“Guess what? Fairy penguins Tasmania!” I sputtered at Dave almost incoherently as heΒ came through the door at the end of a work day.
“Well hello to you too. What are fairy penguins may I ask?” Probably also wondering if I had forgotten to speak in full sentences.
“They are the tiniest, cutest, little penguins. Only 13 inches high! Fairy penguins live in the wild in Tasmania. Furthermore you know how I want to go to Tasmania and have always wanted to see penguins in the wild!” I ended with an extra squawk of glee and a batting of eyelashes.
“But we saw a penguin in the Galapagos last year” came the rational, slightly impatient reply.
“That doesn’t count.Β It was one lone little penguin. For all we know he could have been a planted penguin.Β Did you actually see him move?Β We need to see more than one wild penguin for it to actually count.”
More smiling and eye batting from said wife.
Oh the plight of the long suffering husband married to the wanderlust addict.
So it was long months before out travels to Australia that the little blueΒ Β penguins became a must on the travel activity list.
Where you can see fairy penguins Tasmania Australia
Many travelers to Australia choose to see the fairy penguins on Philip Island near Melbourne or other southern shores of the mainland. The idea of sitting on bleachers with crowds of people seemed to take the wild out ofΒ viewing penguins in Australia.
The little penguins can also be found in parts of New Zealand but you can imagine the eye rolling I got from Hubby when bringing up that option for the penguin quest.
So we chose to see the blue penguins,Β so called for their gray-blue color, in Tasmania. Here in quiet and quaint spots along the north coast, small guided tours can be found.
I admit to being as impatient as a kid on Christmas morning waiting for the little penguins to make their debut on our tour at Low Head.Β Dave endured the peppering of whispered questions.
“Can you see them yet? How about now? Why aren’t they here yet?”
The penguins wait for the cover of darkness to return from feeding in the ocean since before sunrise. So there is that small matter of waiting for the sun to set.
Once the little blue penguins came ashore, the guides occasionally shone a red hued light toward the little waddlers. The light apparently diffuse enough so as not to scare or harm them.Β I gazed longingly for the wee birds wishing my vision had developed infrared capability.
Instructed by the guides to be quiet so as not to startle the fairy penguins, I put my hand over my mouth to keep from cheering their arrival. Cautiously, the little fairy penguins made their way from the dark shores to their nests and burrows in the rocks.
Watching those wee blue fairy penguins waddle by as we sat on the sand will forever be a highlight of our world travels.
Thanks to our friend Cherie for capturing video of the action of the fairy penguins Tasmania bound from the ocean.
When the little penguins had all found their nests and the tour ended I turned to Dave.
“I hear you can see penguins during the day in South Africa!”
I may be wrong but consequently I think I saw a serious eye roll from the long suffering one. It was dark so hard to tell.
Have you seen penguins in the wild?
I’d never even heard of fairy penguins before, but having read more about them and seen the video, I can understand the name. They’re tiny, enchanting, and would look perfect on top of my Christmas tree. π
Bun that made me snort my coffee. Thanks for the laugh and a caffeine infused start to the day. Tasmania taKes the protecting of the fairy penguins very seriously so I’m afraid you might end up sitting on the top of a tree should you try to take one. π
Oh well, it was just a thought. π
And a creative one I will add Bun. π
Thanks, Sue! π
π
Bun, I have sent a photokit ID of you to the police in Tasmania. They’ll be watching for you.
Gulp! Might avoid Tasmania for a while.
They are so cute!! So tiny!
John aren’t they absolutely adorable? To think they spend the entire day out fishing in the ocean. Such stamina for such a little creature.
I saw a penguin in Norfolk one time, I think it had escaped from a nearby zoo. It was very cold in the North Sea that day but we don’t normally get penguins in Norfolk!
Oh my goodness Andrew that must have been quite a surprise? Do you suppose it was rescued? I can just imagine it saying to itself, “That was not such a great idea to make a run for it.” π
He/She seemed quite happy. Probably disorientated finding itself in the Northern Hemisphere but I imagine the North Sea felt quite like home. Oh, was it cold that day but having planned a day at the beach my parents were always determined to tough it out!
Could be a very long swim home I imagine!
