places to visit north west coast tasmania

Tasmania Explorer

North West Tasmania🚗: Full Guide For Road Trippers

North Tasmania’s North West region is a great area to explore. It has all the things you should be looking for in a Tasmanian trip including wild nature, amazing scenery, beautiful coastline, top attractions and many great north west Tasmania towns to explore. This area was made for road trips, and you could easily spend weeks enjoying everything north west Tasmania tourism has to offer.

There’s a great variety of things to do on the north west coast of Tasmania from exploring the ancient wilderness of the Tarkine to getting lost in Tasmazia to exploring under-the-ground in a cave tour or walking around an historic town. Add in some top food and accommodation and you’ll never want to leave the north west region, Tasmania.

It’s also the perfect region for a Tasmanian road trip with generally good roads, great views from many of them and many areas that feel untouched by tourists.

Below, we give you full information about everything  North West Tasmania has to offer including the top things to do in north west Tasmania,  north west coast Tasmania accommodation, a north west coast Tasmania map and more.

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!   Wan t help with your itinerary? Find our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

North West Tasmania Map

The north west region of Tasmania covers the coastal areas from the Tamar around to the Pieman River as well as inland areas out towards Cradle Mountain.

Below is our map of north west Tasmania which shows everything covered in this guide.

 Top North West Towns To Visit

There are some great places to visit in the north west region. Here are full guides to the top options.

Stanley, Tasmania: 10 Top Things To Do In Stanley

Boat Harbour Beach Tasmania: Road Trip Stop

Deloraine, Tasmania: Everything You Need To Know

Smithton, Tasmania: Things To Do

Wynyard Tasmania: Attractions, Accommodation And Seaside Fun

Top 11 Things To Do In Burnie Tasmania

Things to do in north west tasmania.

There are some great things to do north west Tasmania while visiting this region. Below, we describe our top picks of the north west Tasmania attractions.

The Edge of the World

The Edge of the World, North west coast Tasmania, is around two and a half hours from Devonport.  Located at Arthur River, Gardiner Point is dubbed the Edge of the World as it’s the starting point of the longest uninterrupted stretch of ocean in the world.  Sail west across wild seas, and you’ll find nothing until you reach the opposite side of the globe and the distant shores of Argentina!

The scenery here is rugged and beautiful, in a weather-beaten way.  Mother nature puts on a full display with powerful waves endlessly battering the coastline, leaving piles of salt-bleached, white skeletons that were once trees.  Winds, known as the “Roaring Forties” sweep in from the Indian Ocean, fierce and unforgiving.  And, strangely, cutting through the middle of this chaos is the Arthur River, calmly winding its way down to meet the ocean.

Take a stroll along a wooden boardwalk, commencing at the car park, towards Gardiner Point, before coming to a split. Straight on, the boardwalk continues to a rocky outcrop where the ocean meets the Arthur River.  However, swing left and the boardwalk takes you down a short flight of stairs to reach a lookout.  

From the lookout, enjoy the panoramic views over the mouth of the Arthur River and all the way down the western coastline of Tasmania.  The lookout also highlights the history of the area with information boards, including some amazing facts and insights about the Tasmanian Aboriginal people who once inhabited the area.

Open 24 hours, there is no entrance fee.  Wrap up warm as weather can be rough and windy!

Arthur River Cruise

A true Tassie experience, an Arthur River cruise is an unforgettable wilderness adventure.  

Join an organised cruise along almost 14 kilometres of Arthur River where you’ll commence first at the river mouth, then travel upstream past the Arthur and Frankland river junction.  

Arthur River is regarded as one of the last truly wild rivers of Australia and the local Tarkine area recognised as a wilderness region.  This means you’ll enjoy views of rainforests that are home to myrtles, sassafras, celery-top pine, laurels, blackwoods and stunning giant tree ferns.  

The lush vegetation is often reflected in the calm waters, making an altogether beautiful scene.  And those riverbanks are alive, so keep a keen eye out for white-bellied sea-eagles – usually perched high in the trees – or azure-kingfishers that flash their bright plumage against the green backdrop.  You might even be lucky enough to spot a playful platypus!

Continue on until you reach Warra Landing, your idyllic lunch spot, where you’ll also enjoy a guided rainforest walk to Warra Waterfalls.  Enjoy a gourmet BBQ lunch, whilst appreciating the peaceful sound of the surrounding rainforest and imagining how beautiful Tasmania would be without humans!

On the return, settle back on your vessel – that offers a full fly bridge deck with 360 degree viewing – and keep cameras at the ready to capture some of nature’s best work.  

Taking approximately six hours for the roundtrip, this wonderful Tasmanian cruise is a must-do experience whilst holidaying in Tasmania.  Remember to take warm clothing and suitable footwear, and note the service is closed in the winter months of June, July and August.  Bookings are essential and more details can be found here .

The Tarkine

Covering the area between the Arthur River in the North and the Pieman River in the south, the ocean to the west and the Murchison Highway in the east, The Tarkine name does not appear in maps.  Named after one of the Aboriginal tribes who inhabited the western Tasmanian coastline (before European invasion and colonisation) the Tarkine contains extensive wilderness, and largely undisturbed tracts of extremely rare cool temperate rainforest.  

Altogether, the Tarkine contains around 1,800 km2 of rainforest, around 400 km2 of eucalypt forest and is home to an array of mammals, and over 100 species of land and freshwater birds.  Reptiles, frogs and freshwater fish can also be found, and the Tarkine altogether contains over 60 endangered species of flora and fauna.  

In a nutshell, the Tarkine is nature at her best work, home to astounding beauty.  Diverse landscapes such as rivers, sand dunes, mountains, globally unique minerals such as magnesite, and a dolomite cave system… plus the largest basalt (volcanic) plateau in Tasmania!

Early mining activity can still be seen here, with over 600 areas that were mined for gold and tin.  But in the 60’s a campaign commenced to protect the area, and since the early 21st century it has been well protected.  In addition, the area’s high number of Aboriginal sites has led it to be called “one of the world’s great archeological regions”.

Eco-tourists, looking to partake in sustainable tourism are welcomed here.  Visitors can self-drive, or take beach or forest journeys from the town of Arthur River – which includes a visit to the End of the World at Gardiner Point.  Waterways can be explored by canoe, kayak or riverboat cruises. 

Numerous walking trails from Arthur River span off into the rainforest, with another well known route further south being the Western Explorer touring route – winding its way to the tiny settlement of Corinna (offering accommodation) on the Pieman River.  Take a river cruise here to a wild West Coast beach that’s covered in huge logs tossed up by the angry Southern Ocean.

There are numerous camping facilities around Arthur River, and some less formal sites along the Tarkine coast.  Picnic and bbq areas can also be found scattered around the region.

Drive from north to south of the Tarkine or vice versa via the Western Explorer Highway.  An unsealed road, the Western Explorer takes visitors from Arthur River through to Corinna and then to cross the Pieman River using the Fatman Barge. Due to the road conditions, this 100 kilometre journey can take longer than 2.5 hours.

Alternatively, drive on sealed roads to Corinna using the Murchison Highway and turn off on the B23 through to Corinna.  Less remote and shorter travel time is the plus side for using sealed roads.

One of the world’s great wild places, the Tarkine contains remarkable natural and cultural values.  Drive, hike, cruise… and see platypus, echidna, wombat, bandicoot, giant freshwater lobster and even the famed Tasmanian devil.  An amazing natural treasure, you can often find you’re the only people for miles around!

The Nut, Stanley

If there’s one of the Tasmania north west coast attractions you won’t be able to miss when driving in this part of the coast, it is The Nut.

Visible from many kilometres around, The Nut is the remains of an ancient volcanic plug that rises 143 metres from Bass Strait over the historic town of Stanley.

It’s not just a pretty sight that you will want to see but one that deserves to be explored. You can hike or take a chairlift to the top for fabulous views over Stanley, the surrounding countryside and Bass Strait. 

Once on top, I highly recommend the circular hike around the top for the best views. Taking a leisurely 45 minutes with stops to read information boards and see the views along the way, this is definitely one of the top fun things to do in north west Tasmania.

You can read our full review of visiting The Nut here .

Boat Harbour Beach

Boat Harbour should come with a warning – it’s that beautiful!  A sprawling quiet bay with white sands and clear water, the wide beach is sure to be the main focus of your visit.  

Explore rock pools and swim in family-friendly waves, or simply enjoy the clean white sand.  And the icing on the cake… keep an eye out for dolphins and seals, with even whales are known to enter the bay!

A great beach community, that’s nestled between rocky headlands, you can enjoy a cold beer at the surf clubhouse.  And it’s just a stone’s throw from Rocky Cape National Park with rock pools, wildflowers and bushwalks to Aboriginal caves set in vast cliffs.

Voted one of Australia’s top 10 beaches, you know Boat Harbour Beach must be special!

Read more about Boat Harbour here.

A flat-topped promontory that juts into Bass Strait, Table Cape does strangely resemble the “table” it’s named after!  

An extinct volcano, the area is a protected nature reserve and is located near Wynyard on the North West of Tasmania.  Its northern and eastern faces rise steeply, around 170 metres, up from the Bass Strait, forming a dramatic coastline!

Table Cape’s top area is widely known for its annual flowering of tulips during spring – and even has an accompanying Tulip Festival .  Thanks to the fertile volcanic soil, the whole area is heavily used for agriculture and there are spectacular views of Tasmania’s coast and farmlands.  Search out the viewing platform where, on a clear day, you can see George Town’s Low Head and mountain ranges 175 kilometres away.

Follow the cliff-top walking track to the old Table Cape Lighthouse which dates back to 1888.  Standing 25 metres high, it was originally powered by oil but today – of course – is operated by electricity, sending out a beacon with a range of around 16 nautical miles (30 kilometres).  A short tour of the lighthouse is available.

If possible, schedule your visit for October when the Table Cape Tulip Farm is in full bloom – stunningly beautiful.

Read more about Table Cape here .

The Big Penguin

There are several ‘Big’ Tasmania north west attractions – the Big Cherry and the Big Platypus – but surely the best is the Big Penguin!

Located in a town called… wait for it… Penguin!  Proud of its unusual name, the town is covered in images of penguins – even on the litter bins. 

And the Big Penguin has been charming visitors since 1975.  Located in the town’s centre, opposite the Post Office, it was erected to commemorate the centenary of the naming of the town, and stands 3.15 metres tall.

Though perhaps the real stars of the show are the real fairy (little) penguins that can be seen arriving each evening between November and March!

Wings Wildlife Park

One of the most fun answers to what to do in north west Tasmania is to visit Wings Wildlife Park.

This wildlife park has over 150 different species in the park and the largest display of Tasmanian wildlife which is perfect for anyone who loves animals or wants the opportunity to get close to Tasmanian wildlife like Tasmanian devils, quolls and kangaroos.

This is a great park with an indoor area with fish, reptiles, guinea pigs and more and two different outdoor areas. One with Australian and international wildlife and one area more focused on farm animals. There’s the opportunity to feed kangaroos and fish which is highly recommended.

We very much enjoyed visiting this wildlife park and highly recommend it to others.

There’s also a café and accommodation and camping facilities on site.

You can read our full review of visiting Wings Wildlife Park here .

Leven Canyon

I had no idea there even was a canyon in Tasmania to visit until I started exploring this section of the state in depth. However, not only is there a great canyon to visit with Leven Canyon but there is a whole driving route you can take called “coast to canyon” which takes you there as well as Wings Wildlife Park, Preston Falls and more.

It’s easy to drive here on sealed, scenic roads and there are a variety of short walks north west Tasmania to explore and view Leven Canyon.

The easiest one is just a ten minute walk from the car park and our family (including our four year old) did it with ease. Called Cruickshanks Lookout, from here there is an overhanging platform to get great views into the canyon as pictured here.

This definitely deserves to be on your list of north west Tasmania things to do.

Preston Falls

There are quite a few waterfalls north west Tasmania offers so you should try to visit at least one! Preston Falls is a nice easy choice especially if you are also visiting Leven Canyon or Wings Wildlife Park.

Located between these two attractions, this one of the north west Tasmania waterfalls is only a couple of minutes walk from a sealed road and has a great viewing platform. It’s 25 metres tall.

Take a break from all the touring and have some fun at Tasmazia & the Village of Lower Crackpot.  A maze complex, there’s a lot that’s unusual here!  

Altogether you have eight maze options to get lost in, and then there’s a model village, model embassy area, lavender farm, cafe and more!  Designed to ensure maximum fun – with tons of silly jokes along the way – visitors have to complete the mazes and explore the villages.  

Commence your fun at the Great Maze, the largest you’ll face and probably the best.  You can easily spend an hour here – unsurprising as this was once the largest maze in the world!  And you’ll find within the Great Maze there are some of the smaller mazes that you also need to tackle, along with Cubby Town – small units full of surprisingly cool things to do.

You’ll also find some great jokes along the way:

This is Bob.  Bob has no arms. Knock-knock.  Who’s there?  It isn’t Bob…

And there are some weird things too, such as the Crackpot Correctional Facility – with strange imprisonment and death devices – an Irish Maze, Secret Passageway, and even a Pot of Gold at the end of the Rainbow to find!  

After the maze area you’ll discover the Village of Lower Crackpot.  Hilariously built on a ⅕ scale, you feel transported to Munchkinland!  Quirky, with lots of things to amuse, leave time to visit the Embassy Gardens too, with over 40 humorous embassies on display (with a few made up countries thrown in for fun!).

A lot of thought has gone into the design of Tasmazia and it’s definitely a unique stopover for the family – in fact, great fun for all age groups.

There’s a massive car park on site, a cafe with some yummy pancakes to enjoy and so much to explore, so ensure to pencil out a few hours to really do the place justice!

You can read our full review of visiting Tasmazia here .

Sheffield Murals

Another quite unusual side-trip can be enjoyed with a visit to the Sheffield Murals.  Around 40 years old, the murals were painted as a way to save the town from economic decline. Similar to an idea in Canada, the popularity of the murals led to great public recognition and a reversal of the town’s fortunes!

Today, this bustling little town has over 200 murals, and even hosts an annual Mural Fest at Easter.  Located all across town, the logical place to start exploring is Mural Park.  Here you’ll find some of the latest additions from Mural Fest, murals on a variety of topics including town life, the region’s heritage and some… well, you’ll have to make your own mind up!

Walk on down main street to discover more, and dive into side streets seeking out those that are hidden away.

Only a 30 minute drive south of Devonport (and great for combining with a stopover at Tasmazia), Sheffield is well worth discovering.

You can read our full review of visiting the Sheffield Murals here .

Mole Creek Caves

Located in the Mole Creek Karst National Park, Mole Creek Caves are roughly an hour’s drive south of Devonport.  Visitors have two choices of caves to visit, both with guided tours – Marakoopa Cave or King Solomon’s Cave.

King Solomon’s Cave is smaller, more compact and known for its lavish colours and an abundance of formations.  Whereas Marakoopa Cave is noted for being the home of the largest public glow worm encounter in Australia!

A limestone cave, Marakoopa was first discovered in 1906.  Opened to the public in 1912 – initially with tours by handheld lanterns – today the cave is part of the World Heritage area.  

Two underground streams run within the cave. There’s dramatic stalagmites and some vast open passages. The Tasmanian cave spider calls it home, along with all the glow worms!

Tours depart with a maximum of ten guests. Thus, it’s recommended to call ahead and book in your slot.  On the tour you can hope to see crystals, reflection pools, stalactites and stalagmites.  And you can choose from a couple of tours depending on your fitness level/age.

Don’t forget to take a jacket as temperatures run around 9 degrees inside the cave system year round.

You can read our full review of visiting Marakoopa Cave here .

House of Anvers

Just outside of Devonport, in the village of Latrobe, you’ll find a sweet delight!  

House of Anvers, home of a small chocolate factory, makes for a great breakfast or lunch option. “Factory” might be stretching it a little, but it’s still great to see the staff making Anvers chocolates through the big window. And, more importantly, there are lots to taste!  

A great spot, especially for families as there’s lots of green space to run around on and a pretend chocolate truck to play on too.  The cafe is fabulous – especially their Belgium waffles and, of course, their chocolate platters.  

Go on… be naughty!

