Tasmania's regional centres are roughly divided by the compass: North, East, South and West. Below is just a few examples of what each region has on offer and how much time you may need to include the area in your itinerary.
Launceston & North
Tasmania's North includes Launceston as the city centre, and areas to the North-east (e.g. Georgetown, Bridport, Scottsdale), and Central-north (e.g. Westbury, Deloraine, Mole Creek).
Days available:
One day: Choose from one to a few activities as a day trip.
Two or more days: Explore Launceston, and then move east or west to explore the smaller towns.
Example activities:
Cataract Gorge: A spectacular recreation area featuring the gorge, hiking trails, the world's longest single-span chairlift and visitor facilities. Within walking distance of Launceston CBD. Only a few minutes if driving
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: In the Launceston CBD, known as one of Australia's best regional galleries.
Derby Schoolhouse Museum: An eclectic gathering of items from yester-year illustrating life in an industrial village and everyday domesticity. Includes desks, school books and children's work from over a century ago.
Harvest Market: Every Saturday morning in the Launceston CBD. Pick up some fresh, local produce, homemade delicacies and local wine. Meet the local producers.
Days available:
One day: Choose from one to a few activities as a day trip.
Two or more days: Explore Launceston, and then move east or west to explore the smaller towns.
Example activities:
Cataract Gorge: A spectacular recreation area featuring the gorge, hiking trails, the world's longest single-span chairlift and visitor facilities. Within walking distance of Launceston CBD. Only a few minutes if driving
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: In the Launceston CBD, known as one of Australia's best regional galleries.
Derby Schoolhouse Museum: An eclectic gathering of items from yester-year illustrating life in an industrial village and everyday domesticity. Includes desks, school books and children's work from over a century ago.
Harvest Market: Every Saturday morning in the Launceston CBD. Pick up some fresh, local produce, homemade delicacies and local wine. Meet the local producers.
East Coast
Days available:
Weekend: Travel to the East Coast and choose one big activity or a few quicker activities.
Two or more days: After your fill of Launceston, travel to the east coast to take in the spectacular coastal beauty.
Four or more days: Travel from north to south, getting a good glimpse of the more populated areas of the island. Arrange flights out of Hobart.
Example activities:
Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park: Tropical postcard beauty...but not too crowded. No trip to the East Coast is complete without visiting this area.
The Trail of the Tin Dragon: A driving adventure through Tasmania's tin mining and Chinese cultural history.
Swansea Bark Mill and Tavern: Treat yourself to lunch or dinner date here, and while you're at it, visit the restored and working wattle-bark mill.
Weekend: Travel to the East Coast and choose one big activity or a few quicker activities.
Two or more days: After your fill of Launceston, travel to the east coast to take in the spectacular coastal beauty.
Four or more days: Travel from north to south, getting a good glimpse of the more populated areas of the island. Arrange flights out of Hobart.
Example activities:
Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park: Tropical postcard beauty...but not too crowded. No trip to the East Coast is complete without visiting this area.
The Trail of the Tin Dragon: A driving adventure through Tasmania's tin mining and Chinese cultural history.
Swansea Bark Mill and Tavern: Treat yourself to lunch or dinner date here, and while you're at it, visit the restored and working wattle-bark mill.
Hobart & South
Days available:
Weekend: Travel down on the Friday night (stopping at Campbell Town for a break and early dinner). Start with Salamanca market on Saturday morning. Explore from there.
Four or more days: Travel from north to south, getting a good glimpse of the more populated areas of the island. Arrange flights out of Hobart.
Example activities:
Tahune Airwalk: Australia’s most spectacular treetop walk – culminating in a cantilever set high over the confluence of the mighty Huon and Picton Rivers. Located near Geeveston, approximately a 90 minute drive south of Hobart.
MONA: The Museum of Old and New Art is taking the world by storm, and therefore a must-see while in Tasmania. Less than a 20 minute drive north of Hobart.
Salamanca Market: This market is a matter of convention: when in Hobart, go to the market. Tasmania's largest market with 300 stalls, and a history stemming back to 1971. Held every Saturday at Salamanca Place, Hobart, surrounded by more shops featuring unique Tasmanian craft and design, with plenty of restaurants and pubs to stop for a rest.
Weekend: Travel down on the Friday night (stopping at Campbell Town for a break and early dinner). Start with Salamanca market on Saturday morning. Explore from there.
Four or more days: Travel from north to south, getting a good glimpse of the more populated areas of the island. Arrange flights out of Hobart.
Example activities:
Tahune Airwalk: Australia’s most spectacular treetop walk – culminating in a cantilever set high over the confluence of the mighty Huon and Picton Rivers. Located near Geeveston, approximately a 90 minute drive south of Hobart.
MONA: The Museum of Old and New Art is taking the world by storm, and therefore a must-see while in Tasmania. Less than a 20 minute drive north of Hobart.
