Circle TasmaniaDay 1 This itinerary is accessible from all Gateways, but assumes commencement from Launceston. Collecting your car from the airport, travel North on B41 and then Highway 1 to your selected accommodation in Launceston. Launceston has the following accommodation options: If you prefer to view Launceston from the river we do recommend Tamar River Cruises departing from Home Point near to the city. The Cataract Gorge is close to the city and may be crossed on a swinging bridge by chairlift, or by foot across an old ford. There are plenty of trails and lookouts - the Duck Reach Trail meanders through almost untouched landscape close to the remains of the Duck River Power Station, Australia’s first municipal hydro-electric power station. Follow the signs to the “Cataract Gorge First Basin”, where you can ride the chairlift across to the Tea Rooms and gardens. After exploring the Gorge, return to your accommodation. Day 2 Travel from Launceston on A7 North as far as required, perhaps calling in at Tamar Island Wetlands Walk, the Grindelwald Swiss Village (West off A7 just North of Legana), the Strathlynn Winery (take the Rosevears turn-off North of Legana - C733 East (right), and St Matthias Vineyard (just past Strathlynn). Also on C733 is the historic Rosevears Hotel, the “Rebecca” Monument and Waterbird Haven. On C728, which turns East (right) off A7 South of Exeter, you will find the Supply River Flour Mills ruins, and Marions Vineyard - the road re-enters B73 at the Batman Bridge. Further North on A7 is Beaconsfield, and on the Western (left) side of the road is the Grubb Shaft Museum. A further 6km on is Beauty Point, home of the “Seahorse World”. Return to B73 East (left) to cross the Tamar River at the Batman Bridge to A8. Then, depending on selection... (1) Follow A8 North (left) to George Town and Low Head for a visit to the Pilot Station and Low Head Lighthouse - then return South on A8 to Launceston. (2) Follow A8 North (left) to George Town and Low Head visiting the Pilot Station and Low Head Lighthouse - then take A8 South to B82 East (left). Follow this and take B83 South (right) to the sign indicating Ninth Island Vineyard. Return North on B83 to B82 - proceed East (right) to visit Delamere and Pipers Brook Vineyards, indicated by signs on the North (left) and South (right) of the road. Then return on B82 West to B83. Take B83 South (left), then B81 South (right) to A8 South (left) to return to Launceston. Overnight again in Launceston at your selected accommodation. Day 3 Take Highway 1 South to Ross for an inspection of the historic township and the Tasmanian Wool Centre. Then return on Highway 1 North (right) to Campbell Town, turning East (right) on B34 to A3. Your choice of accommodation on the East Coast is Swansea (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Discovery Inns and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats properties), Bicheno (Innkeepers Apartments). Turn North (left) on A3 to C302 South (right) for an inspection of Freycinet National Park. Join a Freycinet Adventures kayak trip or visit Wineglass Bay in style on a Freycinet Sea Cruise. If overnight at Swansea, return on C302 North and take A3 South (left) to Swansea, passing Freycinet Vineyard, which is well worth a visit. If overnight at Bicheno travel North on the A3 after returning from Freycinet National Park on C302. Day 4 If overnight at Swansea, you may like to visit the historic Bark Mill together with the Wine & Wool Centre in the same complex. Then, continue South on A3, enjoying magnificent coastal scenery en route and stopping to view the convict- built Spiky Bridge some 5 kms South on the Western (right) side of the road. Travel through Triabunna and Orford. Triabunna is the departure point for the ferry to historic Maria Island and marine eco tours operated by Sea Wings. View the magnificent coastal scenery and marine life that abounds around Maria Island and Isle de Phoques. Continue on to Buckland where you can view the beautiful stained glass windows of the Church of St John The Baptist, before travelling on A3 South to Sorell. At Sorell, continue straight ahead East on A9 and follow the road over the Dunalley Bridge, stopping at the Information Centre at Eaglehawk Neck for an overview of the Tasman Peninsula. Visit the Tasman Arch, Tasman Blowhole and Devil’s Kitchen on C338 South (left) before returning on C338 North