Burnie is known for its vibrant artistic culture and breathtaking natural beauty, but there’s so much more to this small port city.
Once a major contributor to the paper mill industry, Burnie is now the home of many makers and creators. It is conveniently located between the Emu Valley and the Bass Strait, making it an ideal hub for exploration. This list of the best places to eat, drink and stay in Burnie will ensure you make the most of your next trip to this bustling coastal town.
Eat & Drink
The Chapel
Burnie’s newest cafe is located in an 1890s Wesleyan Chapel, repurposed as a charming and well decorated spot for morning coffee. At The Chapel, all coffee beans are roasted on site for the richest flavour. The menu includes a range of baked goods such as muffins, brownies and slices, as well as all the brunch classics. And, once the sun sets, this popular spot turns into a bar with live music from top local performers.
Liv Eat
Liv Eat is the chain proving that healthy eating can be fun. It offers a range of delicious and nutritious meals designed to suit an active lifestyle, including grab ‘n’ go salads, burritos, smoothies, warm bowls and more. Plus, there are plenty of mid-week lunch deals to keep costs down, making it a great spot for busy people who want to feel energised and sustained.
Communion Brewing Co
This local watering hole serves all the best traditional pub meals infused with cross-cultural influences and featuring top local produce. Whether you’re after a chicken schnitzel, burger, kebab or nepalese curry, they have it all.
Throughout the week, the pub hosts several events such as trivia and live music, making it the perfect spot to catch up with mates. Here, they also brew their own beer, attempting to capture the spirit of Burnie in every can. For every beer sold, Communion Brewing Co donates 100 litres of clean water to communities in developing countries through the organisation Charity: Water. So far, they have provided 5.4 million litres of water to people in need.
Bayviews
If you’re looking for a fancy dinner with oceanfront views, Bayviews is the place for you. This restaurant and lounge bar is owned and operated by married pair Kurt and Ann Wyss. The waterfront location offers uninterrupted views of the coast whether you’re sitting down for dinner at the restaurant or enjoying drinks with friends at the bar.
At Bayviews, the menu is curated from the best seasonal ingredients, with standout favourites like the sesame crusted yellowfin tuna and slow roasted duck. For a full experience, you can choose to try the Chef’s Tasting Menu, a 6 or 9 course meal featuring all the best dishes specially prepared by expert chefs.
Hellyers Road Distillery
First opened in the 1990s, Hellyers Road Distillery is Australia’s oldest operating whiskey distillery, producing all their malt whiskey from scratch. Here, they complete the entire process from distilling to bottling on site, creating a range of award-winning whiskies revered around the world.
The distillery hosts around 35,000 visitors every year, offering a fully guided tour of the facilities, meals at a high-class bistro, and incredible views across the Emu Valley. For a truly unique experience, guests are invited to join a Whiskey Walk, where they can pour, wax and seal a limited release bottle of Hellyers Road Distiller’s Choice 20-year-old single malt whiskey straight from the cask, after completing a tour.
Stay
Amelias
This self-contained heritage house was built by one of the first Mayors of Burnie, Francis Tallack, and has since been refurbished in the Queen Anne style. This means stained glass windows, fireplaces, and a ball and claw foot bath all carefully returned to their original quality.
Only a two minute walk from the town centre, Amelias boasts a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, private veranda with water views and more. Plus, guests are welcome to make use of the vegetable, fruit and herb garden for those wishing to cook with the best seasonal produce.
Ikon Hotel
Ikon Hotel is a boutique accommodation that combines history with modern decor for the ultimate stay. Originally built in 1912, the heritage listed building has retained its tower-like facade, yet exudes elegance and style on the inside.
Burnie’s best dining options are only a short walk from the front door, while within the hotel walls you can find a spa, gym access and balconies overlooking the water.
Somerset Beachside Caravan Park
For a more relaxed accommodation option, we suggest driving 11 minutes from Burnie to Somerset Beachside Caravan Park. This family-owned accommodation offers cabins, campgrounds and RV spots for all types of travellers. The friendly staff provide unbeatable service, and are always happy to chat about the facilities and unique history of the park. Interestingly, in the 1940s, the land now used as a campground was one of the few golf clubs owned and conducted by women
Gleneagle
A short 20 minute drive from Burnie, you will come across a 46 hectare property known for its luxury accommodation and stellar service. This adults only dome accommodation is set within a thriving eucalyptus forest, and is perfect when travelling solo or as a couple.
Each dome provides views of the surrounding lake, access to a private outdoor bath, a giant king-sized bed and a fully-stocked fridge with locally produced drinks. The land is home to more than 50 bird species, echidna, platypus, giant freshwater crayfish, Tasmanian devils and more.
Here, the picture-perfect natural backdrop is the ideal place to help you unwind and escape the hustle of the city. The Devil’s Den dining room is the on-site kitchen, with a roaring fireplace and selection of the finest Tasmanian wines. Guests can choose to have their food delivered to their dome, or mingle with other guests in the homely dining area.
To discover the best day trips from Burnie, click here.
