Top 10 best things to do in Burnie
Discover the best things to see and do on your Tasmanian holiday with this curated guide to Burnie’s top experiences. Along the way, be sure to visit the Upper Burnie Lookout for sweeping panoramic views across the coastline, port, and city skyline.
Each listing includes a link to Google Maps for easy directions.
Top Ten Must-See Attractions in pataway / Burnie, Tasmania
⭐️ Free 💲 Paid Experience
- Little Penguin Observation and Boardwalk ⭐️
Stroll the coastal boardwalk and spot penguin burrows, then visit the Observation Centre to view the live burrow cam. At dusk, watch little penguins return from the sea while volunteers share insights into their behaviour and habitat. Best at sunset.
- Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden 💲
Wander 11 hectares of tranquil gardens featuring 24,000 rhododendrons, exotic plants, a lake, platypus sanctuary and Cafe. The peaceful bush setting is also home to echidnas, wallabies and abundant birdlife. 15 minutes from Burnie.
- Hellyers Road Whiskey Distillery 💲
Discover Tasmania’s largest boutique distillery on a guided Whisky Walk, learning how award-winning single malts are crafted. Café is currently closed for renovations ahead of a refreshed cellar door experience.
- Guide Falls Reserve ⭐️
A short 20min drive from the city, this serene reserve features a multi-tiered waterfall, lush forest and an accessible viewing platform. Picnic tables and walking tracks make it ideal for families and nature lovers.
- Fern Glade Platypus Reserve ⭐️
Follow the peaceful riverside trail beneath towering tree ferns and watch for platypuses, wallabies and birdlife. Walk the 1.6km track to the lookout for sweeping views over the Emu River valley.
- Burnie Arts, Gallery and Regional Museum ⭐️
Step into Burnie’s past with immersive Federation Street museum recreating early 20th-century streets and showcasing the city’s industrial story. Next door, the Burnie Arts Centre hosts rotating exhibitions, performances and events year-round.
- Burnie Waterfront, West Beach ⭐️
Relax on golden sand, enjoy beach volleyball or stroll the eastern promenade to the lookout. With a surf club, café, restaurant, BBQs, playground and beach wheelchair access, it’s perfect for families and beach lovers.
- Burnie Park and Oldaker Falls ⭐️
A beautifully maintained city park featuring the historic Burnie Inn, a giant freshwater crayfish sculpture and an all-abilities playground. Follow shaded paths to Oldaker Falls for a peaceful nature escape in the heart of town.
- Wild on West 💲
A quirky family favourite with life-sized African animals, dinosaur displays, live birds and an animatronic T-Rex. Mini golf, a food van and plenty of photo opportunities make this a fun stop for all ages.
- View Road Reserve and MTB trails ⭐️
An outdoor adventure hub with walking and running tracks, mountain bike trails, pump track, fenced dog park, disc golf, fitness equipment. basketball, picnic shelters and toilets.
⭐️ Free attractions are great for families and budget-friendly adventures.
💲 Entry fees apply to these private attractions.
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For more visitor information, contact
Burnie City Council
(03) 6430 5700
burnie@burnie.tas.gov.au
80 Wilson St, Burnie. during business hours.
On cruise days, visit the Cruise Burnie Discovery Hub
Related Information
Excursions & Tours
Visitor mobile apps
Local Tourism websites:
