Launceston and the north get a lot less love from Tasmania travellers than Hobart. But there’s amazing travel trails up north too! So we’ve curated a list of incredible day trips from Launceston based on our own road trips in Tasmania’s north and northwest. There’s scenic day trips, food & wine day trips. There’s day trips for history buffs, beach lovers and adventurers too! Unlike other lists that have you driving all over Tasmania, we make sure these spots are actually drive-able from Launceston return, in a day. We also share suggested itineraries. So that you’re out exploring the north of this beautiful island for more hours than you’re driving to get there!
Suggested day trip itineraries
Before we get to our list, we’ve also curated 5 itineraries that group the best of these 16 destinations into full day trip experiences. Some destinations – like Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires and Tamar Valley need a full day on their own.
But these others don’t, and can be combined with other sites to create an awesome day:
- Westbury, Deloraine & Mole Creek
- Any combination of Evandale, Clarendon Estate, Brickendon, Woolmers Estate and Josef Chromy.
- Hillwood Berries, Beauty Point & west Tamar wineries
- East Tamar wineries and Bridestowe Lavender Farm
- East Tamar Wineries (Pipers River & Piper’s Brook) and Bridport
Now lets get into our day trip destinations, starting with the three most scenic…
Our 3 most scenic day trips from Launceston
If you travel for the scenery, for big nature feels, for expansive landscapes, for the incredible photography, the insta-worthy moments, then have we got a treat for you.
3 days trips from Launceston that tick all of these boxes. They’re iconic destinations.
The hardest part?
If you’re time is limited, it’s deciding which one to choose….
1. The Crater Lake Circuit, Cradle Mountain


Drive time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Distance: 149 km (one way)
The Crater Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain is the perfect immersion experience into Tasmania’s wilderness, offering jaw-dropping views with incredible landscape diversity.
It’s iconic Tasmania. And it’s doable a day trip from Launceston.
This 5.7km trail takes you through misty rainforests, up rugged alpine slopes, and around glacier-carved Crater Lake.
It’s a moderately challenging hike, with well-maintained paths that make the adventure accessible to most fitness levels, with some huffing and puffing.
Along the way, you’ll pass Wombat Pool and a cascading temperate rainforest waterfall. You’ll even get glimpses of the local stars of the show here—so keep your camera ready for wombats!
We are up at Cradle at least 5 times a year. This loop is our favourite Cradle Mountain walk.
What to know before you go
The drive to Cradle Mountain can be a harrowing for some. Check out our road safety tips 👇🏽.
If you’re driving to Cradle Mt, there is (limited) time for a couple of stops along the way. We also share the best stops for a ripping road trip and road safety tips.
But you don’t have to drive this route if you’re worried about road safety, winding roads or snow. There are tours and bus transfer available.
👀 Read more about getting from Launceston to Cradle Mountain in a day – via bus or tour.
Here’s 3 incredible Cradle Mountain walks that you can also fit into this day trip once at Cradle Mountain.
2. Launceston to Bay of Fires


Drive time: 2 hours 20 minutes | Distance:
The Bay of Fires, just a stone’s throw from St Helens, is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. And the best beaches in Tasmania.
What’s to do at Bay of Fires?
Known for its orange-tinged granite boulders and crystal-clear water, it’s an idyllic spot for swimming, snorkelling, or just soaking in the seaside tranquility.
There’s coastal walks, beach walks, wildlife spotting (Pelicans, dolphins and maybe a whale) and exploring of rock pools.
St Helens, meanwhile, is a quaint fishing town with fresh seafood galore—perfect for a post-beach feast. A drive along the coast, with views that stretch out forever, is an experience in itself.
Launceston to Bay of Fires day trip is a giant day of travel. A busy day, with lots to see and do. Our tips? Make an early start and plan your trip before you set off..
What to know before you go
- There are no day tours from Launceston to Bay of Fires that we know of. But you can book a private vehicle and guide. With a group, this works out an economical way to see the Bay of Fires stunning coastline, and you can set your own agenda for the day.