I am smiling at your parents determination. After loading everyone up and supplies I imagine the wind and temperature were shrugged off. I expect it might be challenging to fin windless days there?
Take it from me Sue, there are not may days in the year when you would take a dip in the North Sea by choice. It is penguin territory!
Can’t say we have a lot of ocean swimming off Canadian shores either. The west coast is milder but not exactly tropical. π
How adorable!! Too bad they spend all day in the water, it would be neat to see them in daylight.
Yes this is the one thing that I struggled with. My eyesight is not great in the dark so I really did rely on Dave for information until they got quite close. You see I shall absolutely need to head to South Africa! π
And I’ll be right there in your backpack. Tell Dave you owe it to those of us who can not travel that far!
I will definitely pass that along to him Laura. You get yourself settled in that back pack of ours. We are looking at next spring so keep your fingers crossed. π
Love the cuties. So small, I can’t imagine. Can’t believe they didn’t take off knowing they were watched / videoed. No, I haven’t seen any kind of penguins. These are my first. Thank you for sharing the video. π
Perhaps the little penguins are accustomed to these groups and know they will not be harmed. So happy to share this with you Tess!
Good point. Even wild birds around here are used to us and a person can walk up pretty close to some of them. π
Sometimes we can see similarities even when there are thousands of miles between the animals. π
Oh Sue I SO enjoyed seeing the fairy penguins and reading about your adventure. I have seen this adorable penguin species in the wild, on Kangaroo Island. A ranger told us where to go when it got dark, and we had so much fun seeing their little waddling bodies. Thanks for sharing your fun adventure.
Jet it is of no surprise to me that you have had the joy of seeing the fairy penguins. How fabulous to find a spot where you could just watch them on your own. Were you allowed ot use any light sources to watch them? Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
We had a flashlight and were trolling around near the shore where young people were parked in cars with steamy windows. Hilarious! The penguins were so small that the first one we saw we thought it was a rat! Fun times, thank you for reminding me of this delightful bird, Sue.
Wow that sounds like quite the adventure Jet. You may have seen more than you bargained for! Glad to hear it was a false rat sighting. π
oh they’re so cute Sue! incredible that they can stay in the ocean for such a long period of time! wow! i enjoyed the video, Sue. thanks for sharing! π
Lola so happy to share this lovely adventure with you. It seems incredible to me that they could be out in the water for all of that time.
OMG these guys are soooo cute. I have never seen penguins in the wild but what a site that would be.
Darlene aren’t they just the cutest birds? The only thing better would be if they liked to be seen in the day light. Still it was https://traveltalesoflife.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php#comments-forman amazing thing to witness.
I remember seeing the fairy penguins at Phillip Island when I was a kid. There weren’t any bleachers then, and not many people. This sounds like a fabulous experience, I can feel your excitement. Truly THE place to see penguins is Patagonia:
https://alisonanddon.com/2013/12/15/feathers-ferries-tierra-whatever-and-penguins/ but even so I think I’d like to go back to Oz to see the fairies.
Alison
How wonderful to have been to Philip Island in the days when i am guessing the crowds were not quite so large? Your post and images of Patagoinia leave me speechless. Absolutely superb and I should like to go tomorrow.!
It only seems right you should visit every type of penguin across the globe! Glad you at least got this one in. Very cute.
I love that kind of thinking Carrie. Can’t wait till Dave gets home so I can tell him your plan. π
Ha, I’m sure he be thrilled.
π
Adorable little things! I do love a good penguin waddle, but haven’t seen many in the wild. I did get lucky and see a huge group of young and old ones in South Africa one day with my son, but I have (gasp) lost all those photos somehow.
Oh I have penguin envy at your South Africa experience I’m afraid. Too bad about the photos but you have the wonderful memory.
I’m love these fairy penguins. They can stay in the water all day, incredible! Thank you for the video, Sue. π
You are most welcome Amy. The stamina they must have is incredible not to mention the insulation to stay warm that long.
What a delight. I too would need to cover my mouth in glee π
We could form a support group Ingrid. Hard to contain our enthusiasm!
