Lillico Beach - Devonport
Direct Phone Number : (03) 6424 4466
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Lillico Beach is a coastal reserve and penguin colony near Devonport, north west Tasmania. Lillico Beach is 10 minutes west of Devonport (10 kilometres/six miles), just off the Bass highway.
This narrow coastal strip is home to a colony of Little Penguins (also known as Fairy Penguins). From the reserve’s viewing platform, you can watch the birds return to their burrows each evening after a day’s hunting in the open ocean. Local volunteers and Parks and Wildlife rangers are on site during the breeding season (September to May) and summer months (mid-December to Mid-February).
Penguins use visual cues to find their way back to their burrows, and can become easily lost and confused by light and noise. Visitors are asked to stay quiet and still and remain on the platform. White clothing should be covered and flash cameras and white light torches should not be used.
At around 30 centimetres high and weighing just one kilo, the Little Penguin is the world’s smallest penguin. The bird—whose species name Eudyptula minor means good little diver—have been known to dive down to 57 metres (187 feet) in search of food.