Hidden gems of the north
Northern Tasmania’s treasures are sprinkled right across the sprawling landscape.
This diverse region is a trove of jewels tucked away in sleepy towns, perched on windswept dunes, lingering deep in misty rainforest, or poised on the fringes of vibrant Launceston. From wilderness to wellness, family getaways to foodie jaunts, here’s some ideas for your next trip to the north.
For wilderness lovers
Seek adventure in northern Tasmania’s wild places.
Gaze down on the Mersey River snaking across the forested landscape from the lookout at Alum Cliffs (50min return walk), part of Tulampanga / Gog Range in the Great Western Tiers. For deeper insight into this culturally significant palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) place, take a stroll with Kooparoona Niara Tours.
Offshore, Flinders Island’s Strzelecki National Park is all smooth granite peaks, serene walking trails and glassy seashores – with not a crowd in sight. Explore crisp white-sand beaches, climb Mount Strzelecki, kayak isolated inlets and swim in azure waters.
Speed things up on a Ben Lomond Descent Tour: glide down the twists and turns of Jacobs Ladder on a mountain bike, dropping 1050 vertical metres from alpine heights. Prefer to get your thrills at water level? Try river sledding, Meander Wilderness Experiences’ adventurous aquatic tour. Float with the current and submit to the pull of rapids.
For a day of fly fishing and birdwatching, settle into tranquil surrounds at Currawong Lakes Lake Leake before retiring to lakeside accommodation or a cabin tucked among the bush.
For self-care seekers
Breathe in a sense of calm and ease into wellness across the north.
Retreat from the golfing green to Spa 180, a haven perched in undulating dunes at Barnbougle. Restore and revive with a holistic treatment, massage or facial using all-natural products, and be mesmerised by Bass Strait views.
Idle in the scent of mossy rainforest and meditate to the sound of flowing water at a northern waterfall. Feel the spray off the tiered cascades at Liffey Falls (45min return), one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, or get off the beaten track at nearby Meander Falls (5-6hr return), which tumbles off high cliffs deep in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. For quick respite, try Lilydale Falls (30min return) in the north east, or the seasonal Punchbowl Falls (5min return) in Launceston’s south.
Hone your skills and nurture your soul and belly at a Hinton Bay Kitchen cooking class. Whip up an Italian-inspired storm – think gnocchi, ricotta, ragu, focaccia, passata – then feast on your efforts while overlooking kanamaluka / River Tamar.
Find solitude and serenity on a quiet stretch of Flinders Island shoreline at Sawyers Bay Shacks, or make your stay a nourishing one at Naivasha Tiny House, a micro getaway tucked in bushland, complete with wood-fired hot tub.
For families
Gather your crew and edge into an array of fun-filled activities.
Looking for family-friendly things to do in Launceston? On the city fringe, Tamar Island Wetlands feels a world away. Pack a picnic and the binoculars to spot bountiful birdlife on a meandering wetland walk. Float across Cataract Gorge on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift for a unique perspective on Launceston’s favourite natural gem, or rise with the sun and soar high above the countryside on a hot air balloon ride. Then sail into the past and scale to heady heights at Penny Royal Adventures.
At Mole Creek, interact with elusive Tasmanian devils at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary and learn about the park’s conservation and breeding programs. For a hidden experience of a literal kind, head deep underground on a tour of the World Heritage karst landscape at nearby Mole Creek Caves.
In the Tamar Valley, be surprised by Swiss village vibes at whimsical Grindelwald – featuring an 18-hole mini golf course, a 10-hole public golf course, paddle boating, canoeing, a bouncing pillow and a shopping arcade, along with quaint Swiss-style architecture and trimmings.
For foodies
Discerning appetites are easily satiated across the island’s northern food bowl.
In peaceful Perth, Adams Distillery serves up tastings of single-malt whisky and boutique gin, alongside cocktails and share plates from the expansive cellar door. If wine is more appealing, head to the Ridge for a guided tasting walk and explore the island’s highest vineyard on the slopes near Lilydale.
Westbury’s Love Lucy Boots Wine Room is a veritable breath of fresh air. Cafe by day, wine bar by night, the eclectic and intimate space has cemented itself as a community hub. In nearby Hagley, explore the orchards at Hazelbrae Hazelnuts, stock up at the farm gate shop, and picnic on the lawns.
Northern Tasmania FAQs
How to get to northern Tasmania
Launceston Airport is northern Tasmania’s main port of entry for those arriving by air, although it’s only a 2hr 30min drive to Launceston from Hobart Airport in the south. Fly direct to Launceston from Melbourne (1hr 10min), Sydney (1hr 35min), Brisbane (2hr 30min), Gold Coast (2hr 40min), Sunshine Coast (2hr 50min), Adelaide (1hr 50min) and Perth (4hr 40min). For those wanting to bring a vehicle, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry runs between Geelong in Victoria and Devonport on Tasmania’s north-west coast. From Devonport, it’s just over an hour’s drive to Launceston.
Things to do in Launceston, Tasmania
Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city and the major hub for the northern region. Leafy Launceston combines wild nature in the form of Cataract Gorge with heritage streetscapes and a vibrant food scene. This UNESCO City of Gastronomy is known for its paddock-to-plate ethos, best experienced at urban eateries, the weekly Harvest Market, and the cool-climate wineries of the nearby Tamar Valley. Delve into culture at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) and local craftmanship at Design Tasmania.
What is the weather in northern Tasmania?
Tasmania’s four distinct seasons are felt across the island’s regions, although the west coast is far wetter than other parts of the state. Summer (December through February) days are warm with mild evenings: maximum temperatures in Launceston average 23 degrees and minimum temperatures hover around 10 degrees. Winter (June through August) gets frosty, with daily temperatures averaging between 3 and 11 degrees – but the weather can vary wildly from day-to-day. Prepare for sudden changes of temperature, particularly when bushwalking, and always bring warm and waterproof layers, as well as sunscreen and a hat.