If you’re ready to escape the mainland this midwinter and take a break in Tasmania, why not go south to go north?
Image Credit: Devils@Cradle - Laura Helle, Tourism Tasmania
Catching the ferry into Devonport? Flying into Launceston Airport? No matter how you’re arriving on the north side of Tasmania, once you’re here, there’s so much to explore—better yet, we’ve got holiday parks ready to host your Apple Isle adventures, including wine and fine dining in the Tamar Valley, penguin tours in Low Head, snowy sightseeing in Cradle Mountain, and cruising through the Bay of Fires.
Image Credit: Josef Chromy Tasmania - Tourism Tasmania and Rob Burnett
Check out five great destinations in northern Tasmania below, along with our favourite suggestions of what to do there and – of course – the best places to stay at G’day Parks on your trip.
DEVONPORT
Perfect for a touch of history after crossing the Bass Strait.
Image: Spirit of Tasmania
Leaving from Geelong, Victoria, the Spirit of Tasmania docks in Devonport—so if you’re arriving in Tasmania via ferry (a necessity to bring your car with you), you’ll be stopping here. The ferry ride is a memorable experience with incredible sea views of the Bass Strait.
Image: Discovery Parks - Devonport
The crossing takes approximately 9–11 hours, so once you arrive, there's nowhere better to rest your head than a spacious oceanview cottage at Discovery Parks - Devonport. Then, it's time to kickstart your Tasmania adventures. Devonport has a range of great museums and art galleries showcasing the history of north-west Tasmania, including Home Hill (the historic home of Joseph Lyons, Australia’s tenth Prime Minister, and Dame Enid Lyons, the first woman elected to Federal Parliament) and the Bass Strait Maritime Museum.
Image: Mersey Bluff Lighthouse
A half-hourlong ride on the Don River Railway combines a scenic journey with a visit to their museum full of rollingstock. If you’re keen to stretch your legs and see panoramic views, the coastal walk to the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse is a winner.
Distance from Devonport Ferry Terminal: 5 minutes
Distance from Launceston Airport: 70 minutes
LAUNCESTON + THE TAMAR VALLEY
Perfect for a little taste of everything Tassie, accompanied by a glass of pinot noir!
Image Credit: Gorge Scenic Chairlift - Tourism Australia
Launceston has a mixed lolly bag of attractions—explore the city, hike or catch the chairlift at Cataract Gorge, meet cute critters at Tasmania Zoo, enjoy a nature walk through the Tamar Island Wetlands Centre, or go ziplining through the trees at Treetops Adventures in Hollybank.
Image: Discovery Parks - Hadspen
Staying in a spa cottage at Discovery Parks - Hadspen keeps you central to everything Launceston and its surrounding regions have to offer, as well as Launceston Airport.
Image Credit: Westella Vineyard - Oscar Sloane, Tourism Tasmania
Savour quality food and wine experiences in the neighbouring Tamar Valley, with more than 30 local wineries. In wintertime, you’re sure to find crackling fires as you sip award-winning red wines and share charcuterie boards with the peaceful, dormant vines as your backdrop.
Distance from Devonport Ferry Terminal: 70 minutes
Distance from Launceston Airport: 15 minutes
BEAUTY POINT
Perfect for animal lovers who still want to explore the best bits about Launnie.
Image Credit: Platypus House - Tourism Australia
Beauty Point is known for its range of animal attractions, including the popular Seahorse World and Platypus House.
Image: Beauty Point Tourist Park
Both are conveniently located a stone's throw away from Beauty Point Tourist Park, where visitors can make the most of the waterfront location in a riverview holiday house. Redbill Point Conservation Area is right next door, ideal for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Low Head Penguin Tours - Flow Mountain Bike, Tourism Tasmania
For an extra special wildlife encounter during your trip to the region, visit Low Head at sunset for a penguin tour. Less than an hour’s drive from the centre of Launceston, you can still enjoy all of the city’s attractions and events.
Distance from Devonport Ferry Terminal: 60 minutes
Distance from Launceston Airport: 60 minutes
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
Perfect for a snow-covered nature wonderland.
Image: Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain Village
A blanket of winter snow dials up the scenic views at Cradle Mountain, brilliant for hiking around the national park, cross-country skiing adventures, or taking in the wilderness from the comfort of a cabin with a hot choccy in hand.
Image: Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain
Whether it’s a mountain cabin at Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain or a spa chalet at Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain Village, you’re sure to stay toasty warm in comfortable rooms while enjoying unbelievable scenery.
Image Credit: Devils@Cradle - Laura Helle, Tourism Tasmania
Brave the cold for stargazing by night (you may even spot the Southern Lights!) or spend a cosy day at the Waldheim Alpine Spa. Devils@Cradle is the place to meet Tasmanian devils, and over winter, you can book special experiences like a Twilight Joey Encounter or Dessert With The Devil to get up close with Tasmania’s iconic creatures.
Distance from Devonport Ferry Terminal: 95 minutes
Distance from Launceston Airport: 130 minutes
THE EAST COAST
Perfect for scenic drives and relaxing, slow days by the beach.
Image Credit: Bay of Fires - Stu Gibson, Tourism Tasmania
Go northeast for a coastal drive like no other on Tasmania's east coast. Admire the lichen-covered rocks and wild beaches along the way as you travel from the Bay of Fires, through Bicheno, to Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park.
Image: Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park
Located in the middle of the east coast, you’ll find Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park, where you can book into a luxury glamping tent or roll up onto a site. There’s direct beach access for surfers, a playground for kids, and campfires for anyone who needs to take the edge off the Tassie chill.
Image Credit: Apsley Gorge - Simon Sturzaker, Tourism Tasmania
There is an abundance of awesome walks around north-east Tasmania, from the park's neighbouring Winifred Curtis Reserve and Steels Beach to Douglas-Apsley National Park.
Distance from Devonport Ferry Terminal: 160 minutes
Distance from Launceston Airport: 100 minutes
Image: Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain
Dive into the natural beauty of Tasmania this winter with G’day Parks
There are so many great things to do in northern Tasmania, whether you're visiting for a weekend, going on a week-long road trip, or extending your journey south to Hobart. Either way, start planning a trip you'll never forget on the G’day Parks app or online today.
Image: Discovery Resorts - Cradle Mountain
