Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion: An Authentic Wildlife Encounter in Tasmania

When your cruise ship docks in Burnie, Australia, you want an experience that is both memorable and offers genuine insight into Tasmania’s unique wildlife and landscape. For around $85 per person, this scenic 3-hour tour takes you inland to Wings Wildlife Park, where you’ll spend about two hours exploring over 150 species of native animals. The experience includes a charming drive along the Leven River, passing through the adorable coastal village of Penguin, with opportunities to see kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, and colorful parrots.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its blend of scenic beauty and close animal interactions. The knowledgeable guides, like Marie, enrich the journey with interesting facts, making this more than just a visit—it’s an educational outing that feels personal. Plus, the park’s focus on conservation and native species adds a meaningful layer to your day. A second highlight is the chance to feed and pet some of these animals, including kangaroos and wallabies, which creates unforgettable memories.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is the timing—the tour offers about two hours at Wings Wildlife Park, but some reviews mention that this can feel a little rushed, especially if you want to see everything or spend more time interacting with the animals. Planning ahead for the extra charge for experiences like cuddling a koala or baby Tasmanian devil can enhance your visit but also adds to the overall cost.

This tour suits travelers who love animals, scenic drives, and hands-on experiences. If you’re the kind of visitor who enjoys personal encounters with wildlife and appreciates beautiful countryside, this is a great choice. However, those seeking a longer, more leisurely exploration of Tasmania’s natural beauty might want to consider adding extra time or choosing a different tour.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife encounters include feeding kangaroos and petting koalas.
• Beautiful scenic drive along the Leven River and through charming villages.
• Knowledgeable guides who share insightful facts about Tasmania’s animals and conservation efforts.
• Good value for money considering the variety of animals and scenic experiences.
• Limited time at the park may feel rushed if you want to explore thoroughly.
• Opportunity to purchase animal interactions like cuddling a koala or baby Tasmanian devil.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Overview of the Tour Experience

This Burnie shore excursion offers an ideal balance for travelers eager to see Tasmania’s iconic wildlife without sacrificing precious time ashore. Starting at 13 Wilmot Street in Burnie, the tour begins with a scenic drive inland. As you pass through the coastal village of Penguin, you’ll get glimpses of everyday Tasmanian life, small farms, and lush landscapes. The drive alone is worth the effort, with many reviewers noting the beautiful countryside views.

Once at Wings Wildlife Park, your focus shifts to exploring Tasmania’s endemic animals. The admission is included, so your main investment is time—about 90 minutes—which many find just enough to see highlights without feeling overwhelmed. Several reviews highlight how well-organized and clean the park is, and many visitors emphasize how friendly and knowledgeable the staff are.

What You Will See and Do

In the park, you’ll find over 150 species of animals in naturalistic enclosures. Typical sightings include Tasmanian Devils tearing into meat, which is both fascinating and a bit gory—an honest look at their behavior. The kangaroo enclosure is delightful, especially because you can go right in and feed them by hand, creating a personal connection with these iconic creatures.

If you’re interested in up-close animal interactions, you’ll find options to pay extra for cuddling a koala or a baby Tasmanian devil. Several reviews commend these encounters; one traveler mentioned that petting the koala was “fantastically soft,” and others enjoyed watching the baby wallaby being raised by a caretaker. These opportunities make the experience more memorable but require an additional fee.

Educational and Conservation Aspects

The park isn’t just about cute animals; it’s also a hub of education and conservation. Staff share stories and insights into the challenges faced by Tasmania’s native species and the efforts to protect them. One reviewer noted, “The mission of the park is a good one,” reinforcing the park’s role in preserving Tasmania’s biodiversity.

The Scenic Drive and Surroundings

The drive back along the Leven River offers stunning views of small towns, valleys, and mountains, giving you a taste of Tasmania’s landscape. Many reviews mention that the scenery alone makes this tour worthwhile, even if you weren’t interested in the animals.

Timing and Group Size

With a maximum group size of 50, the tour remains fairly intimate, but some reviews mention that the time at Wings Wildlife Park can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger. One reviewer commented, “The tour should have had 2 hours at the wildlife park,” but was limited to about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Value and Cost Analysis

At $84.89, this tour offers good value for wildlife lovers. The cost includes transportation, a scenic drive, and entry to the park, with the chance for extra paid encounters. While some might wish for more time at the park, many reviews suggest that the overall experience feels worth the price, thanks to the variety of animals, engaging guides, and beautiful scenery.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This excursion is perfect for families with kids, animal enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences. If you love the idea of feeding kangaroos, cuddling koalas, and learning about conservation, you’ll find this trip rewarding. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or wish to explore Tasmania’s landscapes at your leisure, consider adding some extra time or choosing a different excursion.

It’s also well-suited for those with limited shore time, since the entire tour lasts under 4 hours, fitting nicely into a cruise schedule.

The Sum Up

For a compact, well-organized, and authentic taste of Tasmania’s wildlife, this Burnie shore excursion hits the mark. You’ll enjoy beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and interactive animal encounters that make your visit feel personal and meaningful. While the time at Wings Wildlife Park might be tight for some, the overall value and variety of experiences make this a solid choice for animal lovers and those wanting a quick but impactful glimpse of Australia’s unique fauna.

If you’re craving hands-on interactions, scenic drives, and insights into conservation efforts, this tour offers a good mix. It’s best for those who enjoy shorter, engaging visits with opportunities to get close to animals and learn about Tasmania’s natural treasures.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours and 50 minutes, including transportation, drive, and time at Wings Wildlife Park.

What is included in the price?
The admission to Wings Wildlife Park is included, along with transportation and guided commentary during the drive. Extra charges apply if you want to interact more closely with animals like koalas or baby Tasmanian devils.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at 13 Wilmot Street, Burnie. The best practice is to walk across the market area to the designated tour company table, as some reviews mention confusion at the meeting spot.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and it is especially appealing to families and animal lovers. Just be prepared for a moderate walking pace within the park and some animal interactions that involve a fee.

Do I have enough time at the wildlife park?
Most reviews suggest about two hours is enough to see the highlights, but some felt it was a bit rushed. If you want a more leisurely visit, consider arriving early or booking additional time.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, you can buy kangaroo food and enter enclosures to feed some animals by hand. For a more memorable experience, pay extra for koala cuddling or baby Tasmanian devil interactions.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and some cash for extra animal encounters or souvenirs. Also, a hat and sunscreen are advisable for the outdoor parts of the tour.

What if my ship is delayed?
The tour operator is flexible with scheduling, and one reviewer mentioned that they adjusted the start time to align with a delayed ship. It’s always good to confirm your plans ahead of time.

This Burnie shore excursion to Wings Wildlife Park offers a compact, authentic, and engaging encounter with Tasmania’s wildlife and landscapes. It’s a great fit for those eager to see iconic animals, enjoy scenic drives, and connect with nature—all in a well-organized, value-packed package.