ULVERSTONE GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Burnie’s Coastal Delights: Whisky, Waterfalls and Fern-Glade Strolls
A fully guided, 6-hour Burnie sightseeing tour that pairs coastal lookouts and nature walks with local gourmet tastings—this guide explains the route, stops and practical details.
Burnie’s Coastal Delights: Whisky, Waterfalls and Fern-Glade Strolls.
Adventure brief
Burnie’s Coastal Delights: Whisky, Waterfalls and Fern-Glade Strolls
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Burnie on a fully guided, pre-organized sightseeing tour that combines coastal panoramas, forested river walks and local gourmet tastings. Guests travel in a modern small shuttle around the Tasmanian coast and inland to iconic stops such as Campbell’s Lookout, Guide Falls, Hellyer’s Road Whisky Distillery and the fern-clad banks of the Emu River at Fernglade Reserve.
Nestled along the rugged northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie offers a scenic playground where land meets sea in a dramatic clash of natural beauty. The Coastal Delights Sightseeing Experience by Riverlinks Tasmania invites adventure seekers and casual travelers alike to immerse themselves in this coastal haven. This fully guided tour showcases the area's most iconic spots, delivering a rich blend of breathtaking vistas, local flavors, and wildlife encounters. Travelers will cruise along the Leven River providing panoramic views of jagged cliffs, windswept beaches, and lush hinterlands. Highlights include the elevated vantage point of Campbell’s Lookout, where sweeping coastal panoramas stretch to the horizon, and the roaring spectacle of Guide Falls, a pristine cascade from the surrounding rainforest. A major attraction is Hellyer’s Road Whisky Distillery, where visitors can sample premium Tasmanian whiskies amid a backdrop of rolling farmland, adding a dash of culture to the trip. The tour also includes a leisurely stroll through Fernglade Reserve, known for its diverse birdlife and rare flora. The region’s geology features ancient volcanic formations intertwined with splashes of native eucalyptus and coastal heath. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot seals sunbathing on rocky outcroppings or catch glimpses of sea eagles soaring overhead. Burnie’s wild coastline is more than just a pretty backdrop; it embodies Tasmania’s rugged spirit and ecological resilience. This experience is perfect for those craving an active yet comfortable day amid untouched nature, with opportunities for tasting local spirits and observing native species. Whether you’re into geology, wildlife, or simply craving spectacular views, the Coastal Delights Tour offers an authentic taste of Tasmania’s wild coast and diverse ecosystems. It’s a standout journey through a region that’s as ecologically rich as it is visually stunning – a true highlight for any outdoor traveler seeking memorable coastal adventures.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
A step-by-step of principal stops on the Burnie sightseeing loop.
Meet & Greet — Information Centre / Coastline Tours Tasmania
Guests meet at the Information Centre where Coastline Tours Tasmania handles check-in and boarding for the shuttle; passengers are transported directly from the ship when applicable.
Campbell’s Lookout
A short stop to capture expansive coastal views over the city of Burnie and the surrounding shoreline.
Guide Falls Viewing Platform
A visit to Guide Falls to experience the waterfall, its viewing platform and the surrounding forest; the platform is accessed via steps and is framed for photography.
Hellyer’s Road Whisky Distillery
Stop at the distillery to learn about and optionally sample award-winning single-malt whiskies, vodkas and liqueurs.
Fernglade Reserve / Emu River Walk
A walk among large fern trees along the Emu River with opportunities to look for wildlife, including the rare platypus.
Hiscutt Park, Penguin (Morning Tea)
A morning-tea stop at Hiscutt Park in Penguin, an area where platypus can occasionally be seen.
Note: the Guide Falls viewing platform is reached by steps and some short walks are involved; Tasmanian weather can change quickly—dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear. The tour runs as a set itinerary but the operator may adjust stops as conditions require.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Coastal Lookouts and Seaside Towns
The route follows the coastline past seaside towns including Sulphur Creek, Preservation Bay, Penguin and Ulverstone, with a scenic stop at Campbell’s Lookout for wide views over the coastal city of Burnie.
Hellyer’s Road Whisky and Local Gourmet Tastings
The tour includes a visit to Hellyer’s Road Whisky Distillery—known for award-winning single malts and other spirits—and offers curated opportunities to sample locally produced gourmet food and beverages.
Fern Glades, Waterfalls and the Elusive Platypus
Walk among towering fern trees along the Emu River in Fernglade Reserve, visit Guide Falls and pause at Hiscutt Park in Penguin—each offers wildlife-spotting opportunities, with the rare platypus known to surface along the riverbanks.
What the day feels like
What to Expect
Over six hours you’ll be driven in a comfortable, small-capacity shuttle around Burnie’s coastline and into the hinterland. The itinerary blends short walks, lookout stops and tasting visits with time for morning tea and photography, moving between coastal viewpoints, a waterfall viewing platform reached by steps, a whisky distillery visit and a fern reserve walk along the Emu River.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this outing — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided sightseeing experience runs for approximately 6 hours.
Meet & Greet is at the Information Centre; Coastline Tours Tasmania boards guests at that location and provides shuttle transfer directly from the ship when applicable.
Bring appropriate clothing and footwear for all seasons—Tasmanian weather can change during the day despite appearances.
The tour is conducted in a modern, accommodating small shuttle (an 11-seater van) and includes multiple short stops along the coast and inland.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the Coastal Delights tour last?
The guided tour lasts approximately 6 hours.
Where do I meet the tour and how do I get there from the ship?
Meet & Greet is at the Information Centre; Coastline Tours Tasmania will transport guests in a shuttle bus directly from the ship to the meeting point.
Are there age or accessibility limits?
The tour is suitable for ages 6 and up; some stops include steps and short walks, such as the viewing platform at Guide Falls.
What are the main sights on the itinerary?
Key stops include Campbell’s Lookout, Guide Falls, Hellyer’s Road Whisky Distillery, Fernglade Reserve along the Emu River, and coastal towns such as Sulphur Creek, Preservation Bay, Penguin and Ulverstone, with a morning-tea stop at Hiscutt Park in Penguin.
Is tasting at the whisky distillery included?
The visit to Hellyer’s Road Whisky Distillery includes the opportunity to see the distillery and optional tastings of whiskies, vodkas and liqueurs.
What should I pack for the day?
Pack layered clothing and suitable footwear for variable Tasmanian weather; even if it appears warm, conditions can change during the day.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:27:12.332Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.