Tasmania is one of the most beautiful and historic places in Australia and one of the best ways to see it is by taking a Hobart to Launceston drive.
Along the way you will discover the charms of Hobart and delve into Tasmania’s convict past with a side trip to Port Arthur, Australia’s most notorious penal settlement.
On a Hobart to Launceston road trip, you will visit the picturesque towns of Richmond, Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town and Longford. Landscapes that will have you imagining that you are walking within the English countryside of the 1800’s.
Once in Launceston we show you the striking beauty of the Tamar Valley when we visit the Tamar Valley wine region.
So, settle back and get ready for a journey of a lifetime as we introduce you to the heartlands of Tasmania during a Hobart to Launceston drive via Port Arthur.
Need a car or van for your road trip? Check prices here
Things to do in Hobart
Before starting your Hobart to Launceston drive set aside a few days to discover Hobart. There are a fabulous variety of things to do in Hobart which can be experienced by exploring on your own or by taking a tour.
When you visit Hobart, you will find an attractive harbour city with a fascinating history which is centred around its convict and trading heritage. During the warmer months, the city is perfect for walking with many attractions within easy reach of each other.
If you want to explore on your own make sure to visit the scenic piers and docks of Sullivans Cove, the shops and art galleries of Salamanca Place and the village like atmosphere of Battery Point. Must do Hobart attractions include the Salamanca Markets which are held each Saturday, the Cascade Brewery, the Female Factory and kunanyi /Mount Wellington.
Hobart tours
During our stay we took a combined Hobart Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tour and kunanyi/Mt Wellington Tour. We found that this was one of the best things to do in Hobart as it allowed us to orientate ourselves to the city and tick off heaps of Hobart attractions leaving us with plenty of time to enjoy the city on our own.
We also took a Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise which was an interesting way to learn more about the history of Hobart from a river perspective.
Hobart accommodation
During our visit to Hobart, we stayed at two different styles of accommodation, the Crowne Plaza Hobart in the CBD and Salamanca Suites at Salamanca Place and can highly recommend both.
Crowne Plaza Hobart
The Crowne Plaza Hobart sits in the heart of the business district and is surrounded by shops, department stores and restaurants. The hotel is comfortable and a seven minute walk to the attractions of the Hobart Waterfront and Salamanca Place.
Click here for Crowne Plaza Hobart latest rates
Salamanca Suites
Salamanca Suites is in a prime location just steps from Salamanca Place and Sullivans Cove. The Salamanca Suites have a selection of apartment configurations which are perfect for a self-catering holiday.
If you are staying on the weekend, you can visit the famous Salamanca Markets which are right on your doorstep.
Click here for Salamanca Suites latest rates
Top Tip
It is important to note that tours and accommodation in Tasmania sell out quickly, so it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. This is especially true if you wish to stay in the regional towns as accommodation is limited.
Hobart to Launceston drive options
The drive time Hobart to Launceston will depend on whether you want to drive straight through from Hobart to Launceston or extend the journey by taking a side trip to Port Arthur.
If you choose to do a Hobart to Launceston drive via Port Arthur, the Hobart to Launceston distance is 350 km with a drive time of around four hours and forty minutes.
If you don’t want to visit Port Arthur, the distance Hobart to Launceston is 200 km and takes approximately two hours and thirty five minutes to drive.
Of course, if you are coming in the opposite direction and want to travel the Launceston Hobart route, just reverse the journey for a Launceston to Hobart drive.
Hobart to Port Arthur drive
The Hobart to Port Arthur distance is 95 km via the Tasman and Arthur Highways. The trip is a one hour and twenty minute drive and takes you through the stunning scenery of the Tasman Bay National Park.
To see breathtaking views of this magnificent coastline, turn off at Pirates Bay Drive to the Tasman Bay National Park Lookout which is just before Eaglehawk Neck.
Port Arthur
Nothing brings home Australia’s convict past more than a visit to Port Arthur.
When you arrive at Port Arthur you will be astounded by the beauty of the landscape. Dense bushland and the picturesque waters of Carnarvon Bay frame the buildings of the settlement which are dominated by the towering walls of the Penitentiary.
As you walk around Port Arthur you will be struck by the eerie silence and saddened by the stories of convict life at this infamous penal colony.
Click here to pre-purchase your Port Arthur entry ticket
Port Arthur accommodation
To get the most out of Port Arthur it is advisable to stay overnight especially if you want to take the Port Arthur Ghost Tour.
One of the most popular places to stay in Port Arthur is the Port Arthur Motor Inn & Restaurant which is a short eight hundred metres from Port Arthur Historic Site.
