Hobart To Launceston: A Glovebox Guide

From convict-built bridges to bakeries brimming with scallop pies, let this glovebox guide take you on a journey from Hobart to Launceston.

The drive from Hobart to Launceston could mean two and a half hours of straightforward, no-nonsense driving via the Midland Highway, also known as Heritage Highway. Or it could be the highlight of your Tasmanian trip: stopping at bucolic villages; grazing on a cheese platter beside a duck-filled lake; and sipping the best golden whiskey you’ve ever had.

Whether you’re stopping along the way at one of the many boutique accommodations or simply want to break up your driving by expanding the trip by a few hours, we’ve compiled the ultimate glovebox guide to help you along your travels.

Hobart

Kick off your road trip in photogenic Hobart, where the blend of history and delicious food and wine sets the tone for a delightful journey. Aim to visit Tassie’s capital on a Saturday so you can explore the local arts and craft stalls at Salamanca Market and snack on a dizzying array of street food.

two women browsing a local arts and crafts stall at Salamanca Market — Explore the local arts and crafts stalls at Salamanca Market. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Art lovers should squirrel away some time for jumping on the ferry and travelling out to MONA art museum , where you can easily spend the entire day exploring art, eating cheese and drinking beer.

the MONA front entrance wall — Step into the artsy world of MONA. (Image: Mona and Rémi Chauvin)

For an adrenaline rush and stunning views, dart up to Mt Wellington/Kunanyi for some astonishing panoramic views from the summit. If you have more time, consider a day trip to Bruny Island or Port Arthur, or take a drive through the pretty-as-a-picture Huon Valley. Even if you can’t squeeze everything in, there are plenty of interesting spots to discover on your way to Launceston.

the Willie Smith's Apple Shed in Huon Valley — Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is nestled in the bountiful Huon Valley. (Image: Stu Gibson)

Stop 1: Richmond

Just half an hour north of Hobart is Richmond, a town straight out of a postcard with its historic vibe and charming streets.

the heritage-listed stone arch Richmond Bridge — Walk along the heritage listed Richmond Bridge. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Highlights here include the 200-year-old Richmond Bridge and the country’s oldest surviving Catholic Church: St John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

the St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Richmond — St John the Evangelist Catholic Church is the country’s oldest surviving Catholic Church. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Continue to step back in time at the Richmond Gaol, where you can learn about Tasmania’s convict past. Hungry? Grab a snack at the Richmond Bakery (the scallop pies are legendary) and a lavender ice cream or bag of old-fashioned lollies at Sweets and Treats. Walk off the sugar rush at the quirky Pooseum , a science museum dedicated to animal droppings, and Old Hobart Town, a model village replicating Hobart as it stood in the 1820s.

the exterior of Richmond Gaol — Richmond Gaol brings to life the compelling stories of 19th-century convicts. (Image: Samuel Shelley)

Stop 2: Oatlands

Cruise another 45 minutes along the Heritage Highway to Oatlands, with its mind-blowing 150 sandstone buildings and the only working windmill in the Southern Hemisphere, Callington Mill.

friends exploring Oatlands — Wander around the sandstone buildings. (Image: Samuel Shelley)

The Callington Mill Distillery is right next to it, so pop in for a whisky tasting or lunch at the restaurant while you’re at it.

two women sampling whiskies at Callington Mill Distillery — Pop in for a whisky tasting at Callington Mill Distillery. (Image: Dearna Bond)

If there’s still time, wander around idyllic Lake Dulverton, with its half-submerged sculptures of cows, or chill out with an excellent coffee at Bunch.

a floating black swan at Lake Dulverton — Black swans float on Lake Dulverton. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Stop 3: Ross

The pretty town of Ross, just a 30-minute scoot along the highway from Oatlands, is all about history and charm. Take your binoculars to check out the Ross Bridge, famous for its intricate carvings by convict and former stonemason Daniel Herbert.

two people standing on Ross Bridge — The Ross Bridge is embellished with intricate carvings by convict and former stonemason Daniel Herbert. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The mindboggling 186 detailed carvings depict animals, plants, local personalities and even Herbert himself. Ross also serves up another fascinating piece of history to visitors: the Ross Female Factory – the country’s most well-preserved female convict sites.

the carvings at Ross Bridge — The carvings depict animals, plants, and local personalities. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy)

Another intriguing spot to check out is the crossroads in the middle of town, dubbed the Four Corners of Ross. Here, you can choose your path: will it be salvation at the Catholic Church, damnation at the old gaol, re-creation at the Town Hall or temptation at the Ross Hotel ? If you opt for the pub, you’ll find delicious Tassie beers on tap and dishes with the freshest Tassie ingredients. If you’re a knitter or wool lover, swing by the Tasmanian Wool Centre where you can learn about the town’s wool industry and grab yourself a super-soft merino poncho.

