An Intimate Encounter With Fairy Penguins At Low Head, Tasmania

Within convenient reach from Launceston CBD

Low Head is a straightforward 45-minute drive, 57 kilometres north from Launceston CBD on the East Tamar Highway. What this means is that you will have more time in the city before heading north for the Low Head Penguin Tour that starts right after sunset. Furthermore, Low Head faces Bass Straits, where 60% of the known breeding population of the Fairy Penguins can be found, which means you will have a higher chance of viewing the little penguins walk up the beach here.

Sunset time varies according to seasons, starting as early as 5.30pm in winter or as late as 9.00pm in summer. After less than an hour on the road, you will be welcomed by the cute little ones coming on shore after sunset at this strategic location. Time is precious, so the accessibility of Low Head is definitely a plus point for travellers eager to sight the lovely penguins.

Comprehensive guided tour in small groups

For many other penguin tours in Australia, you typically get to view the little penguins waddle on shore from a distance, together with hordes of other visitors on the viewing platform. At Low Head, the penguin tour guide will first meet you at the entrance of the Coastal Reserve to give an overview of the Fairy Penguins as well as what to expect during the 1-hour tour. If there are many visitors on the evening you visit, you will be split into smaller groups of not more than 20 people each. Thereafter, follow your guide to the beach which is an easy 3-minute walk away.

The excitement starts to build up as you wait along the beach in your small groups, while listening to the comprehensive information on the Fairy Penguins provided by your guide. After a short wait, you will be able to spot the little penguins walk up the beach to their burrows in small groups, just like the photo you see above. As penguins are sensitive to light, the guide will use her torchlight to shine in the area where they appear, but not directly at them, so as to alert us to look in that direction. Great to have a guide direct you to where the cute little ones are, instead of trying to search for them in the dark on your own!

Let the penguins waddle beside you

Wish the Fairy Penguins can waddle beside you as they walk to their burrows at night? At Low Head Penguin Tour, let your dream come true. Your experienced guide will bring you to the usual paths the penguins take, to wait for them to come along and waddle right beside you! Do remember that you should not scream in excitement, touch or shine your flashlight directly at them else they will be frightened away. If the lucky stars are shining on you, the penguins may even be sniffing your shoes or feet!

Hear the distinctive singing of the Fairy Penguins

Since you will be so close to the little penguins, listen out for their distinctive song of sharp trumpeting cries, accompanied by flipper, beak and adorable body movements. If you visit during the breeding season, typically from June to August, you may even get to hear throbbing growls coming from their nest burrows. Enjoy this rare opportunity where you get a live performance by the protected seabirds up close!