Bicheno & the Penguins
A laid-back fishing town midway along the coast — little penguins at dusk, the blowhole firing spray over the granite, clear-water diving and bushwalks inland.
Bicheno & the Penguins
Bicheno is a laid-back fishing town midway along the Great Eastern Drive, and one of the coast’s best spots to watch little penguins waddle ashore at dusk. By day there’s the Bicheno Blowhole firing spray over the granite, some of Tasmania’s clearest diving and snorkelling, and the bushwalks of Douglas–Apsley National Park just inland. It’s an easy base between Freycinet and the Bay of Fires. Here’s what to do.
What to See & Do
Little-Penguin Tour
Watch penguins come ashore at nightfall on a guided evening tour.
Bicheno Blowhole
Waves force spray high through the granite — best on a big swell.
Diving & Snorkelling
Clear, cool water and granite reefs around the marine reserve.
Douglas–Apsley NP
Bushwalks, a river gorge and swimming holes just out of town.
Bicheno Tips
- Book a little-penguin tour ahead and check current times
- Time the blowhole for a big swell for the biggest spray
- Diving and snorkelling operators are seasonal — check current details
- A handy midway base between Freycinet and the Bay of Fires
- Prefer guided? See our Great Eastern Drive tour
Bicheno — FAQ
Can you see penguins at Bicheno?
Yes — Bicheno is one of the best places on the east coast to see little penguins come ashore at dusk. Guided evening tours get you close while protecting the colony; book ahead and check current times.
What is the Bicheno Blowhole?
It’s a natural rock formation just north of the town centre where waves force spray high into the air through a gap in the granite — most dramatic on a big swell. It’s a short, easy walk from the road.
Is Bicheno good for diving?
Very — the clear, cool waters off Bicheno, including the Governor Island Marine Nature Reserve, are a well-known dive and snorkel spot with granite reefs and abundant marine life. Operators are seasonal, so check current details.
What is there to do near Bicheno?
Douglas–Apsley National Park, just inland, has bushwalks, a river gorge and swimming holes. Bicheno also makes an easy base between Freycinet and the Bay of Fires.
Where is Bicheno?
Bicheno is a small seaside town on the Great Eastern Drive, between Freycinet to the south and St Helens to the north — a handy midway base. See getting around the East Coast.
East Coast, Planned Around You
The Great Eastern Drive, the Bay of Fires and Maria Island, penguins at Bicheno and oysters by the water — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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