from $65 – $99 daily.

Phone: 0477 495 339. Book direct at cyclebrunyisland.com.au

FISHING & SURFING

Bruny Island offers great fishing spots for Tasmanian local Salmon, squid, flathead, and all Tasmanian fish. Alonnah, Lunawanna or Adventure Bay jetty, Lagoon, and many more. Click here for more information about fishing around Bruny Island   For surfing enthusiasts, Bruny Island is a great place to explore surf. The Neck, Coal Point, The Cape Light House Beach, Cloudy Bay, and Lagoon.

SPROKKELWOOD – ART GARDEN

Visit the most relaxing Garden on Bruny Island privately owned garden founded by Grietje van Randen and Keith Smith. Come and bring a picnic and wander through spaces defined by trees and shrubs to discover long vistas, sculptures, and artist’s studios. Entry fee: $10.00 adults, children free. Address: 339 Cloudy Bay Road, Lunawanna, Bruny Island, near Inala Jurassic Garden. Phone: 61 (0)3 62931156 / 61 (0)458 680 555

ASHDALE MINIATURE FARM

Enjoy a walk around the farm and say hello to all the Miniature Animals.

Opening Hours: 10 am – 4 pm. Daily Address: 5 Simpson’s Bay, Bruny Island, Tasmania

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BRUNY ISLAND TOURS

Tour tasmania's pristine bruny island.

Looking for the best Bruny Island Tours in Tasmania? Experience Tasmania's ultimate natural beauty spots and wilderness adventure. Arguably Tasmania's best day trip . World class beaches, national parks, rugged coastline and native wildlife matched with the finest local produce.

• We offer pick ups in and around the Hobart CBD.
• Tours start from Hobart at 7:30 am and arrives back around 5:30 pm
• Specific pickups available en route to Kettering (Ferry terminal) phone or email for more details
• There are opportunities throughout the day to buy food and drink.
• If there is something specific that you really want to see and do at Bruny Island, please just let your guide know and we will do our very best to ensure it happens.

Explore Beautiful Bruny

Arguably Tasmania's best day trip! At the end of this day, you will understand why the tourist numbers have doubled in the past 4 years! Bruny Island has a little bit of everything mainland Tasmania has - world class beaches, national parks, rugged coastline and native wildlife matched with the finest local produce from the ocean and the land.

While its impossible to do everything in one day, we have designed various tours to fit in with the day's weather conditions so we can provide the most enjoyable experience. You can expect an active (easy/moderate level) morning with nature walks, albino wallaby spotting, spectacular scenery lookouts, exploring pristine beaches and lagoon (swimming optional). This tour takes you off the beaten track and into areas that are only accessible by walking tracks that only locals know about.

After an adventurous morning, it will be time to pull it back a gear as we head for lunch to either the Bruny Hotel, Cafe or winery (lunch at own cost). There are options to suit all budgets and dietary requirements. After lunch, unwind and relax as we sample some award winning local produce. Berries, chocolate fudge, cheese, beverages and oysters are all possibilities (time pending and at own cost)!

Some of the things you can expect to see and do with Bruny Island Tour:

Tempered rainforest walk.

This casual walk will take you through a lush rainforest that runs alongside the relaxing Waterfall Creek.

This easy, twenty minute walk will allow you to take in the beautiful scenery and peaceful ambience of the rainforest whilst breathing in some of the freshest air Tasmania has to offer.

Picturesque beaches

Bruny Island is home to countless beaches, each as picturesque as the other.

Be prepared to be in awe of their natural beauty, clear water and pristine sand as you visit some of our favourite beaches on the island.

We will bring along our bat and ball if you are up for a game of beach cricket!

Viewing platform at the Neck.

Here is your next Instagram shot! Arguably the most iconic and most recognised landmark on the island, the lookout at the Neck never fails to disappoint.

Walk up the 279 timber steps to be rewarded with breathtaking 360 degree views of the island. Alongside the spectacular views, keep an eye out in the dunes for some burrows, fairy penguins and mutton birds nest here!

