About the author. Sharyn Djuric

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2 About the author Hi, my name is Sharyn Djuric and I m the author of the Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour ebook guide. I live in Melbourne with my husband David and son Joshua, and I fell in love with Tasmania back when we had our honeymoon there in We ve holidayed there many times since as a family, and we always have a wonderful time. Even though it s a small island, there s just so much to see and do. When we travel, we don t want to have to research and plan everything we just want to relax and soak up the experience. It s hard work sorting through endless brochures trying to work out what to do with the limited time you have. It s also hard trying to find correct information on the Internet as so many websites aren t kept up-to-date. When we re on holiday, we just want to jump in the car and decide what to see and do onthe-go. That s why I decided to create the Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour guide. I wanted to combine current technology with all the information you need to make quick decisions about what to do on a self-drive holiday an ebook travel guide you can easily browse on your ipad or tablet while you drive from town to town. I hope you love Tasmania as much as we do and have the perfect, no stress holiday with my guide to help you. Have a wonderful time. Sharyn Djuric Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 1

3 Ulverstone Ulverstone is a major seaside town located 21km west of Devonport, with a population of around 10,000 people. Situated on the banks of the Leven River, it is known for its stunning waterfront parklands and beautiful beaches. Many retirees are inspired to visit or live in this picturesque area as it features lush, prosperous farming land. The town has become a centralised location between the north-west coast s two cities, Burnie and Devonport. Things to see and do in Ulverstone Ulverstone History Museum To find out about Ulverstone s history, you can visit the Ulverstone History Museum at 50 Main Street. It has re-creations of a blacksmith and wheelwright, general store, schoolhouse and railway station. There s a comprehensive display of artefacts, manuscripts, tools and photographs depicting the life of the early pioneers. Local volunteers run the Museum and play an active role in the collection, preservation and display of a variety of artefacts, photographs and historical information. As the Museum is staffed entirely by volunteers, please phone ahead to ensure it will be open at the time you intend to visit, especially on weekends and during the winter months. Opening hours: 1.30pm 4.30pm Mon Sat (hours subject to volunteer availability). Closed Sundays. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Admission: $5 adult, $2 child, $12 family (2 adults, children under 16). For more information: (03) (call after 1.30pm). TripAdvisor: 4 out of 5 rating (10 reviews) and 30% rated it excellent, 50% very good Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 2

4 Stories of Ulverstone Walk If you ve got an hour to spare, you can do the Stories of Ulverstone walk which explores the maritime and rural history of Ulverstone. There are six story boards located in and near Reibey Street and these give some interesting snippets on the history of Ulverstone. The walk begins at the Shrine of Remembrance clock tower and finishes in Reibey Street. War Memorial Clock The town has several unique war memorial parks which are the venue for many service reunions. This idea to honour Australia s military history by creating memorial parks proudly originated in Ulverstone in the late 1970s. The Shrine of Remembrance clock tower is more commonly known as the War Memorial Clock. It was constructed as a memorial to those who served in World War Two, and also incorporates the original World War One memorial which stood on the same site. The construction incorporates three 17 metre (55 feet) high pillars representing the three armed forces, linked together by bronze chains and surmounted by a traditional laurel wreath. Discover the Leven River Cruises The Leven River is a fantastic place to visit if you love jet skiing, fishing, boating, water skiing and sailing. You can experience the wilderness of the Leven River on the flat-bottom passenger ferry the Jus Leven, operated by Discover the Leven River Cruises. You can choose from four cruise options ranging from one to five hours. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 3

5 Jus Leven Bay Tour The shortest cruise is the one hour Jus Leven Bay Tour. This tour is a unique bay cruise packed full of engaging commentary on board from a qualified tour guide. Spotlights provide an enchanting and elusive view of the bird life plus information on Ulverstone s cultural and historic events that came to life along the riverbanks during the early days. Photographic opportunities abound throughout the tour. You may bring your own snacks and drinks. Jus Leven River Tour Another option is the two hour Jus Leven River Tour. This tour commences with a journey into the extraordinary natural and cultural history of the area while you enjoy the scenic extravaganza, the Leven River. The famous mirrored reflections of the Leven River due to the tea coloured water from the button grass plains upstream may be revealed during the cruise. These beautiful reflections have been admired, photographed and used in postcards for over 100 years. The elusive Tasmanian flora and fauna that reside within the Leven River Catchments (including a beautiful pair of white bellied sea eagles, criticaly rare Azure King Fisher and platypus) may be revealed close up on this exclusive guided tour of the Leven River. On the return trip to the pontoon, many unexplained and mysterious stories of the Leven will be revealed. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 4

