Wings Wildlife Park Shuttle, Burnie Shore Excursion

Australian wildlife comes wonderfully close here. This Burnie shore excursion combines a scenic inland drive with time at Wings Wildlife Park, where you can feed kangaroos, see Tasmanian devils, meet koalas, and walk among wallabies. I especially like the open kangaroo enclosure and the easy ship-day schedule, which includes transport, admission, and a return to Burnie.

The main catch is time. The visit is advertised at about two hours, but the planned park stop is also listed as 1 hour 30 minutes, and one visitor had only 1 hour 20 minutes. That is enough for the highlights, but not enough for a slow visit, a meal, every animal area, and paid encounters. Also, the bus is not wheelchair accessible if you cannot walk onto it.

Key points to know before booking

• Feed kangaroos inside an open enclosure: This is the experience’s most praised feature, with kangaroos and wallabies moving around you.
• See more than 150 animal species: Expect Tasmanian devils, wombats, koalas, parrots, birds, fish, and smaller native animals.
• The drive is part of the attraction: The route passes through Tasmanian countryside, along the Leven River, and through the coastal village of Penguin.
• Paid animal encounters cost extra: Koala and baby Tasmanian devil experiences may be available at the park for an additional fee.
• Your park visit is self guided: A guide or driver handles the transport, while you explore Wings on your own.
• Allow time for the meeting point: The pickup is at 13 Wilmot Street in Burnie, with a tour table reported across the market area.

Why this Burnie excursion works well on a cruise day

Wings Wildlife Park is a sensible choice if you want a taste of Tasmania without trying to pack several distant sights into one port call. The total outing lasts about 3 hours 50 minutes, including travel, and the schedule is built around getting you back to Burnie.

That matters in Burnie. A wildlife park inland gives you something different from a quick walk around town, but the excursion does not demand a full day away from the ship. You get countryside views on the way out, animal encounters in the middle, and a scenic return route that includes the Leven River and Penguin.

The trip has a guide or driver, but the park portion is self guided. That is both a plus and a limitation. You can move at your own pace rather than staying with a group, but you should not expect a constant personal guide inside the animal areas.

The experience has a 4.6 rating from 34 reviews, with 94 percent recommending it. That fits the overall picture: the wildlife contact and scenery earn strong praise, while the main complaints concern limited time, meeting-point confusion, and accessibility.

Meeting in Burnie without losing time

The listed meeting point is 13 Wilmot Street, Burnie, and the activity ends back there. The shuttle is intended to connect with the port schedule, and one outing returned directly to the ship instead of requiring a transfer in town.

Still, give yourself a few extra minutes to locate the correct table. One visitor found the market area confusing because another tour provider did not recognize the company. The useful advice is to walk across the market area to the other side, where the eGuide table should be located.

That detail is small, but it matters on a cruise morning. Bring your booking confirmation and check the pickup instructions before leaving the ship. Departure arrangements can be adjusted when a ship arrives late, but you should not rely on last-minute flexibility.

The maximum group size is 50 people. That is a fairly large coach group, although the independent time at Wings keeps you from spending the whole visit in a single pack. If you prefer a private outing or a quiet guide-led wildlife experience, this is not that sort of tour.

The drive inland is more than a transfer

The ride to Wings takes roughly 45 minutes according to one detailed account, though exact travel time can vary. The first part is a pleasant look at the Burnie area, while the later section brings more countryside views, with mountains, valleys, small towns, and open farmland.

This is one of the excursion’s best features. You are not simply being carried from a cruise terminal to a fenced attraction. The road gives you a quick look at northern Tasmania beyond the port, and the return through Penguin and beside the Leven River adds a second view of the region.

Several different guide arrangements are possible. A local narrator may share facts over the bus microphone, and one guide named Marie was praised for her friendly commentary. Another trip used a recorded presentation. On one occasion, a microphone problem meant people at the back could not hear well, so sitting near the front is a sensible move if the commentary matters to you.

The ride also helps set expectations for the park. This is not a city zoo reached in ten minutes. The countryside is part of the day, and the journey can make the outing feel more like a small Tasmanian tour than a simple animal stop.

Two hours at Wings Wildlife Park

Wings Wildlife Park presents more than 150 species in landscaped grounds, with native animals at the center of the visit. The park’s stated work includes caring for injured and orphaned animals, along with education and conservation efforts focused on Tasmania’s wildlife.

Once inside, you explore on your own. The central attraction is the chance to get close to animals that are usually seen only from a distance. Kangaroos and wallabies are the clear stars for many people, but Tasmanian devils are often the reason for booking in the first place.

The grounds also include a lake area, picnic possibilities, a cafe, and a souvenir shop. You can pause for Tasmanian food, pick up a local gift, or simply keep moving between the enclosures. With a visit of only 90 minutes to two hours, I would not try to do everything.

The park is described as clean and well maintained, and visitors particularly appreciated the condition of the enclosures and grounds. That matters because close animal contact is much more enjoyable when the setting feels cared for rather than cramped or untidy.

The kangaroo enclosure is the big payoff

If you do only one thing at Wings, make it the kangaroo area. The enclosure is open enough for you to walk among kangaroos and wallabies, and food can be purchased so you can offer them a treat by hand.

This is more personal than viewing a kangaroo across a broad field. You may see animals resting, moving about, or approaching people for food. The experience is active without being complicated, and it works well for families, photographers, and anyone who wants a memorable Australian wildlife moment.

Feeding the kangaroos was repeatedly described as the best part of the visit. That makes sense: it is easy to understand, requires little time, and gives you a direct connection with the animals. You should still follow park instructions and handle food as directed.

The bird areas add another layer. A friendly gang-gang cockatoo was singled out as a favorite, and parrots provide color and movement between the larger-animal stops. You may also find smaller creatures, including mice, along with fish and other birds.

