8-Night Self-Drive Adventure Through North East Tasmania from Launceston

Day 1: Arrival & Launceston Exploration

Launceston, Tasmania on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant

Start your trip with a delicious breakfast at this well-regarded cafe famous for its locally sourced ingredients and creative menu in historic Launceston.
AUD40, 1h

9:30am

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery

Explore Tasmania’s largest regional museum featuring natural history, local art, and Tasmanian heritage. Open 9am–5pm.
AUD12, 2h

11:45am

Walk through Cataract Gorge Reserve

Enjoy a scenic walk, suspension bridge, and chairlift ride at this beautiful natural reserve just minutes from the city centre.
Free (chairlift AUD10), 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Black Cow Bistro

Experience premium Tasmanian beef and local produce in this intimate eatery known for its steak dishes. Open from 12pm.
AUD50, 1h

3:00pm

Drive to St Helens

Begin your scenic 2-hour drive east along the Tasman Highway to the coastal town of St Helens, gateway to the Bay of Fires.
Fuel cost approx. AUD25, 2h

5:15pm

Check-in and Beach Walk

Check into your accommodation and enjoy an evening walk along St Helens Beach to unwind and watch the sunset.
Accommodation AUD120, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Blue Cafe

Dine on fresh seafood and local dishes at this popular St Helens waterfront restaurant. Open until 9pm.
AUD45, 1h30m
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Day 2: Bay of Fires & Coastal Beauty

St Helens / Bay of Fires, Tasmania on June 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the Pinks Bakery

Grab a hearty breakfast and fresh pastries at this beloved local bakery in St Helens.
AUD15, 45m

8:30am

Bay of Fires Conservation Area Walk

Explore the iconic orange lichen-covered granite boulders and pristine white beaches along the Bay of Fires, perfect for photography and gentle hiking.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tidal Waters Restaurant

Relax with waterfront views and enjoy fresh seafood specialties in St Helens.
AUD40, 1h

2:30pm

Visit St Marys Village

Drive 30 minutes inland to this charming village known for its galleries, cafes and historic buildings. Ideal for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to St Helens – Relax

Unwind at your hotel or take a final sunset walk at the beach before dinner.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Duchy

Enjoy a cosy dinner featuring seasonal local produce and Tasmania wines in this elegant St Helens venue. Open from 6pm.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Scottsdale and Lavender Fields

Scottsdale, Tasmania on June 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local cafe

Start your day with a light breakfast before setting out toward Scottsdale.
AUD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive from St Helens to Scottsdale

A pleasant 1-hour drive southwest to Scottsdale – a gateway to rural Tasmania and beautiful farmland.
Fuel cost approx AUD10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Tour one of Tasmania’s largest lavender farms, famous for spectacular purple fields. Open 9am-5pm though best seen in bloom, the estate is charming year-round.
AUD15, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bridestowe Cafe

Enjoy light fare and lavender-inspired treats at the estate’s onsite cafe.
AUD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Scottsdale town

Wander Scottsdale’s main street, visit local shops and the Scottsdale Museum to learn about local history.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Derby

A scenic 40-minute drive to Derby, famous for its mountain biking trails.
Fuel cost approx AUD8, 40m

3:45pm

Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails Visitor Centre

Explore the visitor centre exhibits about Derby’s world-class mountain bike trails and pick up maps for future rides.
Free, 45m

5:00pm

Check in and relax

Settle into accommodation in Derby and relax after a day of travel.
Accommodation AUD110, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Red Velvet Lounge

A cosy cafe/restaurant serving a mix of local produce in a relaxed setting. Open till 8pm.
AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Mountain Biking & Wilderness

Derby, Tasmania on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Derby Bakehouse

Start with morning coffee and pastries at this welcoming bakery.
AUD15, 45m

8:30am

Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails

Choose a trail suited to your skill level for an exhilarating ride through the forest – bike hire available locally. Open dawn to dusk.
Bike hire approx AUD50, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch in Derby Cafe

Refuel with local flavours at a café such as The Red Velvet Lounge or Fiorentina Linwood.
AUD30, 1h