6 River, Park and Picnic Cruise Then there s the 3.5 hour River, Park and Picnic Cruise where you BYO food and drinks and disembark at historic Leven Park for a break to enjoy your food and drinks on the bank of the beautiful Levin River. Your tour guide will ensure that your experience of the Leven Catchment will be a memorable one and will commence the tour with a journey into the extraordinary natural and cultural history of the area while you enjoy the Leven River. The elusive Tasmanian flora and fauna that reside within the Leven River Catchments will be revealed close up on an exclusive guided tour of Leven Park Reserve. This unique reserve has been visited by tourists from around the world for over 100 years. Jus Leven Meal & Bush Tour A longer cruise is the five hour Jus Leven Meal & Bush Tour. This guided river cruise includes the historic Leven River sanctuary where you can enjoy a three course meal served amongst Blackwood forest and fern surrounds. Along with the meal you receive a complimentary alcoholic or soft drink, tea or coffee. All cruises depart from the public pontoon in Tasma Parade. Bookings are essential. It is recommended that you check and confirm tour times the day before departure, and that you take warm clothing and a wet weather jacket. Tours: Tours operate most days. Minimum two adult passengers per tour. The one hour tour is $50 adult and $25 child (5 15 years). The two hour tour is $60 adult and $30 child (5 15 years). The 3.5 hour picnic tour is $80 adult and $40 child (5 15 years). The five hour meal and bush tour is $150 adult and $50 child (5 15 years). Children 0 4 years are free. For more information: Ulverstone Visitor Information Centre (03) or Kim on and TripAdvisor: 5 out of 5 rating (86 reviews) and 86% rated it excellent, 14% very good Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 5

7 Leven Canyon Reserve If you re feeling energetic and would enjoy some great views, consider visiting the Leven Canyon, located off Loongana Road, about 42km south of Ulverstone. Leven Canyon is Tasmania s deepest limestone gulch, with challenging terrain. The 2500 hectare Reserve is a refuge for plants, animals and birds. There s a picnic area from which there are a range of walks, most of them easy. To the right of the picnic area there s an easy 20-minute return walk to the spectacular Cruikshanks Lookout. Here you can see the Leven River winding 275 metres below and also views of Black Bluff and the surrounding countryside. The track is well maintained and suitable for all ages. Once there you can challenge yourself on the Forest Stairs Walk. The full circuit takes 45 minutes return and includes steep terrain and 697 steps. To the left of the picnic area, there s the easy 20- minute return Fern Walk. Here you ll see old tree ferns up to five metres tall and 150 years old. This kind of wet forest is home to small mammals like pygmy possums and the long-tailed mouse. From the top of the Fern Walk you can continue on to the Edge Lookout Track. At the Edge Lookout you can see the Canyon walls up close. The walk is an easy 30 minutes return. Close by there are some other walks. There s the Canyon Floor Walk which is a moderate 30-minute return walk to the Leven River. Drive to the start of the walk, off Loongana Road. As you follow the downhill track, you ll arrive at the Leven River footbridge. This gives an excellent view of the canyon floor which is covered with boulders. If you enjoy a challenging walk and have a good level of experience and fitness, you can continue onto Devil s Elbow. This is one hour return from the scenic footbridge. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 6

