Is Tasmania on your bucket list? It should be, we had a fabulous time on this island. But while most tourists will spend most of their time in the capital Hobart, the city Burnie should not be overlooked. In this guide we will round up the best things to do in Burnie Tasmania to convince you it is worth a stop!
How to Get to Burnie Tasmania
Located on the North West Coast of Tasmania, Burnie is really easy to get to by ferry from Melbourne or a four hour cross island drive from Hobart! Alternatively, cruises will occasionally stop at this port city! Whether you are a foodie, outdoorsy type or culture vulture there is something in this city for you!
Best Things to Do In Burnie Tasmania
Find Platypus at Fern Glade Reserve
This was perhaps my favourite thing that we did while in Tasmania. Fern Glade is one of the Best Tasmania hidden gems.
Fern Glad Reserve has some of the nicest walks in all of Tasmania and can be reached very easily from Burnie town (a ten minute drive).
The main walk runs between the two nature reserve car parks, and only takes about 30 minutes to do. You start from a shaded rainforest path which then goes into woodland as you head towards the river bed.
The main reason to head to Fern Glad Reserve is to see the Elusive Platypus. Any wildlife enthusiast will have seeing platypus on their bucket list but they are difficult to spot! Fern Glade Reserve is one of the best places in Australia to view the platypus!
I am disappointed to say that we didn’t get lucky and see any on our trip! However we did see plenty of wallabies during our walk!
Tip: to try and spot platypus on your trip look for ripples or bubbles in the water!
For those wanting to spend more time at the reserve be sure to pack a picnic!
Entrance is free and the path ways are relatively flat and even meaning they are accessible for families even if they have a stroller.
The park is accessible all year.
Have you got more time in Tasmania? Why not check out this 14 day Tasmania itinerary which also includes different opportunities to spy the elusive duck billed platypus.
Visit Hellyers Road Whiskey Distillery
This was definitely my husband’s favourite stop in Burnie. The Hellyers Road is an amazing whisky distillery and restaurant! You can do a tasting of the whisky and tour. The highlight or showstopper whisky for my husband was the Pinot Noir casked 12 year old Whisky. He loved this so much during his tasting that he brought a bottle home with us!
Once you have completed your tour and tasting, head to the restaurant for lunch! The lunch is delicious and all of the dishes wee tried were whisky infused. The best food we had in Tasmania!
Penguin Observatory
After the platypus, perhaps the most surprising wildlife encounter we had in Burnie was penguins! Located in the centre of town, be sure to go in the evening to see the penguins. There are no crowds here so it is a lovely nature experience.
Emu Valley Rhododendrum Garden
I always seek out gardens when we travel so I new I had to see Emu Valley Rhododendrum Garden. About 8km outside of Burnie town centre. The garden spans 11 hectares and is split into different geographically themed areas.
Makers Workshop
This is an artisan market place in the centre of town. It is a little touristy but the volunteers and vendors are very friendly and there are activities for families in the space.
Spend time on the Beach
Burnie is a coastal town with a beautiful promenade walk. Be sure to allocate some time to be by the sea!
Guide Falls Reserve
Not far from the centre of towns this beautiful reserve is a great place to see waterfalls in Tasmania.
Burnie Park
And lastly, if you are travelling with children you will want to know where the nearest playground is! The Burnie Park is in the centre of town and is a great place to let your littles blow off some steam!
Have you been to Burnie Tasmania? What are your favourite things to do in Burnie Tasmania?
Have you been to Burnie Tasmania? What are your favourite things to do there?
