15 Best Tours In Burnie (With Reviews & Prices)

Burnie may be a small port town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to tours. Whether you’re craving rugged wilderness, wildlife encounters, or scenic coastal drives, Burnie offers a variety of experiences that bring Tasmania’s natural beauty and local charm directly to you. We especially love the Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour for its breathtaking views and expert-guided walks, and the Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour for its interactive wildlife encounters. These tours showcase Tasmania’s rugged landscapes and unique animals, making them perfect options for nature lovers and curious explorers alike. If you’re visiting Burnie on a cruise, you’ll find plenty of well-organized shore excursions designed to maximize your time and provide authentic experiences, like the Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour.

Quick Overview

This guide features a mix of full-day adventures, wildlife visits, scenic drives, and cultural explorations. From the iconic Cradle Mountain to intimate wildlife parks, each tour offers its own flavor of Tasmania’s highlights. Whether you’re interested in hiking in a UNESCO World Heritage site (Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour), exploring wildlife (Wings Wildlife Park), or sampling local food and drink (From Burnie: Tasting Trail Tour), this list provides options for every taste and schedule.

1. Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour from Devonport or Burnie

This full-day small-group tour whisks you from Burnie (or nearby towns) into the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness. Starting with pickup from your accommodation in Devonport, Ulverstone, or Burnie, you’ll drive approximately 1.5 hours into the Tasmanian Wilderness Heritage Area. The highlight is a guided walk around Cradle Mountain, with stops at Dove Lake for those iconic reflections of the Boatshed. Your guide shares stories about the area’s natural and cultural history, adding depth to the rugged scenery. The tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and clear focus on natural wonders, making it ideal for those who enjoy a mix of scenery and storytelling. The admission to the park is free, and the experience is perfect for a full day of exploration.

Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive day in Tasmania’s wilderness with expert insights, this is your best pick. Expect stunning mountain vistas and a chance to learn about the region’s ecology firsthand.

2. Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour

For a hands-on wildlife experience, this 6-hour tour ranks high. Starting with a visit to Wings Wildlife Park, you’ll see native animals like Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, and colorful birds. The park’s admission is included, and visitors love the opportunity to feed and photograph the animals in a natural setting. Afterward, the tour visits the charming seaside town of Penguin for photos with the big penguin sculpture and a walk through the town’s scenic streets. The tour is well-reviewed for its friendly guide and personalized attention, with many saying it was their favorite part of their trip. The scenic drive along the coast makes it a balanced mix of wildlife and coastal views.

Bottom line: Ideal for animal lovers and those seeking a relaxed, family-friendly outing with plenty of photo opportunities and interactive moments.

3. Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus from Burnie

Designed specifically for cruise passengers, this moderately active 6.5-hour tour offers a streamlined visit to Cradle Mountain. The tour focuses on exploring Dove Lake and its surrounding trails, with park entry fees included. Your guide helps you choose a walking track suited to your fitness level, whether it’s a gentle stroll or a more vigorous hike. The itinerary is flexible, based on your ship’s arrival and departure times, making it a great fit for tight schedules. Many travelers mention the knowledgeable guides and the ease of transportation, which makes visiting Tasmania’s most famous wilderness accessible even for a short stay. The highlight is the opportunity to see native wildlife and enjoy waterfalls and rainforest.

Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers on a cruise who want a guided experience with all logistics handled, ensuring you get the most out of limited time.

4. Stanley and The Nut Tour

A scenic coastal day trip, this tour features Stanley’s charming fishing village and the iconic Nut—a volcanic plug rising 492 feet above the coast. The tour includes a climb up the Nut via chairlift (November to April), offering panoramic views, and visits to Table Cape Lookout for stunning vistas over Bass Strait. Also included is a stop at the Wonders of Wynyard Exhibition. Reviewers love the friendly guides and the relaxed pace, saying it’s a great way to soak up the coast’s beauty without rushing. The tour is especially suited for those interested in coastal scenery, geology, and small-town charm. The admission to the Nut and other stops are free, making it excellent value.

Bottom line: A well-rounded coastal adventure packed with scenic views and quirky local culture, ideal for those wanting a light, scenic escape.

5. Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

This quick, 3-hour wildlife-focused tour offers excellent value—perfect if your time in Burnie is limited. It includes a scenic shuttle ride to Wings Wildlife Park, where you’ll see over 150 species of animals, including Tasmanian devils, koalas, and wombats. Many reviewers highlight the opportunity to interact with animals and learn about conservation efforts. The trip also includes a drive through the charming coastal village of Penguin, with free time to explore or buy souvenirs. The tour’s small group size and flexible schedule make for a personal experience that leaves travelers feeling both entertained and educated.

Bottom line: Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts wanting a quick but memorable encounter with Tasmania’s native animals.

6. Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie

A flexible option for cruise visitors, this 4-5 hour tour covers multiple small towns such as Devonport, Sheffield, and Penguin. It includes scenic drives, visits to local attractions, and opportunities for shopping or tasting local products. Travelers have praised the personalized approach—notably one who appreciated the extra help with mobility issues. The tour is suitable for those wanting a taste of Tasmania’s towns, art, and local culture without a full-day commitment. It’s a good choice if you prefer a relaxed pace and want to avoid long hikes.

Bottom line: Ideal for visitors who want a quick, tailored introduction to the area’s towns and scenery.