Salamanca Market: This market is a matter of convention: when in Hobart, go to the market. Tasmania's largest market with 300 stalls, and a history stemming back to 1971. Held every Saturday at Salamanca Place, Hobart, surrounded by more shops featuring unique Tasmanian craft and design, with plenty of restaurants and pubs to stop for a rest.
North West & West Coast
Days available:
Weekend: Travel half-way on Friday, and stay in a small town anywhere between Deloraine and Wynyard. Spend a day or two exploring Cradle Mountain or the Tarkine wilderness. Arrange flights out from Burnie Airport (located in Wynyard) or Devonport Airport. Note, these are small regional airports, and not all services are available.
Four or more days: See a bit of Launceston, then travel over, stopping anywhere interesting along the way. If time permits, you may like to travel south, before departing via Hobart.
Example activities:
Cradle Mountain: One of Tasmania's most visited tourist attractions, this rough mountain shows you the wild side of Tasmania, so expect unpredictable weather at all times of the year. Always beautiful; rain, snow or shine. Approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Launceston.
Tarkine Wilderness: A bit further afield, the Tarkine is around 477 000 hectares of forested wilderness. Access to walking tracks are located from various small towns and national parks, so do your research first.
The Ship That Never Was: Stay a night in Strahan, key location to visiting Sarah Island, going on the Gordon River Cruise, and taking a scenic flight to Sir John Falls, then enjoy this fun, lively and interactive theater performance telling the history of Macquarie Harbour and Sarah Island. This is Australia's longest-running play.
The World of Marbles: Did you play and collect marbles as a child? Whether you did or didn't, I'm sure you didn't expect a working studio, art gallery and shop dedicated to the colourful balls of glass, but here it is, in Sheffield. Pick up an art-piece for yourself, and a pack of the more regular variety for the kids.
Weekend: Travel half-way on Friday, and stay in a small town anywhere between Deloraine and Wynyard. Spend a day or two exploring Cradle Mountain or the Tarkine wilderness. Arrange flights out from Burnie Airport (located in Wynyard) or Devonport Airport. Note, these are small regional airports, and not all services are available.
Four or more days: See a bit of Launceston, then travel over, stopping anywhere interesting along the way. If time permits, you may like to travel south, before departing via Hobart.
Example activities:
Cradle Mountain: One of Tasmania's most visited tourist attractions, this rough mountain shows you the wild side of Tasmania, so expect unpredictable weather at all times of the year. Always beautiful; rain, snow or shine. Approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Launceston.
Tarkine Wilderness: A bit further afield, the Tarkine is around 477 000 hectares of forested wilderness. Access to walking tracks are located from various small towns and national parks, so do your research first.
The Ship That Never Was: Stay a night in Strahan, key location to visiting Sarah Island, going on the Gordon River Cruise, and taking a scenic flight to Sir John Falls, then enjoy this fun, lively and interactive theater performance telling the history of Macquarie Harbour and Sarah Island. This is Australia's longest-running play.
The World of Marbles: Did you play and collect marbles as a child? Whether you did or didn't, I'm sure you didn't expect a working studio, art gallery and shop dedicated to the colourful balls of glass, but here it is, in Sheffield. Pick up an art-piece for yourself, and a pack of the more regular variety for the kids.
Bass Highway Gourmet Drive
We do encourage exiting the highway to visit towns along the way when travelling west from Launceston, however, most people find the following highway stops to be essential - including the locals.
Andy's Bakery: Okay, you do have to exit the highway for this one, but not by far. Located at Westbury, this bakery and ice-creamery has a long history serving quick and delicious snacks to tourists and locals alike.
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm: is on the highway just past the Deloraine exits. Licensed cafe, serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. They also have a lovely short walk where you can view the dam (with resident black swans and Native Hens) and raspberry farm. Fresh raspberries will be available in February.
Van Dieman's Land Creamery: Located opposite Christmas Hills Raspberry farm is this popular, award-winning ice-creamery. Ice-cream and gelato products are made on site, with milk from their own cows on local farmland. with ice-cream and gelato made on location. Be adventurous and try a truly local flavour like Truffle Mushroom Ice-Cream.
Elizabeth Town Cafe: If you're not full already, you can freshen up with a quick lunch or snack from ETC, located just down the road from Christmas Hill Raspberry Farm and Van Dieman's Land Creamery.
Ashgrove Cheese: This nationally recognised cheese producer invites you to visit their home of rolling paddocks of green grass, resident cows, and a large shop offering free tastings of their range of cheese varieties. Yes, you'll be walking out with some souvenirs to take home. Shop features a large range of truly Tasmanian food products and some souvenirs.
Cherry Shed: Located on the highway at the exit into Latrobe, the Cherry Shed offers a wide range of cherry-based meals and products, along with a selection of non-cherry-based meals and snacks. Cherry products are available year-round, however cherry season starts in December, so our fingers are crossed for a great season and the availability of great quality cherries as late as February.
