Tasmania, the island down under… or should it be down down under? Originally named Van Diemen’s Land by European settlers, it would have to be the lesser-known state of Australia but Tasmania is a real treat. Many things come to mind when I think of Tasmania including endless national parks, walking trails to stunningly empty beaches, fury Australian wildlife such as wallabies, wombats and Tasmanian devils, colder weather and a convict history… and this perfectly sums up our week long driving holiday of this small island state south of mainland Australia.
A mapped out version of our road trip around Tasmania.
Launceston Airport to Binalong Bay
Distance: 2 hours 4 minutes via Highway A4
As we left Launceston behind, we were surprised to pass endless farms on our journey through the state, but I guess that’s what Australia is known for. We stopped in the town of Avoca, which is a coastal suburb near our home town but far from it in Tasmania; a small country town where we stopped to fuel up our bodies. Greeted as ‘young people’ by the lovely locals, we sensed not many people pass through this town but the crisp feel in the air, beautiful cottage houses and the smell of burning fires through their chimneys all made us feel welcomed.
I couldn’t grab my camera quick enough as we arrived in the beautiful seaside town of Binalong Bay. It felt amazing as our feet sunk into the softest and whitest sand. The water was ice to touch so we enjoyed walking along the beach instead, taking in the beauty – the best thing was that the sand didn’t stick to your skin like the sand does back home. Binalong Bay has amazing treats awaiting you! Binalong Bay Reserve features a lookout with views across to clear waters, orange-hued granite boulders and a lone tree. Continue south along Binalong Bay Road to Skeleton Bay but the real treat lies north of the area known as the Bay of Fires.
Turn onto the Gardens road and enjoy the guaranteed beauty of the beaches ahead of you. If time persists, be sure to explore each turn off. The highlight for me was Taylors Beach! So stunningly beautiful, the water is so clear . We made it to the end of the road at The Gardens, where locals searched the area, baskets in hand collecting wild berries. I’d love to return to the region and join the Bay of Fires lodge walk which includes a stunning 3 night 4 day walk through the region.
Taylors Beach – The Bay of Fires
Binalong Bay to Bicheno Bay
Distane: 1 hour 13 minutes via Highway A3
Driving south through St Helens and Scamander, we made it to the cute fishing town of Bicheno. My boyfriend* surprised me for my birthday with a two night stay at the beautiful Bicheno Hideway. Nestled in the great Aussie bush but only steps away from the ocean side, we felt miles away.
Exploring the shy town, we drove the esplanade on the look-out for penguins as they usually come to shore at dusk. We chose not to book a night tour, which could be why we didn’t see them. Not only were the Penguins shy but the local blow hole was as well.
I never would of thought that whilst in Tasmania we would be searching for the Aurora Australis, or more commonly known as the Southern Lights! The night was pitch black as we navigated by phone light back to the rocks near the Bicheno blow hole but luck wasn’t on our side tonight as nothing but stars were glowing in the sky.
* My boyfriend, who is now my fiancé proposed !!! And of course I said yes!!!
Hotel: Bicheno Hideaway, The Boathouse
Price: unknown!!
Freycinet National Park
Distance: 39 minutes via Coles Bay Road
Scenic drives in Tasmania are in endless supply and the route to Freycinet National Park is no different. Cruising along Coles Bay road, it was a sad sight to see 3 large wombats who had been hit from traffic on the road. It made us feel better by saying the wombats were just ‘sleeping’. The short turn off to Friendly Beaches lookout had spectacular views across the ocean towards the national park as few people surfed the waves below. Driving into Coles Bay reminded me of the South Island in New Zealand as the rugged mountain range The Hazards towered above the road in front of us. Beautiful views are awaiting you at the jetty across the water way.
We paid the entry fee to Freycinet National Park and head straight for the car park that would start our bush walk to Wineglass Bay lookout. The morning was beautiful as we started our easy to moderate walk led on a well made bush track. It was the last short climb to the lookout of Wineglass Bay when the drizzle came over the mountains, almost a relief as it cooled our bodies down after the walk.
Spotting wallabies on the track back down to the car, we continued on exploring the national park such as Honeymoon Bay, Richardsons beach and Cape Tourville lighthouse. A well deserved wood fire pizza with Tasmanian made Willie Smith organic cider & Moo Brew Boutique Beer was enjoyed at Tombolo Freycinet back in Coles bay.
