Burnie is a useful road-trip base because the coast, farmed hinterland and western rainforest begin close together. The mistake is trying to combine too many of them in one day. Choose one loop, check current roads and leave time to stop safely.
Short option: Ridgley and Guide Falls
Drive south through Ridgley to Guide Falls for a formed waterfall stop with parking, toilets and picnic facilities. Return by the same route or through the rural outskirts only when current road conditions and navigation are clear.
This is the most practical half-day choice. Rural roads have limited shoulders, and farm entrances are not viewpoints.
Full day: Waratah and Hellyer Gorge
The Murchison Highway reaches Hellyer Gorge, then continues to the former tin-mining town of Waratah. Rainforest, river and mining heritage make a coherent journey, but bends, heavy vehicles and wet surfaces slow the drive.
Check reserve alerts and highway conditions, carry food and fuel for delays, and avoid returning at dusk when wildlife is active.
Coast day: Penguin, Ulverstone and Forth
The Bass Highway provides the direct connection east, while local coastal roads serve town centres and beaches. Use Penguin, Ulverstone and Turners Beach, Leith and Forth as separate stops rather than treating the road itself as the attraction.
For a longer western journey, plan takayna / Tarkine or Cradle Mountain as its own day or overnight trip.