5 of the best places to visit on a Burnie shore excursion
On the shores of Emu Bay along Tasmania’s northwest coast, Burnie is a lively port city that is becoming increasingly popular as a cruise ship destination. It serves as a gateway for exploring the sublime landscapes, gourmet producers and cultural attractions of the region, all with the easy accessibility that a small city facilitates.
If you’re visiting Burnie on a cruise and not sure where to start, we have you covered with 5 of the best places to visit on a Burnie shore excursion. Not only will we highlight what makes each destination special but also how you can experience it with the team at eGuide, one of Australia’s top-rated tour operators.
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden was established in the 1980s by passionate members of the Australian Rhododendron Society in the picturesque Tasmanian countryside. The garden's creation was spearheaded by three dedicated individuals - Hilary O'Rourke, a local landowner and skilled rhododendron breeder, Noel Sullivan, a renowned rhododendron expert and educator, and Bob Malone, a talented nurseryman with a gift for cultivation. Together, they transformed what was once a scrubby, blackberry-covered plot of land into the lush, sprawling garden that delights visitors today.
Sprawling across 11 hectares, the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is thoughtfully organised into distinct areas representing the diverse geographic regions where rhododendrons flourish in the wild. Guests can marvel at species hailing from the Himalayan mountains, the tropical forests of New Guinea and the Americas. With over 24,000 individual plants, the garden is a showcase of rhododendron diversity, as well as featuring a vibrant tapestry of companion plants.
Green thumbs can join our two-hour Burnie shore excursion to the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, which includes time to relax in the cafe overlooking the botanical displays.
Hellyers Road Distillery
Established in 1997 by a group of passionate dairy farmers, the Hellyers Road Distillery has grown to become one of Tasmania's most celebrated whisky producers. Named after the historic Hellyers Road, the distillery pays homage to the legacy of Henry Hellyer, an early 19th-century explorer and cartographer who was instrumental in mapping northwest Tasmania. Today, the Hellyers Road Distillery stands as a testament to his pioneering spirit, crafting award-winning single malt whiskies that capture the rugged essence of the Tasmanian landscape.
Visitors to the distillery can immerse themselves in the art of whisky-making through guided tours, learning about the distillation process and the careful maturation of the spirits in oak casks. For the adventurous, there's even the opportunity to pour and wax-seal your own bottle of Hellyers Road whisky, complete with a certificate of authenticity to commemorate the experience. For those seeking a more leisurely encounter, the on-site cafe offers a delightful respite, serving up hot beverages and tempting snacks accompanied by beautiful views of the surrounding rolling hills.
Hellyers Road Distillery can be visited on our Burnie Attractions Bus or on our small-group Hellyers Road Experience. This 2.5-hour excursion includes a gourmet lunch featuring regional tasting platters and whisky cream fudge, as well as a guided tour of the distillery for a behind-the-scenes look.
Wings Wildlife Park
Set on the tranquil banks of the Leven River in the picturesque community of Gunns Plains is Wings Wildlife Park, a multi-award-winning sanctuary that boasts the largest collection of Tasmanian wildlife in Australia. Established in 1986 with the purpose of rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife, this family-owned oasis is now proudly run by the fifth generation of the Wing family.
Within the park's expansive grounds, visitors can marvel at an incredible array of native wildlife, from koalas and kangaroos to elusive quolls and Tasmanian devils. As the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world, seeing these captivating creatures is a highlight of any visit. Equally enthralling are the park's spotted-tailed quolls (a threatened species found only in the wilds of Tasmania) and the eastern quoll, now considered extinct on the Australian mainland.
Wings Wildlife Park also plays host to a collection of non-native species, including meerkats, capuchins and marmosets. Beyond its tireless conservation efforts, Wings has made pioneering efforts in cross-breeding with the successful mating of a black Angus cow and a bison, resulting in the birth of a unique "beefalo" hybrid.
If you’re interested in visiting Wings Wildlife Park on a Burnie shore excursion, you can join our Wings Wildlife Park Shore Excursion. It includes all entrance fees and a scenic drive that takes in the rolling hills and lush agricultural fields of Tasmania’s northwest.
Cradle Mountain National Park
Nestled deep within the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness, Cradle Mountain has captivated adventurers and nature enthusiasts for generations. Encompassing a vast expanse of snow-capped peaks, sparkling glacial lakes and untamed alpine moors, it truly is one of Tasmania's must-see destinations. The park provides habitat for a diverse array of species, including large numbers of wombats and endangered Tasmanian devils.
Prior to its official protection, the area was home to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, who thrived in the wild landscapes for tens of thousands of years. Cradle Mountain was designated as a wilderness reserve in 1927 and is now one of the island’s most popular national parks. Traversed by an abundance of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely 10-minute strolls to legendary, multi-day treks, Cradle Mountain offers unparalleled opportunities to immerse oneself in the rugged beauty of Tasmania.
Our full-day Burnie shore excursion to Cradle Mountain includes time to enjoy a scenic walk around Dove Lake to see the iconic Boatshed, as well as a visit the Devils@Cradle to come face-to-face with Tasmania’s most iconic wildlife species. It also includes a brief stop at the Wildlife Gallery to admire artworks inspired by the Apple Isle’s rugged scenery.
Anvers Chocolate Factory
In the charming town of Latrobe is the Anvers Chocolate Factory, an artisanal chocolatier renowned for its gourmet truffles, pralines and fudges. The factory's owner and head chocolatier, Igor Van Gerwen, honed his skills in his native Belgium before bringing his expertise to Tasmania’s northwest region. Anvers sources the freshest Tasmanian cream and butter, as well as single-origin chocolate, fruits, nuts and liqueurs, to create its decadent confections.
The factory is housed within the historic Wyndarra Lodge, a 1930s property set amidst 2.5 hectares of mature gardens. Guests can peer through viewing windows to watch the skilled confectionery staff in action before indulging in a tempting selection of tasters. For those eager to delve deeper into the captivating world of chocolate, the on-site museum offers a fascinating exploration of the history and evolution of this beloved treat. The Anvers Chocolate Factory also boasts a charming cafe and restaurant, complete with an inviting open fireplace and stained glass windows.
The Anvers Chocolate Factory can be visited on our Scenic Drive Burnie Shore Excursion, which takes in three of North West Tasmania’s top dairy destinations. Aside from indulging in heavenly chocolates at Anvers, you’ll have the opportunity to sample artisanal cheese at Ashgrove and taste the award-winning ice cream of Van Diemen’s Land Creamery.
Create a customised Burnie shore excursion
Can’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Craft your ideal Burnie shore excursion with a private tour, led by one of eGuide's knowledgeable staff. Whether your group is small and intimate or requires a larger transport solution, eGuide has the perfect vehicle to accommodate your needs. Leveraging eGuide's expertise as one of Australia's top-rated accredited tour operators, you can book with complete confidence, knowing your Burnie shore excursion will be thoughtfully curated and executed to perfection.