Burnie Wynyard Airport

Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT) is not merely a transport hub, but a picturesque aerial gateway opening the path to the wilderness and rugged beauty of Tasmania's north-west coast. Located right at the edge of the Bass Strait, it offers travellers unforgettable views of the ocean and the famous flowering Table Cape even before landing. This cosy regional hub is renowned for its calm, almost home-like atmosphere, allowing guests of the island to instantly switch from city bustle to the measured rhythm of a Tasmanian holiday.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Burnie Wynyard Airport, despite its modest size, plays a key role in Tasmania's tourism logistics. Its main advantage is its strategic location: it is the nearest arrival point for those planning to visit the famous Cradle Mountain, the historic village of Stanley, or embark on a journey through the wild Tarkine forests. The airport eliminates the need for long drives from Launceston or Hobart, saving precious holiday time.

Another important feature is the exceptional simplicity and speed of service. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, the journey from the aircraft steps to the city exit takes mere minutes, and the absence of long queues at check-in makes departure as comfortable as possible. Passengers often note the scenic approach over the sea as a separate attraction that sets the mood for the entire journey.

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT). We recommend always checking the relevance of the data on official resources.

• Official Website: www.burnieairport.com.au. Here you will find flight schedules, news, and general information about services.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general questions related to terminal operations, you can call +61 3 6442 1666.
• Airport Address: Airport Road, Wynyard, Tasmania 7325, Australia.
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the official website.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official pages on popular social networks. The main source of information is the website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the airline directly whose services you used. Carrier contacts are usually indicated on the boarding pass or on their official website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding booking, ticket changes, and flight schedules is provided by the airlines. For questions about the airport's operation (parking, services in the terminal), please contact the inquiry service.

Getting to Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT), which serves the city of Burnie and the north-west coast of Tasmania, is quite simple. The airport is located in the town of Wynyard, approximately a 15-20 minute drive from the centre of Burnie. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Taxi and Transfer: The fastest and most direct way to get to the airport is by taxi or booking a private transfer. This is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage. The trip from the city centre takes about 15-20 minutes. The estimated cost will be 60–80 Australian Dollars. The comfort and speed justify the expense, but it is recommended to book a car in advance, especially for early morning flights.

Car Rental: If you plan to actively travel around the region, car rental will be the ideal solution. Desks for several rental companies operate in the city of Burnie and directly at the airport. Having your own transport gives you complete freedom of movement. The cost of renting an economy class car starts from 50–70 Australian Dollars per day. There is parking at the airport where you can leave your car for a short or long term.

Public Transport: Options for direct public transport to the airport may be limited. Local bus routes do not always stop directly at the terminal, so it is worth checking for special shuttle services before travelling. This is the most budget-friendly option, but it requires more careful planning. A trip on a shuttle, if one is running, may cost approximately 20–30 Australian Dollars.

Although Burnie Wynyard Airport is the closest to the city, for travel around Australia, you can also consider other options. The nearest major hub is Devonport Airport, located approximately 60 km to the east. For a wider choice of domestic and international flights, travellers often use Launceston Airport or Hobart International Airport, which are located further away but offer more destinations.

Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT) is a small and convenient regional aviation hub that primarily serves domestic flights. All its infrastructure is concentrated in one compact passenger terminal, which makes navigating it extremely simple and fast.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals, located in one common hall. Immediately upon entering the terminal, you will see airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points. After checking in, passengers proceed to a small but cosy waiting lounge, which also serves as the departure area. Since there is only one terminal at the airport, there is no need to transfer between terminals — everything is within walking distance.

The arrival zone is located in the opposite part of the hall. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers immediately enter the baggage claim area, where there is one baggage belt. Next to it are car rental company desks and the airport exit. The entire process from leaving the plane to collecting luggage and exiting the building takes mere minutes.

One of the main features of Burnie Wynyard Airport is the speed of passing all pre-flight procedures. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, queues for check-in and security screening are a rarity here. As a rule, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60 minutes before the flight departure. This time is quite sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and proceed to the boarding gate without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost in this airport, making it ideal for travellers who value their time and comfort.

The history of Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT) began on 26 February 1935, when the Wynyard aerodrome was officially opened at this site. This event became an important milestone for the north-west coast of Tasmania, establishing long-awaited air communication with mainland Australia. Shortly after opening, Holyman's Airways, the predecessor to Australian National Airways (ANA), launched the first regular passenger flights on De Havilland Dragon aircraft, connecting the region with Melbourne.

After the Second World War, the airport entered a new era of development. Trans Australia Airlines (TAA) joined the flights, creating healthy competition and improving service quality. In the 1950s and 60s, small aircraft were replaced by more spacious ones, such as the Douglas DC-3 and the turboprop Vickers Viscount. This allowed the airport to serve growing passenger traffic and strengthen its role as a key transport hub for the thriving cities of Burnie and Wynyard.

