The ultimate holiday guide to Tasmania'sNorth East

Launceston

Tasmania’s second-largest city has the friendliness of a country town but packs a punch when hosting cultural big hitters like Mona Foma and Effervescence Champagne Festival, and dishing up homegrown produce at its weekly farmer markets, or fine dining restaurants. Here, pencil in a walk and swim at nearby Cataract Gorge, and a date with wildlife at the Tamar Island Wetlands.

Tamar Valley

A hop and a skip away from the buzzing northern city of Launceston lies the Tamar Valley, where you’ll find some of the best sparkling outside of Champagne in France, in glorious surroundings of coast, river and vines. But it’s not all about the wine here. There’s plenty in the way of cideries, orchards, artisanal cheese makers and farmyards too.

Ross, Campbell Town & Evandale

You’ll find echoes of Tasmania’s penal colony past everywhere in this part of the world, but particularly in these historical towns. At Evandale, visitors can still walk past late-Georgian and early Victorian buildings. Cobble-stoned streets pass through the river town of Ross, which was built with convict labour, and Campbell Town is a popular stop for colonial – and today’s – travellers between Launceston and Hobart.

Wineries & markets

The Tamar Valley countryside is brimming with wineries, bush hikes and friendly growers. Famous for its sparkling wines, in particular, stops at world-class cellar doors like Jansz, Tamar Ridge and Josef Chromy are essential.

In town, make for the Launceston Harvest Market on Saturday mornings for fresh produce, direct from farmers. On Sundays, it’s the Evandale Markets turn over at Falls Park. Drop 20 cents to enter (kids entry is free), and browse stalls that range from bric-a-brac, local food trucks and pony rides.

History & heritage

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery at Launceston is Australia’s largest regional museum and is separated into two sites, which includes old railway workshops. Afterwards, walk and uncover the stories of Launceston’s Heritage Trails.

Stand out highlights of visiting the surrounding colonial-era villages include walking Evandale’s historic main High Street, watching the river flow from the Ross Bridge, which is Australia’s third oldest, and following the convict brick trail from Red Bridge at Campbell Town.

Nature & attractions

Just outside of Launceston, Cataract Gorge is the perfect place for a natural swim. Take the Gorge Scenic Chairlift (the world’s longest single-span chairlift) or the suspension bridge for stunning views of the bushland and Victorian gardens, and eat lunch at Gorge Restaurant or First Basin Café.

At the northern edge of the Bay of Fires, you’ll find Mount William National Park. It’s a gorgeous place for a day hiking, swimming and picnicking, with white sandy beaches, azure waters and rocks covered in striking orange lichen. Narawntapu National Park is another coastal paradise, where Bennett’s​ wallabies, Forester kangaroos, pademelons and Tasmanian devils roam free.

If possible, go to the Instagram-famous Bridestowe Lavender Estate near Bridport between December and January, which is when the French lavender flowers. Also take a thrilling day taking out on the 125 kilometres of Blue Derby mountain bike networks, before finishing with a plunge at the wood-fired Floating Sauna Lake Derby.

Camping & caravan parks

In Ben Lomond National Park, you can free camp at the alpine national park’s campsite. Near Deloraine, there’s also free camping in the cool, temperate rainforest at Liffey Falls Campsite in the Liffey Falls State Reserve.

At Mount William National Park there are six low-cost camping sites to choose from along the coast. At Narawntapu National Park there are four campsites available, which also charge a small fee for caravans and tents. There are powered and unpowered sites.

Hotels & motels

At Launceston, the Peppers Silo Hotel is a quirky option on the Tamar River. Housed in a heritage building, its four silos once contained grain, and now house hotel rooms with sweeping views.

At the seaside town of Bridport, the four-star Platypus Park Country Retreat has self-contained accommodation. It’s close to the coast, the Barnbougle Dunes Golf Course, and if you head to the nearby dam you might spot a platypus or two.

Unique accommodation

If you’re paying a visit to the charming riverside town Deloraine, book in a night or two at Arcoona Manor. The four-star bed and breakfast is housed in a National Trust building that dates back around 130 years.

A short distance from Launceston, Longford is another country town with a strong pioneering history. Get a taste when you stay at the Panshanger Estate bed and breakfast, which was one of the colony’s earliest country estates.

Further east, the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat offers a glamping experience, bookable on Airbnb. This communal accommodation has bell tents and ‘Bunk House’ group accommodation, with a kitchen and pre-prepared meals available to order.

Flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne go to the northeastern hub of Launceston. If you’re arriving from Hobart, it is a two-and-a-half-hour drive.

If you’re coming by sea, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry departs Geelong for Devenport, which is an hour’s drive from Launceston. Brought your car along? We recommend this scenic North East road trip to get you started.

Summer is the most popular – though busiest – time to visit northern Tasmania. The sunny, yet not too hot weather is simply perfect for undertaking long walks in national parks or visiting the region’s wineries.