Take a break from reality and spend some time driving around the beautiful and serene island state.
Greenery will be sprouting, flowers will be in bloom and the warm sun will be thawing out any trace of the remaining winter chill.
Four days exploring the north and north-west
If you’re entering the state by way of ferry, drive straight from Devonport to the beautiful town of Spreyton, which is located just off the Mersey River. If you have a hankering for your first taste of the Apple Isle, then look no further – Spreyton is home to the family-run juice business, Spreyton Fresh. Pick up some freshly pressed apple juice on your way through, or maybe even try some crisp, handcrafted apple cider. After this pit stop, continue on to Launceston.
There are two main routes that will get you there, so you can decide whether you’d like to travel the more scenic route via the Tamar Highway, or if you’d prefer the quicker route via National Highway this one will set you back just over an hour. Launceston is a gorgeous town to visit, and has much to offer every traveller.
Cataract Gorge is always a pleasant spot for a stroll, and it even features a chairlift for those wanting to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning scenery. There is also a café on site, plus pretty peacocks roaming the grounds. If you keep exploring the region, don’t miss the Tamar Valley, where some of the state’s premier wines are produced.
On the second day, loop back in a south-westerly direction for approximately two hours towards the Kentish Shire, where you’ll find the pristine Cradle Mountain, in the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. On the way, pass through Sheffield, the town of murals, for a good old-fashioned pub meal.
Continue on to the incredible west coast of Tasmania, often compared to the west coast of Ireland; its rugged, wind-whipped cliff tops are reminiscent of the emerald country. Make your way to the water through the old mining towns of Zeehan and Queenstown.
Queenstown is particularly picturesque, framed against the mountainous landscape, and with an old-world mining town feel. From here, you can hop aboard the West Coast Wilderness Railway steam train for a history-themed journey through leafy rainforest, all the way to Strahan; or, journey out to Lake Margaret for a tour of the abandoned village that formerly housed hydropower workers.
When you reach Strahan, soak in the fresh sea air as you take a wander around the historic harbour. Located at the gates of the World Heritage–listed Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, one of the most pleasant adventures to be had is to sail down the winding Gordon River on a cruise. Along with gorgeous forest fringing the river’s edges, you’ll go past Sarah Island, a site of sordid convict tales that predate Port Arthur.
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