Penguin is a relatively small town located on the north-west coast of Tasmania, midway between Burnie and Ulverstone. The town was first settled in 1861 as a timber town, and the areas dense bushland and easy access to the sea led to Penguin becoming a significant port town, with large amounts of timber shipped across the Bass Strait. Penguin was originally named by botanist Ronald Campbell Gunn for the little penguin rookeries that common along the less populated areas of the coast. Today, visitors can see fairy penguins all along the coastline, but if you miss the fairy penguins, there is a three metre high penguin at the beachfront park, reputedly the largest penguin in the world.

Those visiting Penguin can find short-term parking at Midway Point Free Camp on Preservation Drive. Potable water can be obtained from Penguin Lions Park, located on Surf Drive, and a dump point is located at Johnsons Beach Road. 

There is so much to see and do in Penguin, making this town the perfect place for a stopover during your time in Tasmania. Visit the replica Dutch Windmill in Hiscutt Park, where there is a fantastic tulip display in spring. Johnsons Beach Reef is well worth exploring at low tide and there are other excellent walks close to town. The more adventurous can explore the trails up the Dial Range to Mount Montgomery. West of town is Preservation Bay, a popular spot for surfing, fishing and swimming. A bit further along is Sulphur Creek, with a lovely stretch of sandy beach. The Penguin markets open every Sunday 9am to 3.30pm, are Tasmania's largest undercover markets. Over 200 stalls sell fresh produce, plants, arts, homemade crafts, Tasmanian woodwork, fashion, jewellery, antiques and collectables. There is also an international food court with a licensed wine bar and live entertainment each week.

Tourist/Visitor Centre       

78 Main Rd, Penguin TAS

Ph: 03 6437 1421

info@coasttocanyon.com.au

www.coasttocanyon.com.au

Casual Parking       

Main Rd & in Zvorni Gornik Lions Park

Short Term Parking           

Midway Point Free Camp on Preservation Drv, must be fully self contained as no facilities on site.

Dump Point  

Johnsons Beach Rd

Potable Water          

Nearest water is at Ulverstone at the BP Service Station or Beach Hut Surf Club.

Penguin Lions Park, Surf Dr

Hospital        

Brickport Rd, Burnie, Ph: 03 6430 6666 (25-30min)

Doctors Surgery     

107 Main Rd, Ph: 03 6437 2508

Pharmacy     

105 Main Rd, Ph: 03 6437 2262

Supermarket            

4 Ironcliffe Rd, Ph: 03 6437 2192; 59 Main Rd, Ph: 03 6437 2099; 66 Main Rd,Ph: 03 6437 2976