I saw the ones in Melbourne and it wasn’t too bad with all the people. We weren’t allowed to photograph or film them though – imagine it if all those flashes went off! I think you find fairy penguins in other parts of Australia now too, usually nesting beneath board-walks. But yes, you HAVE to go to South Africa to be immersed in penguins even though you are not allowed on the beach any more (there are fenced off walkways) π I think they might pop along to the next beach sometimes so you might even find yourself swimming with them. Be warned, they can be a bit eye-watering on a hot day! As well as Boulders in Cape Town try going out to Stony Point around the coast to Betty’s Bay. There is another colony there and it may be quieter. There is nothing quite like watching these little fellas waddling on the beach and then throwing themselves in to the waves.
Oh Jude I am so excited by your descriptions! Thank you so much for all of the information about locations. i shall come back to this comment should our trip come together. I have heard about the smell of the penguins on a warm day. Some things are just worth it I think. π
We were not allowed to use flash photography with the fairy penguins which is completely understandable. Poor wee things would be blinded!
Very cute! and I think South Africa is a must (sorry Dave, sort of).
Oh I like your advice Amy! Dave’s actually pretty keen on the idea too. π Thanks so much for the share on Twitter! I really appreciate it.
Great, I’m glad Dave is up for it π I’ll look forward to reading all about it π
Cheers!
He’s a very good sport I must say Amy. Hoping to firm up some dates soon.
They are freaking adorable, no wonder you got so excited! I hope to see those penguins you are referring to in South Africa this September. Yes, we are booked!!!!
Lynn that is fantastic news! I am so excited for you! Can’t wait to follow along. How long will you be there for? Going on a safari? Do I ask enough questions? π
Yes, we are very excited that we are able to do this together. We could only squeeze in 2 weeks. Spending a few day in Amsterdam, then on to Cape Town for 5, 4 day safari followed by 3 days in Stellenbosch (wine country).
So excited Lynn I am squealing on your behalf. As you know we too are often strapped for time but feel better to go and experience it than wait for a longer time. One never knows what the future holds.
Awesome writing, I had no problem imagining the scene(s) π Thanks for sharing, what an experience!
That is so kind of you to say. My heartfelt thanks and so glad you got to enjoy it along with us.
Oh my I LOVE love this post! I love seeing wildlife on their natural habitat! It is seriously my favorite activity, although it’s probably more of a passion than an activity!
I have heard of this little penguins but never seen them! Loved your descriptions, photos and video. They are just beautiful!
We saw penguins in the wild yes, in South Africa at Boulders beach in the cape many years ago. Apparently it’s a mystery how they got there or why they are there as its warmer than their natural more obvious habitat. It was amazing watching them although I have heard that there are SO many tourists now that it’s less appealing π
Peta
Pets I love your enthusiasm! It warms my heart and i am very grateful for your visit. It’s wonderful that you are so passionate about being in nature.
I’m sorry to hear that the penguins in South Africa now have so many visitors. The word has clearly gotten out to the masses. How fortunate that you saw them before that happened.
Great post. I particularly liked when they walked by the feet in the video — it gave size perspective.
Your Dave might not want to hear this next part. On our recent trip to the Southwest U.S, we took many more pictures of rock formations than we will ever need; we called them as “penguin picutres” because it seemed like we made a thousand penquin pictures on our cruise to Antartica.
But we have no fairy penquins… New Zealand you say?
Oh I must tell you that the ultimate trip on the big list is Antarctica. Dave says but you hate the cold and you get sea sick. I remain undaunted. I definitely want a thousand penguin pictures too. Can I ask which company you went with? Were you happy with the cruise?
Thank you so much for the visit and kind feedback. Very much appreciated.
I would join you on a penguin safari any day anywhere with no eye rolling at all. And I would be right there with you covering my mouth so as not to squeak and alarm the penguins! GREAT story! Makes me want to go there JUST TO SEE THEM.
Reading your comment is like getting a big hug right through the computer screen. Thanks ever so much for the kind feedback on the post. I love it when we share something that inspires exploration!
You are very welcome!
π
Sue, I’ve never seen penguins in the wild, but would love to. However, I normally associate penguins with cold weather and obviously, that’s a misconception. I should know better than this because you mentioned seeming them on the Galapagos, which is very close to the not-so-cold equator. Anyway, thanks for forcing me to think something through so I could correct a misconception. ~James
James you know I am always excited when there is something on this planet we have seen that you and Terri haven’t. π I will admit that prior to our Galapagos trip I associated penguins with Antarctica. The ones in the Galapagos seem a bit off course as far as I can tell.
