Accompanied by a local guide, the Burnie Attractions Bus takes you on a scenic journey to discover the best that North West lutruwita/Tasmania has to offer. Taking in cultural museums, spectacular lookouts and natural attractions, it’s one of the most popular Burnie shore excursions on offer. The Burnie Attractions Bus has been designed as three loops with a variety of hop-on/hop-off stops, meaning you can spend time exploring the destinations that most interest you. Tickets are available for purchase at the Burnie Arts & Function Centre (adjacent to the Burnie Regional Museum). This is the drop-off point for passengers coming by bus from the cruise ship. Alternatively, you can pre-book the first departure of the day to ensure a place on this popular Burnie shore excursion. The circuit takes two hours if you stay on the bus or up to five hours if you explore each hop-on/hop-off stop)

DEPARTS MARINE PLAZA every 30 minutes 9:30am and 12:30am (times may vary depending on cruise ship arrival times) 

BURNIE UPPER LOOKOUT

Elevated views across the city and the cruise ship port can be enjoyed from the Burnie Upper Lookout, which offers plenty of seating and pathways for a gentle stroll. Interpretive panels bring to life the area’s Indigenous and European history and there’s a plaque dedicated to Wilf Campbell. The Burnie Attractions Bus will stop briefly here so you can enjoy the views.

GUIDE FALLS

A scenic drive inland takes you to Guide Falls, a popular picnic area with a short trail that leads to a picturesque cascade. The Burnie Attractions Bus will stop near the upper viewing platform. You have the option to walk down the river to the lower part of the reserve where the bus will meet you. There are toilets at this stop.

EMU RHODODENDRON GARDENS (Admission Included) 

Encompassing 11 hectares, this impressive, private garden lies just to the south of Burnie and is planted with rhododendrons (and companion species) from across the globe. Strategically placed pavilions offer magnificent views across the landscaped grounds and lakes while the on-site tea room serves light refreshments.  In the lakes there is very high chance to spot a platypus in the wild. Entrance to the gardens is normally $15 per person, however this cost is now INCLUDED in your bus ticket!

HELLYER’S ROAD WHISKY DISTILLERY - Admission and Tour: $25pp - please book this as an extra if you wish to hop off here. 

Founded in 1997 by a group of dairy farming friends, Hellyer’s Road has grown to become one of Tasmania’s most famous whisky distilleries. In 2010, it was recognised for producing Australia’s best single malt, making it a must-stop destination for whisky lovers. Not only can you taste the whiskies (and purchase a bottle or two to take home) but you can go behind the scenes on a guided tour of the distillery. The on-site cafe offers wonderful views across the rolling hills of Burnie. There is a cafe serving lots more than whisky!

Go behind the scenes and tour our working distillery to see how we make some of the finest single malt whiskies and what makes Hellyers Road truly unique. A fully guided tour runs for 30 to 40 minutes. Be immersed by our ingredients and be drawn to our latest batch distilling. Visit one of our bond stores - filled with our carefully selected oak barrels and understand everything there is to know about Hellyers Road, our history, whiskies and Henry Hellyer himself – the man behind our name. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to sample our 2016 Port Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky, and have the option to pour, bottle and hand wax seal your very own bottle of 19-year-old Australian single malt whisky direct from the cask! This is the premier cask bottling experience in the country, and one of the rarest individual bottling opportunities in the world. Children may accompany adults on tours, but are strictly prohibited from taking part in tastings.

Please note we offer a shore excursion guarantee, guaranteeing we will get you back to the ship on time and we will also refund you the tour cost if the cruise ship does not dock. 

*Photo credits: Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman; Jess Bonde; Hellyers Road Distillery - Rick Eaves; Oscar Sloane