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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Tasmania, Australia

Nearby Destinations & Transportation

The Tamar Valley Wine Region (north of Launceston, 15-45 min drive) is Tasmania's oldest and largest wine region, famed for cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Evandale (south of Launceston, 20 min drive) presents a perfectly preserved Georgian village, noted for its Sunday market, presenting a step back in time.

Longford & Hadspen (15-20 min drive south) are historic towns housing UNESCO World Heritage-listed Brickendon and Woolmers Estates. Ross (1 hour drive south) is a charming historic village with a convict-built bridge. Ben Lomond National Park (1-1.5 hour drive east) serves as Tasmania's premier ski resort in winter, offering alpine walks and dramatic dolerite cliffs year-round, with challenging access via Jacob's Ladder.

Travel Options

  • Self-drive (recommended): Driving freedom for exploration, stopping where desired.
  • Organized Tours: Available for Tamar Valley wine and some heritage tours. They are suitable if you prefer not to drive.
  • Limited Public Transport: Buses connect some major towns, but services are infrequent.
  • Find day trip bookings on GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Excursions

Explore Tasmania's diverse natural landscapes and deepen your understanding of the region's history and food culture.

Narawntapu National Park

Known as the "Serengeti of Tasmania" for its abundant wildlife. See kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats grazing.

Location & Wildlife

  • North Coast, ~1-hour drive northwest of Launceston.
  • Abundant kangaroos, wallabies, wombats.
  • Best viewing at dawn and dusk.

Liffey Falls

Picturesque tiered waterfalls amidst cool temperate rainforest. A walk to the falls makes for a rewarding experience.

Location & Features

  • South-west of Launceston, ~1h 15m drive. Some unsealed roads.
  • Series of tiered waterfalls.
  • Cool temperate rainforest setting.

Mole Creek Karst National Park

Cave Highlights

  • Marakoopa Cave: glow-worms, stalactites.
  • Unique underground experience.
  • King Solomon Cave: crystal formations.
  • Requires walking, guided tours.

Cultural & Culinary

  • Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory: local produce.
  • Woolmers & Brickendon Estates: convict/colonial history.
  • Check seasonal hours for attractions.
  • Always inquire about road conditions.

Day Trip Statistics

  • Travel Time to Mole Creek~1h 15m
  • Distance to Evandale20 km
  • Ben Lomond Elevation1572 m
  • Tamar Valley Wineries30+ options
  • Liffey Falls Walk Time45 min return
  • Ross Bridge Construction1836
  • Narawntapu Park Size10,000+ ha
  • Heritage EstatesUNESCO listed

Travel Tip

Always check road conditions before heading to national parks, especially in winter or after heavy rain.

Multi-Day Extensions

Launceston serves as a starting point for longer explorations of Tasmania.

East Coast Scenic Drive

Add 2-3 days for a scenic drive along the coast. Visit Freycinet National Park, Bay of Fires. Stay in coastal towns.

Cradle Mountain Alpine

Add 1-2 days for iconic alpine scenery, hiking, wildlife. Stay overnight near Cradle Mountain.

Hobart & Southern Region

Add 2-3 days to explore Tasmania's capital city. Visit Salamanca Market, MONA, Port Arthur Historic Site.

East Coast Details

Visit Wineglass Bay, explore the Bay of Fires, stay in St Helens or Bicheno.

Travel Pointers

  • Consider 2-3 days minimum.
  • Coastal drives are scenic.
  • Local wine regions along the way.

Cradle Mountain Focus

Iconic alpine scenery for hiking and wildlife viewing. Stay overnight.

Activities & Stays

  • Multiple hiking tracks.
  • Spot unique wildlife.
  • Overnight accommodation options.

Planning Your Route

Logical Next DestinationsHobart, East Coast, Cradle Mountain
Self-drive AdvantageMost flexible for comprehensive touring
Bus ConnectionsRedline Coaches connect major towns
Road Atlas for PlanningConsider a Road atlas of Tasmania.
Suggested Route 1Launceston -> Tamar Valley -> North West Coast -> Cradle Mountain -> West Coast -> Hobart.
Suggested Route 2Launceston -> East Coast -> Freycinet -> Hobart.

Extended Journey Tip

  • Maximize your experience by dedicating sufficient time to each region.
  • Overnight stays in destination areas enrich your exploration.
  • Flexibility through self-drive opens more discovery.
  • Research specific attractions' operating hours, especially seasonally.
  • Consider booking popular experiences in advance.