Launceston to Hobart Drive

Once you’ve explored everything Launceston has to offer, it’s time to head out and discover Tasmania beyond the cities! Take National Highway 1 to Campbell Town and hop on the Lake Leake Highway/B34 to make your way to the Coles Bay Region.

Evandale

First established in 1811, Evendale is a charming National Trust-classified village, dedicated to preserving its late-Georgian to early Victorian heritage buildings. Explore the village’s rich history through the High Street, one of the most beautiful antique streets in Australia. Must-see sights include the Royal Oak, St Andrews Church, Clarendon Arms Hotel and Fallgrove.

Ben Lomond National Park

If you’re visiting in winter, stop by Tasmania’s biggest alpine zone for an unforgettable experience. The Ben Lomond National Park features dramatic mountain scenery and great opportunities for wildlife encounters. For snow sport fanatics, Ben Lomond offers two of the region’s best ski fields for an epic day on the slopes.

Campbell Town

This charming destination was originally a garrison town and features fascinating historic buildings built by Australia’s earliest convict settlers. Explore Campbell Town’s incredible legacy through local gems like the Book Cellar, an old inn converted into a book shop, or the Convict Brick Trail, where the names of early convict settlers are inscribed along the footpath.

Coles Bay is the gateway to Freycinet National Park and a great place to base your East Coast adventures. If you’re visiting in summer, the bay is home to some of Tasmania’s most beloved postcard-worthy destinations, from Freycinet National Park to Wineglass Bay.

Freycinet National Park

Enjoy one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations, featuring unmistakable and dramatic pink granite mountains and diverse wildlife you can’t find anywhere else in the world. The park is easily accessible thanks to state-of-the-art facilities, including a wheelchair-accessible circuit track, and is suitable for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts and first-time visitors. 

Take a break from your outdoor adventures with a bite of the fresh seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm. For a splash of the local grape, head to Freycinet Lodge for wine and whiskey sampling. Make sure to organise a designated driver beforehand, and shout them a bottle as thanks!

Wineglass Bay

Experience a magnificent crescent of white quartzite sands contrasted against crystal turquoise waters in one of Tasmania’s most celebrated and photographed destinations. 

Wineglass Bay’s breathtaking vistas and scenic walking trails suit all fitness levels, whether you’re an experienced hiker or casual day tripper. You can also spot dolphins, seals and even whales from the shoreline!

Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Lookout

Don’t forget to stop by the Cape Tourville Lighthouse for some epic scenery while you’re in Freycinet National Park. The trail heading up to the lighthouse is well constructed and gently graded, featuring easy accessibility and a circuit route suitable for all ages and fitness levels. 

From the lighthouse itself, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Hazards mountain range, Wineglass Bay, and The Nuggets, a distinct group of four granite islets trailing into the water.

Once you’ve experienced the Coles Bay area for yourself, it’s time to head back on the Lake Leake Highway/B34 to Campbell Town. Grab your snacks, turn up the tunes and continue your inland road trip down south! 

Ross Bridge

You don’t want to miss a quick stop by Australia’s oldest sandstone bridge while you’re on the road to Hobart. Completed in 1836 under architect John Lee Archer, the third-oldest bridge still in use in Australia tells the unique story of convict life during the 19th century. Across the bridge are 185 carvings displaying the hopes and dreams of the people who built it.

Oatlands

You’ll find the largest collection of sandstone Georgian buildings in Australia right along your drive to Hobart. Oatlands is a historic town featuring incredible architecture and a rich heritage. Ideal for history lovers, including the third-oldest windmill in the entire country. While you’re here, be sure to sample delicious local honey and chocolates from Oatlands’ cafes and boutique stores. 

Richmond

Cruise into Richmond, your final destination before you reach Hobart. This charming town attracts visitors with its strong historic roots and an award-winning food and wine scene. In addition to a collection of over 50 well-preserved Georgian-era buildings, Richmond is surrounded by one of Australia’s fastest-growing wine regions, making it an excellent stop for a tasting tour!

You can also find quirky, family-friendly activities that are sure to charm everyone from the little ones to the big kids, such as the Zoodoo Wildlife Park and the Amaze Richmond garden maze. 

You’re finally at the end of the road! Before returning your Redspot hired car, it’s well worth spending a day or two in Hobart itself.

For a bonus that’s worth the extra detour, we also recommend taking a trip down to Port Arthur or catching a ferry to Maria Island National Park for sweeping views of Tasmania’s gorgeous natural beauty.

Mount Wellington

Only a half hour’s drive from the heart of Hobart, Mount Wellington offers outstanding natural beauty without even having to leave the city! Enjoy a stunning, panoramic 360-degree view of Hobart from Pinnacle Lookout, or walk famous trails to Sphinx Rock and other gorgeous vistas. Mount Wellington is a perfect destination to check out all year round, and you can even enjoy a snowball fight during winter.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary 

You don’t want to miss your once-in-a-lifetime chance to encounter the island’s most renowned wildlife face to face. The Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and care of the Tasmanian devil, as well as other iconic animals. Experience an educational tour knowing you are supporting the conservation of Tasmania’s wildlife welfare. 

Port Arthur Historic Site

Take an hour-long day trip out of Hobart to see Australia’s largest and most well-preserved convict settlement and gain vivid insight into life during the convict era. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site makes full use of immersive exhibits, house museums and interpretive displays to bring the lived realities of over 12,500 convicts to life. 

For a dual glimpse of Tasmania’s natural and supernatural scene, stroll through the beautiful walking trails and gardens around the port or join a local ghost tour!

Maria Island National Park

If you’re chasing something a little more off-the-map and have time on your side, a detour to Maria Island National Park won’t disappoint.

Expect a little bit of everything during this pit stop, with its untouched beauty, local history, and up-close encounters with iconic Aussie wildlife just around the curve. Don’t miss your photo opp at the striking Painted Cliffs while you’re here – they’re straight out of a postcard!