Penguin

Penguin is a small town in northern Tasmania, situated between Burnie and Ulverstone. It was named after the little penguins that used to wander around its beaches. Many things there, including bins are shaped like penguins. Penguin is also the home of Penguin Market.



Understand
Penguin was first settled in the mid-1800s as a timber town. Towards the end of the 1850s, demand for palings for home building during the gold rush in Victoria saw large quantities of timber shipped from the Penguin district across the Bass Strait.

The discovery of copper and silver further contributed to settlement in the area. The town of Penguin was proclaimed in October 1875.

By car
Penguin is 15 min by car (17 km) east of Burnie, via Highway 1 and then exit at B17.

From Devonport and the "Spirit of Tasmania" ferry terminal, Penguin is a 30 min drive to the west.

By plane
The nearest airports are located in Devonport and Wynyard.

Get around

 * Penguin Taxi Service +61 417 506 851

Do

 * Ambling Among Penguin’s Charms - A 1.5-hr self-guided heritage walk showcasing 28 of Penguin's attractions. Get details on the community website Penguin Heritage Trail.

Go next

 * Burnie (heading west)
 * Ulverstone (heading east)