Burnie is a surprisingly lively port to explore, especially for those cruising through Tasmania. Its proximity to world-renowned national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and charming towns makes it an ideal stop for outdoor lovers and cultural explorers alike. We particularly like the Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus for its stunning scenery and active hikes, and the Wings Wildlife Park for a hands-on encounter with Tasmania’s famous animals. Whether you’re after a full-day wilderness adventure or a quick wildlife fix, Burnie offers a range of options tailored to different interests and time constraints.
Some tours stand out for their immersive experiences, like the Discovering Tasmania tour that combines scenic viewpoints with wildlife encounters. Others, like the Burnie Attractions Bus, provide a relaxed way to see highlights without overexerting. Read on to find the perfect shore excursion for your visit, whether you have a few hours or a whole day to spare.
1. Shore Excursion – Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus from Burnie
For those craving outdoor adventure and breathtaking scenery, the Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus is hard to beat. This small-group day trip offers a fantastic way to explore Tasmania’s UNESCO-listed wilderness, with a focus on active pursuits. The tour includes National Park entry fees and a flexible itinerary based on your ship’s schedule, making it a reliable way to maximize your time.
You’ll be driven straight into the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, where you can choose from several walking tracks. The highlight is a visit to Dove Lake, where the iconic mountain reflection provides picture-perfect moments. Wildlife sightings like wombats and wallabies are common, adding to the experience. Before returning to Burnie, you’ll sample local wine and food, rounding out a full day of nature, active hiking, and local flavors.
This tour is perfect for active travelers who enjoy moderate hikes and fresh mountain air. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning vistas, even when the weather is unpredictable. Expect a full, engaging day out that captures Tasmania’s rugged beauty.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive day in wilderness with a personal touch, this tour delivers. Just pack rain gear and a sense of adventure.
2. Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion
For an up-close experience with Australian wildlife, the Wings Wildlife Park offers a delightful half-day outing. This tour includes a scenic inland drive and a two-hour visit to the park, where you can interact with iconic animals like Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, and colorful parrots. It’s a great choice for families or travelers short on time but eager for memorable animal encounters.
The park itself is well-organized, with over 150 species of animals and a focus on conservation and education. Visitors can pay extra for special interactions, such as petting a koala or holding a baby Tasmanian devil — experiences that make this trip stand out. The scenic drive along the Leven River and through the charming town of Penguin adds extra value, giving you a taste of Tasmania’s landscapes.
Guests note how well the tour is organized, with some mentioning they loved being able to hand-feed kangaroos or see the wildlife in naturalistic habitats. The approximate 2-hour visit at Wings makes it perfect for those who want a quick, meaningful wildlife experience.
Bottom Line: If animals and conservation excite you, Wings Wildlife Park offers a fun, educational day at a good price point.
3. Half Day Shore Excursion from Burnie
This half-day tour is tailored for travelers with limited time but a desire to see multiple local highlights. The itinerary is flexible, with options including Devonport, Sheffield, Latrobe, and Penguin, depending on your ship’s schedule. It’s an efficient way to explore Tasmania’s culture, scenery, and small towns without overloading your day.
Highlights include a visit to Devonport’s Maritime Centre, Sheffield’s famous Murals, and Penguin’s penguin rookery. The tour often includes stops at charming cafes or wineries, giving a taste of local flavor. The reviewers praise the friendly guide, who is attentive to individual needs—one even mentions the driver stopping for a cane to help a visitor with a knee injury.
This tour is best suited for relaxed travelers who want a personal touch and enjoy a mixture of nature, small-town charm, and light sightseeing. It balances a broader overview with enough flexibility to customize the stops.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a quick but personalized taste of Tasmania’s coast and countryside.
4. Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion
A slightly different version of the wildlife experience, this Wings Wildlife Park tour focuses heavily on Tasmania’s native animals and educational programs. With over 100 species, the park offers interactive wildlife encounters and a chance to learn about local conservation efforts. You’ll see Tasmanian devils, quokkas, and echidnas, making it ideal for nature lovers and families alike.
The tour is designed to meet cruise passengers’ needs, making it a value-packed option for a three-hour visit. The park’s gardens and animal enclosures are beautifully maintained, and visitors often comment on how approachable the wildlife is — often being able to feed or pet the animals. The educational talks give insights into Tasmania’s fragile ecosystems and ongoing conservation projects.
Guests have raved about the opportunity to hold a koala or get close to a wombat, making this a memorable experience. The tour price is reasonable, especially for the quality of interaction and education provided.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in an intimate wildlife encounter, Wings Wildlife Park offers a meaningful and fun experience.
5. Discovering Tasmania: Burnie Shore Excursion
This 5.5-hour tour provides a well-balanced mix of scenic viewpoints, wildlife, and botanical gardens. Operated by an award-winning local company, it’s ideal for travelers wanting to see Tasmania’s natural beauty without strenuous activity. The tour includes stops at George Woodhouse Lookout, where panoramic views over the coast are spectacular, and at Wings Wildlife Park, for a chance to see and learn about native animals.
Further, you’ll explore the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, a lush 11-hectare plant paradise, with a specific chance to spot a platypus in the wild ponds. The tour is highly rated for its informative guides and smooth logistics, with reviews mentioning how much they appreciated the relaxed pace and the variety of sights.
