DRIVING FROM LAUNCESTON TO HOBART
If you’re considering doing a Tasmania road trip, my recent drive from Launceston to Hobart, may be of interest to you. My family and I hired a car from Launceston Airport after flying in from Melbourne and were excited to enjoy some of the best places Tassy has to offer.
We decided to venture to the Southernmost state of Australia in July, during the middle of Winter, when temperatures reach a top of only 15 degrees celsius. So, it’s fairly cold and icy, but travelling in the off-peak season has its advantages – less tourists and easier to find accommodation, at cheaper rates.
Plus, there are plenty of things to enjoy during the cooler months in Tasmania, such as cosy pubs and restaurants with fireplaces, festivals and markets, vineyards and distilleries, walking trails and whale watching.
The beauty of going on a Tasmania road trip is the flexibility of stopping wherever you desire along the way to make the most of the captivating countryside and charming towns.
Our driving route from North to South of the island, took us through rural landscape and coastal scenery, small villages and larger cities, along Midland Highway and Tasman Highway, for a total of approximately 300 kilometres.
Launceston
After flying into Launceston, we picked up our rental car at the airport and began our eagerly awaited Tasmania Road Trip. Time to explore Launceston first.
The city of Launceston is one of the nicest places in the state, with plenty to see and do, including sightseeing and sampling local produce, in particular dairy food and wines from the vineyards in the scenic Tamar Valley.
Launceston’s main attraction would have to be Cataract Gorge, a nature reserve surrounding the South Esk River. The gorge was formed millions of years ago and has breathtaking views from the chairlift, bridges and walking trails. Or, there are cruises down the river to enjoy.
I walked the various trails, crossed the suspension bridge over the waterfalls, observed the gorgeous peacocks wandering around the park with their colourful plumage and admired historic monuments.
The stunning gorge reserve is open everyday and is free to visit.
Photos of Cataract Gorge, Launceston
We visited Josef Chromy Winery and Tamar Ridge Winery for some tasting of Tasmania’s cool-climate wines, in beautiful surroundings of the Tamar Valley.
Also, we enjoyed some whisky tasting at the nearby Turner Stillhouse, also locally made.
Dinner was at the superb Rupert and Hound Restaurant with fireplace and local seafood on the menu, located at Launceston Seaport, where there is a wide range of cafes and restaurants overlooking the harbour. Also, a stroll on the Seaport boardwalk to admire yachts and scenery of the North Esk River and Tamar River.
A spot of shopping was in order around Brisbane Street Mall, the main retail precinct of Launceston.
A great brunch place is Earthy Eats, and for a bite to eat with a cocktail later in the day, I recommend Nomy Bar & Kitchen.
Other things to see and do in Launceston include:
- Hollybank Wilderness Zipline
- Grindewald Swiss Village
- Tamar Valley Dairy Farm, and
- James Boag Brewery.
When staying longer in Launceston, I recommend you consider taking a day trip to Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires, and Bridestowe Lavender Farm.
Our accommodation in Launceston
We booked 2 rooms at Waratah on York Boutique Hotel for 2 nights, located in the central business district of the city, this stunning heritage building dating from the mid 1800’s, is beautifully maintained, spacious and very clean. The hotel provided all the comforts you want and more, such as electric blanket for the cold winter months and a bath with a view. It was absolutely delightful and I could happily have stayed longer.
Driving Launceston to Swansea
Travelling the Midland Highway from Launceston we drove through the towns of Perth, Epping Forest, Campbell Town, past Lake Leake on our way to Swansea.
The scenic landscape is peaceful and picturesque with many opportunities for stopping along the way to admire the view.
Swansea
After driving 1.5 hours, we arrived in Swansea on the east coast of Tassy. We were greeted by a stunning beach town with picturesque views of sea and mountains on the edge of Great Oyster Bay, overlooking the rugged Freycinet National Park.
This coastal village is a quiet place to spend a lazy couple of days, enjoy local seafood and admire the views, which is exactly what we did. The main road through town is Franklin Street, with a few shops, restaurants and hotel.
We lunched at Alimento and strolled the Swansea foreshore and pier. Then explored the quaint little East Coast Heritage Museum and War Memorial. Later a walk along the serene Jubilee Beach.
Dinner was at the popular Bark Mill Tavern, a lively local hangout with fireplace and an interesting display of historic bark milling equipment in the foyer to peruse.
Our accommodation in Swansea
A 3 bedroom house in Swansea for 1 night, overlooking Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet National Park in the distance, this lovely home was the perfect stay for a family. A short walk to the beach, the views from the house were incredible, a large terrace, sunroom and ample space to spread out. I wish we could have stayed here a few days.
