With its uncrowded roads, short distances and ever-changing scenery, Tasmania is perfect for easy and enjoyable touring by car.

Tasmania not only offers spectacular scenery but its compact size means there are no long-distance hauls that leave you exhausted at the end of the day – four or five hours’ driving is the most you’ll ever have to do and that could take you all the way from the far south-east to the far north-west.

Given the more relaxed timeframe, there’s ample opportunity to stop and enjoy a walk, meet the locals, try some regional specialities and still arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Tasmania has 11 touring routes in all – to get you started, we warm up the engine, spread out the touring maps and meander around four of them.

CRADLE COUNTRY

This is the perfect way to begin your Tasmanian journey. The Cradle Country Touring Route begins as soon as you drive your car off Spirit of Tasmania at Devonport. Plan to spend some time in the port city itself.

Nearby is the historic township of Latrobe, famous for its antique shops and a likely place to see a wild platypus. Pop your antique bargain in the boot and head south through Sheffield – the town of murals – set in farmlands with the crags of Mt Roland as a backdrop.

After passing beautiful Lake Barrington, your route enters the enchanting, deep forested valleys of the Mersey-Forth region – it’s a spectacular road with hairpin bends, river crossings and sweeping views, so take your time and enjoy the drive.

Before long you’ll be travelling down the road towards Cradle Valley and Tasmania’s best-known mountain peak. The last few kilometres of the road to Cradle Mountain are narrow – it’s a good idea to park near the visitor centre and catch the free shuttle bus to Dove Lake, then take the easy circuit walk around the lake.

From Cradle Valley, you can continue on The West Coast Wilderness Way to reach Strahan – or return to the coast and explore the Great Nature Trail through Burnie to the far north-west tip of Tasmania.

NORTH EAST TRAIL

From Launceston, the North East Trail explores the vineyards, farmlands, beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and rich heritage of this fascinating part of Tasmania.

It begins with a spectrum of flavour and colour, as you visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm and some of the vineyards of the Tamar Valley wine route around Pipers River – take the chance to stock up the car for the rest of the trip.

Scottsdale, the major town of the region, is an important agricultural and forestry centre. Learn the stories of the north-east at the remarkable Forest Ecocentre.

A detour to the pretty beachside township of Bridport is recommended before continuing eastward from Scottsdale through the heritage tin-mining town of Derby, where you can try your luck panning for tin. Drive on through spectacular rainforests over the Weldborough Pass and take a break at Pyengana to sample some fine cheeses or walk to the beautiful St Columba Falls.

Now the road rolls on down to the coast at picturesque St Helens, home port for the local fishing fleet and the perfect place to sample the freshest seafood.

From St Helens, make the short trip north to the blazing white-sand beaches of the Bay of Fires, which you’re likely to have all to your self, then continue south, following the scenic East Coast Escape touring route to Freycinet
and beyond.

THE CONVICT TRAIL

Starting in Hobart, the Convict Trail is a journey into history, passing through the well-preserved Georgian village of Richmond, then winding along the Tasman Peninsula to reach Port Arthur, Australia’s most significant historic site.

In Richmond, take time to cross Australia’s oldest bridge and explore Richmond Gaol, which dates from 1825. Your route continues through Sorell, where you can pick your own fruit in season, then joins the Arthur Highway on its journey to cross the canal at Dunalley, source of local art and craft and fine fresh seafood.

Now the road runs south, reaching the narrow isthmus at Eaglehawk Neck. In convict days, savage dogs were chained across the Neck to stop escapees and make the southern end of the peninsula a natural prison. The seascapes and coastal scenery around Eaglehawk Neck are magnificent – huge cliffs, wild beaches, rocky islands and the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea.

The next village is Taranna, home of the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park where you can get close to these amazing creatures and experience the Kings of the Wind free-flight performance, featuring eagles, hawks and falcons.

Ideally, you should allow at least half a day at Port Arthur Historic Site. Better still, plan to stay overnight so you can take the spine-chilling evening ghost tour and a cruise to the Isle of the Dead.

THE RIVERS RUN

From the shores of the Derwent River in Hobart, this route explores the full length of the valley of the river and some of its tributaries, all the way to its source at Lake St Clair.

North east of Hobart, the river town of New Norfolk is the home of some excellent antique shops. From here, take the road on the left bank of the river through the hopfields of Bushy Park to Mount Field National Park. On the way is Something Wild, an excellent wildlife park. From the visitor centre at Mt Field, there’s a great short walk through towering forests to the rainforest cascade of Russell Falls. 

Back on the route, you’ll travel through the historic villages of Hamilton and Ouse, then climb towards the ‘roof’ of Tasmania to reach the ice-carved Central Plateau.

Just before Derwent Bridge, don’t miss the astonishing Wall in the Wilderness, where sculptor Greg Duncan is carving the story of the highlands into huge panels of Huon pine. Then it’s a short drive to the peaceful waters of Lake St Clair – take a ferry ride to see magnificent alpine scenery or enjoy one of the lakeside walks.

From Lake St Clair, you have three touring choices – continue on to the west coast through the World Heritage Area, take the road past Bronte Park and Miena then through Bothwell to the Heritage Highway, or turn left at Miena on the Lake Highway and travel to the state’s north-west region.

 

STORY: CHRIS VINEY. Image courtesy of Tourism Tasmania.