Above: Cape Tourville Walk & Honeymoon Bay
Bicheno to Hobart
Distance: 2 hours 17 minutes via Highway A3
With beautiful views across Great Oyster Bay we pulled into the recommended Kate’s Berry Farm to taste the freshly made jams & to enjoy pancakes topped with fresh berries – It’s worth the short detour. A stretch of the legs is perfect nearby at the Loon.tite.ter.mair.re.le.hoin.e walk that looks out towards Great Oyster Bay & Freycinet national park.
Only just getting used to the lovely laid back country and coastal life, we soon arrived in Hobart and both weren’t mentally prepared for city driving, even if Hobart city is on a small scale compared to others. Our GPS TomTom also didn’t seem to be coping as he yelled ‘do a u-turn when possible’ but we made it to our destination; the museum of old and new art.
MONA – what a um strange place. I’m no art fanatic and MONA didn’t necessarily persuade me to become one either. With its quirkiness & porno themed new paper clippings amongst Egyptian mummy’s, we had much more fun exploring the grounds outside. But, there is still some incredible displays inside so it’s worth the look as everyone will tell you. Always best to judge things for yourself.
Lunch was enjoyed at The Source, a touch expensive but I dare say the scallops were worth it. Walk across the way to the Cellar Door for tasting of Tasmanian owned Moo Brew as you won’t be disappointed!
We awoke at dark and headed towards Mount Wellington. As we drove through the bushland road that was only lit up by our cars headlights, many wallabies jumped away. It wasn’t long before our cars temperature gauge was reaching -2’c and I soon thanked my inner Nanna for convincing me to wear jeans this morning. Pulling into the empty car park, we packed on more jumpers before heading over to the lookout, watching not to slip on black ice that glistened on the road. The changes in colour on the rise, not only in the sky but on the wild native shrubs surrounding the lookout was spectacular that we stayed as long as we could take our hands freezing before running back for the car heater.
The sun rose above the horizon and the fog quickly moved in surrounding us. As we descended back down towards Hobart, waterfalls created by melting frost and ice fell down the rocky mountain wall.
A walk around Salamanca place, Battery point and the harbour led our bellies to become hungry as we sat down for fresh wood fire pizza cooked at the lovely Cargo lounge. It’s only Australian to visit the proud Tasmanian owned Cascade brewery to taste the locally made beers but secretly, not my favourite.
Booking a seat for two at The Mill, we had amazing Spanish tapas including beef cheeks, mushroom & goats cheese croquets and sangria while Spanish music played live on guitar however we felt that going out for dinner wasn’t as popular as breakfast/brunch/lunch in Hobart. When you’re on a travel schedule, you don’t always have time for a sit down breakfast but I have to recommend Room for a Pony for a delicious and new taste to the morning – I never knew asparagus & lemon baked beans on sourdough would be craved as much as I do now!
Hotel: Hampden at Battery Point – One bedroom apartment
Price: $142.00
Hotel: Best Western, Hobart – 1 King bed
Price: $169.00
Hobart to Bruny Island
Distance: 30 minutes via Highway A6 & 15 minutes via Ferry
A long line made up with a mixture of cars, camper vans, buses and trucks queued at the ticket booth awaiting entry to the ferry barge that would take us across to Bruny Island. Lucky to be the 4th last car to fit onto the barge, we laughed as men directed us to park into spaces that we thought no way would be possible. The last car directed on fit so tightly that they couldn’t open their car door. The short ride across was filled with sunshine and views over the water as seagulls feasted on a school of fish. Next time we visit Tasmania, I think a 4WD will be better suited at the amount of dirt roads we travelled on. Take the exit to Adventure Bay Lookout for the Bruny Island Neck Game Reserve. Quiet a steep climb will lead you to a well deserved lookout across the neck between both the North & South of Bruny Island.
Bruny Island is well known for its fresh (and delicious) local produce. We visited Bruny Island Premium Wines, Australia’s most southern vineyard where we enjoyed unwooded chardonnay, chardonnays, sauvignon blanc, unwooded pinot noir and merlot. We couldn’t resist the smell coming from the kitchen & enjoyed a seafood chowder & a Woolley Jumper burger with a blend of both lamb & wallaby all sourced locally – yum! There is more local produce to try on the island including Bruny Island Get Shucked Oysters, Bruny Island Cheese Company & Bruny Island Berry Farm. We opted to stay out of Hobart city tonight & chose to stay near Seven Mile Beach in hope to view the southern lights, but unfortunately the clouds didn’t disappeared.
