Best Weekend Breaks in Tasmania | Australian Traveller

A short break in Tassie rewards with delightful discoveries. Here, the best weekends away in Tasmania for your hit list.

Flinders Island

The largest of the 52 Furneaux Islands that sit in the roiling waters of Bass Strait, Flinders Island represents 1367 square kilometres of untamed drama and beauty.

It takes just 35 minutes’ flying time from Launceston to reach its shores, but the difference in the pace of life is marked.

Once on-island, visitors can spend their time indulging in nature, nature and more nature, hiking the dramatic granite mountain ranges of Strzelecki National Park, fishing its pristine waters, walking its deserted beaches and feasting on the plentiful local produce.

Indulge in nature on Flinders Island. (Image: Stu Gibson)

Cygnet

Bordered by the D’Entrecasteaux Channel on one side and the Huon River on the other, Cygnet is where Hobart locals escape for the weekend, with holiday ‘shacks’ scattered throughout the picturesque region.

Like many other locations in Tasmania, the area is known for its fruit production including apples, berries and cherries, but it also possesses a laid-back alternative lifestyle that makes it the ideal spot to relax and recharge.

The hamlet boasts craft stores, art studios and galleries to browse; follow the Cygnet Art Trail to find something to take home in addition to a sense of peace.

Richmond

A quick drive north-east of Hobart delivers you to this historic town, situated in the heart of the Coal River Valley wine region.

With its impossibly cute sandstone buildings, many dating from the 1820s, and its landmark bridge, the oldest one in the country, you could almost convince yourself that you are in the Cotswolds.

Even the accommodation is impossibly charming, with the likes of The Mill House Cottage, Daisy Bank Cottages, Bridge Cottage and Red Brier Cottage all available for booking.

Once settled in, spend your time in the galleries, shops and cafes now housed in the town’s historic buildings or buy a bottle of local wine and cosy up next to an open fire.

The Richmond Bridge. — The landmark Richmond Bridge north-east of Hobart. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

Stanley

Sitting in the shadow of the Nut, a flat-topped volcanic plug that can be viewed from all points throughout town, and allowing access to the untamed takayna/Tarkine wilderness, Stanley is the kind of remote town that mainlanders dream of finding in Tasmania.

Base yourself at the wonderfully atmospheric Ship Inn and luxuriate in the blissful remove from the modern day-to-day.

If you are feeling energetic, you can walk to the top of the Nut, or take the chairlift; no matter how you get to the top, looking out at the 360-degree views, and hopefully catching sight of seals and penguins below is a must.

Visit nearby Highfield Historic Site to get a snapshot of life in the 1830s.

Historic Highfield House in Stanley. (Imager: Poon Wai Nang)

Bicheno

Located north of the Freycinet Peninsula on the island’s picturesque east coast, Bicheno is a coastal hamlet that swells with visitors during the holiday season, and is wonderfully quiet the rest of the time.

Nature has been kind to Bicheno. The waters that it sits overlooking form part of a marine reserve teeming with life; you can dive it if you can stand the water temperature or take a glass-bottom boat tour if you would rather stay dry (and warm). And, come dusk, the resident penguins that call the area home appear to delight with their antics; book a tour to see them at a responsible distance.

Base yourself at either Sea Stacks – Shacks of the Denison or Aplite House for their coastal designer chic. And do feast on the fish and chips at The Gulch, which locals consider to be some of the best in the state.

Ulverstone

Sitting at the mouth of the River Leven on Tassie’s north coast, the seaside town of Ulverstone is the stuff that family getaways are made of, with lots of beaches to paddle and swim in, coastal walks to stride out on, and wildlife to spot.

The fact the town is just 12 kilometres from the delightfully named outpost of Penguin should confirm that you can also expect ample opportunity to see these cute little sea birds going about their business, especially if you head to Lillico Beach as the day fades into night.

Idyllic Ulverstone, Tasmania — Idyllic Ulverstone. (Image: S. Group)

Tamar Valley

Stretching 60 kilometres north of Launceston along the Tamar River, this fertile landscape is considered by many to be the most stunning in the state.

Here you will find an array of producers busy creating, growing or crafting everything from cheese to cider, beer, truffles, walnuts, cherries and wine (Stoney Rise Wine Company is worth a stop).

The best way to discover the local delights is to get behind the wheel, stopping whenever you see a sign for a cellar door or farm gate shop. You will be richly rewarded.

Tamar Valley Stoney Rise Wine Company — Stoney Rise Wine Company in the Tamar Valley.

Tasman Peninsula

An hour’s drive from Hobart on the southeast coast, the Tasman Peninsula is home to two of Tasmania’s headlining attractions: the Port Arthur Historic Site and the breathtaking Three Capes Track.

There is no better way to invest three days in this part of the state than by doing the Three Capes Walk, taking in the edge-of-forever scenery and swathes of unspoilt wilderness.

Opt for an all-inclusive pack-free walk with an operator that will literally do the heavy lifting for you so all you have to worry about is appreciating the beauty of it all.

Three Capes Track Tasman Peninsula — Three Capes Track, Tasman Peninsula.(Image: Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Services)

Orford

Another delightful diversion along the Great Eastern Drive, Orford has long been a popular place to stretch your legs and grab a bite before getting back in the car.

But staying a while rewards with beach days spent swimming at Raspins, Millingtons, Spring and Rheban beaches, lazy fishing trips to Prosser Bay and strolling-pace coastal walks.

The sleepy village also affords access to the incredible wildlife and nature of Maria Island National Park, a 30-minute ferry ride away.

A beach near Orford. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Andrew Wilson)

Launceston

While many mainlanders fly into Hobart and busy themselves with attractions at the southern end of the island, Launceston has quietly been morphing into a cosmopolitan second city that merits a short break all its own.

Its relaxed pace of life, buzzy food scene (Stillwater Restaurant is a standout), the natural beauty of Cataract Gorge, and the easy access it provides to the quaint towns surrounding it are just a few of its Hobart-trumping delights.

Cataract Gorge, Launceston. (Image: Nat Mendham)

Launceston's Stillwater — Dine at Launceston’s Stillwater. (Image: Nat Mendham)

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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Ultimate weekends away in Tasmania