Burnie City - Tasmania

Image Courtesy: Tourism Tasmania & Gina Fynearts

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 know by the locals as The Pulp was the primary employer within the region.

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 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 in Burnie

The Burnie Farmers’ Market

Stock up your motorhome or campervan before heading down the West Coast! The Burnie Farmers’ Market is a great place to buy fresh, local produce at excellent prices. Located at the Wivenhoe Showgrounds. Open Saturday mornings 8am to 12pm.

Visit the Burnie Farmers' Market Website

The Makers’ Workshop

Try your hand at paper making, get advice from the information centre and browse the gift shop and gallery exhibition. Located at 2 Bass Highway, Burnie. Open 7 days 9am to 5pm (except Christmas & Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day).

Visit the Makers' Workshop Website

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 4:30pm Mon to Fri except public holidays. Admission $6.50 Adults, $5 Concession, $2.50 Children, $15 Family (up to 3 children).

Visit the Burnie Regional Museum Website

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.

Visit the Fern Glade Reserve Website

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.

Visit the Emu Valley Rhododendron Website

Burnie Motorhome & Caravan 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.

Visit the Burnie Holiday Caravan Park Website

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.

Visit the Cooee Point Reserve Website

Driving Times & Distances to Burnie

From Devonport: app. 39 minutes - 52kms
From Launceston: app. 1 hour 40 minutes - 148kms
From Hobart: app. 3 hours 40 minutes - 327kms

Burnie Visitor Information Centre

2 BASS HIGHWAY, PARKLANDS, BURNIE TASMANIA 7320.
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

Public Toilets & Amenities

The National Public Toilet Map