The north-west coast of Tasmania is home to some beautiful countryside and some of the country’s most unique towns and campervan hire Tasmania are a popular option for exploring them. One of these is Burnie, a city that holds status as the fourth largest in the state. This major industrial centre is nestled on the banks of Emu Bay and is the resting places of one of Australia’s largest ports. Burnie also enjoys a unique position just an hour and half up the road from Cradle Mountain and Stanley, making it the perfect base for further exploration of these extraordinary areas.
The actual landscapes of Burnie are unique in rtheir own right as they offer remarkable contrasts between the land and the seascapes. The north-west coastline extends to the hinterland offering spectacular 360 degree views of this stunning area. Burnie truly is at the centre of everything because it is central to the area’s beautiful beaches, dense rainforests, spectacular lakes, majestic peaks and unique high country. But before you venture out into this extensive wilderness, you simply have to take some time to explore all that the city centre of Burnie has to offer.
Burnie’s history and heritage is most evident through the beautifully architectured buildings and historic sites that still remain in the main streets. The Historic Burnie Inn is the city’s only remaining pre-1870 period building, and it is a building that greatly depicts the days gone by of the town. The Pioneer Village Museum offers an even more comprehensive account of these times of the past, as it is home to a famous indoor street and a unique, man-made village that was designed to interpret the atmosphere of the period between 1890 and 1910. A truly brilliant picture of the past is painted here, allowing for your heart to be captured and your imaginations to run wild when it comes to this historic era of Australian history.
If you are an art lover, be sure to check out the Burnie Regional Gallery which offers some truly brilliant displays and exhibitions of local art. This gallery is another great example of the rich culture and history that is embedded in Burnie.
The coastline to the west of Burnie extends from the cliff-top Tulip and Poppy Farms at Table Cape, all the way to the city centre. From here you will be able to view the Boat Harbour or take a walk along the Sister’s Gallery, which is home to a natural birdlife park. Be sure to bring your camera for this one!
If you embark on the short drive from the coastline towards Stanley, you will eventually come across Tasmania’s smallest national park at Rocky Cape. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch with the family and then take some time to explore the natural flora and fauna of the area. Visit the Guide Falls on the West Ridgley, and you will be left breathless at their natural wonder and beauty; this is one that simply cannot be missed.
If you wish to take part in an interactive activity, while still staying in touch with the best of Mother Nature, visit the cute, little penguins at the Little Penguin Observation Centre. A visit here will be a unique one, guaranteed, as it is sure to please those both young, and young at heart. The Annsleigh Gardens and Tea Room are also extremely popular, especially the adults! They offer the perfect opportunity to sit down and relax, while absorbing stunning gardens and enjoying a delicious Devonshire tea. This is the life!
Although it may seem like there is enough to see and do in Burnie to last more than the length of your holiday, the outskirts and surrounding areas of the city will capture your eye’s attention as well. Explore the surrounding areas and you will discover fun activities such as sea and trout fishing, surfing, scuba diving and horse riding, that are all well within a day trip from Burnie. Idyllic locations so close to the city makes these fun adventure activities perfect for a fun family day out!
While in the Burnie region, a popular place many people visit is the little fishing village of Stanley. Although this town is most famous for its excellent fishing opportunities, it also offers a whole lot more as well. Great arts, crafts and culture also characterise this town, making it a hot spot for art lovers as well. These artists have been inspired by the town’s idyllic position on the Bass Strait in far north-western Tasmania, which offers a truly stunning surrounding landscape. 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.
There are plenty of places to stay here, with a wide range of accommodation options on offer. Burnie offers apartment style accommodation, along with countless 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 atmosphere 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!
