It flies under the radar, but take the time to explore North East Tasmania on a self-drive road trip and you’ll discover a region jam-packed full of gorgeous landscapes, rolling fields of lavender, tree-top adventures, and world-class mountain biking. 

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Its vibrant lavender fields, gourmet cheeses, intriguing links-style golf courses and adrenaline pumping mountain biking may be the initial attraction to Tasmania’s north east corner in tiny towns and communities like Derby, Bridestowe, Pyengana and Barnbougle, but stay a little longer and you’ll learn how this friendly community was built on the backs of pioneers from around the world.

As the Victorian gold rush dwindled, many crossed Bass Strait seeking riches in Van Diemen’s Land. A vibrant Chinese community arose in the 1800s, and the ‘Tin Dragon’ legacy lives on today in the tiny towns of Weldborough, Branxholm and Legerwood.

Many road trippers make the mistake of only spending a half-day in this region as they zoom through between Bay of Fires and Launceston.

But you know what? You could easily spend 2-3 nights in North East Tasmania and barely scratch the surface of this quiet paradise, and this guide has everything you need to get your planning started!

Things to See & Do

Waterfalls and Walking Trails of Pyengana

The ‘tin rush’ of the late 1800s saw hundreds of miners move to the area in and surrounding Pyengana – a far cry from the grazing, cheese, farming and tourism now sustaining the few locals that call this gorgeous valley home.

Nearby Lottah is all but a ghost town now (it’s hard believe it had two churches, two pubs and plenty of shops!), but it’s historical remains are a fascinating discovery as you explore its forests by foot. The Anchor Stamper walk is a great way to spend a half-hour while learning about the tin-mining history of the region. Other lovely walks further north near Poimena include the Goblin Forest Walk and Australia Hill Circuit.

Closer to Pyengana is the stunning walk to Halls Falls, and you can’t miss one of Tassie’s highest waterfalls – St Columba Falls.

Don’t worry if you aren’t feeling active because Pyengana has a lot more to offer than walking trails. If you’re a foodie then a visit to Pyengana Dairy Company for a taste of their award-winning cloth-bound cheddar is an absolute must! Just down the road you’ll find honest, hearty meals – and a beer-swilling pig called Priscilla – at the Pub in the Paddock. Scroll down for more info on these options!

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Is it possible to have too much purple in your life?

With its soothing bouquet drifting on the summer breeze and rows of vibrant flowers arcing their way into the lavender haze, one visit to Bridestowe Lavender Estate is all it takes to realise the answer is, “Definitely not!“.

Only a 45 minute drive from Launceston, 1 hr from Low Head, or 2.5hrs from Binalong Bay (Bay of Fires), Bridestowe is one of Tasmania’s most vibrant and Instagrammable attractions. Farm tours are always popular, and your very own ‘Bobbie Bear’ is the perfect souvenir of your Tasmanian road trip.

If you would like to visit ALL the lavender farms in Tasmania, you will love my Complete Guide to Lavender in Tasmania.

Barnbougle Tasmania

Where the surging waters of Bass Strait meet the rolling dunes of north east Tasmania lie two very special golf courses. Carved from the rugged landscape and subject to the vagaries of Tasmania’s ever-changing weather, Barnbougle Dunes and Barnbougle Lost Farm courses offer a unique opportunity to test your golfing mettle. Low scores are rare, but the experience lasts forever!

Only minutes from the seaside town of Bridport, Barnbougle offers not only great golfing but unique accommodation and quality dining amid the links.

Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails

It began with tin mining, but it’s the thrills and spills of downhill mountain biking that now attract riders from all over the world to the tiny town of Derby.

A regular host for the Enduro World Series, Blue Derby’s network of trails are ridiculously good. The sweeping views, dolerite slabs and green forests make for exciting riding no matter what your level of ability.

Hollybank Wilderness Adventure

Flying through the treetops with the wind in your hair and a grin from ear to ear – that’s the feeling you get on one of the many zipline tours offered by Hollybank Wilderness Adventures – just 20 minutes outside Launceston.

Segway adventure tours are also popular, and if you or the kids love climbing you’ll get a real kick out of their tree top canopy adventure.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

It’s a quiet pace of life in North East Tasmania, and I’ve found some lovely accommodation options where you can relax and use as a base to explore all the attractions in the region.