Stop 4: Campbell Town

One and a half hours up the track from Hobart, Campbell Town is more than just a pit stop; it’s a treasure trove of history and stories. Walk the Convict Brick Trail, where each brick tells a story of a convict’s journey to Australia and then peruse the aptly named Red Bridge, crafted by convict engineer James Blackburn.

the Red Bridge in Campbell Town — Peruse the aptly named Red Bridge. (Image: Alastair Bett)

Built from 1.5 million red-clay bricks right on site, this historic bridge still stands strong. After soaking up some history, grab a book and a coffee at The Book Cellar , a gorgeous bookshop located in the convict cellars under an 1830s-era coaching inn.

a look inside The Book Cellar in Campbell Town — Grab a book and a coffee at The Book Cellar. (Image: Chris Crerar)

Stop 5: Longford

If you veer off the Midland Highway at Campbell Town and take Mount Joy Road, you’ll find yourself in the delightful little town of Longford. Here you’ll find two stunning colonial estates very much worth exploring: Woolmer’s Estate and Brickendon, which are listed as World Heritage Sites. Walking in their beautiful gardens and convict-built historic buildings is like stepping into a Jane Austen novel. If you want to stay longer, both properties boast gorgeous accommodation, which will allow you more time to indulge in Longford’s antique shops and hearty pub food.

Stop 6: Perth

A pretty little village, Perth has over 33 heritage buildings that are incredibly well preserved. Start with a stroll down Main Road to admire the charming buildings and impressive Georgian houses. Peckish? Pop into the Tasmanian Honey Company to sample the divine leatherwood honey and Southern Sky Cheese Company, where you’ll find some of Tasmania’s best handcrafted cheeses.

a close-up shot of honey samples at Tasmanian Honey Company — Sample the divine leatherwood honey at Tasmanian Honey Company. (Image: Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne)

Stop 7: Launceston

Hooray, you’ve made it to Launceston – Tassie’s second-largest city and a mix of natural beauty, fascinating museums and a pumping food scene, with gourmet restaurants serving local truffles, cheese, and wild abalone.

a woman sampling wines at Holm Oak — Holm Oak specialises in pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay and moscato wines. (Image: Adam Gibson)

Wine lovers will be overjoyed to discover the 30 or so vineyards in the Tamar Valley, just 15 minutes outside of Launceston.

a group of people touring around Josef Chromy Wines — Tour Josef Chromy Wines. (Image: Osborne Images)

Must-visit vineyards include Josef Chromy , Arras , Tamar Ridge , Holm Oak and Clover Hill to name just a few. But if pubs are more your style, check out our guide to the best ones in the area.

the Clover Hill vineyard — Admire the sprawling vineyards of Clover Hill. (Image: Supplied Courtesy of Clover Hill Wines)

Art lovers will be equally pleased with Launceston’s generous offering of design centres, fine art galleries and museums to explore, while folks who like the great outdoors could spend a whole day at the Cataract Gorge, a sublime natural wonder with walking trails, a chairlift, a swimming pool and bevvy of stunning Indian Peafowl (what most would call peacocks).

an aerial view of the Cataract Gorge — The Cataract Gorge is a sublime natural wonder. (Image: Krista Eppelstun)

Clear cache

Follow our guide on the best things to do in Launceston.

One of Tasmania’s oldest riverside towns is marking itself on the map with award-winning dining and creative spirit without forgetting its past.

On the banks of the Derwent, New Norfolk wears its history proudly: Georgian cottages, historic precincts and a trove of antiques hint at its early days. But this riverside town – just 30 minutes from the mad arty world of Hobart’s Mona in one direction and the bountiful nature of Mount Field National Park in the other – isn’t content with nostalgia.

