Ulverstone, Gunns Plain, Nietta, Penguin, Burnie, Ridgley
Less than 20 kilometres west of Devonport, Ulverstone is a large seaside town, set scenically at the mouth of the beautiful River Leven. Established as a timber town in 1852, Ulverstone now supports the surrounding farming district, as well as an ever increasing stream of tourists, eager to appreciate the area's laid back atmosphere and natural attractions. For this reason, the town is well equipt with tourist facilities and shopping, including an array of quality waterfront accommodation, as well as numerous antique stores and art and craft outlets. The town also holds a colourful weekend market twice a month.
Approximately 30 kilometres inland from Ulverstone, the first of the region's must see natural attractions are the spectacular caves at Gunns Plains. Guided tours to the cave's many underground wonders leave on the hour between 10am and 4pm everyday. While in the Gunn Plains area, animal lovers can check out the cold-blooded collection and farmyard menagerie at the Wings Creek Farm and Reptile Centre. Directly south of Gunns Plains near the township of Nietta, the stunning wilderness and breathtaking scenery of Leven Canyon is also well worthy of exploration.
Back on the coast, halfway between Ulverstone and the aptly named coastal hamlet of Penguin, is another of the district's renowned ecological drawcards. Especially during late Spring and Summer, Little, or Fairy penguins can be seen surfing ashore as they return to their burrows each evening. The town of Penguin itself is home to some lovely old timber buildings and churches, as well as several sandy beaches which entice holiday makers in the warmer months. There's also some scenic walks around Mount Montgomery and the Ferndene Gorge Nature Reserve to the south of town. To prove you've been here, you can have your photo taken with the Big Penguin on Main Street.
Following the coastline 20 kilometres west of Penguin, the commercial port of Burnie has grown into Tasmania's fourth largest city, thanks predominantly to the enormous shipping and paper industries based here. Tourist wise, there are a number of attractions in town worth a visit, particularly the Pioneer Village Museum next to the Civic Plaza. The museum is a cleverly recreated streetscape of 19th century buildings and shop fronts, allowing visitors to step back in time for a moment. The numerous stores include a boot maker, printer, and blacksmith's shop. Close by, the wildlife reserve and landscaped gardens of Bernie Park make a great spot for a stroll or picnic, and coffee can be sipped from the cafe housed in the colonial setting of Bernie Inn. Other highlights within the city limits include the Burnie Regional Art Gallery and tastings at the Lactos Tasmania Cheese factory.
On the outskirts of Bernie, industry gives way to attractive, undulating countryside, consisting of fertile fields and remnant bushland. Walks along the picturesque Emu River in the Fernglade Reserve is one of the hinterland's highlights, as is the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, especially in Spring. Further inland near the tiny township of Ridgley, the stunning Guide Falls are also worth a look.