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

If you are looking for more delicious Tasmania north west attractions, look no further!

Our family is all crazy about raspberries so we can’t get enough of the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.

Located next to the main highway between Devonport and Launceston, this farm is easy to visit with an absolutely delicious café. Here you can have regular food, like hamburgers or eggs and bacon, or (recommended) raspberry dishes like raspberry pancakes, waffles or crepes.

We always stick to the raspberry dishes and they are always oh-so-good.

There is also a big outdoor area with a small lake to relax and play including sporting gear and a cubby and play area for younger kids.

You can read our full review here .

Don River Railway

A volunteer-run vintage railway and museum, Don River Railway runs a return passenger train service from Don (a suburb of Devonport) to Coles Beach, along the historic Melrose Line.  

Usually run as a daily service, except Mondays and Tuesdays, customers ride in a 1940s ex-Tasmanian Government Railways rail car and trailer on Wednesdays through to Saturdays.  However, on Sundays a heritage carriage set is hauled by either a steam locomotive or a vintage diesel locomotive.

Tasmania passenger trains ceased running a while back, except for along this route, making it quite the novel ride.  After departing from Don Village the train winds its way along the Eastern banks of the pretty Don River. It passes alongside Restoration Siding where numerous locomotives and rolling stock are in the process of being restored.  The 30-minute return ride passes through a nature reserve and you’ll pass by many places of historical interest.  

A collection of steam and diesel locomotives is open for viewing at the Don Village Station, and there’s a small souvenir and model shop.  Excellent for train enthusiasts!

Learn more and buy tickets here .

Cradle Mountain

One of the must-visit places in North West Tasmania, Cradle Mountain National Park is famed for its Overland Track and iconic Cradle Mountain.  However, the Dove Lake area is perhaps the most scenic of all regions within the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the 1.4 million hectare Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Magnificent alpine landscape stretches as far as the eye can see, with peaks, glacial lakes and deep gorges covered in ancient forests. Home to the elusive Tasmanian devil, quolls, platypus, echidna and many bird species, the region is a rich habitat for wildlife.

Tasmania’s most visited park, it’s easy to see why.  Filled with the best of north west Tasmania walks, they criss-cross the varied landscape.  The region is particularly well set up for hikers, whether you’re just looking for an easy stroll (perhaps with children in tow) or looking to complete the awesome Overland Track – a 65 kilometre hike from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair.

A detailed handy brochure can be picked up upon arrival to the area which lists all the main hikes and the best bush walks north west Tasmania has to offer.

The Park is protected from over-tourism, with the numbers of cars allowed entry each day kept at quite a low number.  If you arrive too late, park the car and join a shuttle bus to tour around.  These run from the visitor centre, a couple of kilometres outside of the park, to Dove Lake and make a few stops along the route. Departing every 20 minutes or so, it’s well organised and makes reaching Dove Lake a simple process, and wow, is it worth the effort!   Shown in most adverts for the Park, Dove Lake is simply stunning.  

Ensure to also check out The Interpretation Centre, with interesting displays about the Park and its history, plus a theatre that runs an informational video highlighting the different walks.  There’s a small waterfall just a minute’s walk away from the centre.

If you only have a short time, check out the Enchanted Walk.  Only 20 minutes long, there are a few areas along the way to walk inside and view murals.  An ideal walk for families with young children, there’s a myriad of other walks for those looking for a more invigorating or challenging options.  

Do take into consideration the climate with even Summer visits being chilly! I’ve been there in summer when it’s snowing. Temperatures can sometimes drop down to -20 degrees in winter, and weather can be unpredictable throughout the year.  Just be sensible, ensure you’re ready for anything and follow the forecasts that are posted throughout the Park.

Find our guide to visiting Cradle Mountain here.

There are many roadside lookouts as you drive around north west Tasmania. Keep a look out (:D) and stop when you can. Pictured above is George Woodhouse lookout near Wings Wildlife Park.

The Nut, Stanley: The Chairlift And What To Expect

Top 6 Best Cradle Mountain Tours

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Review Tasmania

Tasmazia & The Village Of Lower Crackpot: Review

Table Cape, Tasmania: Full Guide

Sheffield Murals: Everything You Need To Know

Marakoopa Cave: Everything You Need To Know

Wings Wildlife Park: Review And Full Guide

North west tasmania itinerary.

There are many worthwhile places to visit in north west Tasmania so it is hard to come up with one itinerary! Here is our top option for a 3 day adventure. It assumes starting in Devonport and you’ll finish in the Tarkine. It’s for people who want to make the most of every moment.

• Head straight to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for an excellent breakfast
• Drive on to Mole Creek Caves and take a tour of Marakoopa Cave
• Continue on to Cradle Mountain and walk around Dove Lake
• Overnight at Cradle Mountain Lodge

• Start the day with some fun at Tasmazia
• Meet Tasmanian wildlife at Wings Wildlife Park
• Drive on to Stanley and take the chairlift up The Nut. Walk around the top
• Overnight at Horizon Deluxe Apartments

• Drive to Arthur River and take the cruise
• Stop by Edge of the World
• Drive on to your next stop

You can also find more suggestions for north west Tasmania itineraries in our 14 day itinerary here .

Accommodation North West Tasmania

There are some great north west Tasmania accommodation options from luxury accommodation north west Tasmania to pet friendly accommodation Tasmania north west to north west Tasmania caravan parks.

Big4 Ulverstone Holiday Park – Caravan Parks North West Tasmania

With campsites starting from around $25 per night and with different accommodation options priced up from there, BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park offers a terrific choice of accommodation north west coast Tasmania.

With both cabins and a camping site, all located directly across from a beach – and with parklands alongside – there is ample room for kids and adults to enjoy.  Big4 has powered sites, unpowered sites, quality family accommodation in the shape of two-bedroom Family Cottages which sleep 6 or 4, and a smaller Double Cabin with two double beds that also sleeps 4. 

Plus, for anyone travelling on a budget, the holiday park has some of the best cheap accommodation north west Tasmania, in the form of their Ensuite Cabins – with a shared living/kitchen area and private bedroom with double bed and bunk beds in an adjoining area.

Facilities across Big4 include free WiFi, barbeque area, a camp kitchen and games room.  There’s a communal kitchen, lounge, fridge and shower area.  A 24-hour reception is available, a playground, outdoor dining area and a laundry room.

Centrally located, Ulverstone is ideal for exploring Sheffield, Stanley and many attractions along the north west coast.  The site is also within easy walking distance of the town centre and numerous other parks and scenic sites making this a top choice of holiday accommodation north west coast Tasmania.

Click here for the latest prices and find all the best Ulverstone accommodation here .

Horizon Deluxe Apartments, Stanley – Spa Accommodation North West Tasmania

In our opinion, Horizon Deluxe Apartments offer the best place to stay in Stanley – a small but picturesque town with a huge ancient volcanic plug and a pretty harbour.  Their modern apartments provide some of the best luxury accommodation Tasmania north west coast has to offer.  

Spacious and individually designed, apartments range from studio to one or two-bedrooms, all coming with fully equipped kitchens with tea and coffee making facilities.  Breakfast packs are also provided.

Apartments also come with TV, WiFi, heating and air-conditioning, laundry facilities, balconies and – a nice touch – personal bars with snacks and ice-cream!  

Stunning panoramic coastal views can be enjoyed from the decadent luxury of your free-standing oval spa bath, and relax after in the plush robes on your deck.  Truly a great spa accommodation north west coast Tasmania!

Treat yourself with a stay here…

Click here for the latest prices.

Seascape Beach House, Boat Harbour – Airbnb North West Tasmania

Fairly new, Seascape Beach House is just a 2 minutes walk from beautiful Boat Harbour Beach.  

A bed-and-breakfast, your accommodation comes with breathtaking panoramic views of Boat Harbour’s aqua waters and stunning beach.  With two accommodation options – one studio apartment and one big one-bedroom apartment (pictured above), you can’t go wrong.

With one queen bed, a stay here is ideal for couples or solo travellers. In the studio apartment, the large bedroom is self-contained with a fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle. The one bedroom apartment also has a huge kitchen/dining/lounge area and a big deck. Heating, WiFi and free parking are included.  

Your hosts will provide a simple breakfast – cereal, toast – and tea or coffee.

For anyone looking for a quintessential house-on-the-beach Aussie-style north west accommodation Tasmania, you’ll fall head-over-heels with Seascape Beach House.

Read more about some the best options below.

Top 9 Best Cradle Mountain Accommodation Tasmania🏨⛰️

Top 5 Best Sheffield Tasmania Accommodation

Best Wynyard Accommodation Tasmania

Best Stanley Accommodation Tasmania

Best Deloraine Tasmania Accommodation

Mountain View Country Inn Deloraine Review

Best Ulverstone Accommodation Tasmania

Camping north west tasmania.

The North West coast of Tasmania is ripe for camping and exploring by motorhome, caravan or tent.  You’ll find many camping grounds – especially informal free camping north west Tasmania sites.

Pitching a tent is welcome across most forest and park regions with the obvious rules of being extra careful to remove litter or place it in the provided bins.  Protecting the region’s unique wildlife and flora is paramount.

Tasmania is similar to the UK with four distinctive seasons and a general temperature that is much cooler than mainland Australia.  If you are considering camping north west coast Tasmania in winter or in the cooler weeks of Autumn or Spring, ensure to choose a sleeping bag rated to suit such conditions. 

Always, regardless of season, carry extra clothing and choose a strong tent, again suitable for maritime climates that can stand high winds.  Waterproof boots, pants and a jacket are also essential items to carry.  Pack sufficient food and water – with a few extra as back-up – and a lighter or matches for the campfire.  Note, though, that in many areas open fires are strictly forbidden thus you will need to carry a small fuel stove.

Here we list some of the more known camping spots north west Tasmania, but do keep an eye out for free camping north west coast Tasmania sites along your travels.

Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area

A massive conservation area of 100,000 hectares, the Arthur-Pieman region covers everything between the Arthur River and Corinna.  A myriad of activities can be arranged here, such as fishing, boating, kayaking, surfing and cruises.

There are various camping grounds, including:

Manuka Campground – Signposted access along Arthur River Road, 200m before the Rangers Station.  You’ll need to bring your own firewood and must boil water first, but can enjoy flushing toilets!

Peppermint Campground – Found right in the township of Arthur River, next to the Rangers Station.  Best suited for tent-based campers, you’ll again need to boil your water first and bring firewood.  Flushing toilets and cold showers are available.

Prickly Wattles Campground – Again access is along the Arthur River Road, 2 kilometres south of the Rangers Station.  As above, boil water, enjoy flushing toilets and bring your own firewood.

Nelson Bay Campground – Approximately 10.5 kilometres along the Arthur River Road, south of the Rangers Station.  Best suited for tent-based campers. Bring your own firewood and drinking water.  Carry own firepot and portable toilet.

Sandy Cape Camping Area – Further south of Arthur River, approximately 50 kilometres, access is by 4WD only.  Contact the Rangers Station for more details, to check track conditions and to arrange an off-road permit.  Definitely one of the top adventure-camping grounds north west Tasmania has to offer!

Montagu Park Recreation Reserve

This camping area is open all year round and is a wonderful coastal location, popular for swimming, boating and canoeing.  Approximately 4 kilometres north of Montagu township, the site is suitable for motorhomes, campervans and tents. Bring your own drinking water and firewood.

Marrawah Green Point Beach Camping Area

Located 51 kilometres west of Smithton, visitors feel the full force of the coastline’s “Roaring Forties” winds and rugged headlands await your exploration.  The campsite has cold outdoor showers, and visitors must bring their own drinking water and firewood.

Peggs Beach Conservation Area

Extremely popular with family groups, many of whom have been visiting the reserve for generations, facilities are rather basic. However, due to being near to the Bass Highway it makes four-wheel-drive boat-launching easy, thus attractive to local visitors. The area has two designated camping areas:

Peggs Beach Campground   – Sites are nestled amongst coastal vegetation. Flushing toilets, no drinking water.  Shower cubicle available for campers to hang solar showers.

Black River Campground, Peggs Beach – Secluded site amongst trees, next to the Black River estuary.  Ideal for big rigs, campervans and tents, visitors must bring their own firewood.  Summer spots are very limited with locals enjoying staying here.  

Cowrie Park Wilderness Village 

Experience Tasmania’s wilderness at its best… Only 10 minutes from Sheffield, accommodation is offered for all budgets, including camping and backpackers’ bunkhouses for groups.  A truly stunning area for bushwalking adventures with paths that lead to Mt Roland, Mt Claude and Mt Van Dyke.

Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park 

Set by the shore in garden surroundings, close to the fishing village of Stanley, this tourist park is clean and modern with many convenient facilities – children’s playground, free electric barbecues, free showers (for guests) and a laundry area.  Only a few steps from the wharves to catch a fish or buy fresh seafood, or a great location from which to climb the Nut for panoramic coastal views. It’s also only a short drive to the Tarkine Wilderness and the Arthur River Cruises.

Click here for more details.

Cradle Mountain 

This famed region attracts bushwalkers of all levels, along with wildlife fanatics.  Some of the best views can be had by setting up a tent on the mountain’s peaks.  If you’re walking the famous Overland Track, campsites and huts can be found throughout the track.  And there are some real gems along the route!   

But, quite honestly, you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to pitch a tent whilst travelling throughout the entire Cradle Mountain region.  There are a dozen hike-in camping areas and two car-accessible campgrounds.  Most notable include:

Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain

Featuring dozens of tent and campervan sites, with amenity blocks and camp kitchens.  Highly recommended for families.

Scott-Kilvert Hut

Has lakeside platforms for 10 tents and is ideally placed for day hikes around and up Cradle Mountain.  We recommend this for overnight hikers.

Tasmania North West With Kids

The north west part of Tasmania is fantastic to explore with kids. There are many fun things to do which are perfect for families like Tasmazia, Wings Wildlife Park and taking the chairlift up The Nut.

We have taken our own three kids to all the places mentioned above and had a good time.

There’s also plenty of family friendly accommodation options from caravan parks to holiday homes which make an adventure here easy. Add in the generally short journey times and north west Tasmania is a total win for families.

Getting Around North West Tasmania

A car is required to explore the North West. The roads are generally in good condition and the main ones are sealed. Just be aware that if Google maps sends you off random side roads, there’s a good chance they will be unsealed. Sticking to the main roads will get you moving on roads in better condition.

For car hire, I recommend you book through  Bargain Car Rentals . This Tasmanian car rental company has some great deals and availability. Even better is if you use the code:  TASEXPLORE  you save 5%

Simply click here.

Then when you enter the dates and location, enter:  TASEXPLORE  for the “Discount Code”.

They are located in both Hobart and Launceston.

You can also find other  car hire options here .

There are some great views while driving around this region so add some extra time to soak it all in!

We hope you love exploring Tasmania’s north west as much as we did. Find more places to discover and explore in Tasmania here. You can also buy our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

The Ultimate Holiday Guide to Tasmania's North West

• Getting there
• Destinations

Rugged and wild, the northwest of Tasmania has a hauntingly lovely quality, which never fails to enchant visitors and inhabitants alike.

While it’s the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain that draw many here, it’s not long before they discover the region’s other delights. Remote rainforest wilderness, coastal towns with colonial pasts, and farms with air tinged with sea breezes are all begging to be explored.

Choose your own adventure with one of the epic Cradle Mountain hikes, and take in the glacial stillness of Dove Lake. Switch hazy fields of lavender for bright splashes of tulips up at Table Cape. Ascend an ancient volcanic plug for an expansive view like no other, and hear your heartbeat in the calm of the Tarkine Forest Reserve.

Got time to expand the trip? Then tee up on one of the world’s best golf courses across the Bass Strait on King Island, and dive into its dramatic history of shipwrecks and rescues.

Best places to visit in North West Tasmania

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If you’re arriving by ferry, your first stop will be the port town of Devonport, the gateway to North West Tasmania. Up the Cradle Coast, the town of Burnie was once an industrial port city, but today hosts a thriving artistic community. At Stanley , ‘the Nut’ volcanic plug dominates the landscape, with a colonial town nestled on its slopes.

Inland, is where you’ll find one of Australia’s most iconic sites – Cradle Mountain .