Click here for more Port Arthur accommodation options
Port Arthur to Launceston drive
The Port Arthur to Launceston distance is 255 km and takes three hours and twenty minutes if you drive straight through.
This itinerary will have you visiting the towns of Richmond, Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town and Longford before reaching the city of Launceston.
We suggest adding two or three extra hours to the drive time or plan overnight stays to take full advantage of these charming historic towns. All the towns have places of interest but favourites for an overnight stay would have to be Richmond and Ross.
Port Arthur to Richmond
The distance from Port Arthur to Richmond is 82 km and takes just over an hour to drive along the Arthur Highway, Tasman Highway and Brinktop Road/C351.
The route takes you through scenic countryside and the town of Sorell. As you drive you will see signs leading to the wineries of the Coal River Valley.
Things to do in Richmond Tasmania
Richmond would have to be one of the prettiest towns in Australia. This historic town is frozen in time and filled with the Georgian era buildings of the early 1800’s.
Richmond is home to the heritage listed Richmond Bridge which was built by convicts and is the oldest stone bridge in Australia. The Richmond Bridge spans the Coal River and is flanked by peaceful parkland, the place to capture that perfect holiday snap.
Within the town you will find many historically significant buildings including Richmond Gaol, Richmond Barracks and St John the Evangelist Catholic Church which is Australia’s oldest surviving Catholic church.
The town has an attractive assortment of restored buildings which have been turned into art galleries & gift shops. You will also find a good range of restaurants and cafes, one of our favourites is Czegs’ Café which serves a delicious Devonshire tea or tasty breakfast and lunch.
Richmond accommodation
You will find a variety of Richmond accommodation including hotels, holiday cottages, B&B accommodation and farm stays.
During our visit we stayed in a comfortable one bedroom unit at the Richmond Arms Hotel which was in the centre of Richmond and surrounded by restaurants and eateries.
Click here for Richmond Tasmania accommodation rates
Richmond to Oatlands
The distance from Richmond to Oatlands is 55 km and takes around 50 minutes to drive. Take the A31 at Richmond and head north until you reach the Midland Highway (National Highway 1). Turn right and continue driving along the Midland Highway and take the short detour off the highway when you see the signs to Oatlands.
As you drive along the Midland Highway look out for the ‘Shadows of the Past’ Silhouette Trail which is a collection of sculptures that pay tribute to the animals and local characters of the colonial days.
Things to do in Oatlands
Oatlands is renowned for having the largest number of pre-1837 Georgian era buildings in Australia.
As you walk along the streets you will find that many of these buildings have been turned into an interesting collection of shops, cafes and restaurants with favourites being Oatlands Antiques and The Imbibers – Wine Cheese & Spirit Merchants.
While in Oatland make sure to visit the Oatlands District Historical Society which houses a fascinating range of local memorabilia, the historic Callington Mill and see the wildlife of the Lake Dulverton Conservation Area.
Oatlands to Ross
The distance from Oatlands to Ross is 36 km and should take approximately 25 minutes to drive. To get from Oatlands to Ross re-join the Midland Highway (National Highway 1) continue your drive north and take the short detour off the highway when you see the signs to Ross.
Things to do in Ross Tasmania
As you drive into the village of Ross the first thing you will notice is Ross Bridge which spans the Macquarie River. The Ross Bridge was completed in 1836 using convict labour and is one of the finest early sandstone bridges in Australia.
The village houses many buildings that tell the story of the regions convict history and you should give yourself plenty of time to explore them.
While there make sure to visit the Ross Female Factory Historic Site and The Original Burial Ground which can be seen when you walk the Ross Heritage Trail which starts at the Ross Bridge carpark.
Other places of interest include the Tasmanian Wool Centre which sells a fine variety of woollen items and has a museum dedicated to the wool production of the area. For a tasty treat stop off at Bakery 31 and try their famous Scallop Pie.
Ross accommodation
For those wanting to stay longer there are a charming selection of Ross Colonial cottages to choose from. This character filled accommodation will allow you to get a taste of living in the early 1800’s.
Click here for more Ross accommodation options
Ross to Campbell Town
The distance from Ross to Campbell Town is 11 km and takes 15 minutes to drive on Midland Highway (National Highway 1).
Campbell Town
Campbell Town has a host of Georgian era attractions including the Red Bridge and the Foxhunter’s Return, a former coaching inn.
While visiting make sure to walk the Convict Brick Trail which pays tribute to the more than 200,000 convicts transported to Australia from 1788. As you stroll along the trail you will be struck by the harshness of the punishments which include transportation for seven years for stealing butter.
If you love vintage and antique pieces Campbell Town has a reputation for being a great place for antiquing.
