Hafen
Burnie

OVERVIEW

Journey into Tasmania’s unique natural world as you tour an indigenous wildlife park full of indigenous animals and a tranquil garden full of rhododendrons. The experience begins with a leisurely drive inland toward Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area, traversing idyllic terrain and scattered villages where life has changed little over the centuries. Once at Wings Wildlife Park, you’ll have free time to ramble the trails as you encounter famous animals like the Tasmanian devil, and obscure ones like the bettong – tiny marsupials who hop around like mini-kangaroos. Other unfamiliar creatures who call the park home include boobook owls, crab-eating macaques, quolls and long-nosed potoroos. Even American bison and Japanese quail are on the resident list. In contrast, the feature attraction at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is the flora, not the fauna, although here too you might run across South Pacific oddities like platypus and echidna joining the more conventional garden dwellers such as wild ducks and grebes. It’s a beautiful setting of meandering paths dotted with water features and gazebos – and some 22,000 rhododendrons. Plenty of other flowering shrubs and bedding plants ensure a colorful visit, no matter the time of year.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach through unspoiled Tasmanian terrain to the Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area.
• Spend an hour among the many curious inhabitants who call Wings Wildlife Park home.
• See Tasmanian devils, bettongs, quolls, potoroos and others in this curiosity-shop of indigenous fauna.
• Experience the pastoral tranquility of Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, colorful in any season
• Wander garden paths in a landscape dotted with lakes, waterfalls, bridges and gazebos.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Admire the gorgeous natural beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where you may walk through the woods and learn about Tasmania’s curious flora and fauna. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely drive inland, passing ancient rainforests, sub-alpine lakes and jagged Mount Ossa, the highest point in Tasmania. The scenery along the way will be absolutely stunning, as it is some of the wildest, most undisturbed terrain in the country. You can expect even more natural wonders upon arriving at Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, which is within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This is a land of icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, endemic King Billy pines reflected in glassy lakes, and fascinating wildlife such as Tasmanian devils, quolls and platypus. A visit at the park’s interpretation center provides an opportunity to learn about some of the unusual species found here and the history of the area. During free time that follows, you may enjoy a meandering walk through the rainforest, where you will see Pencil Pine Creek and several waterfalls. More spectacular vistas await you at Dove Lake, a gorgeous body of water in the shadow of soaring Cradle Mountain. If it’s sunny, you should be able to see its twin dolerite spires. Your time here is at your leisure so feel free to walk along the shore and admire the enchanted forest that surrounds the lake, or simply rest in the shade before heading to nearby Cradle Mountain Lodge for lunch. Afterwards, you will retrace your steps and return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Drive along an immensely scenic coastal highway in northwestern Tasmania, stopping on occasion for photos and to take in the stunning natural beauty. You will follow the Bass Highway, a meandering coastal route named for a colonial-era surgeon that sailed aboard a sloop that made the first recorded circumnavigation of Tasmania in 1798. The landscape hasn’t changed all that much over the centuries, as you will discover while pausing for photos at the most picturesque lookouts. Most of the scenery will be rocky shoreline, forested rolling hills and brilliant blue seas, all of it pristine and picture-perfect. However, on the outskirts of Burnie, you will find fertile agricultural areas. Chances are, you will pass potato farms and fields of poppies, which are grown to supply the pharmaceutical industry with raw material to manufacture medicinal products.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive the spectacularly scenic Bass Highway, a coastal route across northwestern Tasmania.
• Pause for photos at the most picturesque lookouts
• Gain an understanding of the region’s history through the guide’s commentary.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the charms of northwest Tasmania while driving along the coast, from atop the flat-topped bluff known as the Nut and as you wander through the friendly village of Stanley. The shoreline couldn’t be more picturesque or pristine, as you will discover on the approach to the Nut, an ancient volcanic plug that rises above the outskirts of Stanley. If you think the views are spectacular while riding the chair lift to the top, wait until you reach the summit. This elevated vantage point offers the ultimate bird’s-eye perspective of Stanley. During free time in the village, you might dine on your own, shop in the boutiques or simply take in the surrounding natural beauty. Following an enlightening stop at the 19th-century Highfield House, you will head to Table Cape Lookout, which sits atop the remains of another ancient volcano. On a clear day, you can see distant mountain ranges and Low Head, a suburb of George Town.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the natural beauty of Tasmania’s northwest coast.
• Ride a chair lift to the top of the Nut, the remains of an ancient volcano.
• Meander through the village of Stanley as you please.
• Enjoy an elevated view of Tasmania’s pristine scenery from Table Cape Lookout.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience true indulgence on a tour that seeks out fine epicurean delicacies produced around Burnie, including intensely flavored cheeses, creamy chocolates and robust wines. A century ago, this town was all about timber and papermaking, today it’s evolved into a thriving arts center. And though times change, certain tastes don’t. Like the taste of the exquisite cheeses made in the dairy country surrounding Burnie. The area’s climate, salt-laden atmosphere and lush pasturelands are simply ideal for cheese making. The exact varieties available for tasting at the visited venue change daily – but you’ll likely find sharp cheddar, creamy camembert and distinctly flavored parmesan among them. A visit to the chocolate factory of a Belgian chocolatier will stimulate a different part of your palate. Besides learning about their techniques, you’ll sample treats produced using their signature Anvers couverture chocolate, all made extra-delicious thanks to Tasmania’s extraordinary cream and butter. And what more perfect accompaniment to these delights than a tasting of locally produced wines? Depending on which boutique winery is visited this day, you may sample a deep-garnet Shiraz, a light Pinot Grigio or a fruity rosé. Turns out grapes, too, appreciate the local growing conditions.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Treat your taste buds to a delight-filled survey of the Burnie area’s top culinary indulgences.
• Visit a local cheese producer for a sampling session of what’s on the tasting roster today.
• Call on a local chocolatier with Belgian credentials who combines Tasmanian cream and butter with other artisanal ingredients to create…nirvana.
• Toast your gastronomic good fortune to have found this tour by sampling the wines of a local boutique vineyard.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Indulge in some of the finest Tasmania delicacies produced in the Burnie area, including intensely flavored cheeses, creamy chocolates and delicious wines.

