The Perfect Four-Day Tasmanian Road Trip | Spirit of Tasmania

There’s nothing better than hitting the road with the boys for an extra-long weekend to recharge the batteries, and create some lifelong anecdotes for future barbecues. Whether you’re planning a bucks’ trip or just a getaway, Tasmania has plenty to offer your road crew.

Day One: Devonport to Launceston

If you’ve arrived in Devonport on a weekend, you won’t want to miss brunch at Drift Cafe Restaurant, with its great ocean views. The only two words you need to know here? XL Breakfast (chorizo, bacon, potato rösti, sourdough et al). Try and get to Launceston for James Boag Brewery’s 3pm tour, then dine at The Black Cow, where the steaks are free-range, grass-fed and artificial-hormone-free. They’re also delicious. Don’t forget to shout your designated driver a Cascade Draught or two.

Day Two: Launceston to Cradle Mountain

After a revitalising breakfast (try Cuccina on the corner of Frederick and Margaret Streets), get ready for a day of wilderness adventure. Cradle Mountain is roughly two hours’ drive west, and you’ll want to get there early to take advantage of some physical activities to help work off this morning’s bacon. For a slow pace, take the six-kilometre Dove Lake Circuit through Ballroom Forest and talk about how next time you’re doing the six-day Overland Track. For a shot of adrenaline, try climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming with Cradle Mountain Canyons. Later in the day, visit Devils @ Cradle for an after-dark Tasmanian devil feeding tour. Settle in for the night at Altitude Restaurant, where your meat is cooked on a volcanic stone and the beer’s on ice in the attached lounge bar.

Day Three: Cradle Mountain to Strahan

Pass through old mining towns like Rosebery and Zeehan, before enjoying the wild views of Tasmania’s west coast on the way down to Strahan. Once you’re in town, walk to Hogarth Falls, play a round at the local nine-hole course, or hire a buggy and go for an ATV adventure along the massive Henty Dunes and into the forestry plantations at Macquarie Heads. As you may have guessed from the location, there’s some amazing seafood here – View 42° is worth a look – and you can try some angling yourself courtesy of Strahan Marine Charters.

Day Four: Strahan to Devonport

Today’s a reasonably big driving day, with three hours on the road. Fortunately, it’s through beautiful country, and there are plenty of stopping opportunities on the way. Consider throwing in a line at Lake Pieman, where the trout are plump and plentiful. Waratah, on the edge of The Tarkine wilderness, is another historic mining town, and the ideal point to stretch your legs, maybe on a bushwalk through Hellyer George. About 75 minutes later, you’ll be back in Devonport, ready to board the ship back to Melbourne. Use the time constructively – plot your next boys’ own Tasmanian adventure.

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