Pyengana

Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of accommodation options in Pyengana itself – the Pub in the Paddock provides comfortable family rooms – but as you’ll see below there are more options in the surrounding areas.

Derby

Being such a popular destination for mountain bikers from all around the world, Derby has some amazing accommodation options and it is very central to the entire region.

For heritage and comfort, couples will love Derby Bank House, or the timber panelling and parquet floors of the quirky Pilgrim Blue.

Avalon Blue is another great option, with plenty of space for families to spread out while still being close to the amenities of Derby.

Bridport

In Bridport you’ll love the unique luxury-in-the-dunes of Barnbougle Dunes or the self-contained convenience of Seaside Cottage. For a budget-friendly option there’s Bridairre Holiday Apartments.

Scottsdale

Just outside Scottsdale is the fantastic Rail Trail Retreat – ideal for couples. Families will love Tiny Home, where despite it’s name it is brilliant for small families!

Lilydale

Many road trippers like to divert from the Lap of Tasmania route to see the gorgeous village of Lilydale (make sure you walk to Lilydale Falls!). For an exceptional experience I recommend The Trig at Mt Arthur, or the lovely Karoola Cottage.

Caravan Parks

If you’re looking for a campground with a fantastic view, then I recommend Bridport Seaside Caravan Park. Or for free camping near the attractions of Lilydale, why not stay at Lilydale Falls Reserve?

Where to Eat & Drink

The lush fields of North East Tasmania aren’t just easy on the eye, they’re renowned for producing some of Tasmania’s best sparkling wines, heritage cheeses and ice cold beers.

Cottage Bakery in Scottsdale is famous for its award-winning pies and pastries, while Little Rivers Brewing Co. are making big waves on the Aussie craft beer scene.

Once you’ve got your day started, why not drop into La Colline Vineyard for a taste of their wines (open Sat/Sun)?

Or for something very different, you could visit the Springfield Tea Room where you will find tasty jams, craftworks, fabrics and some of the most delicious scones, apple pie and cinnamon scrolls to be found anywhere in Tasmania, all made by the local Amish community!

Before descending to St Helens and the East Coast, make sure you drop by Pyengana Dairy and taste their delicious range of single-origin cheeses. Or for something more substantial you could always pull into the Pub in the Paddock for a hearty meal – don’t forget to say g’day to Priscilla Pig ‘Princess of the Paddock’!

For a relaxing day of touring with a Tassie local and a foodie twist, have a look at the many day tours provided by Pepper Bush Adventures. Craig and the team know the region intimately and provide the perfect opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes around their base in Scottsdale, with food and wine a feature in many of their offerings. Book one in today!

Festivals & Events

A Festival Called PANAMA

An intimate two-day, three-night music festival held at Lone Star Valley in North East Tasmania. Staged on a secluded 50-acre property and small-batch cider brewery, PANAMA showcases a tightly curated line-up of critically acclaimed acts as well as late-night cabaret, spoken word, DJs, pop up markets and delicious local food stalls.

• Where: Golconda (near Lilydale)
• When: March
• Find out more: A Festival Called PANAMA

Tassie Scallop Fiesta

Tasmania’s refreshing waters are perfect for the world’s best scallops, and Bridport’s Tassie Scallop Fiesta is the best way to experience this delicacy. There’s plenty of scallops, bubbles, and other gourmet delights on offer – and when you’ve finished enjoying the live music and long-table lunch you can see who takes out the annual scallop pie baking competition!

• Where: Bridport
• When: August
• Find out more: Tassie Scallop Fiesta

MTB World Series (Enduro World Cup)

Tasmania’s hand-crafted trails blew the international MTB scene away when they hosted the Enduro World Series back in 2017 for the first time, on its return in 2019, and again in 2023 for the MCI Enduro World Cup. It is easily one of the world’s premier MTB destinations and events!

• Where: Derby
• When: March
• Find out more: Enduro World Series

North East Weather

North East Tasmania experiences a cool temperate climate throughout the year, with four distinct seasons. It is lovely for much of the year and doesn’t experience as many extremes in temperature as some other regions in Tasmania.

Summer temperatures typically range from 12°C at night up to 23°C during the day.

In winter you can expect temperatures to range from 5°C up to 12°C.

Essential Information

Here are some local tips and advice to help with the planning process, and ensure you have a smooth, safe and fun road trip in North East Tasmania!