King Island lies 120 kilometres offshore in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania. Its famous wares include cheese, beef and seafood, as well as its beaches and incredible golf courses.

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Nature & wildlife

See Cradle Mountain from every angle in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Ramble on the Dove Lake Circuit, hike the summit walk or even embark on the 65-kilometre Overland Track . Don’t forget to stop on the way out at the spectacular Bridal Veil, No Name and Champagne waterfalls.

Out west is the remote historical gold mining town of Corinna , right at the edge of the Tarkine wilderness area, near Australia’s largest area of temperate rainforest at the Tarkine Forest Reserve.

On the west coast, take a day out on an eco-cruise with Arthur River Cruises over spring, summer or autumn. Once on board, keep your eyes peeled for platypus, white-bellied sea eagles and native quoll over the six-hour trip.

For some of Australia’s best breaks, fly to King Island. On dry land, the cliffs of Seal Rocks State Reserve and the 7,000-year-old Calcified Forest there make for captivating walks.

Live your bushranger fantasies on a horse riding tour with Cradle Country Adventures . Running in summer only, the tour is run by guides who will lead you and your four-legged friend through button grass plains, myrtle and alpine eucalyptus forest, overlooking jaw-dropping views of the mountain.

Arts & history

The well-preserved colonial buildings at Stanley date back to when the Van Diemen’s Land Company was based in the shadow of the ‘Nut’. Equally enthralling are abandoned miner’s towns like Balfour, which make for an eerie trip back in time.

The once industrial town of Burnie has recreated itself as a creative centre, and the quirky rural town of Sheffield has been splashing murals onto its walls since the eighties (it now has over 200).

Food & wine

Northern Tasmania is home to a long list of great food and drink producers. The Van Diemen’s Land Creamery was established by a dairy farming family and has over 50 flavours to pick from. For a natural sugar high, pick your own offerings at Turners Beach Berry Patch .

Ashgrove Cheese near Deloraine has a pasture to plate breakfast and lunch menu, with dishes like truffle fondue, and fresh-as local cheeses to purchase. After a cheeky tipple? The Ghost Rock Cellar Door & Eatery is a family-friendly winery, while Spreyton Cider Co has gorgeous orchards to see.

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Accommodation in North West Tasmania

Camping & caravan parks.

While there is no free camping in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village offers cabins while Cradle Mountain Discovery Park has spots for tents or caravans. Alternatively, there are free sites nearby, like those at Lake Gairdner .

You can book one of the eight Waldheim Cabins while doing the hikes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. While you need to bring your bedding (or book it ahead), basic amenities like an electric stove are welcome treats after a cold day walking.

If you’re going to the Arthur River area for a spot of salmon or trout fishing, the Manuka, Prickly Wattle and Peppermint campgrounds in the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area are low-cost places for a tent or caravan.

On the coast, you can caravan-hop between parks like the Ulverstone BIG4 , the Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park , the Devonport Discovery Parks , and Mersey Bluff Caravan Park at Patrol Beach.

Boutique hotels & luxury accommodation

For a touch of pampering after tramping around the slopes, the four-star Peppers Cradle Mountain has cosy alpine cabins, roaring log fires and an onsite spa. Alternatively, Pumphouse Point is an adults-only wilderness retreat, located tantalisingly in the centre of the lake.

The rustic eco-retreat Corinna Wilderness Experience is a unique way to experience the lush rainforest of Tarkine, with cottages that include a refurbished old pub, as well as camping spots.

On King Island, the exclusive Kittawa Lodge has secluded boutique lodge accommodation that is luxurious from its coastal views to panoramic (read: enormous) bathtubs.

Restaurants & pubs in North West Tasmania

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Set in what was once an 1890s Wesleyan Methodist Church, The Chapel at Burnie is an eclectic and scrumptious local establishment to visit. Over at Miandetta outside Devonport, Brown Bear Eatery dishes up hearty brunch items like chicken wings, french toast and breakfast burgers.

Idyllic and great for kids, the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe doesn’t just serve up the goods when it comes to dessert (raspberry sundaes and much more, since you asked). You can also relax by its indoor fire, stroll by its lake or set the little ones loose at its playground.

For seafood so fresh you’ll think it’s about to leap off the platter, go to Pedro’s Seafood Bar & Grill at Ulverstone. Take a seat at its wharf-restaurant on the Leven River and proceed to demolish plates of crayfish, scallops and seafood chowder. Alternatively, the cafe at Tarkine Fresh Oysters takes an inventive approach to its signature fare, with molluscs arriving topped with frozen granita, crème fraîche and smoked salmon, raspberry vinegar and more besides.

If you’re craving a pub meal, The Bridge Hotel Forth on the banks of a river has had almost 150 years to get its menu right. Dig into baked camembert at this charming establishment, and stay on for some sets at this fun music venue.

Overlooking King Island’s Grassy Harbour, Wild Harvest Restaurant sources its food locally and was voted one of Australia’s best fine-dining experiences in Tripadvisor’s 2021 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Getting to North West Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Hobart or Launceston . From Launceston, it is an hour drive to Devonport, and from Hobart, it takes just over three.

Those coming from Melbourne can fly directly to Wynyard (Burnie), King Island or Devonport, or even take the famous Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong. The latter has the advantage of being able to take your car – meaning you’re road trip ready as soon as you arrive.

Summertime is the peak season, with warm, dry days. Alternatively, spring and autumn are less crowded, without the heavier winter rain or snowfalls.

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• Things To Do

17 things to do in north west Tasmania

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To me, Tasmania’s North West region is the most diverse and captivating of all the places to visit in Tasmania. There’s the largest cool temperate rainforest in the southern hemisphere, button grass plains and rugged coastal shores. North West Tasmania is an area steeped in history, with great food and gardens, lookouts, and walking trails and for those that enjoy a little adventure, there’s kayaking, fishing, 4WD tracks, helicopter flights and beaches bragging some of the wildest surf in Australia.

North West Tasmania is home to  “The Tarkine”, once only accessible to the more adventurous traveller. The Tarkine Drive is a scenic driving route past lighthouses on rocky cliffs, wonderful food, wildlife experiences, friendly towns and enthusiastic people who are passionate about their region

1- See Rock Art and Petroglyphs

2- find the edge of the world, 3- arthur beach 4wd, 4- explore stanley, 5- enjoy allendale gardens, 6- visit tasmania’s first wind farm, 7- admire the view at sumac lookout , 8- cruise the arthur river, 9- hunt for ghosts at balfour ghost town, 10- eat steak and drink wine at tall timbers, 11- ride the slide at dismal swamp, 12- dine at pier01 in ulverstone, 13- meet tasmanian wildlife at wings wildlife park, where is trowutta arch, 15- rapid river picnic area, where is dempster plains lookout, where is nettley beach lookout, north west tasmania.

• Small-Group Stanley and The Nut – Day Trip from Devonport, Ulverstone or Burnie
• Leven Canyon Day Trip – Including Wings Wildlife Park or Gunns Plains Caves
• Tarkine Wilderness Highlights Hiking Tour – 5 Days of exploring Tasmania’s incredible nature.

The Tarkine Drive

Today fully sealed roads on the Tarkine Drive lead to locations within the 455,000-ha expanse of wilderness, replacing the dirt logging tracks and making the area an easy reach for all travellers. Here’s our list of 10 things to do in North West Tasmania.

Tasmania has a rich indigenous history dating back over 40,000 years and Tasmania’s North West boasts some of the earliest rock art examples in the state.

While erosion by the sea and wind over thousands of years is slowly wearing the artworks they’re still clearly visible.

There are also giant shell middens over 100m long, hut sites and rock hides apparently used by the Aboriginal people to surprise seals.

The sites, culturally significant, are best visited with a guide (the name Tarkine comes from the Aboriginal community, who call it tar-keen-nee).

Seeing this amazing rock art is certainly one of the fabulous things to do in North West Tasmania.

Recommended tour: Tarkine Wilderness Highlights Hiking Tour

Another one of those iconic things to do in North West Tasmania is to pay a visit to Gardinier Point.

Gardiner Point is where you officially stand at The Edge of the World and view the longest uninterrupted span of the ocean on Earth.

The nearest land is Argentina , a mere 20,000km and a long, long way away.

It’s where the Arthur River meets the sea, spewing rainforest timbers onto the beach. It’s also where you are encouraged to toss a pebble into the ocean and make a wish.

A boardwalk leads to the plaque and a viewing platform with information signage. There are picnic tables, toilets and parking available.

This is a great picnic location with stunning views and that chance for your wish to come true. It’s truly a memorable place, no matter the weather.

For those that like a little off-roading adventure , the 13km Arthur Beach Track is a must. Time your trip as the swell comes all the way up the beach making it impassable at high tide.

There are small areas of quicksand to be aware of along with rainforest timbers to be dodged and the occasional whale carcass to be avoided.

This is a beautiful desolated beach facing true west and close to The Edge of the World, where the Arthur River flows into the ocean.

It makes for a perfect location for a break in your exploring. Tall Timbers offer a 4WD tour that includes this beach drive.

Stanley is the most northern point you can stay and explore in Tasmania’s North West.

It’s one of those coastal fishing villages you are sure to fall in love with.

Visit the Nut, an unusual landform made from lava millions of years ago.

The chairlift is fabulous to appreciate the views of the area and across the strait.

There’s also the Highfield Historical Site, Heritage Walk, Joe Lyons Cottage and the Cow ‘n’ Calf Art Gallery to visit and Stanley Seal Cruises to meet the protected seals of northern Tasmania.

A day or two in this friendly coastal port can be quickly filled.

Stanley is the main fishing port for several of the North West’s cray fishing boats and their crews. You are assured some of the freshest in the state.

Pan-seared Stanley Scallops and variations of this local recipe are served at many of  Tasmania’s restaurants.

With the sea to the north and Tasmania’s rich farming soil surrounding the town to the south, you are guaranteed great gourmet delights.

This region is inspiring chefs and food lovers across the globe and it’s easy to see why.

The fertile volcanic soil raises prime beef and dairy cattle, vegetables, and vibrantly coloured flowers such as tulips and poppies.

Recommended tour: Small-Group Stanley and The Nut

This extraordinary garden is open to the public.

Covering 2.5 hectares (6 acres) of landscaped gardens and 26 hectares (16 acres) of rainforest it is located only 10km south of Smithton.

No matter what time of the year or season you visit you will encounter something blooming.

Colours continually change, flowers bud, leaves turn and Mother Nature continues her ways.

Pathways lead from short 10-minute walks to around half an hour.

Along the forest walk, you’ll see a rare and endangered fern known as Hypolepus distans while the newish rose garden featuring roses from the 16 th and 17 th centuries commemorates the garden’s 25th anniversary.

The far North West of Tasmania is home to Tasmania’s first wind farm.

Some 72 turbines standing 60m high provide power for 500 homes in Tasmania, Australia’s totally green-powered state.

The information centre is situated with the rugged coast on one side and to the other, there are the continually whirring turbines set on rolling emerald hills.

It’s worth visiting the information centre for detailed explanations about the engineering and history of the region’s wind farms.

From the viewing platform, you see out to the ocean and to Cape Grim and the Basleine Air Pollution Station, where the cleanest air on the planet is recorded.

Woolnorth Tours runs tours of the wind farm, which can be combined with a visit to Cape Grim and dinner at the Woolnorth historic Directors Residence.

Acquire an eagle-eye view of the Arthur River and without leaving the ground.

Considered one of Tasmania’s true wild rivers , the vista from Sumac Lookout gives one an appreciation of the thick forest that fringes the Arthur River and many of its tributaries.

The differing colours of the forest are due to the eucalypt versus rainforest timbers. Look closely and in the river and you may see splashes from trout or platypus.

Signboards give information on the habitat. The Gunns tree orchid can be seen clinging to trees close to the track to the lookout.

Their dainty white flowers sprayed with purple strips hang from the main host plant and flowers are generally seen from late spring to early summer.

Narawntapu National Park is another location to spot these beautiful Tasmanian floral specimens.

The lookout has no facilities except for a parking bay and the signboards.

Take a cruise on the M.V. George Robinson  and you’ll leisurely discover more of the secrets of the Tarkine’s major river.

Kingfishers, parrots, robins and various water-birds are some of the many species of birds you may see.

White-breasted sea eagles are known to swoop close to the boat. There’s also wallabies, pademelons and if you’re lucky and have a quick eye, a spotted quoll may be seen.

The Arthur River, one of Tasmania’s seven main rivers, is quoted as Tasmania’s only completely wild river. The river has never been logged or dammed.

Records state a hot fire has not been recorded for 650 years, which means the region is almost untouched.

While the river stretches 175km, the cruise takes you approximately 14km up the river.

The waters change becoming increasingly tannin-stained by rotting rainforest timbers as does the forest landscape along the banks.

Balfour, once an opulent mining town, is a ghost town deep in the Tarkine.

This was where fortunes were won and lost. The site was a hive of activity when copper was discovered from 1901.

The region was recorded as being one of the best for tin, however, the demand for the commodity fell sharply and a rapid decline came in 1912.

There are no miners’ huts or miners to be seen.

Today a glimpse at the once vibrant and affluent population that once lived here is through the isolated graves, lonely tracks and some signage that gives a hint into this area’s past and those that lived here.

Just off the main highway in Smithton, Tall Timbers has an outstanding bistro that specialises in locally acquired foods and Tasmanian wines .

It’s the perfect way to finish off your day exploring.

Open to the public and house guests, the menu specialises in Tasmanian products, with Cape Grim Beef, scallops and handmade luscious deserts making a few of the many dishes on offer.

Tall Timbers provides a variety of accommodation and tours. Room service is available and it’s a great place to base yourself when visiting North West Tasmania.

Book your room at Tall Timbers here

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There are two ways to start your adventure into the heart of Dismal Swamp southwest of Smithton.

Either by the 110m slide or a leisurely walk.

Once at the bottom, a timber walkway leads past huge rainforest trees, burrowing crayfish through replica dinosaur skeletons and past timid wallabies.

Not quite so dismal at all, the swamp is a gigantic sinkhole, possibly the largest of its kind in the world.

Surrounded by the only Blackwood forest known in the world, it’s interspersed with sculptures and signs on interesting facts and a fascinating introduction to the region.

The slide operates during business hours.

A top tip for our adrenalin addicts: the warmer it is the faster your run will be.

So how did the name come about? Word has it, it’s from the experiences recorded by the early surveyors and the times they endured in the early 1800s.

Blackwood, a timber prized by furniture makers, artists and designers, was once harvested from the region. Look closely and you’ll see the fine seeds littering the walkways.

Along the pathways are eight sculptures by Tasmanian artists inspired by the region.

Visiting Simon Archer’s,  The Living Room  is a must.

Wooden ribs rise from the walkway giving the feeling you are walking through the skeleton of a prehistoric creature.

Today an architecturally designed Visitor Centre gives you background information on the timbers of Tasmania. See the magnificent curved Blackwood wall.

One town to visit on the Tarkine Drive is Ulverstone, which is a picturesque spot where rolling hills are dotted with cattle.

Stop in at Pier 01, which is an award-winning restaurant and cafe in a lovely spot overlooking the waterfront.

Try the Wagyu Whisky Beef Burger, a lip-smacking dish of local Wagyu beef served with lettuce, cheddar cheese and triple smoked shaved bacon, slow-roasted tomato and Pier01’s herb and chilli scented coleslaw in a sourdough bun.

It comes with hand-cut wedges, tomato relish from Hellyers Road Whisky (if you have time this distillery is worth a visit too) and roasted garlic aioli. Simply divine!

Lemon curd, poached apples, kiwi fruit, oat and coconut crumb, honey and ginger gelato, dugar clouds, mint oil are combined to make a special spiced chai pudding.

The design of the restaurant encourages diners to be social.

The timber bar is made from beams recycled from the original 100-year-old plus pier shed. Ulverstone was one of the main produce shipment ports since it was first settled.

See Tasmanian devils, kangaroos and koalas alone with 150 wildlife species at Wings Wildlife Park. It’s a scenic drive to the park past farms and forests.

Recommended tour: Leven Canyon Day Trip – Including Wings Wildlife Park or Gunns Plains Caves

4 Secret Spots in North West Tasmania

What do you think so far? Does North West Tasmania look like the place for you?

