CITY & INNER SUBURBAN WALKS
Downloadable self guided tours in PDF format
Urban Walks
Domain & Foreshores
Urban Bush & Rivulet Parks
Wellington Park
HALF DAY GUIDED WALKING TOURS
FULL DAY AND MULTIPLE DAY DRIVES
Tasman Peninsula Drive: 1 day
A day's drive around the Forestier and Tasmania Peninsulas, taking in the stunning coastline around Eaglehawk Neck, the convict settlement ruins at Port Arthur and other settlements on Norfolk Bay, as well as the Tasmanian Devil Wildlife Park. This is a full day's drive, so the earlier you leave Hobart, the more you will be able to fit into your day. If you enjoy an easy bushwalk, want to see some of the coastal features up close rather than from a distance, or would like to spend a bit of time taking in the Port Arthur historical site, it is recommended that the trip be extended by a day, with an overnight stopover somewhere on the Tasman Peninsula. Distance: 220 km
Leave Hobart via Brooker Hwy, following the signs across to Tasman Bridge to Sorell. From Sorell, continue on the Arthur Hwy to Dunalley, with its man made Denison Canal, then to Eaglehawk Neck. The Pirates Bay Rd deviation before reaching Eaglehawk Neck is well worth taking, with panoramic views down the coast. There are some fabulous coastal features to see around the Neck before heading further south, these include the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, Blowhole, Fortescue Bay and Cape Raoul. Check out Doo Town and have a chuckle at the funny house names there. Head west then south along Arthur Hwy to Taranna with its historic convict station, Tasmanian Devil Park and the Federation Chocolate Factory. Continue South to the Port Arthur convict settlement ruins, which is Australia's foremost convict historic sites. When you have completed your visit to Port Arthur, continue south on Safety Cove Rd to Remarkable Cave, a huge water-filled rock cave/natural bridge on the coast. Return along Safety Cove Rd, turning left into Nubeena Rd. Follow the road to Nubeena and Premaydena. If you have time and an interest in convict history, head north at Premaydena to the convict station and coal mine ruins beyond Saltwater River. Return along Nubeena Rd to Koonya (another convict station), at Taranna, head north along Arthur Hwy and return to Hobart via Eaglehawk Neck, Dunalley and Sorell.
Heritage Highway Villages Drive: 1 day
A journey along Tasmania's first main road in the footsteps of infamous bushrangers and the illustrious stonemasons, enterprising wool growers and hardened convict road gangs; political exiles, scoundrels and opportunists, whose legacies remain in the quaint villages around southern Tasmania. Distance: 162 km
Head east out of Hobart over the Tasman Bridge and follow the signs to Tasmania's best known colonial village - Richmond. Just 25 km north-east of Hobart, in the Coal River region, Richmond was initially part of the route between Hobart and Port Arthur. Present-day Richmond is best known as being preserved as it was at that time. It is a vibrant tourist town, with many of the sandstone structures still standing. Richmond's most famous landmark is the Richmond Bridge, built in 1823, and Australia's oldest bridge still in use. The town is known for its historic streetscapes, with cafes, old churches and craft and accommodation cottages. A miniature of colonial Hobart is also well worth the admission fee. Travel north on Colebrook Rd to the olde-world villages of Campania, Lowdina, Colebrook and Jericho to Oatlands. This classified historic town half way between Hobart and Launceston has the largest and finest collection of Georgian sandstone houses in Australia, many of which were built by convict labour. It's a town steeped in Tasmanian history, and has a number of unique landmarks, including the Callington Mill and St Pauls' Church. Moving on, return to Midland Highway and head in the direction of Hobart. On the way you'll pass Jericho and Melton Mowbray, a couple of villages that times seems to have forgotten. The next village on the road south is Kempton, another charming Georgian colonial settlement which is registered as a classified historic town. Dysart House, now privately owned, at the southern end of town, is an exceedingly handsome mansion. Return to Hobart through Bridgewater, now one of greater Hobart's northern-most suburbs, located 19km from the city.