Tasmanian devils, wombats, and koalas

Tasmanian devils give the park its strongest sense of place. These animals are closely tied to Tasmania, and seeing one nearby is far more memorable than ticking off a generic zoo animal.

A devil feeding presentation can be fascinating and a little gory. Watching a Tasmanian devil tear into meat is not polished family entertainment, but it is a real look at the animal’s behavior. If you are sensitive to feeding demonstrations, ask about the schedule before committing your limited park time.

Wombats and wallabies round out the native mammal collection. The park also offers the chance to see koalas at close range, and some visitors paid extra to pet one. Blinky, also called Blinky Bill in one account, was a memorable koala encounter when he happened to be awake.

Koala and baby Tasmanian devil encounters are not included in the $89.66 tour price. They may be booked or purchased at the park, and the extra charge mentioned for a baby devil encounter was about US $40. Availability is not guaranteed in the information provided, so if one of these encounters is essential to you, ask about current arrangements as soon as you arrive.

These add-ons can be worthwhile for someone who wants a special photograph or close contact. They can also consume valuable time, so decide early whether you want a paid encounter or a broader look around the park.

Is $89.66 good value?

At $89.66 per person, the price is fair for a cruise-port outing that includes transportation, park admission, and a scenic drive. You are paying for more than entry to Wings. You are also buying a planned round trip that reduces the risk of missing the ship and avoids arranging separate local transport.

The value is strongest if you want three things in one package: Australian animals, countryside views, and a schedule designed for a port visit. Admission alone would not provide the transport or the return coordination.

The value is less convincing if your only goal is to spend a long, unhurried day at the park. The short visit means you may feel rushed if you stop for lunch, shop for souvenirs, book an animal encounter, and visit every enclosure.

For cruise passengers, I would treat the price as a convenience fee as much as an admission fee. The direct return to the ship, available on at least one outing, is particularly useful. A shore excursion that gets you back without a complicated transfer can be worth extra money.

Timing is the main compromise

The tour description promises two hours at Wings, while the stop is also listed as 1 hour 30 minutes. That difference deserves attention before you book. Some people found 90 minutes perfect, while others wished they had longer and could not see everything.

I would plan your visit around priorities. Go first to the kangaroo enclosure, then check the Tasmanian devil and koala opportunities. After that, see the wombats, birds, parrots, and other areas. Save the cafe and shop for the end, not the middle.

An early bus may give you a better chance of securing a paid encounter before spaces fill. That is not a formal guarantee, but one visitor had good luck arriving early and booking the koala experience immediately.

The return drive is part of the schedule, so you cannot simply stay longer if the park is holding your attention. This is a structured shore excursion, not an open-ended taxi ride.

Accessibility and family suitability

Most people can participate, but the bus does not have a wheelchair lift. A wheelchair can be stored on the vehicle, yet you must be able to walk onto the bus. If you cannot do that, this excursion is not suitable, and you should confirm arrangements before booking.

For families, the animal contact is a strong reason to choose this outing. Feeding kangaroos, seeing devils, and spotting parrots give children several different points of interest. The self guided format also lets you move on when attention fades.

Older visitors should consider the time available and the amount of walking around the grounds. The information provided does not specify distances, surfaces, or seating throughout the park, so ask the operator directly if mobility is a concern.

Animal lovers will get the most from the visit. If you are mainly interested in Burnie’s town center, local shopping, or a long scenic drive with little walking, another shore option may suit you better.

Booking, cancellations, and practical planning

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Since this is tied to a ship call, keep your confirmation easy to access and allow extra time at Wilmot Street.

Wear practical walking shoes and carry a little spending money if you want kangaroo food, a cafe stop, souvenirs, or a paid animal encounter. Those extras are separate from the tour price.

Do not assume the koala or baby devil encounters will be included. The basic outing already provides plenty to see, but the close-contact options cost more.

Should you book the Wings Wildlife Park shuttle?

I would book this excursion if you want close animal contact with a dependable port-day framework. The kangaroo enclosure is a genuine highlight, the Tasmanian devils give the visit a strong local identity, and the drive shows you more of northern Tasmania than a short walk around Burnie would.

I would hesitate only if you need full wheelchair access, dislike coach travel, or want several relaxed hours at the park. For everyone else, the $89.66 price is reasonable, especially because it covers the ride, admission, and return plan.

Go in with a short priority list. See the devils, feed the kangaroos, enjoy the countryside, and treat any koala or baby devil encounter as an optional extra. That approach gives you the best chance of leaving Burnie with a memorable Australian wildlife experience rather than a rushed checklist.

FAQ

How long does the Wings Wildlife Park shuttle take?

The total duration is approximately 3 hours 50 minutes, including travel time. The visit to Wings is described as about two hours, while the listed park stop is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is 13 Wilmot Street, Burnie, Tasmania 7320. The activity also ends back at this meeting point.

Is admission to Wings Wildlife Park included?

Yes. Admission to Wings Wildlife Park is included in the tour price.

Is the park visit guided?

The shuttle has a guide or driver, but your time inside Wings Wildlife Park is self guided.

What animals can I see at Wings Wildlife Park?

The park has more than 150 species, including Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, parrots, birds, fish, and smaller animals.

Can I feed the kangaroos?

Yes. Kangaroo food can be purchased, and you can enter the kangaroo enclosure to feed them by hand.

Do koala and baby Tasmanian devil encounters cost extra?

Yes. These encounters are optional and cost extra. One baby Tasmanian devil encounter was listed at about US $40, but current prices and availability should be confirmed at the park.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The bus does not have a wheelchair lift. Wheelchairs can be stored on the vehicle, but you must be able to walk onto the bus.

What is the cancellation policy?

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