Hobart to Launceston Drive Tasmania Australia

When planning a Tasmania road trip make sure to include a Hobart to Launceston drive. This picturesque road trip will have you stepping back in time and transported to an age when Tasmania was the penal colony of Van Diemen’s Land, a place where convicts endured harsh punishments that would later be the foundation of the Tasmania you see today.

Our Tasmania road trip itinerary from Hobart to Launceston took us through the historic towns of Richmond, Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town, Longford, and Evandale before reaching the city of Launceston.

So come along with us as we begin our journey in Hobart and take you through the heartlands of Tasmania on a scenic Hobart to Launceston drive.

Best time to visit Tasmania

When planning a Tasmania driving holiday it is important to consider the weather as the state has a reputation for cold winters and mild summers.

The island has four distinct seasons, and you will find that the best time to visit Tasmania is during the warmer months between December and March.

Keep in mind that Australia’s seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere, summer is between December and February, winter is from June and August, spring is between September and November and autumn is from March to May.

Tasmania’s average maximum daily summer temperatures range between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and maximum winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius.

Be aware that Tasmania’s weather can quickly change so come prepared with warm clothing and a waterproof outer layer especially if you plan to bushwalk.

Things to do in Hobart

Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city after Sydney in New South Wales. You will find a city that is steeped in history, filled with a vibrant mix of arts & culture and surrounded by the natural beauty of the River Derwent and Mt. Wellington.

Sullivans Cove – Hobart Waterfront

Sullivans Cove is the birthplace of Hobart and stretches along the waterfront from Hunter Street to Salamanca Place. Founded in 1804 the area retains its old-world charm in the facades of the historic sandstone buildings that frame the waterfront.

This once thriving freight port hosts an interesting collection of museums including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum, and the Maritime Museum of Tasmania.

Within Sullivans Cove you will find the popular seafood restaurants of Victoria & Constitution Docks and Elizabeth Street Pier, the ferry ports and tour pick up zones of Brooke Street Pier and the artist studios, restaurants and bars of Salamanca Place.

Salamanca Markets

One of Hobarts most famous attractions would have to be the Salamanca Markets. Each Saturday from 8.30 am to 3.00 pm Salamanca Place becomes a thriving marketplace to a massive selection of stalls selling a range of unique Tasmanian products, jewellery and fashion designs, artisan and culinary delights.

With 230 stallholders the Salamanca Markets is the place to find that special gift or souvenir of your trip to Tasmania. Here are just a few stalls that we discovered.

Tasmanian Truffles

On a winters afternoon in 1999, Tim Terry made history when he harvested Australia’s first black truffle from the rich soil of his Deloraine farm.

Today Tasmanian Truffles are the country’s premium producer of black truffles, selling fresh and freeze-dried truffles and an interesting range of truffle products including salt, oil, honey, and mustard.

Quiet Mutiny Wines

Quiet Mutiny Wines source locally grown grapes to produce a selection of wines including Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah and Rose.

The naming of Quiet Mutiny tells the fascinating story of Charlotte Badger, Australia’s first female pirate. To learn more about this heroic tale make sure to visit the Quiet Mutiny stall.

Tasmanian Chilli Beer Company

The Tasmanian Chilli Beer Company is a family-owned microbrewery which sells a fabulous range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beers and artisan mixed drinks. Handcrafted in their Oyster Cove brewery Tasmanian Chilli Beer Company use local fruits and spices to craft their uniquely Tasmanian brewed drinks.

MONA Tasmania

The Museum of Old and New Art or MONA as it is fondly known is an incredible art experience which must be seen when visiting Hobart. MONA is the brainchild of David Walsh and a place that is guaranteed to blow your mind.

From the moment you approach the museum you will be struck by the futuristic architecture and entranced by the equally eccentric, shocking and exhilarating exhibits housed within.

Getting to MONA

MONA can be reached by taking one of the colourful high-speed catamarans from Brooke Street Pier on Hobarts waterfront. The journey to MONA takes around twenty-five minutes and there is a ninety-nine step climb up to the museum.