Colonial Villages Drive: 1 day
This drive begins by visiting historic villages on the southern section of Midland Highway, Tasmania's first main road that was built by convict road gangs. The route then heads north-east to a number villages in the southern foothills of the Central Highlands, following Lakes Highway that ultimately passes Arthurs Lake on its way to Launceston. The return journey passes through the historic villages on the lower Lyell Highway, following the River Derwent as it winds its way through hilly terrain towards Hobart. Distance: 185 km
Take the Brooker Hwy north out of Hobart to Bridgewater. Continue north on the Midland Highway to Brighton and Pontville. Once an important stopping point on the road from Hobart to Launceston, Pontville is home to a number of convict built, pre-1820s buildings including a soldiers barracks. Continue north through the villages of Mangalore, Bagdad and Dysart to Kempton, a charming Georgian colonial settlement which is registered as a classified historic town. Dysart House, now privately owned, at the southern end of town, is an exceedingly handsome mansion. North of Kempton is Melton Mowbray, a village that never quite grew to its full potential. At Melton (as it is known by the locals), turn left and follow Lake Highway through Aspley to Bothwell. This little village, laid out in 1824, had a strong Scottish element in its early population which is evident everywhere in its buildings (see photo gallery). It is claimed that the first game of golf in Australia was played here in the 1820s. In season, Bothwell is known as the gateway to some of the best trout fishing in Australia. Leave Bothwell, taking Wentworth Street, and follow the signs to Ouse, another small Central Highlands town. It was in the hills around Ouse that bushranger Martin Cash roamed. Nearby are Cluny Dam and the Repulse Dam; both are small but typical Hydro Power Station dams. Millbrook water mill off Victoria Valley Road dates back to 1843. South of Ouse on Lyell Highway towards Hobart is Hamilton, a pretty colonial-era town on the Clyde River. Hamilton is full of history, from pristine Georgian cottages that now house craft galleries or offer bed and breakfast accommodation to a convict built schoolhouse. Jackson's Emporium, built in 1856, is a quaintly different kind of department store specialising in Derwent Valley products. Continue south through Gretna to Rosegarland and turn left towards Bushy Park. The hop capital of Tasmania, it is a fascinating historic destination, a slice of Europe with its old houses, hop kilns, deciduous trees and hopfields which seem to envelop every building and road. Mount Field National Park, with cascading waterfalls, deep gorges and a large variety of plants and trees, is accessed by road from Bushy Park. Follow Glenora Rd through Plenty (with its superb Salmon Ponds) to New Norfolk, so named because the town's founding pioneers were re-settled from Norfolk Island in 1808. The richness and variety of its historic buildings, the old Oast Houses and the gentle undulations of the countryside on either side of the Derwent River make this one of the most attractive places in southern Tasmania. The state's oldest church, The Anglican Church of St Matthew, is in New Norfolk. Return to Hobart, taking the picturesque drive alongside the River Derwent via Lyell Highway.
The Wild West Drive: 2 days
The west coast of Tasmania is one of the most accessible wilderness areas in the world. Because of its location on Macquarie Harbour, which fringes Western Tasmania's wilderness country, the village of Strahan enjoys a booming eco-tourism trade. As well as exploring Macquarie Harbour and the river that flows into it, visitors to Strahan are treated to the freshest of seafood, while having access to accommodation facilities to suit every budget and requirement. This drive takes in Strahan, the mining town of Zeehan to its north, and the historic villages on the main road between Hobart and Tasmania's wild west. The trip requires a considerable amount of driving, much of it along winding, mountainous roads, but the scenery and interesting places along the way make it well worth the effort. Distance: 625 km
Travellers' notes: North Western Tasmania | Central and Southern
Day 1: Take the Brooker Hwy north out of Hobart to Bridgewater. Continue north on the Midland Highway to Brighton and Pontville. Once an important stopping point on the road from Hobart to Launceston, Pontville is home to a number of convict built, pre-1820s buildings including a soldiers barracks. Continue north through the villages of Mangalore, Bagdad and Dysart to Kempton, a charming Georgian colonial settlement which is registered as a classified historic town. Dysart House, now privately owned, at the southern end of town, is an exceedingly handsome mansion. The next village is Melton Mowbray, a place that never grew to its full potential. At Melton (as it is known by the locals), turn left and follow Lake Highway through Aspley to Bothwell. This little village, laid out in 1824, had a strong Scottish element in its early population which is evident everywhere in its buildings (see photo gallery). It is claimed that the first game of golf in Australia was played here in the 1820s. In season, Bothwell is known as the gateway to some of the best trout