Try these four secret spots shared with us by local guide Rob Saltmarsh, who has been working in the Tarkine since it was first named in 1995 and has been in tourism for 15 years.

As a fifth-generation Tasmanian, his passion for the area is deep.

He recites names of flora and fauna by their scientific names and history, delving into oral and written accounts, both indigenous and since white settlement.

Rob also undertakes other environmental contracts, including rehabilitating mine sites and water testing of the creeks and rivers through the North West region for pollution.

Rob conducts many of the tours operated by Tall Timbers Smithton and can customise your tour to your requirements.

Here are his top-secret picks:

14- Trowutta Arch

The Trowutta Arch Rain Forest Walk leads to a stunning natural geological structure: the Trowutta Arch.

Formed by two collapsing cave systems, the arch to one side is filled with water and the other with gigantic Man Ferns.

“Many locals haven’t even been here. With the Tarkine now being a sealed drive,   I guess it will become more popular, but maybe not.

There’s a couple of kilometres of gravel road so that may turn a few off and there is so much to explore many only leave a day to do the drive.

I reckon it deserves two days at least, especially if you like nature,” says Rob.

Allow 15 minutes to stroll the easy well-defined track to the arch unless you’re like Rob and enjoy inspecting the plant life and photography.

“This is a beautiful old cool temperate forest where I often see the White Goshawk, (a white version of the brown). Many think it’s a sulphur-crested cockatoo when they first see one.”

The Pink Robin is another favourite of Rob’s. These are smaller than the robins the ones on mainland Australia.

They are really active when nesting (September to January), one of the best times to see them, as they collect moss, spider webs, feathers, fur and things to build their nests.

They prefer this dense, dark type of forest so they are hard to spot, especially the female, as she doesn’t have a bright pink chest.

The Spotted-tail Quoll, Dasyurus maculatus (Rob is a whizz at scientific names) along with the Tasmanian devil, both nocturnal, are seen more from sunset and into the evening.

To visit the arch, travel south from Smithton. The road divides shortly after the beautiful Allendale Gardens. Take the left turn towards the tiny settlement of Trowutta.

The right turn takes you to the Tarkine Coast. Shortly after Trowutta, turn right onto Reynolds Road. Continue past tree plantations and farms carpeted in green, where dairy and beef cattle happily graze. Within 2.94km the road takes a sharp turn left into Gun Road.

Continue for another 1.2km where a sign marks the edge of the Trowutta Caves State Reserve. From here the start of the walk is only a hundred metres. Reynolds and Gunn roads are unsealed.

Few know of this little treasure as there is no signage giving a hint to its location.

It’s one of Rob’s favourite places to take visitors on his tours who wish to see the ancient remnant rainforest of the Tarkine .

Here you only take a few steps from your car and you are immediately surrounded by plants and animals dating back millennia.

The picnic area is located just on the right as you drive south over Rapid River bridge.

Once an old logging track, today a sealed road leads to this hidden spot within the South Arthur Reserve.

The moist forest protects giant Man Ferns, Dicksonia antarctica , one of the earliest land plants, which tower above us.

Fungi in varying colours and shapes sprout from trees and push through the deep, decaying leaf matter of the forest floor.

Rob passionately enlightens us into the history of the region, pausing often to point out another amazing plant.

Rapid River, aptly named, is a tributary of the mighty Arthur River. The Arthur River is a truly wild river that winds 175km to the sea on the western edge of the Tarkine.

Trees that fall into the tannin-stained river often end their journey on the shoreline to the east.

The beach and rocks where the Arthur River flows into the sea and meets the Bass Strait is littered with fallen rainforest trees.

“Put in your canoe or kayak here and you can paddle all the way to the Arthur River and out to the ocean,” Rob excitedly explains.

“Fishing is another drawcard to the area. Trout is the big catch but also a common catch is what we call native blackfish. Some of the old-timers reckon the best way to cook blackfish is in fish cakes,” Rob says laughing.

The endangered and listed as vulnerable Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Lobster, Astacopsis gouldi , the largest freshwater invertebrate on Earth also calls the Rapid River home.

“Put a piece of lamb on a fishing line tied to a stick and you can lure them out of the water. You can’t keep them but you can get to see them close up. They are brilliant creatures that only live here in northern Tasmania.”

‘This is one of the places James Malley, a Tasmanian Tiger hunter, bought a young Bob Brown in 1973 when Bob was still a university graduate and introduced him to Tasmania’s real wilderness.

Bob Brown went on to name the Tarkine in 1995 – how brilliant! It covers 477,000 hectares of unique habitats and we are finding new things here all the time.’

Other than a picnic table there are no other facilities.

16- Dempster Plains Lookout

This is prime Tasmanian tiger country, Rob tells me as we stand to look at the button grass moorlands.

In the distance, the Norfolk Range within the heart of the Tarkine Wilderness is visible through the clouds slowly descending around us.

Button grass plains make up 40% of Tarkine region and Bennett’s wallabies, wombats, ground parrots, burrowing crayfish, frogs and reptiles are some of the animal species you will discover.

Rob is a firm believer the tiger, thought extinct, still roams the wild-west Tarkine region. Once called the Tasmanian hyena, he is certain he has heard it on two occasions.

“There have been too many sightings for us to write the tiger off yet. These plains have a long history of fire stick burning by the Aborigines and many of the plants here rely on fire to regenerate.

It’s the last bastion for the Tasmanian Tiger providing camouflage and wombats as the plains are healthy with wombats.”

The view from the purpose-built lookout is another example of the stark contrasts within the expanse of the Tarkine.

The plains are also home to many rare and threatened plant species such as the beautiful white-flowered heath Epacris curtisae .

To access the lookout, which is not marked on most maps, drive towards Wes Beckett Falls and in the fork in the road take the right-hand road. The left leads to Beckett Falls.

Rob’s other top tips not to miss in this area are Lake Chisolm and Julius River.

17- Nettley Beach Lookout

Marrawah, mainland Tasmania’s most westerly township is Rob’s home. The region is renowned for its prime dairy and beef cattle, cray fishing and brilliant surfing.

Rob is a mad keen surfer rarely going away without his board and Marrawah is Tassie’s top hot spot for surfers.

Each year the Ripple Curl West Coast Classic surfing competition, Tasmania’s number one surfing contest is held annually in March.

It draws surfers from around the world to this isolated small coastal village boasting some of the wildest surf on the planet.

From the lookout, there are views out across the Bass Strait, along the beach and around to Green Point.

“You can see Sinking Rock from here, this is where the prized Aussie Salmon is lured. And see that boat out there? It’s a crayfish boat sheltering from the wind. These bays yield great sized crays, if we were here earlier we’d maybe see another two or three but most have headed to another spot by now.”

As we sit talking as the day’s last rays disappear to the west, Rob encourages me to breathe in deep.

“Take a deep breath, really deep breath as you’re breathing the cleanest air on the planet recorded just north of us at the Cape Grim monitoring station.”

Wallabies at dusk join us grazing along the grassy ridges and if you are lucky you may see a Tasmanian devil as the sun sets and night begins.

The Tarkine boasts the last disease-free population of the Tasmanian devil from a harrowing facial tumour.

To access the lookout turn left after the hotel into Green Points Road. Continue straight past Beach Road and turn right into Nettley Bay Road (on Google Maps it is marked as Nettie Bay Road).

Marrawah township has a hotel with meals available (well-priced and featuring local products) and a general store.

Compare pirces of hotels and other types of accommodation in Tasmania here

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Plan Your Trip

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40+ Things to do in Devonport and Tasmania’s North West

By: Author Taryn Eyton

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2022

Devonport is a small city in Tasmania’s north west. Many people know it as the place where the Spirit of Tasmania ferry docks, bringing passengers and their vehicles over from Melbourne. There are so many things to do in Devonport!

It’s my adopted Tasmanian home town since I spent a combined 2.5 months housesitting near Devonport in 2019 and then again in 2020. It’s a gorgeous area with museums, wildlife, beaches, hiking and sooo many delicious locally-grown products.

You could easily spend a few days in the area (or in my case a few months). And even if you’re just passing through, make time to stop at some of the local attractions or pick up some tasty snacks. I fell in love with the Tasmania’s North West and I bet you’ll enjoy it too.

Here’s my big list of over 40 things to do in Devonport and the surrounding area in Tasmania’s North West. It includes:

• A map of all the things to do in and near Devonport
• Things to do in Devonport : Places to visit in the town of Devonport
• Things to do east of Devonport : Places to visit towards Port Sorell, Deloraine, and Highway 1
• Things to do south of Devonport : Places to visit towards Sheffield, Mole Creek, and Cradle Mountain National Park
• Things to do west of Devonport : Places to visit in Ulverstone, Burnie, and Stanley
• Devonport FAQ : All your questions answered.

Table of Contents

Map of Things To Do In and Around Devonport

To give you a better idea of where all these fun things are located, I’ve made a custom google map for you. It includes the location of all the things to do in Devonport and the surrounding area. Click the map to zoom in.

Things to Do in Devonport

Devonport regional gallery.

This local art gallery reopened in fall of 2018 in a new arts centre in Devonport’s CBD. Their focus is on Tasmanian artists, including emerging local artists. Admission is by donation.

Southern Wild Distillery

Pop into the tasting lounge at this distillery in the CBD to try some locally made gin. They have three different styles of gin to taste on its own or in cocktails. And of course, bottles are also available for purchase.

Bass Strait Martime Centre

This maritime museum has tons of exhibits on the maritime history of the Bass Strait. Kids (and adults) will love the interactive  simulation that lets you attempt to steer a ship.

Devonport Farmers’ Market

Every other Saturday morning, the Devonport showground hosts a farmer’s market . Browse the stalls to find local fruit, veg, baked goods, preserves, and more. There’s usually live music too.

Mersey Bluff Lighthouse

Head up to the lighthouse at the north end of town for great views of the mouth of the Mersey River and the Bass Strait. The lighthouse really stands out with its vertical red and white stripes. Be sure to follow the path down to the viewing platforms at the water’s edge.

Bluff Beach

This popular sandy beach is located near Mersey Bluff at the mouth of the Mersey River. There’s a great restaurant at the Surf Life Saving Club, public toilets, and a kids playground. The beach is patrolled on the weekends in summer.

Devonport Cycling and Walking Tracks

The city of Devonport has developed a network of dedicated cycling and walking tracks. Walk along the banks of the Mersey River out to Mersey Bluff, or Coles Beach. Take the ferry over to East Devonport to the East Foreshore Track, or walk along the quiet Don River in West Devonport. Use this handy map to plan your route.

Home Hill Museum

Visit Home Hill, the 1916 home of Australia’s first Prime Minister from Tasmania, Joseph Lyons. (His wife, Dame Enid Lyons was the first women elected to Australia’s parliament so they were definitely a family of over-achievers.) Learn more about their family and see their original furnishings and memorabilia on a guided tour .

Coles Beach

Located just west of Mersey Bluff, this long sandy beach has some interesting rock pools at low tide. It can be popular with surfers when the swells come in. It has public toilets and is patrolled on the weekends during the summer.

Don River Railway

Train buffs will geek out on the restored train cars, while everyone else will just enjoy the scenic train ride. The Don River Railway is located in the Don Valley in western Devonport.

If you’re really keen, go on Sundays when the steam locomotive runs. It’s a 30 minute round trip train journey with a museum and workshop to explore afterwards.

Things to do East of Devonport

Tasmanian arboretum, eugenanna.

This botanical garden just south of Devonport has a collect of trees from around the world. In the spring visit to see the flowers bloom. And don’t miss an autumn visit to watch the leaves change. The lake is also a great place to see platypus.

House of Anvers Chocolate, Latrobe

Just 8 minutes outside Devonport you’ll find House of Anvers Chocolate . There’s actually quite a lot going on here. They have a yummy cafe (get the waffles!) inside a heritage house and of course a chocolate shop.

Be sure to check out the chocolate museum and two different viewing windows where you can watch them making chocolate. 

Bell’s Parade and the Australian Axemen’s Hall of Fame, Latrobe

This historic riverfront park has pleasant walking trails, a picnic ground and a children’s playground. There’s also a heritage house you can tour, built in 1850 and believed to be the oldest house in Latrobe.

A newer building houses the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame, a museum celebrating the history of wood chopping and logging in Tasmania. Outside the Hall of Fame is a giant wooden statue of a platypus.

Which is fitting, because the waters around Bell’s Parade are one of the best places to spot a platypus in the wild. Go at dawn or dusk for the best luck. It’s a 15 minute drive south of Devonport via the B19.

READ NEXT: Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania

Ghost Rock Wines, Port Sorell

Wine-lovers should head 15 minutes east of Devonport to Ghost Rock Wines . Stay for lunch at their cafe, let the kids run around on the lawn and don’t forget to take advantage of the free wine tastings.

Narawntapu National Park, Port Sorell

You don’t have to drive far from Devonport to experience nature. Head 35 minutes east along the coast to Narawntapu National Park . I had heard it described as the Serengeti of Tasmania and it didn’t disappoint.

The grasslands around the visitor centre are a great place to spot kangaroos, wallabies and wombats. If you explore the park trails towards the lagoon you might spot pademelons or snakes, plus tons of water birds. Baker’s Beach stretches out for several sandy kilometres and is a great place to cool off.

Ashgrove Cheese, Elizabeth Town

Stop in to Ashgrove Cheese , 25 minutes southeast of Devonport to sample their award-winning dairy products. They have cheese flavours you’ve probably never seen before like Tasmanian pickled onion cheese!

My favourite is actually their Amazeballs. They’re crunchy and delicious bits of freeze dried cheese – a perfect hiking snack.

Van Diemens Land Creamery, Elizabeth Town

On a hot day, the handmade ice cream at Van Dieman’s Land Creamery is just the thing. It’s 30 minutes southeast of Devonport on the Bass highway. They make over 50 flavours including some uniquely Tasmanian flavours like Peach and Lemon Myrtle. You can also buy tubs of ice cream to take with you.

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Experience everything raspberry at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm , just half an hour from Devonport. Their cafe serves up every raspberry dessert, cocktail and smoothie you could imagine, plus sandwiches, burgers and salads. There’s also a small shop selling all manner of raspberry products.

Spot a Platypus in Deloraine

The cute country town of Deloraine is set along the banks of the Meander River 40 minutes from Devonport. And in the river live several not-so-shy platypus, making Deloraine one of the best places to spot the duck-billed creatures.

For the best chances of seeing a platypus, go with a local guide. Mark, the owner of the Empire Hotel leads nightly walks along the river and knows the best places to spot platypus. Be sure to have dinner at the restaurant in the hotel first – they have great food.

Liffey Falls

You can find beautiful Liffey Falls 70 minutes southeast of Devonport. There are actually three separate cascades to admire. It’s an easy 20 minute walk to the falls on a well formed track from the upper car park. Or if you want a longer walk, I liked the 1.5 hour trek from the lower car park.

Things to do South of Devonport

Spreyton cider, spreyton.

This craft cidery is 10 minutes south of Devonport in the rural area of Spreyton. They make delicious hard ciders from local apples and pears. (They’re so good that they’ve won awards!)

You can try them all in their tasting room. And if you want something non-alcoholic, their ginger beer is pretty tasty too.

Seven Sheds Brewery, Railton

At the forefront of the craft brewing scene in Tasmania is Seven Sheds Brewing . Located south of Devonport in tiny Railtown, they literally brew in an old shed. You can buy beer to go or enjoy it at picnic tables next to their hops garden.

We tried the 5 different beers on tasting paddle to decide which ones to buy. After our trip to Latrobe to see platypuses the week before, it was no surprise that we liked their Platypus 400 beer best. It will take 25 minutes to drive here.

Sheffield Murals

The little rural town of Sheffield is a 30 minute drive from Devonport. It has a cute main street with a cafes and art galleries, but the real attraction is the outdoor art: Sheffield calls itself the “Town of Murals”.

Many of the buildings have colourful murals painted on the sides that date from the 1980s that depict local history and culture. They also host an annual mural festival. To see the recent art, be sure to check out the dedicated mural display area in the park near the visitor centre.

Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, Mole Creek

You can spot quolls, raptors, wombats and kangaroos at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary , but the real stars are the Tasmanian devils.

The sanctuary runs one of the most important captive breeding programs for the endangered marsupials. Some of the devils born at Trowunna are released into the wild to try to reestablish Tasmanian devil populations.

Be sure to take the guided tour where you’ll get to meet a Tasmanian devil up close and watch them feed. The sanctuary is 50 minutes south east of Devonport – look for the giant Tasmanian devil next to the road.

Read more about my visit to Trowunna and my opinions on animal sanctuaries in my guide to the best places to see wildlife in Tasmania .

Alum Cliffs, Mole Creek

The easy walk to the Alum Cliffs is one of Tasmania’s Great Short walks. It’s about 1km each way and takes about 40 minutes to hike. The trail takes you to a spectacular viewing platform on the cliffs over the Mersey River.

Mole Creek Caves

One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Mole Creek caves . Located an hour south east of Devonport, these limestone caves are full of spectacular formations. You must join a guided tour to visit and there are several different tour options to choose from.

I did the Cathedral tour in Markoopa cave. We got to experience the incredible acoustics in the cave when one of the tour participants gave an impromptu performance of “Amazing Grace”.

Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot, Sheffield

This wacky attraction is great for kids, but adults will enjoy it too. The star attraction is a hedge giant maze, but they also have 7 more mazes, a miniature village, a lavender farm, a garden and a cafe.

Tasmazia is 35 minutes from Devonport on the way to Cradle Mountain, so it makes a great stopover. On the drive there you’ll pass through an area called Nowhere Else and one called Promised Land. Fun!

Walls of Jerusalem National Park

Cradle Mountain gets all the press, so next-door-neighbour Walls of Jerusalem National Park doesn’t get the crowds. It’s also located in Tasmania’s highlands and has jaw-dropping scenery.

The park is a 2 hour drive from Devonport, then a steep 3+ hour hike into the wilderness. Bushwalkers love to camp in the park to climb one of the Biblically-named peaks. 

READ NEXT: How to Hike in Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain National Park

If you’re thinking of going to Tasmania, chances are this place is on your must see list. Cradle Mountain National Park is home to Tasmania’s highest mountains, best hiking trails and some of its most gorgeous scenery. The park is big enough to spend days exploring, but most visitors start with the easy walks near Dove Lake.

If you are up for an adventure, tackle the 65km-long Overland Track . The drive on windy roads into the park takes about 75 minutes from Devonport.

READ NEXT: Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania

Things to do West of Devonport

Lillico beach penguin viewing, lillico.

If you want to see penguins in the wild, head to Lillico Beach 5 minutes down the Bass Highway. The penguins raise their young in burrows in the summer months. Each night at dusk they come ashore to feed their babies.

There’s a viewing platform staffed with volunteers to answer your questions. I loved seeing the penguins so much that I went several times! Penguin viewing is free, but donations are welcome .

Turners Beach Berry Patch, Turners Beach

Just 10 minutes west of Devonport is this excellent berry farm and cafe . You can pick your own berries in the fields, buy them already picked in the shop, or sit down at the cafe with one of their berry ice cream cones.

If you want something more substantial, I love their amazing wood-fired pizzas. Afterwards, head down the road to Turners Beach proper for a swim or a stroll on the sand.

Cradle Coast Farmer’s Market, Ulverstone

On Sunday mornings, make the 15 minute drive to Ulverstone for the weekly farmer’s market on the wharf. Pick up some seasonal produce, local honey, and baked goods or just stroll around with a coffee.

Pedro’s The Restaurant, Ulverstone

If you’re craving fresh seafood, visit Pedro’s in Ulverstone . It’s right on the waterfront and specializes in local seafood including oysters and crayfish from Tasmania’s northwest.

If you want to splurge, get the Paradise Platter, piled high with assorted seafood for two people. My husband and I really enjoyed the crayfish.

Leven Canyon Lookout, Nietta

The short hike to the Leven Canyon viewpoint is one of 60 Great Short Walks in Tasmania. The trail makes a short loop with a spur out to a viewing platform at the apex. From the platform, you’ll be able to gaze down on the Leven River, a staggering 275 meters below you.

The trail has lots of stairs so while it is short, it is not easy. Allow 45 minutes for the walk and 50 minutes to drive from Devonport.

Gunns Plains Caves

The beautiful limestone Gunns Plains Caves are just 40 minutes from Devonport. Local guides Geoff and Trish offer hour-long tours several times a day. My favourite part of the tour was the gorgeous shawl formations, nick-named cave bacon!

The Town of Penguin

Yes, in Tasmania there’s a town called penguin, and they have a giant 10-foot penguin statue on the waterfront to celebrate. (See if you can spot all the other penguin decorations in town like the penguin shaped bollards and rubbish bins.)

It’s a cute seaside town where you can stroll the esplanade, grab lunch at a cafe or hit the covered market on Sundays for some local goodies. It’s a 20 minute drive west of Devonport along the Bass Highway.

Fern Glade, Burnie

The easy Fern Glade walk just outside Burnie is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. The short trail follows the banks of the Emu River as it weaves through towering tree ferns. If you visit at dawn or dusk, you may see the resident platypus! The walk only takes about 20 minutes, but there’s a picnic area if you want to stay longer.

Fern Glade is one of my picks for the best places to see wildlife in Tasmania .

Hellyer’s Road Distillery, Burnie

If you’re into whiskey, you won’t want to miss this distillery . They produce some of Tasmania’s best single-malt whiskeys. They have tours (with tastings!) a cafe, and of course a shop. My whiskey snob husband liked it enough to buy 4 different bottles! You can find it 30 minutes west of Devonport near Burnie.

Wonders of Wynyard

Car fanatics will love the Wonders of Wynyard 50 minutes from Devonport. This gallery and museum houses a vintage car collection that includes the world’s oldest Ford and several other 100+ year old automobiles.

There’s also an art gallery and a gift shop with local products. It’s $8.50/adult to see the cars but the rest is free.

At 180m above sea level, flat-topped Table Cape has a great view of Bass Strait. There’s a great viewpoint as well as a historic lighthouse. If you visit in the spring, be sure to check out the tulip fields . The whole drive out here takes about an hour.

Boat Harbour Beach

With its white sand and turquoise waters, Boat Harbour Beach looks almost tropical (even though the water is still not that warm). Many people rate it as the most beautiful beach in Tasmania, so it’s worth the 1 hour drive from Devonport.

It’s nestled in a sheltered cove behind a rocky point, ensuring that the waters stay calm. The beach is patrolled on weekends in summer. There are public toilets, change rooms and a cafe at the surf life saving club. 

Town of Stanley

The seaside town of Stanley has a cute and historic little town centre and sandy beaches. It’s also home to flat-topped bluff (actually an old volcanic plug) called the Nut.

You can take a chairlift to the top or walk up a steep track. (I walked up and while it was 10 minutes of hard work, it wasn’t bad.) At the top, a path circles the perimeter with viewpoints in each direction. Stanley is 90 minutes from Devonport.

Tarkine Drive

Explore Tasmania’s wild West Coast and old growth rainforest interior in the Tarkine region. This 200km loop drive visits rugged beaches, aboriginal cultural sites, walking tracks and remote villages. You can drive it in a day, but I recommend at least 2 days to really get a feel for the place.

I can’t say enough amazing things about this off-the-beaten path area. I’ve got a complete guide to the Tarkine Drive , with driving directions and an itinerary. The start of the drive in the town of Smithton is 90 minutes west of Devonport on the Bass Highway.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to the Tarkine Drive in Tasmania, Australia

Devonport FAQ

Devonport is most famous as the place that the ferry from Victoria arrives. But it’s a great city for food, has a rich local history, and has lots of great bushwalking nearby.

Devonport has a population of about 26,000, making it the third largest city in Tasmania after Hobart (204,000) and Launceston (87,000).

On the route between Devonport and Cradle Mountain you will pass Spreyton Cider, the mural town of Sheffield, and Tazmazia. If you want to take an alternate route via Highway 1 and Deloraine, you can also visit House of Anvers Chocolate, Ashgrove Cheese, Van Diemens Land Creamery, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, Alum Cliffs, and the Mole Creek Caves.

The warmest months are December, January, and February, with average temperatures between 11 and 21°C. The spring and fall months are typically mild at 6-20°C. Winter is a little chillier at 4-13°C. The driest months are January and February. June, July, and August are the wettest.

So that’s my big list of things to do in Devonport and Tasmania’s North West. Which ones are you looking forward to most? Tell me in the comments.

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Ivan COlliver

Saturday 16th of July 2022

Great site full of information. Thank you

Sunday 13th of March 2022

Thank you Taryn a truly wonderful website. We are so lucky to live in Deloraine, we have many visits from relies & friends and your information is a wonderful way for them to peruse & make informed choices before they arrive. Love the Tarkine too we are returning for a few days in April. you’ve covered Tassie so well.

Murray Smith

Saturday 16th of March 2019

Braddons Lookout , should be a major stop over at Leith , the Silk and Yarns in at Deloraine, Kimberley hot water springs.

Gunn Plain Caves , are close and Kaydale Lodge and Gardens , should be listed being close , as well as the old coast road drive from Ulverstone to Sulphur Creek.

Taryn Eyton

Thanks for the suggestions Murray. I forgot about Braddon's Lookout. I've also driven the coast road and it is nice. I'll have to check out the other suggestions on my next visit.

Made me miss Tasmania! I have to admit, I also missed Devenport on my visit. Hopefully, I get to re-visit. Tasmania is awesome! Cradle Mountain was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. Breathtaking!

Tasmania North West Road Trip – the best travel guide

Tasmania’s North West is a land of contrasts.  From the busy towns of Devonport and Burnie to the rugged coast, the rainforest of the Tarkine region and the quaint villages of Penguin and Stanley, this region has something for everyone.

The North West of Tasmania is the perfect start to a Tasmania Road Trip.  If you’ve come from the mainland on the Spirit of Tasmania with your own vehicle, you are already set for adventure.

We recently spent 6 weeks touring Tasmania in our campervan, and in this post we will let you know all the best things to do in Tasmania North West.  There is so much to see in this region, so take your time and enjoy.

Disclaimer : This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Purchasing through these links supports our work and allows us to continue bringing you travel guides, like this, for free. Thank you for your support.

Getting to Tasmania’s North West

Like most mainland visitors doing a Road Trip around Tasmania , you’ll probably arrive in Devonport.  There are several roads you can drive to head along the north west coast of Tasmania. The main road is the Bass Highway but there are some lovely detours you can take to see some of Tasmania North West’s hidden gems.

If you’ve flown into Tasmania you can hire a car or campervan from Hobart or Launceston airport.

Where to Stay in Tasmania North West

You’ll find an abundance of accommodation options in the North West of Tasmania.  If you’re on a road trip, then you most likely have your home with you.  Luckily, there are also plenty of caravan parks and campsites.

Free Camping in North West Tasmania

Tasmania is renowned for the abundance of free camps.  We stayed at several free camps and here’s our recommendations for North West Tasmania camping:

Midway – Sulphur Creek

This camp is located right by the main road and next to the train line.  Despite that, we had a really peaceful nights sleep.  There is a walking/cycling path that you can use to get down to a beautiful beach, or into the town of Sulphur Creek.  Our friend saw penguins just in town there.

Smithton – Tall Timbers RV Stop

Located just outside Smithton on the main road between Stanley and Arthur River, you’ll find the Tall Timbers Free Camp.  We didn’t stay here as we wanted to see the penguins in Stanley and knew that would be a late night.  When we drove past this camp, we wished we had stayed here.  The campsite is a large grassy area, and as the name suggests, it is nestled amongst some tall trees.

Julius River Motorhome and Caravan Site

This small campsite is located within the Julius River Forest Reserve.  There is space for 4-5 vans, and we nabbed the last one when we arrived.  There are no facilities here but there are toilets a couple of hundred metres up the road at Julius River Picnic Area.

North West Tasmania things to do

Devonport is a major port town, providing a connection between Tasmania and mainland Australia.  Bass Strait is known for it’s rough seas and if you sailed over on the Spirit of Tasmania, you may have experienced this for yourself!

Devonport is a large town with all the usual services.  If you’ve travelled over from the mainland on the Spirit of Tasmania, you would have had to dispose of all your fresh fruit and vegetables.   You can stock up in Devonport before heading off on your road trip.  There is a Coles and Woolworths supermarket here (right next to each other).  We found the prices of fruit and veg slightly higher than what we are used to paying in on the mainland recently.  

We got delicious Sourdough bread from the Hill Street Grocer which is like an upmarket IGA grocery store.

You’ll also find Bunnings, Anaconda, BCF, Harvey Norman in Devonport. If you need to get any other supplies before you head off all these stores are conveniently located together in the Home-Maker centre.

Things to see in Devonport

While in Devonport, you might like to check out the  Bass Strait Maritime Centre  to learn more about maritime history of Bass Strait, including the over 1500 boats that have been lost in these waters.  The museum is open 7 days a week from 10am – 3pm and costs $10 for adults, with concession, child and family prices available. 

Train enthusiasts will want to check out the  Don River Railway  which runs along the Don River to Coles Beach.  The train runs from Thursday to Sunday and costs $17.  The train usually runs with a steam or historic diesel engine, however this is not guaranteed.  There is also a museum where you can see the historic trains.

If you’re spending the night in Devonport, head down to Lillico to the Penguin viewing platform.  The little penguins come in to their rookery just after dark.

Where to stay in Devonport

There is a variety of accommodation options in Devonport, including hotels and BnBs. Check Booking.com for the latest deals and availability.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay in your van after arriving late off the Spirit of Tasmania (or departing early), Girdlestone Park offers overnight stays for self-contained vehicles for $10 (plus booking fee through the ParkEasy App).

Penguin is just one of the quaint seaside villages along Tasmania’s North West Coast.  The scenery is beautiful and the locals are friendly.  It’s a great place to stop off for the afternoon.

This town was named after the little penguins that roost here, by botanist Ronald Gunn in 1961.  There are several penguin rookeries along this section of the coast. If you’re lucky you can see them coming in to roost just after sunset.  

If you’re going penguin seeking, be sure to wear dark clothes and shoes, use only red lights and keep 5m away from the penguins. Other best practices include not taking flash photography or using lights with video.  Keep quiet to avoid frightening the little penguins.

It’s not just little Penguins the town is famous for, they also have the Big Penguin.  The Big Penguin was made in 1975 to celebrate the centenary of the town.  It stands 3.15m tall and is the symbol of the town.  Local lady Shirly Good has taken on the responsibility for dressing the penguin in seasonal outfits.  He wears a Santa suit at Christmas and a pink outfit for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. 

Penguin has an interesting art trail, with murals and sculptures throughout the town and the penguin rubbish bins are especially iconic. 

The Penguin Beer Company has a tap house right in the middle of town, with a great outdoor deck overlooking the ocean.  You can get a tasting paddle of four of their craft beers and sit outside to enjoy the view.  Just be careful of your hot chips – we saw seagulls swoop down and pinch them from the basket at the table next to us.

Stanley is a small historic town nestled at the bottom of a volcanic plug, known affectionately as “The Nut”.  With it’s relaxed small town feel, great beaches and quaint cottages, Stanley is a great place to spend a couple of days. Stanley is our favourite town on the North West Coast of Tasmania.

You can take the chairlift to the top of the Nut (or walk up), stroll through the town, watch penguins just after dark and eat the best fish and chips in Tasmania.

There are many small cottage BnBs in Stanley, along with a caravan park right on the coast.  We stayed at the Golf Club self-contained campsite, which was $10 per night.

Arthur River

Arthur River is (almost) as far west as you can get in Tasmania.  This is a remote and sparsely populated area, with beautiful beaches and breath-taking natural scenery.  While the village is very small, people come for the wilderness experiences in the area.  

We were excited to stand on the “ Edge of the World ”.  The seas can be wild here!  A good indication of the power of nature is the huge logs that wash down the rivers and onto the shore.  We were amazed at how they become perched up on top of the rocks.

As you look out from the Edge of the World, remember that the next land mass is Argentina!