Oh they are so cute! Glad you got to see them!
Me too Heather! I still smile at the thought of that evening with the little penguins.
That is a seriously cute video, Sue! I wonder if I go over to our Headland beach and shine a torch if I’ll see anything? I mean, it’s the same sea all around the world, isn’t it? π
Haha I think you have about as much chance as seeing penguins swimming there as we might off the coast of Canada. π Glad you enjoyed seeing the little fairy penguins Jo.
You and Gilles share a love of penguins in common. I can’t count the number of times he’s suggested we go to Antarctica to see penguins. I wonder why he can’t just go to the zoo like a normal person π
… but the video is adorable. Maybe I need to reconsider my nonchalance!
Oh I see a plot coming together nicely. Did you know my ultimate desire in trips is to go to Antarctica? Yes I detest the cold and I get sea sick but the penguins outweigh all of that. Perhaps Gilles and I need to start strategizing. π
Unfortunately, I discovered I get seasick too.
Gilles might out-crazy you though. He wants to do the Antarctica Marathon …then the penguins π
I throw up the white flag in surrender. He definitely wins for crazy ideas. Wowza!
oh … you mean this doesn’t sound attractive to you either? π
A completely flat marathon is California was my max so I am guessing that is a no. π
Wonderful post Sue and wonderful photos. Tasmania makes dreams come true π Having lived by the beach and always loved our fairy penguins it’s just wonderful to read and see them through your eyes. Loved your post. Made me smile and brought back very happy memories x
Annie I feel like you reached through the screen and gave me a hug. Our time in Tasmania will always be very special and you and Paula are a huge part of that. The fairy penguin encounter icing on the cake of a fabulous memory.
The things I learn from you Sue. I had never heard of a fairy penguin before your post. Another dream vacation for the two of you. π
LuAnn I am so happy to let you know about these wee fellows. I really was over the moon when I found out about them. It became an absolute must on my to do list when in Australia.
I will keep that in mind when we head down under.
Do you have a trip to Australia in the works?
It is high up on the list. This fall is France and Italy and next year is a toss-up of about 4 different locations.
Oh sounds like many wonderful plans ahead LuAnn. So fantastic!
Well Sue, since you askedβ¦..You must make a trip to the Peninsula Valdes on the Patagonian Coast of Argentina near Trelew. It’s the largest Magellen Penguin colony on the continent. Over 1 1/2 million. In late 2004, I went from my hostel in Puerto Madryn on a ride 3 1/2 hours to Punta Tombo on gravel roads to get there and could walk among the penguins, looked down into their nests and they are just as curious about me.
And 2 years ago I went to Boulders Beach in South Africa to see the penguins. Excellent walkways control access as it is a nesting & breeding site for this colony of 2,000. They call them jackass penguins because they bray. I too saw the little penguin in Galapagos, maybe you are right and there is only one???? LOL. I didn’t see them in Australia but I am holding out hope for New Zealand. But because of the huge cost I will never be able to see the Emperor Penguins in Antarctica unless someone else pays my way – will you take me????
Love the little video Cherie took of your fairy penguins. Thanks for sharing – I think we have a mutual love for these creatures.
Oh Ginger the wonders of the world you have seen! Patagonia is also on the list and your description of where to go sounds absolutely stunning. I might be squealing for weeks following after an experience like that. I did not know about the braying of the jackass penguins. So funny. Speaking of funny I think it would be quite hilarious if there really only was one penguin in the Galapagos! As to Antarctica the cost is through the roof to be sure. It’s a life long dream of mine. We will just have to see how that plays out.
What did you learn today, Kirt? I learned about Fairy Penguins, night viewing, eye rolling and a future trip to South Africa that is now a must and all without leaving my home office!! Great post Sue…love your humor!! South Africa here you come!!
Kirt your comment makes me smile ear to ear. I am always appreciative when somebody else besides me gets the jokes. π
Travel teaches us so much. These little penguins will forever stay in my heart. So happy to share them with you!