8 Kaydale Lodge Gardens You can wander through the garden and enjoy morning / afternoon tea or a light lunch. The lodge also features country-house accommodation. Opening hours: 9am until sunset every day. Garden entry: $5 per person. Morning/Afternoon tea: $8 per person. Light lunch: $15 per person. For more information: (03) (8am 9pm) and Only 6km away from Leven Canyon Reserve, located at 250 Loongana Road, Nietta is Kaydale Lodge Gardens. Kaydale Lodge has two hectares of landscaped gardens with woodland ponds, streams, waterfalls, pear walk, stone walls, fritallaria meadow and a dry zen garden. It has over 30,000 daffodils in bloom during spring, peonies and foxgloves in summer and maples in autumn. TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 rating (21 reviews) and 59% rated it excellent, 23% very good Gunns Plains Cave On the way back to Ulverstone, it s well worth stopping at the Gunns Plains Cave. It s located on Caves Road in the Gunns Plains State Reserve. Proclaimed a state reserve in 1918, this 10 hectare region was one of the first cave reserves in Tasmania. Gunns Plains, which lies in the spacious Leven River Valley, is one of Tasmania s most beautiful rural areas. Scenically, the cave is best approached from the steep road leading in from Rianna, so the ideal trip is to take the B17 route from Penguin, then loop back to Ulverstone. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 7

9 The district has quantities of high-grade limestone and, as is typical of limestone country, there are caves full of exotic formations, sinkholes and underground streams. The Gunns Plains Cave was discovered in 1906 and has been used as a show cave for most of the 20th century. This cave was created by an underground river that still flows to this day. The river is home to eel, fish and crayfish as well as platypus that nest along its banks. This spectacular cave features some of the largest shawl formations in the Southern Hemisphere, stalactites, stalagmites and glow worms. The guided tour of the cave will give a very memorable experience. Visitors are escorted along well-lit concrete pathways through a series of caverns and short passages. Known as an adventure cave, it includes cramped, narrow passageways and steep ladders. The tour route through the caves is 275 metres (902 feet) long and includes a steep flight of 54 steps and a 10-step ladder. There are also sections requiring visitors to bend low and also uneven and chipped pathways. Tours: Daily guided tours of 40 minutes duration depart at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Closed Christmas Day. Admission: $15 adult, $12 concession, $6.50 child (4 17 years), $0 child (0 3 years), $40 family (2 adults, 2 or more children). For more information: (03) and TripAdvisor: 5 out of 5 rating (178 reviews) and 86% rated it excellent, 13% very good Wing s Wildlife Park Located at 137 Winduss Road, Gunns Plains is Wing s Wildlife Park, set on a 106 acre farm. This family-run park focuses on the rehabilitation and care of injured and orphaned wildlife. Colin and Megan Wing are the fifth generation, founding the Park in Today they offer the largest wildlife / animal park and display the largest collection of Tasmanian wildlife in Australia. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 8

10 It s also the first Tasmanian wildlife park to import American bison. You ll see devils, wombats, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, quolls, monkeys and meerkats as well as venomous snakes. You can even feed some of them. This fantastic attraction also has an aquatic area where you can see Atlantic salmon and trout, including the distinctive albino rainbow variety. With over 150 different species to see, six keeper talks a day, tours and events, you can stay the whole day and even stay the night. Allow at least two hours for your visit. Keeper Talks There are six keeper talks each day commencing at 11am with Koala Talk, followed by Meerkat Talk at 11.30am. Devil feeding is at 1pm followed by Reptile Talk at 2pm. Lastly, there is Reptile Talk at 2pm and Meerkat Talk at 3pm. Encounters Hands-on encounters are an optional extra and can only be purchased when general entry has been paid. You can spend one-onone time with Baby Animals, Devils, Koalas, Marmosets, Meerkats, Snakes and Wombats. For example, you can meet their Meerkat family all the way from Africa. There s lots of fun to be had during this encounter where you get to go into their playroom. The knowledgeable keepers will be able to answer any questions and take numerous photos for you on your camera. All of these encounters are by arrangement and booking is essential. Café and Gift Shop You can dine in the café between 10am 3.30pm with coffee and light snacks available until 4pm. There s everything from hot chips and toasted sandwiches to main meals. Their signature dish is the Monster Burger a hefty 260gm patty with sidewinder fries to ensure you don t leave hungry. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 9

