We drive Hobart to Devonport at least twice a year. And each trip, we try to stop somewhere fun, new, somewhere different. Drawing together all of these amazing destinations and road side stops over the last 3 years makes for an epic road trip along one of Tasmania’s most memorable drives. So that’s what we’re sharing today – an unforgettable Hobart to Devonport road trip itinerary. A trip with everything from quaint historic towns and local wildlife to mouthwatering food and stunning landscapes. Driving from Hobart to Devonport is a chance to experience this island’s heart. Like you’ll never forget.
The scenic route: Hobart to Devonport
This Hobart to Devonport road trip takes you through the picturesque Midlands, bypassing Launceston to make the journey in one day. If you have longer, include Launceston in your trip. Stay a overnight, and revel in Launceston’s beers, bites, wine and trails.
👀 Read More: Plan your stay in Launceston with our Gallivanter’s Guide to Loveable Launceston |
Now back to our trip….
The Hobart to Devonport distance is around 3 hours and 5 minutes of direct driving via the Bass Highway (National Highway 1). If you take this route, you’ll pass through towns such as Oatlands, Ross and Campbell Town, which grew up as Tasmania’s colonial settlement expanded from the south to the north of the island.
Hobart to Devonport trip map
As you make your way through Tasmania’s stunning rural landscapes, you’ll see green pastures, rolling hills, bushland and even mountain scapes along the way, making the journey feel like part of the adventure.
The Hobart to Devonport drive is well-maintained, easy to drive with a combination of single and double-lane highways. The speed limit ranges from 80 km/h to 110 km/h, with overtaking lanes to make driving smooth and straightforward.
Our favourite stops Hobart to Devonport
Stop 1: Oatlands – a step back in time

Start your Hobart to Devonport road trip with a stop in Oatlands, a convict settlement town just an hour’s drive north of Hobart.
Oatlands is cool. Underrated.
It transports you back to Tasmania’s early days – there’s loads of Georgian sandstone buildings that tell the dark and grim story of it’s convict past. Wander through the Oatlands Military Precinct, and take a walk down its charming streets, which are lined with cute Georgian buildings that date back to the 1800s. It’s just like stepping into Tasmania’s past.
Whiskey lovers will want to check out the Callington Mill Distillery. If it’s not too early, sample a dram of their single malt whisky after a short tour of the nearby windmill that once powered the region’s flour production (and it’s illegal grog stills!).
👀 Read more: Here’s a little guide to help plan your stroll around Oatlands. |
Stop 2: Ross – at the crossroads

A short 1-hour drive from Oatlands, Ross is another historic treasure. As you take the detour off the National Highway to get there, you’ll be greeted by the impressive Ross Bridge, a convict-built marvel that’s beautifully adorned with intricate carvings. Take a happy snap in front of this Tassie heritage icon.
In the heart of town, stop by the Ross Bakery for one of their legendary scallop pies or a sweet treat. The atmosphere in Ross is warm and welcoming, with a gorgeous treelined main street and charming shops and cottages along the way, making it an ideal place to take a break and enjoy the sights and sounds of this sleepy town.
👀 Read more: Here’s a little guide to help plan your stop at Ross. |
Stop 3: Evandale (or the English countryside?)
After Ross, take the 43-minute drive to Evandale, a picturesque village just outside of Launceston known for its 19th-century buildings and rural charm.
Evandale feels like you’ve discovered a hidden gem in Tasmania.
It’s is like a mini English village. The main drawcard is a wander down it’s main street. There’s a few spots to poke your head in as you go – boutique shops like the Evandale Village Store and Evandale Providore among them.
Don’t miss the Clarendon Arms Hotel while you’re in Evandale. Their atmospheric beer garden is a grand spot to sample the local craft beer and have lunch.
Stop 4: Westbury’s rural charm
From Evandale, it’s a short 30 minute drive to Westbury, a peaceful old town surrounded by stunning gardens and colonial-era cottages with quaint gardens. The old town Westbury exudes a unique sense of Tassie rural charm. Take a stroll around the old town around William and Lyall Streets, ending up the Westbury Village Green.
Stop 5: Mole Creek Caves – explore the underworld

Just 25 minutes away, Mole Creek Caves is an awesome detour for adventurers.
The Mole Creek Caves refer to two main caves – King Solomon Cave and Marakoopa Cave. These incredible caves let you explore Tasmania’s underground beauty up close. They’re home to some of the most stunning stalactites and stalagmites you’ll ever see. Guided tours lead you deep into the caves, where you can marvel at nature’s intricate underground formations. The caves are expertly lit to bring all of the weird stalagmites and stalactites to life.
Exploring Mole Creek Caves makes you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden, prehistoric world, and it’s an experience that adds an extra layer of adventure to your Hobart to Devonport road trip.
👀 Important: You must to book a tour in advance to get access into any of these caves. Call Tas National Parks and Wildlife to make the booking on (03) 6363 5182. |
Stop 6: Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary – meet the Tasmanian Devils

Next, make your way to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, just a short drive away from Mole Creek. Here, you’ll meet the famous Tasmanian Devils, wombats, quolls, and other native wildlife. The sanctuary’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate injured animals, so when you visit, you’re helping support the conservation efforts of Tasmania’s endangered species.
This is one of few spots in Tasmania where you really get to see the Tasmanian Devils up close—the only spot we’ve been where there’s no fence or glass between you and the devil. To experience this you need to time your visit to coincide with one of their ranger talks / tours – at 1pm or 3pm.
Stop 7: Melita Honey – sweeten your day
From Trowunna, stop in at Melita Honey on your way back towards Deloraine. Pick up a honey ice cream. Thank us later.
Melita is know as one of Tasmania’s finest honey producers. As you walk through the property, you’ll learn about the art of beekeeping and the different varieties of honey that Tasmania produces.
The sweet aromas will make your taste buds tingle, and you’ll be tempted to purchase a jar to take home as a souvenir. We love their creamed leatherwood honey on toast on a crisp Tassie morning. Yum!
Stop 8: Deloraine’s new Bush Inn Brewery


Next, head in to Deloraine. Known for its burgeoning brewery scene, Deloraine is home to the Bush Inn Brewery, a unique stop that offers locally crafted beers in a beautifully renovated old brick building setting. Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply enjoy the local vibe, the brewery is a must-visit. On sunny days, the beer garden is the place to be.
If you haven’t had lunch by now you must be starving. Lunch at the Bush Inn Brewery won’t disappoint. We recommend their Korean pizza. The pizza base is chewy crispy heaven.
Stop 9: Van Diemen’s Land Creamery – Tasmania’s best
This artisan creamery is a paradise for ice cream lovers. It’s one of our favourite stops on this drive.
The best thing about the ice cream here is it comes from Tassie’s happy cows. And you can taste it! There’s also a range of unique flavours made from the region’s produce – like pepperberry! They’re surprisingly good, and we love to eat them in the garden out back all times of year.
Stop 10: Ashgrove Dairy Door cheese heaven



There’s a lot of happy cows around Elizabeth Town, so it’s no coincidence that this is the home of Ashgrove Dairy, and their impressive new Dairy Door.
What’s even better is, it’s only 5 minutes down the road from Tasmania’s best ice cream.
As one of Tasmania’s best-known dairies, Ashgrove is THE stop to sample some of the island’s finest cheeses. We love the Walls of Jerusalem Wasabi, but take your pick – there’s incredible variety.
You can watch the cheese-making process up close inside and take time to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills with a platter and wine. If you’re a cheese lover, this stop is an absolute must.
Stop 11: Eastford Creek Vineyard – sip and savour

From Ashgrove, it’s a drive to Eastford Creek Winery, the up and coming star of north west wine makers.
Care to sample some more of Tasmania’s renowned cool-climate wines? Here’s the stop for you.
If you’re still hungry their tasting plate of local delicacies like Hazelbrae Hazelnuts and La Cantara soft cheeses – is one of the best we’ve eaten in the north west.
Relax in the serene vineyard settings and enjoy a glass of wine, perfect for savouring the peaceful atmosphere of the Sassafras countryside.
Stop 12: Anvers Chocolate – a sweet ending
Finish your Hobart to Devonport road trip with a visit to Anvers Chocolate, just 10 minutes out of Devonport. Known for its handcrafted chocolates, Anvers offers the perfect sweet treat to end your journey. Whether you choose a box of artisanal truffles or a rich hot chocolate, it’s a great way to pick up a last minute Tasmania gift or souvenir for the rellos or friends back home.
Catching the Hobart to Devonport Bus: No Car? No Problem!
If you don’t have a car, the Hobart to Devonport bus is a great alternative to make this journey.
The Hobart to Devonport bus is operated by Redline’s intercity service, and while it doesn’t allow for the same flexibility as driving, it still stops at several major attractions along the way.
The bus route includes key destinations such as Oatlands, Ross, and Deloraine, so even if you’re not behind the wheel, you can still enjoy some of the best parts of the journey.
Keep in mind, the bus runs only a few times daily, so if you’re planning on getting off at smaller locations, you’ll need to book ahead.
The Hobart to Devonport bus journey takes about 4-5 hours, including stops and a transfer at Launceston. Check the Hobart to Devonport bus timetable services and times – this is will be crucial to making sure you get from Hobart to Devonport in the one day. You’ll have to add any time you spend at stops en-route. But with a bit of forward planning, you can still have a great trip.
Choose your own adventure
With so many incredible stops along the way, it’s impossible to visit them all in one day. You’ll simply run out of time.
That said, each stop offers something unique, whether it’s historical charm, local flavours, or wildlife experiences. Depending on your interests and time available, you can easily customize your own Hobart to Devonport road trip to suit your preferences.
By the time you reach Devonport, you’ll have experienced the very best of Tasmania’s heartland. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, history buff, or simply in search of new adventures, this road trip will leave you with unforgettable memories of Tasmania. So hit the road, choose your stops, and enjoy the journey.
What’s next?
- Plan your stay in Devonport
- See everything on our list including an overnight stay in Launceston
- Read more about taking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry
FAQs
How to get from Hobart to Devonport?
The only way to get from Hobart to Devonport is via car or intercity bus or coach. There are no flights from Hobart to Devonport and no passenger trains operate in Tasmania.
Is there a Hobart to Devonport flight if you don’t want to drive?
No, there are no flights currently from Hobart to Devonport. The only way to travel is via car or bus.
What’s the distance Hobart to Devonport?
Hobart to Devonport is 279 kilometres along the Midlands route and National Highway 1, which is the most direct route.
Where to stop between Hobart and Devonport?
If the purpose of your trip is to get from A to B, then the best pit stop between Hobart and Devonport is Campbell Town. It also the most popular.
Campbell Town is around about the half way mark between Hobart and Devonport. You’ll find great bathroom amenities in the park at the centre of town, directly across from a couple of cafes to pick a coffee as you drive on through.
If the purpose of your trip is travel, adventure – well then, read the post above 👆🏼. Because we’ve go 12 unforgettable stops between Hobart and Devonport you need to know about, before you go.
Is there a bus from Hobart to Spirit of Tasmania?
There’s a bus from Hobart to Devonport, with a transfer in Launceston. You can check the bus timetable for services and times. The bus pulls up at the interchange in Devonport CBD.
From there, it’s just a short taxi or Uber ride to East Devonport, where you’ll find the Spirit of Tasmania terminal.