Best road trip around stunning north east Tasmania

Take some time out to explore some of Australia’s most gorgeous landscapes, delicious delicacies, golden beaches and so much more on a North East Tasmania road trip. Here, lush green hills roll into sandy white beaches for you to sink your toes into, boarded by crystal clear waters. There’s also plenty of history to soak up as well, dating right back to the 1800s and the Victorian gold rush! Not to mention the wonderful wineries...

Sound like your kind of adventure? Below, we take you through the top seven places you don’t want to miss along the way!

Best north east Tasmania road trip: 7 places you can’t miss

Total distance: about 437km | Recommended days: from 7 to 10 days | Best time to do the route: between December and February | See route in Google Maps

1. Launceston

This is one of the best places to start your North East Tasmania road trip! Head straight to Cataract Gorge, which is the number one attraction featuring the world’s longest single-span chairlift. You can also cross an incredible suspension bridge that will take you into the Tasmanian’s wilderness, where you can explore several different hiking trails.

The head to Entally House, which is just a short drive away and showcases a stunning collection of heritage buildings, including Australia’s oldest conservatory. You can check out the vineyards and even take a look at the cars and carriages from the Victorian era.

The Tamar Island Wetlands is also worth your visit, with trails, boardwalks and scenic footbridges for you to make your way through, spotting birds and other wildlife along the way.

Visit the Queen Victoria Museum, which is Australia’s largest regional museum featuring 10 amazing galleries for you to check out on your visit. And for a little downtime, head to Launceston City Park, full of flowers, trees, a playground, barbecues, a chessboard and more.

2. Bicheno

With stunning beaches and crystal clear waters inviting you in, it’s hard not to love Bicheno. Feast on the freshest seafood delicacies (try The Lobster Shack) or head off for your own spot of fishing and catch your dinner!

Be sure not to miss the Bicheno Blowhole, which is guaranteed to spurt while you’re ready and waiting. You can also visit nearby Freycinet National Park, where you can enjoy more beaches, secluded bays (Wineglass Bay is a favourite!), and plenty of bird spotting.

Tasmania’s local penguin is known as the Little Penguin or the Fairy Penguin, and you can spot it here. Head to the beach, close up to the Bicheno Blowhole and be patient and respectful. You can also jump on a tour for your best shot, with a guided instructor. It’s a great experience you won’t forget!

3. St Helens

You’ll appreciate the laid-back vibe St Helens offers as soon as you arrive. Head straight into town to check out the shops, restaurants and bars, where you can sit back, grab a drink and just watch the people passing by. The ships roll in here and bring the freshest seafood, so be sure to sample some.

Spot some wildlife over at the Serpentarium Wildlife Park, showcasing reptiles including the Green Anaconda, Indian Star Tortoises and more.

There’s lots of adventure to be had as well. You can head off on a chartered fishing tour and bring home your own dinner or bask on the beaches around St George Bay - both of which offer great swimming and surfing opportunities!

4. Bay Of Fires

Next up, head to Binalong Bay. This place truly is Tasmania’s gem! Sweeping, white sandy beaches, crystal clear, sparkling blue water and red lichen-covered rocks scatter the entire area, making it a true wonder to see. It’s the perfect place to take off on a beach walk and really soak up the views around you.

Head over to the Eddystone Lighthouse, where you will find a gorgeous pink granite tower topped with a glass lantern, built back in 1889. If you’re really needing to stretch your legs, then climb up Mount Willian to the top of its 216-metre peak to enjoy 360-degree views of the whole area. Make sure to bring your camera for this one!

Bridport

On the way to Bridport, stop off at Pyengana Dairy Company to stock up on their famous cheeses and ice creams. St Columba Falls is also a short walk away to stretch your legs with some amazing views, before getting on with your trip. The walk will also take you to the highest single drop waterfall in Tasmania.

While Bridport is especially stunning in the summer months, it really is a place you can enjoy all year round. The area is surrounded by plenty of reserves, all hiding amazing waterfalls, sand dunes, plenty of wildlife and gorgeous coastal views. So pop on your walking shoes and get exploring.

It’s also worth planning a day trip while you’re here. Make the trip to Bridestowe Lavender Estate or Lavender House at Rowella to watch its perfumers at work. Just a 20-minute drive away, you can get plenty of photos and even enjoy some lavender ice cream. Yum!

5. Scottsdale

Stock up on some snacks at Beulah Heritage Bed & Breakfast, where a husband and wife team have turned rhubarb into some incredible products. There’s juices, jellies, compotes, vinaigrettes, cordials and more.

If you’re feeling even more peckish, then head straight to Anabel’s on Scottsdale for a bite. This National Trust Building is now being used as a restaurant and is well-known for its amazing gardens. You can soak up history, enjoy some food and check out the views.

There are more old buildings you can appreciate in town as well, including the Old Post Office, which has now turned into a museum with an interesting clock tower out the front. There’s also Barnabas Church, which still stands for you to see today.

Just a short 5km from Scottsdale, you’ll find Forester River with a lot of hop growing. It’s one of the main areas for it in Tasmania.

6. Lilydale

A brilliant place to end your North East Tasmania road trip, this quaint little town is favoured by holidaymakers. And it’s easy to see why.

Visit award-winning vineyards to sample some delicious wines, or explore Lilydale Falls, where you can bushwalk to check out two beautiful waterfalls.

If you’re there on the first Sunday of the month, then you will be treated to the Village Market, which offers a range of delicious produce, homemade delights and entertainment.

Getting back to Launceston is easy - it’s just a 25-minute drive away. You can simply stop off at Lilydale on your way back, or stay for the night to really enjoy everything on offer!

Organise your northeast Tasmania road trip with Camplify

Once you sort out campervan hire in Tasmania, you’ll be ready to set off on a North East Tasmania road trip and experience some of the amazing sights this region has to offer. From Launceston to Lilydale, this van life adventure offers wildlife, cultural and foodie attractions to please anyone and everyone!

Ready to explore more of this awesome state? Try a Tasmania East Coast road trip or a Tasmania West Coast road trip or do it all on the ultimate Tasmania road trip! Driving from the mainland? We’ve got your route covered for a Melbourne to Tasmania road trip.

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