Check the MONA website for open times.

Mt. Wellington/kunanyi

When you arrive in Hobart you can’t help but be impressed by Mt. Wellington which towers above the city of Hobart.

Mt. Wellington or kunanyi as it is also known in the Palawa kani language stands 1270 metres above sea level and is the best place to get panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding region.

As you drive up to Mt. Wellington you will be surrounded by nature. Dense forest crowds the road and trees stretch tall to touch the sky. Suddenly the landscape changes to rocky outcrops which reflect the harsh climate of the mountain.

If you are a hiking enthusiast, you will find a great selection of bushwalking trails that range from easy to hard. Make sure to follow the safety tips and rug up as temperatures on top of kunanyi/Mt. Wellington are much colder than Hobart.

Hobart Tours

When you visit Hobart, you will find a great range of tour options that will help you get a good understanding of the city. While in Hobart we took the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Tour & Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour, Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise and Grand Port Arthur with guided Isle of the Dead tour and can highly recommend them.

• kunanyi/Mt Wellington Tour & Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour
• Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise
• Grand Port Arthur with guided Isle of the Dead tour

*When we visited Hobart, the city was packed with tourists so if you plan to take a Hobart tour make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

Hobart Accommodation

Hobart has a great range of accommodation but tends to book out quickly, so make sure to book early to stay in your preferred location.

During our visit to Hobart, we chose two different styles of accommodation, a central Hobart hotel and an apartment. Both were within walking distance to attractions, and we enjoyed our stay.

Crowne Plaza Hobart Review

The Crowne Plaza Hobart has a fabulous selection of rooms and suites. Club rooms and suites have access to the Crowne Plaza club lounge which offers all day tea and coffee, complimentary canapes and drinks between 5.00pm and 7.00pm.

Our room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and comfortable. The bed was a dream to sleep in and the bathroom had a choice of shower options.

The buffet breakfast was delicious, and the hotel has a range of dining and bar preferences. The Crowne Plaza Hobart is famous for the Crowne High Tea which is served every Sunday between 12pm and 2:30pm.

The hotel is a 7-minute walk to the attractions of Hobart Waterfront and is in the heart of the Hobart shopping district. If you love Asian food, the area has a fabulous range of restaurants to choose from.

Click here to book the Crowne Plaza Hobart

Salamanca Suites Review

The Salamanca Suites is right next to the restaurants and bars of Salamanca Place and the weekly Salamanca Markets. Nearby are the attractions of Sullivans Cove and the historic homes of Battery Point.

We enjoyed our stay in this apartment style accommodation which has a selection of studio rooms with kitchenette or one and two bedroom apartments with full kitchen facilities.

We had a studio apartment which was roomy with comfortable bed and sitting area. Outside was a large patio which overlooked the University of Tasmania and Princes Wharf.

Our room had a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, toaster, and kettle. We were located on the ground floor and the bathroom had full disabled access and laundry facilities.

Click here to book the Salamanca Suites Hobart

Planning your Hobart to Launceston Drive

When planning a Hobart to Launceston road trip you will need to decide which places you want to see as this will influence the distance Hobart to Launceston drive.

Most people will want to know how far from Hobart to Launceston is when driving. This will vary on whether you want to visit the east coast attractions or take the historic route through the centre of Tasmania.

Our Tasmania itinerary takes you to the historical towns of Richmond, Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town, Longford and Evandale. On this route the distance from Hobart to Launceston will depend on how many towns you decide to visit as most are a short detour from the highway.

The Hobart to Launceston Distance

When planning our Tasmanian road trip, we decided we wanted to visit the charming town of Richmond. To get there our route took us out of Hobart on the A3 (Tasman Highway) until we reached the Richmond exit onto the B31.

After visiting Richmond, we drove north past rolling hills and farmland until we re-joined National Highway 1 (Midland Highway) to Launceston.