Loved the post!!
Thanks so much Kirt. Very much appreciated.
They’re gorgeous, aren’t they? We decided to forego a guided tour in Tasmania and did it on our own… absolutely magical experience. I’ve seen penguins in the Galapagos – and South Africa. π
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Wow Susan you have really had a variety of penguin experiences. Can I ask where you saw them on your own in Tasmania?
Very, very cute. What a treat to be able to see them in the wild!
It truly was Bruce! Thanks so much for stopping by. I have a feeling that around the birth of our Grandbaby I missed your final post. Looking ofrward ot hearing about your next project.
Squeeeeeee! Adorable little buggers! And of course a lone penguin on the Galapagos doesn’t count. Silly Dave! And really, these wee little fairy penguins can hardly be called proper penguins, now can they? I think another trip is in order….
Oh Sue I love that you are on my team! Yes the little ones are almost half penguins. Very good point. I shall let Dave know of your expert opinion. π
SO CUTE!!! When that first little guy waddled into the light I had a total SQUEEE moment! I’ve seen penguins in the zoo but never in the wild, so I totally understand your need to go and find some more. (Sorry, Dave.) Don’t worry, he’ll get used to it – my hubby is now resigned to spending long segments of our trips waiting while I sit with binoculars glued to my eyes, spying on yet another unsuspecting bird. π
Oh a fellow squealer! I love that! Yes poor Dave has become very used to me coming up with ‘ideas’. Now that the blog is in full swing I am afraid the ideameter blew it’s lid. Like your Hubby he has come to expect it. π
I still remember seeing the Fairy Penguins on Phillip Island on a school camp in 1980 when the experience was more like the one you had in Tassie rather than the restricted and controlled experience it is now. Very memorable.
As is so often the case Heather I say ” I wish I had been somewhere 20 years prior.” So glad you had the joy of seeing it then. We feel very fortunate to have our more intimate penguin encounter in Tasmania that’s for sure.
*squeeeee* Fairy penguins are the cutest, most wonderful little beings to see huh? I saw them on Phillip Island in the evening, it was magical, just like happy feet, but not as fun singing/musically sounding. I am yet to visit the little fellas in Tasmania.
Loving your enthusiasm for the little fairy penguins Anna. Glad you got to see them too. Wonderful that you live in a country where the possibility for numerous visits is so doable. I think I have penguin envy. π
Wow – what an amazing experience!!! This is definitely on my bucket list!
Thanks so much Terri. Tasmania is an amazing and wonderful spot on this planet. The fairy penguins are just part of the many fabulous finds.
Penguins are some of the most amazing and funny creatures in the world! We had one swim around our sailboat chasing a school of small fish in the Galapagos, which was a very special experience. I also swam with them on the same island, just seeing their little feet paddling back and forward as they stayed on top of the water surface. Last year in New Zealand, we tried for several days in vain to see them in the wild and then finally, one evening, we saw six come ashore at dusk in the Catlins, on the South Island. I squealed (inward) as much as you did in Australia, I’m sure of it! π
Liesbet
Oh Liesbet I am so grateful for your experiences shared here. I am squealing just thinking about these wonderful encounters you have had. What a thrill most must have been! I wonder if your Galapagos penguin was the same one we saw? π
It has to be. But, how will know for sure? All we can do is go back and find out! π
Oh I love that idea Liesbet. All in the name of research!
Hi sue- this was an adventure – and the penguins are sooooooo cute… xoxo
Y so fun to share these little fellows with you! xoxo
wow, that is cool π
Thank you Joshi!
I have seen Yellow Eyed Penguins in the wild in New Zealand and the Galapagos Penguin in the wild in the Galapagos, but those Little Blue Penguins have managed to elude me. Every sailor that I know that sailed in New Zealand has seen one but me. The Captain saw one the only time he sailed without me in New Zealand (he solo sailed Amandla from The Bay of Islands a to Auckland while my father was visiting). So let’s just say I am very, very jealous of you all..once again π
Oh how disappointing to have missed the little fellows! That hardly seems fair that the Captain got to see them the one time you were not sailing along! I will hope for you that another time you will be able to catch a glimpse of one. Happy sailing dear friend.