The most significant modernisation occurred in the 1980s. In 1985, a new modern terminal was opened, and the runway was extended and strengthened to accommodate jet aircraft. This allowed airlines such as Ansett Australia to launch flights on jet liners, for example, the BAe 146, which significantly reduced travel time to major Australian cities and opened a new chapter in the airport's history.

Today, Burnie Wynyard Airport continues to play an important role in the life of the region. Its name is a tribute to the two settlements it serves and a symbol of their close connection. Having gone from a modest aerodrome to a modern aerial gateway, it not only ensures transport accessibility but also contributes to the development of tourism and the local economy, whilst maintaining the cosy atmosphere of a small regional airport.

Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT) is a compact and modern regional airport offering passengers all essential amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its small size, the terminal is well-equipped to meet the basic needs of travellers.

Within the terminal building, there is a café where you can drink coffee or have a snack with sandwiches or pastries before your flight. Newspapers, magazines, and essential goods can also be purchased here. For those wishing to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. The waiting lounge is provided with power outlets for charging mobile phones and other gadgets.

There are no specialised VIP halls or airline business lounges at the airport, nor are there conference rooms. All passengers can use the general waiting hall. Regarding financial services, an ATM is installed in the terminal, but currency exchange points and bank branches are absent, as the airport primarily serves domestic flights.

For travellers with children, changing tables are equipped in the restrooms. The terminal is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, accessible toilets, and designated parking spaces. Assistance with movement around the airport, including the provision of a wheelchair, can be requested in advance through your airline.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself. The nearest hotels and motels are located in the town of Wynyard, just a few minutes' drive away, as well as in the city of Burnie, which can be reached by car in approximately 15-20 minutes.

Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT) is a compact regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size. Passengers can find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight, however, one should not expect the variety typical of large international hubs.

The main place to have a snack is the café located in the main terminal building. It is situated in the public zone (landside), before security control, making it accessible for both departing passengers and those seeing them off. The café's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens before the first flights and closes after the last departure of the day.

Here, travellers are offered a classic selection for a quick bite. On the menu, you can find:

• Hot drinks: coffee, tea, hot chocolate.
• Sandwiches, rolls, and pies.
• Fresh pastries, muffins, and other desserts.
• Soft drinks, juices, and bottled water.

Sometimes the assortment includes products from local Tasmanian producers, offering a chance to try something local. Regarding dietary options, the choice is generally limited. Vegetarian sandwiches or salads are usually available, but finding certified gluten-free, vegan, or Halal dishes may be difficult. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff.

Tip for travellers: The airport café is ideal for a light snack or a cup of coffee before departure. If you are planning a full lunch or dinner, it is better to do so at one of the restaurants in the city of Burnie or Wynyard before travelling to the airport. Prices in the café are consistent with average airport prices, meaning they are slightly higher than in the city.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Burnie city goes as comfortably as possible, make use of these tips. Burnie Wynyard Airport (BWT) is a small and convenient regional hub, but preparation is never superfluous.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights, which form the basis of the airport schedule, it is recommended to arrive 1–1.5 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to check in luggage and pass through security without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website — this will allow you to proceed immediately to baggage drop or security if you are travelling light.

Security Control and Seat Selection. The security screening procedure at a regional airport usually goes faster than at large international hubs. Nevertheless, be prepared to present your boarding pass and identification. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that window seats will gift you picturesque views of the Tasmanian coast upon departure, while an aisle seat provides greater convenience if you need to stand up during the flight.

Hand Luggage. Standard security rules apply here as well: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml must be packed in one transparent bag. Particular attention in Australia is paid to biosecurity. It is strictly forbidden to transport fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and certain animal products between states, especially when entering Tasmania. Ensure these are not in your hand luggage to avoid fines.

Passengers with Connections. Most flights from Burnie involve a transfer in major cities such as Melbourne. When planning your route, allow at least 2 hours for the connection, especially if you have to change terminals or airlines. This will give you a sufficient buffer of time in case of minor delays.

Customs Control. Since Burnie Wynyard Airport serves domestic flights, there is no standard customs control here. However, strict quarantine rules apply upon entering Tasmania. Your luggage may be inspected for prohibited food products. Declare any food items you are carrying to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving Time and Money. Pre-booking a taxi or a parking space often helps to save money. Bring an empty water bottle that can be filled in the terminal after security, and light snacks — this will allow you to avoid extra spending while waiting for your flight.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, contact the airline representative first for up-to-date information. Leisure opportunities in a small airport are limited, so download films or bring a book with you in advance. Having a portable power bank for gadgets will also be very useful.