This Hobart to Launceston drive is 200 km and if you were to drive straight through would take around 2 hours and 25 minutes.

This journey takes you through the character filled towns of Richmond, Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town, Longford, and Evandale so make sure to add 3 to 4 hours to the trip to allow time to enjoy the attractions of each town.

*Top Tip
As you drive make sure to look out for The Silhouette sculpture trail between Kempton and Tunbridge. The highway features a collection of historical silhouettes that include Tasmanian tigers, bushrangers, emus, settlers and more, with each silhouette depicting a shadow of the past.

Hobart to Richmond

The drive from Hobart to Richmond Tasmania is 27km and takes around 25 minutes depending on traffic.

Richmond would have to be one of the prettiest towns in Tasmania. As you walk around the town you will feel like a little piece of England has been transported to Australia.

Richmond began its life as a military township and convict station in the early 1800’s. The town is home to two of the oldest churches in Australia, has many well-preserved Georgian heritage buildings and charming cottages.

Things to do in Richmond Tasmania

There are many things to do in Richmond, the town is one of the most visited in Tasmania with holidaymakers coming to soak up the Georgian atmosphere and to learn more about the towns rich convict history.

When you visit you will find a great range of antique shops, art galleries, specialty shops, cafes and restaurants just waiting to be explored. A little further afield are the Coal River Valley wineries that sit on Richmond’s doorstep. Here are just a few of our favourite Richmond attractions.

Richmond Bridge Tasmania

Richmond Bridge is an Australian National Heritage Listed landmark and the oldest bridge in Australia which is still in use.

The bridge was built by convict labourers between 1823 and 1825 to enable transport of goods from the east coast to Port Arthur. Convicts pushed handcarts filled with sandstone over two kilometres from the quarry at Butchers Hill to the construction site.

Today this attractive sandstone bridge spans the Coal River and is framed by the tranquil parklands of Richmond Bridge Park and Richmond Riverbank Park.

Richmond Convict Gaol

The Richmond Convict Gaol was built by convict labour over a period of 15 years, from 1825 to 1840.

Over the years overcrowding saw the gaol grow from its original single building and timber paling fence to a larger complex housing solitary confinement cells, women’s quarters, cookhouse and wall.

As you tour Richmond Convict Gaol you will step into the shoes of a convict as you visit the punishment and solitary confinement cells, the flogging yard and privy, cookhouse, chain gang and convict holding rooms.

The Richmond Convict Gaol is open 9am to 5pm 7 Days a week and entry fees apply.

Richmond Shopping

Richmond has a fabulous range of shops to explore and is the perfect place to pick up a gift or souvenir of your trip to Tasmania. Here are just a few of the shops that you will find in Richmond.

Sweets & Treats

Whether young or old Sweets & Treats will have you revisiting your childhood as you browse the wide selection of lollies and candy in this old-style sweet shop.

If you don’t like lollies there are a choice of ice-cream flavours or revive with a hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Sweets & Treats is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Peppercorn Gallery

Peppercorn Gallery is housed in Mill Cottage which was built in 1850. The gallery promotes the work of over fifty talented Tasmanian artists and artisans, showcasing a mixed collection of artistic mediums.

Inside you will find a fabulous range of paintings, ceramics, glasswork, Tasmanian timber woodcrafts, jewellery, Indigenous art and more.

Tasmanian Gingerbread

If you like gingerbread, make sure to pay a visit to Tasmanian Gingerbread which is in the cottage on the green next to Richmond Court House.

Inside you will find a treasure trove of gingerbread men, gingerbread houses, gingerbread animals, gingerbread flowers and more. There are also a huge array of biscuit making utensils for making your own gingerbread biscuits at home.

Where to Eat in Richmond Tasmania

If you are hungry, you will be spoilt for choice of places to eat in Richmond. There is a good selection of character filled cafes and eateries where you can relax and soak up the old-world ambience of Richmond village.

Czegs’ Café

This charming café is instantly recognised by the silver teapots and vintage crockery that decorate the dressers as you walk into the café.

