The driving distance from Launceston to Hobart is just two and a half hours, but this short Tasmania road trip boasts stunning landscapes, intriguing history and many fantastic attractions worth stopping for.
We are starting this road trip in Launceston, but of course you can reverse the itinerary, if you prefer to fly in to Hobart. The route is known as the Midland Highway or the Heritage Highway, connecting the states two most populated cities.
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Launceston
Before you get too carried away on the road trip, make sure you spend some time exploring the city of Launceston.
One of the best, and closest, attractions in Launceston, is Cataract Gorge. This natural landscape feature is just minutes from the city centre, and has a chairlift, public outdoor swimming pool, walking trails, café and restaurant. The resident peacocks and pademelons are also a bonus addition to the breath-taking landscape.
Evandale
Not too far south of Launceston, is the small, quaint, town of Evandale. On the way here, you will pass lovely historic buildings, many of which date all the way back to the early 1800s. For those who are here on the weekend, Evandale holds a market every Sunday, from 8:00am to 1.30pm. They sell everything from bric-a-brac, to handmade treats, books, plants, food, arts, crafts and jewellery.
If you follow the South Esk River further south, you will reach Clarendon House, a very highly regarded attraction in Tasmania. The homestead is a three-storey Georgian style, country mansion. Complete with vast gardens, servant lodgings, shearing shed and museum. It is one of Australia’s most well-preserved historical homes, and a must-see on your to-do list.
Campbell Town
Half an hour from Evandale, will have you reaching Campbell Town. If you are intrigued by convict history, then this historic township will not disappoint.
The Red Bridge, one of Campbell Towns attractions, was built in 1838 by convict labour. In fact, the convicts were imprisoned in cellars below the connecting inn, whilst they were constructing the bridge. Made from over a million red bricks, the brightly coloured clay is what gave the bridge its name.
Take a walk via the Convict Brick Trail, commemorating convicts who were transported to Tasmania from the late 1700s, through to 1868. The bricks laid on the trail contain a convict’s name, what crime they committed and the punishment they received.
Ross
Another town with a famous bridge, Ross is less than ten minutes’ drive from Campbell town, and home to the convict built “Ross bridge”. Crossing the Macquarie River, the bridge has a beautiful backdrop, and is the third oldest bridge in all of Australia. The decorative sandstone is extraordinary, with images depicting plants, animals, birds, insects and Celtic designs.
Ross is steeped in convict history, which extends to the Female Factory a short stroll from town centre. This facility was used to house female convicts, and the site is available to toured for free. It contains many stories and artefacts from the period, which outline the harsh life of the women who were imprisoned here.
There is also a great little bakery and antique store in town, so you may wish to refuel and do a little spot of shopping before you continue on your way.
Richmond
A little over an hour south of Ross, will see you arriving into the historic town of Richmond. Home to… you guessed it, another bridge! If you’re over bridges (no pun intended), then why not check out Richmond Gaol instead?
The prison is the oldest gaol in Australia that is fully intact, and was built five years prior to the one at Port Arthur. Unlike most prisons, Richmond Gaol incarcerated both male and female convicts. You will gain a lot of insight into the period, through touring the cells, solitary confinement chambers, chain gang sleeping quarters and flogging yard.
Before you leave Richmond, you must also take the time to stop by the Old Hobart Town Model Village. The handcrafted miniature replica of Hobart has been created from the original early 1800s town plans, and is a truly unique attraction. Containing hundreds of handcrafted figurines, as well as more than sixty buildings, you will truly get a glimpse into the past.
For those who like the weird and wonderful, your last stop in Richmond may be to the Pooseum. A one-of-a-kind science museum, dedicated to all things animal poo. Sure to amuse those with children in tow!
Hobart
Hobart is just over twenty minutes away, and includes a drive across the Tasman Bridge, over the Derwent River, and spectacular views of Mount Wellington as you approach the city.
Just because you’ve reached Hobart, doesn’t mean the trip is over. You will definitely want to experience the city and its attractions. One of which is the mountain you saw as you drove in.
Mount Wellington is perfect any time of year, because in colder seasons you get the fun addition of playing in the snow, but in warmer weather, there are walking trails and phenomenal views to enjoy!
If you can aim to be in Hobart during a weekend, then you will get to partake in the award-winning Salamanca Markets. Held every Saturday, these huge markets feature handmade arts, crafts, artisan Gin, a plethora of food trucks, knick knacks, snacks, antiques and more.
For animal lovers, visit the ethical Bonorong Sanctuary, where you can meet a variety of native species. From the lovely Forester Kangaroos, to the cuddly looking wombats, or the noisy Tasmanian Devils. As well as a day trip, you may wish to add on a private feeding tour, and get up close encounters with your favourite critters.
Beyond the Midlands
Not ready to leave Tasmania just yet? Totally understandable! There is so much more to see. Maybe check out the East Coast, complete with Freycinet National Park and the Bay of Fires. For those who want even more history, head to the Tasman Peninsula, home to Port Arthur Historic Site and Coal Mine Historic Site. Want to immerse yourself in nature? Head to Cradle Mountain or Bruny Island and enjoy Tasmania’s wilderness at its finest! You really can’t go wrong with any destination in this beautiful state for a road trip.
