A CITY OF MAKERS BY THE SEA

Burnie

Little penguins on the foreshore at dusk, platypus in the Emu River and waterfalls a short drive south.

Urban little penguinsWorking port on Bass StraitPlatypus and waterfalls nearby

Burnie Tasmania is a working port city on Bass Strait, with wildlife, art and industry close together. Its centre, West Beach and waterfront paths are easy to walk.

The city’s maker story runs from its railway, workshops and former pulp and paper mill to today’s artists, brewers and whisky makers.

Beyond the centre, follow the Emu River at Fern Glade or take a country drive to Guide Falls and the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden.

Burnie's Urban Penguins

Little penguins returning to the beach beside Burnie’s waterfront at night

Little penguins nest along Burnie’s foreshore at Parsonage Point, only a short walk from the city centre.

From 1 October to 31 March, Friends of Burnie Penguins run free guided viewing at the Little Penguin Observation Centre. Volunteer guides meet visitors around dusk, explain the penguins’ seasonal cycle and help everyone watch without disturbing the colony.

Arrive before sunset, dress warmly and remain on the boardwalk and viewing platform. Keep noise low, do not use flash photography and keep dogs away from nesting areas.

Visit the Little Penguins

Two little penguins swimming through shallow water near Burnie’s waterfront

Visitor filming a little penguin on a phone at Burnie’s waterfront

Little penguin standing beside coastal vegetation on Tasmania's North West.

Whisky barrels ageing at Hellyers Road Distillery near Burnie

Burnie’s maker story

Recreated streets at the museum, art inspired by paper making and a trail recognising the people behind the former pulp and paper mill.

LOCAL HISTORY

Walk through Federation Street

The Burnie Regional Museum’s Federation Street recreates part of the town as it appeared around…

Federation Street at Burnie Regional Museum →

ART AND PERFORMANCE

Visit Burnie Arts Centre

Burnie Arts Centre brings together the city’s gallery, museum collections and performing arts program. The…

Burnie Arts Centre →

PAPER AND INDUSTRY

Follow the Pulp Paper Trail

Burnie’s pulp and paper mill operated from 1937 until 2010 and played a major role…

Burnie Pulp Paper Trail →

Guide Falls flowing over dark basalt cliffs in rainforest near Burnie, Tasmania

Rivers, gardens and waterfalls

A short drive from Burnie leads from city streets to forested riverbanks, woodland gardens and waterfalls. Choose one stop, or allow half a day to combine Fern Glade with the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden or Guide Falls.

RIVER AND WILDLIFE

Look for platypus at Fern Glade

Fern Glade Reserve follows the Emu River less than four kilometres from central Burnie. Walk…

Fern Glade Reserve →

SEASONAL GARDEN

Visit the rhododendron garden

Walk through the lakes, woodland paths and extensive plant collections of the Emu Valley Rhododendron…

Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden →

WATERFALL AND PICNIC

Continue to Guide Falls

Drive approximately 20 minutes south of Burnie to Guide Falls. A short walk leads from…

Guide Falls →

More around Burnie

Communion Brewing Co brewery and dining venue in Burnie

Whisky, beer and local food

Taste another side of Burnie’s maker culture at Hellyers Road Distillery or Communion Brewing Co. Then find somewhere to eat in the city centre or along the waterfront, from cafés and bakeries to restaurants and casual dining. Book ahead for distillery tours and organised tastings. Cafés, bakeries, restaurants and casual dining give you options for a quick stop or a longer evening. Book ahead for distillery tours and organised tasting experiences.

Where to eat & drink

Breweries and Distilleries

Hellyers Road Distillery

On Tasmania’s rugged North West coast, you’ll find Hellyers Road Distillery, makers of Australia’s Finest Aged Whisky since 1997. Offering a world-class Cellar Door experience, you can enjoy…

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Bars Breweries and Distilleries Restaurants and Cafes

Communion Brewing Co

Communion Brewing Co is a warm and inviting brewpub in Burnie. With twelve taps of beers brewed on-site, full restaurant menu, kids corner and regular live music you’ll…

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Bars Restaurants and Cafes

Bayviews Restaurant & Lounge Bar

Bayviews Restaurant & Lounge Bar has been proudly owned and operated by husband & wife Kurt & Ann Wyss since 2009. It is located on the beach with…

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One Marine Terrace accommodation building overlooking Burnie’s coastline

Stay in Burnie

Stay overnight for penguin viewing after dark, then spend the next day at Fern Glade, the gardens or the waterfalls in the surrounding countryside. Choose from waterfront hotels, motels, apartments, holiday properties and caravan accommodation in and around the city.

