Building in Penguin
North-west coast character — a village wedged between the Dial Range and Bass Strait, with one of Davies' most celebrated homes built right on its foreshore.
Tasmania's Coastal Village
Penguin is one of those Tasmanian towns that stays with you. Wedged between the Dial Range and Bass Strait on the north-west coast — halfway between Ulverstone and Burnie — it's a place of around 4,100 people that punches well above its weight in character. The Big Penguin statue on the foreshore, regular little penguin sightings at dusk, the Sunday market on the Esplanade, the coastal walk along Bass Strait: these are everyday life for residents, not just weekend activities.
The town sits on the Bass Highway with direct coastal access, the Dial Range rising directly to the south. That range creates both dramatic scenery and a genuine microclimate — sheltered enough that gardens thrive, but exposed enough that Bass Strait weather is a real presence. Penguin is just 20 minutes west of Devonport and 20 minutes east of Burnie, placing it within easy reach of both cities' hospitals, schools, shopping, and employment — without the noise and traffic of either.
For Davies Design & Construction, Penguin is personal. Our Barn House Penguin project — a striking, award-nominated build right here in town — is one of the most photographed homes we've ever constructed. When we say we know the landscape, the conditions, and the character of this place, we mean it literally. We've built a home here that we're immensely proud of, and we'd welcome the chance to build yours.
In 2026, a Housing Land Supply Order has been activated for Penguin, opening up new residential land as the region responds to growing demand for coastal lifestyle properties. The timing is excellent for those who want to build now while the area is evolving.
Why People Choose Penguin
Authentic Village Character
The Big Penguin, foreshore penguin colony, Sunday market, and Esplanade walks are part of everyday life here. Penguin has kept its identity as a genuine coastal village — not a suburb, not a resort town, not a dormitory.
Between Two Cities
Penguin sits 20 minutes west of Devonport and 20 minutes east of Burnie. You get the peace of a small town with fast access to both cities' services, hospitals, schools, and transport — without living in either.
Accessible Coastal Land
Median property prices around $680,000–$700,000 make Penguin one of the more accessible entry points on Tasmania's north-west coast. Building new here means more budget for quality construction rather than land cost.
Dramatic Natural Setting
The Dial Range rises directly behind town while Bass Strait stretches out in front. This dual exposure — mountain and sea — creates genuinely dramatic scenery and building opportunities unlike anywhere else on the north coast.
Proven Davies Territory
Our Barn House Penguin project — built right here in town — is one of our most celebrated homes. We know this landscape, this climate, and this community intimately. There's no learning curve when you build with us in Penguin.
True Community Living
With around 4,100 residents, Penguin is large enough to have proper amenities — supermarket, schools, medical centre, cafes — while small enough that neighbours know each other. Community is genuine here.
What to Know About Building in Penguin
Penguin falls within Central Coast Council's jurisdiction, operating within the Tasmanian Planning Scheme via the PlanBuild Tasmania portal. Here's what to understand before you start:
- Central Coast Council is generally approachable and responsive — permitted development applications for standard residential builds are typically assessed within 28 days.
- Bass Strait coastal exposure means wind and salt air are genuine design considerations. We specify marine-grade cladding, roofing, and hardware as standard for all coastal and near-coastal builds throughout the north-west.
- The Bass Highway runs through Penguin, and blocks closer to the road can benefit from careful orientation, glazing placement, and acoustic design — all handled at the design stage rather than added as afterthoughts.
- Elevated sites on the Dial Range foothills can involve more complex footings or retaining works. A site visit before purchase helps identify what you're working with — our team is happy to walk a site before you commit.
- Penguin's coastal position means building envelopes need to perform in all seasons. Our continuous insulation, thermally broken windows, and airtight construction deliver homes that are genuinely warm in winter and comfortable in summer.
- The town is within easy delivery reach of north-west coast trade networks and supply chains, meaning construction schedules are generally manageable and material deliveries reliable.
Our Sheffield base is around 30 minutes south of Penguin. We've built here before, we know the trades, we know the council, and we know the conditions. Building in Penguin with Davies means there are no surprises.
Davies Projects in the Region
Including our award-winning Barn House Penguin — built right here in town — our portfolio demonstrates what's possible on the north-west coast.
Penguin Building FAQ
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