The Top 10 Burnie Shore Excursions

Burnie, a charming port on Tasmania’s northwest coast, offers some of Australia’s most engaging shore excursions. Unlike some ports that rely on generic city tours, Burnie’s excursions focus on its remarkable natural beauty and native wildlife. Whether you’re into active adventures like hiking at Cradle Mountain or prefer relaxed wildlife encounters at Wings Wildlife Park, Burnie delivers on authenticity and scenery. One of our favorite options is the Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus from Burnie, which takes you straight into a UNESCO World Heritage Site—perfect for outdoor lovers craving a true wilderness experience.

If wildlife is more your speed, the Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle provides an up-close look at Tasmania’s iconic animals like Tasmanian Devils and cuddly koalas. For those with limited time, a Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie offers a flexible taste of the region’s towns and scenery. And for a scenic drive that combines wildlife, gardens, and panoramic views, the Discovering Tasmania: Burnie Shore Excursion stands out as a well-rounded choice.

Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which experience best fits your interests, fitness level, and schedule.

1. Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus from Burnie

At number 1, this small-group day trip to Cradle Mountain is perfect for active travelers who want to explore Tasmania’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour lasts about 6.5 to 8 hours, with the itinerary tailored to your ship’s schedule, making it a reliable way to experience Tasmania’s rugged beauty without feeling rushed.

The tour includes entry fees to the national park and offers several walking tracks around Dove Lake, renowned for its mirror-like water and peaks. Guides are experienced, sharing insights into the area’s flora, fauna, and geology as you hike past waterfalls, rainforest, and native wildlife such as wombats and wallabies. The highlight is the chance to walk on trails that vary in difficulty, suited for those who enjoy a good outdoor challenge.

Reviews note the weather can be unpredictable—a cloudy or drizzly day still reveals spectacular views, and the guide’s knowledge makes all the difference. The small-group format makes for a more personal experience than larger tours.

Bottom line: If you’re fit, love nature, and want a memorable wilderness adventure, this tour offers great value with included park fees and a flexible itinerary.

2. Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

Number 2 on our list is the Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle. For around $90, you get a nearly 4-hour trip that combines scenic drives along the Leven River and a visit to Tasmania’s beloved wildlife park. What sets this tour apart is its focus on close encounters with native animals, such as Tasmanian Devils, kangaroos, wombats, and parrots.

The park itself is a hub of conservation and education, with over 150 species in beautifully landscaped grounds. You’ll have about 2 hours at the park, plenty of time to interact with animals—pay an extra fee to pet the koalas or hold a baby Tasmanian Devil—making this a hit with families and animal lovers alike. The driver narrates local history and points out scenic spots along the way, adding a layer of local insight.

Reviews highlight the opportunity to feed kangaroos and the quality of the park’s education programs. The drive through the countryside offers a peaceful taste of Tasmania’s rural charm, and the park’s location makes it a convenient option for travelers short on time.

Bottom line: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and families, this tour offers excellent value and memorable animal encounters in a relaxed setting.

3. Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie

At number 3, this half-day tour is designed for travelers with limited time but a desire to see a bit of everything. For $165, you can choose from several destinations—Devonport, Sheffield, Latrobe, or Penguin—tailoring your experience to your interests.

The tour is flexible, adjusting to your ship’s schedule, and includes visits to local towns, scenic spots, and optional stops at wineries or small museums. For example, Devonport’s waterfront and maritime museum showcase Tasmania’s seafaring history, while Sheffield’s murals provide a colorful artistic experience. Penguin offers a close-up view of the local penguin rookery, a charming photo opportunity.

Guests appreciate the personal approach of the guide, who adapts stops to their preferences. The tour combines culture, scenery, and wildlife, making it a well-rounded snapshot of Tasmania’s northwest coast.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting a customized, flexible experience without a long day on the road.

4. Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

Number 4 is a repeat of the popular Wings Wildlife Park Burnie. It’s a condensed 3-hour visit emphasizing Tasmania’s native animals, perfect if your schedule is tight but you still want a hands-on wildlife experience.

The park houses over 100 species, including the elusive Tasmanian Devil, wombats, and other iconic creatures. The tour emphasizes interaction—pay an extra fee to hold a koala or pet a baby wallaby—making it especially suitable for families and animal lovers. The scenic drive to the park and the chance to see wildlife in a natural setting contribute to its popularity.

While some reviews note that interactions like cuddling a baby Tasmanian Devil cost extra, most visitors find the experience educational and fun. The park’s focus on conservation and education adds value to this outing.

Bottom line: A quick but immersive wildlife experience, excellent for families or those interested in Tasmania’s fauna.

5. Discovering Tasmania: Burnie Shore Excursion

Ranked number 5, this Discovering Tasmania tour offers a comprehensive 5-hour experience combining scenic viewpoints, wildlife, and botanical gardens. Operated by a highly regarded local company, it’s ideal for travelers wanting a broad taste of the region.

The tour features a drive to the George Woodhouse Lookout for sweeping views, and a visit to Wings Wildlife Park for a chance to see local animals, including Tasmanian Devils and wombats. The highlight is the Explore Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, where you can stroll through 11 hectares of lush plants and spot native birds. The guide provides insights into Tasmania’s flora and fauna, making it educational as well as scenic.

Guests appreciate the well-organized schedule and the variety packed into a relatively short trip. The gardens and wildlife encounters are particularly praised, offering a great mix of nature and culture.

Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a bit of everything—scenery, wildlife, and botanical beauty—in a half-day adventure.