Wildlife spotting

Keep on the lookout! Bruny Island is a haven for a variety of Tasmania's unique native wildlife. Perhaps the most special is the albino wallaby, a rare species that is thriving on the island.

Keep your cameras at the ready on our walks and when we take you to a secret spot that the illusive albino wallaby is known to visit. You never know your luck!

Walking tracks (active level)

Depending on the days forecast, the track we choose to take you on will vary. Rest assured that each track offers something unique to experience.

From visiting the second tallest sea cliffs in Australia and the spectacular views they offer to exploring secluded beaches to soaking up amazing views from panoramic lookouts, you are sure to be impressed.

These walks vary in duration and require a moderate level of fitness.

Cape Bruny Light house

Located at the southern tip of the island, the convict built Cape Bruny Lighthouse is now the second oldest lighthouse tower in Australia (1836).

Whilst visiting, soak up the gorgeous views of the southern ocean and the rugged sea cliffs that form the coastline of Cape Bruny.

Our lunch stop will be at one of two locations depending on the day.

Based on which location we choose to eat lunch, you will have the option of dining in at the Bruny Island Hotel or grabbing some food from the general store next door. There's plenty of space for you to sit down either at the benches or at the beach.

If you would prefer to bring your own lunch for the day, you are more than welcome to.

Secret water holes and lagoons

Sample award winning food.

If the natural beauty of the island isn't enough, Bruny has a range of gourmet produce that is guaranteed to please every food lover.

We will be stopping at a variety of locations where you can meet the locals and sample their mouth watering produce on offer.

Potential tastings include: berries, cheese, chocolate, fresh oysters, wine, beer and cider.

*cheese and chocolate tastings are complimentary, all other tastings at own cost if you wish to sample

Swimming (weather permitting)

Be sure to pack your bathers and towel, if the weather is kind we will be able to take you for a swim*.

Like our walking tracks, we have a variety of picturesque swimming locations to choose from depending on the day's outlook.

From jumping into the fresh ocean, bodysurfing waves or enjoying the serenity of peaceful lagoons and canals, each of our locations offer a unique and enjoyable experience.

If swimming isn't for you, enjoy a relaxing stroll along the sandy beaches, explore rock pools or just sit back and relax and soak up your surroundings.

*Swimming is at own risk.

ONLY $149 Per Person

• History of Bruny
• Know your area
• Bruny Island Map
• How to get there
• Hotel Bruny
• Cheese & Beer

• Hikes and Walks
• Tassie Tours
• Bruny Island Safaris
• Stay on Bruny
• Stay around Tassie

Plan Your Trip

Fly through staggering sea cliffs, dive to great depths and climb the peaks; get trapped in a wine tasting or explode your vision. Let’s get started planning your ideal journey to Bruny Island.

In the Spotlight

Bruny Island is a living creature, supporting the delight and wonder of humans and animals alike. Tales of wonder and whistling winds, we like to show you the excitement, the happiness and the pure adrenalin that our little island home can inspire. Shining a spotlight on every corner – here’s the latest on what’s happening & what we like.

3 Must See Foodie Hotspots

Bruny Island is like a foodie paradise. There’s a surprising number of cafes and restaurants on the island, with world-class food and drink, along with some of the world’s most beautiful natural scenery to enjoy them in.

You Won’t Believe This Dish

The chicken parmigiana is a household name, a pub staple and a punter favourite. Any hotel worth their salt has a parma on the menu

Wonder in the Bush

The untouched natural wonder of Bruny Island is breathtaking. Everywhere you go, there’s stunning views of natural phenomena.

Bruny Hotspots

Bruny Island is comprised of two land masses off the coast of south east Tasmania, each connected by a narrow Isthmus. It is home to pristine beaches, infinite wilderness, and a plethora of activities and gustatory wonderment.