Hotel: Best Western Foreshore Motel, Lauderdale
Price: $134.10
Hobart to Port Arthur
Distance: 1 hour 17 minutes via Highway A9
On entering Eaglehawk Neck, we saw many road signs warning that Tasmanian Devils and other Australian animals frequent the area, hoping to stop drivers from hitting them. There was one particular sign however that appeared to be a giant rat… and I’m still not sure to this day what animal that sign was warning me to look out for. None the less, we continued to explore the region, walking a short track through beautiful eucalyptus trees to the Tessellated Pavements.
There are lots of sites to see in this area but once again, we lucked out with the blow hole. Be sure to check out the beautiful sites in this peninsular including the Tasman Arch & the Devils Kitchen, both naturally created formations.
We started on the bumpy dirt road that led for 12 km to the beautiful Fortescue Bay. The beach was peaceful & many of the Great Walks of Tasmania start from here. Along the drive, I noticed a small spikey object walk slowly along the side of the road. Bringing the car to a halt, I thought the echidna would sense us and run away but instead he curled into the cutest ball and exposed his spikes to ward us off. It didn’t take long before he was comfortable with our presence and continued walking around – cute!
We continued the drive towards Port Arthur, surprised at our lunch stop at Gabriel’s on the Bay with beautiful views of Stuart Bay below. We saw another echidna on our journey, this one working overtime at a piece of rotted out wood filled with ants that he’d proudly rip at before eating them all up. We laughed as the little guy crossed the road at the crossing, luckily no cars in site.
Port Arthur had a eerie feeling as we entered the grounds, heading for the wharf for our included-in-the-ticket harbour cruise. Witnessing the plaque and site of the sad massacre that took place in 1996, we continued on focusing on the history of the convict site. We went on the introductory walking tour of Port Arthur which I recommend for a great insight. We were booked on a ghost tour that departed at 9:15 pm but unfortunately Wade fell ill at dinner – I’m sure it wasn’t the ghosts that scared him away 😉 but it only means we need to come back!
The lovely staff member at the information desk helped us book a nights accommodation at a beautiful B&B in White Beach as we had no phone reception. The house was a step away from the beach in such a lovely location. It was on White Beach that we saw our first Aurora Australis, a slight red glow that sat above the horizon of trees. The Milky Way glowing bright in the sky, our experience wasn’t anywhere near what we saw in Alaska but it was worth the try!
Bed & Breakfast: Harpers at the Beach
Price: $160 – $220
Hobart to Launceston
Distance: 2 hours 15 minutes via Highway 1
We were back in Launceston where our week long adventure began but the day greeted us with light drizzle. We head straight to Launceston’s quiet achiever; James Boag Beer & the Boag’s Centre for Beer Lovers. With 3 great beers on tap, I preferred them over Cascade (sorry Hobart). Beers on tap included James Boag Draught which is now closer to a pale ale, Boag’s XXX Ale that’s more commonly known as Boag’s Red & Wizards Smith Ale – we were told the latter of the two aren’t sold outside of Tasmania.
We explored the Tamar valley, venturing north on Rosevears drive that went along the riverside. We worked up an appetite and stopped at the Rosevears waterfront tavern for a delicious feast including a cheese platter of blue, brie & cheddar cheese and a pear baked in red wine… mmm!
It’s worth visiting Cataract Gorge situated close to the city centre, a beautiful wilderness park filled with walking trails, a suspension bridge, the worlds longest single span chairlift, peacocks and a swimming pool for those warmer months. On the drive back to the city, be sure to stop in at Aurbor Park for beautiful views.
Bread & Breakfast: Kurrajong House
Benjamin queen room with garden view.
Absolutely beautiful and well recommended! Our stay in this French style cottage was in close walk to Launceston city. The friendly hosts make you all the more welcome.. And they cook up a delicious breakfast in the morning! Much cheaper & nicer than common hotels.
Price: $159.00
Once again it was sad to say farewell to Tasmania! But I already have plans to return and explore Cradle Mountain or maybe even sign up for a 4 day Great Walks Tour!? One can only dream!
Who can get you there? Jetstar Airways Australia
Sydney to Launceston Return – AUD $79 return PP
ONLY HAPPY WHEN I TRAVEL 