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Creating artwork
Image credit: business North West

Shopping and Markets

Burnie Artscade

Members of the Renew Burnie program have utilised empty shop spaces to create one-off, creative shop spaces in an inner city arcade. Part of the Renew Australia program, these local artisans and creatives are doing what they do best- creating unique local pieces, inspired by Burnie and beyond. Get up close and personal with the creatives to see them at work. Opening times vary according to the individual shop sites.

Burnie TAS

0.4 km away

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Burnie Regional Museum
Image credit: Burnie City Council

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Federation Street at Burnie Regional Museum

Wander the charming Federation Street and see how ordinary people lived more than 100 years ago. Discover the lifestyles and aspirations of our forebears through rooms that are alive with personal treasures, memorabilia and tools of the trade. It is easy to get lost in the charm and detail of the general store or be relieved that, as far as kitchen and laundry appliances go, things have moved on! And in the Early Burnie exhibition, explore Burnie's beginnings as a privately owned enterprise and follow its progress through the 19th century. Learn about early exploration and the exploits of the Van Diemen's Land Company; life in the region for early settlers; and the events which led to Burnie's first economic boom at the turn of the 20th century. Check the website for up to date exhibition information.

Burnie TAS

0.5 km away

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Burnie Arts Centre
Image credit: Burnie City Council

Entertainment Venues

Burnie Arts Centre

The new Burnie Arts Centre is a newly reimagined fully integrated multi-platform arts centre offering an annual program of performing arts, functions, changing exhibitions and historic displays. Visit Burnie Arts Centre to experience permanent and temporary displays offering an intriguing pathway between the past and present. They invite visitors to engage with the layered histories, unique individuals, incredible industrial endeavours and notable events that have created the Burnie we know today. Through objects and images drawn from the extensive collections, they offer a range of special interpretations featuring First Nations stories of the North West to Burnie's role as port and pulp mill. With a cafe and arts retail to be added in 2026, Burnie Arts Centre will become the must-visit cultural destination on the North Coast of Tasmania.

Burnie TAS

0.5 km away

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Burnie Pulp Paper Trail
Image credit: Burnie City Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Burnie Pulp Paper Trail

The Pulp Paper Trail makes up part of the Coastal Pathway on the foreshore at South Burnie and tracks opposite the remains of Burnie's historic paper mill. This interpretive walk takes you on a journey through storytelling and imagery as you take a short walk alongside the foreshore on a track of "unrolled paper". The Pulp Paper Trail, designed to honour the men and women who worked at Burnie's pulp and paper mill between 1937 and 2010.

Burnie TAS

1.1 km away

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Little Penguin's in burrow

Natural Attractions

Visit the Little Penguins

Join Friends of Burnie Penguins volunteers for a free interpretative guided tour of the Little Fairy Penguin colony. See penguins up close for an intimate view into the seasonal life of penguin families, from courtship through to chick rearing and adults molting. The colony is located along the foreshore in Burnie a very short distance from the city centre. You can walk to the Penguin Observation Centre along the boardwalk from your hotel, or park in the area behind the University of Tasmania - Makers Workshop. The viewing area is level with wheelchair access and is child friendly. Knowledgeable volunteer guides talk to you about the penguins, answer questions and help you view and photograph - without flashes! the little penguins as they go about their normal activities. You will find the guides at the Burnie Penguin Observation Centre at dusk as the penguins come ashore, nightly from October 1st until March 31st, regardless of the weather. The Little Penguins might be cosy in their snug feathers, but humans do need to be warmly wrapped as our viewing area is exposed to the weather, fair or foul.

Burnie TAS

1.2 km away

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Fern Glade Reserve
Image credit: Burnie City Council

Natural Attractions

Fern Glade Reserve

Fern Glade Reserve is just under 4 km from the city centre. It offers long walks along the banks of the Emu River and the chance to see a range of animals in their natural environment including platypus surfacing. The Reserve which is part of the 60 Great Short Walks for Tasmania, also offers barbecue and picnic facilities and toilets, which can be accessed by vehicles at the main entrance or from a second entrance 0.5km further up the river (Closed dusk to dawn).

