North Tasmania Things To Do: Road Trip in the Paradise (2024)

North Tasmania Things To Do: Unleash your adventurous spirit as you embark on scenic hikes, discovering hidden gems in the rugged landscapes. Dive into the calm waters of pristine lakes or rivers for an exhilarating aquatic experience. Indulge in the region’s rich cultural offerings, from charming local markets to historical sites that narrate tales of the past. North Tasmania invites you to savour culinary delights at local eateries, showcasing the freshest produce and unique flavours.

My affection for the charming island of Tasmania is unwavering. I have often enjoyed visiting this island state, immersing myself in unforgettable road trips. One of these journeys led me through the scenic landscapes around Launceston, while another adventure took me and my mother along the picturesque East Coast. Following these explorations, my friends and I ventured northward for an enriching four-day road trip along the captivating north coast of Tasmania.

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Where is Tasmania?

Situated 240 kilometres off the Australian mainland, Tasmania is a distinctive island state in southern Australia. Ranking as the 26th largest island globally, Tasmania boasts the reputation of having the purest air on the planet. Renowned not only for its pristine environment but also for its delectable cuisine, the island is celebrated for the freshness and deliciousness of its food offerings.

Best Time To Visit Tasmania

Optimal for a visit, Tasmania shines brightest during the summer months, spanning from December to February. However, it’s essential to note that the island experiences extremely cold temperatures in both autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August), making these seasons less conducive for travel.

Number of Days Required for Tasmania

To truly appreciate the wealth of offerings this island possesses, plan for a week-long exploration of Tasmania. With beauty tucked in every corner, brace yourself to be consistently amazed by the breathtaking landscapes and attractions Tasmania offers.

Flights To and From Tasmania

There are two ways to reach Tasmania from mainland Australia:

• By Air – Despite Hobart’s capital city status, flying into Launceston from Sydney or Melbourne is more budget-friendly. Jetstar emerges as the most economical flight provider, with one-way tickets from Sydney to Launceston costing as low as AUD 69 during sales.

• By Ship – Another means of reaching Devonport, Tasmania, from Melbourne, along with your vehicle, is by boarding the Spirit of Tasmania. The expenses range between AUD 188 and AUD 449, contingent on the ticket’s flexibility, with the fare including a small car.

Route of Road Trip Along the North Coast of Tasmania

Initially, our priority was securing a rental car upon arriving in Launceston. Opting for a reputable rental company is a wise choice. Their vehicles are clean and relatively new, and their booking and delivery processes are impressively swift and efficient.

Tip: When securing a car rental in Australia, it’s advisable to opt for comprehensive insurance with zero excess to ensure peace of mind during your journey.

Our road trip along the north coast commenced and concluded in Launceston, with the following itinerary encompassing all the places we explored over four days:

• Note:
  • The entire road trip spanned approximately 800 kilometres in four days.
  • I served as the sole and exclusive driver throughout the journey.
  • Completing this road trip within the four-day timeframe was easily achievable thanks to the well-maintained roads.

North Tasmania Things To Do: Places to Stop and Visit On Your Roadtrip

Launceston

Situated in the northern part of Tasmania, Launceston is the state’s second-largest city. Renowned for the captivating Cataract Gorge and an array of stunning walking trails, Launceston is my favourite city in Tasmania.

Starting point of our road trip – Launceston.

The city offers many attractions and activities, including the Queen Victoria Museum set in a 19th-century railway workshop, the charming Prince’s Square, and the historic Franklin House.

If time permits, consider extending your journey to the Bridestowe Lavender Estate—a delightful one-day excursion from Launceston.

Cataract Gorge Reserve

Situated approximately 1.5 kilometres from Launceston’s city centre, the Cataract Gorge Reserve beckons with its breathtaking river gorge. Recognized as one of Tasmania’s premier destinations, the Cataract Gorge offers the unique opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in its pristine waters.

Note: Given that the Cataract Gorge reaches around 20 metres, it’s advisable to attempt swimming only if you possess confidence in your swimming abilities.

Devonport

Devonport, often hailed as Australia’s market garden, is pivotal in contributing fruits and vegetables, constituting up to 40% of Tasmania’s annual crops. Positioned on the north coast, it sits at the Mersey River and Bass Strait convergence. The distance from Launceston to Devonport spans approximately 100 kilometres.

Mersey Bluff lighthouse

Nestled at the mouth of the Mersey River, the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse captivates with its unique red and white striped patterns. Established in 1889, this lighthouse is constructed from bricks, adding to its historical charm.

Penguin

Penguin, a serene coastal town in northern Tasmania, pays homage to its seaside community and celebrates the presence of fairy (little) penguins in the area. Dotted with numerous large penguin statues, including the renowned Big Penguin, the town exudes a charming character. The distance from Devonport to Penguin is a mere 30 kilometres.

In Australia, you have the enchanting opportunity to witness fairy penguins. On the mainland, specifically, Phillip Island, venture to observe these charming creatures return home every evening. I have also had the privilege of seeing other species of penguins during my trip to Antarctica.

Did you know that Australia boasts numerous colossal landmarks scattered across the country? From the peculiar to the picturesque, explore the array of Big Things in New South Wales.

Wynyard

Wynyard, a quaint rural town, is a pitstop during the road trip journey. While the town may not boast abundant activities, the Fossil Bluff lookout offers a picturesque stop for scenic views. The distance between Penguin and Wynyard spans 37 kilometres.

Table Cape

Merely 10 kilometres from Wynyard, Table Cape, is a volcanic plug, marking one of Tasmania’s most remarkable natural wonders. This ancient volcano, estimated to be 12 million years old, rises to an elevation of 180 meters, offering a breathtaking spectacle of nature.

Table Cape Lighthouse

The Table Cape Lighthouse, showcased to the public in 1888, stands proudly on the cliff edge. Originally illuminated by an oil burner, it underwent a conversion to vaporized kerosene in 1913. Remarkably, the Table Cape Lighthouse holds the distinction of being the sole operational lighthouse offering guided tours in Tasmania.

Edge of the World

The Edge of the World is a rugged and perilous location, characterized by turbulent waves and an air of mystery. Situated to the south of Arthur River, it offers the longest uninterrupted view of the ocean. The journey from Table Cape to the Edge of the World spans approximately 125 kilometres.

Stay at Arthur River Sunset Villas

A spectacular place for a relaxed and picturesque stay is the Arthur River Sunset Holiday Villas. It is centrally located and has the best views of sunset. Our stay at one of the villas was very comfortable and enjoyable.

Click here to check for prices on Booking.com

Cradle Mountain

Toweringly majestic at 1545 meters, Cradle Mountain resides within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. A visit to Tasmania remains incomplete without experiencing the allure of Cradle Mountain. The distance from the Edge of the World to Cradle Mountain is approximately 250 kilometres.

Cradle Mountain marked our final destination before heading back to Launceston. The distance from Cradle Mountain to Launceston is approximately 140 kilometres.

Finishing point of the road trip – Launceston

Closing Notes

Despite Tasmania appearing diminutive compared to the vast mainland Australia, the island offers plenty of sights and activities. Driving across Tasmania is a truly enchanting experience, thanks to the exceptionally picturesque landscapes. The charm of the small towns and their unique character adds a special touch, making Tasmania a truly distinctive and special destination.

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