History and Heritage

Day 1

This itinerary is accessible from all Gateways, but assumes commencement from Burnie or Devonport.

On arrival, collect your rental car or disembark from “Spirit of Tasmania”. There are many National Trust properties and historic monuments in the North and North-East of the State. If arriving in Burnie, travel via Highway 1 East to Devonport where you should visit “Home Hill” (Middle Road), home of the former Prime Minister Joe Lyons and Dame Enid Lyons, and now administered by the National Trust. You may also wish to take a trip to Tiagarra at Mersey Bluff in Devonport, a unique aboriginal culture and art centre with over 250 individual rock engravings.

Then proceed via Highway 1 East to Launceston. Take the Hobart turn-off (B52) which is accessed from the left hand side of the road and travels South and East. After travelling 8km, take the Southern turn-off on B51 to Longford (an historic town). Continuing South, take the left hand fork (C520) for a short distance and C521. Watch for the signs on the Northern (left) side of the road for Woolmers Estate. This wonderful estate spans six generations of the one family and is untouched since 1845. Guided tours as well as light lunches and teas are available daily (except Christmas Day).

Leave Woolmers and travel East (left) on C521 to Highway 1 North (left) for approximately 2.5km, and then take B41 East (right) to the T-junction and turn right into Evandale. After exploring this historical town, proceed South on C416 for approximately 7km and turn West (right) on C418 to Clarendon Homestead - a National Trust property set in beautiful gardens. Return to C416 North (left) through Evandale, following B41 straight ahead past the airport to join with Highway 1 into Launceston for your overnight stay.

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

Day 2

You could take part in a leisurely walk with a guide in Launceston, telling of the merchants, rogues and rascals who created Launceston’s history. Alternatively, visit Franklin House on the southern outskirts of the city. Then take your car via A7 North towards Beaconsfield. After passing through Legana, watch on the right hand side of the road for “Brady’s Lookout” where the infamous bushranger Matthew Brady watched for ships in the river. Continue on to Beaconsfield, home of the Grubb Shaft Museum. Whilst in the area, you may care to visit the “Seahorse World” just 6 km past Beaconsfield on A7. Return South on A7 and turn East (left) on B73 (Batman Bridge). After crossing the bridge, proceed on A8 North (left) to the Pilot Station at Low Head - a visit to the museum provides an interesting insight into the maritime history of the area. Then return South on A8 to your selected accommodation in Launceston.

Day 3

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) - along the way, stop at Derby to see the Museum and the Derby Tin Mine. In its heyday in the late 1800’s, this was an important part of the flourishing tin mining industry of Tasmania. At St Helens, visit the History Room to gain a further understanding of this area. Then travel South on A3 through Scamander and Bicheno (Innkeepers Apartments) to Swansea (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Discovery Inns, Innkeepers Intimate Retreats).

Around 1803, sealers and whalers used Waub’s Boat Harbour (as Bicheno was then known) as a shelter for their boats. The town was later settled as a coal mining port in 1854. Swansea is one of the oldest towns on the East Coast, and is the centre of the oldest rural municipality in Australia (Glamorgan municipality, now known as Glamorgan - Spring Bay). Explore Morris’ Store, the Community Centre with its history room and historical display, and the fully restored Swansea Bark Mill.

Day 4

If overnight in St Helens or Bicheno continue South on A3 to Swansea. If overnight at Swansea, 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 gateway to the magnificent Maria Island and a ferry departs Triabunna wharf each day taking day visitors on a short crossing to explore the island. Eco marine cruises are also available with Sea Wings.

Continue South on A3 to Buckland and visit the famous St John the Baptist Church with its beautiful stained glass window depicting the life of St John. Continue on A3 to Sorell and then straight ahead on A9 East to Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula. 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. For a fun evening, take the Historic Ghost Tour of the ruins.

For a true wildlife experience, visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park at Taranna, about 10 minutes prior to arriving in 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 at Port Arthur (Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Premium Apartments and Innkeepers Discovery Inns).

Day 5

Spend this morning exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site - you may wish to take a cruise to the Isle of the Dead as part of your exploration. 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.

Overnight again at Port Arthur.

Day 6

Travel North on A9 to Taranna (Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park) and on to Sorell, then straight ahead 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 is an abundance of craft shops, stores and tea rooms to explore. Then travel South by B31 to Cambridge and follow the signs to Hobart on A3 West.

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

Day 7

Spend the day exploring Hobart - Australia’s second oldest city. Here you will find a wealth of historical experiences with National Trust homes, guided walks around Battery Point and Salamanca, and many old buildings and churches to explore.

