The Wonders of Wynyard
Set in the centre of Wynyard on Tasmania’s north-west coast, the Wonders of Wynyard is two things at once: an accredited visitor information centre and a genuine attraction that families can happily spend an hour or two exploring. It’s the kind of stop that works well at the start of a coastal trip, when you’re still deciding where to go next, and it rewards you with plenty to look at while you plan.
Ransley Veteran Car Collection
The main draw for many visitors is the Ransley Veteran Car Collection. Local resident Francis Ransley spent years restoring these vehicles, and the result is a display of more than 14 cars that traces the early days of motoring. The standout is the 1903 Model A, recognised as the equal-oldest Ford in the world. It once travelled to 58 locations around Australia, covering more than 28,000 kilometres, to mark Ford’s centenary in 2003.
Children who’ve only ever seen modern cars tend to be fascinated by the brass fittings, the wooden spokes and the sheer age of the machines. For grandparents, there’s a good chance of spotting something they remember, which makes it an easy place to share stories across generations.
Local Art
Alongside the cars, the centre doubles as a gallery for the region’s artists. A new exhibition goes on display every month, so repeat visitors rarely see the same thing twice. You’ll find paintings, sculptures, photographs and textiles, all created by people who live and work in the area.
Gift shop with Local Flavours
The on-site shop stocks products made by Tasmanian makers, which makes it a sensible place to pick up a memento that isn’t mass-produced. If you’re after a small souvenir the children can choose themselves, this is a gentler option than the usual tourist fare.
Plan Your Visit
Because it’s also the town’s visitor information centre, the staff and volunteers here know the surrounding area well. They can point you towards nearby beaches, Table Cape and its tulip farm, or the drive out to Stanley and The Nut. The centre has been recognised as one of Tasmania’s best visitor information centres, and with a large team of local volunteers on hand, it’s an easy place to ask the questions that don’t make it into guidebooks.
Restrooms, internet access and statewide travel information are all available, which is useful when you’re travelling with children and need a moment to regroup.
The centre is open most days, closing only on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Eight Hour Day, Good Friday and ANZAC Day. Entry to the centre is straightforward, and it sits just a few hundred metres from Burnie/Wynyard Airport, so it’s simple to fit in whether you’re arriving, departing or passing through on the coast road.