11 Their gift shop offers a large range of souvenirs, many of which feature park s animals, toys, educational books and exclusive Wing s Wildlife Park merchandise. Opening hours: 10am 4pm every day. Closed Christmas Day. General Admission: (includes wildlife park, picnic grounds and farm walk) $27 adult, $25 seniors, $15 child (3 15 years), $0 (0 2 years), $80 family (2 adults, 2 children), $92 (2 adults, 3 children), $105 (2 adults, 4 children). Picnic grounds and Farm walk only: $6.50 adults and children. For more information: (03) and TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 rating (153 reviews) and 78% rated it excellent, 20% very good Pedal Buggies Tasmania Located at The Beach Hut kiosk, 2 Beach Road, is Pedal Buggies Tasmania. Pedal buggies are great fun, easy to ride and fantastic entertainment at any age. You can hire a single person buggy, a double, a family buggy or even a buggy for up to 16 people. They come with baby seats and trailers that can be added and even mini buggies for little ones. This is a fun way to pedal along the shared paths and enjoy the view of Ulverstone s lush parklands opposite the beach. You can even ride all the way from Ulverstone to Turners Beach and return (5.5km) using the larger Surrey Bikes. Opening hours: every weekend throughout the year subject to weather. Non-school holidays: 10am 4pm Sat and 12pm 4pm Sun. School holidays: 10am 4pm Mon Sat and 12pm 4pm Sun. Public holidays: 10am 4pm public holidays. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Buggy hire: Prices vary depending on the buggy, starting from $15 for 30 minutes. Mini buggies are $12 each for up to an hour. Note that Eftpos is not available. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 10

12 For more information: (03) or TripAdvisor: 5 out of 5 rating (11 reviews) and 82% rated it excellent, 18% very good Turners Beach Berry Patch If you do end up at Turners Beach be sure to stop in at the Berry Patch, located on Blackburn Drive, just off the Bass Highway. They have a licensed café, providing both indoor and outdoor areas, serving all day breakfasts, lunches, morning and afternoon teas. In the summer months you can pick your own strawberries, raspberries, tayberries and blackberries or purchase them pre-picked and ready to go. Jams, wines, sauces and giftware are also available. A visit to the Berry Patch isn t complete without trying their housemade berry ice cream. You can also choose from a selection of delicious, hand-crafted desserts. Their talented team makes and bakes each treat in house. Opening hours: 9am 5pm every day in season. Open Friday nights until 9pm for eat-in or take-away. Closed public holidays. For more information: (03) and TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 rating (116 reviews) and 66% rated it excellent, 23% very good Devil Trike Tours If you d like to ride something a bit more adventurous than a pedal buggy, perhaps consider taking a Devil Trike Tour. This way you can soak up the freedom of the open road on a Three Wheeled Trike while enjoying the safety and comfort of an escorted tour. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 11

13 Tours are available for a 15-minute buzz around town or for a longer tour of one hour or 2.5 hours. Gunns Plains tour This is a one hour ride through the winding hills of Riana down into the picturesque Gunns Plains. The cost is $110 for one, two or three people. Guide Falls tour This is a 2.5 hour tour to Guide Falls. Imagine being able to take a leisurely stroll through a tranquil rainforest and waterfall just a short drive from Ulverstone with beautiful coastal views on your way. The cost is $220 for one, two or three people. Your tour can be customised to suit your requirements and time. Devil Trike Tours are located just out of town at 78 Gawler Road. For more information: (03) (after hours), , and Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 12

14 Burnie Burnie is nestled around beautiful Emu Bay on Bass Strait and is Tasmania s most westerly city, about 40 minutes from Devonport. Including nearby Somerset, there are about 25,000 residents in the area. First known as Emu Bay, Burnie was settled in 1829 when the Van Diemen s Land Company took up 20,000 hectares of land. These days it s an important deepwater port for Tasmania s north and is home to two permanent container ships that travel to Melbourne on a daily basis. It also has an airport at Wynyard that services regular interstate and island flights. Its main industries are farming, heavy manufacturing and forestry. In addition to Burnie Port, the forestry industry is pivotal and is responsible for providing the majority of the city s revenue. Forestry had a major role in Burnie s development in the 1900s with the founding of the Burnie Paper Mill in Burnie was a major paper manufacturer until the mill s closure in Since the closure of the paper mill Burnie has had to find creative ways to promote itself. Today Burnie is actively promoting itself as a city of makers. That is, makers of wonderful things such as handmade paper, soft-ripened cheeses and single malt whisky. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 13