fishing in Australia. Leave Bothwell by taking Wentworth Street, and follow the signs to Ouse, another small Central Highlands town. It was in the hills around Ouse that bushranger Martin Cash roamed. Nearby are Cluny Dam and the Repulse Dam; both are small, but typical Hydro Power Station dams. Millbrook water mill off Victoria Valley Road dates back to 1843. Travel north along Lyell Highway. A road to the right leads to Tarraleah, a town created to house workers on a 1930's hydro-electric scheme on the upper Derwent. A visitors centre sits on the hilltop above the huge hydro-electric pipes, a spectacular sight. The whole town of 1920s and 1930s wooden homes has been restored as an elegant wilderness adventure resort. Back on the highway, the next dot on the map is Derwent Bridge, a small community in the Central Highlands where the highway crosses the Derwent near Lake St Clair (5 km). There are several short walks available at Lake St Clair ranging from a 30-40 minute walk up to a 7 hour round trip to Mt Rufus. After Derwent Bridge, Lyell Highway winds for 56 kilometres through the heart of the Wild Rivers National Park, which lies in the heart of the Franklin - Gorden Rivers Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is a region of dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful rainforest, deep river valleys and spectacular gorges. There are several short walks and picnic stops along the way that will allow you to discover the grandeur and beauty of the Wild Rivers region.Just off the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge is ; the One of these is a short walk to Nelson Falls provides a welcome break from what can be a tedious drive through the mountains, depending on the weather conditions and traffic. After passing the man-made Lake Burbury, the highway climbs the mountains up to the remnants of the mining town of Gormanston, before winding its way down through the stark, treeless landscape that surrounds Queenstown. Spend the night at Queenstown, or travel on the Strahan for a wider choice of accommodation . If you plan to take a harbour cruise or ride the Wilderness Railway, give serious thought to adding an extra day to your itinerary - spending the whole day at Strahan and staying at Strahan overnight. 311 km
Day 2: If your overnight stay was at Queenstown, continue north on Lyell Highway and take the road to Strahan, a few kms out of town. Located at the top end of Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is the gateway to the world Heritage-listed wilderness area of Western Tasmania; it's a tourist magnet; cruises on Macquarie Harbour and up the King, Franklin and Gordon Rivers and to the former convict prison, Sarah Island, fill up quickly so book in advance. A ride on the recently-reconstructed West Coast Wilderness Railway, and the short drive to Hogarth Falls are also very popular. Leave Strahan by travelling north along Andrew Street into Henty Road. This takes you on a scenic back road to the old mining town of Zeehan. The town features some interesting architecture. Leave Zeehan via Zeehan Hwy, turning left into Zeehan Highway. Travel south on Lyell Highway towards Hobart, passing through Derwent Bridge and Ouse which were visited on the previous day when travelling north. Continue through Ouse on the Lyell Highway to Hamilton, a pretty colonial-era town on the Clyde River. Hamilton is full of history, from Georgian cottages that now house craft galleries or offer bed and breakfast accommodation to a convict built schoolhouse. Jackson's Emporium, built in 1856, is a quaintly different kind of department store specialising in Derwent Valley products. Continue south through Gretna to Rosegarland and turn left towards Bushy Park. The hop capital of Tasmania, it is a fascinating historic destination, a real piece of Europe with its old houses, hop kilns, deciduous trees and hopfields which seem to envelop every building and road. Mount Field National Park, with cascading waterfalls, deep gorges and a large variety of plants and trees, is accessed by road from Bushy Park. Follow Glenora Rd through Plenty (with its superb Salmon Ponds) to New Norfolk, so named because the town's founding pioneers were re-settled from Norfolk Island in 1808. The richness and variety of its historic buildings, the old Oast Houses and the gentle undulations of the countryside on either side of the Derwent River make this one of the most attractive places in the whole of southern Tasmania. Tasmania's oldest church, The Anglican Church of St Matthew, is in New Norfolk. Return to Hobart taking the picturesque drive alongside the River Derwent via Lyell Highway. 314 km
Huon Trail & Channel Drive: 3 days
The Huon Trail is the touring route south of Hobart through the Huon Valley and D'Entrecasteuax Channel region. It follows quiet country roads that wind their way through valleys and alongside the waterways of D'Entrecasteuax Channel and the Huon River, passing peaceful farmland dotted with interesting little towns. This drive also includes an overnight stay on Bruny Island. Distance: 485 km
Travellers' notes: Central and Southern
