If you’re considering a shore excursion in Burnie, Tasmania, the Burnie Attractions Bus promises a taste of the region’s scenic vistas, botanical beauty, and quaint coastal villages. While it’s a popular choice among cruise travelers wanting an easy, guided overview, this tour offers a mix of highlights and some hiccups, making it worth a closer look before booking.
What we love about this experience is its scenic lookout points that offer fantastic views, the chance to wander through the lush Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, and the opportunity to glimpse native wildlife like platypuses. The slow-paced, guided nature makes it accessible for all ages and fitness levels, especially those who prefer a relaxed exploration rather than strenuous hikes.
However, a notable drawback—based on actual reviews—is that the tour’s execution isn’t always as smooth as advertised, with some stops being drive-by moments and technical issues like poor microphone sound disrupting the experience. This means travelers should set their expectations accordingly.
This tour suits cruise guests who want a quick, scenic overview of Burnie’s best spots without a hefty price tag. It’s also great if you’re keen to learn from a local guide and enjoy short, manageable stops rather than long hikes or complex itineraries.
Key Points
- Scenic Views: Panoramic lookout of Bass Strait and Burnie harbor provide excellent photo opportunities.
- Botanical Beauty: Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens showcase a vibrant array of plants and a peaceful environment.
- Wildlife Spotting: Potential to see platypuses and native birds, adding an authentic wildlife encounter.
- Flexible Schedule: Multiple daily departures mean you can choose a time that fits your cruise schedule.
- Limited Stops: Some reviews mention drive-by moments or short stops, so manage expectations.
- Value for Money: At $66, it offers a good balance of sights and relaxed touring, but some may find the experience underwhelming if technical issues occur.
A Complete Look at the Burnie Attractions Bus
Looking for more options in Burnie? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
An Overview of the Experience
The Burnie Attractions Bus is positioned as a three-hour guided tour designed mainly for cruise visitors wanting to cover several highlights of Burnie’s northwest coast. It’s priced at $66 per person, which tends to be reasonable considering the inclusions and the focus on scenic and cultural sights. The tour is operated by eGuide, a company that offers a variety of experiences in the region, including wildlife parks and local tasting tours.
What to Expect from the Itinerary
Your journey begins at the far end of the Makers Market, a convenient meeting point close to the cruise shuttle drop-off zone. From there, the bus heads toward the Upper Burnie Lookout for a quick but impressive vantage point over Bass Strait and Burnie’s port. Expect about 5 minutes here, perfect for snapping photos of your cruise ship and the shipping activity below.
Next, you’re whisked away to Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, sprawling over 11 hectares. This botanical garden is a favorite for its lush, colorful displays, waterfalls, and towering trees. The gardens are often praised for their beauty, but a recurring theme in reviews is that during some visits, the rhododendrons aren’t in bloom—a reminder that plant displays can vary depending on the season.
The chance to spot a platypus adds a layer of excitement. The gardens are one of the few places where sightings are possible in their natural habitat, with a 30-minute window to look for these elusive creatures. Reviews note that some guests did see a platypus after being pointed out by guides, which adds a memorable wildlife encounter.
Wildlife and Nature: The Fernglade Sanctuary
From the gardens, the tour continues to Fernglade Sanctuary, an area known for its quiet wilderness and native fauna. With only about 10 minutes here, the focus is on quick wildlife spotting—especially native birds and, hopefully, another chance to see a platypus. Some travelers found this stop relaxing and worth the short visit, while others wished for a longer experience.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Coastal Village of Penguin
The tour wraps up with a visit to the seaside village of Penguin, famous for its friendly community vibe and charming beaches. Visitors have the opportunity to stroll along the promenade, snap photos of the iconic penguin sculpture, and soak in the coastal atmosphere. A 10-minute stop is all that’s allocated, so don’t expect an in-depth exploration, but it’s enough for a quick photo or two.