This is a very popular spot, and the carpark isn’t huge.  We got lucky and managed with our large van on a Saturday in January.  There’s an interesting poem on a plaque and a lookout with indigenous names for the local animals and plant life.  There are long drop toilets here and a dump point.

Nelson Bay is a couple of kilometres down a single lane unsealed road. However, the road condition was great and no need for 4wd.  There is a campsite here and around 20 beach shacks.  We had lunch on the beach just near the campsite. Then we drove further up the beach and walked out to Sundown Creek to see the Aboriginal Petroglyphs.  

This is a short walk along the beach and over rocks.  The AllTrails app wanted to send us inland, but we couldn’t find a trail. We figured walking along the beach would be more interesting.

Tarkine Drive

The Tarkine Drive is definitely a highlight of any North West Tasmania road trip.  You’ll wonder at the ancient rainforests and untamed beauty of this little-visited area. There is a loop road through the Tarkine Forest. This drive features short walks through the rainforest, lakes, sinkholes and lookouts over the Arthur River.

This road was built in 2013, and is sealed all the way.  It was hoped that visitors would learn about the area, the rich aboriginal cultural connection to the land and the untouched natural beauty.  There were some concerns about disturbing the natural habitat of wildlife species, especially the rare Tasmanian Devil.  This area is one of the few remaining areas where the Devils are free of the devastating Facial Tumour Disease which has almost wiped them out in other parts of the state.

The highlights of the Tarkine Drive include Trowutta Arch, the Sumac Lookout and the Julius River area walks.

North West Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s our suggested 4 day itinerary for Tasmania North East. Starting in Devonport and finishing with the Tarkine Drive.

Day 1 – Devonport to Penguin

Spend the morning in Devonport stocking up on supplies, then drive to Penguin for the afternoon.  Walk along the beach, check out the Penguin Public Art Trail and have a beer at the Penguin Brewing Company Taphouse.  Overnight in Penguin or at the Midway Sulphur Creek Free Camp.

Day 2 – Penguin to Stanley

Enjoy the rolling hills and coastal scenery as you drive from Penguin to Stanley.  Cross the narrow isthmus and wander around this quaint village.  Take the chairlift to the top of the Nut and walk to the Lookout.  Overnight in Stanley or at the Smithton Tall Timbers RV Stop.

Day 3 – Stanley to Tarkine Drive

Head for the West Coast!  Explore Arthur River, stand on the Edge of the World and take a walk on the beach at Nelson Bay.  Then head inland into the forest.  Overnight at the Julius River Motorhome and Caravan Site.

Day 4 – Tarkine Forest Drive

Enjoy a full day exploring the Tarkine Forest.  Stroll through the rainforest at Julius River, visit Lake Chisholm and stare with wonder at Trowutta Arch.  Take your time today, this forest is beautiful and little visited.  In the late afternoon head back to Smithton or head down the Western Explorer Highway towards Corinna.

Essential information for North West Tasmania

As you drive into the more remote areas, fuel stops become less common.  There is fuel in Marrawah and then none in Arthur River or on the Tarkine Drive.  We use the Petrol Spy App to help us find the best prices on fuel.

Food and Water

You’ll find a Coles or Woolworths in Devonport, Burnie and Smithton. As you head more remote larger supermarkets become rarer.  There is an IGA in Penguin and Stanley.

We filled our water at the Golf Club Campsite in Stanley.  There are also a couple of places to fill your water in Smithton. As we headed further south down the west coast, we found it difficult to get water.  We had to pay $15 to fill our tank in Zeehan – the most expensive water on our whole 3 year lap of Australia!

Phone and Internet

Phone and Internet service is honestly, not very good in Tasmania.  We struggled to get a good connection, even in the towns.  We figured it was due to us being there in peak season and the networks being overloaded.  There was no reception on the Tarkine Drive.

You can bring your dog along parts of the Tarkine Drive, but not others.  You can take your dog into Julius River but not to Lake Chisholm or Trowutta Arch.

Watch our Tasmania North West Travel Films

We produced a travel film for the drive along the north coast to Stanley , and another as we went into the wilds of the Tarkine Drive .

When is the best time to visit North West Tasmania?

Peak season is in the summer and January can be especially busy.  The weather is a lot warmer in January and February and we even swam in the ocean at Stanley.  We recommend visiting Tasmania during February and March as it becomes a little quieter when school goes back.

How many days should I spend in Tasmania North West?

We recommend 4 days to really see Tasmania’s North West coast.  The driving distances are short and the roads here are in great condition.  See our 4 day North West Tasmania Itinerary for more details.

What should I pack for a North West Tasmania Road Trip?

Tasmanian weather can be unpredictable and changeable.  We began in Devonport in a heatwave (literally, it was 25 celsius and there were extreme heat warnings!) and by day four in the Tarkine Forest it was raining. They don’t call it the rainforest for nothing.

One thing we learned in Tasmania was to always be prepared, so we always carried a rain coat and warm jacket with us.

We recommend packing plenty of warm clothes, even if your travelling in the middle of summer.  

Need help planning your Tasmania Itinerary?

We would love to help you plan your North West Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary (or any part of your trip to Tassie). Drop us a comment down below or send us an email .

Where to next?

Continue south down into the West Coast Wilderness to the town of Strahan , or head to Cradle Mountain for iconic Tassie views.

4 thoughts on “Tasmania North West Road Trip – the best travel guide”

Hey Sue & Nigel!! I love seeing all your travels and this one was exceptional! You both look amazingly well.. van life really does suit you both. Much love to you both and happy travels!! Elaine xxx

Hi Elaine, thanks so much for your comment. We are absolutely loving this lifestyle. Lots more exciting travels to come. Stay TUNED! We hope you and the family are doing well too. Sue

I liked that the article included tips for finding gas, food, water, and cell service. This is something that I always consider when I am planning a road trip, as it can be difficult to find these things in remote areas.

The article also recommends packing warm clothes and rain gear, which is a good idea as the weather in Tasmania can be unpredictable.

Thanks so much for your kind comment. You’re right, those are important things to consider!

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WELCOME TO THE NORTH WEST OF TASMANIA

We are Tasmania’s most successful farmers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, and culinary artists.  All of which is the recipe to create beautiful produce, design tantalising dishes and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience.   When you are gathering ingredients from world-heritage wilderness, empty pristine beaches, and Australia’s richest agricultural soil, this all produces a trail of fresh and unforgettable tastes.

And to top it off, we have the cleanest air in the world. Yep, the world! Grab the car and just drive. Explore! And don’t worry about shutting the gate when you leave… we know you’ll be back.

WHATS ON THIS WINTER IN THE NORTH WEST

The Off Season is a time to play!

Bring your puffer, your winter woollies, some boots and step outside to breathe the freshest winter air in the world!

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Destinations.

• King Island

A taste of Tasmania you can only find here

The Tasting Trail is a self-drive food and drink trail, choose your own adventure but with wine, cheese and chocolate! Your travels will include stopping at almost over 40 producers, retailers and dining experiences.

You can’t say you’ve done Tasmania until you’ve done the North West coast.

Looking for some inspiration?

The local insights are what makes your visit to the North West best. If you’re after insider tips on where to visit, the must see sights or for something off the typical tourist track, we’ve compiled some of the best of the best here.

Your Guide to Places to Visit in North West Tasmania, Australia

Disclosure: This post (probably) contains affiliate links. If you click on one, I may make a small commission. Of course, this will come at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running.

Truth be told, Tasmania isn’t a wildly popular tourist destination for people visiting Australia . Even people from mainland Australia don’t visit all that often it seems. And unless you’re doing a lap of the island, most visits are limited to a select few places. I don’t know when I would have visited again were it not for family moving to north west Tasmania in recent years.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to spend a lot of time exploring Tasmania while staying with family. But the north west is one part of the state that’s had a strong hold on me. Through road trips and day trips, I’ve had the pleasure to experience this long list of fun things to do in north west Tasmania, relying on others’ local knowledge of the area.

Sure, you’ll see some of the state’s most famous attractions below. But I’m pretty confident that some of the following places to visit in north west Tasmania will be new to you unless you actually live there. Get ready to add some new stops to your Tasmania itinerary.

Table of Contents

Cradle Mountain

Of all the places I wanted to visit in Tasmania,  Cradle Mountain National Park was the right at the top of the list. That makes sense since Cradle Mountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole of Tasmania. Who can resist the call to visit spots like Dove Lake, go for hikes and see the peaks of Cradle Mountain itself?

Part of the reason Cradle Mountain is so popular is that there all sorts of different ways you can spend time there . Over multiple visits, I’ve taken various walking trails, visited Marion’s Peak lookout, and gone down to multiple waterfalls. I’ve been lucky enough to see several wombats up close, including one that practically walked through our group!

Related:   A Day in Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania

If I had to pick an underrated attraction in north west Tasmania, it’s definitely Dip Falls. Despite it’s deceptively humble name, this towering waterfall can be incredibly powerful as it was the day I visited. Located inland of the coastal town of Burnie, the falls are in the middle of the Dip River Forest Reserve , basically in the middle of nowhere. This means it’s both one of Tasmania’s best waterfalls but also one of its less famous ones.

At Dip Falls there are two viewing platforms, one above and below, and by below I mean you feel like they’re right on top of you. Visit after a heavy downpour and it’s a powerful sight to behold. Behind/beneath the waterfall are curious hexagonal rocks that are sure to remind travellers of places like the Giant’s Causeway in northern Ireland or Reynisdrangar in Iceland.

Forest surrounds the waterfall and is home to another landmark you should check out, the aptly named Big Tree. It is indeed a … big tree, measuring 17 metres around and over 60 high, making it a perfect example of how impressive Tasmania’s ancient rainforest can be.

Stanley’s Nut

Near the western end of Tasmania’s north coast, you’ll find TheNut or Stanley’s Nut . It’s a name that immediately raises questions but also follows the great Australian tradition of overly-simple names for things. Anyway, the Nut is a large, steep bluff that sits above the small coastal town of Stanley, and really seems to come out of nowhere.

From the town, you can either hike or take the chairlift up to the top of the Nut for views out to Bass Strait, weather permitting. Behind the bluff you’ll find a pristine, wide-open beach that was absolutely deserted when we stopped through. Besides the “Nut”, Stanley is also full of colonial houses and the kind of chill atmosphere you can only get by the sea. It’s one of the more charming towns in north west Tasmania and makes for a great lunch stop if you’re out exploring.

Town of Sheffield

Throughout north west Tasmania you’ll find tons of rural towns, but I can’t say any are quite like the town of Sheffield. Over 100 murals and counting adorn the sides of buildings and walls around Sheffield, earning it the nickname “ Town of Murals “. Many towns in the area have their own special quirk – a neighbouring town has all sorts of topiary decorating its streets – but for Sheffield, that quirk is murals.

The idea for Sheffield’s murals came about in 1985 as a renewal project, copying a Canadian town that had done something similar to revitalise its economy. Murals here cover all sorts of themes, from promoting local businesses to supporting organisations like the police and ANZAC soldiers. They also have a park with the winning murals from the town’s annual contest which you shouldn’t miss.

Related:   Sheffield, the Town of Murals in Tasmania

Mount Roland

Cradle Mountain may be the most famous mountain in this part of Tasmania, but there’s a different mountain that to me defines the region’s landscape. Mount Roland is located just south of Sheffield and always seems to be on the horizon wen you’re travelling in north west Tasmania. You even pass it on the route to Cradle Mountain.

Besides being an imposing mountain on the roadside, Mount Roland is home to a challenging hike that I’m proud to say I’ve done. It takes quite a while to get up this bluff, even on the easier tracks, but the views from the top are phenomenal. If you want to see north west Tasmania from above, this is as close as you’ll get with two feet on the ground.

Related:  Finally Hiking Mount Roland in Tasmania

Montezuma Falls

Tasmania is home to so many waterfalls it’s a little ridiculous and even the north west region has too many to mention here. But Montezuma Falls is no ordinary waterfall and it remains among the most impressive I’ve seen in the state.

That’s not just because it’s one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls at 104 metres and that you really can see the whole drop. No, it’s because to get there you follow a forest track that was once a tramway used by miners that takes you through some pristine rainforest to get there.

Related:   How to Visit Montezuma Falls in Tasmania

Leven Canyon

If you enjoy epic panoramas of nature and don’t mind a few stairs, then head to Leven Canyon . Found inland of Ulverstone, it’s home to two lookouts that overlook a steep canyon with the Leven River flowing through it. As the viewpoints rest over a bend in the river, you’re treated to a superb but precarious view down and along this rocky gorge with no signs of civilization anywhere near by.

While the trail from the Leven Canyon Picnic Area to each lookout is quite gentle, getting between them requires taking a stairway of 697 steps. If you’d prefer to go down the stairs, take the right path to Cruickshanks Lookout first. You’ll thank me, but maybe your knees won’t!

Related:   A Nature Walk With a View at Leven Canyon, Tasmania

Hawley Beach

To be honest, when I used to think of Australia’s best beaches I never really thought of Tasmania. Queensland and Western Australia tend to dominate that conversation, and summer in Tasmania can be a bit hit or miss, so beaches aren’t front of mind for visitors. I’ve learned my lesson though, as places like Hawley Beach just east of Devonport have opened my eyes.

A small, sheltered beach, Hawley Beach is best known for the rusty rocks that cover one section of the beach. Think the Bay of Fires , but smaller. What’s nice about Hawley Beach though is how quiet it is, even with good weather in summer. It’s just a very chilled out option that’s also easily accessible, a combination that’s often hard to find in Australia.

One of my favourite walks near Devonport is the riverside trail at Warrawee Forest Reserve outside Latrobe. While Warrawee is best known for its mountain bike tracks, visitors can also walk the main trail to enjoy its gentle river scenery.

Warrawee can also be a good place to spot wildlife. Pademelons – think a very small and squat version of a kangaroo – can be spotted along the trail. I was even lucky enough to see a platypus here up by the bridge – the first time I’ve seen one in the wild.

Trowutta Arch

Tasmania is home to several caves, Gunns Plains Caves and Mole Creek Caves, that both really should be on this list. But I’ve yet to actually visit either of these places, for various reasons. But one cave I have been to is the open-air cave at Trowutta Arch. Located a fair way out west in the Tarkine region, the arch is actually the former entrance to a cave. With a backdrop of towering ferns and some vibrant green ponds, it’s an unusual attraction, but one worth stopping at if you’re out this far already.

Boat Harbour Beach

Ask a local to recommend a beach in north west Tasmania and there’s a high chance they say Boat Harbour Beach. Situated west of Table Cape and Wynyard, it’s a long and deep beach backed by lawns, pine trees and hills. It has the feel of so many beaches in Victoria and New South Wales, but with a lightness to the water that they often don’t have. The setting, combined with its sheltered and shallow water, make Boat Harbour Beach an easy pick for one of the best beaches in northern Tasmania .

Guide Falls

Many waterfalls in Tasmania are quite remote and require a decent walk to reach. That’s not a problem with Guide Falls, a waterfall near Burnie. You can drive right up to the viewpoint above this scenic waterfall and look down to it, or go for a short walk down into its valley to a small path below the falls. There’s really not much more to this waterfall than its viewpoints and a nice riverside trail, but they’re more than enough reason to come.

Edge of the World

With a name like the Edge of the World, how can you not visit this place? Situated out on Tasmania’s west coast, this spot looks out over uninterrupted ocean that goes all the way to South America. You’ll find very little of civilization out here, just a boardwalk, a plaque and a small information point. What you will find is rocks, waves, driftwood and solitude. Edge of the World may sound like an exaggeration but standing out on those rocks it feels almost believable. 

Related:   Taking a Trip to the Edge of the World in Tasmania

Preston Falls

Okay, one last waterfall I promise. Preston Falls is a plunge waterfall near Gunns Plains that’s accessible along a short trail off a minor country road. Views of Preston Falls are only accessible from the cliffs alongside the waterfall, so unfortunately you don’t get to admire it from below. You do also get some nice views over the forest below from the lookout here.

Fern Glade Reserve

A common fixture of Tasmania’s primeval rainforests are their beautiful ferns, and where better to see them than a place named Fern Glade Reserve. This small reserve sits on Emu River outside the town of Burnie and features pristine forest reflected in the still surface of the river. Here you can see a wealth of ferns dotting the trails and riverbanks, many even taller than you.

