Burnie

When you step off your ship in Burnie, you are arriving at a highly secure, working industrial port that is Tasmania’s largest general cargo hub. Because it is an active maritime zone with heavy machinery, log storage yards, and container operations, pedestrian access is strictly prohibited and you cannot walk out of the port gates. Within a 5 to 10-minute walk of the gangway, you will see industrial infrastructure such as woodchip terminals and railway yards rather than a scenic promenade or shops.

To access the city, all passengers must board a mandatory complimentary shuttle bus provided by TasPorts. This short 5-minute ride transports you from the secure berth to the “Discover Burnie Hub” in the city centre. It is only after taking this shuttle that you can access the waterfront boardwalk, local artisan markets, and the CBD, as the port itself offers no independent foot access to the surrounding township.

Walkability: Burnie is a compact and largely flat coastal city, making the central business district very easy to explore on foot. Most of the main shops, cafes, and the waterfront are within a comfortable 500-metre stroll of each other; however, if you plan to head inland toward the residential areas or specific lookouts, the terrain becomes quite hilly and may require more effort.

Public Transport: Local bus services are operated by Metro Tasmania and cover the city and surrounding suburbs. While you can pay for your fare using cash on board, it is often more convenient to use a “Greencard” (a pre-paid smartcard) to receive a discount on fares; please note that at this stage, you cannot simply tap a contactless credit card or mobile wallet to pay directly on the bus.

Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis are readily available and can be found at designated ranks in the city centre or booked via phone, with Emu Bay Taxis being the primary local provider. Uber also operates within Burnie, offering a rideshare alternative that can be booked through the app, though it is often wise to book ahead during peak cruise ship days to avoid longer wait times.

Use a Greencard for discounted fares on Metro Tasmania buses, or pay with cash if you only need a single trip; note that contactless credit cards are not currently accepted on the bus network.

Tasmania has exceptionally strict biosecurity laws; you must not take any fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, or honey off the ship, and you must ensure your footwear is clean of soil if you have visited farms or wilderness areas.

Tipping is not expected in Australia as service is included in the price, and all displayed prices already include the 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The Must-Dos

Visit the Maker’s Workshop to see local artisans at work and participate in a paper-making tour at the Creative Paper Tasmania mill, located right on the waterfront.

Take a short 10-minute taxi ride to the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden to wander through 11 hectares of stunning landscaped gardens featuring exotic plants and tranquil lakes.

Sample world-class Tasmanian cheeses at the Lion Cheese Heritage Centre, where you can learn about the region’s dairy history and enjoy a tasting platter.

Best Free/Low-Cost Activity

Walk along the scenic Boardwalk towards West Beach to spot the local colony of Little Penguins; during the day, you can learn about them from the educational displays at the Penguin Observation Centre.

Explore the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, which features a rotating schedule of impressive national and local exhibitions with free entry for visitors.

Stroll through Burnie Park, the city’s oldest park, to see the multi-tiered waterfall and the historic chicory kiln.

Local Hidden Gem

Explore the Guide Falls, located just a 15-minute drive from the port; these beautiful tiered waterfalls are easily accessible and far less crowded than the major tourist sites.

Visit the Hellyers Road Distillery for a “Whisky Walk” tour to see how some of Australia’s finest single malt whisky is distilled and matured right in Burnie.

Browse the eclectic treasures at the many second-hand bookshops and antique stores tucked away in the CBD laneways, away from the main cruise terminal crowds.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Burnie cruise terminal building for the convenience of passengers and crew. For those heading into the city, additional free and reliable Wi-Fi can be found at the Burnie Discovery Hub, the Burnie Arts Centre, and the Burnie Library located at 30 Alexander Street. Several local businesses also offer free internet access, including the Burnie Beach Cafe, the Burnie Surf Club, and the Burnie Yacht Club.

For ships docking at the Burnie Cruise Terminal, the closest major supermarket is Coles Burnie, located at 26 Mount Street, which is approximately a 10 to 12-minute walk (800m) from the terminal. For a larger selection, Woolworths Burnie is located at 5 Wilmot Street, also about a 12-minute walk away. Both are easily accessible by walking through the flat CBD area.

The most convenient pharmacies are located within the same central area. Pharmacy 4 Less and Burnie Plaza Pharmacy are both situated on Mount Street (about a 10-minute walk), while Complete Care Pharmacy on Wilson Street offers extended hours and is roughly 15 minutes away on foot. For those who prefer not to walk, a quick 2-minute taxi ride from the terminal rank will drop you at the entrance of these stores.