Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

Wild animals make Burnie memorable. This shore excursion combines a scenic inland drive with close encounters at Wings Wildlife Park, where you can feed kangaroos, see Tasmanian devils, and perhaps arrange a koala or baby devil encounter. I like the simple port-to-park arrangement and the chance to see Tasmania beyond the waterfront. The main caution is time: the visit is advertised at about two hours, but some departures have allowed closer to 90 minutes or less.

The excursion costs $89.66 per person and lasts about 3 hours 50 minutes, including transport. I also like the return route through Penguin and along the Leven River, which turns the bus ride into part of the outing. Still, this is a scheduled shuttle, not a fully guided park tour, so you explore Wings on your own after the drive.

Key points to know before you go

• Kangaroo feeding is the star attraction: You can enter an open enclosure, walk among kangaroos and wallabies, and buy food for hand-feeding.
• Tasmanian devil encounters may cost extra: The park offers special interactions with koalas and baby Tasmanian devils for an additional fee.
• The drive is part of the experience: Expect countryside views, mountain and valley scenery, small towns, the Leven River, and coastal Penguin.
• You get self-guided time at the park: A guide or driver handles the transport, while you set your own pace inside Wings.
• Timing can vary: The planned park visit is about two hours, but one reported departure allowed only 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Wheelchair users need to check carefully: The vehicle can store a wheelchair, but there is no lift, and you must be able to walk onto the bus.

Leaving Burnie for Tasmania’s countryside

The excursion begins at 13 Wilmot Street in Burnie, a short distance from the port area. The meeting point can be easy to miss if several tour tables are operating nearby. One useful tip is to walk across the market area to the other side, where the eGuide table is set up.

That small bit of preparation matters on a cruise day. You do not want to spend your limited shore time asking other operators where your bus has gone. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the operator has adjusted departure times to suit delayed ships in the past.

Once aboard, the excursion becomes a guided drive inland. The ride to Wings takes roughly 45 minutes, depending on the route and conditions. You may hear live commentary from the driver or guide, or a recorded presentation. Marie, one guide praised for her friendly manner and local knowledge, has helped make the drive more than simple transport.

The countryside is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Views become especially appealing during the final 15 to 20 minutes before reaching the park. You might see mountain and valley scenery, small Tasmanian towns, and broad rural views that are very different from Burnie’s port setting.

One practical note: on one departure, a microphone problem meant people seated at the back could not hear the guide well. If you sit toward the rear, it may be worth checking that the commentary is audible before the bus leaves.

Two hours among Tasmanian animals

Wings Wildlife Park is home to more than 150 species. The collection includes kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, koalas, parrots, fish, and smaller creatures such as mice. The grounds are landscaped, with a lakeside area where you can pause between animal enclosures.

This is not a wildlife sighting from a distant roadside viewpoint. The appeal is the range of close encounters. You can walk into the kangaroo area, buy food, and feed the animals by hand. You may also be able to pet them, depending on the park’s arrangements at the time.

For many people, this is the most memorable part of the day. Kangaroos move freely through the enclosure, and wallabies add a smaller, more delicate presence. You should still follow staff instructions and let the animals approach at their own pace. Feeding is fun, but it is best treated as a supervised animal experience rather than a free-for-all photo session.

The park also has a strong care and conservation purpose. It takes in injured animals, orphaned animals, and other creatures needing care. That gives the visit more weight than a quick collection of photo stops. You are seeing native Australian species while learning about the challenges they face.

Tasmanian devils, koalas, and the extra-fee choices

Tasmanian devils are the reason some people choose this excursion. You can see them at close range, and a presentation may explain their behavior and conservation needs. A feeding session can be fascinating, though it may also be quite graphic. Watching a devil tear into meat is not delicate entertainment, so keep that in mind if children or sensitive companions are joining you.

Special animal encounters are available for an extra charge. Reported options include koala contact and time with a baby Tasmanian devil. One listed encounter cost about $40 US, though you should confirm the current price before committing.

The chance to pet a koala has been a highlight for many people. Blinky Bill, also called Blinkie in one account, has been available for photographs and contact. Koalas sleep for long periods, so seeing one awake is not guaranteed, but an awake animal can make the moment feel especially lively.

Baby wallaby contact may also be possible in some circumstances. One caretaker was raising a baby wallaby, giving visitors a chance to see a much younger animal up close. These encounters depend on the park’s arrangements and animal welfare rules, so do not build your entire visit around one particular animal being available.

If you want one of these add-ons, ask about it as soon as you arrive. Time is limited, and waiting until the end could leave you with no opening. The extra fee may feel worthwhile if a koala or Tasmanian devil is at the top of your list, but the regular park admission still offers plenty to see.

How to use limited time inside Wings

The planned visit is described as two hours, while the stop details indicate about 1 hour 30 minutes. That difference is important. Some departures have delivered the full two hours, while one person reported only 1 hour 20 minutes. The exact amount may depend on traffic, ship timing, and the group’s departure schedule.

I would set priorities before entering the park:

• Head first to the kangaroo and wallaby area if feeding is your main goal.
• Ask immediately about koala or baby devil encounters.
• Check the Tasmanian devil area and presentation times.
• Leave room for wombats, birds, parrots, fish, and smaller animals.
• Save a few minutes for the café or souvenir shop.

Do not expect to inspect every enclosure in detail. Wings has more than 150 species, and a short visit calls for choices. If you move at a steady pace, you can see a good range of animals. If you stop for feeding, photographs, a presentation, and a paid encounter, the clock will move quickly.

The on-site café adds convenience. You can try Tasmanian delicacies without leaving the park, though the excursion is not built around a full meal stop. The souvenir shop is useful for Tasmanian gifts, especially if you want something connected to the local wildlife.

A lakeside picnic area provides a calmer pause. It may be tempting to hurry from one enclosure to the next, but a few quiet minutes can help balance the more active animal encounters.

The return route through Penguin and the Leven River

The ride back follows a scenic route that includes the Leven River and the coastal village of Penguin. This return journey helps the excursion feel like a small tour of northwest Tasmania rather than a simple transfer to a zoo.

Penguin adds a charming coastal-town note to the day. You may not have a formal stop there, so think of it as scenery from the bus rather than time to explore the village on foot. The river and countryside views are especially welcome after the busy animal areas.

Several people have found the drive worthwhile on its own. That is a useful sign for anyone who enjoys looking out the window and learning about a region as it passes. If your main interest is only animal contact, the ride may feel long. If you like seeing the countryside, the transport time becomes part of the value.

The excursion ends back at the meeting point on Wilmot Street. Depending on the ship’s arrangements and the day’s timing, the bus may sometimes return directly to the ship, which is more convenient than changing to another transfer in town. Confirm the return plan with the operator on the morning of your visit.

Is $89.66 a fair price?

At $89.66, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours in Burnie. The price includes transport from the port area, a return scenic drive, and admission to Wings Wildlife Park. It also removes the worry of arranging your own transport on a cruise stop.

The value improves if you want several things at once: Australian wildlife, a countryside drive, and a schedule built around ship departure. A private taxi or independent visit might offer more flexibility, but the cost and timing would be harder to manage. Here, the main purchase is peace of mind plus access to the park.

The price does not include the optional koala or baby Tasmanian devil encounters. Food, kangaroo feed, and souvenirs may also cost extra. If you are budgeting carefully, you can still enjoy the regular visit without buying every add-on.

I think the excursion is good value for animal lovers and first-time visitors to Tasmania. It is less attractive if you dislike scheduled group transport or want a slow, unhurried day at the park.

Group size, comfort, and accessibility

The maximum group size is 50 people. That is a fairly large bus group, but the self-guided format spreads people across the park once you arrive. The drive is guided, while the park portion lets you choose your own route.

Most people can take part, but the accessibility wording needs special care. The vehicle can store wheelchairs, yet it does not have a wheelchair lift. You must be able to walk onto the bus. A person who cannot walk onto a bus should not book this excursion without first arranging a clear solution with the operator.

This is not a minor detail. One booking was refunded after a wheelchair user found the vehicle unsuitable. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact eGuide before paying and describe exactly what you can and cannot do. Do not rely only on a general statement that most people can participate.

The excursion is also not ideal for anyone who needs a long, slow visit. You will spend much of the total duration on the road, and the park time can be shorter than expected.

Who will enjoy this Burnie shore trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families who want easy access to kangaroos and wallabies.
• First-time visitors eager to see Tasmanian devils.
• Cruise passengers who prefer a planned return to Burnie.
• Photographers looking for close animal portraits and countryside views.
• People who enjoy a mix of wildlife, small towns, and rural scenery.
• Visitors who are happy to explore a park without a personal guide beside them.

It may not suit you if you want a long walk through the park, a private experience, or guaranteed contact with a particular animal. It is also a poor fit if you cannot step onto the bus.

Weather is another factor at Burnie. High winds can prevent a cruise ship from docking, canceling the shore visit before it begins. That is a port safety issue rather than a fault with the park, but it is worth remembering when making plans. The booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable.

Should you book the Wings Wildlife Park shuttle?

Book it if feeding kangaroos, seeing Tasmanian devils, and riding through the Tasmanian countryside sound like a good use of your Burnie stop. The animal access is unusually personal for a short shore excursion, and the drive adds real regional color.

I would reserve early because the departure can sell out. At the meeting point, look for the eGuide table across the market area rather than assuming every nearby tour desk handles this trip. Once aboard, ask about the return timing, listen for the guide’s commentary, and go straight to the encounters you care about most.

The best reason to choose this outing is the combination: a well-organized shuttle, a genuine wildlife focus, and scenery beyond the port. Just keep your expectations realistic. You may have only 90 minutes at Wings, optional encounters cost extra, and the visit is self-guided. For the right visitor, that is still enough time for a memorable Tasmanian afternoon.

FAQ

Where does the excursion begin?

It begins at 13 Wilmot Street, Burnie, Tasmania 7320, Australia.

Where does the excursion end?

The activity ends back at the Wilmot Street meeting point. On some departures, the bus has returned directly to the ship.

How long does the excursion last?

The total duration is approximately 3 hours 50 minutes, including travel time.

How much time do I get at Wings Wildlife Park?

The excursion is planned around about two hours at the park, but the stop description gives about 1 hour 30 minutes. One departure allowed 1 hour 20 minutes, so the exact time can vary.

Is admission to Wings Wildlife Park included?

Yes, admission is included in the excursion price.

Are koala and Tasmanian devil encounters included?

No. Encounters with a koala or baby Tasmanian devil require an additional fee.

Can I feed the kangaroos?

Yes. You can buy kangaroo food and enter an enclosure where kangaroos and wallabies roam.

Is the park visit guided?

The shuttle has a guide or driver, but the visit inside Wings Wildlife Park is self-guided.

How many people can join the excursion?

The maximum group size is 50 people.

Is the excursion wheelchair accessible?

The bus can store a wheelchair, but it does not have a wheelchair lift. You must be able to walk onto the bus.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refundable.