Supported by thousands of tourists and a booming farm-to-table export industry, Bruny Island is an isolated experience that is inexorably authentic – simultaneously connected & isolated, interesting & serene, convincingly original and obscenely satisfying.

See more on tourist hot spots whilst visiting Bruny!

#showusyourbruny #brunyislandtas #explorebruny

Bruny Island Tours

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About Bruny Island Tours

About bruny island.

Bruny Island, a 362-square-kilometre island located off the south-eastern coast of Tasmania, is one of the most beautiful and pristine locations in Australia. Roughly 100 kilometres in length, the Island is tied together by a narrow strip of land called The Neck. Access is via a twenty minute car-ferry chug from the mainland of Tasmania Kettering to North Bruny.

Bruny Island is famous for beautifully preserved natural environments with world class beaches, national parks, stunning cliff top views and abundant wildlife matched with the finest local produce. If you have a taste for the freshest of oysters, incredible cheese and premium quality wine then you will not be disappointed. The Island is also home to plenty of unique wildlife such as the White Wallaby, penguins, fur seals, dolphins and whales off the coast.

Exploring and immersing yourself in nature. Climbing to the top of the sand hummock and looking out across the Neck, bushwalking around South Bruny National Park and Lighthouse, surfing at Cloudy Bay Beach, and observing seabirds in the shallows of Daniels Bay at Lunawanna.

Make sure you bring your camera, book a multi-day trip and make the most of an incredible place.

Attractions

The Neck This narrow stretch of land joining North and South Bruny is one of the most scenic points on the entire island. Park in the small car park and take a quick hike up the staircase to Truganini Lookout, you will be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views. The beach on the eastern side of The Neck is home to penguins. ​

Cape Bruny Lighthouse The Cape Bruny Lighthouse is located on the southernmost point of the island. It is a very scenic drive to get here, taking approximately 45 minutes from The Neck. The Bruny Island Lighthouse was first lit in 1838 and is the second oldest lighthouse in Australia. Windswept coastlines, wild birds, rolling hills, and wide beaches…this is a beautiful spot that is definitely worth visiting.

South Bruny National Park South Bruny National Park encompasses most of the southern island of Bruny Island. The national park includes the Cape Bruny Lighthouse, Cloudy Bay, Adventure Bay, Fluted Cape, and more. Adventure Bay and Jetty Beach provide safe, sheltered areas for swimming, while Cloudy Bay is a popular spot for experienced surfers. One of the best places to spot whales is at Adventure Bay during June to October. There are numerous walking trails just waiting to be explored. From the short stroll to the remains of an old whaling station at Grass Point, to a two hour walk to visit Fluted Cape, where you will have views out to the Tasman Peninsula and the coastal cliffs on Bruny Island.

Bruny Island Day Tours From Hobart

Bruny Island Day Tour Join a Bruny Island Day Trip from Hobart with Bruny Island Safaris, Tassie Tours or Heart of Tasmania to experience the essentials of Bruny is a short period of time. Experience spectacular scenery and indulge in delicious Bruny Island produce on this full day tour. Sit back, relax and get transported to Bruny while listening to the expert commentary on the way. Tours offer pick ups in and around the Hobart CBD, depart in the morning and arrive back in the evening with no worries.

Bruny Island Gourmet Day Tour Explore spectacular landscapes and gourmet local produce on this 7 Course Gourmet Food Tour. Savour cheese, oysters, berries, local meat, fudge, whisky and wine. Tour departs Hobart at 7.45am daily with pickup from your Hobart CBD hotel or meet at Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Booking Centre situated on Franklin Wharf. Tour returns to Hobart at 5.30pm with CBD hotel drop off.

Bruny Island Bushwalking Tour Including Lunch Nature Day Tour and Bushwalk to Mars Bluff on the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track, including Picnic Lunch, Truganini Lookout, Neck Wildlife Zone, and Food Producer visits. Learning about the small animals and birds that live in the bushland, lagoons, and dunes. Walk duration up to 5 hours with picnic lunch near the beach and morning tea in the bush. Tour departs Hobart by 7:30am & returns by 6pm (Approximately).