Find accommodation in Burnie

Hotels

Ikon Hotel

The Ikon Hotel is a boutique hotel providing accommodation in Burnie, North-West Tasmania. Offering 12 unique suites in Burnie CBD, the heritage listed building perfectly combines the history…

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Apartments

Burnie by the Bay Apartments

Burnie by the Bay Apartments features two-bedroom self-contained apartments that are environmentally friendly with off-street undercover parking. With ocean views, the apartments are close to the CBD, Beach,…

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Caravan, Camping and Holiday Parks Hotels Motels

Burnie Ocean View Motel

Burnie Ocean View Motel in Cooee offers comfortable, affordable accommodation in Tasmania’s beautiful north-west. The motel offers fully self-contained motel suites with full kitchens and bathrooms. The accommodation…

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Getting to Burnie

Burnie is about 46 km / 32 minutes west of Devonport on the Bass Highway. Follow it west from Devonport and Ulverstone, or east from Wynyard and the Far North West.

From inland, the Ridgley Highway connects Burnie with the Murchison Highway. Once in town, park and walk the centre and waterfront.

Visiting Burnie with a caravan or motorhome

Motorhome crossing the bridge over the Arthur River in North West Tasmania

Burnie Holiday Caravan Park at Cooee provides powered sites and camping opposite the coast, a short drive west of the city centre. Other caravan, cabin and motorhome accommodation is available around Burnie and neighbouring Somerset.

Fully self-contained motorhomes, campervans and caravans can apply to stay for up to two nights at Cooee Point. A permit and conditions apply. This is a short-stay area rather than a serviced caravan park and is not suitable for tents or vehicles that are not fully self-contained.

Public dump points are available at Cooee Point and the South Burnie Foreshore Esplanade. If you are towing or driving a long vehicle, check the council’s designated parking information before entering the city centre.

Find caravan parks & campgrounds

Book established sites

More info →

Short term camping

Council-managed short-stay camping

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Caravan services

Restock before continuing

Check facilities →

The area

Stay, eat and see more of Burnie

Plot your way around Burnie and Emu Bay - pin by pin

Show toilets & services

Frequently asked questions

Is Burnie a good place to visit?

Yes. Burnie combines an urban little penguin colony with coastal walks, platypus habitat, art, industrial history, whisky, gardens and waterfalls. Many of its main experiences are within a short drive of the city centre.

What is Burnie known for?

Burnie is known as a working port and city of makers. Its history is closely connected with rail, manufacturing and the former pulp and paper mill. Visitor highlights include the little penguins, Fern Glade Reserve, Burnie Regional Museum and nearby Guide Falls.

How long should I spend in Burnie?

Allow at least half a day for the waterfront and one or two city attractions. A full day provides time for Fern Glade or another nearby attraction. Stay overnight to catch the penguins at dusk.

Where can I see little penguins in Burnie?

Little penguins can be viewed at the Little Penguin Observation Centre at Parsonage Point, close to Burnie Park and West Beach. Free guided viewing runs around dusk from 1 October to 31 March.

Where can I see platypus near Burnie?

Fern Glade Reserve is known for wild platypus living along the Emu River. Sightings are not guaranteed, but quiet observation around early morning or late afternoon may improve your chances.

What can I do in Burnie when it rains?

Walk Federation Street at Burnie Regional Museum, see the exhibitions at Burnie Arts Centre, browse local shops, settle into a café or book a distillery experience.

Is there accommodation in Burnie?

Yes. Burnie has hotels, motels, apartments, holiday properties and caravan accommodation in and around the city.

Is free RV camping available in Burnie?

Limited free camping is available at Cooee Point for permitted, fully self-contained vehicles. A maximum two-night stay and other conditions apply.

Make it a trip