Hobart To Launceston: A Glovebox Guide

From convict-built bridges to bakeries brimming with scallop pies, let this glovebox guide take you on a journey from Hobart to Launceston.

The drive from Hobart to Launceston could mean two and a half hours of straightforward, no-nonsense driving via the Midland Highway, also known as Heritage Highway. Or it could be the highlight of your Tasmanian trip: stopping at bucolic villages; grazing on a cheese platter beside a duck-filled lake; and sipping the best golden whiskey you’ve ever had.

Whether you’re stopping along the way at one of the many boutique accommodations or simply want to break up your driving by expanding the trip by a few hours, we’ve compiled the ultimate glovebox guide to help you along your travels.

Hobart

Kick off your road trip in photogenic Hobart, where the blend of history and delicious food and wine sets the tone for a delightful journey. Aim to visit Tassie’s capital on a Saturday so you can explore the local arts and craft stalls at Salamanca Market and snack on a dizzying array of street food.

two women browsing a local arts and crafts stall at Salamanca Market — Explore the local arts and crafts stalls at Salamanca Market. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Art lovers should squirrel away some time for jumping on the ferry and travelling out to MONA art museum , where you can easily spend the entire day exploring art, eating cheese and drinking beer.

the MONA front entrance wall — Step into the artsy world of MONA. (Image: Mona and Rémi Chauvin)

For an adrenaline rush and stunning views, dart up to Mt Wellington/Kunanyi for some astonishing panoramic views from the summit. If you have more time, consider a day trip to Bruny Island or Port Arthur, or take a drive through the pretty-as-a-picture Huon Valley. Even if you can’t squeeze everything in, there are plenty of interesting spots to discover on your way to Launceston.

the Willie Smith's Apple Shed in Huon Valley — Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is nestled in the bountiful Huon Valley. (Image: Stu Gibson)

Stop 1: Richmond

Just half an hour north of Hobart is Richmond, a town straight out of a postcard with its historic vibe and charming streets.

the heritage-listed stone arch Richmond Bridge — Walk along the heritage listed Richmond Bridge. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Highlights here include the 200-year-old Richmond Bridge and the country’s oldest surviving Catholic Church: St John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

the St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Richmond — St John the Evangelist Catholic Church is the country’s oldest surviving Catholic Church. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Continue to step back in time at the Richmond Gaol, where you can learn about Tasmania’s convict past. Hungry? Grab a snack at the Richmond Bakery (the scallop pies are legendary) and a lavender ice cream or bag of old-fashioned lollies at Sweets and Treats. Walk off the sugar rush at the quirky Pooseum , a science museum dedicated to animal droppings, and Old Hobart Town, a model village replicating Hobart as it stood in the 1820s.

the exterior of Richmond Gaol — Richmond Gaol brings to life the compelling stories of 19th-century convicts. (Image: Samuel Shelley)

Stop 2: Oatlands

Cruise another 45 minutes along the Heritage Highway to Oatlands, with its mind-blowing 150 sandstone buildings and the only working windmill in the Southern Hemisphere, Callington Mill.

friends exploring Oatlands — Wander around the sandstone buildings. (Image: Samuel Shelley)

The Callington Mill Distillery is right next to it, so pop in for a whisky tasting or lunch at the restaurant while you’re at it.

two women sampling whiskies at Callington Mill Distillery — Pop in for a whisky tasting at Callington Mill Distillery. (Image: Dearna Bond)

If there’s still time, wander around idyllic Lake Dulverton, with its half-submerged sculptures of cows, or chill out with an excellent coffee at Bunch.

a floating black swan at Lake Dulverton — Black swans float on Lake Dulverton. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Stop 3: Ross

The pretty town of Ross, just a 30-minute scoot along the highway from Oatlands, is all about history and charm. Take your binoculars to check out the Ross Bridge, famous for its intricate carvings by convict and former stonemason Daniel Herbert.

