“Penguin is a charming, small seaside town on the northwest coast of Tasmania, located between Burnie and Ulverstone on the Bass Highway. Known for its quirky, affectionate embrace of its name, the town features numerous penguin-themed decorations, including rubbish bins and street signs.
- The Big Penguin: A 10-foot (3-metre) tall ferro-cement statue, erected in 1975 to mark the town’s centenary, located in the town centre opposite the post office.
- Penguin Market: Tasmania’s largest covered market, held on Sundays, featuring over 200 vendors selling local food, wine, and crafts.
- Penguin Foreshore: A well-maintained, scenic walking and cycling track that stretches along the coastline, connecting the town to Preservation Bay.
- Hiscutt Park: Located near the town centre, this park features a replica Dutch windmill.
- The “Tardis”: An old police box in the town centre used as a community book exchange.
- Penguin General Cemetery: A historic, clifftop cemetery offering scenic views.
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The sign on the street near our vacation home, states,” Slow, Caution, Horses Using Road.”
- Main Street (Main Road) is right on the coast and features cafes, bakeries, a hotel, and the Penguin Beer Co.
- The town is known for its “Pink Up Your Town” initiative, where businesses decorate in pink for breast cancer awareness.
- Fairy Penguins: Little penguins (Fairy Penguins) can be seen returning to the local beaches at dusk between November and March.
- Dial Range: The town is nestled at the base of the Dial Range, offering numerous walking and mountain biking trails, including the Penguin Mountain Bike Park.
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“Hiscutt Park is a beloved community hub in Penguin, offering a range of recreational amenities for all ages to enjoy. It’s known for its iconic Windmill and features a quaint river throughout the park, where you will find ducks playing. and playgrounds to barbecue areas and picnic shelters, there’s something for everyone to appreciate. The park’s well-maintained grounds and scenic surroundings along the river make it a popular choice for gatherings, events, and leisure activities. Whether you’re seeking an afternoon of outdoor fun or a peaceful retreat in nature, Hiscutt Park welcomes visitors with open arms.”
- Founded in 1861, the town was originally a timber and mining hub.
- It was named after the fairy penguin rookeries along the coast.
- The town recently celebrated its 150th anniversary with a “Great Penguin Waddle”.
Ten years can soften memories in ways we rarely notice, and as we made our way toward Penguin, Tasmania, Tom quietly admitted he was worried. He wondered if perhaps time had polished the town too brightly in his mind, setting him up for disappointment that travelers know all too well. I understood exactly what he meant. When a place has held a warm corner in your heart for so long, returning can feel a bit like holding your breath.
Yesterday afternoon, we slowly drove through the familiar little streets, the kind that seem to hum gently with simple, everyday life. We stopped at several locations to take a few photos and later wandered into the grocery store, feeling at ease and familiar with this sweet seaside town. As we drove along, I turned to Tom and asked if Penguin had lived up to what he remembered from ten years ago.
He did not hesitate for even a second.
With an easy smile, he said it was exactly as he remembered and that he liked it just as much, if not more. In that moment, I felt the same quiet relief settle over me, too.
The lovely woman at the checkout counter remembered us from last week and made us feel included and welcome in her special town. Yes, we still love it here.
Be well.
Photos from ten years ago today, February 22, 2016:
