Port information & tips for Burnie (Tasmania)
Burnie is the charming gateway to Tasmania's wild northwest coast, boasting a successful blend of industrial heritage and pristine nature. Idyllically situated on Emu Bay, the city welcomes visitors with a warm atmosphere and, thanks to its lush vegetation, offers an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the picturesque Burnie Park with its waterfalls, the Little Penguin Observation Centre at West Beach, and the renowned Hellyers Road Distillery. Cruise ships dock at the McGaw Pier in the Port of Burnie, from where complimentary shuttle buses transport guests directly to the Burnie Discovery Hub and the bustling city center in just a few minutes.
Burnie on Tasmania is a charming destination on the northwest coast and, thanks to its central location, easily accessible. The cruise port is an active seaport, which is why guests can take free shuttle buses directly from the ship to the nearby city center to explore Burnie's amenities and attractions.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling to Tasmania by plane is the most common choice. Burnie-Wynyard Airport (BWT) is located only about 20 kilometers west of the port and offers daily flights, for example from Melbourne. Alternatively, Devonport Airport (DPO) is around 50 to 60 kilometers away and Launceston Airport (LST) is about 150 to 160 kilometers away, both offering a larger selection of domestic Australian flight connections. From all airports, it is recommended to book transfers in advance, as local taxis can be limited.
Car
The Port of Burnie is easily accessible by car thanks to its direct connection to the Bass Highway. Various parking options are available at the port for cruise guests: the Long-Term Cruise Lot offers secure long-term parking just 200 meters from the terminal, while the Premium Terminal Parking provides covered parking spaces directly at the passenger loading zone. In addition, the Marine Terrace Multi-Storey Car Park in the city center offers over 650 parking spaces, where prepaid cards can also be used.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel before embarking in Burnie is highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise and provides an opportunity to adjust to the time difference. In Burnie, you will find a good selection of centrally located hotels and motels, such as the Burnie Central Townhouse Hotel, the Ikon Hotel, or the Beachfront Voyager Motor Inn, which are often within walking distance of the city center and the waterfront.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for travel to the port, keeping in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Burnie on Tasmania is a charming destination on the northwest coast and, thanks to its central location, easily accessible. The cruise port is an active seaport, which is why guests can take free shuttle buses directly from the ship to the nearby city center to explore Burnie's amenities and attractions.
Airplane
For guests from the DACH region, traveling to Tasmania by plane is the most common choice. Burnie-Wynyard Airport (BWT) is located only about 20 kilometers west of the port and offers daily flights, for example from Melbourne. Alternatively, Devonport Airport (DPO) is around 50 to 60 kilometers away and Launceston Airport (LST) is about 150 to 160 kilometers away, both offering a larger selection of domestic Australian flight connections. From all airports, it is recommended to book transfers in advance, as local taxis can be limited.
Car
The Port of Burnie is easily accessible by car thanks to its direct connection to the Bass Highway. Various parking options are available at the port for cruise guests: the Long-Term Cruise Lot offers secure long-term parking just 200 meters from the terminal, while the Premium Terminal Parking provides covered parking spaces directly at the passenger loading zone. In addition, the Marine Terrace Multi-Storey Car Park in the city center offers over 650 parking spaces, where prepaid cards can also be used.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey from the DACH region, an overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel before embarking in Burnie is highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to your cruise and provides an opportunity to adjust to the time difference. In Burnie, you will find a good selection of centrally located hotels and motels, such as the Burnie Central Townhouse Hotel, the Ikon Hotel, or the Beachfront Voyager Motor Inn, which are often within walking distance of the city center and the waterfront.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for travel to the port, keeping in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Burnie welcomes cruise passengers to a bustling industrial port, which, thanks to an excellently organized shuttle system, offers a convenient connection directly into the heart of the city.
Complimentary Shuttle Bus
As the port is an active working site, a regular and complimentary shuttle service is available for all guests. The buses take you in just a few minutes directly to the Burnie Discovery Hub at the Makers’ Workshop or to the picturesque waterfront in the city center.
On Foot
Burnie's downtown area is compact and can be easily explored on foot after arriving via the shuttle bus. A walk along the coastal promenade also leads you directly to the Little Penguin Observation Centre and the city's inviting parks.
Taxi and Metro Buses
Official taxis can be found directly in the port area as well as at the central shuttle stops for individual excursions into the surrounding region. At the same time, local public buses from Metro Tasmania enable straightforward onward travel to neighboring coastal towns such as Somerset or Wynyard.
To make the most of your stay in Burnie, we recommend a combination of the vibrant coastal atmosphere and the excellent culinary and botanical treasures of the immediate surroundings.
Burnie City Centre & West Beach
The city center invites you to stroll through its charming shops and borders directly on the extensive West Beach, which, thanks to its well-maintained promenade, is ideal for a relaxing walk with a wide view of the Bass Strait.
Hellyers Road Distillery
This award-winning distillery offers fascinating insights into the production of world-class Tasmanian single malt and, thanks to its location above the city, is a perfect destination for connoisseurs of high-quality spirits and local delicacies.
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
The extensive gardens present a globally unique collection of colorful plants while providing a peaceful backdrop for nature observations, which is easily accessible for all cruise guests thanks to a short travel time.
Boat Harbour Beach
The gorgeous Boat Harbour Beach is located about a thirty-minute drive north of the port and delights visitors with its brilliant white sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water. This protected bay is perfect for an exclusive day of relaxation and also offers an excellent infrastructure with a charming beach café and clean sanitary facilities. Thanks to the picturesque backdrop of green hills and colorful gardens, you can fully enjoy one of Tasmania's most beautiful coastal landscapes. Ideally, start your excursion right in the morning to enjoy the idyllic peace by the water, and plan your relaxed return trip to the port no later than ninety minutes before departure.
The return journey to the Port of Burnie is extremely safe and time-saving thanks to the well-organized infrastructure and short distances in the city center.
Free Shuttle Buses
The city of Burnie provides a regular shuttle service for cruise guests, bringing you comfortably from the Makers' Workshop or the central information center on Marine Terrace directly back to the ship. This service is the safest choice for the return journey, as direct pedestrian access to the industrial port area is restricted for safety reasons and the buses take you directly to the gangway.
Taxi
You can easily find taxis at the central taxi ranks in Wilson Street as well as directly in front of the well-known cafes in the city center. Thanks to the short distance to the port gate, you will reach your terminal within a few minutes and also enjoy the peace of mind of being back at the secure check-in punctually before departure.
Orientation and Walking Route
Orientation is easy thanks to the clear layout of the coastal city, as the prominent ships are usually clearly visible from the beach promenade. You can take a relaxed stroll along the coast back to the meeting point for the shuttle buses at the edge of the port, where friendly local volunteers in their bright vests are happy to show you the way at any time.