Apparently the river has been known as a habitat for local platypus. Unfortunately, due to heavy flooding in recent years it’s uncertain if there are any left in the area. We didn’t see any about, but platypus aren’t exactly the easiest to spot in the wild anyway. Even if you miss out on wildlife spotting, Fern Glade Reserve is great for a gentle walk or picnic.

Town of Penguin

For a little whimsy in your day it’s hard to go wrong with the town of Penguin. A small beach town between Ulverstone and Burnie, I’ll give you one guess what Penguin is known for. Yep, during their summer breeding season Little Penguins can be spotted along the town’s coast. The penguin colonies actually live off the coast on islands and come ashore at night to lay their eggs. So if you want to see penguins, timing is everything.

But if you can’t see a real life critter, then Penguin has the next best thing for you. All around town you’ll find penguin-themed decorations, including a 3-metre-tall penguin statue. While some of the street art is neat, my favourite little touch is how they’ve turned street bollards into penguins. There’s also a signpost pointing out the distance to other towns and places named after birds around the world.

West Point State Reserve

Continuing the trend of this region’s empty beaches and coastline we have West Point State Reserve. Not far from the Edge of the World on the island’s west coast, West Point is a real gem thanks to its orange, rocky coast. Yes, here you’ll see more of the bright orange algae that Tasmania is known for.

With beaches and walking trails to explore, and not another soul in sight, the reserve is both beautiful and peaceful. The only draw back is that it’s quite a drive from the nearest town. But if proves that Tasmania at its best in these wild, remote places.

There’s pretty much two reasons to visit Table Cape on the Cradle Coast and I’ve only seen one of them. Table Cape is home to a lighthouse with a nice clifftop trail to the views from Table Cape Lookout. It’s a nice area of coast and a fairly easy walk to do if you’re in the area.

But the main draw for Table Cape is the Table Cape Tulip Farm , which is said to be extremely popular when the tulips here bloom. For that, you’ll need to visit in late September to early October, which I haven’t. By all accounts, it’s a visual spectacle if you do get your timing right.

Fossil Bluff

Fossil Bluff is a great example of how diverse north west Tasmania can be. Rather than pristine sand or bright orange rocks, this beach outside Wynyard is home to some curious cliffs. Yes, the views from Fossil Bluff Lookout are nice, but the real draw here is the view of the cliffs from down below.

In the cliffs you can see the various layers of rock that have formed over millions of years , almost like the rings of a tree. A walk on the beach is also quite fun thanks to all the fragments of cliffs that have broken away due to erosion. It may not be the most visually stunning spot, but there’s no doubt it’s different.

Mt Round Lookout

Mount Roland may loom large over the region south of Devonport, but it requires a long hike to summit it. But that’s not the case for nearby Round Mountain which sits at the western end of Mount Roland’s epic ridge line. The Mt Round Lookout couldn’t be easier to reach with a side-road off the main road to Cradle Mountain taking you right there.

A 5-minute walk later and you’re enjoying phenomenal views over the forest that covers this undulating landscape. From here you can also start on the Mount Claude Lookout Track, which later bleeds into the trails going up Mount Roland . Whether you’re looking for a stunning panorama or simply a scenic rest stop, this lookout is worth it.

Nearby Places to Visit in the Central Highlands

The Central Highlands is the alpine region at the core of Tasmania that borders the state’s northwest region. There you’ll find all sorts of remote mountains and lakes, with very little permanent human presence. That should be your hint that it’s a fantastic region to explore, especially if you like hiking and nature.

Because we’re talking about arbitrary regions, there’s plenty of overlap between the northwest of Tasmania and the Central Highlands. Cradle Mountain is the most obvious example of an attraction that belongs to both regions.

But you don’t have to look too far from Cradle Mountain for other great places to visit. On the far side of its national park lies Lake St Clair , a great alternative for hiking without the crowds. As for somewhere really different, I think  Devil’s Gullet State Reserve is wildly underrated with its crumbling cliffs and rock formations.

Nearby Places to Visit in North East Tasmania

So if there’s this much to see in the northwest region of Tasmania, what about the northeast? Stretching from Deloraine to the east coast, this region is also loaded with places you can explore. Launceston is your entry point to the area and the Bay of Fires is probably the region’s most famous attraction. But you don’t have to look far for more options.

The Tamar Valley is a great example, as it combines wineries, several beaches, and is a short drive from the wildlife of Narawntapu National Park . You can also find some great waterfalls here, from Liffey Falls to Halls Falls and St Columba Falls. There are even the mountains at Ben Lomond National Park, highlighting how diverse this region is also.

Have you ever visited north west Tasmania and seen any of these sights? If not, to which of these sights would you most like to travel? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

David is the author behind the Travelsewhere travel blog and is always on the search for the quieter, less-visited corners of the world.

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How interesting! not read about Tasmania before. That deserted beach looks lovely and how cool to see a pademelon. I like your second photo of the Dip falls too, I’ve tried some longer exposures on waterfalls.

Tasmania is super underrated and a real gem of Australia. Super happy with the long exposure since I did it without tripod, so i guess it’s a “medium” exposure haha

When I go to visit Tas, I want to do it in the summer as well. I’ve been to Australia multiple times but it is a bit more work and, as I understand, a lot more expensive to go to Tasmania. I hear it looks a lot like New Zealand.

Yeh, Tasmania in winter can be fairly wet and cold. Summer is far more mild. I would agree that there are some similarities between New Zealand and Tasmania definitely

I like the idea of visiting Tasmania but I’m afraid it’s too far removed to realistically add it in to an Australia vacation. Still, it does look beautiful and geology of the water fall is intersting. #wkendtravelinspiration

I can certainly understand that idea Jim but I have to respectfully disagree. Given how many people fly between Melbourne, Sydney, Queensland and even New Zealand when they visit Australia, the fact that Melbourne to Launceston is only an hour flight doesn’t seem too far.

You don’t need to convince me that Tasmania is one great big wilderness of untouched beauty! Your photos of the waterfalls are spectacular.

Sounds awesome! Great you got the chance to explore a bit more. Makes me want to take a trip there for sure!

Awesome! Your stunning photos took me to a place I have never been to before, Tasmania. Love the diverse landscape. I must visit all these wonderful places. I pinned this for later use 🙂 #feetdotravel

These spots definitely seem like treasures! I especially like the falls, big tree, and Hawley Beach. I’d love to see them if I ever make it to this part of the world. Great post!

Dip falls look beautiful, and all of your pictures are gorgeous. I would love to visit Tasmania one day based on your posts about it 🙂

A stunning place and should be on everyones list!

Thanks for sharing your journey. I would love to give that old “Big Tree” a hug to see the ancient growth forest which is comparable to the old growth redwood forests in California. I irritated my wife when I was visiting Washington and stopped at the tallest, widest oldest trees. You mention the marsupials. Were there any sightings of the Tasmanian devil? From what I read that the island is the only place they live.

Beautiful snaps of the Dip Falls at the Dip River Forest Reserve, The Old man rock resembles old man. The Big Tree also looks nice.

I have to disagree with you about Tasmania not being popular. I am amazed at how many overseas travellers I talk to have Tasmania on their bucket list. Like you, Tassie was not at the top of my todo list for many years. I had been there a couple of times and found it cold and uninspiring but how things have changed. A recent trip to Hobart and Launceston has me wanting more. This time around I thought it was a great destination. I’m saving your post to Pinterest so that when I do go back I don’t forget to visit Sheffield – I am a great fan of street murals.

It’s great to hear that you’ve come across plenty of people keen to visit Tasmania. After visiting, I’m definitely looking to return and Sheffield really is quite cool. Thanks for commenting Lyn!

I’ve read a couple of blogs on Tasmania but never read about Dip Falls, or even heard of them. These falls are incredible and photograph wonderfully, they will be top of my list on a visit to Tasmania. Hawley Beach is another place I’ve never read about but looks very Instagrammable!

Can’t believe we had never read anything on Tasmania! Thank you for the introduction. Tasmania seems perfect for nature lovers. The Dip falls look beautiful. Love your photographs.

Those waterfalls! I am a huge nature lover and can imagine meditating and doing yoga there. I must plan a visit 🙂

Hi, David. My favourite part of Tassie, after four road trips, is Arthur River in the north-west, on the edge of the Tarkine Wilderness. It seems like such a wild place, still fairly untouched and you can drive straight through into the forest from there.

Very interesting Coral, I didn’t get to visit that far out when I visited, but this definitely looks like somewhere I should try to visit next time. Thanks for sharing!

Wow. It all looks spectacular! Like many, we don’t know a lot about Tasmania, so this is very educational. It’s also very tempting, adding several spots to the ever-growing wish list. We can see why Cradle Mountain was at the top of your list, but The Edge of the World? Come on… you have to go just to say you’ve been there. And back!

Tasmania is definitely somewhere in Australia more international tourists need to know about. It’s beautiful and yeh there are loads of places with awesome names there.

Don’t you mean all the way to Africa??? Not south America when at the Edge of the World. I know Tassie quite well but I’m confused about the Edge of the World.

Hi Lynne, I understand the confusion. The thing is, this part of Tasmania is actually further south than the southernmost point of Africa, meaning in a straight line from the Edge of the World you skip below Africa to the coast of Argentina in South America.

Spent 3wks discovering the wild places of tassie many years ago. It all inspired me so much I recently moved here from mainland Australia. You’ve shown me places near home I haven’t yet explored. Some great shares away from the main tourist attractions. Nice. I’ll also pin for later. Thankyou

Tassie sure seems to have that impact on quite a few people Steve! Glad I could help you learn about a few new places in this part of the island. I’ve already got a few more places to add when I do the next update on this article.

I am the lucky one here i have retired and done the Sea Change to live in Zeehan which has a great museum and is close to Strahan, Queenstown, Trial Harbour, Mortozoma Falls, mountain bike trails Gordon River cruises ect all a few hours from Burnie

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Top 11 Things to do in North West Tasmania

Tasmania is one of our favourite places to visit – and not just because most of my family live in this state. It’s beautiful, easy and perfectly set up for an awesome road trip.

On our latest adventure, we decided to explore the things to do in North West Tasmania. We have previously visited Launceston  and the West Coast and we were keen to see all the parts in between.

I was especially keen after writing out my top things to do in Tasmania , an ultimate bucket list, earlier this year and having two items in this list that I was yet to do – Cradle Mountain and the Tarkine. I wanted to make sure I did them this visit!

My mission was accomplished and we discovered many other North West Tasmania attractions as well.

Below you will find our guide of what to do in North West Tasmania, the best accommodation North West Tasmania offers, visiting North West Tasmania with kids, how to get around and our verdict. Hopefully, this will help you have an awesome vacation as well!

Cradle Mountain

The amazingly beautiful Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain

If there is one place to visit in North West Tasmania that is a must see it is Cradle Mountain National Park, specifically the Dove Lake area.

The Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is part of the 1.4 million hectare Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It has a magnificent alpine landscape with many peaks, glacial lakes and deep gorges with ancient forests. It’s Tasmania’s most visited park and it’s easy to see why.

It’s perhaps best known for the Overland Track, the 65 kilometre hike from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. It’s also a great place to visit for much shorter walks – there are ones from a few minutes long, and there is a great variety.

In fact, I personally haven’t visited anywhere else which is so well set up for hikers ranging from people like us, who just want to have a tiny taste with little kids, to people dedicated to the task who are doing the Overland Track.

The Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain

There are many hikes and the main ones are detailed in a handy information brochure which they hand out on arrival.

Car entry to Cradle Mountain National Park is limited with only a certain number of cars allowed every day which I believe is quite low. On the day we visited these had sold out very early so we caught the shuttle bus.

The shuttle buses run from the visitor centre, a couple of kilometres outside the park to Dove Lake making stops along the way. They run regularly – about every 20 minutes when we were there in December. They can get quite full. It can be surprising to see how many people visit this national park after driving through not much to get here.

Thanks to the buses, Dove Lake is very easy to reach and a highlight. This is the lake that is shown in most photos of the park and it is as stunning as it looks. There are quite a few walks from here. As we visited with 6 and 4 year olds plus a 6 month old, we just walked along a short section.

The Interpretation Centre is also a popular spot with displays about the park and its history, a theatre running an informational video about the park and many walks. There’s also a waterfall a minute’s walk away. We all enjoyed watching the video.

From here there is also the Enchanted Walk which is a good option with little kids. It’s only 20 minutes long and there are a few areas set up along the way where they can walk inside and see murals.

For everyone else, there are many great walks to choose from. I was very impressed with all the facilities. Many of the hikes are on boardwalks. If I wasn’t there with kids, it would be hard to choose with many walks perfect for a half day trip.

You do have to be careful and be prepared for the weather conditions. We visited in summer and it was still cold. It can get down to -20 degrees in winter! Many people have perished in the park so be sure to know the predicted weather conditions and behave accordingly. The forecasts are posted everywhere and there are people to ask.

We stayed a few minutes walk from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain. This is a great way to enjoy the park and the surrounds for longer. More about it below!

An adult pass at the time we visited was $16.50 including the shuttle bus. Kids under 5 are free. If you want to take your car into the park, I suggest arriving early.

The Nut, Stanley

The Nut on the drive to Stanley

The Nut in Stanley is a sheer sided bluff which is all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug. It makes for quite a sight and is visible on the journey to Stanley.

You can’t visit Stanley, or The Nut, without visiting the summit. Thankfully for those of us that don’t like steep climbs, there is the option of a chair lift to the summit. There is also a paved path to the top.

The chair lift is fun, although a bit scary for those of us that are terrified by chair lifts. It was super windy on it on the day that we visited.

Some of the beautiful views from on top of The Nut Stanley

Once at the top, there are a variety of walks on good paths. We did the shortest which was only 250 metres long so super easy for the kids. It had great views over Stanley.

It’s definitely worth spending some time hiking around the top once you make it there. You can see some more views here:

Stanley itself is a lovely town which is worth visiting and using as one of your bases in North West Tasmania. We stayed here for two nights and there is more about our great accommodation below.

There are some other worthwhile attractions here including a seal cruise (see the next thing to do in North West Tasmania!) a seaquarium and Joe Lyon’s Cottage (the home of the former Prime Minister of Australia).

Seal Cruise

Australian Fur Seal Pup – Photo credit: Michael Sale via cc

One of the most unique experiences you can have in North West Tasmania is taking a Seal Cruise. Stanley Seal Cruises is a way to see to the Australian Fur Seal in Tasmania.

This involves a 75 minute boat trip from the harbour to Bull Rock, Calf Rock and Cow Rock, appropriately named based on their size. It is on these isolated rocks in Bass Strait that you are very likely to witness a gathering of seals. This is what makes the location so ideal for seal cruises.

In addition to the seals it is a great experience for bird watchers, and it is also not rare to see the Southern Right Whale which is both incredible and daunting – their size could easily topple the boat.

This time of year is definitely the best time to take a seal cruise. Around November and December, the seals pups are born and the rocks are flooding with baby seals – a very cute sight to see.

You can find their contact details at the Stanley Seal Cruises website . We found the information online about the timings of cruises to be inaccurate, and I would recommend calling ahead of time to make your booking and to check the latest information. 

The Tarkine

Slide to Dismal Swamp at Tarkine Forest Adventures

The Tarkine is an area in the North West of Tasmania which encompasses Savage River National Park, the largest area of Gondwanan cool-temperate rainforest in Australia and a high concentration of Aboriginal sites.

There is a scenic drive you can do through the Tarkine but we headed to what we knew would be the highlight for us – Tarkine Forest Adventure’s slide down to Dismal Swamp.

This is a family owned business by the main highway making it easy to visit. There is a beautiful visitor centre and then a walk, or 100 metre long slide pictured above, into the Dismal Swamp. Dismal Swamp is a 40 metre deep sinkhole with a unique forest habitat, believed to be the only natural blackwood forest sinkhole in the world.

Don’t be fooled by its name, it’s a lovely place to walk around and explore especially thanks to Tarkine Forest Adventure’s board walks with regular informational boards explaining more of the surrounds and facts about the area. There is Tasmanian art featured too.

If you don’t want to take the slide, or when you want to return to civilisation, there is a gently sloping walk down and back up again.

