Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour

A Day of Wildlife, Stunning Views, and Local Charm in Tasmania

If you’re visiting Burnie and looking for a well-rounded taste of Tasmania’s natural charm, the Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour offers a compact, engaging experience. For around $156 per person, you spend roughly six hours exploring wildlife, coastal scenery, and a delightful seaside town. Led by friendly local guides—who seem to genuinely love sharing their knowledge—you’ll visit the renowned Wings Wildlife Park, snap a photo with the giant penguin, and enjoy a scenic drive through the beautiful northwest coast.

Two things stand out about this tour: first, the personalized attention with small groups limited to just six travelers, and second, the authentic encounters with animals that feel genuine rather than staged. We also appreciate that the tour is flexible enough to accommodate cruise ship schedules, making it a practical choice for port visitors.

One potential consideration is the moderate amount of walking involved, which might not suit those with mobility issues. Also, since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want to plan your own meal or bring snacks.

This tour suits nature lovers, family travelers with kids aged 7 and up, and anyone craving a personalized taste of Tasmania’s wildlife and coastal scenery. If you love animals, picturesque towns, and expert guides, this day-trip ticks those boxes with real charm.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Wildlife encounters at Wings Wildlife Park are authentic and memorable, including kangaroo feeding and bird viewing.
• Scenic coastal drive and visits to charming towns like Penguin offer great photo opportunities and local flavor.
• Flexible timing for cruise ship passengers makes it easy to fit into port schedules.
• Included morning tea adds a welcoming touch, and admission to Wings Wildlife Park is covered in the price.
• Moderate walking means this experience is suitable for most travelers with decent mobility.

Exploring Tasmania’s Wildlife and Coastal Charm

What You Can Expect on the Itinerary

The tour kicks off at 9:00 am from Burnie, with a focus on small groups—typically no more than six travelers—which ensures plenty of personal interaction and flexibility. We loved that the small size meant we could ask questions freely and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

First stop: Wings Wildlife Park — a highlight for animal lovers. You’ll spend about three hours here, wandering through lush enclosures filled with Tasmanian marsupials, birds, and farm animals. The reviews consistently praise the kangaroo feeding experience, which many find to be the tour’s standout moment. One guest exclaimed, “The kangaroo experience was WONDERFUL,” capturing how special getting up close and even feeding these animals can be.

The park’s admission is included, so your focus can stay on the animals and the friendly guides. Many reviews mention how knowledgeable and accommodating the guides are, often going out of their way to ensure guests get the most out of their visit.

The Seaside Charm of Penguin

After Wings Wildlife Park, it’s a short drive to the picturesque seaside town of Penguin—yes, Penguin, with a cute, iconic mascot standing guard. You’ll have about 45 minutes here, a perfect window to take photos with the big penguin sculpture and perhaps visit the local information center for souvenirs.

Guests have remarked that Penguin is a “nice area,” and the town’s scenery, combined with a delicious bakery, makes for a relaxing stop. Many travelers enjoy the chance to capture that perfect photo and soak in the calming coastal views.

Scenic Drive to Gunns Plains

Before returning to Burnie, the tour takes you on a beautiful scenic drive through Tasmania’s lush landscapes, with a brief stop at Gunns Plains. This part of the trip offers a glimpse of Tasmania’s rural beauty, with reviews highlighting the “lovely back roads” and the chance to see some of Tasmania’s less-traveled areas.

The drive itself is an experience—peaceful, scenic, and a reminder of how diverse Tasmania’s landscapes are. You’ll appreciate the chance to enjoy nature’s calm, away from busy city streets.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Wildlife Encounters — The emphasis on getting close to animals at Wings Wildlife Park is a hit among guests, especially with the opportunity to feed kangaroos. It’s a true highlight that adds a personal, tactile element to wildlife viewing.

Expert Guides — Guests repeatedly mention how knowledgeable and friendly their guides are. Sue, in particular, receives glowing praise for her accommodating nature and local insights. As one guest remarked, “Sue was a wonderful guide, very accommodating, very helpful, and extremely knowledgeable.”

Authentic Local Experience — Visiting Penguin and Gunns Plains allows for more than just tourist spots. You get to see a coastal town, enjoy local scenery, and even pick up souvenirs, making the day feel genuine and memorable.

Flexibility for Cruise Passengers — The tour adjusts its timing depending on cruise schedules, which is a thoughtful touch for those on a tight port visit. If your ship departs early or arrives late, this flexibility helps you maximize your time in Tasmania without worrying about missing out.

The Value of Your Investment

At $156.19 per person, this experience offers good value when you consider the inclusion of entrance fees, morning tea, and personalized guide service. The reviews suggest that guests feel they’ve received a meaningful, engaging, and well-managed day.

While lunch isn’t included, the tour’s focus on wildlife and scenery means you can enjoy local eateries or a picnic after the tour. The small group size enhances the overall value, providing more direct interaction and a more relaxed pace than larger bus tours.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes — there’s some walking involved, especially at Wings Wildlife Park and around Penguin.
• Bring your camera or smartphone — the photo opportunities with the penguin and wildlife are plentiful.
• Plan for weather — Tasmania’s weather can be unpredictable; packing a light rain jacket is always wise.
• Book early — the tour is popular, often booked 110 days in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Consider your mobility — a moderate physical fitness level is recommended, so those with mobility challenges might want to prepare accordingly.

The Sum Up

This Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour offers a well-balanced mix of wildlife, scenic drives, and seaside charm. It’s especially suitable for those who want a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides, authentic animal interactions, and picturesque coastal stops. If you’re traveling with family or simply love close encounters with nature, this tour delivers a charming and memorable taste of Tasmania.

The tour’s attention to small group intimacy and local insights really set it apart from larger, more generic excursions. It’s clear from the reviews that many guests leave with lasting memories of wildlife and Tasmania’s stunning scenery.

While it’s not a full-day adventure, it offers enough time to enjoy some of the best highlights of Burnie’s surrounding areas without feeling rushed. If your cruise schedule aligns, or you’re in Burnie for a few days and craving a personal, wildlife-filled day, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately six hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age is 7 years, and children will likely enjoy the wildlife encounters, especially at Wings Wildlife Park.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes admission to Wings Wildlife Park and morning tea.

Can the tour accommodate cruise ship schedules?
Absolutely. The tour timing is adjusted based on your cruise ship’s arrival and departure times, making it flexible for port visitors.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included but can be purchased at your own expense at local eateries or the bakery in Penguin.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking are recommended, along with weather-appropriate layers.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour from Burnie provides a genuine, engaging way to see Tasmania’s wildlife and coastal towns. It’s perfect for travelers who value personal attention, authentic encounters, and scenic beauty—all at a reasonable price. Pack your camera, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a memorable day exploring Tasmania’s northwest coast.