Day 1: Leave Hobart via Davey Street east, take the Southern Outlet (A6) to Kingston and pass through the suburb to join the Channel Highway (B68). A detour at Kingston leads to Piersons Point, where an old colonial fort stands guard over the northern entrance to D'Entrecasteux Channel. Excellent view down and the channel and across to Bruny Island. Coninue on to Margate - Inverawe Native Gardens has many kilometres of pathways, thousands of native plants and expansive channel views. Nearby is the Margate Train Complex - Tasmania's last passenger train, which houses a licensed pancake restaurant and café, bookshop, barber, remedial masseuse and gifts - and the first of a number of wineries on this coast; Riesling and Pinot Noir and the local specialities. The next town is Kettering, the home port of the Bruny Island car ferry. Catch the ferry to Bruny Island, exiting near Apollo Bay. Take Lennon Rd to the T-juction, and turn left towards the settlements of Barnes Bay, Killora and Dennes Point on North Bruny. Travel south on Bruny Island Main Rd past Great Bay and across the Neck which joins North and South Bruny Island. A lookout on the neck offers views in all directions. Continue south, following the signs to Adventure Bay, where Lieut James Cook came ashore to take on water in 1777 with William Bligh as sailing master. Captain Bligh of Mutiny-on-the-Bounty fame revisited Adventure Bay in 1788 and planted a number of fruit trees on the east side of the bay. When he returned in 1792 he found that one of them - Tasmania' first apple tree - was still growing. The Bligh Museum tells the story of these visits and more. As you leave Adventure Bay, follow the road up and across Mt Mangana to Lunawanna. Drive south to Cape Bruny, enjoying the picture-postcard coastal scenery on the way. Return to Lunawanna and proceed to either Adventure Bay or Allonah for the night. 165 km
Day 2: Return across the Narrow Neck isthmus and catch the car ferry back to Kettering. Take Channel Highway south along the shores of D'Entrecasteaux Channel through the towns of Woodbridge, Birchs Bay, Flowerpot, Middleton and Gordon. There are a number of arts and crafts galleries, orchards, boutique wineries and cafes along the way to tempt your taste buds, with forest walks and a sculpture trail at Birchs Bay. Continue south along Channel Highway to the entrance to the Huon River near Verona Sands. The scenery changes considerably as you begin to head north towards Deep Bay and Gardners Bay, the home of Hartzview Vineyard, and the Talune Wildlife Park. Drive north to the town of Cygnet, known for its berry orchards. Cygnet Folk Festival, held in January, highlights the range of folk music and entertainment the Valley has to offer. Around Cygnet are a number of good places to fossick for gemstones. From Cygnet, follow the eastern shore of Huon River via Lymington to Petcheys Bay. Nestled in the bush land is Welcome Swallow Cyderworks which produce fine cyder made from organic apples grown in the region. Head north through Wattle Grove, Cradoc and Woodstock to Huonville, for an overnight stay. 110 km
Day 3: From Huonville, follow Huon Highway south through Franklin. The Franklin Wooden Boat School demonstrates how Tasmania's fine timbers are turned into boats; the school is open to the public. Continue through the historic orchard town of Castle Forbes Bay and the scenic Shipwrights Point to Geeveston. Bush walkers are able to enjoy numerous walks near Geeveston including a tree top walk at Tahune Airwalk. Timber lovers can visit the Geeveston Forest and Heritage Centre to discover the history of forestry in the region. Nearby Hartz Mountains National Park (24 km) is a window into the south-west wilderness, offering views of remote mountain ranges as far as the southern coast. Short strolls lead to the glacial lakes and waterfalls in the area. The last 10.5 km of the road in is unsealed and can sometimes be closed by snow, so check the local road conditions at Geeveston first if in doubt. If you plan to visit Hartz Mountains National Park, you will need to add another day to your itenerary, and insert it here. Proceed south to Surges Bay and Dover. From Dover, continue driving south to Southport (the most southerly town in Australia). The numerous in this area waterways provide the setting for kayaking, sailing or cruising and for the more adventurous white water rafting or jet boat rides. Head north out of Southport via Huon Highway, taking a left turn towards Hastings, Lune River and Ida Bay. The dolomite caves at Lune River and Hastings are spectacular, the Thermal Pools at Hastings are naturally heated to 28c. There is a narrow-gauge bush railway at Ida Bay that treks through the bush to Southport Bay and return that provides an interesting break from driving. You can take the train journey now or later on your return trip through the area. Continue south to Recherche Bay, an historic site where French explorer Bruni D'Entrcasteaux camped to study and explore ther area in 1792. At the end of the road is the locality of Cockle Creek, which is the furtherest point south that one can drive to in Australia and set-off point for the South Coast Walking Track and the southern tip of Australia. Return via Cockle Creek Rd and Huon Hwy to Hobart via Geeveston and Huonville. At Grove, you will pass Huon Apple and Heritage museum, which tells all about Tasmania's apple industry. 210 km
East Coast Drive: 6 days (Launceston to Hobart)
