Wildlife meets a big penguin in one day. This small-group outing from Burnie pairs Wings Wildlife Park with a photo stop in the seaside town of Penguin, all paced for a relaxed day in Northwest Tasmania. If you like animals and short, efficient sightseeing, this is built for you.

I especially like the time at Wings Wildlife Park and the chance for a hands-on kangaroo experience. Between the marsupials, birds, and farm animals (plus morning tea), it feels like more than just a quick stop.

One thing to consider: the schedule is tight. If you’re on a cruise day, your time ashore can shrink and you may need to prioritize the photo and souvenir moments.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group size (max 6) keeps the ride calmer and the day more personal.
• Wings Wildlife Park is the core of the tour with about 3 hours onsite and entry included.
• Big Penguin photo at Penguin town is quick but very memorable, especially for first-timers.
• Gunns Plains adds a scenic break on the way, so you’re not just sitting in the van.
• Lunch isn’t included, so plan for a snack or a bite in town.
• Cruise ship timing can shift, with special instructions for getting to the departure point.

A 6-hour Burnie day that mixes animals and coastal town vibes

This tour is designed like a great port day: a clear plan, short drives, and enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it. It runs about 6 hours, starts at 9:00 am, and brings you back to the meeting point.

The best part for me is the double hit of wildlife and seaside charm. You’re not choosing between animals or photos—you get both, plus morning tea included to keep you comfy from start to finish.

And because the group is capped at 6 travelers, you’re usually not dealing with a giant bus crowd. It’s a big difference for comfort and for getting your questions answered along the way.

Wings Wildlife Park: where the animals do the talking

You’ll spend roughly 3 hours at Wings Wildlife Park, with entry included. This is the time to slow down and actually look—Tasmania’s animals are the whole point here.

What you can expect is a mix of marsupials, birds, and farm animals. The layout gives you lots of time to wander at a comfortable pace, take photos, and stop when something catches your eye.

A standout from the experience is the kangaroo time. People come away remembering the up-close interaction and feeding moment, which can make the visit feel personal rather than like a quick viewing session. If you’re traveling with kids (minimum age is 7), this is often the part they talk about later.

There’s also a practical side. You’re spending the majority of the day at one main venue, so you’re not constantly loading and unloading. It makes the tour easier to manage, especially if you only have one day in the Burnie area.

The one drawback at Wings

The review pattern is consistent: your enjoyment is heavily tied to how comfortable you are with a moderate amount of walking. The tour notes that you should have a moderate physical fitness level, so if you prefer to minimize walking, consider whether you’ll be okay moving through animal viewing areas.

Penguin town: quick seaside stroll plus the big penguin moment

After the wildlife park, you head to Penguin, a seaside town made for strolling. You get about 45 minutes here, and the highlight is the photo with the famous big penguin.

This stop is short on purpose. It’s meant to help you get the iconic photo, take in the coastal views, and grab a souvenir without eating your whole day. You also have time to visit the visitor information centre, which is where you can pick up a memento.

If you like a real break with something tasty, plan to spend a couple minutes finding food options nearby. People often mention the town’s popular bakery, and it’s usually best to expect it to be busy. Think of this as your quick treat-and-reset window.

Make your 45 minutes count

Because the window is limited, I’d treat this stop like a checklist moment: photo first, then souvenir, then snack if you still have time. That way you don’t end up stuck rushing at the end.

Gunns Plains: scenic driving that doesn’t eat your whole day

On the way back and forth, you’ll pass through the Gunns Plains area as part of the routing, with about 1 hour allocated. This segment is mainly there to break up the driving and give you a chance to enjoy the region beyond Burnie.

In the real world, these kinds of scenic segments matter more than they sound. They’re the difference between a day that feels like only two stops, and a day that has a sense of place. You’re also getting that easy “out of the city” feeling without spending hours planning routes yourself.

Some schedules include time around Gunns Plains caves for those who want extra exploring in that area. If that’s of interest to you, keep an eye on what your guide suggests once you’re on the ground.

The guide matters: Sue and Marta set the tone

A big reason this tour earns such high marks is the guiding style. In the experience reports, guides like Sue and Marta are repeatedly praised for being friendly, accommodating, and ready with local context.

