Burnie Attractions Bus Review: A Scenic Snapshot of Tasmania’s Northwest Coast
If you’re visiting Tasmania’s northwest coast and looking for an easy, affordable way to explore Burnie’s highlights, the Burnie Attractions Bus offers a compact, guided experience. For $66 per person, you’ll spend about three hours discovering some of the area’s most photogenic spots — including Upper Burnie Lookout, Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, and the adorable seaside village of Penguin. A local guide accompanies you, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick yet memorable taste of Burnie.
What we like most about this tour is its dynamic mix of natural beauty and charming local sights. The panoramic views from the lookout are truly impressive, providing a chance to see Bass Strait and the bustling harbor below. Plus, the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens is a highlight — a lush haven packed with vibrant flowers, towering trees, and waterfalls, perfect for nature lovers. The chance to spot a platypus in their natural habitat is a rare bonus that adds a touch of Tasmania’s wild charm.
However, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Several reviews mention disappointing stops — with some travelers feeling they didn’t receive enough time at key sights, especially the gardens, which weren’t in bloom during some visits. Plus, technical issues like poor microphone quality and repetitive driving routes have left some guests frustrated. This tour is best suited for cruisers or travelers with limited time who want a brief, guided overview rather than an in-depth exploration.
This tour appeals most to those seeking a relaxed introduction to Burnie with manageable time commitments, especially if you appreciate scenic views and a bit of local flavor.
Key Points
- Scenic Views: The Upper Lookout provides sweeping vistas of Bass Strait and Burnie’s harbor.
- Botanical Beauty: Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens is a colorful, tranquil space, especially for plant enthusiasts.
- Wildlife Encounters: The chance to see platypuses in Fernglade Sanctuary adds a unique touch.
- Limited Time at Stops: Some visitors find the stops rushed or less impressive if flowers aren’t in bloom.
- Value for Money: The price includes entry to the gardens and multiple brief stops, making it a practical choice.
- Operational Flexibility: Multiple daily departures and a backup vehicle help ensure you stay on schedule.
In-Depth Look at the Burnie Attractions Bus Experience
The Itinerary in Detail
The tour begins with a short drive to the Upper Burnie Lookout, a vantage point offering wide-ranging views over Bass Strait and the Burnie port. We loved the perspective this spot offers, especially if you’re a fan of coastal scenery or want a memorable photo of your cruise ship against the sea. Keep your camera ready — this is a classic shot opportunity, although some reviews note that the views can be hazy or overcast, reducing the wow factor on certain days.
Next, you’re whisked to the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, a highlight for many. Covering 11 hectares, it’s a botanical treasure trove that showcases a vast collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and exotic plants. The gardens are particularly stunning when in full bloom, which typically occurs in spring, but they’re still a peaceful, lush retreat outside peak seasons. The gardens also feature cascading waterfalls, towering trees, and meandering paths. Here, you’ll have about 30 minutes to wander freely and take photos.
One of the tour’s rare treats is the possibility of seeing a platypus in the Fernglade Sanctuary. This beautifully preserved wilderness area offers native birdwatching and wildlife spotting. As one traveler noted, “some saw platypuses and colorful birds,” adding an unexpected wild element to a mostly scenic tour. Keep in mind, spotting wildlife depends on timing and luck, but the chance is part of what makes this experience authentic.
The final stop is the seaside village of Penguin, a charming community famous for its penguin colonies and coastal vibe. The visit is brief — roughly 10 minutes, enough to stroll the promenade or snap a photo with the iconic penguin sculpture. It’s a lovely way to end the trip, especially if you enjoy coastal towns with sandy beaches and fresh sea air.
The Practicalities
Transportation is a comfortable bus with a live English-speaking guide. Multiple daily departures give flexibility, and the backup vehicle offers peace of mind if the primary bus encounters issues. The tour includes entry to the Rhododendron Gardens, adding value, and you meet at the far end of the Makers Market, conveniently located near the cruise shuttle drop-off point.
The cost of $66 might seem modest, but reviews reveal mixed perceptions of value. Some travelers feel the stops are not long enough, especially at the gardens when flowers aren’t in bloom, or the drive-by nature of many stops leaves little time for exploration.
What Travelers Say: Perspectives from Real Guests
One traveler from Canada described the experience as “terrible,” citing issues like a non-functioning microphone and driving around the same area multiple times, which made the tour feel repetitive and frustrating. Conversely, a guest from the UK appreciated the scenic views and noted that “some saw the platypus,” though they suggested clearer guidance on wildlife sightings would help.
Another review reflected disappointment that “only one stop was fully enjoyed,” emphasizing that “if not going to stop, just give us more time at the gardens.” This feedback highlights the importance of managing expectations about stop durations and the bloom status of the gardens.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Value of the Tour
This bus tour offers a manageable, scenic intro to Burnie’s highlights, especially suited for cruisers or visitors with limited time. The price includes the garden entry and guided commentary**, making it an affordable way to see the coast without the hassle of self-driving or multiple bookings. Still, it’s more about quick snapshots than in-depth exploration.
Who Would Love This Tour?
If you appreciate short, guided experiences that combine scenic views and nature, you’ll find this tour hits the mark. It’s particularly good for those wanting to see a variety of sights without breaking the bank. However, if floral blooms aren’t in season or you prefer more time at each stop, you might find this tour somewhat rushed. Wildlife enthusiasts eager to see platypuses in their natural environment will enjoy the bonus opportunity, but remember — sightings aren’t guaranteed.
This tour suits families, first-time visitors, or cruise passengers who need a brief overview of Burnie’s highlights with the reassurance of multiple daily departures and a backup plan.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
For $66, this tour provides a decent snapshot of Burnie’s coast, with breathtaking views, lush gardens, and a touch of wildlife. It’s an easy way to get a sense of the area’s natural beauty and coastal charm without planning your own itinerary. The inclusion of the garden entry and the guided tour adds value, especially if you’re short on time.
That said, expectations should be tempered — some stops may feel rushed or less colorful if flowers aren’t in bloom, and technical issues can dampen the experience. It’s best suited for those who value scenic views over prolonged exploration and want a relaxed, guided overview of Burnie’s highlights.
In the end, this tour is a solid choice for casual sightseers who want a taste of Tasmania’s northwest coast, with the understanding that it’s more about quick visits and scenic moments than immersive adventures.
FAQs
How long does the tour last?
The tour typically runs for about three hours, making it a quick but comprehensive glimpse of Burnie’s main sights.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes entry to the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens and guided commentary throughout the trip.
Where do I meet the tour?
You’ll find the bus at the far end of the Makers Market, just past the cruise shuttle drop-off point. Volunteers are on hand to assist if needed.
Are there multiple departures each day?
Yes, the tour operates with several daily departures, offering flexibility for cruise schedules and personal plans.
Is wildlife viewing guaranteed?
No, wildlife sightings like platypuses depend on timing and luck. Some guests see them, others don’t, but the chance adds to the adventure.
Is this a hop-on-hop-off experience?
Not quite. It’s a set tour with scheduled stops, so if you’re expecting free roaming or more time at each site, this may not fully meet that expectation.
In summary, the Burnie Attractions Bus offers a practical, scenic, and budget-friendly way to see some of Tasmania’s northwest coast. It’s best for travelers who want a brief, guided taste of Burnie’s natural beauty and charming villages, especially if time is tight. While not perfect — with some reviews pointing out rushed stops and technical hiccups — it remains a solid choice for those after an easy introduction to this rugged, beautiful part of Tasmania.
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