6. Burnie Attractions Bus: Burnie Shore Excursion

Coming in at number 6, this Burnie Attractions Bus is a budget-friendly, 3-hour tour focusing on local highlights. Costing just over $64, it’s the most economical way to see Burnie’s key sights, including Upper Burnie Lookout and Fern Glade Platypus Reserve.

The tour features quick stops with short walks, such as the opportunity to glimpse a platypus in the wild — a rare treat. The guide offers commentary on local history, parks, and wildlife. Reviewers note that it can feel a bit rushed, especially if the commentary doesn’t work perfectly, but overall it’s a solid choice for travelers who want a taste of Burnie’s natural and cultural sights on a limited schedule.

The highlight for many is the chance to see a platypus, an elusive creature best viewed early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The tour ends at the Burnie Regional Museum, giving a quick cultural snapshot.

Bottom line: Best for budget-conscious travelers eager to see wildlife and the best viewpoints without a long day.

7. Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion

Number 7 is a crisp, around 6-hour trip into Tasmania’s highlands, perfect for those wanting an in-depth wilderness experience. Starting early, this small-group tour takes you right to Cradle Mountain—one of Tasmania’s most iconic landmarks.

Highlights include Dove Lake Boatshed and the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, where you can get insights into the landscape and wildlife. The tour focuses on scenic walks, photography, and immersion in the pristine environment. Guests with a keen interest in nature find this trip rewarding, as guides share their knowledge about the area’s geology, flora, and fauna.

Reviews praise the tour for its personalized approach and excellent value, especially given the included park entry fees. It’s ideal for active travelers who want a full day exploring Tasmania’s wilderness.

Bottom line: If you want to experience Tasmania’s highland wilderness with expert guidance, this tour delivers a memorable day.

8. Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens Burnie Shore Excursion

Number 8 offers a visit to Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, an 11-hectare botanical paradise just 20 minutes from Burnie. Although it currently has no reviews, its description promises a peaceful walk among towering trees, colorful rhododendrons, and tranquil ponds, making it ideal for garden lovers or those wanting a quiet retreat.

The tour includes about 1 hour 20 minutes exploring the gardens, with plenty of opportunities for photography and wildlife sightings, including native birds and possibly platypus in the ponds. The gardens are accessible and include a recommended visit to a scenic viewpoint.

This tour appeals to travelers interested in botany and those seeking a gentle, scenic experience. It’s especially good if you want to combine nature with some light walking.

Bottom line: A scenic botanical stop, best suited for garden enthusiasts and travelers looking for a peaceful, nature-focused outing.

9. Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour

Number 9 is the Tasting Trail Tour, a 6-hour journey through Tasmania’s culinary delights. Starting with Anvers Chocolate Factory, you’ll watch chocolatiers craft Belgium-style chocolates and sample their confections. Then, visit a boutique truffle farm for a hands-on tasting and learn about truffle cultivation.

The tour continues with a visit to the House of Hargreaves Vineyard, where you can sip award-winning wines, and ends with a stop at Spreyton Cider Co for tastings of locally made cider. The tour is ideal if you’re a foodie or enjoy pairing scenic drives with culinary experiences.

Reviews are absent, but the detailed itinerary suggests a well-organized day for those interested in Tasmania’s food scene. The variety of stops offers a mix of sweet, savory, and sip-worthy experiences.

Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers who want to explore Tasmania’s culinary side alongside scenic countryside.

10. Shore Excursion Burnie to Cradle Mountain

Finally, number 10 offers a longer, flexible Burnie to Cradle Mountain trip, lasting from 5 to 10 hours. It’s ideal for travelers wanting maximum flexibility and a personalized experience. This tour includes a scenic drive into Tasmania’s rugged west coast, focusing on the wild, mountainous scenery that makes Tasmania special.

Highlights include the Vale of Belvoir, an alpine valley with sweeping vistas and rare grasslands, and the chance for a self-guided exploration of Cradle Mountain. This trip is best suited for independent travelers or those keen on a more customizable, less structured day.

Reviews are limited but positive, emphasizing the tour’s flexibility and the stunning landscape. It’s a good choice if you want control over your time and route.

Bottom line: Ideal for adventurous spirits who appreciate flexibility and want to explore the wild side of Tasmania at their own pace.

How to Choose the Right Shore Excursion in Burnie

When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time constraints, physical fitness, and interests. For active hikers and nature lovers, the Cradle Mountain shuttle or the Burnie Shore Excursion to Cradle Mountain offer immersive wilderness experiences. If animals fascinate you, Wings Wildlife Park provides hands-on encounters, while scenic drives and botanical gardens suit those wanting a more relaxed day. Food and drink enthusiasts should consider the Tasting Trail Tour, which combines culinary delights with scenic beauty.

Make sure to book early if your ship’s schedule is tight, and check the weather forecast—Tasmania’s weather can change quickly. Tailor your choice to match your energy level, interests, and how much time you want to spend onshore.

Final Thoughts

Burnie offers a range of shore excursions that showcase its spectacular landscapes, native wildlife, and delicious local produce. Whether you’re after a vigorous hike at Cradle Mountain, a wildlife encounter at Wings, or a scenic drive along the coast, there’s an experience suited to nearly every traveler.

Two standout options are the Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus for outdoor adventurers and the Discovering Tasmania for those seeking a balanced day of nature and culture. Booking early and choosing the right trip for your interests will ensure a memorable Burnie shore experience—one that leaves you with stories of wild landscapes and unique wildlife.