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The
Penguin area was first settled in 1861 by Edward Joseph
Beecroft. Penguin was named by Ronald C. Gunn, a
distinguished botanist of the era, after the fairy penguin
still evident in rookeries along the coast. they can be seen
at dust between November and March. The municipality was
established in 1908.
The town is dominated by the Dial Range
which extends from a point about 3 km inland and in a
south-westerly direction for 10 km. At the northern end of
the range is Mt Montgomery (471 m), offering magnificent
views from its summit.
The fibro cement penguin was
erected to celebrate the centenary of the proclamation of
the Penguin township on the 25th October 1975. From
Penguin you can visit Ferndene Gorge Reserve (6 km), Mount
Montgomery and the Dial Range (4 km),
Gunns Plains Cave,
scenic drives including that to Ulverstone via the coast
road, through Lonah and passing the islands named The Three
Sisters and Coat Island.
There are some
easy to medium day walks for those wanting to bush walk. There is also the nearby Pioneer
Park, deer farm and reptile centre. For Penguin accommodation
click here. For up-to-date attraction, tours and
other information visit the local tourist centre. |