Slide to Dismal Swamp

The 110 metre slide itself is lots of fun. How fast or slow it is depends on the weather. It was mostly slow when we visited but the middle section was suddenly surprisingly fast and I may have screamed a little. It’s a great way to feel like a little kid again!

The slide is only for 8 year olds and over, but the site in general is great with little kids. It’s relatively pram friendly (as long as your pram can handle the gravel walk down), the walks are a good distance and it’s just really nice. This was one of the Tasmania North West coast attractions that we did not want to miss, and I am glad we didn’t.

You can find more information on the Tarkine Forest Adventure website . Entry was $20 for adults, $10 for kids 8+ and free for under 8’s when we visited with slide rides costing $2 each. There is also a cafe.

Edge of the World

Edge of the World at Arthur’s River

There was a time when this probably really was considered to be the edge of the world. Made popular by a poem by Brian Inder titled ‘The Edge of the World”, this is a popular viewing spot on the coast and on our list of things to do on the North West coast of Tasmania.

It is named the Edge of the World as there is no land going West from this point until Argentina – which makes it the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on the globe.

You can stand here and get a sense that you really are at the edge of the world. The scenery really is spectacular and on a good day you could spend longer here. For us, it was somewhere to visit on the way and turned out to be beautiful. It was windy and I can’t imagine what it is like visiting in winter – the waves were already rough.

You can drive right up to the viewing spot which makes it convenient. There are also informational boards about the Aboriginal heritage of the area.

You can visit the Edge of the World in Arthurs River. There is no entry fee. 

Arthur River Cruise

Cruise departure point on the Arthur River

A river cruise on the Arthur River is one of the best ways to see the diversity of the landscape here. The M.V. “George Robinson” is an iconic boat built only in the 1980s but designed to look a hundred years older. A great way to spot birds and other wildlife, Arthur River has been stated as being Tasmania’s only wild river.

This cruise is also an amazing way to gaze up at giant ancient trees and see where the famous Tassie Oak comes from.

The cruise departs from the township of Arthur River and takes around 5 hours. This makes it a long day perhaps more suitable for those without kids. The scenes on the way make for some fantastic photo opportunities and you can move around the boat to find the best spot.

This cruise gives you a true sense of what Tasmania would look like if humans had never of stepped foot on the land.

Bookings are essential. You can make a booking by contacting Arthur River Cruises . Adults are $95 and kids under 3 are free. There are toilet facilities on board.

The Big Penguin

The Big Penguin in Penguin

Everything might be bigger in America but Australia likes to pride themselves on being home to big attractions (literally). You will find several big Tasmania North West attractions, including the Big Cherry and the Big Platypus, but the best is the Big Penguin.

Why the big penguin? Because it is located in Penguin. This is a town that prides itself on its name and you can find penguins all around the town, even on the bins. The Big Penguin has been charming visitors since 1975.

Penguin itself is a charming town to visit with several spots for lunch right on the coast.

Boat Harbour

Beautiful Boat Harbour beach

Boat Harbour Beach is absolutely stunning and looks more like it should be in Northern Queensland than Tasmania. This was my favourite beach when I used to visit my sister who lived on the North West Coast.

This beach is an absolutely beautiful spot. White sand surrounds the blue water and there is so much sand on this beach. The water is set back quite far so there is plenty of room to relax. If you choose to swim, the water is shallow enough to paddle. The picturesque town in the background gives this beach a very comforting feel.

As you can see in the video below, it can get windy. This does not stop people from visiting this fantastic beach. There are other things to explore too such as smaller rock pools where kids can collect shells. See the beach in the video below:

Boat Harbour Beach is located about 30 minutes outside of Burnie.

House of Anvers

Chocolate Belgian Waffles?

If you love chocolate then you need to stop here! House of Anvers is in Latrobe, just outside of Devonport and a quick drive from the Spirit of Tasmania making it a great breakfast stop option if you are heading elsewhere after hopping off the boat.

It’s called a chocolate factory and, while it’s definitely low key, there is a big window where you can see people making Anvers chocolates. Our kids loved watching!

Chocolate tasting plates at House of Anvers

There are tastings and a lot of nice green space including a pretend chocolate truck (pictured below) that the kids played on for quite awhile. There’s a fabulous cafe and we enjoyed a good lunch here. It was hard to go past the Belgian waffles! But we also felt we must try a couple of the chocolate platters just to make sure that this is a place worth recommending 😉 It is!

House of Anvers is located on the main highway south east out of Devonport and you can find more information on their site .

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Tasmania has some of the most delicious raspberries I have ever tasted. Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm is another of the restaurants North West Tasmania offers, and is an ideal place to get a taste of Tasmania’s delicious raspberries.

If you are taking the boat from Melbourne, you can head straight there as it is located close to Devonport and ideal for your first stop – although it does not open until 7am, which may be too late especially during summer sailings.

In addition to delicious food and desserts, the facilities and location and great. The place is very child friendly. Our kids were given colouring books complete with pens and pencils, and there is a toddler playground outside. There is also a river and some nice walking tracks perfect for stretching your legs.

If you are not there early, it is worth booking ahead. When we arrived, we got the last table and it was only 11am on a Monday! This is a popular place with some delicious food and as such it can get very busy. It is one of the only places like it in the area and tourists flock here on their way to and from other attractions.

Raspberry pancakes?

The Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm is open 7am to 5pm daily. It is closed on both Good Friday and Christmas Day. I recommend booking a table in advance. You can find more information on  their website .

Don River Railway

Don River Railway – Photo credit: Steven Penton via cc

Passenger trains in Tasmania are a thing of the past, but the Don River Railway service remains. It is located in Don just outside of Devonport. Here you can take a ride from Don River Station to Coles Beach and back again.

There is some great scenery to see on the way as the train passes through a nature reserve. There is also a souvenir shop in Don.

The train is pulled by a traditional steam locomotive and really gives you the sense that you have stepped back in time. 100% of profits are put back into restoring trains and keeping their heritage alive.

You can read more at the Don River Railway website . 

Map of North West Tasmania attractions

North West Tasmania with kids

North West Tasmania is a great region to visit with or without kids. The attractions are mostly outdoors which makes it ideal for active children. Even if your kids are young, like ours, there’s plenty they can do and we found it worthwhile still visiting places like Cradle Mountain even though we couldn’t hike far.

My kids especially enjoyed the Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain, the Tarkine and the chair lift up The Nut. We travelled with both our pram and carrier and generally had no problems using the pram.

Accommodation in North West Tasmania

Planning your accommodation in North West Tasmania is essential before coming here. This is not the best place to leave finding accommodation until the last minute. Many places book out fast and you want to be sure that you are staying somewhere convenient, comfortable and affordable.

Below are some great choices for the best accommodation North West Tasmania has to offer.

Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain

The inside of our cottage at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain

There are not many North West Tasmania accommodation options in Cradle Mountain so when we picked the cheapest, I did not expect much! Thankfully, I was very pleasantly surprised and we were very happy with our 5 berth standard cottage.

The park is in a great spot – basically opposite the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre making it a great base for exploring the National Park. The cabins are absolutely surrounded by bush and you feel like you are in the National Park rather than in a caravan park.

The park has a shop which is super handy with many supplies. There’s a BBQ area, internet in the reception area during business hours (note that only Telstra phones are likely to work here) and a laundry.

Our cottage was great – a decent size with a big couch, tables and chairs, TV with playstation and DVD player (and we borrowed a DVD from reception), self contained kitchen and two bedrooms. They both had double beds with one having a bunk as well above the bed.

Something to keep in mind is that you are pretty much in the middle of nowhere so things aren’t quite like they might be elsewhere. The biggest thing being is that the water isn’t treated. They recommend boiling it but we bought water instead since we have a baby.

Click here to see the latest prices.

Stanley Hotel and Apartments

The outside of our awesome cottage with The Nut in the background

The Stanley Hotel and Apartments consists of hotel rooms at the main Stanley Hotel and self contained accommodation at other locations in Stanley. We booked a cottage and ended up in a great 2 bedroom unit at the Pol and Pen site. It was great!

The cottage itself is spacious with a decent lounge area, dining table and chairs and kitchen. It also has two decent sized bedrooms with sleeping for 5. We especially appreciated the washing machine and dryer in our bathroom.

It is very homey and we felt comfortable straight away. There’s a wood heater if you want a fire as well as electric heating options. There is also a good WiFi connection.

Our favourite parts were the views of The Nut, water and surrounding town of Stanley. It was nice being surrounded by Stanley itself rather than other holiday cabins and rooms. We are a big fan of this place and think that is has some of the best accommodation North West coast Tasmania offers.

Sunrise Devonport

A small part of our “hotel room” at the Sunrise Devonport

If you are looking for a good hotel choice in Devonport for before or after your trip on the Spirit of Tasmania or while exploring this region, look no further! The Sunrise Devonport is a great choice.

It’s located just outside of the centre of Devonport by the coast. It is a short walk from a beach and great playground. It’s a quick drive from the Spirit.

The beach a few minutes walk away from the Sunrise Devonport

We were attracted to it as it receives rave reviews online and was one of the cheapest options for a family. We were very surprised, actually, by just how good our hotel room was. We booked the “two bedroom family room with kitchenette” and I imagined connecting motel rooms.

What we actually found was somewhat like two connecting motel rooms but with one bathroom in between and a dining and kitchen room off to the side. It is perfect for a family. Both of the bedrooms had couches with the main room also having a table with chairs and a desk. There is plenty of space everywhere and two fridges.

The hotel is very quiet and we had a great stay here.

Getting around North West Tasmania

The best way to get around North West Tasmania is by car. There are plenty of car rental companies whether you are coming in from Hobart Airport or a Northern airport. Your other option is to take your own car.

If you live on mainland Australia, you can take the Spirit of Tasmania from Port Melbourne to Devonport. You can read our full Spirit of Tasmania review here .

There is no tour group specifically dedicated to tours around North West Tasmania as most focus around Hobart. If you choose to travel from Hobart, Tasmania Tours has some options that include both transportation and accommodation.

For a family with kids, having your own car is essential and it remains the best way to get around North West Tasmania.

Our verdict

Loving Dove Lake

We had a fabulous time visiting all the places to visit in North West Tasmania. This area of the state is incredibly diverse and there are many worthwhile North West Tasmania attractions. It’s also a very convenient region to visit if you are arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania ( read our full review here ).

I wish I hadn’t ignored this part of the state for so long. I have visited it many times as my sister used to live in Burnie but we rarely left Burnie when we were visiting. This was a mistake!

We especially loved visiting Cradle Mountain and being based in Stanley. It’s a lovely little town that is too easy to overlook when you haven’t been here before – or even if you have! I actually visited Stanley with my family when I was 7 and we had a horrible experience at the local caravan park which took me 20 years to get over and finally visit again. I definitely had a very different impression this time!

If nothing else, North West Tasmania is just beautiful and you are sure to love your adventures in this part of Tasmania.

You can read our ultimate Tasmania bucket list in the top 25 things to see in Tasmania as well as our guides to North, East, West Tasmania , Southern Tasmania and top things to do in Launceston and surrounds . All our Tasmanian guides can be found here .

What’s your pick of the top North West Tasmania attractions?

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a booking after clicking one of our links that we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Visit Northern Tasmania

Perhaps it's the delight in sharing a moment with that special someone. The memories made amidst unimaginable beauty.

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Choose Your Adventure

Nurture your soul with boundless experiences and leave behind life as you know it. Northern Tasmania has it all from scenic drives through cool-climate vineyards, soft adventure nestled in the Tasmanian wilderness and coastal vistas to take your breath away - and did we mention the food? Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy truly showcasing the abundant fresh produce of the region. Shaping your visit is easy. Check out the links below if you need some inspo to get started, get some handy insider tips from our blogs and head to 'Events' to see what's on while you are here.

Tamar Valley

Ready to book, sign up for off season updates, find some inspo on our facebook page, 1. find what you want to experience, 2. create your itinerary, 3. start travelling, get in the mood for the off season.

Any time of year is a fine time to explore Tasmania, but the cooler months are when things get wild. This is the Off Season – a time to gather around blazing log fires and slow-cooked feasts; to plunge into festivals and dance wildly; to talk long into the night and dream deeply. Find inspiration in nature, get creative, or go 'off' in your own way – the Off Season is open to just about anything. 

6 meaningful family experiences in Northern Tasmania

Gastronomy: it's about people and food, finding simple with the sows.

Launceston City

Launceston is the meeting place of three waterways, set in a beautiful valley that has been a cultural hub and gastronomic centre for more than two thousand generations. The city's natural and built heritage, food, wine (and spirit) have drawn together a diverse community of makers, artisans, storytellers and nature lovers from all over the world.

In 2021 UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) officially named Launceston a ‘City of Gastronomy’ – connecting Launceston to an exclusive network of cities known for the quality and cultural significance of their food.

The North East

Discover the natural beauty and pioneering spirit of Tasmania's North East. Vineyards and rich farming areas contrast with forests and stretches of beautiful unspoiled beaches.

Mountain Biking

A network of immaculately groomed and legendary trails wind through Tasmania's rain forest. Think epic adventures coupled with nature's best.

Flinders Island

One of 52 islands in the Furneaux Group dotted across Bass Strait, Flinders is largely considered Australia's best kept secret.

Untamed Beauty

Wild and rugged, retreat to experience both mother nature and human nature at her finest. It is here you will find not just your true self, but stunning landscapes, exotic wildlife and intriguing locals.

Great Western Tiers

A place of diverse beauty with spectacular natural features, history, heritage, and an eclectic mix of boutique stores and eateries.

Short Walks

Meander to waterfalls or hike to mountain vistas and cocoon yourself in the serenity of lush Tasmanian parks and reserves.

Heritage Highway

Where the past is always present - discover rolling farmlands, charming colonial villages, and walk in the footsteps of the infamous bush rangers that have carved it's colourful history.

World Heritage Convict Sites

Brickendon, a 7th generation historic working farm offers an insight into the early days of the Van Diemen's Land colony, while the adjacent Woolmers Estate is a time capsule of early nineteenth century life, and is home to the National Rose Garden.

Situated alongside a 70km long estuary, wind your way through the a valley full of characters, bucket list items, and what is considered one of the top 10 wine routes in the world.

Cool Climate Wines

Savour Tasmania's premier wine producing area where life-giving waterways feed vines to produce chardonnay, sparkling, aromatic whites, and pinot noir (of course!).

One of Australia's oldest settlements, the costal areas of George Town and Low Head have an intriguing history. Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, berry and lavender farms, the area is rich with many stories to tell.

Little Penguins

Gain a fascinating insight into the little penguins who make their nightly journey in front of Australia’s oldest continuously operating pilot station.

Launceston Airport

A destination in it's own right, our airport is the gateway to air access in our region. Located just a quick direct flight from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane, your journey starts here.

Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires is a truly special destination with clean white beaches, blue water and granite rocks splashed with orange lichen. Keep your eyes peeled as pods of dolphins are known to cruise along parallel to the beach!

Cradle Mountain

A spectacular World Heritage area, Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania's most visited natural attractions. The surrounding landscape is diverse and includes grassland, rain forest, ancient plants, and an abundance of wildlife.

Once a thriving mining town with the richest tin mine in the world, Derby is now home to premier mountain bike networks encompassing over 85km of purpose built trail through spectacular landscapes.

When you first set eyes on Great Oyster Bay set against the backdrop of Freycinet National Park and the three pink-granite peaks of the Hazards mountain range you know you're somewhere different. This is a visual experience to remember.

Spirit of Tasmania

One of Australia’s most iconic travel experiences, Spirit of Tasmania makes travelling across Bass Strait flexible, convenient and easy. The twin ships depart both ports, Geelong in Victoria and Devonport in Tasmania, nightly as well as daily in peak season. On board, you’ll find excellent facilities, comfortable cabins and plenty of space. On the decks, plenty of fresh air and unparalleled views await.

Make the Most of Our Seasons

The seasons play a defining role in life in Northern Tasmania, and there are always plenty of events to draw you out amongst it, whatever the temperature!

All Seasons

Harvest Launceston Community Farmers' Market

Strange nature, matthew flinders 250th birthday, rupertswood farm crop maze.