Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

Introduction

This review explores the popular Wings Wildlife Park shuttle from Burnie, a shore excursion that offers a mix of wildlife, scenic beauty, and local flavor. If you’re looking for a way to connect with Tasmania’s unique animals without straying too far from port, this trip might just be your ideal match.

What we love about this experience is how it balances convenience with authentic encounters—you’re whisked inland along lovely country roads and then get plenty of time to explore the park’s diverse animals. The second highlight is the chance to get up close with iconic creatures like kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils, often with friendly staff sharing insights.

A potential consideration is the limited time at Wings Wildlife Park—roughly two hours—which might leave some visitors wishing for a bit more to see everything. Still, for those with a tight schedule or simply seeking a well-organized wildlife fix, this tour hits the mark.

This excursion suits travelers eager for hands-on animal experiences, scenic drives, and a taste of Tasmania’s conservation efforts—all wrapped into a manageable, budget-friendly package.

Key Points

• Convenient shuttle service from the port simplifies the logistics of a wildlife day trip.
• Two hours at Wings Wildlife Park offers enough time to see many animals and enjoy some interactions.
• The scenic drive through Tasmania’s countryside and the coastal village of Penguin adds a charming backdrop.
• Up-close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils are highlights, with optional extra charges for personal interactions.
• The value for money is high, considering the park’s variety and the included transportation.
• Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and the opportunity to feed and touch animals.

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day begins at 13 Wilmot St in Burnie, where the shuttle picks you up and whisks you inland. The drive is described as beautiful, offering glimpses of Tasmania’s lush landscapes, rolling hills, and charming small towns. Several reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the ride, noting the countryside views as a highlight in themselves.

Travel time to Wings Wildlife Park is about 45 minutes, giving plenty of opportunity to relax and take in the scenery or listen to your guide share local insights. One reviewer commented, “The drive out to the animal sanctuary was worth the tour by itself. The countryside is beautiful.”

The route also passes through Penguin, a coastal village known for its laid-back vibe, which adds extra charm to the experience. One traveler noted that the drive enhanced the overall experience, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

Wings Wildlife Park

Once at the park, you’ll find over 150 species of animals, a number that really showcases Tasmania’s biodiversity. The park is praised for its well-maintained, natural setting, with many visitors mentioning the cleanliness and organization.

The main draw is the close encounters with native animals. Visitors can see Tasmanian Devils, cuddly koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and various birds. Some reviews mention the opportunity to feed kangaroos directly, which is a highlight for many. For example, one reviewer described it as “feeding the kangaroos by hand,” making for a memorable, tactile experience.

The park’s mission focuses on conservation and education. Staff are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, eager to share insights about how they protect Tasmania’s fragile wildlife. For those wanting a more personal experience, there are extra charges for cuddling a baby Tasmanian Devil ($40 US) or petting a koala, which many reviewers found worth the splurge.

A recurring theme in reviews is the variety of animals and the quality of interactions. One visitor said, “Getting to pet Blinky Bill the Koala and seeing the Tasmanian Devils tear into their meat—fascinating if a bit gory.”

Notably, some guests commented that two hours is a bit tight to see everything, especially if they want to take their time or participate in animal encounters. A reviewer mentioned, “It would be better if we had more time,” highlighting that the park is worth a longer visit if schedules allow.

Lunch and Gift Shop

After exploring, many visit the park’s on-site café to enjoy Tasmanian delicacies, which include local treats and snacks. The café provides a relaxed spot to rest and reflect on your encounter with the animals.

The gift shop is a favorite among visitors, offering a range of Tasmanian souvenirs—from plush animals to local crafts—making it a perfect place to pick up a memorable gift.

Return Journey

The shuttle returns you to Burnie in time for your ship’s departure, often with commentary from guides sharing interesting facts about Tasmania’s landscapes and wildlife along the way. Several reviews mention how timely and efficient the transfer was, allowing for a stress-free port experience.

One reviewer appreciated that the bus took them directly back to the ship, avoiding the hassle of additional town transfers, which truly adds to the tour’s convenience.

The Value of This Tour

At around $89.66 per person, this shore excursion offers solid value. When you consider the admission to the park, the scenic drive, and the chance to interact with iconic animals, it becomes clear that the price is reasonable.

Many reviews highlight the quality of the animal encounters—including the optional extra charge for cuddling a Tasmanian devil—which many find money well spent. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, making it educational without feeling like a lecture.

This tour strikes a good balance between cost and experience, making it ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or those simply wanting a quick taste of Tasmania’s natural beauty.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is best suited for animal lovers and those who appreciate scenic drives and local charm. It’s particularly good for travelers with limited time, as the two-hour park visit is enough to see and do quite a lot, especially with the added opportunity for animal interactions.

If you’re after a more in-depth wildlife experience or a longer visit, you might want to consider extending your time or exploring additional options. However, if your goal is to tick off some iconic Australian animals and enjoy a relaxed day out, this tour delivers in spades.

The Sum Up

The Wings Wildlife Park shuttle from Burnie offers a balanced blend of wildlife encounters, scenic travel, and local flavor that appeals to many types of travelers. It’s well-organized, offers authentic animal experiences, and provides clear value for the price.

The guides’ knowledge and the beautiful countryside make this more than just a zoo visit; it’s a genuine taste of Tasmania’s natural beauty and conservation efforts. The opportunity to feed kangaroos, pet koalas, and see Tasmanian devils up close makes it a memorable, family-friendly outing.

While the time at the park can feel a bit tight for some, the overall experience is positive and rewarding. It’s especially perfect for those who want a manageable, engaging wildlife experience without the hassle of long travel or complicated logistics.

If you love animals, value scenic drives, and want to support conservation efforts, this tour is a great choice. For anyone seeking a quick but meaningful encounter with Tasmania’s native wildlife, this is a solid, enjoyable option.

FAQ

How long is the shuttle ride to Wings Wildlife Park?
The shuttle takes about 45 minutes to reach the park from Burnie, passing through scenic countryside and the village of Penguin.

What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket includes transportation, admission to Wings Wildlife Park, and the opportunity to explore the park independently with a self-guided approach.

Can I interact with the animals?
Yes, many visitors feed kangaroos and walk among animals. Extra charges apply if you want to cuddle a baby Tasmanian devil or pet a koala.

How much time do I have at the park?
The scheduled time is approximately two hours, which many find sufficient for seeing the animals and participating in some interactions.

Is this tour suitable for all mobility levels?
The park is accessible for most, but the bus requires passengers to be able to walk onto it. The tour has apologized for miscommunications about full wheelchair access.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, and some cash or card for optional encounters, food, or souvenirs.

How do I find the meeting point?
Look for the tour company’s table across from the Burnie market area at 13 Wilmot St. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early.

Is there food available at the park?
Yes, there’s an on-site café offering Tasmanian delicacies, perfect for a quick snack or a relaxed lunch.

Can I extend my visit or explore more?
The tour is designed as a day-trip with a set time at the park, but if you want more time, consider visiting independently or arranging a longer stay.

Would I recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or travelers wanting a hassle-free way to see Tasmania’s iconic animals in a beautiful setting.