Wynyard Airport

Burnie Airport sits on the northern coast of Tasmania, roughly halfway between the towns of Wynyard and Burnie, serving the island's northwestern region with a compact terminal and a single paved runway. The airport handles regional flights operated by Rex Airlines and QantasLink, connecting the area to Melbourne and, indirectly, to the broader Australian network. Despite its small size, Burnie Airport plays a vital role for local residents, businesses in the mining and agriculture sectors, and tourists heading to Tasmania's wild northwest coast. The airport is known for its efficiency: from curbside to gate takes under ten minutes, and the staff are accustomed to handling everything from business travelers to families with young children.

Getting There

Burnie Airport is located about 20 kilometres west of Burnie city centre and 5 kilometres east of Wynyard along the Bass Highway (A2). The drive from Burnie takes roughly 20 minutes via the Bass Highway, following signs for Wynyard and the airport. From Devonport, the journey is about 50 kilometres (40 minutes) west on the same highway. There is no direct public transport to the airport; taxis and rideshare services (Uber operates in the region) are available but can be limited during off-peak hours. Pre-booking a taxi is advisable for early morning or late afternoon flights. Alternatively, Burnie Airport offers ample wheelchair-accessible car parking directly adjacent to the terminal, and parking is free for short stays. Accommodation in Wynyard or Burnie often provides shuttle services for guests – check with your hotel. Bicycles are not recommended due to the highway access, but walking from Wynyard is possible (around 1 hour) for the determined.

Inside the Terminal

The single-storey terminal is straightforward: a small check-in hall, a security screening point, and a waiting area overlooking the runway. The airport confirms wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible car park, and toilet facilities. Additional on-site services include a small kiosk selling pre-packaged snacks, drinks, and newspapers, plus a vending machine. Car rental desks (Hertz, Budget) are open during flight times. There is no full-service restaurant or bar, so passengers should plan accordingly. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried; security queues are rare, but they can form during peak times – Monday at 9 am and Thursday at 9 am for morning departures, and Tuesday and Wednesday at 4 pm for afternoon flights. Check-in counters open 90 minutes before each departure. The terminal has free Wi-Fi, though coverage can be patchy near the gates. The entire building is compact, with easy navigation – gates are numbered but there’s only one boarding area, so finding the right flight is simple.

Burnie Airport and Wynyard

Wynyard, the nearest town to the airport, is a quiet coastal community with a population of around 5,000. It sits on the banks of the Inglis River and is known for its well-preserved historic wharf, which now houses galleries, cafes, and a museum. The town’s main street offers basic services – supermarkets, bakeries, and a pharmacy – but most visitors use Wynyard as a base for exploring the wider region. The northwest coast of Tasmania is characterised by dramatic coastline, rolling dairy pastures, and the nearby Tarkine rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in Australia. Popular attractions within a 30-minute drive include the Boat Harbour Beach (a pristine white-sand beach often less crowded than those on the east coast), the Table Cape Lighthouse (with sweeping views over the sea and tulip fields in spring), and the Hellyer River Gorge (a short walk through lush forest). For hikers, the Blythe River Walk starts in Wynyard itself. The airport is also the closest commercial airfield to the northwest’s main industrial hub, Burnie, which hosts the Burnie Port and major mining processing facilities. Many passengers are business travelers connected to these industries. However, the airport equally serves tourists drawn to the Cradle Mountain region, though Cradle Mountain is actually closer to Launceston Airport (about 2.5 hours drive from Burnie). Still, the drive from Burnie Airport to the national park is scenic and takes around 2 hours via the Murchison Highway. The region’s dairy industry is famous – Wynyard is the home of the Tasmanian Dairy Products factory, and local cheeses and ice cream are available at many outlets. The airport itself has a small tourist information board with leaflets, but don’t expect a dedicated visitor centre. Understanding the airport’s place in the local economy explains its hours and peak times: most flights connect to business schedules, with morning and late-afternoon peaks Monday through Thursday. Weekend services are limited, and some days may have no flights at all. This makes advance planning essential.

Practical Information

Burnie Airport is not open 24 hours; the terminal opens approximately one hour before the first flight and closes after the last arrival. Check the website for exact hours, as they vary by day – typically weekdays from 6 am to 7 pm, with reduced hours on Saturday and Sunday. The contact number is +61 3 6442 1133 and the official website is http://www.burnieairport.com.au/. On the website you can view the live flight schedule, which is the most reliable way to confirm times. Tips: If you have an early Monday morning flight, be aware that parking is free and there are no traffic jams, but the coffee kiosk may not open until 30 minutes before departure – consider bringing your own drink. The airport’s wheelchair accessibility is good, but if you require assistance, notify your airline at least 48 hours in advance. One concrete piece of advice: do not rely on finding a taxi immediately after arriving on a late afternoon weekday flight – call a local taxi (Wynyard Taxis +61 3 6442 2444) to pre-book, as the airport can experience a sudden surge of arriving passengers at the same time.