- The fastest route is on the A4 through Avoca and Fingal. There’s not much to see en-route until you get to Scamander, which is when the ocean views begin. You’ll get to spend more time in the Bay of Fires if you take this route. we recommend this route for short winter days.
- The most picturesque route in our view is through Derby, past Scottsdale and Pyengana. It’s 20 minutes longer, one way, and it’s windy! But on the way you can visit Bridestowe Lavender Farm 👇🏽, stop in at Derby for fresh made donuts, do a rainforest walk, or grab a creamy ice cream at famous Pyengana Dairy.
- We only recommend this route in summer, when sundown stretches to 9pm. Driving winding rural roads in the dark is not for the feint hearted.
- For the ultimate trip route, go via Derby & Scottsdale, and return on the A4.
- Pack a picnic from Launceston or grab lunch in St Helens. There’s no food once you travel past Binalong Bay, in the south of the Bay of Fires.
👀 Read more: Here’s a run down of what to see and where to visit at Bay of Fires.
3. Bridestowe Lavender Farm

Drive time: | Distance:
From December to February, this is one Launceston day trip you won’t want to miss.
Summer is when the lavender blooms, Bridestowe Lavender Farm, and it transforms into a sea of purple and green. It’s a photographer’s dream. Perfect to share on socials, it captures all of the romance of a Tasmanian holiday like no other destination.
Bridestowe is one of the largest lavender farms in the world, and if you time your visit right, you’ll experience the farm in full bloom.
We always have the lavender ice cream here. But at onsite Woodcroft Cafe you’ll find a full lavender-infused menu. When the fields are awash with purple, it’s a dreamy spot to enjoy lunch and a drink or two from their licensed bar.
You can also take home lavender-infused treats like honey, or lavender made souvenirs. Or you can just wander the fragrant fields, snapping pictures to capture the astounding beauty.
This spot is a short 45 minute drive from Launceston one way, which means it’s possible to combine your Bridestowe day trip with one or two east Tamar Wineries. We recommend heading to wineries at Pipers Brook or stopping by nearby Clover Hill Wines.
4. Westbury & Deloraine
Drive time: 40 minutes | Distance: 52 kilometres
Heading north west on a road trip from Launceston takes you to charming rural farming Tasmania – and the tiny towns of Westbury and Deloraine. Expect rolling hills and green paddocks dotted with sheep and spotted with cows. It’s dairy and cattle country. And it’s beautiful!
Westbury has the charm of a classic English village, but with a Tasmanian twist. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and have a wonder.
Head to heart of Westbury old town to get a taste of Tassie’s history, with its Georgian style cottages and English gardens. Grab a coffee from Love Lucy Boots and take a stroll through the Town Common and Village Green.
Head just down the Bass Highway and you’ll find Deloraine, gateway to the Great Western Tiers and Mole Creek. Deloraine is is known for its craft shops, galleries, and the annual craft festival. But it’s a pretty town surround by expansive landscapes and overlooked by the foreboding mountains of the Great Western Tiers.
Grab lunch at Deloraine and explore the main drag and take a relaxing walk along the scenic Meander River that cuts through town.
There’s more cafe’s than you can poke a stick at, but we love lunch at Dixie Blue. The Rueben toastie is to die for. There’s two excellent brewers in Deloraine too – Bush Inn Brewery, which is another spot we love for lunch, and Little Green Men Brewing. Both serve up tasty ales.
Suggested Itinerary
Combine Westbury, Deloraine and Mole Creek 👇🏽 into an adventure packed, scenic full day trip from Launceston.
Best day trips from Launceston for food & wine lovers

5. Tamar Valley
Drive time: 2 hours | Distance: 120 kilometres (round trip)
Tasmania’s Tamar Valley Wine Region is a must-visit for lovers of cool-climate wines and breathtaking landscapes. It is Tasmania’s premier wine destination, renowned for making exceptional Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay. It’s also a beautiful drive, with wineries nestled along the picturesque Tamar River.