Campbell Town to Longford
To get from Campbell Town to Longford head north on Midland Highway (National Highway 1) for 42.6 km and turn left off the Highway onto Woolmers Lane (C521) when you see the signs to Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Estate.
Longford attractions
Before you reach Longford, you will find the UNESCO World Heritage Australian Convict Sites of Woolmers Estate and Brickenden Estate, the ancestral homes of the pioneering Archer families.
These stunning estates were run by brothers Thomas and William Archer and are prime examples of colonial growth and expansion through convict labour.
Longford to Launceston
From Longford take the B52 (Illawarra Road) to re-join the Midland Highway (National Highway 1) and drive the 22 km distance from Longford to Launceston, this should take around twenty minutes depending on traffic.
Launceston
Launceston sits in a picturesque riverside landscape surrounded by old world colonial and Victorian architecture.
Not only is Launceston one of Australia’s oldest settlements but it is also famous for being a foodies’ paradise as it is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and a steppingstone to the wineries of the Tamar Valley.
Best things to do Launceston
You will find a good range of activities in Launceston that show off the beauty of the city. For nature lovers two of the best Launceston attractions are Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Islands Wetland Centre.
Cataract Gorge is an impressive 65 million year old gorge which is framed by parkland and crisscrossed with walking trails that take you through a variety of terrains including rocky outcrops and suspension bridge walks.
If you don’t want to walk, take the chairlift across the gorge and get a bird’s eye view of the historic Alexandra Suspension Bridge and rambling waters of the South Esk River.
The Tamar Islands Wetland Centre is a short 5 km drive from Launceston and the place to see an abundance of bird and animal life. This unique wetland has a variety of ecosystems which range from estuarine islands to mudflats and lagoons.
One of Launceston’s best kept secrets is the Harvest Market Launceston.This fabulous farmers’ market features a stunning selection of fresh produce and artisan delights of the region. Harvest Market is held every Saturday, 8.30am to 12.30pm at 71 Cimitiere Street Launceston.
Beer lovers are in for a treatwhen visiting the James Boag Brewery in Launceston. A good way to discover James Boag’s traditional brewing techniques is to take a James Boag Brewery Tour and Tasting.
Launceston tours
Launceston has a good selection of Tamar Valley wine tours and cruises of the beautiful Cataract Gorge and Tamar River. Here are some of the Cataract Gorge cruises available, there are more to choose from.
Tamar Valley wineries
The Tamar Valley wineries produce cool climate wines and are famous for their award winning pinot and sparkling wines.
During our visit to Launceston, we decided to see the Tamar Valley Wineries in two different ways, by exploring the Tamar Valley Wine Trail on our own and by taking a Tamar Valley Wine Tour. We had fun trying both options and each had their own advantages, here is what we discovered.
Visiting the wineries independently
The Tamar Valley wine route covers 170 km and takes you along the east and west banks of the Tamar River.
We enjoyed visiting the Tamar Valley wineries independently as it gave us the chance to see the spectacular scenery of the Tamar River and Valley. Along the way we saw views from Brady’s Lookout and travelled along the foreshore of the Tamar River to reach wineries which were located off the highway.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can choose which Cellar Door to visit | The wineries are spread out over a large area and more than you can visit in a day |
| You get to see more of the breathtaking scenery | You must limit the amount you can drink if you are driving |
If you do choose to visit the wineries independently, we advise selecting wineries that are close together and where possible get accommodation close by. The wineries on the west bank of the Tamar River are closer to Launceston than those of the east bank.
Tamar Valley wine tours
We chose a full day Tamar Valley Wine Tour with lunch and can highly recommend it. During the tour we learnt a lot about the wines of the valley and were entertained with stories of the characters who shaped the region.
It was good to relax knowing that you could enjoy the day without worrying about driving and we had a fabulous lunch with a great bunch of people.
Click here to purchase a guided Tamar Valley wine tour
Accommodation in Launceston Tasmania
There is a great range of accommodation Launceston Tasmania and options include holiday apartments, bed and breakfast Launceston, luxury and budget hotels.
If you are looking for the best hotels in Launceston, a popular choice is the Best Western Launceston.
Click here to book your stay at Best Western Plus Launceston
Last words on a Hobart to Launceston drive via Port Arthur
It took me almost a lifetime to visit Tasmania and after taking a Hobart to Launceston Drive via Port Arthur I wish I hadn’t left it so late. This drive is jam packed with beauty and history, it allowed us to walk in the footsteps of our convict past and it was one of our most memorable Australian experiences.
If you have dreams of visiting Tasmania, make it a reality sooner rather than later as it will have you falling in love with another of Australia’s ever changing landscapes.
