North East Tasmania Road Trip

North East Tasmania

Highlights | Accommodation | Road Trip Essentials

Take the time to explore North East Tasmania and you’ll discover a region jam-packed full of gorgeous landscapes, tree-top adventures, and world-class mountain biking.

Add North East Tasmania to your self-drive Tasmanian road trip itinerary today!

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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, 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 Derby.

Table of Contents

6. Road Trip Essentials

Highlights of North East Tasmania

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.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

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

Its sweet and soothing bouquet drifting on the summer breeze, 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 20 minutes from Bridport, 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 from your Tasmanian road trip.

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

Did you know…?

Bridestowe Lavender Estate is the largest lavender farm in the southern hemisphere! It’s also Insta-selfie heaven

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.

Did you know…?

Barnbougle Dunes golf course is ranked #2 in Australia – and Barnbougle Lost Farm at #5!

Don’t forget to take plenty of spare balls…you’ll need them! ⛳😃

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.

Where to Eat and Drink in North East Tasmania

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.

A light meal or tasting platter from Leaning Church Vineyard, near the pretty village of Lilydale, is a great place to start. 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.

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!

Did you know…?

Mt William National Park is home to Tasmania’s only native kangaroo, the Great Forester Kangaroo 🦘

Hop along and see for yourself!

North East Tasmania 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 Fest

Tasmania’s refreshing waters are perfect for the world’s best scallops, and Bridport’s Tassie Scallop Fest 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 Fest

Enduro World Series

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, and it returned in 2019 even bigger and better!

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

Barnbougle Polo

Every January international and local polo players descend on picturesque Barnbougle to compete at the highest level. But it’s not all about the sport – bring your best frock or suit, grab a glass of sparkling and enjoy the bubbling social scene.

Where: Barnbougle Tasmania
When: January
Find out more: Barnbougle Polo

North East Tasmania Accommodation

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.

Bridport

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

Scottsdale

Travelling to Scottsdale you won’t find any better than Anabel’s of Scottsdale. The National Trust classified gardens are simply stunning and you’ll love looking across the wisteria-draped verandah from your cosy bedroom. Willowlodge is another well regarded hotel in Scottsdale, with excellent feedback.

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?

North East Tasmania 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 21°C during the day.

In winter you can expect temperatures to range from 5°C up to 11°C.