Short Break Launceston & North

Travel from Launceston on A7 North as far as required, perhaps calling in at Tamar Island Wetlands Walk and the Grindelwald Swiss Village (West (left) off A7 just North of Legana). Retrace your steps to A7, turn left for 400 metres, then East (right) to the Strathlynn Winery on C733 East (North of Legana) and St Matthias Vineyard (just past Strathlynn). Also on C733 is the historic Rosevears Hotel, the “Rebecca” Monument and the Waterbird Haven. After re-joining A7 North, watch for C728, which turns East (right) off A7. Here 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 side of the road is the Grubb Shaft Museum. Depending on time, you may wish to consider the following excursion...

Turn West (left) on B73 to A7 North (right) to Beaconsfield, then continue for 6km on A7 North to Beauty Point, home of the “Seahorse World” where you can dine at their excellent restaurant. Then return South on A7 back to B73 East (left) to cross the Tamar River at the Batman Bridge to A8. Proceed South 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 Launceston for your overnight stay.

Launceston has the following accommodation options:
Innkeepers Hotels
Innkeepers Premium Hotels
Innkeepers Premium Apartments
Innkeepers Discovery Inns

Looking towards Launceston from Kings Bridge

Day 2

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 take the A3 East via the “Targa” route through Nunamara and Targa, and 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. Continue on A3 East to St Helens (Innkeepers Hotels and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats) 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 the spectacular St Columba Falls.

After St Helens, travel South on A3 via Scamander, Four Mile Creek and Bicheno (Innkeepers Apartments). Approximately 11 kms South of Bicheno, turn East (left) on C302 and travel South for a brief inspection of Freycinet National Park. Then return North on C302 to A3 South (left) to Swansea (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Discovery Inns and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats), passing Freycinet Vineyard which is well worth a visit.

Overnight on the East Coast at your choice of accommodation. Choose from St Helens (Innkeepers Hotels and Premium Hotels), Bicheno (Innkeepers Apartments and Premium Apartments) or Swansea (Innkeepers Hotels, Discovery Inns, and Apartments).

Day 3

If you stay overnight in St Helens or Bicheno travel South on A3. (If overnight in Swansea head North on A3, both connecting to B34 West), and take the opportunity to visit the Meetus Falls, accessed by travelling North (right) off B34 on the Forestry Access Road. Return to B34 West (right) to Campbell Town, and then take Highway 1 South (left) to Ross to explore this beautifully preserved village and the Tasmanian Wool Centre. Return to Highway 1 and travel North (right) to Launceston for an overnight stay.

Launceston has the following accommodation options:
Innkeepers Hotels
Innkeepers Premium Apartments
Innkeepers Discovery Inns
Innkeepers Premium Hotels

Day 4

Departure day - if time allows, explore some of Launceston’s inner-city attractions such as the beautiful Cataract Gorge area.

Prior to your departure, if time allows, a trip to the Cataract Gorge is suggested. If you prefer to view Launceston from the river we do recommend Tamar River Cruises departing from Home Point near to the city.

The 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.

Short Break Hobart & Surrounds

Day 1

From Hobart Airport, turn East (right) on A3 to Sorell, then East (right) on A9 over the Dunalley Bridge - you may wish to stop at the Information Centre at Eaglehawk Neck for an overview of the 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). As you travel through the tiny town of Taranna you’ll see the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park – a must see and do if you want to get up close and personal with a Tasmanian Devil. By the way, they make a great coffee here!

In Port Arthur you’ll need plenty of time to visit the Port Arthur Historic Site. Select from a Bronze, Silver or Gold Pass to maximise your visit.

For one of the best eco adventures in Tasmania allow three hours to undertake Tasman Island Cruises, leaving from Stewarts Bay Lodge at 10 am (and 2pm daily in summer months).

Overnight at Port Arthur (Innkeepers Discovery Inns, Innkeepers Apartments and Premium Apartments).

Port Arthur after dark is a fascinating insight into the ghostly past. Join the fun-filled Historic Ghost Tour of Port Arthur - you may book this online or through your chosen accommodation.

Day 2

First thing in the morning, you may wish to continue exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site or enjoy the Tasman Island Cruise. Then, return North on A9 to Sorell and proceed straight ahead to A3. Take a break at Buckland viewing the beautiful stained glass windows in the Church of St John The Baptist before continuing North and East on A3 to Orford and Triabunna, gateway to the magnificent Maria Island.

Continue to Swansea for overnight (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Discovery Inns, stopping to view the unusual Spiky Bridge on the Western (left) side of the road, just 5 kms South of Swansea.

A visit to the historic and beautifully restored Swansea Bark Mill is suggested prior to the end of the day.

Day 3

If overnight in Swansea continue North on A3 to C302 South (right) to Freycinet National Park for a short exploration of the Park, returning on C302 North to A3 South (left) to B34 West (right) to Campbell Town.

Then travel South (left) on Highway 1 to Ross to explore the township and the Tasmanian Wool Centre. Return to Highway 1 (Heritage Highway) over the Ross Bridge and travel South (left), calling in at Oatlands (Callington Mill and craft centres) before continuing South (left) on Highway 1 to Hobart.

Overnight in Hobart.

Hobart has the following accommodation options:
Innkeepers Hotels
Innkeepers Premium Hotels
Innkeepers Apartments
Innkeepers Discovery Inns
Innkeepers Premium Apartments
Innkeepers Intimate Retreats

Day 4

Departure day - if time allows, enjoy the local shopping, or take a leisurely stroll around the historic areas of Battery Point and Salamanca. The latest must see and do in Hobart is the amazing MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) located at Moorilla Winery approximately 10 kilometres north of the city. Take a cruise to MONA, enjoy a glass of wine over lunch or their popular boutique brewery - Moo Brew!

A number of other visitor experiences can be enjoyed including Peppermint Bay Cruises, Bruny Island Wildlife Adventure, Bruny Island Charters and the downhill cycle tour of Mt Wellington with Island Cycle Tours. If you would rather a private charter to explore hobart’s stunning waterways check out M.V Born Free Charters.

Fancy a take home pack of oysters? Leave time to visit Barilla Bay Oyster Farm and Restaurant just off the northern end of Hobart airport’s runway!

Devonport & North West Short Break

Day 1

Collect your car at the airport or disembark from “Spirit of Tasmania”. Travel via Highway 1 West (right) to B19 - proceed South (left) on B19 to Spreyton then take B14 South to Sheffield (the town of murals). Turn South (right) on C136 and follow to C132. Take C132 South (left) 19 km to T-junction then South (left) to Cradle Mountain (note the extension of C132 off the main C132 route).

Cradle Mountain is part of the World Heritage Area and provides many opportunities for walking, climbing, fishing and just soaking up the magnificent scenery. Stay overnight at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (Innkeepers Apartments and Premium Apartments), or select from alternative accommodation available at Kentish Hills Retreat (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments and Innkeepers Discovery Inns) at Sheffield.

It is worth noting also that Tullah Lakeside Chalet, located on the Murchison Highway just north of Rosebery is only 45 minutes drive time from Cradle Mountain. The Chalet provides motel accommodation (Innkeepers Discovery Inns) and enjoys a stunning lakeside setting, huge log fires and a memorable wilderness experience.

Day 2

If you choose to stay at Cradle Mountain, when completing your visit to the Cradle Mountain area, travel North on C132 to re-join the main C132 route. Travel West (left) on C132 to the junction at A10. Take A10 South (left) through Tullah, maybe stop for coffee or lunch at the Chalet, continue to Rosebery to B27 West (right) - a visit to the West Coast Pioneers’ Memorial Museum at Zeehan provides a unique insight into the region’s pioneering history. Then return to B27 and continue South (right) on B27 to Strahan. The Strahan Visitors Centre is well worth a visit, as is Hogarth Falls. Overnight in Strahan (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Premium Hotels and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats).