to re-join A9 South (left). No visit to this region of Tasmania is complete without wandering through the Port Arthur Historic Site. Overnight at Port Arthur (Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Premium Apartments, Discovery Inns). You may wish to join the Historic Ghost Tour of Port Arthur - you may book through your accommodation house. Cruise along the spectacular coastline of the Tasman National Park, between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur on a 3 hour eco-cruise with Tasman Island Cruises. Day 5 Depart Port Arthur, heading North on A9. For a true wildlife experience, visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park at Taranna only 10 minutes north of Port Arthur and come face to face with Tasmanian Devils. Continue North and then West on A9 to Sorell, and then take A3 North (straight ahead) to C351 West (left) to Richmond. In Richmond, visit the Richmond Gaol, walk across Australia’s oldest bridge and step inside Australia’s oldest Catholic Church. There are also various craft houses, tea rooms and a Wine Centre to explore. Follow B31 South to Cambridge and follow the signs to A3 West to your accommodation in Hobart where you will spend 3 nights in total. Hobart has the following accommodation options: After checking in, a stroll around the historic Battery Point and Salamanca areas provides a relaxing end to the day. Day 6 Sightseeing in Hobart... Hobart provides a wealth of historical experiences with National Trust homes, guided walks around Battery Point, old churches and beautifully preserved private homes. Day trip options in Hobart include: Day 7 Hobart - Huonville – Tahune Airwalk - Cygnet - Margate Or... You may wish to explore the historical side of Hobart including the many antique stores in Battery Point, Salamanca Place and leave time to visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Overnight again in Hobart. Day 8 Depart Hobart on Highway 1 North to Granton, then straight ahead West on A10 through the historic village of New Norfolk. A stop at Hamilton, famous for its craft centres is suggested. Visit Tarraleah Village, an old Hydro town which boast gorgeous art deco cottage accommodation, hotel rooms and a 5 star Lodge. There is also a cafe, highland pub and convenience store for snack supplies. Proceed on to Derwent Bridge and take C193 North (right) to Lake St Clair Return South to A10 and continue West (right) into Queenstown. On the way, about 21kms East of Queenstown, stop for a short walk (20 minutes) on the Nelson Falls nature trail on the Northern (right) side of the highway - a very simple and level walk to experience the ferns and trees that are typical of the World Heritage Area. You will pass through Queenstown (famous for its copper mining and denuded “lunar” landscape, and home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway) where you could overnight (Innkeepers Hotels and Innkeepers Discovery Inns properties), or you may wish to continue 3km on A10 to B24 West (left) for 37km to Strahan for your overnight stay (Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Premium Apartments and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats). Alternatively, you may wish to continue on to Tullah for overnight accommodation (Innkeepers Discovery Inns property). From Queenstown, travel North on the A10 approximately 63kms through Rosebery to reach Tullah. As an alternative route, consider diverting off A10 on to B28 for a scenic drive via Lake Plimsoll. Day 9 If staying at Queenstown, continue North on A10 for 3km to B24 West (left) for 37km to Strahan. If staying in Tullah return South on A10 through Rosebery and on through Zeehan, proceeding via B27 for 46kms to the Strahan Wharf. From the wharf at Strahan, we suggest a trip down the Gordon River aboard World Heritage Cruises. These leave early in the morning and take you to the heart of the World Heritage Area, giving you the opportunity to leave the boat for a short walk at Heritage Landing. Return to the wharf via Hell’s Gates and Sarah Island. Then, drive north on B27 diverting into Zeehan to visit the West Coast Pioneers’ Memorial Museum. Back-track to B27 East and A10 North (left) through the mining town of Rosebery and Tullah. After 36km North, watch for the deviation on A10, then continue North on A10 via the Hellyer Gorge State Reserve to Yolla. Your choice of overnight accommodation is