Fact File
Originally known as Emu Bay Settlement established in 1827 by surveyor Henry Hellyer, the town was renamed Burnie in 1840 after William Burnie, a director of the Van Diemen’s Land Company that shaped the region’s early settlement, industry, and layout.
Quick Facts
Location
- North-west coast of Tasmania on Bass Strait.
- Tasmania's most westerly city, a regional hub for surrounding towns.
- Coordinates: Latitude: 41°S, Longitude: 145°E
Getting Here
Burnie is well-connected and is a great base for exploring the northwest, Cradle Mountain, Tarkine and West Coast.
- By Road: A1 Bass Highway, 1.5 hours from Launceston
- By Air: BWT Burnie Wynyard Airport, 20 minutes from CBD.
- By Sea: Port of Burnie (cruise ships), 40 min from Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania Ferry from Victoria)
Climate
Spring and summer (September–March) offer the best weather and wildlife experiences.
- Mild oceanic: cool wet winters, warm sunny summers
- Average Rainfall: 970mm per annum
Living in Burnie
- Population: approx. 20,000 (2021 Census)
- Median House Price (2022): $430,000 AUD
- Economy: Driven by health, education, transport, manufacturing, and tourism
- Community services: Regional hub for Schools, higher education, hospital and health services, supreme court, sporting facilities, arts and recreation.
Did You Know? Fun Facts
- Burnie was once home to one of Australia’s largest pulp and paper mills.
- A former Tioxide plant coloured the sea rust-red with iron salts. • Rich red volcanic soils support local agriculture.
- Little penguins nest right beside the CBD.
- Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