Fairy penguins! Glad you got to say hi to them when you came down to this part of the world. Brilliant sunset there to kick-off the night. It looks like there were quite a few penguins waddling around that night. Lucky π
I’ve seen Fairy Penguins along the foreshore at St Kilda beach a couple of times. They tend to come in hordes in the summer, but that time of the year hordes and hundreds of people crowd on the tiny platform there to get a view of them. Both times I’ve went, the wind was blowing strong. But the penguins were adorable.
Love the relationship you have with Dave. I would love to have a relationship like yours. It sounds like a lot of fun to have an adventure buddy π
Mabel I agree that having the relationship we do is a wonderful thing. Being able to enjoy adventures with your best friend is a gift. Of course no long term relationship comes without work or doesn’t have downs and ups. We are so grateful ours has been more up than not. π
It sounds like you saw a lot of the fairy penguins. I can’ guess how many we saw that night maybe in total 50-100. Being able to sit down and have them walk right by us was so special.
I hope you are doing well Mabel and feeling 100%. I always very much appreciate your visits and the time you take in commenting. So very much appreciated.
Actually, each time I went to St Kilda beach to see the Fairy Penguins, there were less than ten of them. Most of them hid away beneath the rocks and only one of two would stand up on the rocks and as you can imagine, the crowds swarmed. Your experience with the penguins sounded much more natural π
Next time we catch up, you have to give me relationship advice, from getting your man to making it work π
It is always a pleasure to drop by your blog. All of your posts are so well-written, informative and they are so honest. I’m going to be keeping low for a bit over the next few weeks. I need my rest but will check in when I can π
Mabel I am sending you long and warm hugs. Some days I feel Like I can’t write my way out of a paper bag. You are so kind with your encouragement. I’d be happy to talk about relationships with you any time. It’s a lot about being great friends in our opinion and always striving to support each other.
I am so glad to hear you are taking care of yourself Mabel. Yes rest well dear friend and never feel you need to visit. when you arrive any time you will be welcomed with open arms. Xoxo
I have never seen penguins in the wild, though I admit it was never on my list of things to see. They are awfully cute! I would love to see elephants in the wild, though from a very safe distance. Apparently I can see them about two hours drive from our house so I guess maybe I should plan a trip. π Can’t wait to read about your South Africa trip (wink wink).
Jenny oh yes please go to see the wild elephants! Definitely a dream of mine. Things are coming together for South Africa I am happy to report!
So jealous!
π
Does this mean that South Africa is on your plate next? π They are the cuties, Sue. I can understand your curiosity and passion.
Paula yes the plan is in the works for April 2017 for South Africa! So excited to visit a new continent.
I think the only appropriate, millenial-approved comment to this is the following: squee! π
Haha yes I’m with you on the squealing. Who can resist? π
Lol. I’m so pleased you got to see the Penguins. They are adorable aren’t they? I’ve seen them on Philip Island, twice. While out walking along the coast it is possible to see their nests in little hollows on the headlands. When in Tasmania I located little nests/ burrows but didn’t see any running about. I’d be keen to see Emperor Penguins in the Antarctic.
snannyn you have such wonderful opportunities where you live. I too have Antarctica high on the list. I hope one day to make that dream come true.
Awesome Sue hoping to do this next year when we go to Phillip Island with the kids. I have always wanted to see them in Tassie but we don’t have enough vacation time and so we thought Phillip Island is closer. Cant wait! So very cute.
Wonderful that you will get to see the wee fellows on Phillip Island. It will be a memory we treasure for a long time seeing the fairy penguins. Have a wonderful adventure!
I am with you. You can never see enough penguins – they are such darlings. I have seen them in Australia at Philip Island which is a fantastic experience just because of their sheer numbers. I have also seen them in New Zealand and in South Africa but for the true penguin addict Kind Island, in Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia is fairy penguin heaven. One day I would love to see them in Antarctica but my chances of persuading D to take me there are about less than zero- lol.
Lyn it sounds like you have had some amazing penguin experiences! The little fellows are just so adorable I can barely contain myself. Really looking forward to seeing the ones in South Africa. On Antarctica my dream destination. Here’s hoping for magic wands for both of us!