Top 15 Tours In Burnie

Burnie, perched on Tasmania’s northwest coast, is a fantastic place to explore with a variety of tours that suit many interests. Whether you’re after breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, or local culture, Burnie has something special for every traveler. The Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour offers a full immersion into Tasmania’s iconic wilderness, while the Wings Wildlife Park provides an up-close look at native animals. For those who want a quick taste of the area, scenic shore excursions like the Stanley and The Nut Tour or the Half Day Shore Excursion deliver memorable experiences in just a few hours.

What makes Burnie stand out are the small-group tours that emphasize personal attention and local insights, like the Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour, or flexible options for cruise passengers such as the Burnie Shore Excursion. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, wildlife, or cultural highlights, Burnie’s tours promise authentic and well-organized ways to see Tasmania’s rugged beauty.

1. Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour from Devonport or Burnie

This full-day tour is perfect for nature lovers eager to see Tasmania’s most famous mountain in all its glory. Starting from your accommodation in Devonport, Ulverstone, or Burnie, you’ll drive through the Tasmanian Wilderness Heritage Area to reach Cradle Mountain. The highlight is the guided walk around Dove Lake, where you’ll enjoy views of the mountain’s reflection and rugged peaks. The guide shares stories of the area’s natural and cultural history, making the landscape come alive.

What makes this tour stand out is its combination of stunning scenery and expert guidance. With reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and weather resilience, it’s clear that even if the weather isn’t perfect, the experience remains memorable. The admission to the park is free, and the scenery includes incredible photo opportunities like the Dove Lake Boatshed reflection. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive day trip with a small-group feel.

Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded, scenic day with expert commentary, this tour delivers. It’s best suited for travelers with a full day to enjoy Tasmania’s wilderness.

2. Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour

This six-hour small-group trip takes you directly to Wings Wildlife Park, where over 150 species of native animals including Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, and colorful birds await. The tour also includes a walk through the seaside town of Penguin, famous for the big penguin statue, and a scenic drive that passes through Gunns Plains. Your guide is known for being friendly and knowledgeable, sharing insights about Tasmania’s unique wildlife and ecosystem.

Guests consistently praise how interactive and personal this tour feels. Many enjoy the opportunity to feed kangaroos and get up close with wildlife, making it a memorable experience. The admission to Wings Wildlife Park is included, and the tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters and coastal scenery at a fraction of the cost of private excursions.

Bottom line: Ideal for animal lovers or families, this tour offers a relaxed yet engaging way to meet Tasmania’s wildlife and explore the northwest coast.

3. Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus from Burnie

This self-guided shuttle service is tailored specifically for cruise ship passengers, offering flexible timing to fit your schedule. It provides access to Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain, with optional walking tracks and wildlife spotting. Park entry is included, making it practical for active travelers who want to explore at their own pace.

The main attraction is hiking or wandering around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with options depending on your fitness level. Guests have enjoyed the stunning lake views and the chance to see native animals, even on rainy days. The tour’s affordability and flexibility make it appealing for independent travelers or those short on time.

Bottom line: For active cruisers who prefer a DIY approach, this shuttle offers the essentials of Cradle Mountain with a personal touch.

4. Stanley and The Nut Tour

This six-hour tour explores the charming fishing village of Stanley, famous for the volcanic formation, The Nut, which rises 492 feet above the coast. Your guide takes you on a walk through the town, with optional chairlift rides during the season. The tour also includes visits to Table Cape Lookout for stunning coastal views and the Wonders of Wynyard exhibition.

Reviews highlight how friendly and informative the guides are, with travelers noting the “spectacular views” and “great local insights.” The cost includes visits to scenic viewpoints and attractions like the vintage car exhibit. It’s perfect for those interested in small-town charm and natural scenery without strenuous activity.

Bottom line: This tour offers a relaxed, scenic day perfect for photography and seaside exploration, especially if you enjoy local character and coastal vistas.

5. Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

This three-hour shuttle service provides a quick, economical way to visit Wings Wildlife Park. It includes transport from your cruise ship and about 2 hours at the park, where you can see Tasmanian devils, koalas, and wallabies. The park emphasizes conservation and offers interactive encounters like petting some animals, making it suitable for families and casual visitors.

Reviewers mention how well-organized and flexible this tour is, with many appreciating the opportunity for close animal interactions. The admission fee is included, making it a straightforward, value-packed option.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers short on time or those interested mainly in wildlife, this tour makes fast work of Tasmania’s most iconic animals.

6. Sheffield Sightseeing Tour

This five-hour trip takes you through Sheffield, known as the “Town of Murals,” with a walk among vibrant street art. The tour also visits the House of Anvers for chocolates and a photo with the Big Penguin at Penguin. The journey offers views of farmland, coastlines, and forests, with options to include Leven Canyon or Gunns Plains Cave.

Reviews note how Howard, the guide, makes the trip personal and informative, often adding unexpected stops. The tour is flexible and tailored to cruise schedules, with free time in town for shopping or photos.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a mix of art, local flavor, and scenic views, especially if you appreciate a relaxed pace with some chocolate indulgence.

7. Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie

This four to five-hour tour offers flexibility with stops in Devonport, Sheffield, Latrobe, or Penguin, based on cruise schedules. The focus is on local towns, scenery, and wildlife, with optional detours to wineries or small attractions like the Spreyton Cider Cellar.