Stowport TAS

3.1 km away

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Lake Grebe Flowers
Image credit: Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden

Parks and Gardens

Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden

Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is a remarkable private garden with a 40+ year history, built and operated by volunteers in the northwest of Tasmania. The 11-hectare property is located just 8km south of Burnie off the Ridgley Highway, and features over 24,000 select rhododendrons and companion plants from around the world. A spectacular display of blooms can be seen between late August and November, and striking Autumn foliage colours from March to May. The tranquillity of this lush environment can be enjoyed year-round, with three pristine mirror-like lakes and expansive views from the strategically placed pavilions. The birdsong from diverse bird life and encounters with native fauna such as platypus and echidna are another unique aspect. In addition to the unique hybrid rhododendrons cultivated by the members, they conserve many wild species of rhododendrons growing in geographically defined areas of the garden, which reflect the plant's origins - from Asia, across the Himalayas to China, Japan and North America. The newly renovated Licensed Cafe provides meals and refreshments, with BYO picnics being welcome.

Burnie TAS

4.9 km away

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Guide Falls is the most accessible waterfall in the Burnie hinterland
Image credit: Burnie City Council

Natural Attractions

Guide Falls

A 20 minute drive into the hinterland from Burnie's CBD, Guide Falls is an easy 10 minute walk following the rivulet for 300 metres to the base of the waterfall. Climb the stairway (steep grade) to a top viewing platform for a birds-eye view of the falls. Additional parking is available at the top of the waterfall ensuring easy access for all. Guide Falls flows year round but is most spectacular in winter and spring.

Ridgley TAS

14 km away

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New Track at Ferndene

Natural Attractions

Dial Range - Ferndene Track

In the late 1800s, various high value minerals were found in the area surrounding Penguin. This soon led to mining leases across this part of the coast and into what is now Ferndene State Reserve. Today, Ferndene provides a beautiful picnic area and the opportunity to explore the mining history in this area. Follow this enchanting short walk through the towering tree ferns and meandering creeks until you reach Brownings and Thorsbys Tunnels. These tunnels were used to mine a variety of minerals including silver and copper. Viability of the operations was questioned and eventually the operations ceased. ​ While walking, enjoy the sound of the burbling creek below you and watch the woodland birds flitting through the trees. You may be lucky and see a wallaby hiding amongst the ferns in the dappled sunlight. The track climbs approximately 30m elevation over a distance of 750m.

Penguin TAS

15 km away

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Penguin General Cemetery View

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Penguin General Cemetery

Voices in the wind, the stunning sunrise views over the Bass Strait, welcome to the heritage-listed Penguin General Cemetery, located along Main Street a kilometre west of the Post Office. At rest here are Bounty immigrants from the 1850s, returned soldiers from as far back as the Boer War, many of Penguin's former notables, as well as the odd ex-convict. Penguin General Cemetery dates from the 1860s; closing in 1977 it was heritage-listed in 2007 leaving behind many a Penguin General Cemetery mystery. Where will these stories take you? Who is the 'John Doe', buried 7 January 1915? Could he be Jeremiah or Michael Clifford, an Irishman in his 40s? The search for his identity continues. Penguin General Cemetery has more than eighteen hundred burials. Burial records for which there were no bodies, burials for which the locations have been misplaced. Honouring bygone lives ensures the survival of the community's heritage. Dignifying seven early 1900 pioneers, with individual gravestones, typifies Penguin community's respect for its heritage. Yet more can be done. In passing, every person leaves footprints, their stories to be found and voiced. A treasure-trove of history, information and lives gone await the curious, with much research readily available.

Penguin TAS

15 km away

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Penguin's heritage Uniting Church
Image credit: Central Coast Council

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Penguin Heritage Trail

For those interested in heritage, this web-based trail offers a complete and detailed account of Heritage Tasmania's listing of 26 sites. Rack cards promoting the trail are available at the Information Centre or you can simply access the Penguin Heritage Trail online. The site includes all original Heritage Tasmania's listing documents as well as a wide variety of tourist attractions in and around Penguin. For those keen to explore the foreshore and CBD, it is suggested you download the 'Ambling among Penguin's charms' app covering 28 of the attractions including many of the heritage listings. A storytelling self-guided audio walking tour told by locals. Its QR code plaques are scattered around the CBD.

Penguin TAS

15 km away

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Penguin Skate Park
Image credit: Central Coast council

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Penguin Skate Park

A small Skate Park that gives loads of enjoyment for everyone. Situated on the western side of the main township, as part of the Johnsons Beach Precinct, this little skate park has a half pipe with decks, various wedge ramps with rails and a hubba. A small Basketball hoop setup is beside.

Penguin TAS

15 km away

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Crystal Mantle

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Crystal Mantle

Crystal Mantle is a boutique crystal store located in the beautiful seaside town of Penguin, Tasmania. With a background in geology and opal cutting, Crystal Mantle specialises in unique, quality crystals, minerals and artisan jewellery, which is handmade in store. There is an extensive range of minerals on display, including beautiful examples of Crocoite, which is the Tasmanian Mineral Emblem.