Czegs’ Cafe has an extensive breakfast & lunch menu and is famous for its scrumptious Devonshire Tea. The café also has a range of Gluten Free, Vegetarian and Vegan menu options.

The Richmond Arms

The Richmond Arms has a variety of menu options that will take you from a light bar snack to a delicious four course meal. Unwind in the beer garden or cosy up inside this historic pub and sample the best local produce when you visit the Richmond Arms for a hearty bistro meal.

Richmond Wine Trail

Not only is Richmond a well-preserved historical town but it is also a steppingstone to the Coal River Valley wineries.

Nestled along the A31 from Hobart to Richmond you will find the Coal Valley Vineyard, Craigow Vineyard, Frogmore Creek, Clemens Hill Vineyard, Puddleduck Vineyard and Pooley Wines. If you are a wine lover this is the perfect excuse to extend your stay in Richmond and the surrounding region.

Richmond Tasmania Accommodation

There are a few options for accommodation in Richmond Tasmania and they include historic holiday cottages, farm stays and gypsy glamping. When planning your trip to Richmond make sure to book your accommodation early as the town is a popular tourist attraction, and they are likely to sell out quickly.

The Richmond Arms Review

During our stay in Richmond, we stayed at “The Stables” at the Richmond Arms. The Stables was built in 1827 and is the only original section of the Lennox Arms Hotel, which was destroyed by fire.

Our room was decorated in fresh modern tones, and we had a comfortable stay. There is a choice of room configurations which can accommodate singles, couples, and families.

Click here to book the Richmond Arms

Richmond to Oatlands

The drive from Richmond to Oatlands is 55 km and takes around 50 minutes depending on traffic. To get to Oatlands re-join A31 at Richmond and head north until you reach National Highway 1 (Midland Highway), turn right, and continue travelling until you see the signs into Oatlands which is a short detour off the highway.

Things to do in Oatlands Tasmania

If you are interested in Georgian architecture, you will find that Oatlands has over 150 sandstone buildings that were constructed by convicts during this period in the early 1800s. Today the town is recognised as having the largest concentration of pre-1837 era buildings in Australia.

Housed in these beautiful old buildings are a variety of antique stores, shops and cafes that showcase the fresh produce and talents of the local people. Here are just some of our favourite places to visit in Oatlands.

Oatlands Antiques

If like us, you have a passion for antiques a visit to Oatlands Antiques is a must. Inside you will find an interesting assortment of antiques, vintage treasures and bric-a-brac that will have you entranced for hours.

Callington Mill

The last thing you would expect to see when you travel through Tasmania is a Lincolnshire tower mill. This beautiful mill was built in 1837 by John Vincent and is the third oldest windmill in Australia. The windmill has been lovingly restored and sits proudly amid a collection of dwellings, which include cottages, a barn, stable, piggery, granary and storerooms.

Lake Dulverton Conservation Area

Lake Dulverton Conservation Area is well known to be home to a wide variety of wildlife and supports as many as seventy-seven different species of birdlife. If you take a closer look, you will see metal bull sculptures sitting within the lake, their horns are the perfect perch for birds wanting to rest and dry their wings.

Oatlands District Historical Society

If you want to learn more about the history of Oatlands and the surrounding region, make sure to stop off at the Oatlands District Historical Society. Here you will be transported back in time as you browse the historical displays and walk through the small cottage which is decorated as it was in days gone by.

Where to Eat in Oatlands

If you are hungry and visiting Oatlands, you will find a few cafés that will help you revive as you take a break from the road and are sure to top up even the largest appetite.

The Imbibers

The Imbibers is set in a charming old shop which just begs you to come in and enjoy a relaxing afternoon sampling the best of Tasmania. This Wine Cheese & Spirit Merchants serve a good selection of locally sourced wines and artisan products with their fantastic range of Cheese & Grazing Boards and Cheese Matched Wine Flights.

