Burnie Travel Guide
City City in Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania’s northwest port of Burnie offers a tidy waterfront, seafood stalls and a maritime museum; coastal walks, Table Cape tulip fields and short drives to rugged headlands keep outdoor and food-minded visitors engaged.
Why Visit Burnie? #
A Tasmanian coastal port, Burnie is a gateway to the rugged northwest with a strong maritime character and access to wild landscapes. Emu Bay Beach and the harborfront make for easy seaside strolls, local seafood dominates menus, and nearby drives lead to the Tarkine rainforest and coastal lookout points. Cultural spots like the Burnie Regional Museum and makers’ markets add artisan craft and local history to the coastal experience.
Top Things to Do in Burnie
- Makers' Workshop and Burnie Regional Museum - Hands-on exhibits and local history displays covering Burnie's industrial and maritime past.
- Burnie Waterfront and Wharf - Harbourfront area with promenades, sculptures and seafood eateries overlooking Bass Strait.
- Guide Falls Reserve - Short drive to rainforest trails, waterfalls and picnic facilities in a cool forest setting.
- Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden - Extensive garden with seasonal blooms, walking paths and a peaceful horticultural setting.
- Hellyer Gorge Wallabies lookout - Forest gorge viewpoint where wallabies and native birds are often seen in the late afternoon.
- Secret Beach (Wivenhoe area) - Small, less-visited beach popular with locals for quiet swims and coastal walks.
- Cradle Mountain National Park - Drive inland to alpine trails, glacial lakes and wildlife habitats for a full-day adventure.
- Table Cape and Tulip Farm - Visit seasonal tulip displays, coastal clifftop views and the lighthouse at Table Cape.
Best Time to Visit Burnie #
Visit Burnie in summer (December-February) for the warmest, sunniest weather and coastal walks. Winters are cool, windy and wet, limiting beach time.
Best Time to Visit Burnie #
Burnie's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1006 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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How to Get to Burnie
Burnie is a regional Tasmanian port town best reached by road from nearby airports (regional flights) or by coach from other Tasmanian cities. Renting a car gives the most flexibility for exploring the northwest coast.
Burnie/Wynyard region (regional airports): The wider North‑West Tasmania region is served by small regional airports; Burnie Airport (also referred to locally) and nearby Wynyard/Devonport are the main access points for the area. Flights into Launceston (LST) are another option, with a longer drive to Burnie. From these airports expect a 30-90 minute road transfer to Burnie depending on origin; car hire or regional shuttle/taxi connections are typical options.
Major interstate flights: Hobart and Melbourne connect by air to Tasmania; if flying mainland-Tasmania first, transfer via Hobart or Launceston then use a domestic flight or road transfer to Burnie.
Train: There is no long-distance national passenger rail service on Tasmania comparable to mainland Australia; rail freight lines exist but passenger rail is not a regular option.
Bus / coach: Long-distance coaches and local buses connect Burnie with other Tasmanian centres (e.g., Devonport, Launceston, Hobart). Regional coach journeys take longer than driving but are a practical option if you prefer not to rent a car; times vary by route (approx. 1-4 hours depending on origin).
How to Get Around Burnie #
Burnie’s CBD is compact and easy to walk, with many shops, cafés and the waterfront close together. Metro-style transit isn’t present; the local bus network covers the city and surrounding suburbs, while cars and taxis are commonly used for longer journeys. If you plan to explore the north-west Tasmanian coast, a rental car is the most convenient option. Local bus fares are modest; check the Tasmanian transit website for timetables and passes.
Where to Stay in Burnie #
- Hotel Burnie - Historic central hotel, affordable rooms.
- Burnie Court Motel - Simple motel near the port.
- Wilds Coast Cottage (nearby) - Comfortable cottage-style stay.
- Villa Miel Boutique B&B - Cosy B&B near central Burnie.
- Regional luxury options (via listings) - Shortlist of higher-end properties.
- Private premium rentals (Airbnb) - Larger houses and premium stays.
Where to Eat in Burnie #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Burnie's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Burnie #
Nightlife in Burnie is low-key but serviceable: pubs, hotel bars and restaurants around the waterfront and main streets provide evening options. Live-music nights and community events appear regularly at local venues. For a wider late-night scene, Launceston or Hobart are the nearest cities with more varied offerings.
Shopping in Burnie #
Burnie has a practical retail centre: independent shops, a central shopping mall and supermarkets serve residents and visitors. Local arts and craft outlets offer Tasmanian-made products and souvenirs. For specialist outdoor gear or larger department stores, larger Tasmanian cities are a drive away.
- Burnie Plaza - Main indoor shopping centre in Burnie with national and local retailers.
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