15 Best Tours & Experiences In Burnie (With Prices)

Burnie offers a surprising variety of tours and experiences that showcase Tasmania’s rugged beauty, unique wildlife, and fascinating history. From the iconic views at Cradle Mountain to up-close wildlife encounters at Wings Wildlife Park, this port city is more than just a stopover. Particularly, I love the Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour for its chance to see rugged wilderness with a knowledgeable guide, and the Wings Wildlife Park for its engaging wildlife experiences. Whether you’re into natural wonders, wildlife, or cultural sights, Burnie offers a solid lineup of options that are worth booking early.

Quick Overview

Our list features a mix of full-day adventures, half-day excursions, wildlife encounters, and gastronomic tours. Highlights include the scenic Cradle Mountain, wildlife safaris at Wings Wildlife Park, and charming town visits like Stanley. For cruise travelers, dedicated shore excursions such as Burnie Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain or Half Day Burnie Tour provide convenient options with flexible schedules. Food lovers might appreciate the Tasmanian Tasting Tour that blends wine, truffles, and chocolates. Each of these offers a different way to experience Tasmania’s remarkable landscape and culture.

1. Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour from Devonport or Burnie

This full-day tour transports you into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness. It starts with pickup from Burnie or nearby towns before a scenic drive into the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness. Once there, you’ll enjoy a guided walk around Dove Lake, famous for its mirror-like reflections of Cradle Mountain. The guide shares insights into the area’s geology and history, making this more than just a pretty picture. The tour includes panoramic views, a relaxed pace, and ample time to take photos of the iconic Boatshed. Guests consistently rave about the expertise of the local guide, even in less-than-perfect weather, calling it a highlight of their trip. This tour is ideal for active travelers who want to experience Tasmania’s wilderness with minimal fuss and maximum scenery.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, scenic day for nature lovers that offers great value for the immersive experience.

2. Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour

For animal lovers, the Wings Wildlife Park tour is a highlight. It combines a visit to Tasmania’s premier wildlife park with a scenic drive along the coast. Expect to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, and many native bird species — all in a setting designed for close encounters. The tour includes time at Wings Wildlife Park, where the admission ticket is included, plus the chance to snap photos with the big penguin and even feed the animals. The driver and guide, known for their friendliness and knowledge, make the day both fun and informative. The highlight for many is the opportunity to pet a baby Tasmanian devil or cuddle a koala—experiences that add a personal touch to your Tasmania visit. Suitable for families and wildlife enthusiasts, this tour offers good value with its interactive encounters.
Bottom Line: An engaging, wildlife-focused experience that combines education with memorable hands-on moments.

3. Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus from Burnie

This shuttle bus is perfect for travelers on a tight schedule wanting to see the majestic Cradle Mountain. It offers a flexible, active experience suited for those who enjoy hiking and exploring outdoors. The tour includes entry to the national park and a visit to Dove Lake, where you can walk along various trails depending on your fitness level. The focus is on maximizing your limited time, with the itinerary adaptable based on cruise schedules. Guests appreciate the opportunity to see native wildlife and waterfalls without the hassle of logistics. While weather can vary—some parts might be rainy or cloudy—the scenery at Cradle Mountain remains stunning, and the guide’s local knowledge helps you make the most of this rugged wilderness.
Bottom Line: A compact, flexible option for active travelers seeking a taste of Tasmania’s wilderness on a cruise day.

4. Stanley and The Nut Tour

At number 4, this Stanley and The Nut tour offers a scenic coastal day exploring a quintessential Tasmanian fishing village. The highlight is climbing The Nut, a volcanic plug offering sweeping views over the coast and Wynyard. The tour includes visits to Table Cape Lookout, with stunning vistas of Bass Strait, and the Wonders of Wynyard exhibit, enriching your understanding of the area’s maritime heritage. The guide’s local insights make this a relaxed and informative day. The tour’s small group size and inclusive stops make it ideal for travelers who want a mix of scenery, local culture, and history. The Nut climb is optional but highly recommended for the view. Reviewers praise the friendly guides and the authentic experience.
Bottom Line: A scenic, culturally rich day suited for those interested in coastal views and local stories.

5. Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

For cruise visitors with limited time, this Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle provides a quick, engaging wildlife experience. In just under four hours, you’ll explore Tasmania’s native animals in beautifully landscaped grounds — including kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. The shuttle makes it easy to include the wildlife park in a tight schedule, with the added bonus of a scenic drive along the Leven River passing through Penguin. Many reviews highlight how interactive and close-up the animal encounters are, with opportunities to pet or feed some of the animals. It’s especially suitable for families or travelers who want a personal, hands-on wildlife experience without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: Efficient, fun, and educational—an ideal short activity for animal lovers.

6. Sheffield Sightseeing Tour

This Sheffield Sightseeing Tour takes you through the town famous for its murals and creative street art. The tour includes a walk through Sheffield’s mural-covered streets, a visit to House of Anvers Chocolates for tastings and hot beverages, and a stop at Penguin to take pictures with the giant penguin and buy souvenirs. The guide’s local knowledge and flexible approach make it a relaxed way to enjoy the town’s arts and scenery. If you’re interested in Tasmania’s local art, chocolate, and coastal charm, this tour hits all those marks. Reviewers mention the friendly service and the opportunity to combine cultural sights with tasty treats.
Bottom Line: Perfect for art lovers and chocolate fans wanting a laid-back, insightful half-day.

7. Devonport Sightseeing Tour

This Devonport tour provides a quick but comprehensive look at Tasmania’s third-largest city. It covers key sights like the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, the Bass Strait Maritime Museum, and the charming Latrobe. The tour concludes with a visit to Penguin for photos with the “Big Penguin” and a walk along the seaside. It’s a good choice for travelers wanting to get a sense of Devonport’s maritime history and scenic coastlines without a long day. The guide’s local tips are a bonus, and the tour is flexible for cruise schedules. Reviewers like the compact format and the mix of culture and scenery, making it a practical option for a half-day adventure.
Bottom Line: An efficient overview perfect for those on a tight schedule who want to see the highlights.

8. Day Excursion Burnie Cradle Mt National Park

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this full-day trip focuses on hiking, wildlife, and waterfalls in Tasmania’s premier national park. It includes stops at Sheffield, Penguin, and, of course, Cradle Mountain. The tour is designed for cruise passengers with adaptable timing and offers opportunities for forest walks and wildlife viewing, including wombats and wallabies. The reviews praise the personable guide, Howard, who customizes the day based on your interests. The scenery is breathtaking, even in less-than-perfect weather, and the trip provides a good balance of walking and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A solid choice for active travelers wanting a full immersion into Tasmania’s wilderness.

9. Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie

This half-day tour is designed for cruise passengers eager to see the best of Burnie and nearby towns in a short time. It includes visits to Devonport, Sheffield, and Penguin, with optional stops at wineries or small towns. The tour’s flexibility allows you to customize your experience, and many reviewers appreciate the personal touch, like the helpful guide who accommodated a passenger’s knee injury. With quick visits to the Wonders of Wynyard and Penguin, this is a practical, well-paced way to get a taste of Tasmania’s coast.
Bottom Line: A flexible, short tour perfect for cruise days, blending scenery, wildlife, and local culture.

10. Tasmanian Tasting Tour

For lovers of food and drink, this Tasting Tour combines wine, chocolate, and truffles into one flavorful day. It includes visits to Eastford Creek Vineyard, House of Anvers Chocolates, and the Truffledore. Expect tastings of Tasmanian wine, handmade chocolates, and truffle products, plus a delightful lunch with local ciders. The tour is ideal for those who want to indulge in Tasmania’s culinary excellence while enjoying scenic vineyard views. Reviewers mention Howard’s engaging approach and the memorable experience of pairing food with Tasmania’s renowned produce. It’s a bit more expensive but offers a comprehensive tasting experience for connoisseurs.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies seeking a leisurely, gourmet day with a focus on Tasmania’s best flavors.

11. Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

Similar to the previous wildlife tour but with a shorter duration, this Wings Wildlife Park offers a quick but still memorable encounter with Tasmania’s native animals. In just three hours, you can explore the park, observe kangaroos, wombats, and Tasmanian devils, and enjoy the park’s interactive shows. Reviews highlight the fun and educational nature of the visit, especially the chance to see animals up close. It’s a great choice for travelers limited by time but wanting a personal wildlife experience.
Bottom Line: An efficient, engaging wildlife stop that fits well into a busy cruise schedule.

12. Discovering Tasmania: Burnie Shore Excursion

This 5-hour tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and botanical sights. It features stops at Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, Wings Wildlife Park, and George Woodhouse Lookout. The tour emphasizes wildlife encounters and scenic vistas, with time for spotting platypuses and exploring gardens. It’s ideal for travelers who want a curated, relaxed experience that touches on Tasmania’s natural beauty and flora. Several reviews commend the friendly guide and the variety of stops packed into a manageable schedule.
Bottom Line: Good value for a well-rounded, nature-focused cruise shore experience.

13. Burnie Attractions Bus: Burnie Shore Excursion

This attractions bus is a budget-friendly way to see Burnie’s key sights in three hours. It stops at the Burnie Regional Museum, Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, and offers fleeting views of Penguin and the coast. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a quick overview of Burnie’s cultural and natural highlights. The reviews note some organizational issues but overall praise the scenic spots and the opportunity to snap photos of the cruise ship from the Upper Burnie Lookout.
Bottom Line: A simple, economical option for a short, sightseeing overview.

14. Burnie Attractions Bus

This classic burnie attractions bus offers a broader look at the region, including Fern Glade Platypus Reserve and Emu Valley Gardens. It’s a straightforward, low-cost way to get a sense of Burnie’s natural surroundings. However, mixed reviews about organization and commentary suggest it’s better suited for independent explorers or those with flexible expectations.
Bottom Line: A basic, affordable way to see Burnie’s highlights if you’re not fussed about guided detail.

15. Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion

This small-group trip offers a focused visit to Cradle Mountain, with opportunities to walk along Dove Lake and photograph the Boatshed. It’s a 6-hour tour designed for cruise arrivals, with optional hikes and wildlife sightings. Reviews commend the guide’s flexibility and the stunning mountain scenery, even in less-than-ideal weather. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a personalized, direct experience of Tasmania’s mountain wilderness.
Bottom Line: A tailored, scenic option for active travelers on a short shore visit.

How to Choose Your Burnie Tour

When deciding among these options, start by considering your interest—wildlife, scenery, food, or town explorations. For a full immersion in Tasmania’s wilderness, the Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive experience. If animals make your heart sing, Wings Wildlife Park and its shuttle are excellent choices. Food lovers should check out the Tasmanian Tasting Tour, while cruise travelers seeking convenience might prefer the shore excursions. Budget-conscious explorers can opt for the shorter bus tours, though their reviews suggest some inconsistency in organization.

Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours during peak season or cruise ship days. Think about your fitness level and time constraints—active hikes or gentle scenic drives all feature here—making sure your choice aligns with your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

Burnie’s range of tours makes it a surprisingly full-featured destination. Whether you want to hike in Cradle Mountain, get close to Tasmanian wildlife, or enjoy some local food and art, there are options suited for every traveler. For nature lovers, the Cradle Mountain is a must, while wildlife fans will find Wings Wildlife Park irresistible. If time is short, guided shore excursions provide fantastic summaries of the region’s highlights.

Plan ahead, choose the experiences that match your interests and energy level, and don’t forget to book early to secure your spot in these popular adventures. Tasmania’s wild beauty and warm welcomes will turn your Burnie visit into lasting memories.