Explore Penguin through specific themes rather than a single type of outing: three named beaches, a heritage trail, a historic cemetery, a market in a former school and a mountain bike park offer different points of interest. You can focus on coastal activities, local history, a market visit and mountain biking without having to follow a fixed itinerary.
Choose a beach to suit your interests
Penguin has three named beaches: Johnsons Beach, Penguin Beach and Watcombe Beach. Watcombe Beach is ideal for a leisurely beachcombing stroll. Penguin Beach has a fenced playground for children; Johnsons Beach has a playground and a barbecue area. You can choose a beach based on the activities or facilities you’re looking for. If one of these facilities is essential for your visit, check local conditions beforehand, as amenities may change.
Heritage with specific stops
The Penguin Heritage Trail leads to 26 historic sites, including the 1903 Uniting Church and the heritage-listed Penguin General Cemetery. The cemetery overlooks the centre of Penguin and has more than 1,800 burials recorded. The trail offers two different ways to explore local history: architectural history and the cemetery. The number of stops may change, so check the latest trail information before your visit.
The Penguin Heritage Trail offers two free, self-guided audio walks through the coastal town of Penguin. Tour details may change, so check the latest information before planning your visit. At Penguin General Cemetery, there is a self-guided audio walk about Penguin’s residents and their final resting place. Confirm current access to the cemetery audio walk before your visit.
Penguin is home to the 3 m-high Big Penguin, which makes a great photo opportunity. On 16 April 2025, the figure was added to the Tasmanian Heritage Register for its cultural and historical significance.
Market and visit planning
The Penguin Undercover Market is held in Penguin’s former primary school, which dates back to 1925. The market is open on Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm at 11 Arnold Street. Stalls offer locally made goods, and there is a covered food court. The market brings crafts and food options together in one place. If you’re planning a visit, check the opening hours before you travel, as recurring schedules may change.
Mountain biking as a separate option
Penguin Mountain Bike Park has 6 km of trails with jumps and wall rides, and is a good starting point for more challenging trails in the Dial Range. This gives you two different options for choosing a ride: a specific network of trails in the park and more challenging trails in the Dial Range. Check the latest mountain biking information before setting off, as trail configurations may change.
Discover more destinations: Thirlstane, Swansea, Lalla, Coles Bay, Little Swanport, George Town, Eaglehawk Neck, Randalls Bay
For the main travel overview: Tasmania.
