Tasmanias fourth-largest city, with a population of about 17,000, Burnie was built on the back of a fascinating industrial past that in recent times has become an impetus for creativity as the city re-invents itself, co-existing with nature and wildlife. At one end of the meandering beach boardwalk is a deepwater port and at the other, a penguin rookery. Beyond the former paper manufacturing mill is the platypus haven at Fern Glade, while the mill itself is now home to Creative Paper Mills, using age-old techniques to craft hand-made, high quality art paper and paper products. The citys sprawling, world-class Emu Valley rhododendron garden is a veritable Noahs Ark for the magnificent plants, conserving species that are uncommon or under threat.