15 Things to see and do in Burnie Makers Workshop The best place to see local craft and artists at work is at the Makers Workshop, located at 2 Bass Highway, Parklands. It describes itself as a place that honours Burnie s history, makers, innovators and artists. It is a mixture of contemporary museum, arts centre and visitor centre. There are some 30+ artists who spend some of their time working in temporary studios at the Makers Workshop. You can explore the Makers studios, meet the artisans and purchase their work at the gallery and gift shop. Local timber, glass and jewellery is a specialty. You can also view the latest exhibition in the art gallery. At the heart of the Makers Workshop is paper making. Since the 1930s Burnie has been making paper. At The Pulp they made vast quantities of Reflex paper to feed photocopiers across the world. Paper is now made in Burnie by hand from recycled fibres including Roo poo, apple pulp, lavender and rainforest leaves. Creative Paper Tour Experience You can take a 30-minute interactive Paper Making Tour where you can learn the art of making eco-friendly paper by hand, with the support of experienced and informative paper makers. There might be one or many paper makers working on-site creating a fascinating range of items it just depends on the day you visit. Following the tour, you can choose a memento with an Australian animal water mark as a reminder of the experience. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 14

16 Paper making tours: 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 2.15pm, 3pm and 3.45pm. Paper Making Tour costs: $15 adult, $12 concession, $8 child (5 14 years) and $40 family (2 adults, 2 children). The Cheese Shop Burnie has perfect conditions for milk production and some of Burnie s world-class full cream milk goes into making wonderful soft-ripened cheeses. The Heritage is the largest specialty cheese manufacturing facility in the Southern hemisphere. The factory produces some of Australia s most loved cheese brands, including the multi-award winning cheeses of Tasmanian Heritage, the broad appeal and mild flavours of Australian Gold as well as the sharp and crumbly cheddars of Mersey Valley. At The Cheese Shop at Makers' Workshop visitors have an opportunity to taste and purchase the cheeses. A wide selection of specialty cheeses from the brands' premium ranges is available, as well as some odd shaped cheese at factory prices. Cheese experts are on hand and can offer tastings to assist you with your purchasing. You can also enjoy a selection of cheeses, and a glass of Tasmanian wine with a platter from the cafe. Opening hours: 9am 5pm every day. Closed Good Friday, Anzac Day (25 April), Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Admission to Makers Workshop: Free. For more information: (03) and TripAdvisor: 4 out of 5 rating (420 reviews) and 37% rated it excellent, 42% very good West Beach Connected from the city centre to the Makers Workshop via a boardwalk is West Beach, one of Burnie s fantastic beaches. On the western end of West Beach at Parsonage Point is the specially constructed Little Penguin Observation Centre. Here local volunteers handmade and located hundreds of penguin igloo apartments. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 15

17 If you visit Burnie between 1 October and 31 March you can see cute, noisy fairy penguins waddle into town to nest in their burrows. The Friends of Burnie Penguins provide free interpretive tours every night during the season (except Christmas Day). You ll have an opportunity for an intimate view into the seasonal life of penguin families from courtship, through to chick rearing and to moulting adults at the end of the breeding season. Go to the Little Penguin Observation Centre around dusk. It is located on the western end of West Beach linked to the city via a beach boardwalk. The viewing area is level with wheelchair access and is child friendly. Car parking is available at the Observation Centre and road access is from the Bass Highway intersection into West Park. For more information: TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 rating (74 reviews) and 76% rated it excellent, 21% very good Hellyers Road Distillery Hellyers Road Distillery is Australia s largest distiller of single malt whisky and is located at 153 Old Surrey Road in pristine dairy country on the outskirts of Burnie. Clean local water and high quality ingredients are what make their single malt whisky so distinctive and popular. Along with award winning single malt whiskies, they also produce vodka and cream liqueur. The Distillery started in January 1999 with only a factory and bond store. Today there is also a visitor centre, gift shop and fully licensed café. Whisky Walk Distillery Tour You can experience the distilling process first hand with a fully guided 30-minute behind the scenes tour called the Whisky Walk Distillery Tour. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 16