two people standing on Ross Bridge — The Ross Bridge is embellished with intricate carvings by convict and former stonemason Daniel Herbert. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The mindboggling 186 detailed carvings depict animals, plants, local personalities and even Herbert himself. Ross also serves up another fascinating piece of history to visitors: the Ross Female Factory – the country’s most well-preserved female convict sites.

the carvings at Ross Bridge — The carvings depict animals, plants, and local personalities. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy)

Another intriguing spot to check out is the crossroads in the middle of town, dubbed the Four Corners of Ross. Here, you can choose your path: will it be salvation at the Catholic Church, damnation at the old gaol, re-creation at the Town Hall or temptation at the Ross Hotel ? If you opt for the pub, you’ll find delicious Tassie beers on tap and dishes with the freshest Tassie ingredients. If you’re a knitter or wool lover, swing by the Tasmanian Wool Centre where you can learn about the town’s wool industry and grab yourself a super-soft merino poncho.

Stop 4: Campbell Town

One and a half hours up the track from Hobart, Campbell Town is more than just a pit stop; it’s a treasure trove of history and stories. Walk the Convict Brick Trail, where each brick tells a story of a convict’s journey to Australia and then peruse the aptly named Red Bridge, crafted by convict engineer James Blackburn.

the Red Bridge in Campbell Town — Peruse the aptly named Red Bridge. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Built from 1.5 million red-clay bricks right on site, this historic bridge still stands strong. After soaking up some history, grab a book and a coffee at The Book Cellar , a gorgeous bookshop located in the convict cellars under an 1830s-era coaching inn.

a look inside The Book Cellar in Campbell Town — Grab a book and a coffee at The Book Cellar. (Image: Chris Crerar)

Stop 5: Longford

If you veer off the Midland Highway at Campbell Town and take Mount Joy Road, you’ll find yourself in the delightful little town of Longford. Here you’ll find two stunning colonial estates very much worth exploring: Woolmer’s Estate and Brickendon, which are listed as World Heritage Sites. Walking in their beautiful gardens and convict-built historic buildings is like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. If you want to stay longer, both properties boast gorgeous accommodation, which will allow you more time to indulge in Longford’s antique shops and hearty pub food.

Stop 6: Perth

A pretty little village, Perth has over 33 heritage buildings that are incredibly well preserved. Start with a stroll down Main Road to admire the charming buildings and impressive Georgian houses. Peckish? Pop into the Tasmanian Honey Company to sample the divine leatherwood honey and Southern Sky Cheese Company, where you’ll find some of Tasmania’s best handcrafted cheeses.

a close-up shot of honey samples at Tasmanian Honey Company — Sample the divine leatherwood honey at Tasmanian Honey Company. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne)

Stop 7: Launceston

Hooray, you’ve made it to Launceston – Tassie’s second-largest city and a mix of natural beauty, fascinating museums and a pumping food scene, with gourmet restaurants serving local truffles, cheese, and wild abalone.

a woman sampling wines at Holm Oak — Holm Oak specialises in pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay and moscato wines. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Wine lovers will be overjoyed to discover the 30 or so vineyards in the Tamar Valley, just 15 minutes outside of Launceston.

a group of people touring around Josef Chromy Wines — Tour Josef Chromy Wines. (Image: Osborne Images)

Must-visit vineyards include Josef Chromy , Arras , Tamar Ridge , Holm Oak and Clover Hill to name just a few. But if pubs are more your style, check out our guide to the best ones in the area.

the Clover Hill vineyard — Admire the sprawling vineyards of Clover Hill. (Image: Supplied Courtesy of Clover Hill Wines)

Art lovers will be equally pleased with Launceston’s generous offering of design centres, fine art galleries and museums to explore, while folks who like the great outdoors could spend a whole day at the Cataract Gorge, a sublime natural wonder with walking trails, a chairlift, a swimming pool and bevvy of stunning Indian Peafowl (what most would call peacocks).

an aerial view of the Cataract Gorge — The Cataract Gorge is a sublime natural wonder. (Image: Krista Eppelstun)

Clear cache

Follow our guide on the best things to do in Launceston.

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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The ultimate guide to driving from Hobart to Launceston