This tour is best suited for nature lovers and casual sightseers who want a rundown of Burnie’s most scenic and wildlife-rich locations. It also offers the option to add in cultural stops, which enhances the experience.
Bottom Line: A good choice if you want a diverse, relaxed day with plenty of photo opportunities and wildlife encounters.
6. Burnie Attractions Bus: Burnie Shore Excursion
For those who prefer a guided bus tour with short stops and minimal walking, the Burnie Attractions Bus is a practical option. It provides a three-hour ride around Burnie’s key spots, including the Upper Burnie Lookout, Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, and the Fern Glade Platypus Reserve.
The tour is praised for its friendly guides and the convenience of covering several highlights in one short trip. The visit to Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens often features the chance to see a platypus in the wild — a rare treat. The tour includes a stop at the Burnie Regional Museum, rounding out the cultural part of the experience. Visitors also enjoy the Devonshire Tea at the garden cafe, offering a relaxing break.
Ideal for travelers who want a quick overview of Burnie’s natural and cultural sites without a lot of physical exertion. The reviews note its well-organized nature and the beautiful scenery.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, easy-going way to tick off Burnie’s key sights with a friendly guide.
7. Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion
This small-group tour focuses entirely on the magnificent Cradle Mountain, perfect for those wanting an immersive wilderness experience. Departing early from Burnie, the tour takes you directly into Tasmania’s iconic national park, where you can explore Dove Lake and its surrounding walking trails.
The main attractions include the Dove Lake Boatshed and the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, both offering stunning photo opportunities and insights into the park’s ecology. Participants rave about the personalized experience and the flexibility to choose hikes based on their interest and fitness level. The tour offers a roughly 6-hour day in the wilderness, with enough time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife.
During reviews, travelers mention how the guide enriched their understanding of Tasmania’s rugged landscapes and that the views are simply unforgettable. The tour is suitable for active travelers who want an in-depth nature experience.
Bottom Line: For a focused, outdoor adventure that highlights Tasmania’s most iconic mountain, this tour is a top pick.
$168.67 per person
8. Burnie Shore Excursion: Tasting Trail Tour
Food lovers will appreciate this 6-hour tasting tour exploring Tasmania’s gourmet offerings. Starting at the Anvers Chocolate Factory, you’ll watch chocolatiers craft their signature treats and sample some for yourself. Next, visit a boutique truffle farm to learn how these earthy delicacies are grown and harvested, with tastings included.
Continuing along the wine trail, the tour visits the House of Hargreaves Vineyard, where you can sample award-winning wines in a relaxing setting. The last stop is the Spreyton Cider Co, where you’ll taste craft ciders and learn about Tasmania’s cider-making traditions.
This tour stands out for its focus on local food and drink. The reviews highlight the quality of the tastings, especially the chocolates, truffles, and wines. It offers excellent value given the variety of experiences packed into a single day. It’s best suited for culinary enthusiasts and those who appreciate gastronomic experiences.
Bottom Line: A flavorful way to explore Burnie’s gourmet scene, perfect for foodies wanting a leisurely, indulgent day.
$202.40 per person
9. Shore Excursion Burnie to Cradle Mountain
If your goal is to see Tasmania’s most dramatic scenery, this full-day tour to Cradle Mountain is a serious contender. It offers a 5 to 10-hour adventure into Tasmania’s rugged highlands, starting with a drive to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park.
Highlights include walking around Dove Lake, capturing images of Cradle Mountain’s peaks, and visiting the Vale of Belvoir, an expansive alpine valley with abundant wildlife. The tour is flexible, allowing you to enjoy short hikes or longer walks, depending on your preference. Reviewers mention how the timing is flexible, which helps make the most of your day.
Ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a comprehensive experience. The tour is a bit longer and more intensive but offers a true wilderness immersion. The scenery and wildlife are the main attractions, making it worth the time for those eager to see Tasmania’s iconic landscapes.
Bottom Line: A top choice for travelers seeking a full-day, outdoorsy adventure in Tasmania’s wilderness.
$134.26 per person
How to Choose Your Burnie Shore Excursion
When picking a tour, consider your fitness level, interests, and available time. If you love active outdoor adventures, the Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus or the Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion offer immersive experiences. For those with limited time but a craving for wildlife, the Wings Wildlife Park or Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion are smart options.
If you’re interested in local culture, food, and scenery, the Tasting Trail Tour or the Half Day Shore Excursion provide a relaxed, flavorful taste of Burnie and nearby towns. For a rundown, the Discovering Tasmania tour is excellent, especially with its combination of gardens, wildlife, and viewpoints.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak cruise season, to secure your preferred time slot. Be sure to check the schedule and ship arrival/departure times when planning your day.
Final Thoughts
Burnie’s shore excursions cover a broad spectrum—from wilderness hikes and wildlife encounters to cultural and culinary experiences. If you want to truly learn about Tasmania’s natural beauty, the Cradle Mountain Shuttle Bus or Cradle Mountain: Burnie Shore Excursion are unbeatable. For something more relaxed and family-friendly, the wildlife parks and scenic drives will satisfy.
Whether you’re an active adventurer, a wildlife enthusiast, or a foodie, there’s a Burnie tour designed for you. To make the most of your visit, consider booking your preferred experience well in advance, especially during busy cruise times. Your Tasmania adventure awaits — so pick your favorite and enjoy the trip!