Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

Travelers visiting Tasmania via cruise often look for a way to connect with the island’s unique native animals without spending all day on a long tour. The Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion offers just that—a chance to see and interact with over 100 species of native and exotic animals in a well-designed, family-friendly setting. With a focus on conservation and education, this tour balances entertainment with meaningful wildlife encounters, making it a popular choice among cruise passengers.

What really draws us to this experience are three things: first, the opportunity to get up close with iconic animals like kangaroos and Tasmanian devils; second, the interactive presentations that make learning about wildlife fun and engaging; and third, the park’s stunning landscaped gardens that provide a peaceful setting for exploration. One thing to keep in mind is that some reviews mention the park’s small size, which may feel limiting for those expecting a larger zoo experience. Still, for a short shore stop, it offers genuine value and memorable moments. This tour suits families, animal lovers, and anyone wanting a taste of Tasmania’s wildlife without a lengthy commitment.

Good To Know

• Close animal encounters with kangaroos, wombats, koalas, and Tasmanian devils
• Educational and interactive presentations led by skilled handlers
• Beautiful landscaped gardens for leisurely walks
• Convenient meeting point at Burnie’s Makers Market
• Duration of 3 hours fits well into cruise schedules
• Wheelchair accessible and easy to reserve with flexible payment options

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An Authentic Wildlife Experience in Tasmania

The Wings Wildlife Park is a compact, thoughtfully designed zoo that puts Tasmania’s native animals front and center. It’s situated about a 40-50 minute scenic drive from Burnie’s city center, which means you’ll enjoy some lovely countryside views on the way. The journey is part of the experience, giving you a glimpse of Tasmania’s rural charm. The tour starts at the Burnie Attractions Desk in the Makers Market, where friendly staff will help you get settled before heading to the park.

The Drive and Arrival: A Scenic Prelude

Many reviews mention the drive as part of the journey—some found it a bit long, around 40-50 minutes, with no commentary or sightseeing stops along the way. If you’re a history or countryside enthusiast, you might wish for more storytelling during transit, but the views of Burnie’s rolling hills are still pleasant. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll be greeted by a lush garden setting that invites you to start exploring immediately.

The Park Layout and What You Can Expect

The park features winding paths through vibrant gardens filled with native and exotic plants, making the stroll itself quite relaxing. You’ll encounter a variety of animals roaming freely or housed in thoughtfully designed enclosures. The main attractions are the kangaroos, which are often hopping around and available for feeding, and the Koalas, which are a highlight for many visitors. One reviewer paid extra for a one-on-one koala experience, a clear sign of how special these moments can be.

Animal Encounters and Interactive Presentations

The core of the experience revolves around interactive wildlife presentations. Skilled handlers—like the enthusiastic guides praised in reviews—share insights into animal behavior and conservation efforts while allowing visitors to feed and touch the animals. Expect to see Tasmanian devils and wombats up close, which is a rare opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures.

One visitor from the US noted, “Love the interaction with the kangaroos,” emphasizing how natural and friendly the animals are, thanks to attentive staff. The presentations are scheduled throughout the day, making it easy to plan your visit around particular shows or encounters.

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Gardens and Relaxation Spots

The park’s beautiful landscaped gardens are perfect for a leisurely wander. You’ll find winding pathways, native plant beds, and cozy picnic spots to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Many visitors appreciate this peaceful environment, providing a break from the more active animal encounters.

Additional Activities and Conservation Focus

Beyond just seeing animals, Wings Wildlife Park has a strong emphasis on conservation and education. The park actively participates in breeding programs for threatened species, contributing to their survival. The education hub welcomes school groups and families alike, fostering awareness about wildlife protection—an aspect that adds depth to your visit.

If you’re hungry or want a break, the park has a cafe where you can buy snacks and drinks. One reviewer mentioned enjoying a cold beverage and snack before heading back to the ship, making this a convenient stop to relax.

The Practicalities: Booking, Transportation, and Value

Booking your tour is straightforward—reserve in advance via eguide.com.au with the option to pay later, which offers flexibility for cruise travelers. The tour lasts about 3 hours, fitting neatly into most shore excursion schedules. The meeting point at the Makers Market is easily accessible, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Pricing is reasonable considering the variety of experiences and animal encounters. While some reviews suggest the park’s small size might disappoint visitors expecting a larger zoo, many feel the value outweighs the limitation, especially since the encounter opportunities and guided presentations are included or available for a small extra fee.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This tour is perfect for families with children, animal enthusiasts, or travelers simply wanting a quick yet memorable wildlife fix. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in Australian native species like kangaroos, wombats, koalas, and Tasmanian devils. The interactive nature makes it suitable for all ages, and the scenic gardens add a peaceful touch to the experience.

The Sum Up

The Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion offers a meaningful encounter with Tasmania’s distinctive animals in a setting designed for close-up interaction and education. Its compact size and focus on native species make it ideal for a short cruise stop, providing genuine wildlife moments without the fatigue of a larger zoo visit.

If you’re after knowledgeable guides, stunning animal interactions, and a beautiful natural environment, this tour delivers on all counts. The opportunity to feed kangaroos, meet koalas, and learn from passionate handlers makes it a standout experience—especially if you’re traveling with family or are particularly interested in conservation efforts.

While the drive may be lengthy for some, the scenic countryside and the park’s charm more than compensate. Considering the engaging presentations, friendly staff, and the chance to support conservation work, this excursion offers good value for money and authentic Tasmania wildlife encounters.

In short, it’s a relaxed, rewarding experience that’s well-suited for those seeking fun, education, and a taste of Australia’s unique fauna—all within a convenient, thoughtfully curated package.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts about 3 hours, fitting easily into most cruise schedules.

Where do I meet for the tour?
You’ll meet at the Burnie Attractions Desk located within the Makers Market, with coordinates approximately -41.0513, 145.9074.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

Can I pay on the day?
Booking is available through eguide.com.au with a “reserve now & pay later” option, offering flexibility for travelers.

Are there opportunities to interact with the animals?
Absolutely. You can feed kangaroos, enjoy a one-on-one koala experience (for an extra fee), and watch educational presentations.

Is the park really small?
Some reviews note that the park is quite compact, which means it’s a manageable walk but might feel limited compared to larger zoos.

What animals can I expect to see?
Expect to see kangaroos, wombats, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and other native Australian species.

Is the experience good value?
Most visitors find the price reasonable considering the animal encounters and guided insights, although some note that the park’s size limits the experience for those wanting a larger zoo.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby