The Best Road Trips From Launceston
While there’s plenty to keep you busy in the city proper, Launceston also provides an excellent home base from which to explore other nearby - and road trip-worthy - north Tasmanian regions.
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TAMAR VALLEY WINE ROUTE
From Relbia in the south, to Pipers River in the north-east and Beaconsfield in the north-west, the iconic Tamar Valley wine route traverses almost 200 kilometres of Launceston-adjacent landscapes that beg to be explored over multiple days of road tripping. More than 20 distinct vineyards in the region produce exceptional white and red varietals, including some of the country’s best sparkling wines (Australia’s “Sparkling Queen”, Natalie Fryar, we’re looking at you). Alongside the usual Tasmanian suspects Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, you’ll also find excellent examples of new world stalwarts like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Shiraz/Syrah, and more experimental drops like Gruner Vetliner, Pinot Blanc and Muscat along the way.
There’s plenty to line the stomach, too, with many producers offering up on-site dining experiences to ensure you’re drinking responsibly. Don’t miss Josef Chromy for a two- or three-course fine dining menu at its restaurant, or a platter of local cheeses and antipasti at the brasserie. A number of other vineyards on the route take their food as seriously as their wine, so save room for solids.
Despite its footprint, the Tamar Valley wine fraternity is true to its Tasmanian grassroots. You’re as likely to meet the winemaker at their own cellar door as you are to share a spot at the bar with the vineyard dog - from vine to glass, this is as authentic as wine touring can get.
Josef Chromy Tasmania (image: Tourism Tasmania & Sean Fennessy)
LILYDALE
Go half an hour north-east from Launceston to find yourself in the lush green backdrop of Lilydale. Home to around only 700 Tasmanians, this little locality offers a surprising quota of family-friendly activities and adventure.
Along the town’s main street, take in a visual narrative of Lilydale’s past, present and future through a series of murals hand-painted by locals on to telegraph poles. Legendary for its connection to (alleged) sightings of the extinct or elusive Tasmanian Tiger, Lilydale has more stories to tell than its size and location might suggest.
Just a few kilometres out of the village centre, explore the two waterfalls at Lilydale Falls Reserve, both of which can be accessed via a short and easy wander through alternately rainforest and eucalypt environments. For a more challenging trek, take on the 10 kilometre climb to the summit of Mount Arthur, the reward for which is a panoramic view of both the coast and hinterland.
At Hollybank Treetops Adventure, soar 50 metres above ground over native blue gums and the nearby Pipers River on a 2.5-hour guided zipline tour. Despite its adrenaline-spiking potential, launch-off is suitable from three years of age, with lines ranging from 15 up to an exhilarating 400 metres long. Serious thrill-seekers should opt for the challenge of navigating wobbly suspended bridges and aerial tightropes on a tree ropes course, while a comparatively more sedate 1.5 hour segway tour is available for the less jumpscare-inclined.
There’s great wine to be sipped in this part of northern Tassie, too. Established in 1956, Providence Vineyard is the state’s oldest winery, and calls the cleft between Mounts Arthur and Brown home, while The Ridge complements its guided tastings with a tour of its very photogenic vineyard in North Lilydale.
Hollybank Wilderness Adventures (image: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett)
EVANDALE
Just 15 minutes south of the northern big smoke (and even closer if you’re coming straight from Launceston Airport), the little village of Evandale retains all of its Georgian charm with a slew of heritage-listed buildings dating back as far as the 1830s.
Visit on a Sunday for Evandale’s much-loved weekly market, where you can make treasure of someone else’s trash from a car boot, right alongside bona fide antiques, unique handicrafts, and just-picked edible produce. Every February, join the crowds to witness the world’s largest annual antique bicycle racing event - the Evandale Village Fair & National Penny Farthing Championships sees penny farthing enthusiasts take on a triangular circuit throughout the village, competing across categories that run the gamut from sprint to slowest.
With a growing reputation as a one-stop location for beautiful things, there’s plenty to explore and shop for during the week, too. The Evandale Village Store occupies the premises of the town’s original general store, and continues to showcase its 1843 interiors. The store’s fitout is as special as its stock: a curated collection of homewares, fashion, edibles and more from Tasmania, Australia and the world. The newer Noss & Co is a colourful explosion of owner Kirsty Hawkins’ hand-painted ceramic designs. Vibrant, joyful and always one-of-a-kind, each Noss piece is inspired by Kirsty’s own nostalgic memories, and is sure to spark some of your own, too.
A hard day’s shopping deserves a wholesome meal and cold drink, and Clarendon Arms serves up both in spades. Pick from a wide selection of locals brew on tap, take a load off under dappled light in the leafy beer garden, and toast to a road trip done well.
National Penny Farthing Championships and Evandale Village Fair (image: Rob Burnett)
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