Penguin is unique in that there is no other locality in the world with this name. Penguin (population approx 3,924 – 2011 census) gained its name from the fairy penguin colonies which dot the coast. There are twilight viewing sessions of the rookeries at the Little Penguin Observation Centre and Habitat behind the Burnie Makers Workshop, or Lillico Beach near Devonport, where the penguins clamber ashore to return to their nests after a day of feeding in Bass Strait (November until March). Enjoy a stroll along the beautiful north-facing Penguin Esplanade with the sunbeam shimmering off the sea and you might be lucky to see penguins, a pod of dolphins or maybe a whale or two!

The first discovery of silver in Tasmania was in Penguin, followed by discoveries of copper and manganese. However, settlement occurred a decade after the 1850s gold rush in Victoria that created a demand for palings provided by splitters cutting in the Penguin district. The long piles of black rocks on Penguin’s main beach are historically significant as they are the ballast offloaded from ships loading timber back to Victoria c mid-1800.

The backdrop for Penguin is the Dial Range, where there are numerous trails for bushwalking, mountain biking and horse riding. Two of the best places to visit are Ferndene and Mt Montgomery State Reserves. The former has picnic facilities and there is a beautiful walk through the fern glade along a clear stream, surrounded by huge tree ferns reminiscent of Gondwana, with two disused silver mine shafts further up the gorge, known as Brownings’ and Thorsbys’. There are panoramic bike rides along the coast, particularly the breathtaking old Penguin Road to Ulverstone from where you can see the Three Sisters Islands from Penguin Point and further along, Goat Island.

In Penguin itself, St Stephens Church and the Uniting Church and the Penguin General Cemetery are classified by the National Trust. Hiscutt Park has a Dutch Windmill, plus a lake which is home for ducks and the elusive platypus - and where you can see remote control enthusiasts race their sailboats on Sundays. Hiscutt Park also has a picnic area with BBQs, a playground and public toilets. Another BBQ and picnic area is the popular Lions Club Park at the end of Surf Drive on a headland overlooking Penguin and Watcombe beaches that has a picnic area and public toilets. A third picnic area is up on the knoll, that has amazing views of Penguin town, behind the Scout Hall next to the skate rink, along Johnsons Beach Road leading to the Penguin Caravan Park. There is a playground and public toilets located opposite Johnsons Beach. The Penguin Miniature Railway loops around the knoll, operating twice monthly on the second and fourth Sundays that is a big hit with children and adults alike.

For a beautiful three kilometre walk, start from the western end of Penguin at Johnsons Beach, walking along the Esplanade past Penguin Beach to Surf Drive, then proceed along Watcombe Beach where you walk along the grass strip before climbing to cross the railway track, where you discover the start of the beautiful Perry-Ling Gardens along the railway verge. For those seeking an extra two kilometres of power-walking, cross the road onto the footpath that takes you to the eastern end of the township for a return trip.

Home to the largest undercover market in the state, the Penguin Sunday Market is impervious to the weather, it is a mainly bustling craft market, with a food court and live music performed therein throughout the day (9am-3pm). Visitors travel from afar to check out the stalls before enjoying Penguin’s other attractions such as the Big Penguin in the centre of town.

These, combined with excellent eateries, cafes, and speciality shops are all within five minutes walk from the Penguin Visitors Centre. Currently the only fine-dining restaurant, Casablanca, is located at the Penguin Surf Club at Preservation Bay.

For an iconic wilderness experience, walk around Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain, where it sometimes snows in summertime! To get there do a loop via Promised Land and get lost in one of Tazmazia’s eight maze featuring the Great Maze (reputedly the largest botanical maze in the world). Return via the Sheffield Murals and take in all the outdoor wall art. Wine lovers will enjoy spectacular scenery at the Barringwood winery.