Oatlands to Ross

The drive from Oatlands to Ross is 36 km and takes around 25 minutes depending on traffic. To get to Ross re-join National Highway 1 (Midland Highway) at Oatlands and continue travelling north until you see the signs into Ross which is a short detour off the highway.

Things to do in Ross Tasmania

Ross is an attractive town with streets shaded by magnificent old elm trees. When you visit you will find a town with a fine collection of colonial buildings and an interesting convict past.

The Ross region is famous for its sheep which produce superfine merino wool, and you can learn more about the sheep industry when you visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre.

Ross Bridge

Ross Bridge is the third oldest bridge in Australia and was built by convicts in 1836. If you look closely, you will see as many as 186 carvings on the sandstone panels, which range from animals and insects, abstract designs to faces.

The delicate carvings that decorate the bridge were created by Daniel Herbert, a highway robber who was transported to Van Diemen’s Land in 1827. His work on the bridge earned him a free pardon and you will find his grave in the Original Burial Ground.

Ross Historic Walk

The Ross historic walk begins at Ross Bridge and takes you past the old stables and Ross Uniting Church to the Ross Female Factory. After visiting the Female Factory continue to the Original Burial Ground which is located on a windswept hill and has views overlooking Ross and the surrounding countryside.

Ross Female Factory

When you visit Tasmania, you will learn that Female Factory is a refined term for ‘House of Correction’. Prisoners were sent to Ross from 1848 due to overcrowding in the Hobart and Launceston Female Factories. Most sent were problem prisoners needing to be taken away from the temptations of the larger communities.

Although today most of the Ross Female Factory is gone it once held up to two hundred female convicts. You will find interpretive displays telling stories of daily life inside the factory at the overseer’s cottage.

While there I happened to catch a glimpse of two people entering a building outside, when I went out to join them, I found that both doors were firmly locked. Now isn’t that just a little bit spooky?

Where to Eat in Ross

Ross is considered the halfway point between Hobart and Launceston and a great place to take a meal break. You will find a few different places to eat in Ross including the Ross Village Bakery and Ross Hotel.

Bakery 31

Bakery 31 is a cosy café and tearoom housed in a cottage that was built in the 1830’s. The bakery is the place to try the famous Tasmanian Scallop Pie, a delicacy jam packed with scallops and served in a mild curry sauce.

If you don’t like scallops why not try a Salmon & Brie Pie or a choice of cakes and pastries. If you want something more filling, you can enjoy the all-day breakfast or dine on old favourites such as Rissoles and Gravy.

Ross to Campbell Town

The drive from Ross to Campbell Town is 11 km and takes around 15 minutes along National Highway 1 (Midland Highway). Campbell Town is a good place to take a break from the road and refuel. When visiting you will find several specialty stores and the town is a popular place for antiquing.

Campbell Town to Longford Attractions

To get to Longford from Campbell Town head north on National Highway 1 (Midland Highway) for 42.6 km and turn left off the Highway onto C521 (Woolmers Lane) after you see the signs to Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Estate.

Things to do near Longford

Driving past the picturesque farmland of the Norfolk Plains we make our way to the Longford tourist attractions and UNESCO World Heritage sites of Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Estate which are the ancestral homes of the pioneering Archer families.

Brothers Thomas and William Archer emigrated to the Norfolk Plains region of Tasmania from Hertford between 1811 and 1833. Thomas Archer ran sheep and cattle on Woolmers Estate and William Archer grew crops such as wheat, oats and barley on the neighbouring Brickendon Estate.

Both brothers employed convicts to work their estates which are now listed as Australian Convict Sites and are some of the best surviving examples of colonial expansion through the labour of convicts.

Woolmers Estate

Woolmers was established in 1817 and was occupied by the Archer family from 1817 to 1994. Today the estate is a fine example of 19th century rural living and takes you on a journey through six generations. Scattered across the property you will find the grand manor of Woolmers House and a collection of cottages, stables, a bakehouse, chapel, and blacksmith’s shop.