at Burnie (Innkeepers Hotels property), Smithton (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats property), or Ulverstone (Innkeepers Discovery Inns property). For Ulverstone and Burnie, continue on A10 North and then A2 East (right) to your accommodation in Burnie or continue straight ahead on Highway 1 to Ulverstone. For Smithton, take B26 North to A2 West (left) to your accommodation. Day 10 If you stayed overnight in Smithton, travel East on A2 past Stanley, “The Nut” and Rocky Cape through Wynyard, re-joining Highway 1 at Burnie. Shortly after, take C112 South (right). Similarly, if you were overnight in Burnie, travel East on Highway 1 for a short distance to C112 South (right). Follow C112 South joining B18 through Ridgley and Hampshire to join A10 South to C132 East (left) for 26 km to C132 South (right) to Cradle Mountain. If you stayed overnight in Ulverstone, return to Highway 1 East to B19 South - just past the Turners Beach turn-off to Forth. Then take C132 South out of Forth via Wilmot and Moina. Travel a further 19km to the T-junction of C132 South (left) to Cradle Mountain. For an overview of the Cradle Mountain region and the myriad of activities available, stop at the wonderful Visitors Centre. Cradle Mountain is part of the World Heritage Area and provides many opportunities for walking, climbing, fishing and just soaking up the magnificent scenery, including the views across Dove Lake to the mountain itself. After you have enjoyed this area, return North on the C132 extension to C132 East (right) - follow this route to Moina and take C136 East (right) to Sheffield, the town of murals. Then follow B14 East (right) to C156 East (straight ahead) to B13 South (right) to Highway 1 East (right). Should time allow, you can visit the Ashgrove Cheese Factory just North on Highway 1 at Elizabeth Town. Follow Highway 1 through to Launceston for an overnight stay. Launceston has the following accommodation options: Day 11 In the morning prior to your departure, you may wish to visit the Cataract Gorge. Close to the city, the Gorge may be crossed on a swinging bridge (Alexandra Suspension Bridge), by chairlift, or by foot across an old ford. If you prefer to view Launceston from the river we do recommend Tamar River Cruises operators of a number of scheduled tours throughout the year. Depending on time available, you may have a chance to do any last minute shopping before travelling to the airport for your flight home. Grand Circle TourDay 1 This itinerary is accessible from all Gateways, but assumes commencement from Hobart. Collecting your car from the airport, proceed North to A3 then West (left) into Hobart. Hobart provides a wealth of historical experiences with National Trust homes, old churches and beautifully preserved private homes. You may wish to further explore the historical side of Hobart including the many antique stores in Battery Point, Salamanca Place and leave time to visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Day trip options in Hobart include:
Overnight in Hobart. Hobart has the following accommodation options: Day 2 Hobart - Huonville – Tahune Airwalk - Cygnet - Margate
Overnight again in Hobart at your selected accommodation. Day 3 Depart Hobart on Highway 1 North to Granton, then straight ahead West on A10 through the historic village of New Norfolk. A stop at Hamilton, famous for its craft centres is suggested. Visit Tarraleah Village, an old Hydro town which boast gorgeous art deco cottage accommodation, hotel rooms and a 5 star Lodge. There is also a cafe, highland pub and convenience store for snack supplies. Proceed on to Derwent Bridge and take C193 North (right) to Lake St Clair. We recommend a visit to the Visitors Centre, enjoy their well-stocked café and take a stroll around the lake shores. Return South to A10 and continue West (right) into Queenstown. On the way, about 21kms East of Queenstown, stop for a short walk (20 minutes) on the Nelson Falls nature trail on the Northern (right) side of the highway - a very simple and level walk to experience the ferns and trees that are typical of the World Heritage Area. You will pass through Queenstown (famous for its copper mining and denuded “lunar” landscape, and home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway) where you could overnight (Innkeepers Hotels and Innkeepers Discovery Inns properties), or you may wish to continue 3km