A group of small penguins, likely Little Penguins, stand on sandy ground at night. The scene is dimly lit, making their white bellies and dark backs noticeable against the darkness. | Aussie Loop
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Low Head Penguin Tour

from A$120
3 hours
Launceston
All Ages (3+)

Watch little penguins come ashore at Low Head Coastal Reserve, home to Tasmania's largest rookery, on a guided evening tour with return transfers from central Launceston. See them ride the waves in and waddle to their burrows on a one hour guided viewing. Allow about 3.5 hours in total.

  • A group of small penguins, likely Little Penguins, stand on sandy ground at night. The scene is dimly lit, making their white bellies and dark backs noticeable against the darkness. | Aussie Loop
  • Five children sitting on a bench at night observe a group of small penguins walking on the ground nearby, immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of the Low Head Penguin Tour.
  • People sit on sand at night under orange lighting, watching and photographing small penguins walking nearby during the Low Head Penguin Tour.
  • Person standing on a dimly lit path at night, with two small birds on the ground illuminated by orange lights; a partially visible viewing platform sign hints at the Low Head Penguin Tour experience.
  • A group of little penguins stands close together on a sandy, dimly lit surface, with dark surroundings in the background—a charming scene that highlights one of the memorable things to do in Bicheno. | Aussie Loop
  • A little penguin sits at the entrance of its burrow, partially hidden by grass, with another penguin barely visible in the shadowy background—a charming scene capturing one of the memorable things to do in Bicheno. | Aussie Loop
  • Four people sit on rocks at night whilst several small penguins walk in front of them on sandy ground, enjoying the magical experience of a Low Head Penguin Tour.
  • A group of little blue penguins stands on rocky ground at night, illuminated by a light source from the left, reminiscent of a scene from the Low Head Penguin Tour.
  • A group of small penguins, likely Little Penguins, stand on sandy ground at night. The scene is dimly lit, making their white bellies and dark backs noticeable against the darkness. | Aussie Loop
  • Five children sitting on a bench at night observe a group of small penguins walking on the ground nearby, immersed in the enchanting atmosphere of the Low Head Penguin Tour.
  • People sit on sand at night under orange lighting, watching and photographing small penguins walking nearby during the Low Head Penguin Tour.
  • Person standing on a dimly lit path at night, with two small birds on the ground illuminated by orange lights; a partially visible viewing platform sign hints at the Low Head Penguin Tour experience.
  • A group of little penguins stands close together on a sandy, dimly lit surface, with dark surroundings in the background—a charming scene that highlights one of the memorable things to do in Bicheno. | Aussie Loop
  • A little penguin sits at the entrance of its burrow, partially hidden by grass, with another penguin barely visible in the shadowy background—a charming scene capturing one of the memorable things to do in Bicheno. | Aussie Loop
  • Four people sit on rocks at night whilst several small penguins walk in front of them on sandy ground, enjoying the magical experience of a Low Head Penguin Tour.
  • A group of little blue penguins stands on rocky ground at night, illuminated by a light source from the left, reminiscent of a scene from the Low Head Penguin Tour.

Quick read before you book.

  • Tasmania's largest little penguin rookery
  • Penguins come ashore every night of the year
  • The only penguins in the world with blue and white feathers
  • Watch them surf in, preen and waddle to their burrows
  • A relaxed evening outing from Launceston with no driving

What’s included

  • Return transfers from central Launceston hotels and accommodation
  • Guided penguin viewing of about one hour with Low Head Penguin Tours
  • Torches supplied for viewing

Commonly asked questions.

Pick up is included from hotels and accommodation in central Launceston. Pick ups outside the CBD can be arranged on request and may incur a small extra charge.

Viewing times follow sunset, so they change through the year, from around 9pm in January to the early evening in winter. Your pick up time is confirmed for your date, and you should allow about 3.5 hours for the whole evening.

Little penguins return to Low Head every night of the year, and the reserve has the largest rookery in Tasmania. It's a wild colony, so numbers vary from night to night, but sightings are a regular part of the tour.

Yes, but no flash photography, as it disturbs the penguins. Selfie sticks and personal torches aren't allowed either, and torches are provided by the guides.

Yes. Child fares apply for ages 3 to 15 at half the adult fare, and it's a great evening out for families. Our Tasmania family itinerary has more ideas for travelling with kids.
Wear warm layers and sturdy closed shoes, as the coast at Low Head gets cold after dark in any season. Tours run in wet weather too, so pack a rain jacket. Our guide to when to visit Tasmania explains what to expect each season.

The penguin viewing area has wheelchair access, but the transfer coach may not suit every access need. Please contact the operator before booking to talk through your requirements.

Yes, a minimum of two adults is needed for the tour to depart.

Yes, it's an evening tour, so your day is free. The Cradle Mountain day tour from Launceston or a morning at Bridestowe both pair well, just check return times first.

Read more? Here’s the full description.

Every night of the year, little penguins come ashore at Low Head after a day fishing in Bass Strait, and this evening tour from Launceston puts you on the beach to watch it happen. Low Head Coastal Reserve, at the mouth of the Tamar River, has the largest little penguin rookery in Tasmania, so you're not waiting around hoping one or two turn up. Your guide from Low Head Penguin Tours leads the way, torch in hand, as the penguins, the smallest and noisiest of all penguin species and the only ones with blue and white feathers, ride the waves in, stand up, preen and waddle up the sand to their burrows. Along the way you'll hear how the colony lives and what keeps it healthy. The guided viewing runs for about an hour. With return transfers from central Launceston hotels, allow around 3.5 hours for the evening, and start times shift through the year with sunset. Spend the morning out at Bridestowe on the Bridestowe Lavender Farm shuttle, or head for the mountains on the Cradle Mountain day tour from Launceston. Rug up, then check availability for your dates.

Additional info by the operator.

Minimum 2 adults are needed for the tour to depart. Pick up: Included from hotels and accommodation in central Launceston. Pick ups outside the CBD can be arranged on request and may cost extra. Timing: Start times change through the year with sunset. Tours run most nights during daylight saving, while availability is reduced in the cooler months, so please confirm your preferred date. What to bring:
  • Warm clothes, as coastal evenings get cold
  • Sturdy closed shoes (sports shoes are fine)
  • A camera, used without flash
Flash photography, selfie sticks and personal torches are not permitted at the rookery.