🔍

Penguin

TAS 7316 • Rest of TAS

4,132
Population (2021)
$67,652
Median Household Income
45.20 km²
Area
$260/wk
Median Rent
CoastalRuralHistoricQuietAffordable

About Penguin

Penguin is a charming coastal town on Tasmania's north-west coast, situated on the Bass Highway 29 kilometres west of Devonport and approximately 128 kilometres north-west of Launceston, within the Central Coast Council municipality. Spanning around 45 square kilometres, the town had a population of 4,132 at the 2021 Census with a median age of 47, reflecting the older demographic typical of regional Tasmanian communities. Established in 1861 as a timber settlement and proclaimed a town in 1875, Penguin has a proud working-class heritage and today offers a relaxed, unhurried lifestyle with median weekly household incomes of around $1,300 — affordable by Australian capital-city standards.

The town takes its name from the little penguin rookeries that historically lined its foreshore, and maintains a quirky local identity with penguin-themed public art and sculptures throughout the town centre. Residents enjoy the scenic foreshore reserve, local cafes, craft shops, and boutique stores along the main street, as well as easy access to the Bass Strait coastline for fishing and swimming. The nearby Dial Range provides bushwalking opportunities, while Devonport — with its Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal, hospital, and major retail — is a short drive east. Penguin is primarily car-dependent, with limited regional bus services, making it well-suited to those seeking an affordable, peaceful coastal lifestyle in regional Tasmania.

Penguin falls under postcode 7316 and is governed by Central Coast Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Braddon (Montgomery) electorate.

📰 Featured In

📰 Tasmania Suburbs with the Most Housing Commission

📍 Location

State
Tasmania
Postcode
7316
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Central Coast
Federal Electorate
Braddon
State Electorate
Braddon (Montgomery)
Type
Rural
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-41.14°, 146.06°
Statistical Area
Rest of TAS
Area
45.20 km²
Elevation
137m

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$260
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,300
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
47 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
4.1%

63 state housing + 5 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Redline Coaches / Metro Tasmania regional services — Devonport / Burnie 30-40 min to Devonport

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
283 km
By Train
No rail service
By Car (Peak)
Approx 3 hours to Hobart; Launceston ~1.5 hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
Approx 3 hours to Hobart; Launceston ~1.5 hours

🛣️ Devonport (29 km east) is the nearest major service centre; Spirit of Tasmania ferry connects Devonport to Melbourne

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for local errands, but a car is needed for most shopping and services beyond the main street

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
3,849
Census 2021
4,132
▲ 7.4% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
$27,872
Personal Income 2021
$34,164
▲ 22.6% increase

2021 Census income breakdown

Personal = median for one earner. Household = all members of a dwelling pooled. Family = related members only. Annual = weekly × 52.

Personal
$34,164 / yr
$657/wk
Household
$67,652 / yr
$1301/wk
Family
$87,672 / yr
$1686/wk

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 3,458
Born Overseas 432

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 169
  • 2. New Zealand 55
  • 3. Netherlands 27
  • 4. Scotland 25
  • 5. Philippines 19
  • 6. Germany 16
  • 7. United States 11
  • 8. India 9
  • 9. South Africa 9
  • 10. Nepal 7

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian 1,896
English 1,850
Scottish 378
Irish 375
Australian Aboriginal 313
German 134
Dutch 119
Italian 58
Filipino 31
French 26

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

3,069
Both parents born in Australia
514
Both parents born overseas
357
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
52.6%
Christianity
39.0%
Hinduism
0.3%
Buddhism
0.2%
Islam
0.2%
Sikhism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
172 (4.2%)
5-14 years
491 (11.9%)
15-19 years
240 (5.8%)
20-24 years
186 (4.5%)
25-34 years
428 (10.4%)
35-44 years
429 (10.4%)
45-54 years
560 (13.6%)
55-64 years
648 (15.7%)
65-74 years
530 (12.8%)
75-84 years
322 (7.8%)
85+ years
119 (2.9%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penguin known for? +

Penguin is a charming coastal town on Tasmania's north-west coast, situated on the Bass Highway 29 kilometres west of Devonport and approximately 128 kilometres north-west of Launceston, within the Central Coast Council municipality. The town takes its name from the little penguin rookeries that historically lined its foreshore, and maintains a quirky local identity with penguin-themed public art

How far is Penguin from Hobart CBD? +

Penguin is approximately 29 kilometres from Hobart CBD, with a typical drive taking around 35-52 minutes depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Penguin have public transport? +

Penguin is served by Metro Tasmania bus services connecting to Hobart. Tasmania has no passenger rail network, so buses and private vehicles are the main transport options. A car is commonly used for flexibility.

What is the population of Penguin? +

According to the 2021 Census, Penguin has a population of approximately 4,132 residents, a modest but established community. The suburb falls within the Central Coast (Municipality) local government area.

Is Penguin a good place to live? +

Penguin is highly appealing to those seeking a coastal lifestyle, with easy access to beaches, waterways, and outdoor recreation. It suits families, retirees, and sea-changers looking for a relaxed pace of life close to nature.

What is the postcode for Penguin? +

The postcode for Penguin, TAS is 7316. This postcode covers Penguin and may also serve nearby localities within the same postcode zone.

What is the average income in Penguin? +

Based on the 2021 Census, the median personal income in Penguin is about $657 per week (around $34,200 per year). The median household income is $1,301 per week and the median family income is $1,686 per week.

What is the age profile of Penguin? +

The median age in Penguin is 47. The largest age group is 55–64 (648 residents, around 16%). Around 22% of residents are under 20 and about 23% are aged 65 or older. (2021 Census)

How much is rent in Penguin? +

In Penguin, the median weekly rent is $260, and the median monthly mortgage repayment is $1,300 (2021 Census).