Entry is through The Nigel Peck Centre which contains two galleries, the Nigel Peck Long Gallery, and the Frances Mary Archer Gallery. The galleries feature a selection of items from the Woolmers Collection. The estate is also the site of the National Rose Garden which displays over 5,000 roses. The best time to see the roses in bloom is from November to April.

Woolmers Estate has a range of tours including the guided House Tours between 10.30am to 12.30pm and Convict Tours between 11.30am to 1.30pm. Self-guided tours can be taken between 10am to 3.30pm.

*To avoid disappointment, please book guided tours in advance by phoning 03 6391 2230.

Brickendon

Continue the journey on Woolmers Lane cross the Macquarie River toward Longford until you come to Brickendon Estate, a farm village which was founded in 1824.

Brickendon sits in a pretty setting which could easily be mistaken for England. Dotted around the farm you will find a collection of period buildings which include barns, a smokehouse and oven, a chapel and cottages. Sheep graze peacefully in the fields, ducks and chickens quietly peck for food and a friendly rooster lets you know that a brand new day has begun.

In the early days of Brickendon 33 convict men were assigned to work on the farm. Ages of the convicts ranged from 12 to 43 years with the majority being in their late teens and early twenties with most being transported for life.

By all accounts, the Archer family treated the convicts fairly and today proudly acknowledge the contribution convicts made in the creation of Brickendon Estate.

Accommodation at Brickendon

If you would like to stay longer to explore this stunning region, Brickendon has a choice of accommodation which range from restored convict-built cottages to recently built rustic farm cottages.

Click here for latest accommodation rates

Longford to Evandale

Take the 16 km return trip along Woolmers Lane (C520 & C521) until you reach National Highway 1. Turn left onto the highway and continue until you see the bypass signs to Evandale, turn off and take the B41 to Evandale.

Evandale

Evandale is a pretty town with its roots firmly planted in the late-Georgian and early Victorian era. Each year the town shows its lovable quirky side when it hosts the National Penny Farthing Championship in February.

Evandale is a short 18 km drive from the city of Launceston making it easily accessible for anyone looking for Launceston day trip destinations. A beautiful place to stop off and explore when on a road trip of Tasmania Australia.

Anteiku Antiques

Anteiku Antiques can be found in a charming cottage and is a treasure trove of antique and vintage furniture, homewares, and curios.

The Village Store

The Village Store needs to be seen to be believed, an Aladdin’s cave jam packed with vintage inspired homewares, organic body products, knitwear, and clothing.

Where to Eat in Evandale

There are a few places to eat in Evandale, you can enjoy a pub favourite at the Prince of Wales Hotel or dine in one of the eateries along the main street.

Ingleside Café Bakery & Art Gallery

The Ingleside Café Bakery & Art Gallery is the perfect place for breakfast, lunch, or morning coffee. You will find a good selection of sweet treats and savoury delights as well as a large selection of Tasmanian jams, sauces, and gifts. Make sure to visit the art gallery to view the works of the talented artists and browse through the fantastic range of art for sale.

The Clarendon Arms

The Clarendon Arms is a character filled pub which serves a delicious range of homemade cakes and a menu of hearty dishes with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. You can choose to relax in the beer garden or head inside for cosy fireside dining.

Evandale to Launceston

From Evandale take the B41 back onto National Highway 1 (Midland Highway) on the 18.5 km journey to Launceston. The drive is a short one and should take around 20 minutes depending on traffic.

Launceston

As you enter Launceston you will be struck by the beauty of the elegant old Colonial and Victorian mansions that are nestled high on the hills overlooking the city.

This old-world charm is mirrored throughout a city which takes pride in its past while stepping firmly into the future by embracing a vibrant art and food culture. Launceston is the gateway to the wineries of the Tamar Valley and natural beauty of Cradle Mountain in the Central Highlands of Tasmania.

Things to do in Launceston

Cataract Gorge Launceston

No visit to Launceston in Tasmania Australia would be complete without a trip to Cataract Gorge. Located close to the city Cataract Gorge has a great selection of walking and hiking trails which highlight the beauty of the area.

