9 Best North East Tasmania Road Trip Stops (2024)
Travelling Thirties contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.
When planning a trip to Tasmania, many people have concentrated their time around the attractions at the state’s southern end.
With only a small proportion travelling as far North as Launceston and even less travelling further to towns in North East and Far North East Tasmania it will feel as though you have the whole place to yourself.
North East Tasmania has a wealth of diversity and is worth visiting. Launceston, Tasmania’s second oldest city, is a designated UNESCO gastronomy city. As well as having an abundance of award-winning wineries around the area and some magnificent green spaces available within the city.
It is steeped in a rich history that is showcased by many of the buildings and galleries. A wealth of local producers can be found throughout North East Tasmania.
However, it doesn’t end there with the Far North East Tasmania towns also having much to offer, scattered along the magnificent coastline, many steeped in colonial history.
As well as an abundance of natural beauty with rich green bushland, offering scenic waterfalls, lakes, and walks for all levels of experience. In addition to remnants of an industrial era gone by nature has happily reclaimed what man has abandoned.
Ready to discover the best stops for your North East Tasmania Road Trip? Let’s go!
🚗 Need to hire a car for your North East Tasmania Road Trip? I love Discover Cars for comparing prices.
9 Best North East Tasmania Road Trip Stops
Many towns in North East Tasmania have been used in the past as holiday areas, and many still are.
Although the small communities were built to accommodate the early settlers that came into the region for mining, logging, or other industrial pursuits, some of these towns make up a fantastic North East Tasmania Road Trip.
Launceston
Launceston is one of the early cities established in Tasmania with many of the early structures and areas built by convicts.
Like much of Australia Launceston has a colourful past, established in a rugged time with few resources and long waits for replenishment life was not easy.
A day trip to the Queen Victoria Museum on the Esk River is a must. The museum has exhibits displaying some of the hardships convicts and free settlers endured.
Additionally, some great activities can be had around Launceston, whether visiting one of the green spaces where you can start a historical walk or retracing the steps of Victoria and Albert on their (date) visit finishing at the Queen Victoria Art Gallery.
The gallery has several European and Indigenous exhibitions of modern and classic displays.
Alternatively, spend your day reliving adventures at Penny Royal walking the cliffs, or taking the dark tour of some of Tasmania’s past.
You may like a bit more adventure at Hollybank Treetops which has a variety of rope courses, ziplines, segways, or walks through the forest area.
This is just one of the great day trips around Launceston you can take whilst visiting.
Being one of the UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy, it would be a crime not to sample some of the amazing cafes and restaurants that are scattered around the city or visit the markets or even one of the local farms.
Festivals not to miss around Launceston are Festivale and Farmgate where Tasmania’s finest produce is showcased, and visits to farms and produce areas are encouraged.
Low Head
Lying at the mouth of the Tamar River, this small town was first named in 1798.
Recognised as a strategically important signal station in 1804, after Colonel William Paterson’s vessel ran aground when first entering the river.
The Colonel had signal fire and personnel stationed there as one of his first activities. The original lighthouse was designed in 1833 when the pilot service was established.
However, this was replaced in 1988, with the lighthouse that still stands guard over the Tamar River enter today. The row houses making up Low Head Pilot Station (some built in the early 1800s) are now mostly used as accommodation.
Other buildings at the pilot station consist of a great café and museum on site, making a great base to explore the area.
Visit the lighthouse, whilst no tours are available it has a spectacular view, at dusk take a fairy penguin tour, and be delighted by these beautiful creatures.
Alternatively, head over to some of the wineries at the top of the Tamar Valley Winery Trail or visit the Mine at Beaconsfield, the Platypus House, and Seahorse World at Beauty Point to another gorgeous area to include in a North East Tasmania Itinerary.
After visiting this tip of Tasmania’s North East Coast continue along your North East Tasmania Road trip towards Bridport, visiting some wineries along the way.
Bridport
This is a wonderful place to relax and recharge for a day or two before continuing your North East Tasmania Itinerary.
The town was originally settled in the early 1830s, with an influx of people arriving after gold was discovered at Waterhouse in the late 1800s.
