North East Tasmania East Coast Road Trip from Devonport to Hobart

Morning — Devonport to Launceston via Sheffield and Deloraine

Leave Devonport around 8:00am, taking the Bass Highway toward Sheffield, then continuing through Deloraine to Launceston. Allow roughly 2–2½ hours of driving without stops. In Sheffield, park near the town centre and spend 30–45 minutes looking at its famous outdoor murals—this is an easy, low-effort introduction to rural Tasmania. Continue to Deloraine for a short wander around the historic main streets and the Meander River before setting off for Launceston. Grab coffee or an early lunch in Deloraine, and keep an eye on fuel: services are easy here but become less convenient once you are focused on the afternoon’s Launceston stops.

Afternoon — Cataract Gorge and Invermay

After arriving in Launceston, head first to Cataract Gorge Reserve, about 10 minutes from the CBD. Allow around two hours for the First Basin walking tracks and the crossing of the Alexandra Suspension Bridge; wear proper shoes, as some paths are uneven and summer temperatures can make the exposed sections feel warm. The main reserve is free, with parking available near the basin, although the car park can fill during the holiday period—arrive mid-afternoon rather than leaving it too late. From the gorge, drive roughly 10 minutes to Queen Victoria Museum at Invermay. Allow about 1½ hours for its Tasmanian natural-history, transport and local-cultural displays; check the holiday timetable before leaving, as museum hours can vary around Christmas and New Year. Entry is generally free, with donations welcome.

Evening — Dinner in the CBD

Settle into Launceston before dinner and walk or drive into the CBD for Stillwater Seven, housed in a historic riverside building. The set-menu experience usually takes about two hours and is best reserved well ahead for this peak summer week; budget approximately A$100–160 per person, depending on the menu and drinks. If you are staying centrally, walk along the river rather than moving the car again. For accommodation outside the centre, allow extra time for parking and confirm the restaurant’s holiday opening arrangements when booking.

Morning — Lavender country

Leave Launceston around 6:30–7:00am for Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Nabowla, allowing about 1½ hours for the visit once you arrive. The estate generally opens from around 9:00am in the summer season, though hours and field access can vary by flowering conditions, so check the official website before setting out. Walk among the lavender rows, then allow time for the shop’s lavender ice cream, toiletries, and local gifts. Entry is usually modest, with seasonal field-viewing fees sometimes applying; wear closed shoes, bring water, and expect very little shade.

Late Morning — Legerwood

Drive south toward Legerwood, roughly 25–30 minutes away, for the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees along Main Street. The roadside memorial sculptures are free to see and take about 30 minutes, making this a good brief stop rather than a full-town visit. Continue toward St Helens and the Bay of Fires, carrying lunch or picking up supplies en route, as food options become limited once you are exploring the coast.

Afternoon — Bay of Fires

Spend the afternoon around Binalong Bay and The Gardens, allowing about three hours for beach walks, lookouts, and unhurried wandering among the granite boulders covered in vivid orange lichen. The two areas are separated by a scenic coastal drive, so avoid trying to see every beach; choose a couple of short walks and leave time for photographs. Swimming is possible at calm beaches, but there are no lifeguards at many spots, and mobile coverage, toilets, and shade can be intermittent. A full tank and drinking water are sensible before heading north from St Helens.

Evening — Waterfront fish and chips

Return to St Helens for dinner at Skippers Fish and Chips, a relaxed takeaway choice near the waterfront. Expect roughly A$20–35 per person; order early if you are visiting during the busy holiday period, as queues can build and closing times may depend on the day’s catch. Eat by the water or take dinner back to your accommodation, then keep the evening easy—the coastal driving and early start make this a day for an early night.

Morning — Down the East Coast to Bicheno

Leave St Helens around 8:00am after refuelling and buying water and snacks; services become less frequent along the coast. Follow the Tasman Highway (A3) south toward Swansea, allowing about 2½ hours of driving before sightseeing. Aim to reach the Bicheno Blowhole in the late morning. It is a short, free stop on the waterfront, with a clifftop path and benches where you can watch waves forcefully surge through the granite rocks. Allow roughly 30 minutes, and keep back from the edge—the spray can be surprisingly powerful in windy weather.

Midday — Wildlife near Bicheno

Drive a few minutes inland to East Coast Natureworld, allowing around two hours. The conservation park is a good place to see Tasmanian devils, wombats and kangaroos in spacious enclosures and bushland settings; check the daily feeding schedule on arrival, as it changes seasonally. Summer opening hours are commonly around 9:00am–4:30pm, with adult entry generally about A$40–50, but confirm the 2026–27 prices online before setting out. Bring sun protection and comfortable shoes, as the paths are exposed and involve more walking than the compact map suggests.

Afternoon and evening — Freycinet National Park and Swansea

Continue south to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park for the Wineglass Bay Lookout walk. Allow about 2½ hours, including parking, the steep uphill climb and time at the viewpoint. The return track is roughly 2.6 kilometres, but the steps make it feel demanding in summer heat; start with water, wear proper shoes and avoid rushing the descent. A park entry pass is required—an individual day pass is usually around A$40, while a vehicle pass may be better value if you will visit several Tasmanian national parks. Afterward, drive back to Swansea for dinner at The Richardson’s Bistro, where Tasmanian produce and straightforward pub-style meals make an easy end to a long day; budget about A$30–55 per person and check holiday-period hours or book ahead. From Swansea, allow roughly two hours to Hobart via the Lake Leake Road route, or use the Midland Highway if conditions or fatigue make the more direct inland option preferable.

