Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

If you’re heading to Burnie and want to connect with some of Tasmania’s most iconic creatures, this Wings Wildlife Park shuttle might just be worth your consideration. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, looking at the reviews and details, it seems like a solid option for those wanting a mix of wildlife interaction, scenic drives, and a taste of local conservation efforts.

What appeals the most? First, the chance to get up close with animals like kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils—these encounters are often the highlight of a trip. Second, the scenic drive inland and along the Leven River offers a glimpse of Tasmania’s beautiful landscape. On the flip side, a potential downside is the limited time at the park (around 2 hours), which some travelers felt was a bit short to see everything they wanted.

This tour seems best suited for those who love animals and want a straightforward, no-fuss experience that’s easy to fit into a cruise schedule. If you’re after a relaxed, family-friendly outing or simply want a reliable way to see Tasmania’s wildlife, this could be a good pick. But if you’re seeking an in-depth, slow-paced exploration, you might want to look elsewhere.

Key Points

• Convenient Schedule: Fits perfectly into a cruise day with about 2 hours at Wings Wildlife Park.
• Scenic Route: The drive inland and along the Leven River offers lovely views of Tasmania’s countryside.
• Close Animal Encounters: Opportunities to feed kangaroos, pet koalas, and even spend extra on cuddling a Tasmanian devil.
• Well-Reviewed Guides: Many travelers mention knowledgeable, friendly staff who add value to the experience.
• Limited Time at the Park: Some reviews mention the short duration isn’t enough to see everything.
• Good Value for Money: For around $89, you get transport, entry, and some memorable animal interactions.

A Closer Look at the Experience

Introduction to Wings Wildlife Park and Its Location

This Burnie shuttle tour offers a streamlined way to visit Wings Wildlife Park, a dedicated sanctuary for Tasmanian animals, just a short ride from the cruise port. The meeting point is conveniently located at 13 Wilmot St, making it easy to find and join the group.

The tour lasts about 3 hours 50 minutes, with roughly 1 hour 30 minutes at the park itself. The drive there is described as scenic, with some reviews praising the views of Tasmania’s rolling hills, small towns, and countryside, which makes the journey as memorable as the park visit.

What You Can Expect During the Drive

The route takes you inland, passing through charming coastal villages like Penguin, offering a glimpse of local life before you arrive at Wings. Several reviews highlight the scenic drive as a highlight; one traveler even mentions that “the countryside views were beautiful,” which adds a relaxing vibe to the day.

The bus ride is typically narrated by a knowledgeable guide, who shares facts about Tasmania’s landscape and wildlife. One review notes that having a guide on the bus adds a lot of value, with engaging commentary that enhances your understanding of what you’re about to see.

Arrival and Time at Wings Wildlife Park

Once you reach Wings Wildlife Park, the focus shifts to the animals and conservation efforts. With over 150 species, the park offers a chance to see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, koalas, and a variety of birds and smaller creatures. Many reviews highlight how well-maintained the grounds are—clean, landscaped, and set in a natural environment.

Visitors generally get about 1.5 hours at the park, which is enough for a decent walk and some memorable encounters. You can explore at your own pace or opt for a guided tour to get more background on the animals and the park’s conservation work.

Animal Encounters and Highlights

One of the biggest draws is the chance to interact with the animals. Paying extra (around $40 US) allows for up-close experiences, like cradling a baby Tasmanian devil or petting a koala. Several reviews rave about these encounters—one reviewer called petting a koala “fantastic,” and another mentioned that “feeding the kangaroos by hand was very memorable.”

Many travelers appreciate the opportunity to walk into the kangaroo enclosure, where they could feed and interact directly. It’s an authentic, personal wildlife experience, but be aware that these encounters cost extra, so they’re optional.

The Animals and Their Care

The park’s mission clearly revolves around conservation, care for injured and orphaned animals, and education. Reviewers often comment on the healthy, lively animals and the clean, well-kept grounds. Watching Tasmanian devils tear into their food was described as “fascinating,” and many visitors appreciate the dedication behind the park’s work.

Food, Souvenirs, and Amenities

At the park, you’ll find an on-site café offering Tasmanian delicacies—perfect for a quick snack or relaxing break. The shop offers souvenirs and gifts, making it easy to pick up a memento of your visit.

Transport, Timing, and Group Size

The shuttle costs about $89.66 per person, which many reviewers find reasonable considering the transportation, entry, and animal interactions. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere. The transportation is straightforward, with the bus taking care of both the journey there and the return, ensuring you’re back in time for your ship’s departure.

Some reviews mention the importance of timing; it’s recommended to arrive early and note that the tour company has a designated meeting point, sometimes confused with others, so following their instructions is key.

Bookings, Cancellations, and Flexibility

Bookings are confirmed immediately, and the cancellation policy allows for a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is helpful in case weather or other unforeseen circumstances arise, as a few travelers noted weather-related cancellations, which the tour handled well.

The Verdict on Value

For around $90, you’re getting transport, park entry, and the chance to see and interact with iconic Australian animals—a good deal when compared to similar experiences. Many reviews emphasize the value, noting that the guides and well-maintained grounds enhance the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re a wildlife lover who enjoys personal, up-close encounters, this tour hits the right notes. It’s also suitable for those seeking a relaxed day of sightseeing and animal interaction without complicated logistics. Families and travelers interested in conservation efforts will find it fulfilling, especially with the chance to feed animals and learn about Australian wildlife.

However, if more time or deep exploration is what you’re after, this might feel a bit rushed. Also, if accessibility is a concern, note that the buses don’t have wheelchair lifts, and walking onto the vehicle is required.

Final Thoughts

This Burnie shore excursion offers a solid, straightforward way to see Tasmania’s animals in a natural setting, all while enjoying scenic drives and learning about conservation. The animal encounters and friendly guides are often praised, making it a memorable experience for animal lovers. While the limited time at the park might leave some wishing for more, the overall value and organization keep it a popular choice.

If you want a relaxed, authentic wildlife experience in Tasmania, this trip could be just what you’re looking for. It’s best suited for travelers who value convenience, engaging guides, and close animal interactions without the need for an overly long or complex tour.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally family-friendly, especially for kids who love animals. The encounters, like feeding kangaroos and petting koalas, appeal to children and families.

How long is the drive to the park?
The scenic drive takes approximately 45 minutes each way, with beautiful countryside views along the route.

Can I interact with the animals?
Yes, but some encounters, like cuddling a Tasmanian devil or petting a koala, cost extra (~$40 US). These are optional but highly recommended for a more memorable experience.

What animals will I see at Wings Wildlife Park?
Expect to see Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wombats, koalas, a variety of birds, and smaller creatures like mice and parrots.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
The buses do not have wheelchair lifts, and passengers need to be able to walk onto the vehicle. The park grounds are accessible, but check in advance if you have specific mobility concerns.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, maybe some kangaroo food if you want to feed the animals (available onsite), and a camera for all those close encounters.

How much does the tour cost?
The shuttle costs about $89.66 per person, including transportation and entry to Wings Wildlife Park.

What if it rains?
Weather can impact the experience—some reviews mention cancellations due to high winds, so keep an eye on the forecast. The tour offers a full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

How long do I spend at the park?
Typically about 1 hour 30 minutes, which some find a bit short. Planning your time accordingly helps to maximize your visit.

Can I book encounters on the day?
Yes, animal encounters like cuddling a Tasmanian devil or petting a koala are paid separately and can usually be booked at the park.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking to tick a bucket list item, this Burnie shore excursion provides a convenient and engaging way to experience Tasmania’s unique animals and stunning scenery. It’s well-organized, reasonably priced, and offers plenty of opportunities for memorable moments—just keep an eye on the clock!