Scenic Drive, Anvers Chocolate Factory & Tasting

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive southeast through some of the beautiful towns and stunning scenery that dot Tasmania's northern landscape. Your first stop is at the Anvers Chocolate Factory, a local chocolate factory specialising in handcrafted Belgian-style chocolates made with the freshest Tasmanian cream and butter. Upon arrival, take a guided tour and tasting, relax with a cup of morning tea, and browse the museum or gift shop.  

Ghost Rock Vineyard & Tasting

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for a visit to the boutique Ghost Rock Vineyard, where the wines are made in small quantities from grapes grown on just seven acres (2.8 hectares) of vines. The original vineyard, established in 1989, was among the first to be planted in this coastal region of Tasmania. During your guided tour, learn about all aspects of the vineyard, then proceed for a wine tasting.

Ashgrove Farm Cheese & Tasting

Continue to a local cheese factory. Ashgrove is a Tasmanian family owned company producing award winning dairy products for over 22 years. Learn about the local cheese making industry and taste a variety of cheeses.

At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Tasmania is known for rolling English style countryside and of course the "Tassie Devil". Travel through the picturesque countryside and visit the Tasmanian devil at Trowunna Wildlife Park on this half-day tour.

Trowunna Wildlife Park

At the pier, board your coach, sit back and relax and watch the passing fields and lush green vista as you make your way to Gunns Plains, a prosperous farming district located approximately 60 minutes south of Burnie, with your final destination being Trowunna Wildlife Park. See Tasmanian Devils, quolls, and many other native wildlife and farm creatures including reptiles, emus and kangaroos or perhaps take the opportunity to visit the animal nursery. The Sanctuary has 70 acres of natural habitat to wander around and enjoy with free ranging Kangaroos and waterfowl and has been caring for Tasmania’s native animals since 1979.

Re-board your coach for the return drive to Burnie and enjoy a brief drive through Burnie to learn about this Tasmanian gateway to the north before returning to the pier.

Gunns Plain Cave is a stunning underground formation, rich in colours and crystals. This excursion provides the opportunity to see some of the island state's picturesque countryside as well as one of the best examples of limestone formations in Australia, along with a stop to see some of Australia's native fauna at a wildlife park.

