Explore Australia

Burnie

Farmland in Burnie, Ken Stepnell / Explore Australia Publishing

Population 77408

The first European pioneers believed the Burnie area to be agriculturally rich, but high rainfall and dense forests covering the surrounding hills made farming virtually impossible. The deep waters in Emu Bay, however, rescued the community by providing an ideal port for the local industries of tin and timber. Today Burnie, Tasmania's fourth largest city, is a vibrant city with beautiful parklands and charming heritage buildings.

Visitor Information

Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Civic Centre Plaza, off Little Alexander St; (03) 6434 6111

www.tasmaniantravelcentre.com.au

Nearby national parks

Nearby towns

  • Penguin

    This northern seaside town was named after the little penguins that shuffle up the beaches, and images of the iconic bird are peppered...more

  • Wynyard

    This small centre at the mouth of the Inglis River has charming timber buildings and is located on a stunning stretch of coastline in an...more

  • Ulverstone

    At the mouth of the Leven River on the north central coast, Ulverstone is renowned for its fine sweeping beaches and waterfront parklands....more

In Town

Burnie Park This park has lawns, shaded walkways, diverse native flora and animal enclosures with ducks, swans, wallabies, emus, peacocks and rabbits. Burnie Inn, the city's oldest building, is in the park and has been restored as a teahouse. A brochure is available from the park information centre. Bass Hwy.Pioneer Village Museum: re-creation of old Burnie town that houses almost 20 000 items from the late 1800s and early 1900s; Civic Centre Plaza. Little Penguin Observation Centre: free guided tours Oct–Feb; Parsonage Point; 0437 436 803. Creative Paper: recycled-paper art with demonstrations and activities; tours available daily; Old Surrey Rd. Walking track: 17 km track that skirts the city; start at boardwalk. Australian Paper: mill tours held 2pm Mon–Fri; Bass Hwy; bookings on (03) 6430 7882. The Cheese Tasting Centre: dairy samples and other specialty produce; Old Surrey Rd. Hellyers Road Distillery: makers of single malt whisky; tours, tastings, sales and licensed eatery; open 9.30am–5.30pm daily; Old Surrey Rd, adjacent to Cheese Tasting Centre. Burnie Regional Art Gallery: impressive collection of Australian contemporary prints; open 10am–4.30pm Mon–Fri, 1.30–4.30pm Sat, Sun and public holidays; Wilmot St.

Nearby

Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens Considered the city's floral emblem, the rhododendron has pride of place in Burnie. These gardens have over 9000 wild and hybrid rhododendrons on display in a natural 12 ha amphitheatre, and host the floral festival in Oct. Open Aug–Feb; off Cascade Rd; 6 km S.Fern Glade: tranquil reserve on Emu River with walking tracks and picnic areas; off Old Surrey Rd; 5 km W. Annsleigh Garden and Tearooms: voted one of the 10 best gardens in Australia and comprising 2 ha of beautiful gardens and novelty buildings, plus souvenirs and food; open Sept–May; Mount Rd; 9 km S. Upper Natone Forest Reserve: popular picnic spot; Upper Natone Rd; 30 km S. Lake Kara: good trout fishing; signposted from Hampshire; 30 km S. Bushwalks and waterfalls: many in area, but Guide Falls (near Ridgley, 17 km S) is most accessible.

Fishing spots near town

Little Pine Lagoon 120 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more


Great Lake 122 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more


Arthurs Lake 131 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more


Lake River 134 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more


Bronte System 136 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more


St Helens 201 km

Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out more


Salmon Ponds 208 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more


Flinders Island 218 km

Flinders Island is halfway across Bass Strait. Air travel to the island is limited but it’s worth the effort. Most anglers who visit the island and sample the fishing return full of praise for the place. Flinders... Find out more


The Springs 235 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more


Twin Lakes 240 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Hiking the Penguin to Cradle walk 15 km

If you want to embark on a little-known, but highly varied Tasmanian bushwalk, try part or the entire 80-kilometre Penguin to Cradle walk. It starts at the coast, goes through a mix of rural areas, woodlands, canyons,... Find out more


Giant crayfish research, near Ulverstone 26 km

Tasmania has the largest freshwater crayfish in the world, and they can grow up to a metre in length, with claws that could cut a person’s hand off. You can go out on a research trip with the world’s expert... Find out more