on A10 to B24 West (left) for 37km to Strahan for your overnight stay (Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Premium Apartments and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats). Alternatively, you may wish to continue on to Tullah for overnight accommodation (Innkeepers Discovery Inns property). From Queenstown, travel North on the A10 approximately 63kms through Rosebery to reach Tullah. As an alternative route, consider diverting off A10 on to B28 for a scenic drive via Lake Plimsoll. Day 4 If staying in Queenstown, continue North on A10 for 3km to B24 West (left) for 37km to the Strahan Wharf. If staying in Tullah, return South on A10 through Rosebery and on through Zeehan, proceeding via B27 for 46kms to the Strahan Wharf. From the wharf at Strahan, take a trip down the Gordon River aboard World Heritage Cruises. The cruise leaves early in the morning and take you to the heart of the World Heritage Area, giving you the opportunity to leave the boat for a short walk at Heritage Landing. Return to the wharf via Hell’s Gates and Sarah Island. On return we suggest a stop in at the Visitors Centre. Perhaps you may wish to take a walk to Hogarth Falls or a trip to the Teepookana Plateau. Overnight again at your selected accommodation in Strahan, Queenstown or Tullah. Day 5 If staying in Queenstown, continue North on A10 for 13km and take B28 North (right) - one of the most scenic roads in Tasmania - rejoining A10 to Tullah. If departing Strahan, head North on B27 to the turn-off for Zeehan (C249). Visit the West Coast Pioneers’ Memorial Museum, then back-track on C249 to B27 East and A10 North (left) through the mining towns of Renison and Rosebery to Tullah. From Tullah continue North and note A10’s deviation to Hellyer Gorge and Yolla, a marvellous spot for a picnic. Continue on to Yolla and take B26 (left) through to A2. Take A2 West (left) then B21 North (right) to Stanley, Circular Head and “The Nut”. At Stanley, you can view historic “Highfield”, headquarters for the Van Diemen’s Land Company established in 1835. The whole area is very scenic and has many restored buildings currently used as shops and accommodation, etc. Return South on B21 to A2 and take A2 West to Smithton. If you have sufficient time before settling in for the night, take B22 South to Allendale Gardens and rainforest area for an inspection of a wonderfully creative garden. Return North on B22 to Smithton (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats property. Be sure to allow half a day to visit the Forestry Tasmania tourism development known as Tarkine Forest Adventure at Dismal Swamp located 40 kilometres to the West on the A2 – allow approximately 30 minutes driving time each way. Accommodation options are also available at Burnie (Innkeepers Hotels property) and Ulverstone (Innkeepers Discovery Inns property). After returning South on B21 from Stanley, take A2 East (left) to Burnie, or continue on Highway 1 East to the Ulverstone turn-off on the Northern (left) side of the road. Day 6 From Smithton return East on A2 through Wynyard to Burnie and travel south on the B18 (Murchison Highway) to Cradle Mountain. Turn left (east) onto the Cradle Mountain link road C132 to the T junction and turn south (right) to Cradle Mountain. Overnight at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (Innkeepers Apartments or Premium Apartments) Be sure to explore the mysterious world of the Tasmanian devil at the unique alpine conservation park located just 500 metres from the entrance to Cradle Mountain National Park. Devils@Cradle provides a close up encounter while learning about these amazing animals from the comfort of the visitor centre or wandering through the park with a guide. Open daily with feeding tours each night. Day 7 After your visit to Cradle Mountain, return North on C132 to the T-junction, take C132 East (right) through Moina, Wilmot, Lower Wilmot to Forth, and follow B19 East (right) through Don to Devonport. Departing Devonport, returning to Highway 1 and take B19 South to Spreyton and then B14 South to Sheffield, the town of murals. Sheffield also affords an alternative overnight location to Cradle Mountain – only 45 minutes from the National Park (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Discovery Inns) If travelling through Sheffield, follow B14 East (left) to C156 East (straight ahead) to B13 South (right) to