Burnie

Burnie's slogan 'City of Contrasts' describes the nature of this rich and diverse regional city. While the city is dominated by the busy waterfront - the fifth largest container port in Australia - it offers a contrasting hinterland to tempt any tourist.

Burnie occupies a key position on Tasmania`s tourist circuit.

It is the gateway to the rich mining and scenic areas of the west coast and the historic and scenic far north-west.

The city is richly endowed with cultural facilities that promote a wide range of performing arts and fine arts. A unique multifunctional Civic Centre provides theatre and convention facilities for local, state, national and world-standard concerts and conferences. The complex includes the Regional Art Gallery, which provides a continuing program of national and international exhibitions and works from its own collection.

The nearby Pioneer Village Museum, which houses almost 20,000 items from the turn of the century, is housed in a unique Visitors Centre, which also contains the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, departure and arrival lounge for the Burnie Airport and tearooms.

Behind the industrial and commercial facade Burnie boasts fine gardens and natural beauty. Fernglade features a tranquil bush setting in which platypus can be seen surfacing. Romaine Park Reserve highlights a boardwalk, lake and training track.

A must for visitors is the on-site tasting shop at the factory of world-renowned cheesemaker Lactos on Surrey Road, The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden and privately run Annsleigh Gardens.