If you’re visiting Burnie and looking to connect with Tasmania’s unique animals and landscapes, this shuttle tour to Wings Wildlife Park offers a practical, engaging, and surprisingly affordable option. It’s designed to give you a taste of Tasmania’s rich biodiversity in just a few hours, making it perfect for cruise travelers or those with limited time on land.
What we love about this experience is its combination of scenic drives, up-close animal encounters, and the chance to enjoy local Tasmanian delicacies—all packed into roughly four hours. It’s a hassle-free way to see Tasmania’s wildlife without the need for extensive planning or hefty prices. One potential drawback? The allocated time at Wings is around 2 hours, which some reviewers feel could be a little short to see everything comfortably.
This tour is ideal if you’re after a manageable, value-packed snapshot of Tasmanian wildlife, especially if you enjoy seeing animals like kangaroos, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils in a natural setting. It also suits those who appreciate scenic drives and local food stops, making it a well-rounded little adventure.
Key Points
- Convenient shuttle transport from the cruise port ensures a stress-free experience.
- Close animal interactions, including feeding kangaroos and optional koala cuddles, create memorable moments.
- Beautiful scenic drives inland and along the Leven River add a visual layer to the tour.
- Expert guides and friendly staff offer insightful commentary and make encounters more meaningful.
- Good value for money with a comprehensive experience including park admission, transportation, and some optional animal interactions.
- Limited time at Wings Wildlife Park might feel rushed for some visitors eager to see every exhibit.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
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Easy, Hassle-Free Transportation from Burnie
Starting at 13 Wilmot Street, the tour’s pickup service is tailored to cruise ship schedules, ensuring you’re transported comfortably and on time. The shuttle is operated by eGuide, and reviews indicate that the pickup process is straightforward—though it’s worth noting some travelers suggest walking across the market to the designated meeting point to avoid confusion, as other operators may be nearby.
The ride itself is often described as scenic, passing through Tasmania’s lush countryside and charming coastal villages like Penguin. The drive sets the tone for the day, with many reviewers appreciating the peaceful countryside views and the chance to relax and soak in Tasmania’s natural beauty before arriving at the park.
Wings Wildlife Park: A Treasure Trove of Tasmanian Animals
Once at Wings Wildlife Park, the focus is on encountering Tasmania’s iconic species in naturalistic settings. The park boasts over 150 species, including Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, and koalas. The enclosures are praised for being spacious and well-maintained, with many visitors commenting on the cleanliness and organization of the facility.
A highlight for many is the opportunity for hand-feeding kangaroos—an experience reviewers describe as “so much fun” and “the highlight of the trip.” The open kangaroo enclosure allows visitors to walk right in and interact directly, creating a sense of connection with the animals. Some guests pay extra for the chance to pet a koala or a baby Tasmanian devil, adding a special touch to the visit.
Educational and Conservation Efforts
Beyond the cute cuddles and feeding opportunities, Wings Wildlife Park emphasizes education and conservation. Knowledgeable staff share insights about each species’ challenges and the park’s ongoing efforts to protect Tasmania’s native wildlife. Reviews mention staff like Marie, who provided friendly, informative commentary during the bus ride and at the park, making the experience more meaningful.
Scenic Drive and Local Flavors
The journey to Wings is part of what makes this tour appealing. Traveling inland and along the Leven River, the views are consistently praised for their serenity and beauty. The final stretch through the quaint town of Penguin is a favorite moment for many, who appreciate the relaxing countryside and small-town charm.
On-site, the café offers Tasmanian delicacies, giving you a taste of local flavors. Many reviewers enjoyed sampling local food and browsing the souvenir shop for unique Tasmanian gifts, rounding out a well-balanced experience that combines nature, culture, and cuisine.
Time Management and Tour Length
While most reviews rave about the quality of the experience, some mention that two hours at Wings can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to fully explore the park or participate in animal interactions. The tour duration is approximately 3 hours 50 minutes, including transportation and park time, which is generally enough for a relaxed visit.
A few guests suggest that extending the time at Wings or adding a guided tour could enhance the experience, but on the whole, the value for price is regarded as quite good—especially considering the included admission, transport, and the chance to see animals in a natural setting.
Value and Price
At $84.89 per person, this tour offers solid value. It bundles transportation, admission, and optional animal interactions into one package, saving you the hassle and potential extra costs of visiting independently. Several reviewers highlight how worthwhile this trip is for the price, especially compared to more expensive private options.
The flexibility of a self-guided park visit allows you to explore at your own pace, while the shuttle ensures you’re back in time for your ship’s departure. The small group size—max 50 travelers—also helps create a more intimate experience.
Who Would Love This Tour?
If you enjoy animal encounters in naturalistic environments, this is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for those who value scenic drives, want to learn about Tasmania’s wildlife, and appreciate local food and souvenirs.
It’s ideal for cruise passengers wanting a time-efficient, cost-effective, and engaging wildlife experience. Families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a taste of Tasmania’s rural charm will find this tour particularly rewarding.
Those looking for a longer, more immersive wildlife experience might find the time a bit limited but will still enjoy the highlights. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a manageable, well-organized outing rather than a full-day excursion.
Practical Tips for the Best Experience
- Arrive early at the meeting point or walk across the market to the designated table to avoid confusion.
- Consider paying extra for the koala or Tasmanian devil encounters—they’re memorable and worth the small additional fee.
- Bring comfortable shoes for walking through the park and feeding the animals.
- The scenic drive offers great photo opportunities; have your camera ready!
- If you’re short on time, inform the staff or driver if you want to prioritize certain animal experiences—most are flexible.
- Be aware that time at Wings might be tight for some guests, so plan your expectations accordingly.
FAQ
Is transportation included?
Yes, the shuttle picks up from 13 Wilmot Street in Burnie and takes you directly to Wings Wildlife Park and back, making logistics simple.
How long do I get at Wings Wildlife Park?
Most travelers spend about 2 hours exploring the park, which is enough for seeing the animals and participating in some interactions, though some wish for more time.
Can I interact with the animals?
Yes, you can feed kangaroos by hand and pay extra for encounters like petting a koala or baby Tasmanian devil.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Absolutely. The experience is family-friendly, with plenty of opportunities for kids and adults to enjoy wildlife encounters and scenic drives.
What is the approximate duration of the entire trip?
The total experience lasts around 3 hours 50 minutes, including travel time and park exploration.
What is the cost?
It costs around $84.89 per person, offering good value considering the transportation, admission, and memorable animal interactions.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book early, as the tour tends to sell out quickly, especially during peak cruise seasons.
Final Thoughts
This Burnie shuttle tour to Wings Wildlife Park delivers a well-rounded snapshot of Tasmania’s wildlife and scenery in a compact, affordable package. It’s perfect for travelers seeking up-close animal experiences, scenic drives, and a taste of local culture without overextending their schedule.
The knowledgeable staff, clean facilities, and beautiful countryside make it a trip worth considering if wildlife is high on your list. While the clock might feel a bit tight at times, the overall experience is engaging, educational, and fun—an excellent way to connect with Tasmania’s natural charm.
Whether you’re a family, a solo traveler, or part of a cruise group, this tour offers a practical and rewarding way to see some of Tasmania’s best wildlife in their natural settings, all within a manageable timeframe and budget.