Morning — Salamanca Market

Start at Salamanca Market on Salamanca Place, which runs on Saturdays from about 8:30am to 3:00pm. Arrive around 9:00am for the liveliest atmosphere and easier browsing before the biggest crowds; if you are driving, use the Salamanca Square or nearby city car parks rather than trying to park directly beside the market. Allow roughly two hours for Tasmanian produce, pastries, coffee, handmade goods and local gifts. Tasmania’s public-holiday trading can vary, so confirm the market’s schedule before setting out, and bring a reusable bag and some cash even though many stalls accept cards.

Walk uphill through Battery Point and along Kelly Street toward the waterfront, about 10–15 minutes, for the Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum near Franklin Wharf. Set aside around 45 minutes; the museum is compact but atmospheric, with a detailed reconstruction of the Antarctic expedition hut and useful context on Douglas Mawson and early Australian polar exploration. It generally opens late morning through the afternoon, with admission usually around A$15–20 for adults—check the holiday timetable before you go.

Afternoon and Evening — Mountain views, then MONA

After lunch, drive to Mount Wellington / kunanyi via Wellington Park. Allow about 30–40 minutes each way from central Hobart, plus roughly 1½ hours at the summit and lookouts. The road is sealed but narrow in places, and conditions can change dramatically: the summit may be clear in town but covered by cloud, wind or ice. Check the live summit conditions before leaving, take a warm layer, and use the signed parking areas rather than stopping on the road. If visibility is good, the views across Hobart, the Derwent River and southern Tasmania are exceptional. Return via West Hobart and continue north to Berriedale for MONA – Museum of Old and New Art; driving takes about 20–25 minutes, while the museum’s ferry from the waterfront is an enjoyable alternative but may not fit this sequence. Allow around three hours for the underground galleries, and check the timed-entry requirements and public-holiday opening hours in advance; adult admission is commonly around A$35–40, with extra charges for some special experiences.

Finish with dinner at Dāna Eating House in Hobart CBD, roughly 20 minutes back from MONA by car. Book ahead—this is a small, popular restaurant—and plan on about A$45–75 per person for shared modern Asian-inspired dishes. Parking is easier in a city garage than on the central streets, particularly on a public holiday.

Morning — Hobart to Ross

Leave Hobart around 8:00am and follow the Midland Highway (A1) north. Allow roughly 2½–3 hours of driving in total, with a short coffee and fuel stop in Oatlands or Campbell Town if needed. Aim to reach Ross in the late morning, when the village is still quiet and parking is generally easy around Church Street and Bridge Street. Spend about an hour walking across Ross Bridge, Australia’s oldest surviving sandstone bridge, then wander past the historic cottages, Ross Uniting Church, and the small village shops. Bring cash or check holiday opening hours, as some businesses operate limited hours over the New Year period.

Afternoon — Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Continue north toward Brighton, allowing about 40 minutes from Ross to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Plan around two hours here, focusing on the Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, and kangaroos; check the keeper-presentation timetable on arrival so you can catch at least one talk. Tickets are usually around A$40–50 for adults, with online booking sometimes offering a small saving. The sanctuary has a café, but a quick lunch there keeps the day moving—on a busy summer afternoon, it is better not to leave the visit too late.

Late afternoon and evening — Josef Chromy Wines and dinner

From Bonorong, drive about 35–40 minutes to Josef Chromy Wines in Relbia, just south of Launceston. Reserve a tasting or restaurant table ahead, particularly for the holiday week; allow roughly 1½ hours to enjoy the cellar door, vineyard views, and a light Tasmanian-produce meal without rushing. Tastings commonly cost about A$15–30, while lunch or shared plates cost more. Finish in central Launceston at The Black Cow Bistro, a short drive from Relbia; book dinner in advance and expect about A$50–85 per person for its Tasmanian beef-focused menu. This is an easy final stop before settling into the city, with nearby CBD parking generally available in the evening—just check signs for time limits and paid zones.

Morning — Launceston to The Tasmanian Arboretum

Leave Launceston around 9:00am and follow the Bass Highway west toward Devonport, allowing about 1½ hours of driving. Turn off near Eugenana for The Tasmanian Arboretum, where two hours is a comfortable amount of time for the lakeside paths and plant collections. The grounds are generally open during daylight hours, with entry by donation or a modest admission fee; bring water, as the walking trails are spread out and shade varies. This is a peaceful final taste of northern Tasmania, so avoid rushing through it.

Early Afternoon — Mersey Bluff Lighthouse

Drive back into Devonport and continue to Mersey Bluff for the short coastal walk to Mersey Bluff Lighthouse. Allow about 45 minutes, including time for the clifftop viewpoints and photographs. Parking is usually straightforward near the reserve, but take care on windy edges and uneven sections of track. The ocean outlook is particularly good here, and it is worth lingering for a few minutes rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

Late Lunch and Evening Departure

Head into Devonport for lunch at Laneway Café, a convenient casual choice in the CBD for coffee, sandwiches, breakfast-style plates, and light meals; budget around A$20–35 per person. Check holiday-season opening hours before setting out, as 29 December–3 January is a busy period and independent cafés may alter their schedule. From central Devonport, allow roughly 10–15 minutes by car to reach the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in East Devonport. Refuel before check-in, return the rental car only if your agreement requires it, and follow the operator’s vehicle check-in deadline rather than relying on the sailing time—arrive several hours early if instructed, as holiday sailings can involve queues.