18 Along with some historical insight into the life and legacy of Henry Hellyer, you ll also get the opportunity to touch and feel the ingredients and smell the latest batch distilling. You ll even get to pour and wax your very own bottle of Hellyers Road, complete with a signed Certificate of Authenticity. The walk finishes with a viewing of the American oak barrels that store the end product. Afterwards, you might like to dine in the fully licensed Distillery Café which has beautiful views across the picturesque Emu Valley precinct. You can also purchase a broad range of products and merchandise and free tastings of the Hellyers Road Single Malt range, Southern Lights Vodka and Whisky Cream range are offered. Opening hours: 10am 4.30pm every day. Closed public holidays. Whisky Walk Tour: 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm and 3pm. Duration minutes. Tour cost: $19.50 adult, $0 child (16 years and under). For more information: (03) and TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 rating (108 reviews) and 60% rated it excellent, 32% very good Burnie Regional Art Gallery If you enjoy art, you can visit the Burnie Regional Art Gallery (BRAG) located at the Civic Centre Precinct Wilmot Street. This purpose built gallery has been presenting varied art and craft exhibitions for more than 35 years and serves the north-west and west coasts of Tasmania. It presents a vibrant and varied exhibitions program of visual arts by talented local artists through to major national touring exhibitions. It has three main galleries with a fine permanent collection that has a focus on works on paper, reflecting the importance of the paper industry in Burnie s past history. There are also many fine prints by some of Australia s most famous artists. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 17

19 Opening hours: 10am 4.30pm Mon Fri, 1.30pm 4pm Sat Sun and public holidays. Closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. Admission: $0. For more information: (03) and TripAdvisor: 4 out of 5 rating (12 reviews) and 43% rated it excellent, 16% very good Burnie Regional Museum To learn more about Burnie s history, visit the Burnie Regional Museum, located on Little Alexander Street. Here you ll learn about exploration, settlement and life in the region prior to The Museum has been specially created to look like a Burnie streetscape from approximately Along Federation Street, each store features a trade or profession important to a pioneering community. There s an inn, dentist, printery, general store, carpenter s shop, butter factory, photographer, post office, saddler and boot-maker, blacksmith and wheelwright. These have been created to represent actual businesses found in Burnie during this period of time and to show you how ordinary people lived more than 110 years ago. The Museum also has extensive archival collections relating to the history of the north-west region as well as temporary exhibitions, workshops and programs. The exhibitions celebrate the region s diversity and unique history. The gift shop has a range of vintage and antiqueinspired gifts as well as souvenirs and historical books and photographs. Opening hours: 10am 4.30pm Mon Fri and 1.30pm 4pm weekends and some public holidays. Closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year s Day. Admission: $8 adult, $5 concession. For more information: (03) and TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 rating (38 reviews) and 50% rated it excellent, 44% very good Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 18

20 Federation Walk In 1871 tin was found at Waratah and it became the richest tin mine in the world at that time. This triggered a boom time in Burnie and provided the impetus and wealth to build Burnie's fine Federation architecture (c.1890 c. 1915). A self guided walk interpreting many buildings around Burnie's city centre and close residential area was developed describing significant Federation buildings in domestic and civic architecture. Available from the Burnie Regional Museum and Burnie Visitor Information Centre at Makers' Workshop, the brochure provides a self guiding map with details on properties history. Burnie Art Deco Trail Another historical walking tour is the Burnie Art Deco Trail. This is a self-guided tour of Burnie s 25 remarkable art deco commercial and industrial buildings. Buildings include Apartments Downtown, the Fire Station, St Georges Church Hall, The Advocate and Portside buildings, Burnie art deco train and more. Maps, podcasts and the history of each building can be found at The Pulp Paper Trail Located on the foreshore at Burnie, opposite where the remains of the paper mill stand is an interpretive walk, The Pulp Paper Trail. This trail was designed to honour the men and women who came from and to the north-west coast to work at Burnie s pulp and paper mill between the years of 1937 and Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 19

