Launceston to Arthur River
Plan an adventure-filled road trip across Tasmania
Hobart is the talk of Tasmania when it comes to art and culture, but if you’re after adventure, there’s no better launch point than Launceston. From Cataract Gorge and Cradle Mountain to Arthur River and Cape Grim, there’s an abundance of outdoor experiences to be had in Tassie’s north.
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Launceston
Start your adventure in one of Australia’s oldest cities, where near-perfectly preserved colonial architecture combines with pockets of inner-city wilderness. Spend the morning exploring Australia’s largest regional gallery or the expansive bushland of the Cataract Gorge, then pick up your car hire and get ready to hit the road.
Devonport 102 km
An hour’s drive from Launceston, Devonport is the gateway to the North West and beyond. And with Cradle Mountain, Mersey River and the Bass Strait on its doorstep, it’s easy to choose your own adventure. Head to nearby beaches to sail, kayak, swim and fish or, if you’d prefer to stay dry, explore the walking and cycling tracks that line the coast. Need to refuel before you take off? Thanks to the local produce grown in the Mersey-Forth Valley, there’s no shortage of great places to grab a bite, from fresh-caught fish and chips to farm-to-table pub meals.
Stanley 125 km
Located at the tip of Tasmania’s north-west coast, it’s easy to see why Stanley and the surrounding region of Circular Head are known as ‘The Edge of the World’. Luckily, at only an hour and a half from Devonport, you won’t have to travel far to get there. Home to some of the world’s cleanest air – not to mention one of the largest stretches of unspoiled coastline in the state – this small municipality is a hidden paradise.
Smithton 22 km
Surrounded by lush green fields and a rugged coastline, Smithton is just as suited to a tree change as a sea change. Get a bird’s eye view of Tasmania’s north-west coast aboard a scenic flight or take a tour to the Dismal Swamp with Tarkine Forest Adventures, where you can take a thrilling slide from the canopy to the forest floor. Further west at Marrawah, tackle the untamed swells of the Southern Ocean on a surfboard or spend the night to see Tassie devils in their natural habitat.
Arthur River 61.5 km
Named after the wild river that connects the mountainside to the sea, this small coastal town is an ideal base to explore Tasmania's largest temperate rainforest, the Tarkine. Follow the Western Explorer and discover the local flora and fauna at your own pace or book a guided beach or bushwalk to spot sea eagles, kingfishers, platypuses and more. Rather see it all from off shore? Take a boat cruise through the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area before starting your return trip back to Launceston.
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