Alternative accommodation for Innkeepers Hotels and Innkeepers Discovery Inns is available in Queenstown and Tullah. Tullah is one and half hours north of Strahan whilst Queenstown is 40 km but 50 minutes drive to the East.

To reach Tullah - take C132 North from Cradle Mountain 3kms to T-junction. Continue on C132 West (left) 26kms to another T-junction where turning South (left) on A10 to Tullah.

To reach Queenstown - after passing through Tullah take B28 on East (left) side of road for 36km of magnificent scenic road, returning to A10 at the Henty Glacial Moraine. Proceed South (left) into Queenstown for 13km - home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Day 3

If staying in Queenstown, travel North on A10 for 3km then West (left) on B24 for 37km to the Strahan Wharf.

If choosing to stay in Tullah, travel South (left) 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 on World Heritage Cruises (departs 0900), This provides a chance to see the wilderness close hand with a walk from the Heritage Landing during the cruise. After returning to shore at 2.45 pm approximately, take B27 North to A10 North (left), then on to B18 North. After Ridgley (about 8km), watch on the Eastern (right) side of road for C112. This road will take you past the Lactos Cheese Factory at Burnie where you can sample some of Tasmania’s finest cheeses. When you reach Highway 1, proceed East (right) to Devonport (Innkeepers Hotels and Innkeepers Discovery Inns) for your final night.

Day 4

Departure day - if time allows, take in some local shopping, visit Tiagarra Aboriginal Centre at Mersey Bluff, or journey to nearby Latrobe with its unique craft and antique stores.

Short Break North West

Day 1

On arrival at Wynyard, collect your car and travel on A2 West (right) to Smithton. En route, a suggested deviation is North on B21 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 (right) to Smithton for your overnight stay (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats property).

If you have sufficient time before settling in for the night, you may wish to travel via A2 West to the magical Forestry Tasmania Tarkine Forest Adventure at Dismal Swamp.

Discover mystery and delight down in the swamp floor. Open your eyes and your mind to the mystery of life at the bottom of an ancient giant sinkhole by exploring four pathways through the Dismal Swamp floor. Return East on A2 to Smithton.

Day 2

Retrace your steps Eastwards on A2 for 66km to B26 South (right). Follow this to the junction of B26 and A10 at Yolla. Continue on A10 South to the spectacular Hellyer Gorge, a marvellous spot for a picnic (no shops here).

Then continue South on A10 for 32km to the junction of A10 and C132 East (left). Take C132 East for 26km and then the extension of C132 South (right) to Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain is part of the World Heritage Area and provides many opportunities for walking, climbing, fishing and just soaking up the magnificent scenery. There is a Visitors Information Centre on site where you can obtain information relating to sightseeing and activities in the area.

Stay overnight at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (Innkeepers Apartments and 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 3

If staying at Cradle Mountain, there is no need to depart until lunchtime - spend the morning exploring this beautiful area. Return North on C132 to the T-junction and then travel East (right) for 19kms to Moina. Continue on through Wilmot, then follow the signs via C133 West (left) to Upper Castra. Turn North (right) on B15 to Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 West to your final night’s accommodation on the North Coast.

Accommodation options include Ulverstone (Innkeepers Discovery Inns) and Burnie (Innkeepers Hotels).

If staying at Ulverstone, take Highway 1 East (right) for a short distance and take the Ulverstone turn-off North (left).

For Burnie, turn West (left) on Highway 1 to Burnie.

Day 4

If departure time allows, take a trip to the Pindari Holiday Farm (South off Highway 1 on B17 to Riana). The children in particular will enjoy feeding the deer and other animals on the farm. Should you take this trip, return North on B17 to Highway 1, then West (left) on A2 to Wynyard Airport.