Penguin TAS

15 km away

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The Big Penguin

Landmarks and Buildings

The Big Penguin

The Big Penguin on the Penguin foreshore is iconic to the seaside town. The ferro cement penguin was erected on October 25, 1875, to commemorate the centenary of the proclamation of the town of Penguin. The penguin which stands 3 metres high is very photogenic with the Bass Strait shimmering behind.

Penguin TAS

15 km away

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Lovely homewares and gifts in The Sea Merchant Penguin. Visually stunning homewares and gifts Beachy
Image credit: The Sea Merchant

Shopping and Markets

The Sea Merchant

The Sea Merchant is a proud small Tassie business based in the heart of Penguin. Filled with beautiful homewares, gifts, plants, flowers, jewellery, accessories and so much more! They love supporting local Tasmanian artisans and producers, so we stock a huge range of Tasmanian-made products. The gorgeous store in Penguin is a must-visit destination! Add this store to your road trip. The Sea Merchant is a delightful store, and you will always find a gift for that special person or a treasure to take home with you.

Penguin TAS

16 km away

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Mount Dial Walk
Image credit: Joint copyright - PWS and photographer Luke O'Brien

Natural Attractions

Mount Dial Walk

Mount Dial Walk is a walk in the Dial Range Reserves. 4-5 hours return, 8.2km. Grade 3. Mount Dial is located towards the centre of the Dial Range. A network of walking tracks offer multiple possible routes, depending on available time and walking experience. See the impact of past bushfires in this region, by the affects on the vegetation growth and look for hollows amongst the trees that provide habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals. Follow the ridgeline to explore the geology that is derived mostly from Duncan conglomerate. Search for orchids along the track at higher elevation, as you approach the summit. A picnic shelter and public facilities can be found in the Ferndene State Reserve. Follow the link to the website for more information about the walking options. Please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for up-to-date information about this walk, alerts, closures, safe walking guidelines, leave no trace principles and National Park entry fees where applicable.

Penguin TAS

16 km away

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Mount Montgomery
Image credit: PWS copyright

Natural Attractions

Mount Montgomery

Mount Montgomery is a walk in the Dial Range Reserves. 2 hours return, 5km return. Grade 3. The Dial Range is a distinctive feature of the landscape around the central north-west coast, consisting of multiple peaks with walking tracks. The summit of Mount Montgomery provides stunning views over the towns of Ulverstone, Penguin and acro​ss the broader coastline. It is unusual to have easy access to a mountain peak that provides such spectacular views over a large stretch of Tasmanian coastline. Meander through the dry eucalypt woodland, following Myrtle Creek. This creek bed varies throughout the year from completely dry through to a rushing river, with small waterfalls cascading down the surrounding rock formations. Explore different vegetation as the track continues to climb up to the summit at an elevation of 471m. Along the track you'll be able to see various orchids, fungi and wildlife. Be aware of mountain bikes in this area; all tracks are signposted as to whether they are for walking, bike riding or shared use. This track climbs approximately 330m in elevation over a distance of 2.5km. This route is approximately 1.5 hours return.​ Please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for up-to-date information about this walk, alerts, closures, safe walking guidelines, leave no trace principles and National Park entry fees where applicable.

Penguin TAS

16 km away

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Richard Gutteridge Gardens

Parks and Gardens

Richard Gutteridge Gardens

A great place to relax, recharge and rejuvenate, Richard Gutteridge Gardens is a beautifully maintained and picturesque open garden set alongside the Inglis River, incorporating the Wynyard Wharf area. The Gardens are the starting point for many gentle walking tracks that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities, including over 8km along the River Walk. The Gardens also connect onto the Coastal Pathway which you can walk, run and cycle along. Seating areas along the garden's foreshore are great places to pause and reflect while the wharf area includes a recreational pontoon - perfect for fishing when the tide is right.

Wynyard TAS

17 km away

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Inkspot Bookshop in Wynyard, Tasmania

Shopping and Markets

Inkspot Bookshop

Inkspot Bookshop is Tasmania's most north-westerly bookstore. Carefully curated by mother-son duo Judi and Isaac, explore a selection of new and old books, particularly specialising in fantasy, mysteries, romance, historical fiction, children's books and Tasmanian authors, as well as select interior design, art, history and nature books. Take your time browsing, cozy up in a chair, and enjoy the ambience. A hidden gem that is easy to miss but a must-visit for book lovers, find Inkspot Bookshop just up the lane off Goldie Street. Just twenty minutes from Burnie. Free parking is available nearby.