You can drive the Tamar Valley in a loop. For this day trip, we’re focussing on west Tamar wineries. We recommend picking either the west or the east Tamar for a one day trip, but not both. There’s too much driving between destinations to do them all.
To visit the west Tamar wineries, we recommend driving the loop in an anti-clockwise direction. This way, if you leave Launceston in the morning you’ll hit Hillwood Berry Farm for morning tea. The perfect time to attack their sweets menu!
After crossing the Batman Bridge, you can check out Beaconsfield and Beauty Point, before stopping in for lunch at one of these wineries or restaurants in the west Tamar, which we love:
- Winterbrook Vineyard pick-your-own platter from their stock of local cheeses, cured meats, sourdough and olives
- Small Wonder Wines gourmet platter for two
- Timbre Kitchen at Velo Wines (Thur – Sun)
Or you can leave Beauty Point and Beaconsfield off the itinerary and just hit the cellar doors throughout the west Tamar, all the way back to Launceston – and there are many!
What to know before you go
- Many wineries require bookings for cellar door tastings, especially if you would like to order a platter.
- The winery of your choice may not be open during winter. Check this first.
- While the main route along the Tamar River is scenic, detours through smaller side roads can take you to hidden cellar doors and boutique wineries that many miss, for more intimate tastings and fewer crowds.
- Appoint a designated driver! And if everyone wants to taste the vino – take a Tamar Valley Wine Tour.
The Tamar wine region is perfect for a day trip from Launceston. There’s something for wine enthusiasts, gourmands and nature lovers alike. Don’t miss it!
6. Hillwood Berries Farmgate
Drive time: 22 minutes | Distance: 27 kilometres

Tasmanians love a farm gate. And part of the charm of rural areas around Launceston is that there are some amazing ones. Hillwood Berries is a great example.
At Hillwood Berries, you’ll pick your own strawberries, raspberries, and more while taking in views of the Tamar River. It’s a laid-back experience, but the fresh fruit and berry-inspired treats in the café will take your visit to the next level. Grab a glass of berry cider or indulge in a house-made dessert.
Hillwood Berries Farmgate is just a 20 minute drive north of Launceston. You can visit as part of a Tamar Valley day trip.
With time constraints, the two best itinerary options are 1) as apart of a west Tamar day tour 👆🏼; or 2) staying in the east Tamar 👇🏽.
Combine a day trip to Hillwood Berries with an east Tamar winery or two, to make a full day of travel. We recommend House of Arras, on the banks of the Piper River. You’ll need to book first, for a wine tasting or vineyard experience.
7. Josef Chromy Winery
Drive time: 14 minutes | Distance:
Josef Chromy Winery is not just a tasting stop—it’s an experience. Think award-winning wines and fine dining restaurant that pairs local ingredients with gorgeous vineyard and lake views. It’s the ultimate Tasmanian foodie day trip from Launceston.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon here, sipping a glass of cool-climate Pinot Noir or Riesling while soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the Tamar Valley.
Suggested itinerary
Because it’s so close to Launceston, Josef Chromy Winery is the perfect stop over on a bigger day trip of Evandale and one or two the historic homesteads in between it and Longford. 👇🏽
Best day trips from Launceston for history buffs
Tasmania is full of hidden gems. Among them, are it’s best and most under-visted historic homesteads. The good news? 3 of these beauties are within day trip distance of Launceston.
8. Clarendon Estate
Drive time: 27 minutes | Distance: 28 kilometres
Just 20 minutes down the road from Josef Chromy is Clarendon Estate, a living piece of Tassie’s history. It’s a 19th-century mansion, surrounded by manicured gardens, and one of Australia’s grandest colonial homes.
It’s worth a visit to explore the estate and take a trip through history as you do. The grand house feels like it has been frozen in time, there’s a beautiful old red brick barn to discover, and the estate gardens are conjured straight out of an old English novel.