Gunns Plains Cave 27 km

Located just south-west of Gunns Plains (some 23 kilometres south-west of Ulverstone), this is yet another great limestone cave. It has one of the largest shawl formations in the Southern Hemisphere, glow worms aplenty... Find out more


Platypus Encounters, Latrobe 48 km

Three brothers almost single-handedly turned an old quarry site into one of the most reliable places in the world to see wild platypus. In fact, the guided tours have never failed to encounter a platypus in Warrawee... Find out more


The Overland Track 65 km

Deservedly the most well-known, multiday walking route in Australia, this 65- to 80-kilometre route through Cradle Mountain– Lake St Clair National Park is a classic (for national park information, see park entry... Find out more


Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 70 km

One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out more


Tarkine Forest Adventures at Dismal Swamp 70 km

This is a strange mix of natural history, art installations, public relations for Forestry Tasmania and a wild and riotous 110-metre slide. The experience is set in the only known sinkhole in the world with a thriving... Find out more


Tarkine Trails 75 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more


Low Head Penguin Tours 76 km

Every night at dusk this comprehensive but inexpensive tour takes visitors to a little penguin-nesting site near the mouth of the Tamar River, where you can watch the penguins waddle ashore to return to their nests. The... Find out more


Tasafari tours 112 km

Holding advanced eco-accreditation, this tour company combines some of the best day walks in Tasmania with camping in remote areas. A total of nine people is permitted on a tour.... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Barnbougle Dunes Links 129 km

Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 131 km

When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out more


Tasmania Golf Club 237 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more


Royal Hobart Golf Club 240 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Bayviews Restaurant and Lounge Bar

This groovy glass-enclosed space is part of Burnie’s new wave of restaurants and smart bars. It’s up on the first floor in an architecturally stunning pavilion (above Fish Frenzy, little sister to... Find out more


Cafe Europa

On a central corner in one of Burnie’s historic buildings, the austere exterior of this cosmopolitan cafe gives no hint of the warm delights within. Once inside you’ll be transported to the Mediterranean with... Find out more


Rialto Gallery Restaurant

This cosy art-filled place is a long-stayer in the Burnie restaurant scene and one of the most popular eateries in town. You always have to book ahead for a table but it’s well worth the trouble. Over the years... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 200 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 112 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more


Two Metre Tall Company 206 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more


Iron House Brewery 210 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more


Moo Brew 225 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more


Cascade Brewery 235 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more


Campsites around town

Riana Pioneer Park camping ground 20 km

Set among farmland and forested hills 15 km from Penguin, the tiny settlement of Riana is picture-postcard pretty. Its quiet little campground is on the left-hand side of the main road (Pine Rd B17), just past the... Find out more


Lake Barrington West 44 km

Lake Barrington is famous for its world-class rowing course, and while there are big crowds here for rowing championships, the rest of the time there’s peaceful camping, all-year angling and beautiful scenery.... Find out more


Kentish Park camping area 45 km

This informal camping area on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake Barrington is 6 km from West Kentish. Busy when there are rowing events at the lake, at other times it’s a peaceful campground amid pretty scenery.... Find out more


Lake Gairdner camping area 49 km

On the banks of this hydro lake there is a free camping area with no facilities, so if the campground at Cradle Mountain is full (as it often is) this may be a good alternative, providing you are completely... Find out more


Peggs Beach camping area 52 km

A very popular campground for locals, it’s only a small site so you’ll be lucky to find a spot here in the summer holiday season. Although it is close to the highway, it is right next to a gorgeous wide... Find out more


O’Neills Creek Reserve camping area 53 km

Next to the creek and rodeo ground, this pretty forest reserve has places for vans on short-term stays of 1 or 2 nights (2 night maximum), making it a perfect overnight stop on your way to Cradle Mountain–Lake St... Find out more


Waratah camping ground 53 km

Formerly the world’s leading tin mine, Waratah now welcomes tourists not miners, although there is still gold to be panned in nearby creeks. In the middle of town there’s a lake and waterfall, and the... Find out more


Black River camping area 54 km

These secluded sites are nestled in coastal vegetation next to the Black River estuary. There is safe swimming at lovely Brickmakers Beach and a boat launching ramp into the river. This large campground is part of the of... Find out more


Port Sorell Lions Club Caravan Park 56 km

This large caravan park is close to shops and just a short walk from the foreshore of the Rubicon Estuary, with its sheltered beach and lovely views of Narawntapu National Park. The safe swimming beach and kids... Find out more