Continuing into the early 1900s a timber mill and the rich fishing industry brought many families into the area.
However, once the gold depleted and the mill closed in the 1930s, the town became the tranquil town you see today.
Travelling to Bridport, no matter from which direction, you are bound to stumble across one (or six) of the best wineries of the Tamar Valley region.
Once in this little seaport town, explore the foreshore walks, the historical foreshore walk will give you some great history of the area.
Visit the local shops and café (the bakery is amazing for a sweet treat in the morning or take the 10km walking track (after the sweet treat maybe).
Alternatively, visit the local golf courses of Barnbougle or the day spa indulge and gaze out into the Bass Strait from your spa bath sipping one of Tasmania’s best sparkling wines.
On a clear day you may catch a glimpse of Flinders Island. However, this sleepy town comes to life for the Scallop Fiesta celebrating the Tasmanian Scallop that is prevalent in the area, it’s a feast to behold, taking place the end of July.
Additionally, a trip to Flinders Island and all it offers can be made from the local airport at Bridport.
Waterhouse – Tomahawk
These two small towns are a short drive from Bridport a perfect distance for a day trip or to continue your journey on a North East Tasmania road trip.
Waterhouse conservation area is home to three deep water lagoons, with a diverse array of wetlands vegetation.
As well as one lake being, an internationally significant wetland supporting a diverse array of flora and listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The Waterhouse area is a nature lover’s paradise, diverse range of flora and fauna including several shore nesting birds and wedge-tail eagles. Quolls are also known in the area and if lucky you may spot one in the evening.
You can continue on to Tomahawk a small coastal town that offers fantastic views of the rugged coastline of North East Tasmania.
In addition to some beautiful coastline views, recreational fishing, and nature walks, both these areas are much loved as local camping areas.
There are free camping sites around the Waterhouse area and a caravan park at Tomahawk.
This area gives you a glimpse at the diverse regions you can encounter, on a North East Tasmania Itinerary.
✔ Top Tip: Many of the roads in the area are gravel and subject to flooding. Use caution when planning to travel here.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale, while still a small town, is the largest in North East Tasmania area between Launceston and East Coast Tasmania.
First surveyed in 1855 by James Reid Scott from whence the name came, was described as having a mild climate (that must have been summer) and fertile soil, making it a prime agricultural center.
Over the years many crops have thrived in this area from hops to potatoes and poppies, dairy farms and forestry plantations are also prime industries in the region.
The town boasts several bed ‘n’ breakfasts such as Beulah Heritage BnB and Anabels, divine cafes, a brewery, and distillery, walking around town will show some of the early buildings.
The military museum at the RSL showcases an extensive military display including a A2-295 UH-1H Iroquois helicopter, which was synonymous with the Vietnam War.
Whilst in the area walking the trails of Mt Stronach, North East Park, and the North East rail trail are picturesque.
Alternatively, it’s a short 20min drive to the Bridstowe lavender farm and the Northern Tamar Valley wineries.
This little town is also one of the main routes through North East Tasmania that take you through to East Coast Tasmania.
With free camping at North East Park and the selection of wonderful B’n’B’s it makes a great stop or base on a North East Tasmania Road Trip.
Derby
Derby is only a 30 min drive east of Scottsdale and it’s well worth spending a day around Derby.
Discover the history and beauty of this small town. Renowned for its mountain bike trails, you may be surprised there is much more to do in this town, once a thriving mining town.
Visit the School House museum, learn the town’s history, explore the area, and discover the lakeside sauna, which is such a treat.
There is a great selection of accommodation if making Derby your base to explore both BnB like the Derby Bank House, free and paid parking, and group accommodation such as the Dales of Derby.
Travelling around Derby, discover the beauty that can be found when nature reclaims what man has abandoned at Mt Paris Dam.
The Blue tier walks where some of the last giants (trees) live, offer some amazing walks, then enjoy a meal at the Weldborough Hotel one of oldest in the area.
Whether you are returning to Derby or travelling further east to the coast the picturesque surroundings and beauty of the drive are enjoyed with several stops.
Gladstone & Musselroe Bay
On the way to the small fishing town on the northeast tip of Tasmania, you pass the Little Blue Lake and Cube Rock at South Mount Cameron.
After stopping for a photo continue to Gladstone which is the last chance to get supplies if staying for some quiet time at Musselroe Bay (no shops there).
Whilst there, explore the area around Dorset Tin mine or take a Miro & Lyle Lake to walk whilst in the area.
Continue North and turn off to Musselroe Bay this is truly a beautiful area, where you can relax fish, or paddle a canoe in the quiet waters of the bay.
Alternatively, if you wish to go out to sea Musselroe Charters have a variety of tours, whether it’s diving around the Musselroe area, visiting Cape Naturalist, Cape Portland, Eddystone, and Swan Island.
They also have deep sea fishing tours or enjoy one of three leisurely scenic boat trips around the northeast coast of Tasmania.
Several homes are rented out at Musselroe Bay as well as some great free camping spots.
Be sure to take a drive along Forester Kangaroo Drive, named after Tasmania’s only Kangaroo.
Here you will see these marsupials in abundance, whilst smaller than their cousins on mainland Australia, they really don’t have as far to travel.
In addition to Forester Kangaroos, you will see resident wallabies and wombats in large groups, especially at dawn and dusk.
✔ Top Tip: Most of the roads around this area are gravel roads with a speed limit of 80 km/hr, additionally take care from dawn to dusk due to wildlife.
Binalong Bay
Travelling to Binalong Bay is approximately an hour and a half from Musselroe Bay or Derby, whilst from Derby this is mainly sealed roads, from Musselroe Bay it is mostly gravel roads.
This area is a must for a North East Tasmania Itinerary, the Bay of Fires is an iconic destination, with its fiery red rocks.
Though to let you in on a little secret, these rocks can be seen in many of the coastal towns in Tasmania.
The name Bay of Fires originated when early settlers noticed fires on the shoreline when travelling past.
That said it is still an amazing area to explore, whether just for a day trip to the rocks or settle in for a few days and enjoy the walks and scenery.
There are a couple of self-guided walks that you can take within the Bay of Fires Conservation area.
Cosy Corner, a 3.1km walk that took about an hour and categorised as easy. For something a bit more challenging the Binalong Bay Loop is a 13km loop that takes you around the coastline and through the Humbug Point Nature Reserve, this walk is categorised as hard, taking about 4 hours.
If staying in the area there are several options for accommodation, private B’n’B, some free camping, and Bay of Fires Bush Retreat.
Additionally, several 3-4 day walking tours within the conservation area can be booked these two companies are mostly awarded for their walks and service.
The Wukalina Walk, which is a fully guided indigenous walk, over four days and three nights that runs between September and April/May, with all accommodation and food provided (leaving from Launceston if you don’t have a car).
Alternatively, the Tasmanian Walking Co has a four day and three night walk with luxury beach camp accommodation and private lodge starting at Stumpy’s Bay and finishing at Bay of Fires Lodge.
Binalong Bay and The Gardens is the most northern point of the East Coast Whale Trail where three species of whales can be seen travelling the coastline several times throughout the year.
Scamander
Before heading back to your departure destination or continuing on your way around Tasmania, our last stop on the North East Tasmania Itinerary is Scamander.
Scamander is a small town with a relaxed atmosphere the perfect place to stop.
This is definitely a place to relax and unwind, with beautiful white sand beaches, casual walks around Winifred Curtis Reserve and Henderson Lagoon.
For more moderate activities there is golf and fishing or visit Eureka berry farm or Sugar Ant Ridge a permaculture farm and artisan bakery.
If you want to more than relax, try your hand at surfing at 42 South Surf School or play a round of golf at Scamander River Golf Club.
Stay at Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park, where you can book a cabin, go glamping, or take up one of the caravan or campsites.
Alternatively, there is the Scamander Beach Resort and plenty of other options whether it’s camping or B’n’B’s.
From Scamander, you can do day trips to Bicheno or Freycinet National Park and Wine Glass Bay, walk to the bay or take a cruise.
At the end of your North East Tasmania itinerary, returning to Launceston from Scamander is a 2-hour drive, and Devonport is 2 hours and 45 mins.
You can start at Scamander and take your North East Tasmania road trip around and finish in Launceston.
Getting There
The simplest way to begin your North East Tasmania Road Trip, is by flying directly into Launceston then hire a vehicle.
Access to many towns in North East Tasmania, especially Far North East Tasmania is by to vehicle only, and it is recommended a SUV or similar is the vehicle hired.
Another option for a North East Tasmania Road trip is to look into available motorhomes available for hire at Launceston airport.
🚗 Need to hire a car for your North East Tasmania Road Trip? I love Discover Cars for comparing prices.
Additionally, if you are travelling along East Coast Tasmania, your North East Tasmania Itinerary can start at Scamander.
Alternatively, you can bring your own vehicle and travel across on the Spirit of Tasmania.
The ferry departs from Geelong, Victoria, and arrives in Devonport, Tasmania, this typically is a 12 hour trip leaving in the evening and arriving in the early morning.
That said, the Spirit also offers day crossings throughout the warmer months (usually between mid Sept-mid Apr).
Once you arrive in Devonport, (which is technically considered part of North East Tasmania) you can take a Devonport to Launceston road trip collecting local produce along the way.
✔ Top Tip: Ensure any hire vehicle company you deal with, have insurance for travelling for gravel roads.
Tips for a North East Tasmania Road Trip
Driving in Tasmania
Many roads throughout Tasmania are gravel or dirt, these all have a speed limit of 80km (50miles), this is in place for your safety and that of your car.
SUV or 4WD recommended for these road (check your insurance covers these roads).
Driving Dusk to Dawn
Tasmania has an abundance of wildlife that are travelling between waterholes and feeding areas between these times.
Signs are placed in many of these areas for awareness, to slow down and watch out (some with speed limits).
However, even if you don’t see a sign, it is best to travel slower especially at dusk and dawn.
Travel Slower
Take your time, travel slower, which is a way to traveling more sustainably. This is better for you and the environment.
It’s recommended you spend a minimum of 2-3 nights in one central area and explore the wider area doing day trips.
National Parks
When travelling to Tasmania, much of the area north and south is National Park, it is recommended to organise a holiday pass (valid for 2 months) at Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Have more time to Discover Tasmania
If you wish to go further and have more time, to explore Tasmania, take the East Coast road south and discover the delights of Hobart and its surrounds.
Alternatively, travel back to Launceston before heading to Cradle Mountain and the west coast.
For such a small state Tasmania has an abundance and diverse array of delights for you to explore. Above and beyond the delicious produce and landscapes.
Final Thoughts: North East Tasmania Itinerary
The North East Tasmania Road Trip has so much to offer – stunning coastlines, delicious food and wine, friendly locals, and plenty of activities to do.
Whether you want to get off the beaten path for an adventure or just explore a new part of the world, this road trip is guaranteed to be a memorable one.
So when you’re ready for your next road trip adventure, come and experience all that Tasmania’s North East has to offer!
Looking to complete a lap of Australia? Here are the best road trip stops in Australia
Thank you to our friend Jeanine, one of the founders of Let’s go a Wandering, for sharing their experiences on the best Road Trip in North East Tasmania.
RELATED POSTS:
Does it snow in Australia? Everything to know about snowfall in Australia
Driving around Australia: 18 AMAZING stops you must make
Mornington Peninsula Attractions: The Best Things to do
Three Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary
The Ultimate travel guide and the 12 Best Things to do in Beechworth, Victoria
19 Phenomenal Waterfalls in Cairns and Surrounding Areas
14 Amazing things to do in Palm Cove, Queensland
The Ultimate Guide to the best Cairns Day Trips
40 Epic Things to do in Cairns, Australia: The best travel guide
Cairns to Cape Tribulation Road Trip: The perfect Great Barrier Reef Drive
The Ultimate Itinerary for 2 days in Cape Tribulation, Queensland
SHARE!
