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3 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable journey around Burnie with the eGuide Burnie Attractions Bus. Designed for cruisers eager to capture Tasmania's essence, our two-hour guided tour features short stops and insights from our local guide.
Tour Highlights:
Upper Burnie Lookout: Panoramic views of Bass Strait and the picturesque harbour. Snap a photo of your cruise ship. (5 min)
Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens: Explore 11 hectares of botanical wonderland with rhododendrons and exotic flora. Keep an eye out for a platypus! (30 min)
Fernglade Reserve: Tranquil wilderness with native wonders like platypuses and vibrant birdlife. (10 min)
Charming Village of Penguin: Visit the seaside village named for its penguin colonies. Capture a photo with the iconic Penguin sculpture. (10 min)
For the Regatta ship the tour will visit Guide Falls instead of Penguin and Fernglade
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a TWO HOUR drive around Burnie led by a onboard guide with series of stops, some very short. The first departure is 10am other departures can be purchased from the eGuide desk once you arrive into Burnie, or if sold out here.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Entrance fee for Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens
Duration:3 hours
Operating Schedule:Times adjusted for each cruise ship
Start at the Makers Market where the free shuttle bus brings you from your cruise ship
A brief stop to capture breathtaking views of Burnie and snap a memorable photo of your cruise ship.
Venture to the renowned Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, where there's a high chance of spotting a wild platypus in one of the ponds or lakes. Relax at the delightful café with a panoramic view of the gardens, where you can purchase a Devonshire Tea or other refreshments, or simply savor the scenery. Admission charges are included in your ticket. (Toilet facilities available)
Delve into the tranquillity of Fernglade Reserve, where pristine wilderness meets abundant wildlife. Encounter native wonders such as the elusive platypus and vibrant birdlife, offering a glimpse into Tasmania's wilderness.
Our last stop is the museum which has a reconstructed street of how Burnie looked in the 1800’s. Entrance is free. If you disembark here there is a 5 minute walk to the shuttle bus.
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cindy S,
Feb 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
Had a lovely day and really enjoyed the tour - everything went well and the experience was great. I got to see a duck billed platypus.
Kkoleary,
Mar 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
This trip in no way was worth the time. Our host struggled to hype up our three stops … she said everything was beautiful every other sentence when in reality it was all brown rolling hills with a few cows. Our first stop overlooked the abandoned mill port … depressing and ugly. Our second stop was to hike down a hill to see a three foot waterfall which was neither impressive nor beautiful. Our final stop was the Emu Valley garden but since we spent so much time boarding the bus and visiting other two spots we were given 15 minutes to walk through entire park. This was worst tour ever taken because (1) guide nice but really didn’t give much info (2) sites not worth visiting reduced stop at highlight (3) chaos caused delays and over crowding. DO NOT RECOMMEND
Sundancer6,
Mar 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
The hoho bus is Burnie was great. Our bus hostess Rosie was delightful warm welcoming and knowledgeable. The online booking, meeting point and itinerary very easy. Not many stops but a nice was to see more of Burnie on a one day cruise stop
Inspire35902008395,
Mar 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We bought the tour online in January and we were told there were not enough spots to accommodate us on the bus when we arrived on the day of the tour. We received a cash refund on the spot (which is why I gave them a 4 for customer service after an error). The title is misleading...it is NOT a "hop on/hop off". It's a guided tour where you remain with the group for the duration.
carmeldeluca,
Feb 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We visited Burnie as a stop off from our Virgin Voyages cruise. We were met on our bus by a very solid and friendly Mayor of Burnie who welcomed us to her City. Next we ventured through the markets for our pickup. Our guide Rosie was a gem, so much knowledge, warmth and excitement for her city. Our first stop was The Lookout, which had wonderful views of the bay and docks. Short drive took us to a small waterfall, were you could walk the trail or stay on the bus. Next we visited the superb beauty of The Rhododendron Gardens. This garden is maintained and run by various who started off 40 years ago. The gardens are tranquil, with lots of amazing spaces and plant species. They also serve Devonshire Tea. Just be aware there are hills and gravel paths to navigate. The last stop on this tour was The Musuem, but we chose not to go in. All in all a nice snapshot of Burnie if you have limited time.

Jeff S,
Feb 23, 2024
- Review from Viator
Really depends on what time of the year you go. The guides and drivers were all great, really put in the effort. We went to the city overlook for pictures which was ok. We went to the waterfalls which were nice, but in February probably lacks the water velocity make them special. The gardens could be spectacular if the flowers are in bloom when you go, but that wasn’t our luck. We skipped last museum stop. Good crew but very time dependent.
Tammy F,
Feb 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
Great trip. They even worked well with the cruise ship's arrival and departure. Was able to view a couple of platypuses at the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens. Still had time afterwards to explore downtown. Had great lunch at The Communion. Tour guides were very informative.



Aaron B,
Jan 31, 2024
- Review from Viator
It was great to see the country side but the waterfall was just a small waterfall and the Garden was pretty but the flowers were not blooming at this time. We wished that the season for the blooms would have been noted in the comments. Not much of a hop on and hop off with only 2 stops. (and a brief stop to put other up at the brewery) Did enjoy the enthusiasm of the tour lady on the trip back to our ship
Meander714324,
Jan 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
It is worth visiting Burnie by hiking, taking a car or a motorcycle and exploring the Island. It has a lot of natural life, beautiful views, incredible people. And very relaxed
P5963LEdeniseb,
Jan 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Really enjoyed the bus tour and commentary by Michelle. The walk to the falls and around the Rhododendon gardens was quite spectacular. I loved the indigenous guy on the way back and his display of the didgeridoo sounds and what they mean, it was terrific and he was very entertaining. Thanks for a lovely day
Operated by eGuide