The Reality of the Experience: Mixed Reviews
While the itinerary sounds ideal for a quick taste of Burnie, actual reviews paint a more nuanced picture. Several travelers expressed disappointment about the lack of stops—some only experienced drive-bys and very brief visits. One review described the tour as “driving around the same area four times” with only 30 minutes spent at the gardens.
Technical issues also feature prominently; for instance, microphones often malfunctioned, making it hard to hear the guide, which diminishes the educational aspect. A traveler from Canada mentioned that the AC was terrible, and others noted that the tour was frustrating and disorganized, with some passengers feeling they didn’t get the full experience they expected.
However, some guests did enjoy moments like spotting the platypus or appreciating the panoramic views, which are undoubtedly highlights. The guide’s effort to troubleshoot microphone issues and their friendliness was appreciated, but the inconsistencies in the experience mean it might not suit travelers expecting a perfectly smooth, comprehensive tour.
Practical Considerations for Travelers
The duration of 3 hours offers enough time to see a few key sights without feeling rushed, which is ideal for cruise schedules. The price point of $66 gives decent value, especially given the entry to Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens is included. The use of a backup vehicle ensures you won’t miss your cruise departure, a crucial detail for those on tight schedules.
It’s worth noting that the tour is conducted in English and has multiple departures daily, providing flexibility. That said, if botanical displays are not in bloom or technical issues occur, you might find the experience less satisfying.
Who is This Tour Best For?
This tour is best suited for cruise passengers seeking a relaxed, guided overview of Burnie with scenic stops and wildlife opportunities. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy short, manageable excursions rather than lengthy hikes or highly detailed cultural tours. If you’re keen to get a quick snapshot of Burnie’s natural beauty, coastal charm, and gardens, this is a decent choice.
However, if you’re after a more immersive or in-depth experience, or if wildlife sightings are a priority, you might want to look for alternative options or plan additional time at specific sites.
Final Thoughts on the Burnie Attractions Bus
The Burnie Attractions Bus offers a straightforward, budget-friendly route to key spots along Tasmania’s northwest coast. Its scenic outlooks and botanical gardens are genuine highlights, providing a taste of Burnie’s natural beauty and coastal scenery. For those lucky enough to spot a platypus, the experience becomes even more memorable.
That said, the mixed reviews about stops and technical issues suggest it might not meet everyone’s expectations for a seamless tour. The experience is somewhat dependent on the guide, weather, and season, which can influence the colorfulness of the gardens or wildlife sightings.
If you’re a traveler who appreciates short, scenic glimpses of a region and values value for money, this tour could suit you well. Conversely, if you prefer a more immersive or unhurried exploration, consider supplementing this excursion with additional plans.
FAQ
Is the Burnie Attractions Bus suitable for all ages?
Yes, its relaxed pace and short stops make it accessible for all ages, including families or elderly travelers.
How long does each stop last?
Expect about 5 minutes at the lookout, 30 minutes at Emu Valley Gardens, 10 minutes at Fernglade Sanctuary, and 10 minutes at Penguin village.
Does the tour include entry to all sites?
Entry to Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens is included in the $66 price. Other stops are viewed from the bus or with very brief walks.
Can I see wildlife like platypuses on the tour?
There’s a chance to see a platypus, especially at the gardens or Fernglade Sanctuary, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Are there multiple departures each day?
Yes, the tour typically offers several daily departures, providing flexibility around your cruise schedule.
Is this a full three hours of sightseeing?
It’s a guided tour with a total duration of around 3 hours, but actual stop time at locations may be shorter depending on the day.
What should I bring?
Bring a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly binoculars if wildlife spotting interests you.
To sum it up, while the Burnie Attractions Bus may not be perfect, it offers a solid way to see some of Burnie’s best sights without overextending your schedule. It’s best for travelers who want a relaxed, guided overview and don’t mind a few quirks along the way. For those craving in-depth experiences or guaranteed wildlife sightings, exploring additional options or planning extra time might be advisable.
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