Highway 1 East (right) to Launceston. Overnight in Launceston. Launceston has the following accommodation options: An alternate route from Cradle Mountain to Launceston may be gained by returning North on C132 to the T-junction - then travel East (right) and North to Moina, then East( right) on C136 to C138 South (right). Follow this road South, East & North to B12, then travel West (left) for a short distance to visit King Solomon Caves. Travel East on B12 through Mole Creek and past the Trowunna Wildlife Park to Deloraine, then follow the signs for Highway 1 East to Launceston. Day 8 Follow the signs to the “Cataract Gorge First Basin”, where you can ride the chairlift across to the Tea Rooms and gardens. If your taste is for historic homes, we suggest a visit to Woolmers Estate at Longford, a home spanning six generations of the same family and untouched since 1845. To visit Woolmers Estate, travel South on Highway 1 and approximately 6km South of Perth, turn right on C521 and travel for about 4km to Woolmers Estate on the right-hand side of the road. This is a property that has existed through 6 generations of the same family since 1845. Lunches and light refreshments are available in the “Servant’s Kitchen”, and guided walks of the property are offered at set times. You may wish to return to Launceston by continuing West on C521 and C520 via Longford and Perth - both historic towns. Overnight again in Launceston at your selected accommodation. Day 9 Scottsdale - Nabowla Lavender Farm - Lilydale Day Tour A 15-minute drive north-east of Launceston is Hollybank Treetops Adventure, Tasmania’s newest adrenalin attraction, offering thrill seekers the chance to fly above the forest floor. Take the East Tamar Highway (north) for 4.5 km and turn right onto George Town road, followed by another right onto Lilydale road. Travel 11.5 km and take a right on Goullees Road followed by a left into Hollybank Road. Return to Launceston and continue on A3 East via the “Targa” route through Nunamara and Targa, then through The Sidelings Range to Scottsdale, regarded as the hub of the North-East and servicing some of the richest agricultural and forest country in the state. Take B81 West (left) through Blumont and look for the sign on the Northern (right) side of the road indicating the Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Return to B81 and continue West (left) through Golconda, noted for its crafts, then Lebrina into Lilydale where you can stop and view the Lilydale Falls (approximately 2km North of Lilydale on the Eastern (left) side of the highway) and the craft shops in Lilydale itself. A short detour on the road to Lalla (C822 West- right) will take you to the W.A.G. Walker Rhododendron Reserve (on the left-hand side of the road). Alternatively, you may wish to relax and take a cruise with Tamar River Cruises. Overnight again in Launceston at your selected accommodation. Day 10 Travel from Launceston on A7 North as far as required, perhaps calling in at the Tamar Island Wetlands Walk, the Grindelwald Swiss Village (West off A7 just North of Legana), the Strathlynn Winery (take the Rosevears turn-off North of Legana - C733 East), and St Matthias Vineyard (just past Strathlynn). Also on C733 is the historic Rosevears Hotel, the “Rebecca” Monument and Waterbird Haven. On C728, which turns East off A7 South of Exeter, you will find the Supply River Flour Mills ruins and Marions Vineyard - the road re-enters B73 at the Batman Bridge. Further North on A7 is Beaconsfield, and on the Western (left) side of the road is the Grubb Shaft Museum. Continue for a further 6km on A7 and visit Beauty Point, the home of the “Seahorse World” - a restaurant is available here. Return to B73 East (left) to cross the Tamar River at the Batman Bridge to A8. Proceed South (right) on A8 to the sign on the Western (right) side of the road reading “Hillwood Strawberry Farm and Gourmet Cheese Factory”. After a visit, return to A8 and travel North (left) to the Pilot Station at Low Head, then return South on A8 to B82 East (left) for the opportunity to visit Ninth Island Vineyard (South on B83). Return on B83 North to B82 East (right) visiting Delamere and Pipers Brook Vineyards on the North (left) and South (right) of the highway. Then return on B82 West to B83. Take B83 South (left), then B81 South (right) to A8 South (left) to return to your selected accommodation in