You’ll feel it most when you have a question or when timing changes. One of the joys of a small-group day is that the plan can flex a little—enough to let you spend extra moments where you care most. People also appreciate that the day isn’t just a rigid lecture in a vehicle.

There’s one practical note, though. If you’re sitting in the back of the van or minivan, it can be harder to hear commentary during drives. If that affects you, choose a seat where you can hear more clearly and keep the window open for fresh air when you can.

Cruise ship day: timing shifts, so plan around the shuttle stop

If you’re coming in via cruise ship, your day will likely run on modified timing. The tour notes that schedules are adjusted based on when the ship is in port.

Cruise passengers also need the free shuttle bus to reach stop 1 in Burnie, and that’s where your tour departs. This is the kind of detail that can make or break your day, so treat it seriously.

I’d also set a mindset for flexibility. Port days can shorten, and that can tighten the time you spend in each place—especially at the Penguin photo stop. If you’re the type who hates rushing, I’d consider building in a calm, checklist-style approach to make the short time feel satisfying.

Price and what you actually get for $156.19

At $156.19 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest way to see a few highlights. But when you look at what’s included, it starts to make sense for many visitors.

You’re paying for:

• A small group (max 6)
• Guided transport for a 6-hour day around Burnie and the Northwest coast
• Entry to Wings Wildlife Park
• Morning tea
• A guided stop in Penguin, including the big penguin photo and access time in town

What isn’t included is equally important. Lunch is at your own expense, and gratuities are optional. If you’re trying to keep costs down, plan to eat where the tour naturally gives you time, like around Penguin’s town area.

Value check for different kinds of travelers

If you want a low-effort day with a guide doing the driving and organizing, the price often feels fair. If you prefer independent travel and already know you’ll spend your time exactly where you want with no schedule pressure, you might question the cost.

But for many visitors—especially those with limited time in port—this is a tidy solution that groups multiple must-dos into one coherent day.

Who should book this tour (and who might skip it)

This works best if you want a guided, organized day with minimal planning. I’d also call it a smart pick for visitors who like animal encounters and don’t want to figure out logistics across multiple locations.

It’s also a good fit for families, since the minimum age is 7 and the primary experiences are easy to enjoy. The mix of marsupials, birds, farm animals, plus the kangaroo interaction, keeps the day from feeling one-note.

You might consider skipping if:

• You strongly dislike walking at a moderate pace
• You only care about deep sightseeing, not short stops
• You need a long, unhurried meal break (because lunch isn’t provided and Penguin time is brief)

Practical tips to make the day smoother

A few small choices can make this tour feel a lot better:

• Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in. The day includes a moderate amount of walking.
• Bring a light layer. Coastal Tasmania weather can change fast.
• Plan your Penguin photo moment. Do it early in the stop so you’re not racing later.
• If you’re cruising, double-check you’re using the shuttle to stop 1. That detail is non-negotiable.

If you’re traveling in a group, this tour’s small size can feel like a private day rather than a crowded bus tour. That’s usually the sweet spot for comfort.

Should you book Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour?

I think you should book it if you want a compact day that hits the area’s signature animal attraction and pairs it with an iconic coastal photo stop. The combination of Wings Wildlife Park, the kangaroo experience, and the quick big penguin moment is exactly the kind of “do it all in one morning-to-afternoon sweep” trip that’s hard to recreate on your own without planning.

I’d pause before booking if your main goal is long, slow sightseeing or if you feel uncomfortable with moderate walking and time pressure on cruise days.

But if you’re happy with a well-paced schedule and you’d like someone else to handle the driving and timing, this is a strong choice for a first-time visit to Burnie and the nearby coast.

FAQ

How long is the Wings Wildlife Park and Scenic Tour?

It runs for about 6 hours, with a start time of 9:00 am and the activity ending back at the meeting point.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $156.19 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Entry to Wings Wildlife Park is included, along with morning tea.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch can be purchased at your own expense.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 6 travelers.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

You’ll visit Wings Wildlife Park first, then the seaside town of Penguin for the big penguin photo, and you’ll also spend time in the Gunns Plains area.

Are tickets mobile?

Yes. The tour uses a mobile ticket.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 7 years.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What should cruise ship passengers do to join the tour?

Cruise ship timing is adjusted to match the ship’s port schedule, and cruise passengers must catch the free shuttle bus to stop 1 in Burnie, where the tour departs.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

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