Discover Penguin: Beaches and Heritage

Penguin is a coastal town with three named beaches and a range of cultural and recreational activities. If you’re looking for a hotel in Penguin, these places offer a practical framework for planning your trip: you can focus on beach time, the Heritage Trail or the Sunday market. The specific details about the beaches, historic sites and market can help you structure your days around your own interests.

Beaches and coastal activities

Penguin is home to Johnsons Beach, Penguin Beach and Watcombe Beach. The three beaches offer different features: Johnsons Beach has a barbecue area and a playground; Penguin Beach has a fenced playground for children; and Watcombe Beach is suitable for leisurely beachcombing. If a playground or the barbecue area is important to your plans, check the relevant details before your visit.

Heritage in Penguin

The Penguin Heritage Trail leads to 26 historic sites, including the 1903 Uniting Church and the heritage-listed Penguin General Cemetery. The trail also offers two free, self-guided audio walks through the coastal town. It combines specific historic stops with an audio format that you can follow at your own pace through Penguin.

The Penguin General Cemetery overlooks the centre of Penguin and records more than 1,800 burials. A self-guided audio walk at the cemetery covers Penguin’s residents and their final resting place. Check current access to this offering before your trip.

Another cultural landmark is the 3 m-high Big Penguin, which makes a good photo opportunity. On 16 April 2025, the Big Penguin was included in the Tasmanian Heritage Register because of its cultural and historical significance. This makes the figure both a photo opportunity and a tangible point of reference for Penguin’s heritage.

Market visits and local offerings

The Penguin Undercover Market is held on Sundays from 9 am to 3 pm at 11 Arnold Street. It takes place in Penguin’s former primary school, built in 1925. There are stalls selling locally made goods and a covered food court. The former school building and today’s market offering give you two different points of connection: local history and local products. If you plan to visit the market, check the Sunday opening hours before you travel.

Mountain biking in the Dial Range

The Penguin Mountain Bike Park has 6 km of trails with jumps and wall rides. It’s a good starting point for more challenging trails in the Dial Range. The 6 km refers to the trails in the park; the more challenging trails in the Dial Range are a further option. You can therefore consider the park and the range as distinct parts of your cycling plans. Check current mountain biking information before you ride.

Discover more destinations: Ouse, Waratah, Prospect Vale, Jackeys Marsh, Poatina, Queenstown, Glaziers Bay, Glengarry

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.