2:30pm

Walk in Blue Tier Forest Reserve

Take a gentle afternoon walk in the surrounding forest reserves, known for their beautiful old growth and varied wildlife.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Relaxation and leisure time

Return to accommodation to relax and enjoy quiet time.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Derby Hotel

Enjoy hearty meals and beverages at this historic pub, open till 9pm.
AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Return Towards Launceston via Lilydale

Lilydale, Tasmania on June 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before leaving Derby.
Included, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Lilydale

Scenic 1h drive west towards Lilydale, a small town known for its artisan food and proximity to nature walks.
Fuel cost approx AUD12, 1h

10:00am

Lilydale Falls Walk

A short easy walk to a lovely waterfall and picnic area in a peaceful bush setting.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Visit Tamar Ridge Cellar Door

Sample local cool climate wines with stunning views over the Tamar Valley. Open 11am–4pm.
Wine tasting AUD15, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tamar Ridge Restaurant

Enjoy lunch paired with Tasmanian wines at the cellar door’s restaurant.
AUD45, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Evandale

Brief 30-minute drive to historic Evandale to explore colonial architecture and craft shops.
Fuel cost approx AUD8, 30m

3:45pm

Stroll Evandale Village

Walk through the well-preserved village, enjoy local cafes and galleries, and visit the Sunday market if in season (Sundays only).
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Check-in and Relax in Evandale

Overnight stay in charming Evandale accommodation.
Accommodation AUD110, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Evans Cafe

Casual dining serving local Tasmanian produce in a relaxed environment. Open till 9pm.
AUD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Launceston Heritage & Culture

Launceston, Tasmania on June 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Evandale Bakery

Famous for gourmet pies and pastries, perfect to fuel your day.
AUD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Launceston

Short 25-minute drive back to Launceston.
Fuel cost approx AUD5, 25m

9:00am

Visit Design Centre Tasmania

Explore unique Tasmanian woodcraft, design exhibitions, and shop for local handmade souvenirs. Open 10am–4pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Boags Brewery Tour

Discover the heritage of one of Tasmania's oldest breweries with a guided tour (book in advance). Tours start from 11am.
AUD25, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Stillwater Restaurant

Award-winning fine dining along Tamar River with a focus on Tasmanian produce. Reservations recommended.
AUD60, 1h30m

2:30pm

National Automobile Museum of Tasmania

Explore an impressive collection of vintage cars and transport memorabilia. Open 10am–4pm.
AUD10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Relax at City Park

Stroll or relax in the peaceful gardens and see the famous John Hart Conservatory and possum enclosure.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hallams Waterfront

Enjoy modern Australian cuisine on Launceston’s riverfront. Open till 9pm.
AUD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Tamar Valley Wineries

Tamar Valley, Tasmania on June 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Begin with a light breakfast before your day of wine tasting.
AUD15, 45m

8:30am

Full day Tamar Valley winery tour (self-drive)

Explore top wineries such as Josef Chromy, Tamar Ridge, and Pipers Brook. Most cellar doors open from 10am; plan tastings and perhaps purchase local wines.
Wine tasting varies; approx AUD15-20 per cellar door, 6h

1:00pm

Lunch at Josef Chromy Restaurant

Lunch amid vineyards with excellent Tasmanian produce and cellar door wines; open 12–3pm.
AUD50, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to Launceston

Drive back to Launceston (approx 30 mins).
Fuel cost approx AUD7, 30m

6:00pm

Free evening – Dinner of your choice

Relax and explore other dining options locally, such as Black Cow Bistro or stillwater again.
AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure & Final Launceston Sights

Launceston, Tasmania on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sweet Brew Cafe

A great place for coffee and light breakfast in the city to start your last day.
AUD15, 45m

9:00am

Launceston Visitor Information & Gift Shopping

Stop by to pick up souvenirs and get any last minute travel info.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Drive and Return Rental Car

Complete your self-drive adventure returning the car in Launceston.
Included in rental, 30m

12:00pm

Departure

Head to your next destination or airport.
N/A, N/A
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