This drive begins in Launceston and travels the whole east coast of Tasmania, touching the Bay of Fires, Ben Lomond National Park, Freycinet Peninsula, Maria Island and the Forestier and Tasman Peninsulas. To make it a round trip from Hobart, drive to Launceston from Hobart via Midland Highway prior to commencement of this drive. To make it a round trip from Launceston, drive back to Launceston from Hobart via Midland Highway after completing this drive. Distance: 647 km (plus 197 km between Hobart & Launceston if a round trip)
Travellers' notes: North Eastern Tasmania | Central and Southern
Day 1: Leave Launceston via Elphin Road and Tasman Highway. The first major town reached is Scottsdale (62 km; lavender farm). Continue following the Tasman Highway east to Tulendeena. Not far off the main road is the town of Legerwood where an avenue of trees had been planted to honour World War 1 soldiers who came from the area. When the trees grew to a dangerous height and needed to be lopped, chainsaw sculptor Eddie Freeman was called in to create memorials to the soldiers by carving the trunks to represent the men the trees honoured. This unique work of art is a must-see for anyone passing through the area. Return to Tasman Highway, following it through the forests of North-East Tasmania to Branxholm and the former tin mining town of Derby. Classified as an historic town, Derby's main attraction is its excellent Tin Mine Centre where you can enjoy the best scones and tea at the tearooms attached while learning about the town and its mining past. St Columbia Falls can be accessed from the town of Pyengana further down the highway. 'Pub in the Paddock' at Pyengana is one of Tasmania's oldest country pubs (circa 1880). Continue along Tasman highway to St Helens, the major service town in Tasmania's north-east corner. Drive north along Binalong Bay Rd to Binalong Bay at the southern end of the Bay of Fires. The red lichen on the rocks is quite spectacular. Return to St Helens for the night. 190 km
Day 2: St Helens is the largest town on the Tasmanian east coast and is blessed with a mild, almost perfect climate that is warmer than Melbourne in winter but just pleasantly warm (not hot) in summer. St Helens is also the starting point for treks to the mostly uninhabited extreme north-east corner of Tasmania where you will find Ansons Bay, Eddystone Point, Mt William National Park and Cape Portland. Drive south from St Helens to the surfing town of Scamander. Proceed along Tasman Highway, then right into Esk Highway to St Marys. Continue along Esk Main Rd to Fingal. At Fingal, turn right towards Mathinna along Mathinna Rd; follow signs to Evercreech Forest Reserve which is home to the world’s tallest white gums (over 90 metres). Return to Fingal, turn left onto Esk Main Rd, and return to St Marys. Day 6: Leave early if you can to allow as much time as possible in Freycinet National Park. Continue south from St Helens to the surfing town of Scamander. Proceed along Tasman Highway, then right into Esk Highway to St MarysTurn right at St Marys along Gray Road and into Elephant Pass Road. Travel down Elephant Pass, turning right into Tasman Highway towards Bicheno. Proceed to Coles Bay, the gateway to Freycinet Peninsula and today's final destination. Freycinet National Park offers a wide variety of activities. The greater part of Day 3 has been set aside for relaxing at Coles Bay or exploring Freycinet National Park. It is suggested you use the remaining time on Day 2 to visit the National Park's Visitor Centre to plan the next day's activities, remembering that it is necessary to leave Coles Bay mid afteroon on Day 3 to reach our next evening's destination before dark. 114 km
Day 3: The most popular walk in Freycinet National Park is up to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay. If you find a long walk daunting, there are less strenuous activities like beach strolls, swimming or wildlife spotting. Aim at leaving Coles Bay by mid afternoon. Proceed south along Tasman Highway through the towns of Swansea and Ravensdale, then on to Triabunna, a prosperous fishing port and timber town located on the shores of Spring Bay. Book your accommodation at Triabunna for two nights as the following night will also be spent here. 108 km
Day 4: The highlight of Day 4 is a trip to Maria Island (National Park entry fees apply). With its great mountain views (Mount Maria rises to 710 m and ‘the Bishop and Clerk’ reaches 915 m), sweeping bays, rugged cliffs that tumble into the sea, jagged rocky outcrops (the Painted Cliffs are a must-see), empty beaches and remarkably tame wildlife, Maria Island lies 4 km offshore. Another attraction is its historic convict ruins. Walking (suggested walks), bicycling, swimming, snorkelling, diving, bird watching, wildlife observation and relaxation are all activities undertaken by visitors. A bicycle is a must for those who want to see as much of the island as possible on a day trip (there are no vehicles on the island) so be sure to hire one in advance. There are no shops on the island, and drinking water is limited, so bring everything you need in terms of food and drink with you. Be sure to be up early to be at the Triabunna Wharf by 9 am before the ferry or organised tour (booking tours in advance is essential) leaves for the island. The last ferry leaves the island around 5pm. Return to Triabunna for the night.
Day 5: Drive south from Triabunna to Sorell, turning left into Arthur Highway towards Forcett, Copping, Dunalley and on to Eaglehawk Neck. There are some fabulous coastal features to see around the Neck before heading further south, these include the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, Blowhole, Fortescue Bay and Cape Raoul. Check out Doo Town and have a chuckle at the funny house names there. Head west then south along Arthur Hwy to Taranna with its historic convict station, Tasmanian Devil Park and the Federation Chocolate Factory. Continue South to the Port Arthur convict settlement ruins, which is Australia's foremost convict historic site. If the story of Port Arthur and the history of convicts in Australia captures your imagination, it is likely that your stay at the Port Arthur site will fill the rest of the day. In this case, you will need to arrange accommodation somewhere on the peninsula. Lufra Country Hotel at Eaglehawk Neck has spectacular views down the coast to wake up to, though there is plenty of other accommodation in the area from which to choose. 100 km
Day 6: There are plenty of convict related ruins, relics and buildings on Tasman Peninsula other than Port Arthur that can be visited on Day 6 before making the journey to Hobart. If you have an interest in convict history, head north at Premaydena to the convict station and coal mine ruins beyond Saltwater River. Return along Nubeena Rd to Koonya and Taranna (both have former convict stations). If you'd prefer a bit of adventure, everything from boat tours & cruises, bushwalking in the Tasman National Park (9 walks of differing lengths and degrees of difficulty), diving, horse riding, fishing, sea kayaking to abseiling and rockclimbing are to be enjoyed here. Visit the Tasman Peninsula website for all the options. Before you leave the peninsula, be sure to drive to the end of Safety Cove Rd past Port Arthur to Remarkable Cave, a huge water-filled rock cave/natural bridge on the coast. If you check the tidal information before you go and plan your visit to coincide with low tide, you can actually walk through the cave and onto a sandy beach on the ocean side. Return along Safety Cove Rd, past Port Arthur to Eaglehawk Neck, then head north along Arthur Hwy via Dunalley and Sorell to Hobart. 135 km
Tasmanian Circumnavigation: 7 days
In 1798-99, British explorers Matthew Flinders and George Bass took three months to circumnavigated Tasmania by ship. Today it can be done by road in seven days. That having been said, this is very much a flying visit as there is a lot to see in Tasmania and seven days is nowhere near enough time to see it all. What it does give is an overall view of the island, taking in the major attractions that people go to Tasmania to see. The drive starts and finishes in Hobart, but you can easily start and finish the drive at any point along the way, such as Launceston, or Devonport if you plan on coming Tasmania on the car ferry from Melbourne. Simply by picking up the drive at that location and ending up back where you started from. Distance: 1,673 km
Travellers' notes: North Eastern Tasmania | North Western Tasmania | Central and Southern
Day 1: Leave Hobart via Brooker Highway, turn left onto Lyell Highway before crossing the bridge at Bridgewater. The gentle undulations of the countryside on either side of the Derwent River, and its mirror-like reflection on the water on a still, crisp morning make this one of the most enjoyable drives one could imagine. The first town reached is New Norfolk, so named because the town's founding pioneers were re-settled from Norfolk Island in 1808. The richness and variety of its historic buildings, the old Oast Houses all give the towns and villages of this region a character and feel that is unique in Australia to them. Follow Glenora Rd through Plenty (with its superb Salmon Ponds) to Bushy Park, the hop capital of Tasmania. This is another wonderfully atmospheric destination, a real piece of Europe with its old houses, hop kilns, deciduous trees and hopfields which seem to envelop every building and road. Mount Field National Park, with cascading waterfalls, deep gorges and a large variety of plants and trees, is accessed by road from Bushy Park or Rosegarland, a small village on Lyell Highway. Continue on to the highway to Hamilton, yet another pretty colonial-era town on the Clyde River. Hamilton is full of history, from quaint old cottages that now house craft galleries or offer bed and breakfast accommodation to its convict built schoolhouse. Jackson's Emporium, built in 1856, is a quaintly different kind of village store specialising in Derwent Valley products. Travelling north, the next major town is Ouse. It was in the hills around Ouse that bushranger Martin Cash roamed. Nearby are Cluny Dam and the