Other things to enjoy in Swansea are Milton Vineyard for tastings and lunch, and only three kilometres south of Swansea Kate’s Berry Farm is a sweet oasis of jams, sweets and desserts.
If you have more time in Swansea, day trips I recommend include:
- Freycinet National Park
- Wineglass Bay
- Bicheno beachside town, and
- Maria Island National Park.
Driving Swansea to Richmond
Spikey Beach
Continuing our Tasmania road trip as we departed Swansea, we drove through the area known a Spikey Beach, a conservation area and part of the East Coast Whale Trail. Here you can spot whale and dolphin migration during May to November as they migrate north to warmer waters. Humpback Whales and Killer Whales can often be seen here.
Orford
We then drove through Orford, a small seaside village on the east coast of Tasmania which also has the lovely Prosser River. A picturesque spot popular for fishing, walking trails, beaches, camping and surfing. We didn’t stop here, as we were keen to arrive at our next planned destination, Richmond.
Richmond
A must-see on our Tasmania road trip was the historic town of Richmond, a perfect stop for a few hours, or a day, to enjoy lunch, walks around the sites, shopping, tastings, and more. Often cited as Tasmania’s prettiest town, Richmond is also an old convict town.
We explored the town’s main attractions, including the Richmond Bridge, Coal River, Richmond Gaol, and Bridge Street. Lunch was at Czegs Restaurant, Tasmanian whisky tasting at Spirited Distilling, afternoon tea at the Richmond Bakery and visited the Tasmanian Gingerbread shop as well.
More places to visit in Richmond, if you have time, are galleries, vintage shops, wineries, churches, lolly and ice cream shops and wildlife.
We stayed in Richmond for the day, then continued our Tasmania Road Trip.
Driving Richmond to Hobart
For our last leg of the Tasmania road trip it was just a short drive 25 minutes, on the A3, Tasman Highway to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital. Passing by the small town of Cambridge, then Hobart Airport on route to the city centre, over the Tasman Bridge, across the Derwent River and we reached our final destination.
Hobart
We were looking forward to spending a couple of days in Hobart, which is one of my favourite Australian cities I have visited several times over the years.
Elizabeth Street is Hobart’s main thoroughfare with the Port of Hobart a major attraction, Salamanca Street is one of the most famous parts of the city, full of life – art galleries, cafes and restaurants, plus the Saturday market selling all manner of local goods. Battery Point is the oldest area characterised by beautiful Colonial architecture, and the lovely Hobart Botanical Gardens is 14 hectares near the city. Sandy Bay is a coastal gem, popular for swimming and prestigious properties.
First stop when we arrived in Hobart was the Twilight Market, already in full swing, bustling with people and stalls selling delicious street food and beverages, and an array of Tasmanian goods, along Brooke Street.
Afterwards, we decided to visit the Lark Distillery’s Cellar Door for a tasting of one of the best whisky brands in the world, a perfect activity for a Wintery day.
Dinner was at Maldini Italian Restaurant at Salamanca Place, then an evening nightcap at The Brick Factory Bar, down the road.
The following day was wet and rainy, but that wasn’t going to spoil my plan to visit Salamanca Market. In between showers we popped into a cosy restaurant for lunch and coffee, followed by a look around some art galleries Salamanca is well known for.
In the afternoon, we drove a short way to the historical Cascade Brewery where you can take tours of the brewery and learn its history. Or simply enjoy the bar and restaurant across the road, as we did, another perfect way to spend a dreary wet afternoon.
Our final stop was Wrest Point Casino, another iconic location, the first casino in Australia. Outside, the boardwalk provides lovely views of Sandy Bay marina full of yachts.
Check out my blog post Best Places to Visit in Hobart.
Going to Mount Wellington is a must with stunning views of the whole city, but best visited on a clear day. I explored the area last time I came to Hobart. A tour bus can take you up the mountain instead of driving.
If you are fortunate to have more time up your sleeve, I recommend day tours from Hobart to:
- The UNESCO Port Arthur Historic Site, a convict penal settlement with many ruins to explore.
- Maria Island National Park with wildlife and cliff walks to enjoy.
- Or, Bruny Island, popular for its stunning landscape.
Our Accommodation in Hobart
A 3 bedroom house for 2 nights in the posh suburb of Sandy Bay, booked through Airbnb. It was quite a spacious double storey home, with a terrace and a view of the bay, and close proximity to the city, just 5 minutes by car.
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2 Comments
What a great itinerary. You fitted a lot into 5 days.
So many beautiful stops, though Hobart looks like a true highlight, with its botanic gardens, markets, and distilleries.