Bicheno is home to an abundance of native wildlife and on any given day you are likely to see eagles, Australian fur seals, wallabies, penguins and more. Walking quietly along the foreshore track, hiking in Douglas Apsley National Park or strolling the beaches are all great ways to encounter Bicheno wildlife. If you want a “guaranteed” viewing, do join one of the many local tours or wildlife encounters.

While driving at dawn, dusk or at night, please drive slowly and be alert to wildlife on the road and please always enjoy Tasmania’s beautiful wildlife from a respectful distance.

Read on to discover YOUNIQUE STAYS TOP 5 LIST of Bicheno wildlife experiences:

YOUNIQUE STAYS TOP 5 LIST: BICHENO WILDLIFE

1. PENGUINS

Little Penguins are synonymous with Bicheno! The best way to see penguins in Bicheno is to book a tour with Bicheno Penguin Tours. With over 30-years in business, the team will transport you to a private rookery by bus (just 5 minutes out of town) to view these curious birds, up close. If you want to try your luck on your own, penguins nest right along the Bicheno coastline and can often be viewed after dusk. Penguins are sensitive to white light so please don’t use flash photography and use a red light torch for viewing (or, simply put a piece of red cellophane over your regular torch!).

Local tip: Before you depart on your Bicheno Penguin Tour, book a table at Food & Brew right next door. Get straight off the penguin bus and straight into the warmth!

2. DEVILS, WALLABIES, QUOLLS, WOMBATS...

Australian marsupials are in abundance in Bicheno and they are not too hard to spot if you have the time to walk quietly in forested areas. Alternatively, head to East Coast Natureworld for guaranteed wildlife viewing (and feeding!). Here you will get up close and personal with many Australian native animals and have the opportunity to interact with their keepers and participate in animal feeding and animal encounters. The popular “Ultimate Tour” is a private tour with a Natureworld keeper with as many animal close-encounters as possible. Alternatively, explore the park at your own pace and in your own style. Natureworld is also home to Devils in the Dark - an immersive, after dark experience. Wine and dine while you watch Tasmanian Devils devour their own dinner!

Local tip: Do pay the extra couple of dollars to buy animal feed at Natureworld, it’s a lovely way to interact with the animals up close. Natureworld also has a cafe, children’s playground and gift shop so is a great place to take the kids when it’s not beach weather.

3. UNDER WATER WILDLIFE

Bicheno has a unique marine ecosystem which can be experienced in the comfort of the Bicheno Glass Bottom Boat. Tour 'The Gulch' by water and view the amazing under-sea life with an informative and educational tour. You may also have the opportunity to see the Australian Fur Seal colony on nearby Alligator Rock. The Gulch is Bicheno's natural sea harbour. An ideal spot for fishing and squidding, it is also home to Bicheno's boat ramp and a popular dive site with Governor Island being a protected marine reserve. Walk up Whaler’s Lookout for panoramic views over Bicheno and the surrounding ocean and you may even spot some larger marine mammals.

Local tip: Head up to the upstairs area at Lobster Shack Tasmania for a beautiful view of the Australian Fur Seal colony.

4. WHALES AND MARINE MAMMALS

From May to October each year, Bicheno has a front row seat to the annual whale migration with humpbacks, southern right whales and other migratory whales passing by on their journey north and later, returning south. The rocks at Peggy's Point are an ideal place to whale watch. All year long, keep your eyes open for dolphins, orca, Australian Fur Seals and even the occasional elephant seal!

Local tip: The best way to see whales is to first look for their spouts - the distinctive cloud of moist air that whales blow from their blowholes.

5. BICHENO BIRD LIFE

Don’t forget to look up! Sea eagles, wedge-tailed eagles, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, kookaburras, oyster catchers, gulls, cormorants, crested terns, wrens and honeyeaters - and the list goes on. Bicheno is rich with bird life: shorebirds, migratory birds, birds of prey, parrots and more - we have them all in Bicheno. Some of our properties provide binoculars for guests to use and be sure to leave a note in the guestbook if you spot an interesting species during your Bicheno holiday.

Local tip: Governor Island (opposite Waubs Harbour Whiskey) is home to one of Tasmania’s largest colonies of crested terns. Visit in Summer to see (and hear!) the huge nesting colony.

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