Welcome to Burnie

Less than 50 kilometres west of Devonport, Burnie was founded in 1827 and named after Van Diemen's Land Company director William Burnie. One of Tasmania’s largest urban centres, this port city has always been powered by industry, including forestry to this day.

That means Burnie has what you need whether pausing for lunch or choosing a base to explore the region – including Cradle Mountain National Park, whose visitor centre is only 100 kilometres away. There’s more fab food and accommodation than you might expect, plus surprising natural spaces.

Did you know Burnie is one of the best places in Tassie to watch penguins in the wild? Head to the Penguin Observation Centre to see a colony of these cute birdies on the foreshore, where you’ll also find volunteer guides October-March. Just outside town at Fern Glade Reserve you can spot wild platypus too.

Burnie’s other free, natural pleasures include clean sandy beaches, pretty Burnie Park – picnics are best beside the waterfall – and Round Hill Lookout, which offers 360-degree views across farmland and coast.

A highlight of Burnie’s arts precinct is Federation Street at Burnie Regional Museum. This life-size indoor ‘street’ uses historic artefacts to recreate the town’s old businesses including a photographic studio and blacksmith.

A sure sign Burnie is spreading its wings is the arrival of Hellyers Road Distillery and Communion Brewing Co. Enjoy a tour, tastings and fancy fare like whisky-washed scotch fillet at the distillery. Or relax with the brewery’s beer-friendly food, from burgers to chickpea curry, good times including trivia and live music, and brews made on site.

Whether popping in for local bubbles and oysters or lingering over the tasting menu, you’ll love Bayviews Restaurant and Lounge Bar’s floor-to-ceiling seaside panorama. 

Top breakfast, brunch and lunch destinations include The Chapel for comfort food in a beautiful heritage space or Delish Fine Foods deli and cafe. Infuse Coffee Roasters has quick, quality refuelling sorted. If you’re around on the first or third Saturday of the month, don’t miss the Burnie City Market. Get morning bites to go and fresh food for self-catering, then check out the locally made arts and crafts.

This town’s got all sorts of accommodation, just at Burnie Ocean View Motel and Holiday Caravan Park alone. Pitch a tent, settle into a serviced room with sea views, or choose from several options in between including cabins and backpacker bunkhouse. Burnie City Apartments are also a practical, affordable option if you’re staying a while.

One North Terrace offers premier boutique accommodation in Burnie, combining modern sophistication with sea views. For those who love heritage style three charming, self-contained cottages mix antiques with modern conveniences: The Duck House, Mrs Philpotts and Amelias. The century-old Ikon Hotel offers a comfortable stay with a more modern feel, while Sea Glass Cottages offers relaxation on the coast.

Just outside of town lies a hidden gem of the northwest, Emu Valley Rhodedendron Garden. It’s particularly stunning when these shrubs bloom en masse from September to November. There’s always something to enjoy within the tearooms. Another spring floral favourite is Table Cape Tulip Farm, open late September-October.

Nature goes its own way at the majestic Guide Falls, just a short distance from the exciting Wild on West adventure garden. This property showcases large exhibits, including dinosaurs and bird aviaries, spread across its stunning grounds.

For short day drives, to the southeastyou can visit Gunns Plains Caves and Wings Wildlife Park Tasmanian Devils, Wombats and Wallabies. Alternatively, you can head further northwest to the historic seaside village of Stanley, located at the base of an ancient volcanic plug: The Nut. On your return ensure you don't miss Boat Harbour beach, which is among Tasmania’s most picturesque.

Information included in this blog is correct at the time of publishing. Please contact individual operators for further information.