Launceston. Day 11 Travel on A3 East through Scottsdale and on to St Helens, noting on the way the opportunities for short but interesting walks at Cuckoo Falls, the Derby Tin Mine and Museum, the famous Weldborough Hotel, Pyengana Cheese Factory, Pub in the Paddock and St Columba Falls. After St Helens, travel South on A3 via Scamander, Four Mile Creek and Bicheno. Approximately 11 kms South of Bicheno, turn East (left) on C302 and travel South for a walk in Freycinet National Park. Join a Freycinet Adventures kayak trip or visit Wineglass Bay in style on a Freycinet Sea Cruise. Then return North on C302 to A3 South (left) to Swansea, passing Freycinet Vineyard which is well worth a visit. Your choice of accommodation on the East Coast is St Helens (Innkeepers Hotels and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats), Bicheno (Innkeepers Apartments), Swansea (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Discovery Inns and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats). Day 12 If overnight in St Helens or Bicheno travel South on A3 to Swansea. If overnight at Swansea, you may like to visit the historic Bark Mill and Wine & Wool Centre. The complex is located on the Western (right) side of the road at the Northern end of the township. Continue South on A3, enjoying magnificent coastal scenery en route and stopping to view the convict-built Spiky Bridge some 5 kms South on the Western (right) side of the road. Travel through Triabunna and Orford. Triabunna is the departure point for the ferry to historic Maria Island and marine eco tours operated by Sea Wings. View the magnificent coastal scenery and marine life that abounds around Maria Island and Isle de Phoques. Continue on to Buckland where you can view the beautiful stained glass windows of the Church of St John The Baptist. Proceed on A3 South to Sorell. At Sorell, continue straight ahead on A9 and follow the road over the Dunalley Bridge, stopping at the Information Centre at Eaglehawk Neck for an overview of the Tasman Peninsula area. Visit the Tasman Arch, Tasman Blowhole and Devil’s Kitchen on C338 South (left) before returning on C338 North to re-join A9 South (left) to Port Arthur. Allow two nights accommodation on the Tasman Peninsula at Port Arthur (Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Premium Apartments and Innkeepers Discovery Inns). Day 13 The Port Arthur Historic Site, symbol of Australia’s convict heritage, provides the opportunity to explore the prison ruins, beautiful gardens, restored homes and museums. Another popular attraction that provides an insight into the days of early settlement is the Bush Mill (look for the signs on A9 just North of Port Arthur). You may wish to join the Historic Ghost Tour of Port Arthur - this you may do through your accommodation house. The Saltwater River convict coal mines also provide interesting insights into the past. A visit to these is gained by travelling West, North and East on B37, and taking C341 North (left) and West from Premaydena to Saltwater River. After inspection, return South and East to B37 East (left) via Koonya, then South (right) again on A9 to Port Arthur. Cruise along the spectacular coastline of the Tasman National Park, between Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur on a 3 hour eco-cruise with Tasman Island Cruises. Overnight again at Port Arthur. Day 14 Depart Port Arthur, travelling North on A9 to Taranna, where, for a true wildlife experience, visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park and come face to face with Tasmanian Devils. Continue North on A9 to Sorell, then North on A3 to C351 West (left) to Richmond, where historic treasures include Australia’s oldest bridge, oldest Catholic Church and a perfectly preserved colonial gaol. There are also plenty of craft shops, stores and tea rooms to explore. Then travel South by B31 to Cambridge and follow the signs to Hobart via A3 West, leaving you time for some final shopping or local sightseeing. In particular, the historic precincts of Battery Point and Salamanca can be explored at a leisurely stroll. Overnight in Hobart. Hobart has the following accommodation options: Day 15 Departure day – if time permits maximise your experience by considering these options. Most activities are scheduled to allow time for returning to airport for evening flights. |
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