Repulse Dam; both are small, but typical Hydro Power Station dams. Millbrook water mill off Victoria Valley Road dates back to 1843. Further north on Lyell Highway, a road to the right leads to Tarraleah, a town created to house workers on a 1930's hydro-electric scheme on the upper Derwent. A visitors centre sits on the hilltop above the huge hydro-electric pipes, a spectacular sight. The whole town of 1920s and 1930s wooden homes has been restored as an elegant wilderness adventure resort. Back on the highway, the next dot on the map is Derwent Bridge, a small community in the Central Highlands where the highway crosses the River Derwent near Lake St Clair (5 km). There are several short walking trails that can be taken at the southern end of Lake St Clair, ranging from 30-40 minutes lakeside to a 7 hour round trip to Mt Rufus. After Derwent Bridge, Lyell Highway winds for 56 kilometres through the heart of the Wild Rivers National Park, which lies in the heart of the Franklin - Gorden Rivers Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It is a region of dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful rainforest, deep river valleys and spectacular gorges. There are several short walks and picnic stops along the way that will allow you to discover the grandeur and beauty of the Wild Rivers region. One of these is a short walk to Nelson Falls provides a welcome break from what can be a tedious drive through the mountains, depending on the weather conditions and traffic. After passing the man-made Lake Burbury, the highway climbs the mountains up past the remnants of the mining town of Gormanston, before winding its way down through the stark, treeless lunar-like landscape that surrounds the somewhat quirky capital of Tasmania's west coast - Queenstown. Spend the night at Queenstown. 248 km
Day 2: Continue north on Lyell Highway, taking the road to Strahan, a few kms out of town. Located at the top end of Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is the gateway to the world Heritage-listed wilderness area of Western Tasmania; it's a tourist magnet; cruises on Macquarie Harbour and up the King, Franklin and Gordon Rivers and to the former convict prison, Sarah Island, are always full so book in advance. A ride on the recently-reconstructed West Coast Wilderness Railway, and the short drive to Hogarth Falls are also very popular. Be on the road again by mid afternoon to reach tonight's destination before nightfall. Don't leave Strahan the way you came in, rather, drive north along Andrew Street into Henty Rd. This takes you on a scenic back road to the old mining town of Zeehan. The town features some interesting architecture. Leave Zeehan via Zeehan Hwy, turning left into Murchison Highway towards the mining town of Rosebery. Continue driving north through Tullah and some very picturesque mountain scenery, eventually reaching the north coast of Tasmania at Somerset, on the outskirts of Burnie, a major port and industrial city on the north coast. Spend the night at Burnie. 226 km
Day 3: Follow Bass Highway west to Wynyard, a leisurely paced town on Bass Strait. Follow the signs to Table Cape and take in the view across Bass Strait. Continue west on Table Cape Road, rejoining Bass Highway. Follow the Highway to Stanley, feeling free to visit Rocky Cape, Dip Falls or Detention Falls along the way. At Stanley, walk (or chairlift) up to the top of The Nut, the core of an extinct volcano, for a panoramic view of the north-west tip of Tasmania. A visit to the Highfield Historic Site north of Stanley is recommended. Return to Bass Highway and follow the signs to Smithton, an industrial and administrative centre for the surrounding district. Smithton is the last major township on the north coast. Return along the Bass Highway through Wynyard to Burnie. From Burnie continue to follow the coast through the pretty village of Penguin, then Ulverstone and Devonport to spend the night there. Alternatively, you might prefer to visit Cradle Mountain on Day 3. The northern end of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is approximately 60 km south of Burnie, a 90-minute drive each way via the B18, the A10 and the C132. If Cradle Mountain is on your agenda, we suggested you leave early and go there from Burnie first, take one of the shorter walks, then visit Stanley and as much as the north coast as you can afterwards, ending up at Devonport for the night. 220 km