It’s magnificent.
Take a stroll through the historic rooms, imagining life here 200 years ago, and explore the grounds for a tranquil escape from the bustle of Launceston. It’s a must-visit for history buffs or anyone who loves elegant, period-style architecture.
9. Woolmers Estate
Drive time: 27 minutes | Distance: 33 kilometres
Step back in time again at Woolmers Estate, another UNESCO-listed historic property offering a unique glimpse into Tasmania’s colonial past.
Woolmers Estate, along with nearby Brickendon 👇🏽, is one of 11 historic sites Australia wide that that make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. Both properties were established by the Archer family, who settled in Tasmania from England.
Woolmers Estate is a significant cultural and historic destination that I bet you’ve never heard of! But that’s ok, we hadn’t either. Until we visited.
And it’s definitely worth a day trip.
The extensive grounds are home to a collection of important heritage buildings including a wool shed, blacksmith’s forge, chapel, stables and a bakers cottage. It’s one of the most significant collections of convict-built structures in Australia.
Woolmers is even grander than Clarendon Estate! And there’s a restuarant on site for lunches as well as a gallery.
Don’t miss the National Rose Garden on-site—it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way and makes it all feels so very…. English.
10. Brickendon Estate
Drive time: 23 minutes | Distance: 25 kilometres
Brickendon Estate is a historic farm village that dates back to 1824 with a working farm that is still run by descendants of the original settlers!
Yes, we know, that’s very cool!
Visitors are welcome to explore the convict-built barns, cottages, and gardens. There’s animal feeding at 10:15am for the kids, and huge grounds and gardens to wander through.
For the more adventurous, take the 50 minute (one way) convict walk that links Brickendon and Woolmers, connecting you to the history of the Archer brothers behind these two historic estates, and the picturesque countryside.
It’s a fascinating, hands-on, immersive way to step into Tassie’s rural past.
11. Evandale
Drive time: 19 minutes | Distance: 19 kilometres
Evandale is a picturesque Georgian micro-village that feels like a movie set. Wander its cobblestone main street, lined with 19th-century buildings, and explore its quaint shops and cafés.
If you visit on the right Sunday of the month, you’ll hit the Evandale Market for local arts, crafts, and food. It’s a big market, with loads of day trippers from Launceston, like you! k
The last time we were in Evandale we had lunch with friends in the beer garden at the Claredon Arms. It’s a great spot on the weekend, buzzing with friendly village vibes and happy weekenders. Great beers on tap and wines from Broad Arrow Wines. I highly recommend a visit!
Beach enthusiasts day trip from Launceston

12. Bridport
Drive time: 57 minutes | Distance: 77 kilometres
Bridport is a coastal gem in northeast Tasmania known for it’s white sandy shores and clear waters. It offers a perfect blend of sandy beaches and outdoor adventure, and here’s why.
The main beaches, like Old Pier Beach and Mermaids Pool, are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and even a bit of fishing.
But beyond the beach, Bridport is also a gateway to the world-class Barnbougle and Lost Farm golf courses, making it a golfer’s paradise.
Think world ranking golf course with rare sweeping ocean views.
For nature enthusiasts, Bridport also has some beautiful scenic walking tracks, like the Bridport Walking Track, which snakes along the coastline through wildflowers, dunes, and eucalypt forest.
With plenty of picnicking spots and birdwatching opportunities, Bridport is an idyllic day trip destination or side trip for a round of golf you’ll never forget.
13. Low Head
Drive time: 42 minutes | Distance: 54 kilometres
Low Head sits at the mouth of the Tamar River and is home to more picturesque beaches.
Lagoon Bay and East Beach are where to go for calm waters and easy swimming or stand-up paddleboarding.
For something a little different, Low Head’s penguin tours are a must-do. But you’ll need to stay until dusk, which is when you’ll witness Little Penguins waddling ashore after a day of fishing.
We highly recommend squeezing a Penguin viewing into your Tasmania itinerary. It’s a magical experience for wildlife lovers.
