If you’re considering a quick snapshot of Burnie’s charm, the Burnie Attractions Bus could be on your radar. This three-hour guided tour promises a taste of Tasmania’s northwest, from scenic lookouts to lush gardens and seaside villages. It’s designed for cruise passengers and visitors wanting a relaxed, all-in-one overview of some key spots, all led by a local guide.
What we like about this experience is its convenience and variety—you get a little bit of everything without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. The scenic viewpoints offer some of the best views of Bass Strait, and the gardens are a peaceful retreat with a chance to spot wildlife like platypuses. Plus, passing through the adorable village of Penguin adds a charming touch that makes the whole trip feel like a gentle exploration of Burnie’s coastal life.
That said, a significant consideration is that some reviews mention disappointments—mainly regarding timing and what’s actually seen. If you’re expecting multiple stops at each location or in-bloom gardens, you might be let down. It’s probably best suited for those who want a relaxed, quick overview rather than a deep-dive into each site.
This tour is ideal for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time who want to tick off a few must-see sights without the hassle. It’s not perfect, but it offers a nice snapshot of Burnie’s natural beauty and coastal charm, especially if you’re okay with some compromises.
Key Points
- Short and simple: The tour lasts about three hours, making it perfect for cruise schedules.
- Beautiful views: The Upper Lookout offers panoramic photo opportunities of Bass Strait and the harbor.
- Garden lovers: Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens provide a peaceful setting, with a chance to see wildlife like platypuses.
- Charming village: Penguin is a small seaside community with scenic walks and a quirky penguin sculpture.
- Flexible booking: Multiple daily departures and full refund options give you peace of mind.
- Mixed reviews: Noted inconsistencies in stops and timing mean expectations should be managed.
A Complete Look at the Burnie Attractions Bus
If you’re like most travelers, you want to get the most out of your limited time ashore, but also don’t want to be rushed or feel like you’re missing out. The Burnie Attractions Bus offers a straightforward way to see some highlights. From the start, it’s clear this isn’t a deep historical tour but rather a scenic and nature-focused jaunt around Burnie’s key spots.
Planning more time in Burnie? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Meeting Point & Ease of Access
The tour begins at the far end of the Makers Market, conveniently located where your cruise shuttle drops you off. This is a smart choice—easy to find, close to the cruise port, and with helpful volunteers around. The coordinates point to a spot right in the bustling part of town, so you won’t have trouble locating it.
Scenic Drive to Upper Burnie Lookout
The first stop is the Upper Burnie Lookout, a brief 5-minute drive but packed with reward. Here, the views are the main event—panoramas of Bass Strait and the harbor, perfect for photos and just soaking in the scenery. Many reviews mention this as a highlight, especially for capturing that classic Tasmania coast shot. You’ll get a quick chance to snap some pics of your cruise ship and the surrounding landscape.
Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens
Next, the tour takes you to the gardens—covering 11 hectares, filled with rhododendrons, azaleas, and exotic plants. This is a centerpiece of the experience. Walking through the vibrant displays, you’ll appreciate the beauty of the blooms, though some reviews have noted they weren’t in full color when visited. It’s worth knowing that if you’re expecting a riot of color, timing matters, as one reviewer pointed out that the gardens weren’t in bloom and that could affect your experience.
Wildlife Spotting at Fernglade Sanctuary
The Fernglade Reserve is another highlight—where you might see native animals like elusive platypuses and colorful birds. This section is brief (around 10 minutes), but the chance to see wildlife in a natural setting is a real plus. We loved the idea of encountering Tasmania’s wildlife in their habitat, and many travelers find this part especially charming.
The Village of Penguin
The final stop is the seaside village of Penguin. It’s a small, welcoming community with sandy beaches and a memorable penguin sculpture. Here, you can stretch your legs, take photos, and enjoy the coastal vibe. It’s a nice way to end the trip, especially if you enjoy quaint towns and the ocean breeze.
What’s Included and How It Feels
The tour is guided by a local, which adds a nice touch of personal insight and friendliness. The guide helps navigate and offers tips, making the experience smooth. The total duration of around three hours is just enough to see the main sights without feeling rushed, although some reviews suggest the stops are quite brief.
Transportation is by bus, and the backup vehicle provides reassurance for timely returns. You’ll spend most of the time on the bus, with short walks at each stop. This makes it a good option for those who prefer a comfortable, low-effort outing.
Pros and Cons Based on Real Experiences
What works well:
– Stunning views from the Upper Lookout, ideal for photos and panoramic appreciation.
– The gardens are peaceful and beautiful, with plenty of plant variety and wildlife spotting opportunities.
– The seaside village of Penguin offers a charming coastal experience.
– The tour is flexible with multiple departures and full refund options, making planning easier.
What could be better:
– Several reviews mention disappointed expectations—some stops were drive-by only, and not all gardens or sites were in bloom as expected.
– The microphone issues and poor audio on the bus were frustrating for some travelers, making it hard to hear the guide.
– At times, the bus seemed to drive around the same areas repeatedly, and the duration at each stop was limited.
– “Not a hop-on-hop-off” as some reviews note, which might be confusing in the description.
Is It Worth the Price?
Considering the price, this tour offers good value for what’s included—scenic viewpoints, gardens, wildlife, and a charming village—all in just three hours. If you’re short on time or prefer a guided overview, it can be a worthwhile introduction to Burnie. However, managing expectations is key, as some reviews point out that it doesn’t always deliver the full experience advertised.
Who Would Love This Tour?
This excursion is best suited for cruise passengers or travelers with limited time who want a relaxed, guided overview of Burnie’s highlights. It’s an easy way to get a taste of Tasmania’s natural beauty without much effort. If you’re someone who prioritizes stunning views and peaceful gardens over in-depth exploration, you’ll likely find this tour enjoyable.
However, if you’re a traveler seeking detailed local history, in-depth wildlife encounters, or the full bloom of gardens, you might find this experience somewhat superficial. It’s a good starting point but not necessarily the definitive Burnie adventure.
Final Thoughts
The Burnie Attractions Bus offers a balanced mix of scenic views, nature, and coastal charm that appeals to those with limited time or a preference for relaxed touring. The highlights—like the lookout and gardens—are genuinely lovely, while the village of Penguin provides a cozy coastal touch.
While some reviews point out shortcomings—like short stop durations and technical issues—the overall experience provides a pleasant snapshot of Burnie. It’s not a tour that will satisfy every detail hunter, but for a quick, guided taste of Tasmania’s northwest coast, it does the job well enough.
If you’re after a straightforward, scenic overview and don’t mind some brevity and minor hiccups, this tour could fit nicely into your Burnie plan. Just keep your expectations aligned with the reality of limited stops and variable bloom times.
Burnie Attractions Bus
FAQ
What is the duration of the Burnie Attractions Bus tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a quick and manageable outing for cruise schedules.
Where do I meet the bus?
You’ll find the bus at the far end of the Makers Market, close to where the cruise shuttle drops you off. Look for the flags and signs, or ask volunteers if needed.
Are there any chances to see wildlife?
Yes, especially at the Fernglade Sanctuary, where there’s a chance to spot native animals like platypuses and colorful birds.
What should I expect at the gardens?
The Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens cover 11 hectares of lush plants, flowers, and waterfalls. However, some reviews note that blooms may not be in full color depending on timing.
Can I expect multiple stops at each location?
Not always—some reviews mention only drive-by views or limited time at certain sites, so manage expectations accordingly.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the scenic and wildlife aspects could appeal to children, though the brief walking segments might suit older kids better.
Is the tour worth the price?
For the price, it offers a decent overview and some beautiful sights, especially for travelers short on time. But if you seek an in-depth experience, you may find it somewhat superficial.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexible planning options.
In the end, the Burnie Attractions Bus is a practical choice for those wanting a gentle, guided glimpse of Burnie’s key sights. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid way to get a taste of Tasmania’s coastal beauty with minimal fuss.
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