Regional Tasmania · Burnie
Penguin is a charming coastal town on Tasmania's north-west coast, known for its stunning ocean views, relaxed atmosphere, and quirky penguin-themed attractions. It offers a serene, unhurried lifestyle, attracting those who appreciate natural beauty, from its beaches and penguin rookeries to the nearby Dial Range, which provides a dramatic backdrop and opportunities for hiking and mountain biking.
Market snapshot
Price register · April 2026
Median house
$550,000 - $750,000
Mid-band $650Kspread 31%
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Create Your Free ProfileLast reviewed 14 May 2026
Median unit
$450,000 - $625,000
Mid-band $538Kspread 33%
Days on market
~26-62 days
Median listing-to-sold window. Shorter = tighter buyer field.
Auction clearance
Private-treaty market
Share of auctions sold. Brisbane skews private-treaty.
Rental yield
3.7% to 4.7%
Gross yield on house stock. Premium suburbs compress.
5-year house-price growth
+53% to +73%
cumulative since 2021Who buys here
Retirees · Families · Lifestyle sea-changers
5-year trend
Modelled trajectory anchored on aggregated 5-year median figures. Indicative; not month-by-month observed data.
Market analysis
The property market in Penguin, Tasmania, is characterized by its status as a tightly-held coastal town, appealing to buyers seeking capital stability and a desirable lifestyle. As of early 2026, the median house price sits around $661,250, reflecting an 8.4% annual compound growth rate. The market for units is smaller, with a median price of approximately $535,000. The town's house-dominant market, with a low share of units, provides a stable environment for house values.
Recent trends show solid growth, with house prices increasing significantly over the past five years. However, the pace has moderated recently, with some data sources indicating a 4% increase over the last 12 months, suggesting a market that is stabilizing after a period of rapid appreciation. Days on market are in a balanced range, averaging around 44-45 days, indicating that sales activity is neither frenetic nor stalled. This points to a healthy equilibrium between supply and demand. Supply remains constrained, with low stock on market, which helps to support price levels.
Rental yields for houses are modest but healthy, sitting at approximately 4.2%, with a median weekly rent of around $465. This makes it a defensible market for long-term investors who are prioritizing a blend of rental income and steady capital growth over high-risk, high-yield strategies. The predominant buyer demographic includes families, retirees, and lifestyle-changers drawn to the area's natural beauty and community feel. While affordability can be a constraint for some local buyers, the market's appeal to external purchasers and those relocating from more expensive mainland markets continues to fuel demand. The town's infrastructure, including the recently upgraded Penguin District School and proximity to the larger centres of Burnie and Devonport, underpins its long-term appeal.
Penguin offers a tightly-held coastal market that favours modest yield and steady capital-exposure rather than high-yield, high-turnover strategies.
Why a buyers agent
Engaging a buyer's agent in Penguin is crucial for navigating a market defined by its local nuances and tightly-held nature. An expert on the ground can provide invaluable insight into the subtle variations between different pockets of the town, from the central foreshore properties to the more rural-residential homes towards the Dial Range. They possess an intricate understanding of local pricing, which can be difficult to gauge from online data alone, especially given the low turnover. A local agent will have access to off-market opportunities and a network of contacts that can be the difference in securing a property in a competitive situation. Furthermore, they can advise on local planning regulations and development proposals which could impact future values, ensuring a buyer makes a well-informed decision that aligns with their long-term investment goals in this unique coastal community.
Experience a relaxed, seaside lifestyle with stunning ocean views, beautiful beaches, and a strong sense of community. The town's quirky penguin theme and scenic esplanade add to its unique charm.
Penguin's property market is characterized by steady, long-term growth and price resilience, supported by low housing supply and consistent demand from lifestyle buyers and retirees.
Enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking in the adjacent Dial Range to swimming and fishing along the coast. The town is a gateway to the natural beauty of Tasmania's North-West.
The town is well-serviced by a major K-12 school, local shops, cafes, and Tasmania's largest undercover market, fostering a vibrant community feel while being a short drive from the larger centres of Burnie and Devonport.
Compare
| Metric | This suburbPenguin | NearbyUlverstone |
|---|---|---|
| Median house | $550,000 - $750,000 | $475,000 - $650,000 |
| Median unit | $450,000 - $625,000 | $400,000 - $550,000 |
| Auction clearance | — | — |
| Days on market | ~26-62 days | ~23-53 days |
| Year-on-year growth | +3% to +13% | +2% to +12% |
| 5-year growth | +53% to +73% | +58% to +78% |
| Rental yield | 3.7% to 4.7% | 3.9% to 4.9% |
| Postcode | 7316 | 7315 |
Snapshot date varies by suburb; see individual suburb pages for figures.
The place
Penguin is a picturesque coastal town nestled on the North-West coast of Tasmania, between the larger centres of Burnie and Ulverstone. Its identity is famously tied to the colony of little penguins that inhabit its shores, a theme celebrated throughout the town with penguin statues and motifs, most notably the 3-metre-high 'Big Penguin' on the foreshore. The town's main street and scenic esplanade feature a collection of cafes, boutique stores, and craft shops, fostering a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere.
Education is primarily served by the Penguin District School, a large K-12 government school that was significantly redeveloped in 2022 and plays a central role in the community. North West Christian School also offers a K-12 alternative. For recreation, residents enjoy numerous parks and beaches, such as Penguin Beach and Johnsons Beach, ideal for swimming and walking. The nearby Dial Range provides an extensive network of trails for hiking and mountain biking, including the popular Penguin Mountain Bike Park. Every Sunday, the town hosts Tasmania's largest undercover market, a major draw for locals and tourists alike, offering local produce, crafts, and vintage goods.
Transport is primarily car-dependent, with the Bass Highway providing a direct link to Devonport (29km east) and Burnie (18km west). Regional bus services operated by Kinetic connect Penguin to these larger towns, offering routes to Launceston and Hobart with transfers. While there is no train service, the town's accessibility by road makes it a convenient base for exploring the scenic North-West coast.
Frequently asked
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The 5-year trajectory is a modelled curve anchored on the documented cumulative growth rate. Editorial review: 14 May 2026. Updated quarterly.
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