Koybaa camping area 57 km

This camping area at Griffiths Point, 4 km past the ranger station, has 12 small sites surrounded by scrub. They are suitable only for tent-based camping because you have to carry your gear in past a row of... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Penguin Beachside Holiday Resort 15 km

This beachfront park at the western end of town has undergone a makeover. The waterfront sites have been refurbished and the park restaurant should soon be back. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Beach Retreat Tourist Park 16 km

Located at the mouth of the Inglis River and on the beachfront, this park is within walking distance of the town centre. It has good facilities and is ideal for an overnight stay or a few days. Bookings are required in... Find out more


BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park 26 km

This is a good quality park with spacious grassy areas and a range of facilities, about 1 km from the town centre and close to the surf club on East Beach. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Wings Wildlife Park 26 km

Staying here is a different experience. There is trout fishing, bushwalking, kayaking, golf, and more. The park has good facilities including powered sites, but we would opt for the unpowered riverfront camping area. The... Find out more


Abel Tasman Caravan Park 41 km

Located just a couple of blocks from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, this park has obvious benefits for those arriving or departing by the boat. The park has sites to cater for all size rigs and is ideal for a longer... Find out more


Bay View Holiday Village 42 km

Close to the beach on the east side of Devonport, this park is just a short drive to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Crayfish Creek Van and Cabin Park and Spa TreeHouse 48 km

In a distinctive bushland setting, this park is tucked away on the banks of Crayfish Creek, a short way in from the coast. It is a popular park during holiday periods, when the weather is warmer for swimming and camping.... Find out more


Port Sorell Lions Caravan Park 56 km

This popular beachfront park is owned and operated by the Lions Club. It is close to the centre of town, adjacent to the boat ramp and ideal for family holidays. It is an easy drive to the Devonport ferry terminal from... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain 58 km

Set in bushland just outside the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian wilderness area, this quality park has good facilities including a large recreation building with open fireplaces. It is a popular camping site for walkers... Find out more


Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park 61 km

This park, on the water’s edge, is a 200-metre stroll from the centre of town and a perfect base for exploring historic Stanley. The spectacular geological feature, The Nut, which is the remains of an old volcano,... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Apartments Down Town

In 1937 when these apartments were built, Burnie was Tasmania’s industrial heartland and the Art Deco style reflected a newfound confidence in progress and prosperity. With their opulent 1930s decor, these... Find out more


Beachfront Voyager Motor Inn

This is one of those motel-restaurant complexes you might find anywhere, but its location on Burnie’s waterfront is especially delightful, with views so far over Bass Strait that on a clear day you might imagine you... Find out more


Glen Osborne House

Verandahs draped in intricate iron lacework frame the entrance to this magnificent 1885 mansion and give a hint of what is to come. This graceful old lady is all decked out in her best period style and offers four... Find out more


Hideaway Cottage Retreat

Just outside Burnie in a quiet nook surrounded by farmland and bush, this family-sized two-storey cottage is a home-away-from-home. They’ve thought of everything here: if you’re with the kids there’s a trampoline, tree... Find out more


Seabreeze Cottages

Each of these self-contained cottages is from a different era. Number Six harks back to the 1950s, with retro styling including a juke box and shag-pile rugs; Somersby is a snapshot of times past, with period furniture... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Mountain Valley, Loongana 40 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more


Cradle Mountain Lodge 60 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more


Waldheim Cabins 65 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more


Curringa Farm 182 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more


Rainbow Retreat 203 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Somerset Park Area 6 km

Middle of town Small parking area at the junction with Murchison Highway on the banks of Cam River. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 02.487 E145 50.329... Find out more


Wynyard Park Area 15 km

East side of town Small parking area on the foreshore. Good facilities. GPS: S40 59.408 E145 44.545... Find out more


Sisters Beach Rest Area 33 km

T/O 13 km NW of Wynyard (R) or 54 km SE of Smithton (L) Small shady area on the foreshore 8 kilometres north of the highway. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S40 55.007 E145 33.714... Find out more


Hellyer Gorge Rest Area 34 km

40 km S of Somerset (L) or 66 km N of Tullah (R) Pleasant area adjacent to the highway surrounded by forest. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 16.409 E145 36.908 ... Find out more