Day 4: From Devonport, follow Bass Highway to Deloraine, passing through Latrobe, Sassafras, Elizabeth Town (cheese factory and raspberry farm). Deloraine is a charming riverside town, and the gateway to the Great Western Tiers mountains region. Continue along Bass Highway to Launceston, the biggest city and major business centre in Tasmania's north. Launceston is a great place to have lunch before heading north along the West Tamar Highway to the goldmining town of Beaconsfield. Return to Launceston on the east side of the Tamar River; cross via the Batman Bridge, following the signs. When you reach East Tamar Hwy, you can either turn left and visit George Town and Low Head (lightstation complex and noctural penguin tours) if time permits, or return to Launceston by travelling south along East Tamar Hwy. Take in a few of the sights around Launceston such as Cataract Gorge, where you can take a walk through tree fern glades and across the suspension bridge. Spend the night at Launceston. 225 km
Day 5: Return along East Tamar Hwy towards George Town, turning right into George Town Rd at Newnham. Turn tight into Lilydale Rd at Rocherlea. Follow the signs to Pipers River, then along Bridport Rd to Pipers Brook, the location of some of Tasmania's most highly regarded cool-climate wineries. Pinot Noir and sparkling whites are the speciality wines from this region. Proceed to Bridport, the largest town on Tasmania's north-east coast, and a fishing port. To the west of Bridport, surrounded by extensive sand dunes, is the near-ghost village of Waterhouse which had a brief moment of glory when gold was discovered there in 1869. Take Bridport Rd to Scottsdale. Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm is one of the world's largest lavender oil producers. Tasman Highway east leads to Tulendeena, picturesque Branxholm and the old tin mining town of Derby which has an interesting mining museum. St Columbia Falls is accessed from Pyengana in the forests of North-East Tasmania. Pub in the Paddock at Pyengana is one of Tasmania's oldest country pubs (circa 1880). Continue along Tasmania highway to the next overnight stop - St Helens, the major service town in Tasmania's north-east corner. If time permits, drive north along Binalong Bay Rd to Binalong Bay at the southern end of the Bay of Fires before returning to St Helens. The red lichen on the rocks is quite spectacular. If you go straight to St Helens, be sure to visit Binalong Bay in the morning before travelling south. 277 km
Day 6: Leave early if you can to allow as much time as possible in Freycinet National Park. Continue south from St Helens to the surfing town of Scamander. Proceed along Tasman Highway, then right into Esk Highway to St Marys. Turn right at St Marys along Gray Road and into Elephant Pass Road. Travel down Elephant Pass, turning right into Tasman Hwy towards Bicheno. Proceed along Tasman Highway to Coles Bay, the gateway to Freycinet Peninsula. Freycinet National Park offers a wide variety of activities. A popular walk is up to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay; if you's prefer a less strenuous activity, beach strolls, swimming or wildlife spotting is recommended. Aim at leaving Coles Bay by mid afternoon. Proceed south along Tasman Highway through Swansea, Triabunna and Orford to Sorell. At Sorell, turn left into Arthur Highway and drive to Eagehawk Neck via Dunalley. The Pirates Bay Rd deviation before reaching Eaglehawk Neck is well worth taking, with panoramic vews down the coast. Lufra Country Hotel at Eaglehawk Neck is a good accommodation choice, as it has spectacular views down the coast to wake up to, though there is plenty of other accommodation choices in the area if you'd rather something different. 302 km
Day 7: The Port Arthur convict settlement ruins are the main reason many people come to Tasman Peninsula. Well presented with guided and self-guided tours, it tells the story of life for the 19th British convicts who were banished to the other side of the world. The peninsula has many convict related relics and buildings other than Port Arthur that can be visited on Day 7 before making the journey to Hobart. If you have an interest in convict history, head north at Premaydena to the convict station and coal mine ruins beyond Saltwater River. Return along Nubeena Rd to Koonya and Taranna (both have former convict stations). If you'd prefer a bit of adventure, everything from boat tours & cruises, bushwalking in the Tasman National Park (9 walks of differing lengths and degrees of difficulty), diving, horse riding, fishing, sea kayaking to abseiling and rockclimbing are to be enjoyed here. Visit the Tasman Peninsula website for all the options. Before you leave the peninsula, be sure to drive to the end of Safety Cove Rd past Port Arthur to Remarkable Cave, a huge water-filled rock cave/natural bridge on the coast. If you check the tidal information before you go and plan your visit to coincide with low tide, you can actually walk through the cave and onto a sandy beach on the ocean side. Return along Safety Cove Rd, past Port Arthur to Eaglehawk Neck, then head north along Arthur Hwy via Dunalley and Sorell to Hobart. 135 km
