The Best Day Trips To Take From Launceston

Having long – and somewhat unfairly – struggled in the shadow of Tasmania’s much-loved capital, Launceston has remained a relatively under-the-radar second city. Until now.

Launceston is silently succeeding in climbing the ranks to become the next ‘it’ destination. Not only is it an interesting city in its own right, but it’s also the perfect base from which to take in the stunning surroundings of north-east Tasmania. And those who invest in exploring a little further afield will be rewarded with a breadth of day-trip opportunities. These are our picks of the best day trips in Launceston.

1. Bridestowe Lavender Farm

A 45-minute drive from central Launceston, Bridestowe Lavender Farm is recognised mostly for its spectacular, seemingly endless fields of purple lavender. Also, it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful lavender farms in Australia.

Purple perfection at Bridestowe Lavender Farm. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett)

Once you arrive, spend time roaming amid the 50 hectares of fragrant purple fields, only stopping to pick up one of the famous lavender ice creams. There’s also guided tours that run regularly throughout the day.

a hand holding Bridestowe's famous lavender ice cream — Bridestowe’s famous lavender ice cream is a must-try. (Image: Luke Tscharke)

Even outside the peak flowering period of December to January, the Estate is still home to ornamental gardens, native bushlands and the picturesque backdrop of Mount Arthur. It truly must be seen to be believed.

2. Tamar Valley’s wineries

Snaking through 58 kilometres of the luscious countryside cleaved by the Tamar River, Tamar Valley’s wineries have long helped to cement Tasmania’s reputation as one of country’s greatest wine regions.

Take a day trip out of the city and fill your cup along the way, venturing through the outskirts of Launceston and along the Tamar River, which is peppered with dozens of cellar doors.

Tamar Ridge Wines Winery — Pinot Connoisseurs will have a lot to look forward to at Tamar Ridge (Image: Tamar Ridge)

Pinot noir lovers should take note of Tamar Ridge , where you can delve into an array of award-winning red right on the banks of the Tamar River. Alternatively, if you like sparkling, check out Jansz on the opposite side of the valley. Overlooking a picturesque lake, a visit to the Jansz Tasmanian Wine Room is a feast of the senses. We’ve rounded up a more comprehensive guide to Tamar Valley wineries here.

pouring sparkling wine into a glass at Jansz Tasmania — Enjoy a glass of Jansz Tasmania’s sparkling wine in Tamar Valley. (Image: Adam Gibson)

3. Source fresh produce

Did you know that Launceston is internationally recognised at a UNESCO City of Gastronomy? This is partially due to the incredible produce that grow within a stone’s throw of the city. For example, Hillwood Berry Farm in the Tamar Valley is a proudly family-run property that showcases its ideal location. Spend the day picking the best berries on offer, and when you’re done, feast on fruit wines, vinegar, jams and more at the adjoining cafe.

hillwood berries — Pick your own berries at Hillwood Berry Farm.

Are you a seafood fan? Taste some of Tasmania’s best fresh seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm, a two hour drive from Launceston. You can purchase freshly harvested oysters and mussels daily, as well as scallops and rock lobster sourced from local fishermen. Oyster Bay Tours offers daily tours of the leases, capping off the experience with oysters, mussels and wine.

Fresh oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Andrew Wilson)

4. Evandale

A trip to Evandale is one for history lovers.

Long thought of as one of the best preserved historic towns in Australia, there is plenty to see and do among the relatively untouched streetscape. Wander around the late-Georgian and early Victorian architectural buildings, which take a glimpse back at Tasmania’s past. In fact, some of these buildings have been there since as early as 1809. Among the town’s adorable cultural fabric is the annual Sunday country market. Feast on local produce at one of the popular food trucks, pore over secondhand books and pick up local crafts.

The local charm of Evandale Market on display.

5. Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge is to Launceston what Bondi Beach is to Sydney – an unmissable natural attraction alarmingly close to the city.

scenic views over Cataract Gorge, in Launceston, Tas — Cataract Gorge is sequestered between lush greenery. (Image: Nat Mendham)

The space itself hosts an abundance of walking and hiking trails, the world’s longest single-span chairlift, a swimming pool, restaurant, kiosk, café, peacocks and wildlife, gardens, a suspension bridge, an inclinator, panoramic lookouts and an interpretation centre. Pack your bathers, sunscreen and some good walking shoes and get lost amid the wilderness.

6. Freycinet National Park

Located on the east coast of Tasmania – a scenic two-hour drive from Launceston – Freycinet National Park is a quintessential postcard of Australia’s best flora and fauna. Comprising a peninsula defined by Schouten Island, alongside a granite mountain range known as the Hazards, Freycinet National Park is the perfect day trip for those keen to stretch their legs.

the view atop Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, Tasmania — Panoramic ocean views and rocky coves make up the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit.

Spend your day completing one of the many short or long hikes within the national park. One of the most popular (and rewarding) walks is to the lookout which takes in the view of Wineglass Bay from the summit of Mount Amos. The climb is about 40 minutes and takes you to sweeping, panoramic views of one of Australia’s best beaches.

Wineglass Bay aerial — See incredible views when you hike at Wineglass Bay. (Image: Jason Charles Hill)

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 best day trips to take from Launceston