Can I see penguins in Sydney?

There is a very small penguin colony in Sydney around North Harbour in Manly. But sightings are tricky. The best place for guaranteed penguin encounters in Sydney is the Sealife Aquarium in Darling Harbour.

Contrary to popular belief, penguins don’t just live in the Antarctic. In fact, one species of penguin can be seen in various parts of Australia. The little penguin is the world’s smallest penguin species, and is most famously seen at the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island in Victoria.

You can also see them on Penguin Island near Rockingham, south of Perth in Western Australia, or Macquarie Island, near Narooma in New South Wales. There are also several spots where you can see them in Tasmania, including Stanley, Burnie and Devonport.

But is it possible to see penguins in Sydney, or is the city too hot and far north for penguins to survive?

Manly Penguin colony

Surprisingly, there is a penguin colony in Sydney. This small colony can be seen in and around Sydney Harbour at Manly.

In the past they have been seen at Manly Wharf where the Manly ferry comes in, but there are more reliable sightings in the coves such as Store Beach stretching north from Cannae Point in Sydney Harbour National Park. This is near the former North Head Quarantine Station.

However, the Sydney penguin colony is largely unadvertised as there are thought to be less than 30 breeding pairs, and that number is dropping.

Preserving them is far more important than turning them into a tourist attraction.

In any case, they only return to land after dark between May and February. You’re not going to get a good view of them.

Penguins at Sydney Sealife Aquarium

If you really want to see penguins in Sydney, therefore, the best bet is the Sydney Sealife Aquarium. This aquarium on Darling Harbour not only has its own group of little penguins, but it has gentoo and king penguins as well. You can see the bigger species on a raft ride which is included as part of the entry ticket.

There are also little penguins on display at Sydney Zoo and Featherdale Wildlife Park.

More New South Wales travel

The best stops on the Armidale to Tamworth drive.

What to see on the Armidale to Glen Innes drive.

Catch the Scotland Island ferry from Church Point on Pittwater.

What are the best things to do in Glen Innes?

Where to stop on the Ballina to Tweed Heads drive.