Wings Wildlife Park Burnie Shore Excursion

If you’re heading to Burnie, Tasmania, and want to get up close with its unique native animals in a setting that’s both educational and fun, the Wings Wildlife Park shore excursion might just be worth considering.

While I haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it offers a mixture of wildlife interaction, scenic gardens, and insights into conservation—perfect for animal lovers and families alike.

What we like about this experience is its focus on native species like kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and koalas, along with the opportunity for interactive presentations that make learning about wildlife enjoyable. The park’s landscaped gardens provide a peaceful backdrop for wandering and relaxing, plus the chance for wildlife encounters adds a memorable touch.

One aspect to keep in mind, however, is that the drive from Burnie to the park can be a bit long—about 40-50 minutes—and some travelers have noted a lack of commentary during the shuttle ride. This means you might miss out on local stories or history while en route unless you prepare ahead.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate hands-on animal experiences, enjoy scenic settings, and want to support conservation efforts while exploring Tasmania’s unique flora and fauna. It’s especially good for cruise passengers looking for a well-organized, value-packed outing that’s accessible and family-friendly.

Key Points

• Native Animal Encounters: Meet iconic Tasmanian animals like devils, wombats, and koalas in a naturalistic setting.
• Interactive Presentations: Learn about wildlife through engaging daily talks and safe animal interactions.
• Beautiful Gardens: Wander through landscaped areas filled with native and exotic plants.
• Wildlife Conservation: The park actively participates in breeding programs for endangered species.
• Convenient Meeting Point: Located in Burnie’s Makers Market, close to the cruise port.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with full refund options up to 24 hours before.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The park and tour are accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
• Duration: The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, making it a perfect cruise excursion.
• Value for Money: Many reviews highlight the good balance of cost and unique wildlife experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A closer look at Wings Wildlife Park

What to Expect on the Tour

The Wings Wildlife Park shore excursion offers a focused glimpse into Tasmania’s native animals, with over 100 species housed in naturalistic enclosures. The visit begins with a short shuttle ride from Burnie’s cruise terminal, located in the Makers Market. While some travelers mention the drive can be lengthy (around 40-50 minutes), the scenic journey often provides a gentle preview of Tasmania’s countryside—though it’s worth noting that some reviews criticize the lack of commentary during transit.

Once at the park, you’ll find yourself in a thoughtfully landscaped environment with winding paths that invite exploration. The gardens are filled with native and exotic plants, creating a peaceful atmosphere for walking and photography. This is a real plus if you appreciate botanical beauty alongside wildlife.

Wildlife Encounters and Presentations

The core of the experience revolves around interacting with and observing animals. Many visitors are thrilled to get close to kangaroos, which freely hop around the grounds, allowing you to feed and pet them. As one traveler noted, “Love the interaction with the kangaroos!” This hands-on approach makes the experience memorable and fun, particularly for families or animal enthusiasts.

A highlight is the daily interactive presentations, where skilled handlers share facts about the animals’ behaviors, habitats, and conservation status. These sessions are both educational and entertaining, providing insights that deepen your understanding of Tasmania’s wildlife and the importance of protecting it.

The Koala Experience and Other Extras

Some visitors choose to pay extra for a personalized koala encounter. While this isn’t included in the base ticket, reviews suggest it’s worth the additional cost if you want a special photo opportunity. One reviewer called it “well worth it for the cuteness and photos,” emphasizing that proceeds help fund animal care.

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The Conservation and Educational Role

Beyond sightseeing, Wings Wildlife Park actively engages in breeding programs for endangered species, making your visit a small part of larger conservation efforts. The park also hosts educational programs aimed at school groups and visitors, fostering awareness about wildlife preservation.

Review Highlights and Considerations

The reviews offer a balanced picture. Several visitors praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning views of the animals. “Our guide was amazing,” one reviewer remarked, highlighting the importance of good interpretation. Others appreciate the value for money, considering the variety of animals and the interactive nature of the visit.

On the flip side, some suggest the small size of the park and the limited number of koalas might disappoint those expecting a larger zoo-like experience. For example, one traveler lamented the presence of only a single koala, feeling sorry for it due to the constant crowd. Another review pointed out the lack of commentary during the drive, which could have enriched the experience.

Practical Details

The tour is operated by eGuide, with options to reserve and pay later, offering flexibility for travelers. The duration of around 3 hours fits neatly into a cruise schedule, allowing enough time for wildlife interaction, a snack at the cafe, and the return trip.

The meeting point is straightforward—at the Burnie Attractions Desk in the Makers Market—and the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most guests.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This excursion is ideal for families, animal lovers, and conservation-minded travelers who want an interactive, manageable experience during a cruise port visit. If you’re looking for a short, engaging outing that combines wildlife with scenic gardens, this fits the bill.

However, if you prefer a larger, more diverse zoo experience or seek detailed commentary during transit, you might find this tour a bit limited. Also, those with mobility issues will appreciate the wheelchair accessibility, but should be aware of the walking involved within the park.

Final Thoughts

The Wings Wildlife Park shore excursion offers a genuine chance to encounter Tasmania’s iconic animals in a setting that emphasizes education and conservation. Its interactive presentations and hands-on animal encounters make it a memorable outing, especially for families or those with a particular interest in wildlife.

While the drive might feel a bit long and some reviewers wish for more extensive native wildlife or commentary, the overall experience appears to deliver good value for its duration and focus. The park’s commitment to saving endangered species adds a meaningful layer to your visit, allowing you to enjoy animals while supporting their future.

If you’re after a well-organized, educational, and fun wildlife outing with scenic gardens thrown in, this is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a manageable adventure that’s more about quality interactions than size or variety.

FAQs

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility needs.

Where do I meet for this tour?
You meet at the Burnie Attractions Desk located in the Makers Market, a short walk from the cruise port.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about 3 hours, including transportation, park visit, and return to the cruise ship.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I pay for the tour on the day?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, giving you flexibility in your planning.

What animals will I see?
You’ll encounter over 100 species including kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and koalas.

Are there guided presentations?
Yes, daily interactive presentations are included, providing insights into the animals and conservation efforts.

Is food available at the park?
There are picnic areas and a cafe where you can grab snacks or beverages before heading back.

Is the park size large?
Some reviews mention the park is relatively small, but it’s well-designed for close animal encounters and scenic walks.

To sum it up, the Wings Wildlife Park shore excursion in Burnie offers a charming, educational, and engaging way to experience Tasmania’s beloved animals. It’s best suited for those wanting a focused wildlife experience in a scenic setting, without the need for an extensive zoo visit. With good reviews about the guides and the quality of encounters, it can be a highlight of your cruise itinerary—just keep expectations aligned with its size and scope.

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