21 Locally known as The Pulp, the mill was a dominant part of both the life and the landscape of Burnie for almost three quarters of a century. At its peak, The Pulp employed around 3600 people. The history of the mill is also a major part of the history of Burnie itself and this 600 metre long path, The Pulp Paper Trail, tells the story. Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is located 8km south of Burnie at 55 Breffny Road, Romaine. The 11 hectare internationally acclaimed garden is classified as a plant museum and includes more than 22,000 colourful rhododendrons and companion plants. These produce an absolutely stunning display between September and mid-november each year. Because of Burnie s temperate climate, this garden is one of the only known places where the entire range of the world s rhododendrons can be grown in the same garden. The site is also surrounded by native bushland and has landscape features such as gazebos, bridges, waterways and a fountain. There are also plants from wild habitats including the Himalayas, China, Japan and North America, plus many hybrids. Whilst walking through the gardens, you might spot the resident platypus and echidna and also a variety of bird life such as wild ducks and native hens. Guided tours are available by arrangement. Garden opening hours: 9am 5pm every day. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Tearoom opening hours: 10am 4pm every day. The tearoom is closed from 1 st June to the first Sunday of August, Christmas Day and 27 December to 1 st January. Admission: $12 adult, $10 concession and $0 child. For more information: (03) or and Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 20

22 Round Hill Lookout Views over the city and Emu Bay are available from Round Hill Lookout, located atop Round Hill, a prominent local landmark. The view from this lookout (244 metres / 800 feet above sea level) is especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset. Also the Wilf Campbell Memorial Lookout, located within the Wilfred Campbell Memorial Reserve on Mount Street, offers a panoramic view of the coast and city. Fernglade Platypus Reserve Just 3.9km from the city centre, on Fernglade Road, is the beautiful Fernglade Reserve. Located on the outskirts of the city in a quiet river valley, it is a very popular attraction and an incredibly valuable natural resource. This beautiful reserve is known to be one of the most reliable locations to see platypus in their natural habitat in Tasmania, as the entrance to their burrows is often built above the water-line. They are very shy creatures, so are best seen early in the morning and evening. You can take a relaxing 30-minute walk (1 hour round trip) along an even path that follows along the edge of the Emu River. As you walk, you can read a variety of interpretive signs about the platypus and enjoy the many types of native orchids that line the path. The reserve offers BBQ and picnic facilities and can be accessed by car at the main entrance, or from a second entrance 0.5km upriver. Opening hours: 7.30am dusk. Admission: Free. TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 rating (106 reviews) and 54% rated it excellent, 35% very good Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 21

23 Guide Falls Reserve The most accessible waterfall in the area is located at West Ridgley, just 19km south of Burnie, a short distance from the Ridgley Highway (B18). Guide Falls have water year round but are most spectacular in winter and spring. A few hundred metres upstream you ll find an easy walking track that takes you to a lovely grassy area at the base of the two-tiered falls. There s also another track that leads to a viewing platform located at the top. You ll find picnic tables and BBQ facilities at the top and bottom of the falls and this is a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Guide Falls Alpaca & Animal Park Located just above Guide Falls, at 309 West Ridgley Road, is the Guide Falls Alpaca & Animal Park. This fully operational stud farm is home to approximately 80 alpacas as well as Edward the friendly Emu, birds, peacocks, rabbits, ferrets, sheep, goats and a baby animal nursery. A modest entry fee includes a hands-on guided tour of the farm. You can also spend some time in the craft rooms weaving and spinning fleece or browse the gift shop for alpaca fleece, yarn and garments. There s a café offering Devonshire Tea or a light snack, and there s also a play area for children. Watch the ponds come alive as the giant trout fight for food. Buckets of feed for animals and trout are available. Opening hours: 10am 4pm Thu Mon (Sep Apr), 10am 4pm weekends (May, Jun, Aug) and 10am 4pm every day in school holidays. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Entry fee: $12 adult, $7 child (3 16 years), $0 child (0 2 years), $35 family (2 adults, 2 children, $5 extra children). For more information: and Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 22

24 Upper Natone Reserve Nearby is the Upper Natone Reserve. This reserve is a popular recreation area featuring BBQs, picnic tables, playground and a shelter. The reserve was developed as an arboretum (botanical garden devoted to trees) in 1945, with 11 species of exotic conifers planted for evaluation as timber species. These included the giant Californian Redwood. In 1974, seven species of Eucalyptus were added. These exotic and native trees and the surrounding local vegetation are now a feature of the area. The reserve is also known to be home to the endangered spotted-tailed quoll, as well as bandicoots, Tasmanian devils, platypus, echidna, possums, wombats, pademelons (small wallabies) and bats. You can take an easy half hour stroll along a walking track through the native vegetation. Each season brings a change to the area with flowering wattles in spring and a colourful display of fungi in autumn. Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour 23