Launceston lies in northeast Tasmania, just a two-hour drive from the city of Hobart. “Lonnie”, as it is called by locals, is well known for its beautifully restored Victorian buildings and more modern architectural attractions. City Park on the eastern edge of the town is a popular picnic spot, whilethe Queen Victoria Museum reveals the city’s interesting history. Cataract Gorge is a short walk from the centre of town and popular with visitors for its beautiful hiking trails and views from Kings Bridge. The town is also the gateway to the winelands of Tamar Valley and a perfect base from where to explore the rest of Tasmania.
Located on the wild, awe-inspiring Circular Head coastline of Tasmania, Australia, just one hour's drive west of the city of Burnie, Stanley is a historic fishing town offering a multitude of attractions. Adventurers can take a hiking trail or chairlift up to the summit of 'The Nut', Stanley's most prominent landmark - a flat-topped volcanic plug that towers 143m over the town. Experience the astonishing vistas of the Bass Strait beaches and the town, or explore the lush, gorgeous Tarkine Wilderness Region, which offers a wonderland for horse riding, trail biking, canoeing, hiking and fishing among its spectacular eucalyptus forests, blackwood swamps and heathlands. Discover the area's culture by taking the award-winning Stanley Heritage Walk to see the fascinating Old Rectory or delving into the past at the Stanley Discovery Museum. Make sure to visit the beaches to see 'fairy' penguins, seals, seabirds and other wildlife.
Set in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, at the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the iconic Cradle Mountain is a place of exceptional natural beauty. Lake St Clair is one of the largest lakes in Tasmania and offers great views of Cradle Mountain’s recognizable ridges. Rugged snow-topped mountains are surrounded by waterfalls, moss-covered trees, grass meadows, and rock pools as far as the eye can see. Cradle Valley is also home to several fascinating historical Aboriginal sites that can be explored via numerous hiking tracks. The mountains are inhabited by numerous wildlife species, including platypus, echidna, Tasmanian devils, and quolls.
Resting on the shores of Macquarie Harbour on the western coast of Tasmania, the small town of Strahan serves as an excellent base from which to explore the exquisite surrounding region. The town is set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is the gateway to the World Heritage listed Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Boats, helicopters, and planes use Strahan as a jumping off point to explore the magnificent southwestern wilderness. In the west, giant dunes provide wonderful opportunities for sandboarding and tobogganing. The town is steeped in stories from convicts and pioneers, owing to the Macquarie Harbour is Sarah Island’s history as a convict prison. Don’t miss the chance to experience a steam train journey from Queenstown to Strahan, which includes stops for rainforest walks, panning for gold, and wild honey tastings.
Resting on the banks of the Derwent River in south-east Tasmania, about 32 kilometres north-west of Hobart, New Norfolk is known for its exquisite scenery, rich history, and wonderful hops. With river, valley and mountain views, the town is a paradise for both photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Make sure to walk to the Pulpit Rock Lookout to take in some superb vistas. As the third-oldest settlement in Tasmania, an abundance of heritage attractions is scattered throughout the town. Highlights include one of the oldest pubs in the country, the oldest Anglican church in the country (St. Matthew’s), and plenty of interesting estates (make sure to visit the heritage-listed Woodbridge Estate, dating from 1825, and now functioning as a hotel and restaurant). The area is particularly productive in hops production - spend a day beer tasting at some of the breweries nearby.
First settled in the early 1900s, Tasmania’s capital city has seen a healthy boom in tourism in recent years. Today Hobart combines the charm of old with a trendy, modern edge, and attractions like Salamanca Place – an old waterfront warehouse district that now hosts swanky restaurants, galleries and cafes – define its contemporary status. Art, culture and fine dining are plentiful in town, while nature and wildlife abound in the outlying areas. Venture out to nearby Mount Wellington for hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views.
Tasmania's East Coast is best known for its natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes and stunning beaches. Explore the exquisite beaches of the Bay of Fires, commonly regarded as one of the most scenic regions in the world, and sample freshly caught seafood. Discover a variety of endemic wildlife inhabiting a range of national parks, including the Freycinet National Park, which boasts white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters backed by pink granite mountains. It is home to the Great Eastern Drive, one of Australia's most scenic coastal drives, where visitors can soak up breathtaking coastal views, discover seaside towns, and enjoy top-notch local cuisine along the way. After a day of adventure, cool off at the plunge pools, crystalline waterhole and rushing river of Douglas Apsley National Park, a hidden gem.
Stretching for 65km along the banks of the Tamar River in northern Tasmania is the well-known wine-producing region of Tamar Valley. Wine lovers can explore the more than 30 vineyards along the Tamar Valley Wine Route, resting overnight at one of the quaint boutique hotels or B&Bs. En route, visit the dairy farms to sample delicious cheeses, cream and strawberries, or Hillwood Berry Farm for quince jam and liqueur. For lovers of maritime history, heading a little further north will bring you to Low Head – the home of Australia’s oldest continuously operated pilot station - a naval museum, the Low Head Lighthouse and Low Head Foghorn – still sounded every Sunday.
