Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

If you’re heading to Burnie on a cruise and considering a wildlife experience, the Wings Wildlife Park tour is one you’ll likely see recommended. It’s designed to give visitors a chance to spot and interact with a wide range of native and exotic animals in a setting that emphasizes both fun and conservation. We’ve looked into this tour to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your trip.

What we like about it is the chance to get close to iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, wombats, and especially the Tasmanian devil — animals that are often hard to see in the wild. The park’s focus on education and conservation is another plus, making it more meaningful than just a petting zoo. However, some reviews point out that the overall size and the drive to the park might not be for everyone, especially if you’re seeking a more extensive wildlife experience or a scenic drive with commentary.

This tour will suit travelers who want a straightforward, family-friendly introduction to Tasmania’s native wildlife, or those keen on supporting conservation efforts. If you’re in Burnie for a short stop and want an easy, accessible outing that’s mostly about animals, this could work well. Just keep in mind that if you’re after a larger park or a more in-depth wildlife adventure, you might find this a bit limited.

Key Points

• Native and exotic animals: Encounter over 100 species, including iconic Australian animals.
• Interactive demonstrations: Enjoy daily presentations, feeding opportunities, and animal encounters.
• Beautiful gardens: Wander through well-maintained, landscaped areas full of native and exotic plants.
• Educational focus: The park emphasizes conservation and education, supporting endangered species breeding programs.
• Convenient location: Meeting point at the Burnie Attractions Desk is easy to find, right in the cruise port area.
• Good value: The tour offers a compact, engaging wildlife experience suitable for most visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Wings Wildlife Park Tour

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a three-hour journey that combines animal encounters, scenic walks, and a bit of educational insight. It’s structured to meet cruise passengers’ needs, so the timing is flexible, and the transportation is straightforward.

The Journey Begins at the Meeting Point

Your adventure starts at the Burnie Attractions Desk, located in the Makers Market—an easy spot to find after disembarking. From there, you’ll hop onto a comfortable shuttle bus, which takes you on a roughly 40-50 minute scenic drive out to the park.

One thing to note from reviews is that the drive is quite long, with some travelers wishing for more commentary about Burnie and its countryside during the trip. If you’re someone who enjoys hearing stories or learning about the area while traveling, this might be a minor disappointment, but it doesn’t take away from the wildlife experience itself.

Arrival at Wings Wildlife Park

Once at the park, it’s all about the animals. With over 100 species to see, you’ll encounter everything from kangaroos hopping freely around their enclosures to wombats, koalas, and the legendary Tasmanian devils. The park’s layout is designed for easy walking, with winding paths through lush gardens, providing a peaceful backdrop for animal watching.

Animal Encounters and Presentations

A highlight is the interactive presentations, held daily and led by skilled handlers. They’re both fun and educational, offering a chance to learn about each animal’s habitat, behavior, and what’s being done to protect them. Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and personality; one reviewer from the US said, “Our guide was amazing, with great knowledge of the town’s history and an excellent personality.”

Feeding sessions are a popular feature — feeding the kangaroos and getting up close to the animals makes the experience more personal. If you opt for the extra cost, like a one-on-one koala experience, you’ll love the photos and the chance to cuddle a koala, which many travelers found worth the extra expense.

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Gardens and Relaxation

Beyond the animals, the park’s landscaped gardens are a calming aspect of the visit. Native plants line the paths, offering a sense of Tasmania’s natural beauty. There are picnic areas if you want to bring your own food, or you can grab a snack or beverage from the cafe before heading back.

Conservation and Education

A key part of this experience is understanding the importance of conservation. The park actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species, and it welcomes groups and schools to learn about protecting Australia’s unique wildlife. We appreciate this focus, especially for families or anyone interested in supporting animal preservation efforts.

Weighing the Value: Pros and Cons

While many reviews highlight the park’s charm and the quality of interactions, it’s worth noting some criticisms. Several visitors found the park small—one review called it “very small,” and another felt sorry for the single koala, which was constantly photographed and stroked (with a $30 extra charge). The white kangaroos appeared distressed to some, which raises questions about animal welfare for certain enclosures.

In terms of value, the extra experiences, like photo opportunities with koalas, do cost extra, but many guests agree they’re worthwhile since they support animal care. The general admission price seems fair for the amount of animal interaction and the scenic setting.

The drive, however, was not warmly reviewed by everyone. One traveler wished there was commentary about Burnie’s history or landscape during the trip, making it less engaging for those who enjoy storytelling on the road.

What’s the Perfect Audience for This Tour?

This wildlife park experience is best suited for travelers who want a quick, accessible introduction to Tasmania’s animals. It’s particularly good for families or animal lovers who enjoy feeding and close-up encounters. If you appreciate conservation and education, you’ll find this tour meaningful, especially since it supports endangered species programs.

However, if you’re after a large, sprawling wildlife park or prefer guided scenic drives with detailed commentary, this might feel a bit limited. Also, if you’re concerned about small enclosures or animal welfare, it’s worth considering the reviews highlighting these issues.

Final Thoughts

The Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion offers a solid, reasonably priced opportunity to see and interact with Tasmania’s native wildlife without leaving the comfort of a well-maintained park. The knowledgeable guides, the chance to feed kangaroos, and the focus on conservation make this a worthwhile stop for animal enthusiasts and families alike.

You’ll enjoy the scenic gardens and the educational presentations, which add depth to the experience. While the size of the park and the drive may be downsides for some, the overall experience is warm, engaging, and a good way to connect with Tasmania’s unique animals on a short visit.

If your goal is to see iconic Aussie creatures up close and support conservation efforts, this tour hits the mark. Just keep expectations realistic, especially regarding the park’s size and the animal enclosures.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that it’s a family-friendly experience with interactive animal encounters and easy walking paths.

How long does the drive to the park take?
Approximately 40-50 minutes each way, with some travelers wishing for more commentary during the ride.

Can I see Tasmanian devils here?
Yes, the park features Tasmanian devils among its over 100 species, giving visitors a chance to see them close-up.

What kind of animals can I expect to see?
Kangaroos, wombats, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and more exotic species are part of the collection.

Are the presentations educational?
Definitely. Skilled handlers share facts about the animals and conservation efforts, making the visits informative and engaging.

Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the facilities are accessible for wheelchair users.

Can I feed the animals?
Yes, feeding sessions are part of the experience, including kangaroos and other friendly species.

Are extra costs involved?
Some experiences, like a one-on-one koala photo session, cost extra but are often considered worth the investment.

How do I book the tour?
You can reserve your spot directly through eguide.com.au, with options to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the park large?
No, some reviews find it small, but it’s manageable for a quick visit packed with animal encounters.

In the end, Wings Wildlife Park offers a friendly, educational glimpse into Tasmania’s wildlife that’s perfect for a short stop. It’s a tour that suits those looking for a hands-on animal experience with an emphasis on conservation. Just keep in mind its size and the drive experience when planning your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: