Backpackaussie.com

There are hundreds of spots to stop on your trip around Tasmania, and you will be rewarded with amazing lookouts, spectacular mountains and some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Wildlife is abundant, and if you are lucky you will get some spectacular days in the sun, even in the winter months!

Many popular destinations are within the many National Parks, and we would advise that if you are planning to visit more than two areas (e.g. Wine Glass Bay and Cradle Mt), you will save money by buying a 2 month pass for $60 for per vehicle. This includes everyone in the car, and is an attractive alternative to the standard (and rather expensive) day passes. The 2 month passes are valid for all National Parks within Tasmania, even those offshore, and mean you always have the option of exploring a park without worrying about the cost. Annual passes are also available.

Launceston

Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania after state-capital Hobart. Most would classify it as a big country town, although there are more than 100,000 people living there.

It is also a nice place to pass through and relax, with great live music, local foods and beer, before heading to the nearby Cataract Gorge for the day.

The Cataract Gorge is breathtaking, especially after rain when a raging torrent of water thunders through the steep-sided Gorge. There are a few walking tracks to great vantage points, a suspension bridge to walk across, and the Cataract Gorge Cable Car, the longest single-span chairlift in the southern hemisphere and with a spectacular view. The Cataract George is a great spot to walk in and you can bring picnic and relax, while you enjoy the nature and the quiet atmosphere.

Take a cruise from George Town down the Tamar River, the most important river in the north with plenty of wildlife and with unique scenery.

If you are a beer lover and interested in local beers, made with local ingredients, then you should definitely visit the Boag’s Brewery. On a 90 minute tour you will hear the incredible history about brewery founder James Boag, his uncle John Fawns and his son James Boag II, and you can see, smell and (most importantly!) taste the beer.

The north of Tasmania has some great scenery, and its reputation for stellar local produce, including wine, is constantly growing. You can drive yourself and explore at your own leisure, places like Stanley, Shearwater, Tamar Valley and Ross. If you do not have a car, you can get to these places by bus and find some great local wineries and restaurants.

Strahan

Strahan is a beautiful little town which lies on the edge of the unspoiled Macquarie Harbour, and the only town on the unprotected western coast of Tasmania.

The Strahan harbour is charming, with a genuine local atmosphere and friendly, helpful locals who will always point you in the right direction to help you see the best of the region.

Notable sites around Strahan include the Macquarie River, Sarah Island and the Gordon River. Gordon River is the most popular and you can take a boat ride there from Strahan, where you cruise through the World Heritage listed river and forests. The cruise is iconic and runs in all kinds of weather.

There are some great fishing spots and a nice beach with walking trails where you can enjoy an amazing sunset over the ocean – Strahan is one of the best spots in Tasmania to do so. About 15km from Strahan on the Strahan-Zeehan Road you will find a little turn-off to some huge sand dunes and a great view out to sea.

At Strahan you will find some cheap camping areas, including near the entrance to the spectacularly beautiful harbour.

Queenstown

Queenstown is the largest town in south-western Tasmania and home to most of the white-water rafting tour operators based on the Gordon-Franklin River system. Prepare to be amazed by this seemingly untouched part of the world. Formerly home to massive mining operations, the town itself is quite bare after being stripped of its surrounding forests to fuel the copper smelters, and the streets have a true small country town feeling to them.

Zeehan

Zeehan is a small mining town full of locals and history. If you are interested in history, especially history about mining, you just have to go for a little walk in the city, just so you can image how it was back then. If you want to learn more about the history of the West Coast, the West Coast Pioneers’ Museum tells you about the rich history, which includes the Zeehan School of Mines and Metallurgy, photographic galleries and much more.

You can also use Zeehan for a stop for supplies you will need for later as you continue your trip. Nearby is Trial Harbour which is a great spot, but you will need to supplies, and Zeehan is usually the spot to stock up.

Trial Harbour

Named in 1881 after a small vessel carrying the boss of the local montage mine ran aground on the beach during a gale force storm, Trial Harbour quickly lost its need as a working harbour after a railway link was established to Zeehan. It is a truly unique costal holiday town worth experiencing.

If the swell is running you will drive over the crest of the hill to see endless lines of white water breaking towards the shore. The only form of accommodation is the free camping area right by the water. The only facility is a solitary public toilet and there are no shops in the town, so you need to be prepared if you plan on staying there for any period. There is also a cool home-based museum where you enter for a donation no matter how small, and it’s full of articles, washed up objects, and little pieces of history from Trial Harbour.

Even swimming can be very dangerous here, so it’s not a place to even think of paddling out for a surf unless you are extremely fit as there are strong currents that are not visible from the shore. For the extra-experienced surfer, there is a hollow, heavy reef break that breaks clean when there is a midsize swell and no wind. For the divers and snorkelers, crayfish and abalone are in abundance if you are lucky enough to arrive on a calm day, and the beaches are well worth throwing a fishing rod in as there is a wide variety of white fish and sharks. Sea-run Trout can also be caught during the trout season.

Hobart

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania with a population of over 250,000 people spread out around the edge of the Derwent River. Over looked by Mt Wellington, the people of Hobart embrace both their cafes and nightlife as well as the nature surrounding Hobart. On the drive south to Margate and the Channel area, you can actually see a rock that was ejected from Mount Wellington when it was a volcano, catapulted over 30km to its new resting spot.

The city of Hobart itself is charming and historical with the Battery Point waterfront, Salamanca and North Hobart areas being the most popular. Salamanca has plenty of well-priced cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs and art galleries. On Saturdays it also hosts the renowned Salamanca Markets, which are a great place to pick up a souvenir and taste some pristine local products.  The sheds next to Salamanca and the waterfront play host to the Taste of Tasmania from the 28^th Dec to the 3^rd Jan of every year, and at the same time the harbour will be filling up with the finishers of the annual Sydney-Hobart yacht race, where there are always some amazing Maxi yachts and other varying types of sailboats.

Up in North Hobart, you can experience some great live music at the Republic Bar and Café. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it is a great spot to start a night out and renowned even on mainland Australia. The area has a lot of nice cafes and La Torta Café on Elizabeth St has amazing coffee with a great little outdoor area. There are a few art galleries if you want to see some local artwork and a couple of other pubs worth a visit, including The Alley Cat and the Brisbane Hotel.

Located at the northern end of the Hobart suburbs, the Moorilla National Museum for the Arts, or MONA, is a spectacular privately run museum that has been getting rave reviews nationally and internationally, even being compared to the Guggenheim museums of Bilbao and New York. Currently offering free entry to the general public, the museum showcases both contemporary arts as well as ancient antiquities. Owner and founder David Walsh is also responsible for the Moorilla branded wines and Moo Brew boutique beer.

Dominating the skyline of Hobart you have Mount Wellington. Rising 1270 metres above Hobart’s harbour, it has a spectacular view of greater Hobart and the surrounding wildness. On your way to the top you go from temperate rainforest to sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations.

On the way up to Mount Wellington, in South Hobart, you also find the Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest continually-operating brewery, established in 1824. They offer 90min tours of the brewery, which includes a tasting at the end of the tour. At the visitor centre you can grab a bite to eat and sample some of the best beers I tasted in Australia - a truly historic beer company in a magnificent old building surrounded by peaceful gardens. Be sure to try the blue label Lager and the Pale Ale, both popular amongst the locals and great mild climate beers. (Vice beer is not really popular in Australia, so if you are European appreciate the smooth, subtle flavours for warm summer days!). Moo Brew and Two Metre Tall are two other local beers worth a try.

The botanical gardens are a great spot to go for a few beers a picnic and a kick of the football or some cricket! Located right near the city it’s within walking distance, and has great views of the river and the gardens. You can also take a tour of the Lark Distillery by the Waterfront to sample some Tasmanian-made spirits

South Arm

If you head across the Tasman Bridge and follow the signs to Lauderdale, you will be heading to one of the most popular places for water loving Hobartians (i.e. local people from Hobart) to surf, fish and swim on the beaches and waterways in the area. You can turn off and follow the signs to 7 Mile Beach, Cremorne and Lauderdale. All three are calmer beaches with surf points that crank on a big swell, or you can keep following the road to Clifton Beach, Goats Beach, Wedge, or RSL's.

The lookout and access to Wedge is the best lookout, with 200-degree views of the beaches and taking in from Betsy Island and Storm Bay to the Tasman Peninsular. The surf on these beaches varies from day to day. Wedge is known by the locals as a beach full of mini pipeline shaped A-frames due to the swell wrapping around the island and meeting again on the beach. At the southern end of Goats Beach there is a break known as Rebounds - on the right swell the rebound bounces of the rocks meeting the wave afterwards and creating a fast right-hander. The rest of Goats Beach really depends on the conditions of the swell and sand banks, but you can usually get some decent waves, and just over the northern headland is a break called Lumpies, which cranks on a clean swell.

You do not have to be a surfer to enjoy south are it is a great area to explore, go for a dip and take some photos!

Tasman Peninsular

The Tasman Peninsular is a breathtaking area to explore; some of its highlights are Eaglehawk Neck, Fortescue Bay, Marion Bay, Nubeena and the historic Port Arthur sight.

Port Arthur

Port Arthur was originally founded as a small timber station in 1830. It quickly grew into a sizeable penal colony, holding convicts shipped over from the United Kingdom. You can walk around the site freely or take a guided tour. All the large bricks made to form the buildings were individually made by each of the convicts that had the bad luck to end up here. Each convict made individual patterns to identify their bricks. Although there is an approximately 30 dollar entrance fee.

Port Arthur is a great place to experience the history of Australia and the hardship the convicts had to live through. Port Arthur is an extremely important historical sight with regard to colonization of Tasmania.

About 15 minutes’ drive from Port Arthur is a remarkable cave. You can get right down and look through the cave to the sea, also known as a popular surfing spot, although the paddle through the cave or jumping from the rock is extremely hazardous and only for experienced and fit surfers.

Eaglehawk Neck

Eaglehawk Neck was originally known as the gateway for stopping convicts from being able to escape from Port Arthur. It was guarded at the narrowest point to prevent convicts being able to escape the peninsular. Nowadays it is better known as a little holiday town and the departure point for tuna fishing charters.

There is generally great surf, with point breaks as well as reef and beach breaks, also some of the most spectacular natural formations are just south of the beach, starting with the Blowhole, the Tasman Arch and The Devils Kitchen. Around all of these amazing attractions are spectacular cliffs and side lookouts, where you can see the vast rugged coastline. At the northern end you will find the Tessellated Pavement, where the rocks have been formed by nature to look just like endless rows of pavers, right down to the edge of the water. A stop off point you can’t miss on the way though. You could very easily kill a few hours exploring the area.

Fortescue Bay

Fortescue Bay, a small national park, is accessible by a rough dirt road lined with breathtaking forests. When you reach the end of the road, you will find a large camping area and beautiful, isolated beaches. There is not much to do apart from walks, mingling with other campers and taking in the pristine fresh air.

If you are in the area it is worth visit.

Nubeena and surrounding areas

Nubeena is a small holiday area for the locals from here you can head to White Beach, a beautiful long beach where you can look out past Brother and Sister Islands to Mt Wellington and Bruny Island. You can also head to the free camping sites, such as at Roaring Beach, which is a seemingly remote surf beach.

You camp on the edge of large sand dunes, which are great fun to climb, take in the view and then slide down on a bodyboard. The whole region is known as a great fishery, with a wide variety of fish to be caught off the beaches or jetties on dusk. The road from Port Arthur to Nubeena continues in a loop back to the main road.

It is well worth continuing on the loop and stopping at Salt Water River, which known for being able to catch large Flathead fish from the rocks and beaches on dusk. If you continue down the road, you will pass a saltwater river. Here you will find a camping area around an old coalmine built by the convicts, however there is a camping fee. On this trail you have a great chance to see an echidna or two, and plenty of other wildlife. This is also one one of the best rock and beach fishing locations in Tasmania for catching flathead around dusk.

Coming from Port Arthur just before the turn off to White Beach you will find Stormlea Rd - follow the signs to walk the track to Cape Raoul and the famous big-wave break of Shipsterns Bluff! It’s approximately five hours for the return walk, however I would allow a full day to explore and enjoy the area. Once there you are able to just walk forty minutes each way to the top of 300m high sea cliffs, although if you have the time, pack some luck, plenty of water and explore! As you make your way up the hill you have two options, one is a walk to Cape Rail and one to Shipsterns Bluff and Tunnel Bay. While both are amazing, on the Shipsterns/Tunnel Bay walk you can follow a fire trail down a track to the shore and stand underneath the majestic sea cliffs.

The East Coast

The east coast of Tasmania is linked by several small towns as well as hundreds of beaches, lookouts, rivers and national parks - for the keen surfer or fisherman this is a paradise. With more than 300 days of no rain each year, it’s a great place to simply relax in the sun and soak up the small town beach lifestyle.

Bicheno

Bicheno is famous for its Red Bill Bay surf-spot, the laid back lifestyle and the Fairy (little) Penguins. Like most of the small towns on the east coast it is a great spot to stop on your journey.

There are a lot of different things to see and do in the Bicheno area. You can go scuba diving or view the coast from a sea kayak, go on a guided tour and learn about the area from a local or try your hand at wakeboarding, just some of the things you can do in the water. On dry land, one of the most famous walks is along the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve and the Penguin tours.

The blowhole is spectacular when there are some bigger seas, and while many tourists head out to the rock next to the blowhole to get nice and close to the action, you must make sure you don't follow people blindly - watch from a distance first, make sure you feel safe and be sure that there are no large sets of waves, which can wash you off the rocks in seconds

Orford

Orford is a popular holiday destination for the locals, with pristine beaches and a breath taking drive. If you are coming from the south you make your way along the edge of the Orford River until you reach the town with its main street on the edge of the river. Orford is a good place to stop off for some supplies, a coffee, and a relaxing afternoon.

Maria Island

While Maria Island was originally settled as a prison for convicts, it was mainly abandoned and left for agriculture as Port Arthur was established. Maria Island was getting a reputation as a place of ease due to the large number of escapes by water. Now it is known for its ruins and being something of a Noah’s Ark for endangered species. Many Tasmanian species have been introduced to the island in a bid to protect their kind from introduced predators. Although the water is cold, it is a great spot to do some snorkelling or diving as most of the waters around the island are set aside for a marine reserve. The island itself is a contrast of smooth coast line and rugged fossilised cliffs.

You can take a ferry from Triabunna although you ca not take your car, as there are no cars on the island, part of the bid to protect the wildlife. You can however take a bike tour or hire a bike to explore this unique part of the world. There are a series of walks varying from an hour to a 4 hour return, upon which you will be rewarded with some great views and wildlife. There are camping sites on the island and backpacker style accommodation, don’t miss it! As a heads up there are usual National Park fees, something you’ve probably experienced already if you are travelling Tasmania, but you can grab a 2 or 6 month pass to save a few dollars as they really are not much more expensive than the day passes. Additionally, the ferry is $50 with a $10 fee for a bike or excess luggage, so I would say make a few days of Maria Island!

Coles Bay

On the edge the Freycinet National Park is Coles Bay, a local popular destination. If you are feeling adventurous and you have the equipment, you can take a two days walk past Wineglass Bay to the tip of the Peninsular and back with spectacular views along the way, although the majority of tourists simply walk to the top of the first ridge (approx. 1 ½ hrs return) and take in the spectacular views of Wineglass Bay itself.

For a day trip enter the park and follow the signs to Wineglass Bay. You have to climb a steep, yet well defined and maintained, walking track to the top of the hill, where you will be rewarded with one of the most iconic views in Tasmania, with giant boulders, steep hillsides, seacliffs, and a remarkable view of Wineglass Bay and Hazards beaches. If you are lucky, a local wallaby will appear in the north corner of the beach. Although friendly and inquisitive you shouldn’t feed them, as gum-disease is a big problem for local animals.

You can take the Hazards Beach route for your return journey. You will pass through the swampy, low-lying area behind Wineglass Bay and exit onto Hazards Beach, the other side of the peninsular and lined with abalone and scallop shells left from the aboriginal communities that lived there hundreds of years ago. Follow the signs to the car park and you will be treated to an hour walk with yet more spectacular views of Coles Bay, a peaceful forest, and a look back on Hazards Beach.

On the way out from the Freycinet National Park you will find a turn off to Friendly Beach, a series of cool little camping areas filled with wildlife. It is not uncommon to have a friendly wallaby or hungry possum show up at your campsite. The area is also known for its great surf - the locals flock in the early morning to surf the reef- and beach-breaks that this stretch of coastline provides, although you will have to have a National Parks Pass to stay here. Another option is to drive to the end of River and Rocks Road to the free camping area there!

Cradle Mountain National Park and the Overland Track

Cradle Mountain National Park, an amazing destination in its own right, is also the start point for the Overland Track. It is recommend getting a guide for this trip and ensuring you are fully equipped as conditions can vary greatly, even in the peak summer season. It is a four to five day track over the central highlands of Tasmania. In the Cradle Valley itself, close to the rangers offices, is a place where you can easily fill out two days exploring the valleys, peaks, rivers and lakes in the region. The weather can change instant, so you must be prepared for rain and wind. There is a lot of wildlife, and you have great chances of seeing wallabies, local birds and wombats, just to name a few creatures living in the area. Rain, hail, sunshine or snow you will not regret exploring this breathtaking area with some of the cleanest air on the planet.

Accommodation

The National Park provides reasonable priced camping and campervan spots however the majority of other accommodation is rather high priced. Try the Big 4 for a reasonably priced room with a heater and hot shower!

Huon Valley

The Huon Valley and south-east corner of Tasmania is home to some of the most remarkable forests in the world, including large, World Heritage listed forests and the Tahune Airwalk. There are some great lookouts and stop off points including the Big Tree, a huge gum tree towering into the sky on the drive to Tahune. If you venture to Tahune you must take the turn off to the Hartz Mountains. At the top you are regaled with a spectacular view of the peak of the mountain and surrounding valleys which are seemingly endless, and there are a few walking options available, including the summit itself. If you are planning on summiting ensure you are well prepared as the weather can be wild and unpredictable. There are also forests, lakes and waterfall trails, the tracks are well marked and there is a shelter by the car park with information and walking times.

A great region to pick up work fruit picking as there is an abundance of fruit farms, including apples and cherries. You could easily spend a couple of days exploring the area. The towns throughout the region include Margate, Snug, Oyster Cove, Huonville, and Southport. These small communities are full of cafes, pubs, local art galleries and great Tasmanian characters.

If you continue south you get to Southport. An amazing holiday area for locals, Southport has beautiful harbour and a great atmosphere to stop and enjoy the nature with a picnic and you can get some great photos. Southport is also a popular fishing spot.

Further south again is Cockle Creek, a remote holiday area with free camping, great fishing, wonderful forest and very few permanent residents.

To really explore and enjoy the nature you should drive yourself, and take the costal diversions on your trip back to see the coastline, inlets and scenic forests.

Bruny Island

On the way to and though the Huon Valley region you will find the ferry to Bruny Island at Oyster Cove. After a short scenic ferry ride across the inlet, you will arrive at the island. Follow the road from the ferry towards "the Neck", actually a thin isthmus between the North and South islands of Bruny. Here you will find a lookout (at the top of the seemingly endless set of stairs but well-worth it), and be treated to one of the better views on the island. At times it can be so contrasting with the pounding surf and wind on one side and the calm flat bay on the other side. The Neck is also a great spot to see and learn about fairy penguins. This is the beginning of Adventure Bay, which is home to several beaches getting calmer as you head south, as well as a smallish town for supplies and accommodation, should you desire. There are some great fishing spots in the area too.

There is a short cut to head towards Cloudy Bay, on Bruny’s eastern side, and on the way up the hill there is an unmarked lookout around 5 km in, with a view back at the whole of Adventure Bay. Just on the other side of the hill there is a marked look out over Cloudy Bay: both are worth stopping at to enjoy the view.

Surfers must go to Cloudy Bay. Being one of the few beaches facing south it’s constantly being pounded by large swells. Depending on the sand bank there are big outside bombies and a cleaner inside re-form. Apart from surfing there are some great beaches to explore, and it is generally just a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the sea.

If you have a 4WD head to the east end of the beach, away from the smaller surfing bay at the western end to find the hidden, largely unmarked camping area. Having said this there is also an easily accessible camping area about 500m before you get to Cloudy Bay if you are not equipped to drive on the beach.

Another great spot to explore is Cape Bruny, the southernmost tip of the island. It is a great drive down and at the end of the road is a magnificent old lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach. From the base of the lighthouse you can see the cliffs and small bays surrounding you. Lighthouse beach is accessible on a quite rugged track, and if you are lucky the surf can be amazing, but quite heavy.

Accommodation

Bring your camping gear, as it is the cheapest way to stay on the island. There are plenty of free or cheap campsites all over the island and if you are a surfer pack your board,

The Heritage Highway

The Heritage Highway route was formed in 1807 and originally took eight days to make the trip; however with modern technology (i.e. cars!), it only takes around 2.5 hours of driving, plus stop off time.

Along the way you will drive through the region famous super fine Merino wool. For the average backpacker though it does not have much to offer apart from towns that seem to be stuck in the past, many retaining several heritage-age buildings.

With a strong country town community feel to them the people are extra friendly and are very keen to show of the local produce. Often seen as a touring route for ‘older’ tourists, the sense of history and community in towns such as Evandale and Ross can be very appealing.

Evandale

If you are travelling though Tasmania during the last week of February head up to Evandale, just south of Launceston, home to the Evandale Village Fair with over 100 stalls showing of food crafts and entertainment from all over the state.

Another highlight is the National Penny Farthing Championships, crazy old school bikes with one huge wheel at the front and a small one at the back. Watch these seemingly fearless competitors fly though the streets on what seems like a near-suicidal race (a fall from one of these bikes is about 2m to the ground).

For those into history and old-timey stuff there are several antique galleries.

Ross

If you are driving through central Tasmania on the Heritage Highway, you should take a stop at Ross for and afternoon picnic. Several hundred meters off the Highway itself, Ross is a quiet little town, and home to Australia’s third oldest bridge, designed by John Lee Archer over 150 years ago.

The Ross Bakery has been operating for over a century, using traditional wood-fired ovens. It is well worth stopping in for lunch, the fresh foods are delicious. There are also shops making traditional homemade candy and sweets for the sweet tooth.

Once again not to be missed there are a huge variety of sweets to choose from, most traditionally made, that will leave you with a tooth ache and a happy heart!

Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley is a community of people living along the edges of the upper reaches of the Derwent River. They claim to be thriving with energy but I would explain the place as chilled.

The main area to check out is New Norfolk, great for a stop off to go for a swim in the pristine water of the river or maybe throw a trout line in during trout season. A Good way to explore the river though was by Jet Boat! Jet Boat tours can easily be arranged. With beautiful rivers, this is a lovely region to explore by car taking time to stop at the sign posted walks and lookouts.

A good little stop off point on your way through to Mt Field National Park.

Mount Field National Park

Covering 16 625 hectares, Mt Field National Park is a great destination to stop off on your way to or from the west coast. It is home to Tasmania's most photographed waterfall, Russell Falls, which spills over three tiers. With lookouts at the top and bottom you walk through the spectacular and dense forest surrounding the track. From this track you are able to take a 1.75 hour return circuit to the Lady Barron Falls.

About 16 kilometres from Russell Falls is Lake Dobson, and if you continue higher on the track to Pandani Grove/ Eagle Tarn you will find you will find a small ski field and the Tarn Shelf. Following the Tarn Shelf, you will find views of the lakes in the valleys in the distance whilst looking at the reflection of the mountain top in the small pools at the edge of the mountain.

Another short walk worth looking for is the Tall Trees walk. This short yet rewarding walk is known for the Swampy Gum trees, which are both long-lived and rare.

During winter there can be some fun snowboarding up here, however the tow lifts are only open on weekends during winter and then if there is enough snow. I have heard there are some great back country runs if you don’t mind the walk back up! Don't expect too much here, with only three lifts, short runs and no Snow Park etc. it’s hardly a rival to the bigger national and international parks.

St Helens

This small community built around a fishing port is the highlight of the far north east of Tasmania, with cafes, bars and a nice little sweet shop. It’s a unique town that is very picturesque, a really relaxing spot to stop in for lunch, sample some of Tasmania’s great seafood or simply explore the area. Maybe even throw a fishing line in yourself!

If you want to sample some of the best seafood in the state this is the place to do it - you can buy different fish direct from the boats as they return to port to offload their fish, and if you are lucky you will catch a crayfishing boat as it returns with its cargo of huge, delicious crayfish.

Just nearby is the famous Bay of Fires region, so named as the rocks along the bay are lined with a red lichen which is a truly spectacular display. With pristine beaches, spectacular blue water and white sand, it is a photogenic area well worth passing through, perhaps stopping in the camping grounds for a night if you are feeling like more time to explore. There is some great free camping at Policeman’s Point as well as the Mount William National Park.

Depending on your interests and budget there is a lot to explore in the surrounding areas, from art galleries, vineyards and historic sights to farm stations and mazes.

Burnie

Originally known as Emu Bay (although don't expect to see an emu), Burnie is what seems to be a proud industrial town.

Unfortuntely it is quite sad that the beautiful forests surrounding it have been cut down to feed the long-running paper mill. Although the mill was shut down in 1998 the scars on the landscape remain.

You are able to go to the pioneers’ museum to learn about the city's history. For a little alternative art check out the Creative Paper Mill, which has works from both visiting and local artists.

With items ranging from small to life sized art, you are even able to get your hands dirty and make you own art piece! Also worthy of a visit whether you are staying or just passing though is the lactose cheese factory, where you can taste some great Tasmanian cheese.

The nearby Hellyers Road Distillery is Australia’s largest single malt whiskey factory and quite a nice drop too. I suppose Burnie is not really that much of an interesting spot to stop at and most people just keep driving up the highway to their next destination, although the local council has been making lots of effort to change this in recent times.

Devonport

Devonport is Tasmania's third largest city after Hobart and Launceston. It is a coastal city northwestern part of Tasmania and an arrival point for visitors coming from Melbourne with Spirit of Tasmania Bass Strait ferry. From Devonport it is a short drive to Launeston.

Devonport is not as interesting as Hobart and Launceston, but is surrounded by some of Tasmania best national parks and located close to the Tasmania highland. 

While you are in Devonport your should see the art gallery hosts a mixture of different local works in many different art disciplines and you can take a cruise on the Mersey River with a good chance of seeing some local dolphins. The Don River Railway just outside of Devonport runs every hour from 10 am to 4 am.

Explore Devonport's coastline by walking along Victoria Parade, and when you there, you should take the time to see Tiagarra Aboriginal Centre, which explain the Aboriginal history about the nearby rocks.

Stanley

Originating as a fishing port, the community on Stanley has preserved many of its original cottages and buildings. Stanley is best known for The Nut, an extension of coastline that is actually a solidified lava lake from and extinct volcano. 152 meters high and flat on the top, it also has a cable car to ride up and down, get up and close with it and enjoy the spectacular views of the rugged coastline and forests.  If you are into hiking there is also a challenging track to you can walk to reach the top.

The area is popular between December and April as a destination for holidaying Tasmanian's, and you should ensure you book your accommodation in advance during this period.

Stanley is an extremely popular fishing destination and you have a great chance of catching your dinner around here. The wharf is popular as Snotty Trevalla are often caught here, which are fun to catch and even better to eat. Other activities include seal watching tours, guided walking treks, sampling some of the beautiful local produce and experiencing some local sea life up close at the Aquarium.

There are plenty of shoreline, coastal, and forest walks in the surrounding areas, many with barbecue facilities so you can enjoy this area over a few days. One thing for sure is it will be a relaxing stop on your journey.

Climate

Tasmania has four distinct seasons. Summer last from December to February with a average maximum sea temperature at 21 degrees and inland around 24 degrees. Autumn lasts between March and May, where the weather change to the shape of winter patterns. Winter lasts between June and July and are normally the wettest and coolest months on year in Tasmania. Spring is between October to December where the weather again change to the shape of the summer patterns.

Find your accommodation in Tasmania

Find hostels in Tasmania

Find hotels in Tasmania

Find caravan parks in Tasmania

Find your transport in Tasmania

Rent a campervan in Tasmania

Rent a car in Tasmania

Book busses in Tasmania