Little Penguin Observation Centre — Attraction in Burnie

What a delightful evening. I’d had other penguin encounters in my past, and went in cautious about talking too loud and knowing that not - under any circumstances - should I take a photograph! The only stipulation was that there be no white light after dark. But the guides had ample supplies of red cellophane to cover torches and/or mobile phone lights. Speaking of the guides, there were three. All volunteers. And they were friendly and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. We had a little talk first about the penguins themselves, and off we went. We found a spot and parked ourselves. The action was on even before the travellers returned. There were impatient spouses minding eggs who kept peeping out to see if the better half was back yet. There were the cutest little fluffy chicks who hungrily toddled about outside their homes, waiting for mum or dad to get home with the takeaway. Then the calls came from the rocks as they started coming in. Families re-united, kids getting fed, all within a metre of where we were standing. I have a wonderful video showing two little chicks approaching a parent who apparently wasn’t theirs. He/she was not impressed and told them so in no uncertain terms. It was textbook bully stuff, but delightful to see one chick come to the defence of the other. Sadly my video was 48 secs long and is cut for the review to 30. But still cute. As mentioned, the whole thing is run by volunteers. And there is no charge for the entire thing. Where can you get such a wonderful experience for nothing? They have big plans to expand and make it even better for the little guys, so when the opportunity to make a donation arises...

Came here because it was listed as free. The observation area is actually 2 areas: a shelter with information about the penguins and then a boardwalk area that is fenced off so the penguins call get to shelters without crossing the road and getting hit by cars (a problem in the past). So nice that the city built this area so the penguins are protected and the people who want to see them can still see them up close! Plus, it was great to have volunteers available to ask questions. Definitely worth a visit!

Please be kind and remember don't use your flash or shine your (non-red) lights on the penguins (The volunteers even put a stuffed penguin out beforehand so people could take pictures with their flash so they wouldn't do it to the real penguins.) And, donate something to support the efforts so they can keep offering this...

The experience itself is wonderful, you can see the penguins and chicks depending on the time of year, make sure you dress warmly all year round, we visited in summer and it was cold and windy! Signage is very poor to find the centre and when we arrived the talk was meant to start and the volunteers were talking amongst themselves for quite a while (10 minutes +) a small word and gesture to the visitors doesn't take much and makes them feel welcome & know the talk will start soonish! so we actually left and came back when it was darker and we got to see the beautiful little penguins bounding out of the sea und up the beach. I took a star off for the poor signage and lack of rapport...