7. Day Excursion Burnie Cradle Mt National Park

This 7-8 hour guided day trip is tailored for cruise travelers eager to explore both the scenic beauty and the wildlife of Cradle Mountain. Starting from Burnie, you’ll visit the Sheffield Mural Town, see the Wonders of Wynyard, and then head into Cradle Mountain National Park. The tour includes time at Dove Lake and other key spots, with walks suitable for various fitness levels. Reviewers appreciate the personalized service and the chance to explore Tasmania’s wilderness with an experienced guide. The admission is free, and the tour offers a good balance of relaxation and activity.

Bottom line: A solid option for those wanting a well-rounded day with scenic stops, wildlife, and some cultural sights.

8. Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

Similar to the previous wildlife tour, this 3-hour visit is perfect if you prefer a shorter experience. It offers up-close encounters with Tasmania’s native animals, plus the chance to explore the park’s educational programs and conservation efforts. The admission is included, and reviews mention how much visitors enjoy feeding kangaroos and seeing Tasmanian Devils up close. The tour also includes a scenic drive, making it a well-rounded wildlife-focused outing.

Bottom line: Excellent for wildlife lovers who want to maximize their time with native animals without a long day.

9. Discovering Tasmania: Burnie Shore Excursion

This 5.5-hour tour offers a mix of scenery, wildlife, and gardens, perfect for those who want to experience Tasmania’s natural beauty in a shorter window. Highlights include Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, where you might see a platypus in the wild, and time at Wings Wildlife Park. The guide shares insights about local flora and fauna, making it a personal and engaging experience. Travelers say it’s a well-organized trip that balances nature with cultural spots.

Bottom line: A great choice for travelers who want to see Tasmania’s wildlife and gardens without a full-day commitment.

10. Burnie Attractions Bus: Burnie Shore Excursion

This 3-hour guided bus tour covers Burnie’s key sights, including Upper Burnie Lookout, Emu Valley Gardens, and the Fernglade Platypus Reserve. It’s perfect if your time is tight but you still want to see Tasmania’s wildlife and scenic viewpoints. The reviews highlight the friendly guides and beautiful stops, making it a reliable option for a quick overview of Burnie.

Bottom line: Best for those wanting a quick, guided snapshot of Burnie’s highlights with minimal fuss.

11. Burnie Attractions Bus

This 3-hour tour offers a broader look at Burnie’s hidden spots and local history. It includes a drive past Penguin and Fernglade Reserve, with stops at the Burnie Regional Museum and Emu Valley Gardens. Reviewers mention it’s good for first-time visitors who want an overview without long walks.

Bottom line: Suitable for short visits looking for a quick cultural and scenic introduction.

12. From Burnie: Tasting Trail Tour

For those interested in local flavors, this 6-hour tour takes you through boutique wineries, cider houses, and truffle farms. You’ll sample award-winning wines, ciders, and spirits, along with a hands-on tasting at a boutique truffle farm. It’s a delicious way to connect with Tasmania’s culinary scene and learn about its produce. Guests praise the variety of tastings and the knowledgeable guides.

Bottom line: Perfect for foodies who want a deep dive into Tasmania’s wine, cider, and gourmet offerings.

13. Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion

This 6-hour tour offers quick access to Cradle Mountain’s iconic scenery. It includes Dove Lake, the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, and a visit to the Wilderness Gallery. Reviewers say it’s a compact, well-organized trip suited for those with limited time but eager to see the wilderness. It combines short walks with scenic views, and the admission is free.

Bottom line: A good choice if you want a snapshot of Tasmania’s wilderness on a tight schedule.

14. Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour

For lovers of chocolate and culinary delights, this 6-hour tour starts with a visit to Anvers Chocolate Factory, then moves on to a truffle farm and finishes with wine tasting at a boutique vineyard. The tour combines culinary experiences with scenic drives. Reviewers note the quality of tastings and engaging guides. It’s perfect for those wanting a gourmet taste of Tasmania.

Bottom line: Ideal for chocolate and wine enthusiasts looking for a flavorful day.

15. Shore Excursion Burnie to Cradle Mountain

This flexible 5-10 hour tour provides a scenic drive into UNESCO-listed wilderness. It includes Dove Lake, the Vale of Belvoir, and options for walks suited to your fitness level. Many travelers appreciate the personalized service and the chance to see native wildlife and iconic scenery. The cost is competitive, making it a very accessible option for those wanting a full day or a quick trip.

Bottom line: A versatile choice for independent explorers or those seeking a tailored wilderness experience.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When picking your ideal Burnie tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interest level. If you want a full immersion in Tasmania’s wilderness, the Cradle Mountain Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive experience with expert guides. For quick wildlife encounters, Wings Wildlife Park or Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle provide memorable animal encounters with minimal fuss. If you’re a food lover, the Tasting Trail Tour combines tastings of wine, cider, and chocolate, making for a delicious day.

For those with limited time on shore, shore excursion-specific tours like Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus or Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour are designed for convenience and flexibility. It’s best to book early, especially during peak cruise seasons, to secure your spot.

Final Thoughts

Burnie offers a wide array of tours that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and foodies alike. For a full day of rugged scenery, the Cradle Mountain sightseeing experience is hard to beat. If animal encounters are your priority, the Wildlife Park tours deliver memorable moments. For a taste of Tasmania’s culinary scene, the Tasting Trail Tour is perfect.

Whether you’re here for a quick cruise stop or a longer stay, these tours provide a well-rounded introduction to Burnie’s natural and cultural treasures. Book early to snag the best slots—Tasmania’s wild beauty waits for no one!