Why Hertz

  • Our locations
    You can find Hertz at over 220 locations across Australia, including all major cities and airports.
  • Our fleet
    Our diverse and modern fleet has a vehicle to suit every journey, including speciality vehicles in the Prestige, Adrenaline and Dream Collections.
  • Our award-winning loyalty program
    Gold Plus Rewards is free to join and offers exclusive benefits to members, including the ability to earn points for free rental days.

A rich tapestry of nature, culture and culinary delights

Straddling Emu Bay on Tasmania’s northern coastline,Burnie is a reinvented port city that has successfully transitioned from a mostly industrial settlement to a vibrant, creative hub with a relaxed lifestyle and plenty to explore.

After the town’s iconic paper pulp mill shut down, residents put Burnie on the map by celebrating dedicated craftsmanship in all its forms. You can see it for yourself at the Makers Workshop, a charming congregation of artisans who peddle their wares and are more than happy to talk about their craft. There’s paper making, ceramics, cheese tasting, glassblowers, textiles, painters, print makers, sculptors, painters and plenty more!

From a more general perspective, Burnie is a serene and peaceful town. It has a tranquil stretch of beach and plenty of shops to explore, not to mention an excellent selection of cafes and eateries.

If you want to delve into the history of Burnie as an industrial town, head to the Burnie Regional Museum and take a walk down a replica of Federation St to get a close look at the lifestyle of the town’s residents over a century ago.

Cheese lovers will be pleased to know that the town is known for producing award-winning cheeses, while whiskey connoisseurs simply must include a visit to the Hellyers Road Distillery. It’s the biggest boutique whiskey distillery in the country, and you’ll get the chance to sample some of it yourself! On the way, keep your eyes peeled for the beautiful Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden: 12 hectares of beautiful walks among tranquil surroundings.

Another surprising feature of Burnie that can’t be missed is the Penguin Observation Centre. From September to March, these little guys emerge from the water in huge numbers around dusk and waddle up the shore to nest in hundreds of charming little penguin homes handmade by volunteers.

Pickup Locations Burnie

  • Wynyard Airport

    Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 0900-1800 Sat: 0900-1700 Sun: 1300-2100

    Address: Airport Street

    Phone: 03-6443-3350

  • Burnie Downtown

    Opening hours: Mon-Thu: 0800-1600 Fri-Sat: 0800-1700 Sun: Closed

    Address: 85 Mount Street

    Phone: 03-6443-3390

A Quick Guide to Burnie

Burnie’s historical charm and beautiful scenery make it as charming to visit, as it is interesting. A place where people understand that speed isn’t everything – from their proud tradition of handcrafted items to their gourmet produce, Burnie is a town that takes its time to get things right. You should follow in Burnie’s footsteps and slow down a little bit yourself. Take the time to get to know Burnie and you’re sure to be rewarded with some unforgettable experiences. 

Front Page Adventures

Burnie’s reputation as a “Town of Makers” is well earned, and this is evident in their papermaking trade. Burnie was founded on papermaking, and they have kept the tradition alive. The Creative Paper Factory is determined to spread the love of this antique craft far and wide. They hold interactive papermaking tours that are very hands-on – you’ll be able to get a bit messy with paper pulp and create your very own masterpiece, learning lots about this fascinating craft along the way. You’ll never look at an ordinary piece of paper the same way once you realise firsthand the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into the process. The well-stocked store here has everything you need to continue the hobby at home once you’ve got the knack of it, and of course there are lots of beautiful handmade paper items here too. 

Revel in Rhododendrons

If 11 hectares of gardens with more than twenty three thousand flowering plants sounds like your idea of heaven, then you’re not going to want to miss a visit to The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden. These beautiful flowers have fascinated people for centuries, and there are many varieties to discover. Most of the flowers bloom from August to January, but in the cooler months there are many trees here making a spectacular autumnal display, so whatever the time of year this is well worth the trip, just eight kilometres out of Burnie. The Garden has beautiful lakes, gazebos and paths with bridges to wander, so you can spend many happy hours taking in all the beauty here. When you’re ready for a rest, go and indulge in one of the High Teas on offer in the Tea Room, where you can sit with a view of the gardens and feast as you enjoy the calm surroundings. 

Guide your way to Waterfalls

Tasmania is famous for its spectacular scenery, and Burnie is no exception, with a picture perfect scene everywhere you look. It’s often a challenge to find family-friendly natural wonders to explore though, with many of the most spectacular sites requiring some degree of athleticism to hike a trail. Not the case with Guide Falls, which offer the rare advantage of both being beautifully picturesque and very easy to get to. Just 20 minutes out of Burnie and an easy five minutes walk from the carpark area along a very well maintained track, this is a cascade everyone can enjoy. If you are up for climbing some stairs, there’s a picnic area at the top of the falls that has some truly breathtaking views, sure to be one of the most scenic lunches you’re likely to have.