Guests love the personalized touch, especially the story of a guide who helped a traveler with a knee injury. The tour provides a relaxed way to see Burnie’s surroundings without feeling rushed.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a quick, customizable overview of Burnie and nearby towns, blending scenery and local culture.

8. Devonport Sightseeing Tour

This six-hour tour takes you along Tasmania’s northwest coast to Devonport, with highlights like the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and the Bass Strait Maritime Museum. Stops include the House of Anvers for chocolates and the famous Big Penguin at Penguin.

Reviews mention how the guide’s local knowledge makes the experience special, with a good blend of cultural and scenic stops. The tour is suitable for those wanting a comprehensive day of exploring.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want to see both natural sights and learn about local maritime history.

9. Day Excursion Burnie Cradle Mt National Park

This full-day trip is designed for cruise visitors, with flexible timings. It includes visits to Sheffield’s murals, Penguin, and the Cradle Mountain area. You can choose from different walking tracks and see wildlife, waterfalls, and lakes.

Reviews commend the small group size and the guide’s friendliness, with travelers saying it’s “highly recommended.” It’s best suited for active travelers who want to cover a lot in one day.

Bottom line: A good pick if you want the most comprehensive wilderness experience in Tasmania with a personal touch.

10. Tasmanian Tasting Tour

This seven-hour tour combines wine, chocolate, and truffles. You’ll visit the Eastford Creek Vineyard, indulge in local ciders, and sample handmade Belgian chocolates at House of Anvers. The trip includes a Tasmanian platter lunch and a truffle tasting at The Truffledore.

Guests rave about the delicious food and friendly guides, noting it’s perfect for foodies and wine lovers. The tour emphasizes local craftsmanship and offers a relaxing way to taste Tasmania’s best flavors.

Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a leisurely, gourmand experience, especially if you enjoy wine, chocolates, and local delicacies.

11. Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

This three-hour tour is a quick visit to Wings Wildlife Park, with opportunities to see Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and wombats. It’s designed for cruise passengers to maximize wildlife encounters efficiently.

Reviews mention how the park offers interactive and educational encounters. This is a straightforward choice for wildlife enthusiasts.

Bottom line: If you want to meet Tasmania’s animals in a short amount of time, this tour packs an animal punch.

12. Discovering Tasmania: Burnie Shore Excursion

This five-hour tour combines scenery, wildlife, and botanical gardens. It visits the George Woodhouse Lookout, Wings Wildlife Park, and Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens. The guide highlights local flora and fauna, with optional stops at Gunns Plains Cave or Leven Canyon.

Guests praise how personalized and flexible the guide is, making the experience special. It’s suited for those who want a mix of nature and wildlife in a manageable timeframe.

Bottom line: Ideal for travelers seeking a balanced overview of Tasmania’s natural beauty and wildlife.

13. Burnie Attractions Bus: Burnie Shore Excursion

This three-hour bus tour offers short stops at Burnie’s top sights like the Upper Burnie Lookout, Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, and the Burnie Regional Museum. It’s a budget-friendly way to see highlights with commentary from a local guide.

Reviews note some issues with organization, but many enjoy the easy access to local attractions and the opportunity to see a platypus at the gardens.

Bottom line: An affordable, quick introduction to Burnie’s main sights perfect for travelers with limited time.

14. Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion

This six-hour tour focuses on Cradle Mountain’s wilderness, with stops at Dove Lake, the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, and the Wilderness Gallery. It’s designed for cruise passengers to experience Tasmania’s iconic landscape with flexible timing.

Reviews highlight the scenic lake views and small group intimacy. The guide’s personable approach enhances the experience.

Bottom line: Great for active travelers wanting a concise wilderness experience in Tasmania’s most famous mountain.

15. Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens Burnie Shore Excursion

This two-hour visit offers a walk through 11 hectares of botanical gardens full of rhododendrons, eucalypts, and streams. The gardens are a favorite for their peaceful atmosphere and scenic viewpoints, with opportunities to spot native wildlife like platypus.

While reviews are absent, the experience promises a quiet, nature-filled escape just minutes from Burnie, ideal for garden lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Bottom line: Perfect for a short, relaxing walk amid Tasmania’s impressive flora and birdlife.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Burnie

When selecting a tour, consider your interests, fitness level, and available time. For a full immersion in Tasmania’s wilderness, the Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive experience. If wildlife is your focus, Wings Wildlife Park or the Burnie Shore Excursion provide intimate encounters with native animals.

Those with limited time might prefer the Half Day Shore Excursion or the Burnie Attractions Bus, which cover highlights efficiently. For food lovers, the Tasmanian Tasting Tour combines local wines, chocolates, and truffles for a leisurely day.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and ensure a spot on these popular small-group tours.

Final Thoughts

Burnie offers a rich variety of tours that cater to outdoor adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike. If you want to experience Tasmania’s iconic wilderness, the Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour is hard to beat. For a more relaxed, animal-focused visit, the Wings Wildlife Park delivers close encounters with native creatures.

Travelers short on time should consider the Half Day Shore Excursion or the Burnie Attractions Bus, while foodie travelers will love the Tasmanian Tasting Tour. Whatever your preference, Burnie’s tours promise memorable adventures—so book early and get ready to explore Tasmania’s rugged beauty firsthand.