For a bird’s eye view make sure to take the chairlift across the Gorge and stop off at the tearooms after walking the trails. Cataract Gorge is the perfect place to breathe in the fresh Tasmanian air and commune with nature.

Tamar Valley Wine Trail

Launceston is a steppingstone to the wineries of the Tamar Valley. We decided to take the Tamar Valley wine trail in two different ways, by exploring on our own and by taking a tour. The Tamar Valley has a similar climate to the Champagne region in France and is well known for its sparkling wines.

The Tamar Valley wine route covers a lot of ground, and it took the whole day to drive the entire circuit, but along the way we were rewarded with the spectacular scenery of the Tamar Valley.

Our self-drive road trip of the Tamar Valley took us past quiet riverside landscapes and down scenic country lanes as we visited cellar doors on both sides of the valley. Along the way we visited five different wineries including Goaty Hill Wines, Pipers Brook Vineyard and Jansz Tasmania.

Launceston Tours

Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch

Our second Tamar Valley wine experience was the Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch. This time we could really let our hair down and enjoy being driven to and from cellar doors to discover more wines of the Tamar Valley.

During our tour we visited Tamar Ridge Winery, Turner Stillhouse and had lunch with wine at The Ducks restaurant. After lunch we visited the Iron Pot Bay Vineyard and enjoyed more wine at Hinton Bay Vineyard.

We had a wonderful day out which was not only filled with delicious wines but the glorious scenery of the Tamar Valley.

Cradle Mountain Day Tour from Launceston with Lunch

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most iconic landmarks and home to the famous Overland Track.

This Cradle Mountain day tour is perfect for anyone wanting to see the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage listed wilderness without committing to a long-distance hike.

The tour will have you appreciating majestic views of Cradle Mountain, visiting the Sheffield Murals, enjoying a delicious lunch and guided walks of Dove Lake and Weindorfers forest.

Launceston Accommodation

If you are wondering where to stay in Launceston, you will find a good selection of accommodation styles to choose from. Here are just two of our favourites.

Dragonfly Inn Review

During our time in Launceston, we stayed in a charming old mansion called the Dragonfly Inn. The Inn has a unique boutique self-service guest house style of accommodation which allows for privacy.

The shared areas include a grand dining room and comfortable lounge area with library. Breakfast is served from a massive breakfast basket filled with cereal, yogurt, fruit and breakfast spreads with toast and eggs to be self-prepared in the dining room.

The bedrooms are tastefully decorated, comfortable and a quiet haven to relax and recharge after a busy day of sightseeing.

The Dragonfly Inn is close to Cataract Gorge and a 5-minute drive from the Launceston CBD.

Click here for latest rates

Best Western Plus Launceston Review

If you are looking for something closer to Launceston CBD, the Best Western Launceston is a popular choice.

Rooms are comfortable and modern with lounge area, desk, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel facilities include an onsite bar and restaurant which serves a menu of modern Tasmania cuisine with a casual twist.

The hotel is within walking distance to restaurants & cafes, Princess Theatre and the UTAS Stadium.

Click here to book the Best Western Launceston

Last Words on Hobart to Launceston Drive – Tasmania Australia

The Hobart to Launceston drive may be short but it is filled with history. Our visit has reacquainted us with our convict past, as we learned about the 75,000 convicts that were shipped out in chains from England to Tasmania.

Like many Australians living on the mainland it has been easy to forget our harsh beginnings but on the island of Tasmania these realities surround you in the convict-built homes, churches, bridges, and buildings of Australia’s oldest settlements.

There is so much more to see of Tasmania, what we have seen so far has been spectacular and we hope to revisit sometime soon. Tasmania has added another layer of diversity to our beautiful country of Australia and if you have the chance to come make sure to put one of the Tasmania self drive holidays on your list.

Have you taken a Hobart to Launceston drive? What did you love about it? Feel free to comment we would love to hear from you.

PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

Sharing is caring!