Wynyard TAS

17 km away

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Lemon Tree Providore
Image credit: Lemon Tree Providore

Shopping and Markets

Lemon Tree Providore

Lemon Tree Providore's owners, mother and son team Judi and Isaac, curate a collection of unique things in their historic storefront on the high street of the seaside town of Wynyard. Founded in 2012, The Providore embraces the spirit of the northwest of Tasmania - a wild place that is different from anywhere else in the world. Every corner of the shop has something fascinating to discover with a dash of whimsy mixed in. Sometimes, it's hard to describe what they do, but the uniting theme is products that delight the senses and emotions. They particularly specialise in high-quality homewares, local artisan goods, stationery and Tasmanian food and victuals. They also serve award-winning Tasmanian-made ice cream from Van Diemen's Land Creamery.

Wynyard TAS

17 km away

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Ransley Veteran Car Collection & Exhibition Centre

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ransley Veteran Car Collection & Exhibition Centre

Winner of the Gold medal at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards and Silver medalists in 2019, the Wonders of Wynyard Exhibition and Visitor Information Centre is a must-see destination on your Tassie travels. Home to the world-class Ransley Veteran Car Collection, with over 14 vehicles including the equal oldest Ford in the world - the 1903 Model A. The collection has been lovingly restored and is an outstanding showcase of Australian motoring history. Visitors can also immerse themselves in local heritage, including stories detailing the fascinating history and unique geological landmarks of the region. The Wonders of Wynyard's art gallery exhibits local creative works, and our gift shop is also packed full of locally made products - the perfect place to purchase a special memento of your holiday. We all know the best way to get to know a place is by asking a local, and visitors to the Wonders of Wynyard can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome. Conveniently located in the centre of town, behind Woolworths with free Wi-Fi, book swap, clean toilets (with fresh flowers), and long-bay parking, the Wonders of Wynyard is the perfect place to discover the stories behind the scenery.

Wynyard TAS

17 km away

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Inglis River Walkway
Image credit: Waratah Wynyard Council

Natural Attractions

Inglis River Walk

Follow the Inglis River through the heart of Wynyard on this easy-going riverside walk. The track winds from the town centre towards the coast, with plenty of opportunities to slow down, watch the boats, spot birdlife and take in the changing moods of the river. It's an easy way to see some of Wynyard's gardens, open green spaces and glimpses of the river along the way. Keep wandering and you'll reach Gutteridge Gardens, a lovely spot to stop and take a breath of the fresh North West Tassie air, before continuing towards the waterfront and the mouth of the Inglis River. Come for a stroll, a bit of fresh air or simply an excuse to stretch your legs after a day on the road. And if you're visiting in spring, the colourful blooms around Wynyard make an already pretty walk even better. It's the sort of walk where there's no need to rush. Take your time, follow the river and see where it leads.

Wynyard TAS

17 km away

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On top of Table Cape
Image credit: Mason Doherty

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Table Cape Sound Walk

Permission to Trespass the walk between the Table Cape Lookout and the lighthouse with a self-guided geo-location triggered sound walk. Opening for the inaugural Permission to Trespass event. Renowned Tasmanian sound artist, Rachel Meyers, composer and musician, has a passion for listening deeply to the land has produced a field recording allowing you to listen to the sounds of this ancient geological structure in ways that are usually beyond the human experience. Rachel has combined these "listenings" of Table Cape and its surroundings with original musical responses to create a soundscape composition specially designed to be experienced as a multi-sensory walk taking in the views, flora and fauna of Table Cape. QR codes are available at the lookout or visit the website to find the App store.

Table Cape TAS

19 km away

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Table Cape Lookout view
Image credit: Jess Bonde

Natural Attractions

Table Cape Lookout

Take in some striking coastal views from Table Cape Lookout, perched high above the Bass Strait near Wynyard. From the clifftop, you can look out across the water, along the rugged coastline and back towards the North West, with the landscape stretching out in every direction. Table Cape is the remains of an ancient volcanic plug, and its dramatic cliffs are a pretty spectacular reminder of the forces that shaped this part of Tasmania. On a clear day, the views are hard to beat, while migrating whales can sometimes be spotted making their way along the coast. But don't write it off when the weather turns. Dark skies, strong winds and waves crashing against the cliffs can make the cape even more impressive, giving you a front-row seat to the wild side of the North West. Spring brings another reason to visit, when the nearby tulip fields add a splash of colour to the landscape. But even outside tulip season, there's something special about standing at the edge of the cape with nothing but sea and sky ahead of you. Bring your camera, take a wander and give yourself a few minutes to simply stand and take it all in.

Table Cape TAS

19 km away

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