What driving routes and trails are there in Tasmania?

Question

I will be in Tasmania for about 7 days. I would prefer to cover one area well rather than the whole island. What area should I choose and what should I see?

Answer 1

do the ghost tour in port arthur!!!!!!!!!!!!!

=] it was soooo scary

Answer 2

I guess it depends on what sort of scenery you would rather see.  The landscape in Tasmania can vary greatly from region to region.  My favourite driving route is along the Tasman Highway heading to the north-east.  You start in Launceston and drive in the direction of Scottsdale, and from there you go to Derby, after which point the countryside tends to become brilliantly green and gorgeous and more than slightly hilly.  You follow the same road to Pyengana, which is located in an amazing sweeping green valley, and from where you can access waterfalls and bushland and so forth.  If you keep following this road you eventually get to St Helens, which is a much more developed little town on the edge of the coast.  I would recommend this drive if you are interested in seeing rich hilly farmland, literally ancient myrtle trees, bushland and valleys!  :-)  It also tends to feel less crowded than some other areas.  

You could also hang around the Launceston region and visit Liffey Falls - there is a national park here and a lot of hilly forested areas - Mole Creek - pretty farmland and the Trowunna wildlfe rehab centre - Deloraine, Westbury, Evandale and related little towns.  This is very much an agricultural area as well but there is also a significant amount of forest and bushland.  

If you would rather be nearer the water then the Burnie and Devonport region provides yet more hilly farmland, but with "ocean views"...

More thoroughly "Australian" bush settings can be seen going north towards Georgetown and Beaconsfield and in the north-west going towards Smithton.  

Another route is the drive south from Launceston to Hobart through flatter, often yellower (depending on the time of year I suppose) country.  South of Hobart the hills become quite dramatic again on the way down into Huonville.  

If you want to see the south-west wilderness then it is perhaps best to be based in the Hobart area.  You cannot access the wilderness by car, but I think the closest you can drive to it is a place called Strathgordon, which should be marked on any map of Tasmania.  I would imagine that it is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in seeing unspoilt and truly wild wilderness.

Another region is the central "highlands", where the country is different all over again, strangely isolated and with a distinct atmosphere.  This area is found partly in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, which should be marked on a good map.

In any case, I think it is definitely necessary to have a map, though perhaps not always to stick to it; there are innumerous little out of the way places that are often even lovelier than those boasted of in pamphlets and related advertisements.  I hope you have a fun time.  I am sorry that I could not be more specific or provide a slightly more coherent response!

Answer 3

If you land at the Hobart airport, U should definitely visit Eaglehawk neck on the Tasman Peninsula. I have a shack 15 mins from there, and the place still takes my breath away. It has so many natural wonders, including The Devil's Kitchen, Waterfall Bay and the Tasman Arch. And even Doo Town! LOL That's a suburb on the coast with each house name containing the word "DOO"! For eg: 'Doo Little', 'Doggy Doo' and so much more! The Tasman arch isn't for people who can't handle heights!

Mount Wellington, slightly out of Hobart, is also spectacular. Gorgeous views of city and country. These are the parts I am very fond of, and have lived here my whole life. I also recommend the east coast, although it is a little bit further to travel. But I honestly can't recommend the Tasman Peninsula enough. It's stunning and I could never get sick of it!

If you would like any more tips, or even pics or anything, just email me and I'll be in touch! Also, try www.discovertasmania.com.au

Answer 4

I suggest basing yourself in Hobart there are plenty of wonderful day trips with lots of variety.

Port Arthur & the Tasman Peninsular

Huon Valley

Derwent Valley & Mt Field Nat Park

East Coast , Maria Is & Feycinet

Answer 5

I'll agree with the 3rd response to this question for the simple reason that it does depend alot on what your into, the west coast of the state has some awesome mountain country along with beautiful rainforests....the south is definetly the wine capital of the state so a trip down the huon valley can't be avoided, pt aruthur (the old jail)...also in the deep south is a thing called the tahune airwalk near geevston, it sits above the trees and simply you walk along a suspended bridge...its sooo romantic!! another personal highlight would be the north west coast with alot of spectacular veiws from Devonport to Smithton....especially from Table Cape (near Wynyard)....

so theres my advice, hopefully this helps you in some small way.

Mitch

Answer 6

The steam train between Strahan and Queenstown is amazing I only did this a couple of weeks ago

The drive up the east coast is also very good with some great scenery especially between Swansea, Coles Bay and St Helens the Freycinet National Park (half way up the coast) has Wine Glass Bay.

http://www.freycinetcolesbay.com/

Answer 7

There are some great itineraries that you can download from this site which will give you some good ideas about what to see and do in each region of Tasmania - http://www.discovertasmania.com/itinerar...

Personally I would stay in the south of the state and do Hobart (2 days) and the surrounding area including the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur (1 day), Bruny Island (1 day) and the east coast (Freycinet Peninsula - 2 days).