Situated on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Burnie is the fourth largest city in the state! The major industrial centre is built on the banks of Emu Bay and is home to one of the largest ports in Australia. Positioned just an hour and half drive from Cradle Mountain and Stanley and only an hour from the Wild West Coast, Burnie is the perfect base for tourists exploring these areas.

Burnie is known for its remarkable contrasts of land and seascapes along the north-west coastline and hinterland and offers spectacular views, 360 degrees wide. While staying in Burnie, you really are at the centre of everything! From wherever you are based, you are only a short drive away from your choice of beaches, rainforests, lakes and peaks of high country. But before you venture out into this spectacular wilderness, it is worth exploring what the city centre of Burnie has to offer.

The history and heritage of Burnie are eminent in the abundance of historical sights around the city. The Historic Burnie Inn is the only building remaining from the pre-1870 period, and depicts what the style of the town in those days was like. For an even more comprehensive experience of this, visit the Pioneer Village Museum. This museum is home to the famous indoor street, a village designed to interpret the atmosphere of the period between 1890 and 1910. The quaint exhibition paints a brilliant picture, which allows your mind to run wild with thoughts and feelings about this era in Australian history.

The Burnie Regional Gallery displays great exhibitions of local art, which further demonstrates the abundance of history and culture in Burnie.

Venture outside and explore the coastline west of Burnie, from the cliff-top Tulip and Poppy Farms at Table Cape, a short drive from the city centre. From here you will be able to view the Boat Harbour or walk along the Sister's Gallery, which is home to a natural birdlife park.

Taking a short drive from the coastline towards Stanley, you will come across Tasmania's smallest national park at Rocky Cape. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a packed picnic lunch and explore the natural flora and fauna of the area. Visiting the Guide Falls on the West Ridgley, also offers a breathtaking experience, with the natural wonder of the falls leaving visitors in awe.

Interact with cute, little penguins at the Little Penguin Observation Centre. This is a unique experience that is sure to please the kids and those young at heart too. The Annsleigh Gardens and Tea Room are also sure to please, especially the adults! Relax and take in the stunning garden settings, while enjoying Devonshire tea and a well-deserved break from the kids, as they run around and explore the twists and turns of these fantastic gardens.

Although Burnie offers a rich wealth of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, it also acts a base to explore the surrounding regions. Fun activities such as sea and trout fishing, surfing, scuba diving and horse riding are all well within day trips from Burnie. Their locations so close to the city centre make them ideal for a family day out!

While visiting Burnie, many venture out to the fishing village of Stanley. This historic town is not only known for its great fishing spots, but also its multitudes of locally made arts and crafts, which are evident in the local art and craft galleries. The historic town sits on the top of the peninsula that juts into Bass Strait in far north-western Tasmania. The most notable landmark here is 'The Nut', an ancient flat-topped rock that is a centrepiece of the spectacular coastline. You can actually climb this natural wonder, via a chairlift from Brown's Road. This is guaranteed to offer an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.

Enjoy your stay in Burnie by choosing from the wide range of accommodation options on offer. Burnie offers apartment style accommodation, along with beach hotels, holiday inns and more traditional, cottage retreats and bed & breakfasts. Whichever style you prefer, Burnie is sure to offer something to suit every budget.

Burnie's historic ambiance, welcoming feel and spectacular surrounds make your holiday here a rememberable experience. Exploring the natural and cosmopolitan features of this Tasmanian hideaway is definitely a must do when visiting this great Australian state!

Christine Barton