Lillico Beach Little Penguin Viewing Platform

Lees Lens

3 months ago

★★★★★

This is open to the public and has a great viewing platform and penguin guides on the platform each night during the season. No need to pay for an expensive Penguin tour! Make sure you follow the instructions to protect these little Fairy Penguins. If you look carefully into the bush you can see special nesting boxes for the penguins.

Zheng Huang

5 months ago

★★★★★

There are many little blue penguins here. I recommend arriving before sunset to get photos of the penguins in natural light and to secure a good spot, as it gets very crowded at night. The observation deck has advanced red lighting, and volunteers will provide explanations. This is a free attraction with donation boxes. There might not be a large number of penguins coming ashore at the same time, so waiting can be a great way to see the Milky Way, although the light pollution from Devonport and the satellites overhead can be quite annoying.

Dianne Caine

5 months ago

★★★★★

This experience was fantastic. The tour guides were so knowledgeable very friendly and very helpful. We stayed until 11 pm and it was definitely worth it. We seen adults coming out of the ocean and feeding their chicks one of our best experiences in Tasmania.

Elisa

6 months ago

★★★★★

The penguin viewing platform is very well maintained and clean, making it a great place to observe the little penguins without disturbing them. Informative signs along the platform help visitors better understand the penguins’ lives and behaviour, which really adds to the experience. A huge thank you to the volunteers who generously give their time to share information and stories with the crowd. Their presence is invaluable—not only for educating visitors, but also for protecting the penguins during their daily march to shore. They do an amazing job monitoring the wellbeing of these little animals and gently guiding visitors, especially those who may not always know how to respectfully approach a wildlife experience. Truly appreciated. During volunteer hours, there’s a small donation box on the platform. It's a great way to show appreciation for the volunteers’ work and respect for what Australia offers. Donations help keep the platform clean and safe while protecting the penguins’ wellbeing, making the experience better for everyone. This is just one of the many incredible free experiences in Australia—something worth enjoying responsibly and not taking for granted.

Kia Yang

7 months ago

★★★★★

Overall Experience The Penguin Viewing Platform at Lillico is a wonderful and well-run experience. It is entirely operated and hosted by dedicated volunteers, which really shows in how smoothly the evening is managed. It was informative, family-friendly, and respectful of the penguins’ wellbeing. Highly recommended. Information Boards The information boards are very detailed and strongly encourage visitors to read and follow the rules. They clearly explain penguin behaviour, viewing etiquette, and safety guidelines, which helps ensure a positive experience for both visitors and wildlife. Boardwalk & Accessibility The boardwalk is well designed and well maintained. It is suitable for both able-bodied and less-able visitors, making the viewing area accessible and easy to navigate. Crowd movement is well managed. Volunteers The volunteers are experienced, knowledgeable, and of very high quality. They are generous with their time, happy to answer questions, and clearly passionate about protecting the penguins. Their guidance adds significant value to the experience. Little Penguins Seeing the little penguins—both parents and babies—was absolutely delightful. Watching them return after dark is a special experience and a reminder of how important careful management is for their safety. Parking Free parking is available on unpaved gravel ground. It is simple, functional, and close enough to make access easy. Attendance Despite being a natural wildlife experience, over 50 people attended on the night, including both adults and children. The volunteers handled the crowd efficiently and respectfully. Helpful Notes Visitors are encouraged to arrive by around 8:30 pm, as penguin parents begin returning after dark when it is safest for them. Dress warmly—layer up, bring a well-fitted jacket, and consider a blanket for the drive home. Do not bring red or filtered torches; only volunteers use approved lighting to avoid frightening adults and causing chicks to be abandoned. Respectful behaviour is essential. Final Thoughts This site is home to the largest little penguin colony on this side of Tasmania. It is a special, well-protected experience made even better by the volunteers’ dedication. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.