Low Head is also famous for its historic lighthouse, which is the oldest continually operational pilot station in Australia. Visitors can tour the lighthouse and take in panoramic views over Bass Strait, while the local Maritime Museum tells fascinating tales of shipwrecks and Tasmania’s seafaring past.
14. Beauty Point
Drive time: 45 minutes | Distance: 55 kilometres
Tucked along the Tamar River in the far north of Tasmania, is serene Beauty Point. This seaside hamlet is well known as home to Seahorse World and Platypus House – both excellent stops for the kids to get up close and personal with these uniquely Tasmanian creatures.
Beauty Point is actually a lovely spot to unwind and take in the peaceful riverside setting on a family day trip.
And a visit here wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some local seafood, straight from the river. We recommend fish and chips from locally popular spot Chef’s Catch. Yummo!
Beauty Point is another spot to combine with a west Tamar Valley day trip – hit a cellar door or two on the way home for a perfect relaxing day out.
Launceston day trips for adventurers
15. Hollybank Wilderness Adventures
Drive time: 24 minutes | Distance: 21 kilometres
Hollybank Wilderness Adventures zip lining tour was our first foray into zip lining. And whilst I’ve done much zipping since, well…. you always remember your first.
And it’s not scary!
It’s 100 percent fun, just 20 minutes from Launceston.
Zipping through the canopy of ancient eucalyptus trees, you make your way through an exhilarating course of cables and tree trunk platforms. The zip line tour is a cool perspective on Tasmania’s lush forest, with guides providing insights into the local flora and fauna along the way.
As you zip from tree to tree, you get to experience the forest like a possum or a glider would. And to me, that’s just awesome to think about.
But if you’re scared of heights, this day trip is probably not for you…
16. Mole Creek
Drive time: 52 minutes | Distance: 74 kilometres



Mole Creek is adventure central if you love the outdoors. What’s to see and do in this area? Hikes, waterfall walks, spelunking, and wildlife experiences.
Known for its spectacular limestone caves – Marakoopa and King Solomon – Mole Creek is a must-visit for adventurers intrigued by Tasmania’s geological past. Both caves are home to glow worms and alien rock formations. You’ll see sparkling stalactites and King Solomons Cave and even vast underground rivers at Marakoopa.
For animal lovers, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary provides a chance to see Tasmanian devils up close.
And there’s waterfalls and walking trails galore in this area. Our favourite? Liffey Falls, just a 30 minute drive from here, and Montana Falls.
You won’t go hungry while exploring this area. Stop in at Melita Honey for a scrummy honey ice cream. Or sit down for luscious platter lunch at 41 South Salmon Farm or drop in for a scrumptious panini at Cafe Amanita.
For a cold ale after a giant day of adventuring, call in to Bush Inn Brewery on the way back to Launceston.
What to know before you go
- Entry into the caves is by tour only. You must book in advance as availability can run short, especially in peak season.
What’s next?
- Read more about what to see and do in Launceston, as well as where to eat, drink and stay.
- Check out what to see and do in a day trip from Launceston to Hobart.
FAQs
Can you do Cradle Mountain as a day trip from Launceston?
Yes, you can. There are three ways to do a Cradle Mountain day trip from Launceston – by car, on a tour, or by bus transfer.
For everything you need to know to plan this day trip read our Launceston to Cradle Mountain Trip Guide
Can you do a day trip to Hobart from Launceston?
It’s 2 hours and 20 minutes one way to drive from Hobart to Launceston. So in practice you could do a day trip to Hobart from Launceston. The only thing is, you won’t get to see much of Hobart this way.
So when might you think about a Hobart day trip from Launnie?
If you’re not travelling through Hobart but there’s a must see attraction there that you simply can’t miss – such at MONA – then a day trip is worth it. It would be a long day, with an early start and late finish.
To avoid disappointment, it’s especially important to check opening hours and make reservations for everything you want to see. Do this before setting out and you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip.