Launceston Road Trip for 3 Days and 5 Days

Thinking about a Road Trip around Launceston? To help you navigate, I have listed a practical 3 Days and 5 Days Launceston Road Trip Itinerary. Hope you can find it useful.

Launceston is Tasmania’s second-largest city and Australia’s third oldest city. This beautiful riverside city is situated in northern Tasmania.

Day 1: Launceston

Once you have arrived in Launceston, a stroll around the city is recommended to explore its well-preserved Colonial and Victorian architectures, as well as the attractions listed below.

Cataract Gorge Reserve

Cataract Gorge Reserve Opens in a new tab. is only a few minutes away from Launceston CBD.

Within Cataract Gorge Reserve, you can find a range of walking trails to discover this impressive reserve; jump on a scenic chairlift for an unparalleled bird’s eye view of First Basin; enjoy a delicious meal at the Gorge Restaurant; and admire the beautiful resident peacocks around the reserve.

On entering, a distinctive suspension bridge will surely capture your attention. This is the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. It was originally constructed in 1904 and spans right across the South Esk River. It is a very impressive bridge and be sure to check it out when visiting.

Alexandra Suspension Bridge, Cataract Gorge Reserve

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery

For art lovers, you may also want to check out the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery Opens in a new tab. .

The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is Australia’s largest regional gallery. It consists of 2 sites: the Museum at Inveresk and the Art Gallery at Royal Park. They are both open from 10 am to 5 pm.

James Boag’s Brewery

For beer lovers, James Boag’s Brewery is a must-visit when in Launceston.

James Boag’s Brewery specialises in lagers and ales. They also offer guided beer tasting tours in the heritage-listed James Boag’s Brewery Bar. Please check their website for up-to-date tour operating hours.

Day 2: Launceston to Tamar Valley Day Trip

On the second day, we’re driving along the Tamar River to explore the beautiful Tamar Valley.

Wine Tastings

There are many vineyards scattered along the western side of the Tamar River.

For those interested in a good bottle of wine, you may find your new favourite Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noirs from this region.

Tamar Island Wetlands

Just a 10-minute drive from Launceston, you will find the peaceful Tamar Island Wetlands Opens in a new tab. .

Tamar Island Wetlands is home to various species of birds. Here, you can easily spot birds, such as black swans, ducks, egrets, and swamp harriers, during a leisure stroll along the boardwalk towards Tamar Island.

Brady’s Lookout

Right off a cliff edge, Brady’s Lookout offers a sweeping view of the incredible Tamar Valley. On a clear day, you can also view the stunning Ben Lomond plateau and the Bass Strait from this lookout.

Brady’s Lookout is only 15 minutes drive from Tamar Island Wetlands and a 20-minute drive from Launceston.

It is named after Matthew Brady, a bushranger who used this place as a hideout from the government in the early 1800s. Nowadays, with ample parking, BBQ facilities, toilets, and an impressive panoramic view, this lookout has become a popular picnic spot among locals and tourists.

Low Head Lighthouse

Low Head Lighthouse is the third lighthouse established in Australia and the oldest continuously used pilot station in Australia. This distinctive red and white lighthouse is about a 45 minutes drive from Launceston.

Sitting at the northernmost tip of this region, Low Head Lighthouse offers an incredible view of the entrance of the Tamar River and the Bass Strait.

Since this area is also a penguin colony, you may even spot fairy penguins in their burrows, during a walk down the beachfront. If interested, guided penguin tours are available at night time to view the fair penguins out and about.

Overlooking Bass Strait from Low Head Lighthouse — Overlooking the Bass Strait from Low Head Lighthouse

Hillwood Berry Farm

Hillwood Berry Farm Opens in a new tab. is a 20 minutes drive from Launceston.

With the ideal climate of Tamar Valley, this farm can offer a range of berries (season-dependent). You can either pick-your-own fresh berries from the farm, or purchase pre-packed berries from their cafe. The cafe also offers a decent menu featuring fresh berries.

Bridestowe Lavender Farm

Bridestowe Lavender Farm Opens in a new tab. offers a 260-acre of stunning lavender field.

Here, you can take a perfect Instagram photo with their stunning lilac-coloured lavender farm; purchase from a huge selection of lavender gifts to bring home; and enjoy a delicious lavender ice cream, lavender scones, and lavender tea from the cafe.

For the best experience, try to visit here between December and January, when the lavenders are in full bloom.

Day 3: Launceston to Devonport Day Trip

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Opens in a new tab. offers pick-your-own raspberries (season dependent).

Alternatively, you can purchase pre-packed raspberries from them directly. There is also a cafe on-site, which offers a good selection of raspberry desserts and drinks.

When we were there, we also wandered down the road for some photos with the cute alpacas from a local farm.

Ashgrove Cheese

Ashgrove Cheese Opens in a new tab. ’s Dairy Door offers a modern cafe and a range of dairy products for purchase.

From their cafe, you can find a delicious menu with ham & cheese toasties, cheesecakes, cheese tasting platters, ice cream, and more.

From their shop, you can purchase from a huge selection of cheese products to savour at home.

You can also view the cheese manufacturing process from their massive display windows here.

House of Anvers

House of Anvers Opens in a new tab. is a Tasmanian-based chocolatier, which has become a popular tourist attraction in Northern Tasmania.

When visiting the House of Anvers, visitors can check out its interesting chocolate museum and watch the chocolate-making process through its huge display windows. A variety of chocolate treats, chocolate deserts, and chocolate beverages can be purchased at House of Anvers as well.

If you are after something more filling, there is a cafe available within House of Anvers. From the cafe, you can also enjoy a delicious Belgian breakfast.

Devonport

Devonport lies along the northern coast of Tasmania, where the Mersey River meets the Bass Strait.

It is about an hour’s drive from Launceston. If you travel from the mainland by ferry, Devonport will be your departure and arrival terminal for Spirit of Tasmania Opens in a new tab. as well.

From Devonport, you can also explore further to the North West Coast, such as Burnie and Stanley; the West Coast, such as Strahan; and the Central Highlands, such as Cradle Mountain.

As a seaside city, Devonport offers a stunning coastline.

Along this coastline, Mersey Bluff Viewing Point is a must-visit. This viewing point provides a breathtaking view of the rocky cliffs and large ocean waves along this coast. You can also get the most picturesque view of Mersey Bluff Lighthouse from here.

Day 4 – 5: Launceston to Cradle Mountain Road Trip

If you still have a day or two to spare, a trip to Cradle Mountain should be considered.

Cradle Mountain is a 2 hours drive from Launceston and less than a 1.5-hour drive from Devonport. Cradle Mountain is renowned for its diverse landscape and abundant wildlife.

I do not suggest visiting Cradle Mountain as a day trip. This is because you are unlikely to have adequate time to fully experience this wonderful park. Nonetheless, if a day trip is your only option, you can still visit the short walks around the Ranger Station or Dove Lake for a taste of Cradle Mountain.

If you can stay in Cradle Mountain for at least a night (preferably 2), you can spend a full day exploring the longer and more rewarding tracks around Dove Lake. This may even give you the chance to attempt the Cradle Mountain Summit if weather and fitness level allow. In addition, the wildlife in Cradle Mountain is mostly nocturnal, hence you will get to enjoy wildlife spotting around nightfall when staying for the night.