What to do in Burnie Tasmania
Settled in 1827 as Emu Bay, Burnie was renamed in 1840 for William Burnie, a director of the Van Dieman’s Land Company. Burnie’s primary industries are industrial manufacturing, forestry and agriculture. For 75 years, until operations ceased in 2010 the Burnie Pulp Mill known by the locals as The Pulp was the primary employer within the region.Award-winning cheese and whisky is made at Burnie’s Hellyers Road Distillery
Since the decline of its traditional industries, Burnie has increasingly embraced the creativity of its local community. Today, the town is known for its craftsmanship, from striking artworks to award-winning produce. Notably, Hellyers Road Distillery—Australia’s largest boutique whisky distillery—produces exceptional whisky alongside a range of locally crafted specialties, including fine cheeses.
Home to Tasmania’s first Farmers’ Market which now also includes art and craft stalls, Burnie is situated around Emu Bay so the beach is only ever a stone’s throw away. Burnie also has a wonderful range of restaurants and cafes, and if you’re after some tasty cheese or a dram of Whiskey they also make them too!
Burnie is situated around Emu Bay so the beach is only ever a stone’s throw away
Burnie is full of rich history and natural beauty and is a great place to explore if you’re driving up the north-west coast of Tasmania. There are plenty of walks and local attractions including the Burnie Regional Museum and Burnie Regional Art Gallery. The CBD also includes a range of popular retails chains and supermarkets.
Things to do around Burnie Tasmania
Stock up your motorhome or campervan before heading down the West Coast! The Burnie City Market is a great place to buy fresh, local produce at excellent prices.Located in the CBD Marine Terrace Plaza (behind the multi storey car park) . Open first and third Saturday of the month 10am to 2pm.
Burnie Regional Museum
Discover the history of Burnie and what life was like as an early pioneer on Tasmania’s North West Coast. Located at Little Alexander St, Burnie. Open from 10am to 4:00pm Wed to Fri except public holidays. Admission is FREE.
Hellyers Road Distillery
Visitors to the distillery can enjoy the Whisky Walk – a fully interpreted tour of the distillery, to find out the fascinating origins of the whisky as well as an insight into the craft of their award-winning single malt whiskies. The tour culminates with an opportunity to pour and wax seal their very own bottle of Hellyers Road Distiller’s Choice Whisky – complete with signed Certification of Authenticity.
Fern Glade Reserve
Only minutes from the Burnie CBD this stunning reserve offers peaceful walks along the edge of the Emu River. BBQ, picnic and toilet facilities are available. Located at Fernglade, Stowport.
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
A natural amphitheatre of over 22,000 plants all in one multiple award winning garden. The gardens are a non-profit venture and are considered to be a museum of living plant species. To find them follow the signs on Cascade Road. Open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission $10 Adult, $8 Concession, accompanied children free.
Burnie Tasmania Campervan & Motorhome Parks
Burnie Holiday Caravan Park
This park features both powered and unpowered sites suitable for your rental camper or motorhome. Onsite caravans and camp sites are also available. Located at 253 Bass Highway, Ocean Vista.
Cooee Point Reserve
The Burnie City council allow fully self-contained motorhomes, caravans and campers free camping at this location for a maximum of 5 nights. Permits are required and are available from the Makers’ Workshop info counter. Located at Cooee Point, Burnie.
Travel Times & Distances to Burnie Tasmania
From Launceston: app. 1 hour 40 minutes – 148kms
From Hobart: app. 3 hours 40 minutes – 327kms
Visitor Information Centre
Open 7 days a week from 9:00am – 5:00pm
Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday and ANZAC DAY.
Telephone Reception: (03) 6430 5831
Gift Shop: (03) 6430 5885
Cafe: (03) 6430 5884
Paper Making Tours: (03) 6430 5830
