You’ll ride inland from Burnie with a local guide, spot Tasmanian devils and kangaroos up close at Wings Wildlife Park, taste local flavors at their café, and pass through quirky Penguin village on your return. With easy shuttle pickup and drop-off right by your ship, it’s a relaxed way to meet Tasmania’s wildlife — and maybe take home a story or two you’ll remember long after.
I didn’t expect the drive out of Burnie to feel so different from the port — one minute you’re dodging cruise crowds, next you’re watching mist lift off green hills through the shuttle window. Our driver, Mark, pointed out a few odd-looking trees (I forgot the name already) and told us about the little town called Penguin. Yes, really. We passed it on the way back and I saw someone in a penguin costume waving at cars. Not sure if that’s normal or just my lucky day.
At Wings Wildlife Park, you get dropped right at the entrance — no fussing with tickets or lines. The air smelled like eucalyptus and something sweet I couldn’t place. There’s this low hum from all the birds and kids running around. I wandered over to see the Tasmanian devils first (they’re smaller than I thought), and one of the staff explained how they rescue injured ones from the wild. She had this way of talking that made you want to listen — not like a lecture, just real stories about what happens here.
I tried a wallaby pie at the café because when else am I going to do that? It was actually good — kind of peppery, flaky pastry. The parrots near the outdoor tables were loud enough to drown out my thoughts for a second. Two hours went fast; I barely had time to poke around the souvenir shop before we piled back onto the shuttle. On the ride back along Leven River, everything felt slower — maybe it was just me thinking about those devils and how much work goes into keeping them safe. Anyway, if you want a day trip from Burnie that’s easy but feels like you’ve seen something real, this is it.
The total duration includes travel time; you get 2 hours at Wings Wildlife Park itself.
Yes, shuttle pickup and return transport are included in this tour.
Yes, Tasmanian devils are one of the main animals featured at Wings Wildlife Park.
Yes, there is an on-site café serving Tasmanian delicacies such as wallaby pie.
No, entry fees are included in your tour booking.
Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
The park visit is self-guided but staff are available for questions and information.
The schedule is designed so you return in time for your ship’s departure from Burnie port.
Your day includes round-trip shuttle transport from Burnie port with a friendly driver-guide who shares local stories along the way; entry fees to Wings Wildlife Park; two hours inside to explore at your own pace; plus time for lunch or snacks at their café before heading back along scenic routes past Penguin village toward your ship.
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