Gunns Plains

Depart the pier to Gunns Plains, a prosperous farming district located approximately 45 minutes south of Burnie. This picturesque hidden valley has a large number of high-grade limestone caves and is arguably one of Tasmania's best. The cave system was discovered in 1906 and consists of a series of caverns and short passages. After descending a flight of stairs, wind your way through the caves during a guided tour. You will see an underground river and glow worms as well as the pretty 'ribbon' stalactites.  

Wing's Wildlife Park

After your journey underground, head above ground with your final destination being Wing's Wildlife Park. See Tasmanian Devils, quolls, and many other native wildlife and farm creatures including reptiles, emus and kangaroos or perhaps take the opportunity to visit the animal nursery. The park is over 106 acres and free time here is unstructured so plan to first see those exhibits you most want.

After your visit, sit back and relax for the scenic drive back to the pier. Take a brief drive through Burnie along the wat to learn about this Tasmanian gateway to the north.  

Enjoy a scenic drive out to Highfield House, a 19^th-cenury estate of the original settlers on this full-day sightseeing excursion.

Scenic Drive, Highfield House

Board your coach at the pier and depart for Stanley at the far northwest region of Tasmania. After a scenic drive through the historic village of Stanley your first stop is Highfield Estate. It is considered the birthplace where European settlers first established themselves in 1824, when Van Diemen's Land Company was granted 250,000 acres (10,117 hectares) in Stanley by King George IV. The house is a rare example of architecture from the Regency period and is characterised by geometric yet elegant decoration. Convict barracks, barns, stables, chapel and large ornamental gardens were features of the estate. Today you will have a chance to visit this unique colonial time capsule with a self-guided tour around the property.

The Nut & Chairlift Ride to the Top, Panoramic Views

After your tour, re-board the coach for the short transfer to The Nut, Stanley's most famous attraction. It is a sheer-sided bluff and all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug. Take a chair lift up to the top of The Nut for unsurpassed views of the surrounding area. Walk to the lookout and indulge your creative side with this marvelous photo opportunity.

After taking the cable car back to the base of The Nut you will board your coach for a scenic drive back to Burnie.

Discover the scenic splendour of some of the most fertile land and gardens in Australia during this leisurely, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Burnie, Bass Highway, Scenic Coastal Drive, Table Cape, Rugged Cliffs

Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive through Burnie City and along the coastal Bass Highway. En route, learn about living in this remote, but beautiful, part of Tasmania. Along the way, a photo stop is made at the Table Cape for spectacular panoramic vistas of rugged cliffs and amazing beaches,

Farmland, Poppy Fields

Burnie and its surrounds have some of the most fertile land in Australia, making it the ideal setting in which to grow a variety of crops, including potatoes for the McDonald's restaurant chain. This is also the only place in the country that grows poppies for the pharmaceutical industry, and, depending on the season, you might see some poppy fields in bloom.

Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden

Next, proceed for a visit to the spectacular Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden. During your guided visit, stroll through the gardens and marvel at the incredible variety of flora, including over 22,000 rhododendron (which may or may not be in bloom). In addition, see local fauna that includes wild ducks and native hens. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Discover the exquisite beauty and flavours of northern Tasmania during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Northern Tasmanian Coast, Needles, Truffle Farm, Oak Tree Plantation, Truffle Introduction

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 75-minute drive along the northern coast of Tasmania en route to a local truffle farm. Tucked away in the foothills of the mountains in the hamlet of Needles, this picturesque, pristine farm is home to the largest oak tree plantation in Tasmania, and a Mecca for lovers of the highly-sought-after gourmet fungi. Upon arrival, learn about the history of truffles, and how they are grown and harvested.

Truffle Dogs/Trainers, Truffle Washing, Grading and Packaging, Local Produce & Truffle Tasting

Next, meet the truffle dogs and their trainers, and learn how the truffles are washed, graded and packed for shipment to clients around the world. Following your guided tour, proceed for a truffle tasting  with local produce.

Hellyers Road Distillery, Behind-the-Scenes Tour & Whisky Tasting

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the Hellyers Road Whisky Distillery. Upon arrival, take a behind-the-scenes tour of this working distillery. Along the way, see how one of the finest single malt whiskies in the world is made, and experience the sights and aromas of the latest batch distilling. Following your tour, proceed for a whisky tasting. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.