About this tour
A 5-hour shore excursion from Burnie designed for cruise passengers, combining wildlife encounters at Wings Wildlife Park—home to Tasmanian Devils—with a coastal drive and stops at Penguin's iconic Big Penguin statue and Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens. You'll also receive an exclusive Convict Buff keepsake tied to Tasmania's convict history, making this more than a standard wildlife tour.
Highlights
- One hour at Wings Wildlife Park viewing Tasmanian Devils and native animals
- Photo stop at Penguin's famous Big Penguin statue on the coast
- Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens with chance to spot wild platypus
- Scenic inland and coastal driving through rural Tasmania
- Exclusive Convict Buff keepsake included with every ticket
- All entrance fees covered; no hidden costs at attractions
- Operates on tight schedule suited to cruise ship timetables
What to expect
You'll depart Burnie and head inland for roughly an hour's drive to Wings Wildlife Park, where you spend a full hour on the grounds viewing enclosures and learning about Tasmanian fauna. The group then returns toward the coast, stopping briefly in the seaside town of Penguin for photos at the Big Penguin landmark. From there, you'll visit Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens—a landscaped garden where platypus sometimes appear in the waterways. Throughout, there are periods of seated travel between stops.
The tour wraps at Burnie, timed to align with cruise ship schedules. You'll receive your Convict Buff—a commemorative item—early or at the end of the tour. The full outing, including travel, runs 5 hours 15 minutes.
What travellers say
- Hassle-free for cruise passengers—timed to ship schedules
- Two major attractions included with entrance fees covered
- Mix of wildlife, quirky landmarks, and gardens in one trip
- Suitable for all fitness levels and families with young children
- Exclusive keepsake adds personal touch to experience
- Platypus sightings in gardens are not guaranteed
- Limited time at each stop due to 5-hour overall schedule
- Rhododendron gardens vary significantly by season
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works best for cruise passengers with a short window in port and those keen on wildlife and quirky roadside attractions without the stress of self-drive navigation. All fitness levels are welcome; there's no strenuous hiking. Prams and strollers are accommodated. Be aware that platypus sightings are never guaranteed—they're wild animals. The rhododendron gardens are seasonal, so flowering and layout vary by time of year. Alcohol is available only to guests over 18. Entrance fees to both attractions are included; no surprise costs. Tour typically operates as a small group, though exact numbers vary.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.