Bruny Island Overnight Experiences

​Fancy a longer stay at Bruny Island? Check out overnight experiences on Bruny Island!

Bruny Island Overnight Explorer The Bruny Island Overnight Explorer is ideal for couples, work getaways and small groups. Explore nature and wilderness on Bruny Island at a slower pace. Tour includes sumptuous Bruny Island Winery lunch and evening meal at Hotel Bruny on day one, and Bruny Island Cheese & Beer for lunch and then on to The Get Shucked Oyster Bar on day two. Enjoy a bushwalk to Fluted Cape to take in the dramatic coastlines & private Guided Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour. Optional Bruny Island Boat Cruise. Pick up from Hotel by 7:30 am. Duration: 36 hours

Fossick Overnight Bruny Island Experiences A truly unique experience filled with tastes, sights and adventures. Depart from Hobart to Bruny Island for two or three unforgettable days of fine food, wilderness cruising, and relaxing at the boutique Adventure Bay Retreat. This personally fully guided tour allows you to indulge in premium, local gourmet food & explore beautilful wilderness with enough space & time through each day, and relax every night in your private luxury accommodation on Bruny Island. Duration: 2 Days/1 Night or 3 Days/2 Nights

Bruny Island Cruises

Bruny Island Cruises, the original and most famous of the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, provides an unforgettable cruise exploring the rugged coastline of the South Bruny National Park. Operating since 1999 the award-winning 3 hour cruise departs from Adventure Bay and takes you up close to the awesome ‘breathing Roack”, into deep sea caves, where the Tasman Sea meets the Mighty Ocean.

The custom-built yellow boats are fast, safe, comfortable & hold a maximum of 43 guests. It is specially designed to get you close to abundant coastal local wildlife like albatross, sea birds, dolphins, seals and migrating whales. Tours operate every day of the year, except Christmas Day. Guests can drive themselves to Adventure Bay, meet the tour bus at Kettering or join the full day tour from Hobart including meals, transfers and sightseeing.

3 Hour Wilderness Cruise The three hour cruise departs daily all year round from Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Booking Centre at 1005 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay on Bruny Island at 10:00am ,11am, 1:30pm & 2:15pm.

Kettering Pickup Leave your car at Kettering and join the daily guided tour bus. The bus departs at 8.45am from the Oyster Cove Marina in Kettering, where there is ample free parking available. Returns 4.45pm.

Full Day Tour from Hobart Escape to Bruny Island for the day including scenic guided bus tour, ferry crossing to Bruny Island, morning tea, 3 hour wilderness cruise and delicious fresh lunch at the Seafood Restaurant at Adventure Bay with time to relax on the beach.

Departure Point: The Full Day Tour departs from the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys Booking Centre. This is situated on Hobart's waterfront on Franklin Wharf, next to the Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge. Please check-in by 7.30am for an 7.45am departure. The bus departs Adventure Bay at 3.15pm to arrive back to Hobart at 5.30pm. ​Duration: 10 hours (approx)

Shore Excursions For Cruise Ship Passengers

Visit the wonderful Bruny Island white you are in port in Hobart on this short excursion that is suitable for Cruise ship guests The Cruise Ship Shore Excursion - Bruny Island Day Tour highlights the island's main attractions & nature walks such as The Neck, Mount Mangana, Adventure Bay, South Bruny National Park.

Tour includes sightseeing and nature, a return ferry crossing from Kettering, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tour on Bruny Island and food tastings from oysters to cider, chocolate, fudge and artisan cheeses. Keeping your eyes open for native wildlife like white wallabies. Tour offers pick ups in and around Hobart CBD.

Getting To Bruny Island

The only way onto the island is by ferry. The Bruny Island ferry departs from a town called Kettering, which is about 30 minute drive outside of Hobart. Leaving every half hour from 7.30 am with the last return crossing departing at 7.15 pm, the ferry operates seven days a week, year-round.