Fossey River Rest Area 50 km

67 km S of Somerset (L) or 39 km N of Tullah (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by forest. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 27.048 E145 37.263... Find out more


Brickmakers Beach 51 km

40 km W of Wynyard (R) or 27 km E of Smithton (L) Large grassed area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S40 51.121 E145 21.905... Find out more


Pegs Beach Camp Area 52 km

42 km W of Wynyard (R) or 25 km E of Smithton (L) Large open grassy campground adjacent to the highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S40 51.111 E145 21.153... Find out more


Black River Camp Area 55 km

T/O 44 km W of Wynyard (R) or 23 km E of Smithton (L) Very large area with numerous secluded campsites located 1 to 5 kilometres off the highway in the scrub near the river. Limited facilities and shade. NOTE: Access... Find out more


Parramatta Creek Rest Area 61 km

26 km NW of Deloraine (L) or 17 km SE of Latrobe (R) Pleasant area just off the highway among some large trees on the bank of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 19.830 E146 31.826 ... Find out more


Tullabardine Dam Rest Area 73 km

T/O 105 km S of Somerset (L) or 1 km N of Tullah (R) Large area 6 kilometres east of the highway at the dam. GPS: S41 41.127 E145 39.388... Find out more


Tullah Park Area 79 km

Off the main street into town (opposite shopping centre) Large parking area on the shores of Lake Rosebery. Limited shade. GPS: S41 44.172 E145 36.947  ... Find out more


Rosebery Park Area 86 km

South side of town Large parking adjacent to the highway on the banks of the river at Stitt Park. Good facilities. GPS: S41 46.968 E145 32.403  ... Find out more


Prickly Wattles Camp Area 103 km

19 km S of Marrawah Large camp area just off the road in a natural bush setting 2 kilometres south of Arthur River township. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 03.572 E144 40.758  ... Find out more


Peppermint Camp Area 104 km

17 km S of Marrawah at Arthur River Open camp area just off the road into town on the north side of Arthur River township. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 02.923 E144 40.063  ... Find out more


Green Point Camp Area 104 km

1 km NW of Marrawah via Green Point Road and Beach Road Very small camping area on the foreshore. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S40 54.596 E144 40.783 ... Find out more


Lake Burbury Camp Area 117 km

20 km E of Queenstown (L) or 65 km W of Derwent Bridge (R) Large open grassed campground located 1 kilometre west of the highway near the lake. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.789 E145 40.454... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 120 km

T/O at Miena via Marlborough Highway Small camping area located 12 kilometres south-west of Miena. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S42 00.005 E146 36.661... Find out more


Perth Park Area 120 km

North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 34.286 E147 10.184... Find out more


Lake Burbury Rest Area 122 km

T/O 15 km E of Queenstown (R) or 70 km W of Derwent Bridge (L) Small area located at the boat ramp 4 kilometres south of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 08.35 E145 39.10... Find out more


Myrtle Park Camp Area 126 km

31 km SW of Scottsdale (R) or 31 km NE of Launceston (L) Large grassed camp area just off the highway on the banks of St Patrick’s River. Kiosk and telephone nearby. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 18.664... Find out more


Franklin River Park Area 129 km

60 km SE of Queenstown (R) or 25 km NW of Derwent Bridge (L) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 12.931 E146 01.214... Find out more


Sideling Lookout Park Area 130 km

17 km SW of Scottsdale (L) or 45 km NE of Launceston (R) Small area adjacent to the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Good facilities. GPS: S41 15.440 E147 25.844... Find out more


Jonah Bay Camp Area 130 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area in a natural bush setting on edge of the lake 10 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road and Gunns Marsh Road. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more


Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 131 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out more


Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 134 km

28 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 21 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the shores of the lagoon. GPS: S42 10.777 E146 30.033... Find out more


Scottsdale Rest Area 137 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Very good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 09.977 E147 31.380... Find out more


Bradys Lake Camp Area 140 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more


Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 145 km

T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out more


Nive River Rest Area 146 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more


Blackburn Creek Rest Area 149 km

29 km SE of Miena (R) or 27 km NW of Bothwell (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 10.356 E146 54.285... Find out more


What's on around town

Burnie Farmers Market: Wivenhoe Showgrounds; 1st and 3rd Sat morning each month.

Burnie Ten: 10 km road race; Oct.

Burnie Shines: month-long community festival; Oct.

comments powered by Disqus