Day trip options in Hobart include:
Peppermint Bay Cruise
Bruny Island Wildlife Adventure
Bruny Island Charters
Wild Thing Adventures
Mt Wellington Descent
Private Charter available on MV Born Free

Overnight again in Hobart at your selected accommodation.

Day 8

When it’s time to depart for home, return to Highway 1 (The Heritage Highway) and travel North. If time allows, call in to Oatlands and visit the Callington Mill, and then travel on to the unique working village of Ross, where you can walk across the famous Ross Bridge (Circa 1836) and visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre and the Female Factory. If departing from Launceston, continue North and take B41 East (right) to the airport. If departing from Devonport or Burnie, continue on to Perth and take B52 West (left) to Highway 1 West (left) to Devonport, or continue on through Burnie and then on A2 to the airport at Wynyard.

Wilderness Trail

Day 1

This itinerary is accessible from all Gateways, but assumes commencement from Launceston.

Collecting your car from the airport, travel South and then West on B41 to Highway 1. Follow Highway 1 South to Campbell Town, and then take B34 East (left) to A3. Proceed on A3 North (left) to C302 South (right) to Coles Bay on the edge of Freycinet National Park. Granite peaks dominate the area with sheer cliffs that drop into the crystal waters, producing some of the most spectacular coastal vistas to be seen anywhere in the world. Enjoy an afternoon walk into Wineglass Bay or drive to the lighthouse at Cape Tourville.

Return on C302 North and take A3 South (left) to Swansea for your overnight accommodation (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Discovery Inns and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats properties).

Alternatively, another quality accommodation option is at Bicheno (Innkeepers Apartments). Instead of turning south on A3 from the C302 travel North to Bicheno for approximately 15 minutes.

Day 2

Spend the day exploring the stunning beauty of Freycinet Peninsula and surrounds - visit Friendly Beaches, Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay, or perhaps be a bit more adventurous and climb to the summit of Mount Amos (one of the granite peaks comprising “The Hazards”).

Join a Freycinet Adventures kayak trip or visit Wineglass Bay in style on a Freycinet Sea Cruises

Overnight again at your selected accommodation.

Day 3

Spend the morning continuing to explore the grandeur of Freycinet National Park, or perhaps take in a leisurely stroll along one of the many beaches in and around Swansea.

Depart the East Coast around noon and travel South on A3 to Hobart for an overnight stay.

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

Day 4

Depart Hobart, travelling on Highway 1 North and joining A10 West straight ahead. 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. Travel via A10 West to Derwent Bridge, and then take C193 North (right) for a visit to Lake St Clair National Park. Return to A10 via C193 - continue West (right) stopping briefly at Nelson Falls on the Northern (right) side of the road for a short half-hour walk where you can experience the World Heritage Area wilderness.

Proceed on to Queenstown, home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, where you could stay overnight (Innkeepers Hotels and Innkeepers Discovery Inns properties), or continue on for 3km on A10 to B24 West (left) to Strahan for an 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 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 5

If coming from Queenstown, travel North for 3km on A10 to B24 West (left) for 37km to the Strahan Wharf. If staying in Tullah, return 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 with World Heritage Cruises to the heart of the World Heritage Area. As part of the cruise, you leave the boat for a short walk at Heritage Landing before returning to Strahan. Don’t forget to visit the Visitors Centre and the National Parks Centre in the historic building directly opposite. Drive North on B27 joining A10 North (left) to C132 East (right) for 26km to the C132 extension South (right) to Cradle Mountain.

Stay overnight at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village (Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers 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 6

Spend the day exploring Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake and the waterfalls and rainforest areas of Cradle Valley. An insight into further bushwalking opportunities in the area may be gained at the wonderful Visitors Centre.

Overnight again at your selected accommodation.

Day 7

Depart Cradle Mountain, travelling North on the C132 extension to the T-junction, continuing East (right) for 19km to Moina. Then, take C136 East (right) to Sheffield, the town of murals. Take B14 East (right) joining C156 which is straight ahead to B13 South (right) through Kimberley to Highway 1 - this entire area has excellent views of Mount Roland and the Great Western Tiers. Then follow Highway 1 East (right) to Launceston. The Cataract Gorge is close to the city and can be crossed on the Alexandra Suspension Bridge (swinging bridge) built in 1895, or alternatively on the chairlift or by foot across an old ford. There are plenty of walking trails and lookouts. The Duck Reach Trail leads through an almost untouched landscape close to the remains of the Duck River Power Station, Australia’s first municipal hydro-electric power station. Overnight in Launceston.

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

Day 8

Prior to your departure in the morning from Launceston, 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.

Wine Trail

Day 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. For the afternoon, you may wish to take a trip North on A7 to Legana. Then take the turn-off to Rosevears (C733 East - right), and approximately 1km further along the highway, visit the Strathlynn Winery - an excellent spot for either lunch or afternoon tea. Continue on to St Matthias Vineyard further North, and then rejoin A7 and travel South (left), taking the turn-off on the Western (right) side of the road to the Grindelwald Swiss Village. After exploring the village, continue South on the same road returning to A7 South (right) to your accommodation in Launceston.

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

Day 2

Today commences heading North on A8. Take the turn-off East (right) on A8 to Rocherlea, then proceed East (right) on B81 to B83 North (left) off B81 to Ninth Island Vineyard. Return to B83 North (right) to B82 East (right) to Pipers Brook on the Southern (right) side of the road, and Delamere Vineyard on the Northern (left) side. After completion of your visit, return on B82 West to A8. Take A8 South (left) to the Hillwood turn-off on the Western (right) side of the road, and continue on to the Hillwood Strawberry Farm. After this, return to A8 North (left) to B73 West (left) - this will cross the Batman Bridge. After crossing the bridge, take C724 North to Holm Oak and Tamar Ridge Vineyards, and then return to B73 East to C728 South (right) for a visit to Marions Vineyard. Follow C728 back to A7 and then A7 South towards Launceston. Return on A7 South (right) to Launceston.

Overnight in Launceston at your selected accommodation.

Day 3

Travel South on Highway 1 to Conara, then take A4 East (left) to St Marys. Take the Elephant Pass South (right) to A3 South travelling via the breathtaking coastal scenery of the East Coast to your overnight accommodation at Swansea (Innkeepers Hotels, Innkeepers Apartments, Innkeepers Discovery Inns and Innkeepers Intimate Retreats properties) En route, take C302 South (left) for a short exploration of Freycinet National Park. Return on C302 North and take A3 South (left) to Swansea, calling in at Freycinet Vineyard on the way.

Day 4

If overnight at Swansea, you may like to visit the Bark Mill as well as 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. Continue South on A3 to Buckland where you may stop to view the beautiful stained glass windows in the Church of St John the Baptist.

Continue South on A3 until the junction of C351 West (right) - take this road to Richmond, where apart from the historical attractions such as the Richmond Gaol, Australia’s oldest bridge and oldest Catholic Church, you can lunch at the Richmond Wine Centre or any of the various luncheon spots in Richmond, including the popular Meadowbank Winery. After lunch, continue South on B31 to Cambridge and follow signs to Hobart on A3 West for the next two nights.

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

Day 5

Day trip options in Hobart include:
Peppermint Bay Cruise
Bruny Island Wildlife Adventure
Bruny Island Charters
Wild Thing Adventures
Mt Wellington Descent
Private Charter available on MV Born Free

Today could also commence with a trip to Moorilla Winery, approximately 11kms from Hobart on Highway 1 North - note the sign on the Western (left) side of the road indicating the turn-off. Follow the signs to the winery. Don’t forget to visit the excellent Museum in the Winery grounds. After this, return to Highway 1 and continue North to Granton. Take A10 West straight ahead to New Norfolk, then take B62 West (right) out of New Norfolk past the Salmon Ponds, through Bushy Park to B61 West to Glenora - look for the signs to Meadowbank Estate. Return to A10 via B61 and B62 - proceed East on A10 to join Highway 1 South to Hobart, returning to your selected accommodation.

Day 6

Take Highway 1 North (The Heritage Highway) to Oatlands - turn-off to visit the Callington Mill and craft centres, and then re-join Highway 1 North, continuing on to the historic township of Ross. Visit the Tasmanian Wool Centre and some of the interesting shops in Ross. Return to Highway 1 North (right) and continue through Campbell Town and Conara Junction and watch on the Eastern (left) side of the highway after passing Symons Plains for C521 West which will take you to historic “Woolmers Estate”, spanning six generations of the same family and untouched since 1845 - the “Servant’s Kitchen” restaurant is available for lunches and teas. Return to C521 West (left) to Highway 1 North (left) through Perth to Launceston for sightseeing and shopping prior to departure the next day.

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

Day 7

Departure day - if leaving for Devonport or Wynyard, you may wish to stop at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory on Highway 1 West (left) of Elizabeth Town to sample, and perhaps purchase, some of Tasmania’s fine gourmet cheeses.