Looking for hidden gems in Burnie, Tasmania? Beyond the well-known coastal icons, Burnie offers quiet walking trails, industrial viewpoints, geological wonders and historic corners waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re visiting on a cruise, road-tripping the Cradle Coast, or exploring locally, these ten hidden places are worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Hidden Street Art Laneways
Slip between shopfronts in the CBD to uncover bursts of colour and creativity. Burnie’s tucked-away laneways feature evolving murals that reflect the city’s contemporary culture and coastal character.
Why visit: Free, central, walkable and constantly changing.
2. Wivenhoe’s Historic Headstones
[Wivenhoe General Cemetery]
Perched above the coastline, this historic cemetery reveals stories of Burnie’s early settlers. Weathered 19th-century headstones and sweeping ocean views make this a quiet yet powerful historical stop.
Why visit: Heritage insight with panoramic coastal views.
3. Emu Valley Railway Remnants
Subtle remains of Burnie’s early railway infrastructure can still be found through the Emu Valley. Old bridge footings and rail cuttings tell the story of timber, mining and port connections that helped shape the region.
Why visit: A glimpse into Burnie’s industrial foundations.
4. Burnie’s Lighthouse Lookout
[Round Hill Lighthouse]
Standing watch above West Beach, Burnie’s lighthouse offers expansive views across Bass Strait and the working harbour. It’s an ideal sunrise or sunset location.
Why visit: Classic coastal views with maritime character.
5. Burnie’s Volcanic and Basalt Coastline
Burnie’s dramatic shoreline was formed by ancient volcanic activity and shaped by the forces of Bass Strait. Along the rocky foreshore, basalt formations and layered rock faces reveal millions of years of geological history.
Why visit: Unique geological features rarely highlighted in visitor guides.
6. Upper Burnie Lookout – Industry Meets Coast
[Upper Burnie Lookout]
This elevated viewpoint captures Burnie’s identity as a working port city. See the harbour, silos, coastline and urban layout from above — a powerful perspective of Tasmania’s North West service hub.
Why visit: One of the best panoramic views in Burnie.
7. Cooee Coastal Pathway
[Cooee Coastal Pathway]
A quieter shared pathway linking coastal communities, this scenic route includes interpretive signage sharing stories of migration, industry and local life. Ideal for walking or cycling.
Why visit: Coastal views combined with local storytelling.
8. Romaine Park Bushland Tracks
[Romaine Park]
Beyond the sporting precinct lies peaceful bushland with tall eucalypts, birdlife and shaded walking tracks. It feels surprisingly remote while remaining minutes from the CBD.
Why visit: An easy nature escape close to town.
9. Forgotten Pulp & Paper Stories
Located between South Burnie and Wivenhoe. The “Pulp & Paper Trail” tells the story of mills, ports, and the workers who shaped the city’s transformation from an industrial powerhouse into a modern coastal hub.
Why visit: Learn how Burnie evolved from industry to innovation.
10. Shorewell Creek Walking Track
[Shorewell Creek Walking Track]
Beginning near the Burnie Tennis Centre, this peaceful trail follows Shorewell Creek upstream past View Road Reserve and through native vegetation to Three Mile Line. Rich in birdlife and shaded by tall gums, it feels far removed from the city — yet remains close to its heart.
Why visit: A quiet local favourite with natural charm.