Burnie

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Tourism Tasmania & Joe Shemesh
Wildlife, scenic splendour and a rich mix of artisanal goods are the big calling cards of this city on Tasmania’s northwest coast.

Burnie is a port city transformed. This former industrial heartland has turned itself into a creative hub of artisans producing everything from fine cheeses and whisky to paintings and sculptures. Overlooking the sea and flanked by native bush and waterfalls, the city’s impressive scenery provides plenty of outdoor escapes. Hike through a river valley, look for platypus and penguins and try some locally produced Tasmanian whisky.

Relax on any of Burnie’s three main beaches: Cooee, South Beach and West Beach. At the western end of West Beach, there is a treat in store for wildlife enthusiasts, the Little Penguin Observation Centre. Come here at dusk, from September to March, to see the flightless birds come ashore.

Burnie is a magnet for lovers of the outdoors. Less than 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the city centre is the Fern Glade Reserve. Stroll through the river valley along walking tracks lined by tree ferns and orchids. Try and spot platypus, and picnic and barbecue in the designated areas. Drive about 19 kilometres (11.8 miles) south of Burnie for the Guide Falls, an easily accessible waterfall. Wind down in one of the city’s own green spaces, such as the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden.

Burnie’s other big draw is its creativity. Visit the Burnie Regional Art Gallery for exhibitions of arts and crafts by Tasmanian and other Australian artists. Stop by the Makers' Workshop and meet some of the artisans who work on site, including cheese makers and painters. Have a go at making paper, a tradition that has been alive in the city for decades. Tour Hellyers Rd Distillery, which lays claim to being Australia's largest single malt whisky producer.

Other city attractions include the Burnie Regional Museum. Among the exhibits is a replica of an early 20th-century street where stores are filled with period furniture and memorabilia.

To get to Burnie, fly into Devonport from the Australian mainland or sail on the Spirit of Tasmania. Then rent a car for the 30-minute drive to the city and enjoy days of outdoor adventures and cultural pursuits.

Where to stay in Burnie

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Cooee

The museums and gardens are just a few features travelers like about Cooee. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Little Penguin Observation Centre and Burnie Arts & Function Centre are a few top places to visit.

Cooee
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Heybridge

While visiting Heybridge, you might make a stop by sights like Chasm Creek Conservation Area and Round Hill Reserve.

Heybridge
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Parklands

You'll enjoy the restaurants and seaside views in Parklands. You might want to make time for a stop at Burnie Park or Little Penguin Observation Centre.

Parklands
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Shorewell Park

While Shorewell Park might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Burnie Regional Art Gallery and Burnie Park.

Shorewell Park
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South Burnie

South Burnie is well-liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Burnie area, you might plan a trip to Burnie Arts & Function Centre or Hellyers Road Distillery.

South Burnie
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Upper Burnie

While Upper Burnie isn't home to many top sights, Hellyers Road Distillery and Burnie Arts & Function Centre are some notable places to visit nearby.

Upper Burnie
Burnie Central Townhouse Hotel
Burnie Central Townhouse Hotel
3.5 out of 5
139 Wilson Street, Burnie, TAS
The price is P4,610 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
P4,610
P5,091 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Burnie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (379 reviews)
5 nights at the Townhouse!
"Check in was a breeze with the staff super helpful. I had a king room on level 4 which was extremely comfortable. There was a coffee machine (Nespresso) with a couple of pods, as well as your standard coffee and tea fixings. Small milk in the fridge. The bed was possibly the most comfortable bed ..."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Burnie Central Townhouse Hotel
Top of the Town Hotel Motel
Top of the Town Hotel Motel
3 out of 5
195 Mount St, Upper Burnie, TAS
The price is P3,271 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
P3,271
P4,363 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 2 - Nov 3
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Burnie. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Burnie Regional Art Gallery and Romaine ...
7.4/10 Good! (82 reviews)
"Room nice and clean,bed comfortable,attached to hotel for meals."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2024

Top of the Town Hotel Motel
One North Terrace
One North Terrace
1 North Terrace, Burnie, TAS
The price is P6,041 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
P6,041
P6,664 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this aparthotel in Burnie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions West Beach and Burnie Arts & Function Centre ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Clean room, coffee machine, toaster, microwave, fridge, king bed, large bathroom and views of beach."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2024

One North Terrace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
One North Terrace
One North Terrace
1 North Terrace, Burnie, TAS
Stay at this aparthotel in Burnie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions West Beach and Burnie Arts & Function Centre ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"Clean room, coffee machine, toaster, microwave, fridge, king bed, large bathroom and views of beach."

Reviewed on Oct 4, 2024

One North Terrace
Burnie City Apartments
Burnie City Apartments
4.5 out of 5
22 Marine Terrace, Burnie, TAS
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Burnie. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Burnie Arts & Function Centre and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (166 reviews)
"Perfect location, gorgeous and comfortable little apartment"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Burnie City Apartments
The Duck House
The Duck House
4 out of 5
26 Queen Street, Burnie, TAS
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly cottage in Burnie. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Burnie Arts & Function Centre ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"Another fantastic stay at The Duck House."

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024

The Duck House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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