The ferry trip takes 20 minutes and during the ride you have excellent views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. It is a vehicle ferry so you can drive your car right onto Bruny Island. It costs $33 for a private vehicle and $70 each way if towing a boat or caravan.

• No requirement to book, purchase ticket upon arrival
• Please arrive at least 20 mins prior to departure
• All fares are for the return trip
• Passengers travel free of charge
• Tickets are open return and valid for any day.
• EFTPOS paywave and paypass are available.

Getting Around

You’ll need your own wheels to get around on Bruny – there is no scheduled public transport & no car hire on the island. Bring your car with you on The Bruny Island Ferry, The Mirambeena, departing daily from Kettering, a 30-minute drive from Hobart. Follow the Bruny Island Main Road from the ferry terminal.

Bruny Island is approximately 100 km from one end to the other. It will take about 40 minutes to drive between the ferry and Adventure Bay or Allonah at the north of the South Island. Then another half an hour or so from there down to Cape Bruny.

Please note that much of Bruny Island is gravel road. The advisory speed limit drops to 45 km/h on many parts of the main road between dusk and dawn - due to the danger of hitting wildlife. There are no facilities provided on the narrow shoulders for cyclists.

Hikes & Trails

Bruny Island has wonderful enchanting range of walks. Get those walking shoes out & discover Bruny’s diverse landscapes & untouched wonders. There are several full day & multi-day bushing walking tours with all the creature comforts & experienced local guides to accompany you each step of the way. Check out our rundown of Bruny Island’s best walks.

Alonnah Sheepwash Track An easy short walk for nature lovers, 3 km return, 1 hour, suitable for all ages, alow for a bik ride, dog walk. This track located in Alonnah start point can be access from Pontoon area or direct access from Manfield Seaside Bruny Island or end point at Mandala Bruny Island. This track has ample parking at end of Pontoon Road and picnic area.

Fluted Cape Trail in Adventure Bay A moderate to hard walk, 2 KM – 6 KM (circuit) return, 2½ hours, not suitable for young children. From Grass Point, the track climbs steeply to the summit of Fluted Cape (272m), taking in crystal blue waters, spectacular high see cliff and unique wildlife. You may spot famous white wallaby, sea eagle or a whale at Grass Point during the migration season.

Cape Queen Elizabeth Track A moderate to hard walk of 12km return within the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve, 3 hours, not suitable for young children. Walk commences at a 4WD track just north of the Bruny Island International Airport with stunning beaches, incredible rock formation, rare birdlife and epic views of The Neck and Adventure Bay.

East Cloudy Bay Head Track 12 KM return, 4 hours, not suitable for young children, suggested for amateur adventurers. The access to this track is from the end of Cloudy Bay Road. The first 3 KM of the walk is along beautiful white sands of Cloudy Beach, with the remainder along a disused 4WD track. From here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the south coast of Bruny Island to the west, north-west to the southern ranges and Mt Wellington.

Labillardiere Peninsula Circuit An easy 5 hours walk with great views, 14 KM circuit, not suitable for young children. It starts from Old Jetty Road, just before Cape Bruny Lighthouse a sign marks access to Peninsula Walking Track. The track offers a stunning coastal view of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, beautiful forests filled with heathland and eucalypt, as well as an abundance of native flowers and birds. Suggested route is clockwise.

Bruny Island Weather

For many people, the best time to visit Bruny Island are the driest, warmest months, September–February as your chances of seeing the penguins are higher. But Bruny Island is open all year round. This part of Tasmania you will find that January is the hottest month with an average temperature of 18°C (64°F) and the coldest is July at 8°C (46°F). The wettest month is March with an average of 50mm of rain. The Bruny Island weather can be ever changing so pack accordingly.

The autumn months of March, April and May is a season for wines, fresh Pacific oysters & the famous Fagus tree changing to glorious reds and yellows. If you want to see southern right and humpback whales, the best time to visit Bruny Island is when their migratory path passes the east coast in May, June and July, and back again in September, October and November. The winter months are still wonderful for hiking, with temperatures between June and August an average maximum of 12°C.