House of Anvers: Yes, you've had dessert by now, but then there's chocolate. House of Anvers combines Belgium chocolate making skills with ingredients from Tasmania's fresh environment and quality imported cocoa to provide a selection of chocolate box chocolates, truffles, pralines and fudges. Includes free tastings and a chocolate museum.
Andy's Bakery: Okay, you do have to exit the highway for this one, but not by far. Located at Westbury, this bakery and ice-creamery has a long history serving quick and delicious snacks to tourists and locals alike.
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm: is on the highway just past the Deloraine exits. Licensed cafe, serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks. They also have a lovely short walk where you can view the dam (with resident black swans and Native Hens) and raspberry farm. Fresh raspberries will be available in February.
Van Dieman's Land Creamery: Located opposite Christmas Hills Raspberry farm is this popular, award-winning ice-creamery. Ice-cream and gelato products are made on site, with milk from their own cows on local farmland. with ice-cream and gelato made on location. Be adventurous and try a truly local flavour like Truffle Mushroom Ice-Cream.
Elizabeth Town Cafe: If you're not full already, you can freshen up with a quick lunch or snack from ETC, located just down the road from Christmas Hill Raspberry Farm and Van Dieman's Land Creamery.
Ashgrove Cheese: This nationally recognised cheese producer invites you to visit their home of rolling paddocks of green grass, resident cows, and a large shop offering free tastings of their range of cheese varieties. Yes, you'll be walking out with some souvenirs to take home. Shop features a large range of truly Tasmanian food products and some souvenirs.
Cherry Shed: Located on the highway at the exit into Latrobe, the Cherry Shed offers a wide range of cherry-based meals and products, along with a selection of non-cherry-based meals and snacks. Cherry products are available year-round, however cherry season starts in December, so our fingers are crossed for a great season and the availability of great quality cherries as late as February.
House of Anvers: Yes, you've had dessert by now, but then there's chocolate. House of Anvers combines Belgium chocolate making skills with ingredients from Tasmania's fresh environment and quality imported cocoa to provide a selection of chocolate box chocolates, truffles, pralines and fudges. Includes free tastings and a chocolate museum.
Off the Beaten Track
Really wanting to explore? Here's a few ideas to get you off the beaten track, into the middle of nowhere, and out there on your own. Mobile reception unlikely.
Maria Island: To get to this smaller island you will either need to catch the ferry or arrange transport by air. This is getting away from modern-day life, immersing yourself in the rich history of the island and spectacular nature, where you can get close to wild kangaroos, cape barren geese and echidnas. Accommodation is basic and needs to be booked, or camping available anytime. Practical information is available here.
Reliquaire: A shop, but also an eclectic museum of everything cute, collectable and gift-able. Free fudge sample at the door, then 26 rooms to explore of a heritage listed building, stuffed full of stuff, that you can buy, or just view. Do not enter unless you have hours to spare! Located in Latrobe.
Three Hummock Island: A Bass Strait Island all to yourself! Well almost, because aside from the island managers, there are only two accommodation houses. Most of the time you will not be sharing the island with anyone but the abundant kangaroos, cape barren geese, and 90+ identified birds. You will need to arrange transport by air or boat, as well as arrange your own food supplies. Information for this is available on the website, or by contacting the managers.
The Wall: Witness a masterpiece in progress - the wall is being hand-carved from 3 metre high wood panels, and will be 100 metres long when complete. Carvings depict Tasmania's history. A worthwhile stop at Derwent Bridge when travelling between West and South (or vise versa).
Maria Island: To get to this smaller island you will either need to catch the ferry or arrange transport by air. This is getting away from modern-day life, immersing yourself in the rich history of the island and spectacular nature, where you can get close to wild kangaroos, cape barren geese and echidnas. Accommodation is basic and needs to be booked, or camping available anytime. Practical information is available here.
Reliquaire: A shop, but also an eclectic museum of everything cute, collectable and gift-able. Free fudge sample at the door, then 26 rooms to explore of a heritage listed building, stuffed full of stuff, that you can buy, or just view. Do not enter unless you have hours to spare! Located in Latrobe.
Three Hummock Island: A Bass Strait Island all to yourself! Well almost, because aside from the island managers, there are only two accommodation houses. Most of the time you will not be sharing the island with anyone but the abundant kangaroos, cape barren geese, and 90+ identified birds. You will need to arrange transport by air or boat, as well as arrange your own food supplies. Information for this is available on the website, or by contacting the managers.
The Wall: Witness a masterpiece in progress - the wall is being hand-carved from 3 metre high wood panels, and will be 100 metres long when complete. Carvings depict Tasmania's history. A worthwhile stop at Derwent Bridge when travelling between West and South (or vise versa).
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