Australia hosts the world’s smallest penguin species. Here’s where to observe them.

Although all the endemic penguins in Australia belong to the same species, our coasts and New Zealand are the only places globally where you can see the charming little penguins. Named for their small size (standing just 36 to 43 centimeters tall, they are among the tiniest aquatic birds), these penguins predominantly inhabit colonies on islands off the southern coast. However, they’ve also been spotted in other states.

We’ve compiled a list of the top locations to observe little penguins in the wild in Australia.

1. Phillip Island, Vic

It’s only fitting to kick off this list with Phillip Island, home to one of the largest little penguin colonies worldwide. A mere 90-minute drive from Melbourne and connected to mainland Victoria by a bridge, it’s not only accessible but also hosts the delightful Penguin Parade—a charming nightly event where tickets help fund research and care for these adorable birds. Elevated boardwalks offer excellent viewing areas as a confined number of visitors watch these feathery residents return to their burrows at sunset.

Purchase tickets for the Penguin Parade. (Image: Visit Victoria)

2. St Kilda, Vic

However, you don’t have to leave Melbourne to see little penguins. Visit St Kilda Beach and check out Breakwater (the rocky outcrop at the end of the pier) to observe this local colony. To ensure the penguins’ safety, the local council hosts three nightly viewings from February to April. Tickets are complimentary, but you’ll need to register. Penguin Rangers monitor the area for safety.

Observe penguins nestled in the breakwater rocks. (Image: Eric Fortin)

3. Middle Island, Warrnambool, Vic

Further south, little penguins also inhabit Middle Island, located off Warrnambool along the Great Ocean Road. Unfortunately, their numbers dwindled by 2006 due to foxes migrating from the mainland to hunt during low tide. However, thanks to the introduction of protective Maremma guard dogs on the island, the penguin population is thriving. Each summer, visitors can interact with these protective dogs on a ‘Meet the Maremma Tour’ and learn about the Penguin Protection Project.

Meet Maremma dogs on duty at Middle Island. (Image: GOR Regional Tourism)

4. Penguin Island, WA

As the name implies, Penguin Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in Western Australia. Visits to this pristine location are limited and only available at specific times during daylight from mid-September to early June. But it’s worth securing a ticket since the island also hosts pelicans, sea eagles, and albatrosses. Guided wildlife walks are available for booking.

Grab a ticket to Penguin Island. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

5. Kangaroo Island, SA

Kangaroo Island is already known as a haven for Australian wildlife, and little penguins are no exception. As the last functioning penguin center in South Australia, Penneshaw Penguin Centre offers nightly tours throughout the year. Since the colony can be tricky to locate on your own, booking in advance is highly recommended. Additionally, you might enjoy some stargazing.

Join the tour with Penneshaw Penguin Centre. (Image: Milton Wordley)

6. Victor Harbor, West Island, SA

Victor Harbour, located around 80 kilometers south of Adelaide, is home to little penguins across many of its islands (it’s also one of the top whale-watching spots), with Granite Island being the best location to spot them. Situated within the Encounter Marine Park, penguin numbers have been declining recently, so ensure you keep the fox-proof gate closed during your visit. Even if you don’t see a penguin, you may encounter dolphins, leafy sea dragons, and seals. To enhance your wildlife spotting experience, consider checking out Big Duck Boat Tours.

Venture into Granite Island’s Encounter Marine Park to spot little penguins. (Image: Fleurieu Peninsula Tourism)

7. Lion Island, NSW

Located off the coast of Broken Bay, Lion Island is ironically home to a little penguin colony. A collaboration between National Parks and Wildlife and Taronga Zoo has been ongoing since the early 1990s to support this colony, which now includes around 300 breeding pairs. As a highly protected sanctuary, you’ll have to try spotting these adorable birds from a boat at a respectful distance.

Spot penguins from the waters around Lion Island. (Image: DNSW)

8. Manly, NSW

Sydney’s second-best known beach suburb, Manly, is also home to its only breeding colony of little penguins. While these penguins are known to forage along Sydney Harbour and the nearby coast, they return to their nesting boxes at Shore Beach in Manly from May to February to raise their young. Because it’s not accessible by land, kayaking is the best option to reach the beach. With a smaller population, sightings aren’t guaranteed, so keep a respectful distance, refrain from bringing dogs, and avoid using flash photography as it can disturb them.

Watch for penguins returning to their nesting boxes at Shore Beach. (Image: DNSW)

9. Jervis Bay, NSW

Bowen Island, located at the entrance of Jervis Bay, may be small—only about a kilometer long and half a kilometer wide—but it has a noteworthy penguin presence with around 5000 breeding pairs residing there. Each night, they venture out from dawn until an hour before dusk to forage for food, returning to their burrows just before nightfall.

Explore Bowen Island to witness a large penguin colony. (Image: DNSW)

10. Stanley, Tas

Stanley is best known for a prominent rock formation called The Nut, but its little penguins are a close second. Visit Godfrey’s Beach for a wheelchair-accessible penguin viewing platform, or reserve a cabin at BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park to observe the little creatures along Tatlow Beach.

Book a stay at BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park to see little penguins at Tatlow Beach. (Image: Jess Bonde)

11. Penguin, Tas

Yes, there’s a town named Penguin in Tasmania, and it’s home to plenty of little penguins. The locals are so proud of their feathery inhabitants that they’ve constructed a large ‘big penguin’ statue. You can see the real ones at the southern end of Penguin Beach or venture to the beach just east of there.

Check out the big penguin, then look for the little ones. (Image: Adrian Cook)

12. Bicheno, Tas

The lively town of Bicheno on Tasmania’s east coast deserves a visit for many reasons. At the top of the list are their little penguins found on Redbill and Waubs beaches. Both are easily accessible on foot (the latter being centrally located in town), making it a popular spot for picnics at dusk to witness the local penguins returning home for the night. You can also join Bicheno Penguin Tours for access to a private property favored by the penguins that isn’t open to other tourists.

Participate in Bicheno Penguin Tours. (Image: Tourism Australia)

13. Low Head, Tas

Just a 45-minute drive from Launceston, Low Head features a conservation area where hundreds of local little penguins breed between November and February. Since the area closes before dusk, you’ll need to join Low Head Penguin Tours Tasmania for access.

Book a tour to see the little penguins of Low Head. (Image: Florian Rohart)

14. Devonport, Tas

Lillico Beach Conservation Area is a bit of a hidden gem for penguin spotting. From late September to early April, visit the eastern end of the beach to view little penguins from the observation platform. Guides will be on hand to answer any questions related to these charismatic birds.

Join locals for penguin spotting. (Image: Chi Kueng Renault Wong)