Lillico Beach Penguin Viewing Platform
Witness the world's smallest penguins return to shore at dusk. A free, magical wildlife encounter with passionate local guides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Penguins return to shore
Lillico Beach Penguin Viewing Platform
Best Time
Penguins return to shore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the world's smallest penguins return to shore at dusk. A free, magical wildlife encounter with passionate local guides.
"Such a fantastic experience! We saw so many penguins, and it was truly magical."
🤫 No Bright Lights Allowed!
Protect the penguins: no flash, dim phone screens. Guides use red lights.
🚗 Park Smartly
Reverse park your car to avoid lights disturbing the penguins.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Little Penguin Colony
Lillico Beach
Witness the world's smallest penguins waddle ashore at dusk. A truly magical and intimate wildlife encounter.
Volunteer Guide Insights
Viewing Platform
Learn fascinating facts from passionate local volunteers who use red lights to guide your viewing.
Stargazing & Aurora Australis
Lillico Beach
On clear nights, this spot offers incredible stargazing and a chance to see the Aurora Australis.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Penguin Sightings
+1Respect the Penguins: Lights Out!
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 No Bright Lights Allowed!
Protect the penguins: no flash, dim phone screens. Guides use red lights.
🚗 Park Smartly
Reverse park your car to avoid lights disturbing the penguins.
🤝 Support the Volunteers
Entry is free, but donations are highly appreciated to support their work.
🔭 Arrive Early for Spots
Get the best viewing positions on the platform by arriving before sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 No Bright Lights Allowed!
Protect the penguins: no flash, dim phone screens. Guides use red lights.
🚗 Park Smartly
Reverse park your car to avoid lights disturbing the penguins.
🤝 Support the Volunteers
Entry is free, but donations are highly appreciated to support their work.
🔭 Arrive Early for Spots
Get the best viewing positions on the platform by arriving before sunset.
🌌 Look Up for Stars
On clear nights, enjoy amazing stargazing and potential Aurora sightings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magical experience of seeing Little Penguins in their natural habitat at Lillico Beach. The free entry and the incredible dedication of the volunteer guides are consistently highlighted as major positives. While some visitors missed seeing penguins, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the peaceful, crowd-free environment and the bonus of potential stargazing.
"Such a fantastic experience! We saw so many penguins, and it was truly magical. The two lady volunteers were absolutely amazing – so friendly, helpful, and full of knowledge. They explained so much and made the visit even more enjoyable.
The best part is that it’s free, but you can make a donation to support the work they do – which is so worth it. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting, it’s an unforgettable experience!"
Belinda Donaldson
"The Little Penguins were very cute. You can easily see them and the guides very informative.
Reverse park you car as the lights cause the penguins to panic"
Julia Richardson
"While passing by got to know about this place.
WOW! Penguin comes in night and go to their manmade house..it would be life time experience to watch penguin
Didn't got chance to see this...but would definitely come back."
Hitesh Patel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lillico Beach is located about a 10-minute drive west of Devonport, Tasmania. It's easily accessible by car. Parking is available near the viewing platform.
Public transport options to Lillico Beach are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange transport.
Use GPS navigation to 'Lillico Beach Penguin Viewing Platform' or search for Lillico Beach near Devonport, Tasmania.
Yes, you can visit during the day, but the primary attraction is the penguin viewing at dusk. The beach itself is a pleasant coastal reserve.
Absolutely! It's a short drive from Devonport, making it a perfect addition to a day trip exploring the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the viewing platform is free. However, donations are highly encouraged to support the volunteer guides and conservation efforts.
Penguin viewing is best at dusk, typically after sunset. The season runs from September to April.
While entry is free, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, as the platform can get crowded. No formal booking system is in place for this free access.
The viewing platform itself is free to access. Donations are welcomed to support the volunteer program.
The Little Penguins are typically visible at Lillico Beach from September through to April.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bring warm clothing as it can get chilly by the coast. A small red-light torch can be helpful, but avoid bright lights.
Photography is allowed, but only with red-light torches or by dimming your phone screen significantly. No flash photography is permitted.
Chances are very high during the season, especially if you arrive around dusk and stay quiet. Volunteers can help spot them.
Basic facilities like parking are available. It's a natural reserve, so don't expect extensive amenities.
The platform is generally accessible, but it's a natural coastal environment. Check for specific accessibility needs if required.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Use a tripod for stability in low light. Increase your ISO and use a wide aperture (low f-number). Consider a camera with good low-light performance.
Use a telephoto lens to get close-up shots from a distance. Always adhere to the no-flash rule and use red light if necessary.
Yes, but ensure your phone's screen is dimmed to the lowest setting and avoid using the flash. Some phones have a 'night mode' that can help.
For astrophotography, use a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture, a sturdy tripod, and long exposure settings. Experiment with your camera's manual settings.
The viewing platform offers direct views of the penguins returning. The surrounding beach and coastline are also scenic for general photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Arrive a bit before dusk to get good spots. Dress warmly, as coastal evenings can be cool. Remind children about the importance of staying quiet and not using bright lights to protect the penguins. It's a memorable and accessible wildlife experience that kids will talk about for ages.
🌌 Stargazers & Astrophotographers
Bring your camera gear and tripod for a chance to capture the Milky Way or, with luck, the Aurora Australis. Even without specialized equipment, the clarity of the stars is often astounding. It's a peaceful spot to combine penguin viewing with an appreciation for the universe above.
🚗 Budget Travelers
While there's no cost for entry, consider making a donation to the volunteer group to support their vital work. Pack your own snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. It's a perfect example of Tasmania's natural beauty offering incredible experiences without a hefty price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Little Penguins
During the breeding season, which generally aligns with the viewing season from September to April, adult penguins return to their burrows to feed their chicks. This is when you're most likely to see them in larger numbers. The volunteers at Lillico Beach play a crucial role in educating visitors about the penguins' life cycle, behaviors, and the importance of conservation efforts to protect their fragile ecosystem.
It's essential to remember that these are wild animals. Maintaining a respectful distance and adhering to the strict guidelines regarding light and noise is paramount to ensuring their well-being and continued presence at Lillico Beach.
The Role of Volunteer Guides
+1Beyond just spotting the penguins, the volunteers provide invaluable insights into their behavior, diet, and the challenges they face. They are a wealth of knowledge, answering questions and sharing fascinating anecdotes that enrich the entire experience. Their passion for conservation is evident, and they are instrumental in fostering a sense of responsibility among visitors.
Their presence transforms a simple wildlife viewing into an educational and engaging event. Visitors consistently praise the volunteers for their friendliness, helpfulness, and the passion they bring to their role, making the free experience truly unforgettable.
Beyond the Penguins: Natural Wonders
Furthermore, Lillico Beach is known for its potential to witness the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). While sightings are dependent on solar activity and clear conditions, the southern aspect of the beach can offer a chance to see this breathtaking natural phenomenon. Even if the aurora isn't visible, the sheer number of stars in the night sky is often spectacular.
Some visitors have also reported seeing bioluminescence in the water, creating a magical 'sea sparkle' effect. This natural light show, caused by marine organisms, adds another layer of wonder to an evening spent at Lillico Beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit