Bicheno Penguin Tours
Bicheno Penguin Tours
Bicheno Penguin Tours
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Guided tour to see little penguins come ashore on the beach each evening.
Bicheno, Tasmania, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Bicheno Penguin Tours
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
(33 reviews)
(30 reviews)
(15 reviews)
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
678 reviews
Excellent
457
Very good
138
Average
47
Poor
18
Terrible
18
Adrenalinetravellers
81 contributions
Jan 2020
My partner and I went on the penguin tour in Jan 2020. Some tips / info for fellow tourists:
1) Photography is not allowed on the tour, but the company will send photos of the penguins upon email requests.
2) The tour is conducted outdoors in the dark with no shelter, so dress appropriately. We recommend wearing closed footwear and bringing a jacket.
We were keeping tabs on the available slots before booking and saw that the company was constantly adding extra departures to cater to the demand. The tours were around 10 - 15 mins apart and there were around 5 - 7 slots of 20 participants / time slot that night. We ended up on the 9.25pm tour which departed promptly, and it was a short bus ride to the beach.
Our guide for that evening was Michelle and she was excellent. It was evident right from the start that she loved the little blue penguins and her passion was infectious. The group followed Michelle towards the beach where she shared interesting information about the adorable birds. We were lucky enough to see a colony of over 10 penguins waddling their way up the beach to their nests. They past just meters from us and our highlight of the night was when one walked into a small boulder and slumped over it momentarily, so tired he was from his day in the ocean.
Our group then walked on to a second point but we were not fortunate enough to see any penguins returning home, although there were a few already in the bushes beside us. Because there were so many tour groups, each group had to keep moving and we couldn't stay for long. The tour ended with a peek into the nest of a mother penguin with her two little chicks that left both my partner and I with ear splitting grins.
The entire duration of the tour was exactly an hour, including the bus ride to the beach and back. The company ran like clockwork, which was efficient but it lacked personalization given the large groups and numerous tours. The saving grace was Michelle, who made our evening memorable, and of course, the delightful blue penguins. At AUD 40/pax, the tour was pricey for what it was, but worth it given that the proceeds go to the conservation and protection of these special creatures.
1) Photography is not allowed on the tour, but the company will send photos of the penguins upon email requests.
2) The tour is conducted outdoors in the dark with no shelter, so dress appropriately. We recommend wearing closed footwear and bringing a jacket.
We were keeping tabs on the available slots before booking and saw that the company was constantly adding extra departures to cater to the demand. The tours were around 10 - 15 mins apart and there were around 5 - 7 slots of 20 participants / time slot that night. We ended up on the 9.25pm tour which departed promptly, and it was a short bus ride to the beach.
Our guide for that evening was Michelle and she was excellent. It was evident right from the start that she loved the little blue penguins and her passion was infectious. The group followed Michelle towards the beach where she shared interesting information about the adorable birds. We were lucky enough to see a colony of over 10 penguins waddling their way up the beach to their nests. They past just meters from us and our highlight of the night was when one walked into a small boulder and slumped over it momentarily, so tired he was from his day in the ocean.
Our group then walked on to a second point but we were not fortunate enough to see any penguins returning home, although there were a few already in the bushes beside us. Because there were so many tour groups, each group had to keep moving and we couldn't stay for long. The tour ended with a peek into the nest of a mother penguin with her two little chicks that left both my partner and I with ear splitting grins.
The entire duration of the tour was exactly an hour, including the bus ride to the beach and back. The company ran like clockwork, which was efficient but it lacked personalization given the large groups and numerous tours. The saving grace was Michelle, who made our evening memorable, and of course, the delightful blue penguins. At AUD 40/pax, the tour was pricey for what it was, but worth it given that the proceeds go to the conservation and protection of these special creatures.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dingo_6152
Fremantle, Australia2,040 contributions
Apr 2021
You need to make a booking in advance as numbers are limited and you'll otherwise be disappointed if you miss out. They run regular nightly tours at $40/adult and $20/child - dress warmly as it can get cold.
The tours start at their office/shop in the centre of Bicheno, with a 5 minute bus ride out to the beach where the penguins are. The tour lasts about an hour from start to finish.
The friendly and expert guides take you on an informative well laid out tour of the penguin rookery. It is such a special experience watching the fairy penguins waddle up from the beach to their nesting spots - they are generally not phased by the tourists, with them even walking between my feet to get to their nesting box. The photos I took do not do it justice.
The only negative was parents not controlling their children, despite the guide repeatedly telling everyone that jumping up and down and yelling would be put the birds off. We had one child who was determined to "pet a penguin" and just couldn't be controlled.
I would highly recommend including Bicheno Penguin Tours on your itinerary if you are visiting the region.
The tours start at their office/shop in the centre of Bicheno, with a 5 minute bus ride out to the beach where the penguins are. The tour lasts about an hour from start to finish.
The friendly and expert guides take you on an informative well laid out tour of the penguin rookery. It is such a special experience watching the fairy penguins waddle up from the beach to their nesting spots - they are generally not phased by the tourists, with them even walking between my feet to get to their nesting box. The photos I took do not do it justice.
The only negative was parents not controlling their children, despite the guide repeatedly telling everyone that jumping up and down and yelling would be put the birds off. We had one child who was determined to "pet a penguin" and just couldn't be controlled.
I would highly recommend including Bicheno Penguin Tours on your itinerary if you are visiting the region.
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimRiesterer
Edina, MN4,726 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We were staying in Freycinet so decided to take the tour to see the penguins. We were originally booked on a 9 pm Saturday excursion but as the forecast was for steady rain, I sent an email and the penguin folks were able to switch us to the 9:15 on the following evening. That was really nice.
The meeting spot is right off the Main Street in bicheno -it’s not hard to spot, there are flags and a big parking lot. You board a mini bus with 20ish other folks to be driven to the penguin viewing spot.
NOTE: they have a strict no photos, no camera policy-lights can disturb the birds but they will email you some photos if you first send an email request.
The tour itself lasts about an hour led by a guide with a Special flashlight that doesn’t impact the little blue penguins (the only species in Australia). You are guided sllowly around a path stopping at various points for interesting information and if you are lucky, see penguins fat from feasting waddling back up from the beach to their nests. At only $AUD 40 per person, it’s not too expensive.
The meeting spot is right off the Main Street in bicheno -it’s not hard to spot, there are flags and a big parking lot. You board a mini bus with 20ish other folks to be driven to the penguin viewing spot.
NOTE: they have a strict no photos, no camera policy-lights can disturb the birds but they will email you some photos if you first send an email request.
The tour itself lasts about an hour led by a guide with a Special flashlight that doesn’t impact the little blue penguins (the only species in Australia). You are guided sllowly around a path stopping at various points for interesting information and if you are lucky, see penguins fat from feasting waddling back up from the beach to their nests. At only $AUD 40 per person, it’s not too expensive.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff S
Perth, Australia1,271 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
I realise wildlife tours never guarantee to show you wildlife So I’m not writing about that. In this case we did see one penguin walk up the beach, which was great. Near the end we saw some more sitting on a rock 30-40m away in the dark.
So why didn’t we like it?
24 people in our group. We couldn’t hear the guide, and when we could she was more about “oh aren’t they cute” than offering real information. She did a wonderful job given the lack of Penguins, but we couldn’t hear a whole sentence the entire night.
We were taken into a room with some penguin pictures on the wall and apparently some penguins behind some knee height glass windows. The torch light was reflecting off the dirty glass and again we couldn’t see a damned thing.
When we ran out of penguins to see (after 1) she started talking about things in the bushes and highlighting them with her torch, so now we couldn’t hear or see what was going on! Only a few people at the front had any idea what was happening. I know the guides have to fill in time when the penguins don’t arrive, but the group was just too big.
Before we knew it we were all back on the bus again.
We alighted the bus and my daughter said “that was pretty crap!” I had to agree. It was the worst $80 I’ve spent so far on our trip.
Maybe take groups of 12 so people can see and hear, or halve the price. $40pp was far too much for what we got.
If you’re here for 2 nights I’d suggest going to one of the free beaches first (just ask around) as I heard people saw lots that night without doing a tour. If you don’t see any then (and only then) pay for a 2nd chance to see penguins.
So why didn’t we like it?
24 people in our group. We couldn’t hear the guide, and when we could she was more about “oh aren’t they cute” than offering real information. She did a wonderful job given the lack of Penguins, but we couldn’t hear a whole sentence the entire night.
We were taken into a room with some penguin pictures on the wall and apparently some penguins behind some knee height glass windows. The torch light was reflecting off the dirty glass and again we couldn’t see a damned thing.
When we ran out of penguins to see (after 1) she started talking about things in the bushes and highlighting them with her torch, so now we couldn’t hear or see what was going on! Only a few people at the front had any idea what was happening. I know the guides have to fill in time when the penguins don’t arrive, but the group was just too big.
Before we knew it we were all back on the bus again.
We alighted the bus and my daughter said “that was pretty crap!” I had to agree. It was the worst $80 I’ve spent so far on our trip.
Maybe take groups of 12 so people can see and hear, or halve the price. $40pp was far too much for what we got.
If you’re here for 2 nights I’d suggest going to one of the free beaches first (just ask around) as I heard people saw lots that night without doing a tour. If you don’t see any then (and only then) pay for a 2nd chance to see penguins.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RC30319
Atlanta, GA1,413 contributions
Mar 2020
This tour has a lot of potential especially in the higher seasons when more penguins come ashore. Regretfully March is the end of molting season and there just aren't many to see during this month. I think we did see 3. I would not recommend during low season, be sure and ask. However I can see it would be a pretty neat experience during high season.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean H
1 contribution
May 2021 • Couples
Our guide had no idea what she was talking about, must have been a lack of training experience. Had no control over our tour group.
Overall staff were not very welcoming, had there noses up in the air.
For the location and penguins you see is great, for $40pp the guide should get their facts right. Our guide told us one fact then we overheard another guide say the same fact completely contradicting it.
Second tour group was also a major distraction as we could not hear our tour guide due to them being so close to us.
Overall staff were not very welcoming, had there noses up in the air.
For the location and penguins you see is great, for $40pp the guide should get their facts right. Our guide told us one fact then we overheard another guide say the same fact completely contradicting it.
Second tour group was also a major distraction as we could not hear our tour guide due to them being so close to us.
Written May 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
801tan2015
Hobart107 contributions
Sep 2020
It's 20 from ten for us. It exceeded our hopes. Customer service and care is obviously a priority for this company.
The tour guides and bus driver were friendly helpful thoughtful and informative.
Experiencing the beauty of Penguins in nature is now not something we will do once.
Given the experience all around and the quality of this tour, we have already begun recommending others take it and try it for themselves.
We definitely aim to share this with family and friends in future locally as well as by bringing interstate visitors there in future.
Congratulations for having a business you so obviously care about and share with others.
Layer up and keep warm as the breeze can get fresh and chilly. :-) and enjoy it.
We recommend the value of this experience very highly . .
The tour guides and bus driver were friendly helpful thoughtful and informative.
Experiencing the beauty of Penguins in nature is now not something we will do once.
Given the experience all around and the quality of this tour, we have already begun recommending others take it and try it for themselves.
We definitely aim to share this with family and friends in future locally as well as by bringing interstate visitors there in future.
Congratulations for having a business you so obviously care about and share with others.
Layer up and keep warm as the breeze can get fresh and chilly. :-) and enjoy it.
We recommend the value of this experience very highly . .
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kathybieg
Saint Louis, MO3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
I was part of a tour last night which had a total of three penguins to see since it was molting season.We were not told this was the case when we booked the $40 dollar per person tour.
The guides told us we could not take pictures but proceeded to directly shine flashlights in the poor animals direction ..and shined lights at a bunch of feathers in a nest that was supposedly a molting bird.I have attended many tours around the globe and can honestly say the poor penguins peace at this stressful season of feeding the of the last remaining two chicks was not a priority.
The staffs knowledge was minimal..one said the adult was a male ..the other a female..Poor quality pictures .maps and audio.Difficult to hear and understand the guide and very dark walkways that left guests susceptible to a fall .
This tour made me feel that both the guests and penguins were part of a for profit enterprise with little concern for the precarious state and fragile environment of the penguins nor the safety and accurate information given to the guests.
The guides told us we could not take pictures but proceeded to directly shine flashlights in the poor animals direction ..and shined lights at a bunch of feathers in a nest that was supposedly a molting bird.I have attended many tours around the globe and can honestly say the poor penguins peace at this stressful season of feeding the of the last remaining two chicks was not a priority.
The staffs knowledge was minimal..one said the adult was a male ..the other a female..Poor quality pictures .maps and audio.Difficult to hear and understand the guide and very dark walkways that left guests susceptible to a fall .
This tour made me feel that both the guests and penguins were part of a for profit enterprise with little concern for the precarious state and fragile environment of the penguins nor the safety and accurate information given to the guests.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne_Frankish
6 contributions
Mar 2023
The Tour Guide was very informative and it was very interesting to hear about his work with the penguins and helping them with nesting places in the rookery. He was very passionate about the penguins and learning more about them from other places such as Phillip Island.
We were fortunate enough to experience the Phillip Island Penguin Parade in October '22 when the penguin numbers were super high (3000+) but the Bicheno experience was also very special and far more intimate with the little penguins choosing to come right up to us and between our legs. All their own choice of course.
It was lovely to be able to take photos (with no flash of course) and the photos provided by the tour guide were much appreciated.
We stayed at Diamond Island resort for a night whilst in Bicheno but I'm super happy we booked the penguin parade as well while staying at Beachfront Bicheno because it was an amazing experience. We didn't actually see any penguins while on the official spotting at Diamond Island but did see two after everybody else had left. Would definitely recommend booking this tour, it's great value and the money helps keep the little penguins safe.
We were fortunate enough to experience the Phillip Island Penguin Parade in October '22 when the penguin numbers were super high (3000+) but the Bicheno experience was also very special and far more intimate with the little penguins choosing to come right up to us and between our legs. All their own choice of course.
It was lovely to be able to take photos (with no flash of course) and the photos provided by the tour guide were much appreciated.
We stayed at Diamond Island resort for a night whilst in Bicheno but I'm super happy we booked the penguin parade as well while staying at Beachfront Bicheno because it was an amazing experience. We didn't actually see any penguins while on the official spotting at Diamond Island but did see two after everybody else had left. Would definitely recommend booking this tour, it's great value and the money helps keep the little penguins safe.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yolski
Brisbane, Australia54 contributions
Dec 2019
I took my 9 year old daughter on this tour and we had the best time. We saw so many penguins. The tour guides were respectful towards the penguins and incredibly knowledgeable. Seeing the penguins coming up from the beach, interacting and burrowing was incredible. Highly recommend this tour if you love yourself a fairy penguin. I will do it again when we next holiday in Bicheno.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMP
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Hi we are hoping to be in Bicheno in very early January. Is that low or high season for the penguins. I think we would do the tour either way but just wondering what your penguin numbers are like. Also what type of penguins are they. Thanks Anne-Marie
Wandering Brisbanite
Brisbane, Australia260 contributions
Yes. I think that’s close to their or is their mating season.
Paul L
Southport, NC62 contributions
We are planning to be in Bicheno next February 13, 2019. Would you recommend taking the Penguin tour at this time of year? I am reading some reports that there are few penguins due to the time of year. Thanks for your feedback. Paul
santjordi
San Diego, CA467 contributions
I was. There a month later and was very happy. We had a couple of dozen. Feb is a better time. I’d go.
Roz2911
Hong Kong, China8 contributions
Got overseas visitors coming in mid-June. We will be taking them to Wineglass Bay then hope to catch the Penguin Tour on the way back.
* What time would we need to be in Bicheno to catch the bus for the Penguin Tour?
* Are there many to be seen in June?
Thanks
Roz
funboarder
Newcastle, Australia111 contributions
The penguins come out of the water just after the sun goes down everyday
Pam M
Sydney, Australia18 contributions
Hi are there still penguins around we are coming in a couple of days 5th off March
And do we have to book
Thanks Pam
Cornelius T
Bibra Lake, Australia477 contributions
Yes. You had better call them.
The penguins, I believe are 'viewable' all year round.
At night they walk into Bicheno too.
How to make the bookings?
Deepa K
123 contributions
Can just call them to book thru phone. Better to book than be disappointed 😊
Kelly S
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe63 contributions
Are the penguins available to view all year round.? We are looking to be in the area in April Early May next year.
Nic W
Bicheno, Tasmania, Australia1 contribution
We operate year round but penguins are seasonal. Usually see around 20 penguins in April. We now have soft lighting on the foreshore and throughout the rookery so you have better vision of the penguins. Photos will be emailed to you free of charge on request due to the no camera policy.
lovetotravel_rls
Singapore517 contributions
Hi, when does the tour starts? Is there only one timing every night?
I'm arriving from Port Arthur, thus need to know when we need to leave in order to arrive in time for the tour.
Nic W
Bicheno, Tasmania, Australia1 contribution
Hi and thanks everyone for answering the question. Our tours operate at dusk, our website has the start time of the 1st tour each evening, subsequent tours leave every 10mins depending on demand. During school holidays we advise you to book at least several days in advance.