Read Bruny Island Tours Reviews

If only they had a category I could choose that was higher than Excellent. Exceptional team, fantastic tour, amazing tour food! Was my best day in Tassie. Thank you Liam and the whole team.

Ellen Juhasz

Andrew was informative, entertaining and responsive to questions. We recommend this tour to other visitors to Tasmania. We really appreciated the early morning pickup being exactly on time.

Helen Nottidge

Kate our skipper and Jordy the deckie were great, knowledgable about the wildlife/environment, they love their jobs

Neil Mulherin

Grant was fantastic. His knowledge of the island was invaluable. As we had a little time, he let us quickly stop to buy cheese from the cheese, we got to taste at mornings tea. I was quick. The island is beautiful and well worth exploring.

Susan Coombes

Great value for money. Staff and drivers made it a great experience.

Gelina Salom

Very informative cruise, great attraction & facilities during the tour.

Anmaree Wegener

Allen our guide & driver for the day was great. He was courteous, polite, friendly, knowledgeable of the Island & a pleasure to spend the day with. Thank you.

Kaylene Burke

Sam our driver and guide was phenomenal. First class service all day long. All of the products we sampled were first class. The weather was perfect which made our bush and beach walks magical. The day was a great mix of gourmet product tasting and outdoor activities. I can highly recommend this day out.

Kerryn Riddell

Kieran was an excellent host and we had a great tim

Tonya Cunningham

Great tour to Port Arthur. Our guide Mark made the trip informative, humourous & efficient. Truly enjoyed it!

An amazing day that could not have started any better than with beer and cheese. Allen kept us entertained with his local knowledge and cleverly moved things around on the tour to stay one step ahead of the weather.

Thanks for the opportunity to give our amazing driver/guide Sam another pat on the back. He was excellent. He even makes good coffee. The whole Bruny Island experience, including the weather, was excellent.

Matt Henricksen

The guide was a real asset. His commentary and humour filled in where the weather could not.

$77 Port Arthur trip is a fair price and the day I went was sunny and warm. Mark who was our tour guide as a local people has a lot of knowledge about the place and very kind to share with us. I definitely recommend this trip to you all.

Rick was an awesome guide, we visited many places on Bruny Island and the time allocated for each activity was prefect.

Kim Maybery

Very well looked after by our hosts - Skipper Ben and side kick. A very memorable trip and we would highly recommend to others.

This Bruny Island tour was awesome!! We had the best guide/driver (Bunzy) and group. Ferry trip over and back was great, with beautiful views everywhere you looked. We enjoyed large, fresh oysters, honey and ice-cream, cheese, a fun filled lunch at Bruny Hotel, a nature walk and beach views. The lookout at the lighthouse was worth the walk as were the breathtaking views at The Neck. We had the best day, we chatted, laughed, took pics and enjoyed the tour and each others company, so much so, we continued when we got back. Definitely Recommend!

John Stephens

Grant was an excellent tour guide. He knows his local history and is fun to spend the day with. We would defintely recommend this tour to others.

Well managed tour. All staff from booking desk in Hobart to guides on bus and boat were pleasant helpful and very friendly

Adrienne Hamann

Sam the guide was excellent. He had fabulous communication skills and was very informative. He assisted many passengers who had mobility issues.

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Bruny Island Tours News

4 New Bruny Island private tour available.

Introducing the Private Bruny Island Tour - an exclusive, personalized day tour to Bruny Island from Hobart. We cater to groups of 2 to 10 people, providing a tailored experience filled with culinary delights and captivating sights. Let us take

Introducing the Private Bruny Island Tour - an exclusive, personalized day tour to Bruny Island from Hobart. We cater to groups of 2 to 10 people, providing a tailored experience filled with culinary delights and captivating sights. Let us take care of everything while you immerse yourself in the beauty of Bruny Island.

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