Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion: An Up-Close Australian Wildlife Experience

When cruise ships dock in Burnie, Tasmania, many travelers look for a memorable way to connect with the island’s famed wildlife. The Wings Wildlife Park tour offers just that—a 3-hour journey into the heart of Australia’s unique fauna, with a focus on native species like kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and koalas. For $86 per person, you get the chance to meet these creatures up close, learn about their habitats, and enjoy some engaging presentations, all designed with cruise passengers in mind.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible and interactive it is. The friendly guides not only share their knowledge but make sure everyone gets involved—feeding animals and snapping photos. The second highlight is the beautiful landscaped gardens, which make for a peaceful walk amidst native and exotic plants. That said, a possible consideration is the size of the park—some visitors found it a little small, especially if they’re expecting a large zoo experience.

This tour suits families, animal lovers, and those eager to see iconic Australian wildlife without straying too far from their cruise schedule. It’s an ideal way to combine education, fun, and conservation awareness in a short amount of time.

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Key Points

Accessible location just off the cruise port, meeting at the Burnie Attractions Desk in Makers Market.
Interactive activities like feeding kangaroos and engaging wildlife presentations.
Supports conservation efforts through breeding programs and educational programs.
Beautiful gardens make for a scenic walk and relaxing atmosphere.
Good value for money given the opportunity to see and interact with numerous animals.
Suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

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A Closer Look at the Wings Wildlife Park Shore Excursion

If you’re headed to Burnie and want to see a slice of Tasmania’s rich wildlife, this tour is a promising choice. For $86, you receive admission to Wings Wildlife Park, plus the convenience of a guided visit designed specifically for cruise travelers. Your journey begins at the Burnie Attractions Desk in Makers Market, where you’ll meet your guide and hop on a comfortable coach for the roughly 40–50-minute scenic drive.

What to Expect During Your Visit

As you arrive, the first thing that strikes you is the diversity of animals. Wings Wildlife Park hosts over 100 species, giving you a broad snapshot of Australia’s natural inhabitants. Many visitors, including a traveler from the U.S., highlighted the excitement of feeding kangaroos that hop freely around the enclosures. The chance to interact with animals—like the option to pay extra for a one-on-one koala experience—adds a memorable touch, making this more than just a walk-through zoo.

The interactive presentations are scheduled throughout the day. Skilled handlers share insights and stories about the animals’ behaviors and habitats, making the experience both fun and educational. One traveler from Canada remarked, “Our guide was amazing. Great knowledge of the history of the town and excellent personality,” emphasizing how a knowledgeable guide elevates the tour.

Gardens and Wildlife Encounters

Beyond the animals, the well-maintained gardens provide a tranquil environment. Winding paths lined with native and exotic plants give you a chance to enjoy some peaceful moments amid nature. It’s a lovely setting for photos or a quiet stroll before or after the wildlife encounters.

Wildlife encounters can include feeding sessions or guided tours that bring you closer to the animals—an experience that many reviews praise. For instance, a traveler from the U.S. shared how they appreciated their personal koala experience, emphasizing that, “it was well worth it for the cuteness and the photos.”

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Conservation and Education

What sets Wings apart from many other wildlife parks is its active role in conservation. The park participates in breeding programs for endangered species, helping to preserve Tasmania’s unique biodiversity. They also serve as an education hub, especially welcoming school groups and groups interested in learning about the animals’ conservation stories.

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The Practical Side: Transport, Duration, and Accessibility

Transportation is straightforward. The tour includes a coach ride, which is part of the experience—comfortable, climate-controlled, and scenic. The total duration is approximately three hours, a perfect length to fit into a busy cruise schedule, with options available in the morning and afternoon.

Accessibility is also well-considered. The park is wheelchair accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the animal interactions and gardens equally.

The Price and Value Perspective

While $86 may seem modest for a wildlife experience, it’s wise to consider what’s included. Admission is covered, and the guided, interactive nature adds significant value. The fee also helps fund conservation projects, making your visit contribute to a good cause. The opportunity to see iconic animals like Tasmanian devils or feed kangaroos in person is worth the price for many.

However, some reviews mention that the park is small, which could limit the experience for visitors expecting a large zoo or wildlife sanctuary. One traveler expressed disappointment about the single koala and felt the price did not quite match the size of the park, especially if they hoped for extensive animal encounters. Still, most agree that the experience remains rewarding, especially given its focus on conservation and education.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, educational experience that offers a genuine glimpse of Australian wildlife, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially good for those who want to interact with animals rather than just observe them from afar. Nature lovers and animal enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see kangaroos hopping around and learn from knowledgeable guides.

This tour is particularly ideal for cruise passengers with limited time but a desire to connect with Tasmania’s natural side. It’s designed for those who value supporting conservation efforts and enjoy a peaceful walk through landscaped gardens. For travelers expecting a large zoo or extensive wildlife park experience, it’s worth noting the size limitation, but for the intimacy and focus on native species, many find it just right.

Final Thoughts

The Wings Wildlife Park shore excursion offers a compact, engaging, and meaningful encounter with Tasmania’s animals. Its strengths lie in the friendly guides, interactive animal encounters, and the support of conservation initiatives—which many reviewers feel good about contributing to. The gardens and scenic setting make it a pleasant addition to your travel day, with enough variety to satisfy animal lovers of all ages.

While some may find the size of the park smaller than expected, the overall value, educational focus, and opportunity for meaningful interaction make this a worthwhile choice. If your goal is to see iconic Australian animals and learn about their habitats in a relaxed setting, this tour hits the mark.

In essence, if you want a short, fun, and educational wildlife experience that fits well into a cruise schedule, Wings Wildlife Park is worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate the importance of conservation and enjoy personal interactions with animals. Expect good value, friendly guides, and a chance to create memories you’ll talk about long after you leave Tasmania.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children of all ages. Kids will love feeding kangaroos and meeting the animals up close.

How long is the drive from Burnie to Wings Wildlife Park?
The coach ride takes approximately 40–50 minutes, offering a scenic drive through Tasmania’s countryside.

Is the park accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the park is wheelchair accessible, making it easy for all visitors to enjoy the experience.

What animals can I expect to see?
You will encounter kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, koalas, and other native and exotic species.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, feeding sessions with kangaroos and other animals are part of the experience, and some encounters may require an extra fee.

How much does the extra koala experience cost?
It costs approximately $30 AUD for a one-on-one koala photo opportunity, with proceeds supporting animal care.

What is included in the price?
Your tour price covers admission to Wings Wildlife Park and guided interactions.

Are there options in the morning and afternoon?
Yes, the tour is usually available in both morning and afternoon slots to better fit cruise schedules.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Would this tour fit into a short cruise stop?
Absolutely. The 3-hour duration makes it ideal for fitting into a morning or afternoon shore excursion, giving you a taste of Tasmania’s wildlife without missing your ship’s departure.

This detailed look at the Wings Wildlife Park shore excursion aims to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your cruise stop in Burnie. With its focus on native animals, conservation, and interactive fun, it’s a solid choice for many travelers seeking an authentic taste of Tasmania’s natural treasures.