With destination dining, a new wave of distillers and brewers, and creative energy reshaping its heritage buildings, New Norfolk is emerging as one of Tasmania’s most compelling small-town stories.

A quick history lesson

the Derwent River from Pulpit Rock Lookout — Views of the Derwent River and town from Pulpit Rock Lookout. (Image: Mauricio E. Mozo)

The town was established in 1807 on Leenowwenne Lands when military leaders and settlers abandoned the far-flung penal colony at Norfolk Island for then-called Van Dieman’s Land. Along with hops, salmon and timber, the town’s history is closely bound to the Willow Court Asylum, a convict hospital established in 1827 that grew into the nation’s oldest continuously operating mental health facility, closing only in 2000. The site’s vast footprint still dominates the town – a place layered with a difficult history but also with stories of healing.

the Willow Court, New Norfolk — The 1827-built Willow Court Asylum is a former mental health facility that you can tour. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Rob Burnett)

Local guide Sharmaine Mansfield, who runs Willow Court Asylum Tours , is determined to keep that history alive. Her tours – historical by day, ghostly by night – approach the site with deep respect. “My number one priority is to be respectful of this former mental health institution and to those who lived and worked here. At night, we hold a minute’s silence to think of them.” It’s often then that guests report hearing and feeling things in the stillness of the evening.

A delicious new chapter

The Agrarian Kitchen from above — The Agrarian Kitchen is one of the country’s most lauded restaurants and cooking schools. (Image: Luke Burgess)

Within the Willow Court precinct, The Agrarian Kitchen continues to write a new chapter of history. One of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants has transformed a former hospital ward into a temple to Tasmanian produce. Since opening in 2017, the restaurant and its renowned cooking school have become a pilgrimage for food lovers, sealing the town’s place on Australia’s culinary map.

a close-up of a dish at The Agrarian Kitchen, New Norfolk — The produce from the garden is used in the dishes and for cooking classes. (Image: Stu Gibson)

Just outside, a walled garden is abundant with herbs, vegetables and fruit trees and is open for guided tours; its produce heads straight to the restaurant or neighbouring kiosk.

The Agrarian Kitchen detail, New Norfolk — The Agrarian Kitchen is a pilgrimage for food lovers. (Image: @PuddleHub)

A stay steeped in history

The Woodbridge, New Norfolk — The Woodbridge is one of the country’s grandest stays. (Image: Christine Aldred)

For a night dripping with history, The Woodbridge – one of the country’s oldest grand homes which this year celebrated its 200th birthday – offers a rare experience. Built by convicts in 1825 as the residence of the colony’s first constable, it now operates as a luxe heritage-listed hotel.

inside a suite at The Woodbridge, New Norfolk — The building was restored to become a hotel.

It feels like a gracious country estate. Behind an iron gate, a crunching gravel driveway on one side and sweeping lawns rolling to the river on the other. From my room’s terrace, I can peer beyond the tiered gardens across the Derwent to the original toll gate for passing merchant vessels or settle into inviting lounge and library spaces with a book or glass of muscat.

the river at Woodbridge, New Norfolk — Seek serenity by the river. (Image: Christine Aldred)

It’s happenstance this Tasmanian grande dame is still here at all, saved by its dedicated owners who spotted it on a holiday visit. The Woodbridge was teetering on the brink of destruction when Laurelle and John Grimley bought it in 2003. After an exacting, multi-year restoration, it’s been coaxed back to life.

a telescope at The Woodbridge, New Norfolk — Peer beyond the tiered gardens. (Image: Christine Aldred)

Today, modern comforts – elegant rooms, contemporary furnishings and new bathrooms – sit easily with the original blackwood floors, stone walls and Georgian-paned windows, complementing and respecting its rich history. Laurelle is well proud that the building’s future is now assured. “If we didn’t save it, who would? I feel this is my legacy,” she says.

Sourcing antique charms

inside the Flywheel boutique stationery store, New Norfolk — Flywheel is a boutique stationery store in town. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Nick Osborne)

Known as the antiques capital of Tasmania, New Norfolk hums with history. Visitors can forage for hours at the sprawling Willow Court Antique Centre or the beautifully curated and styled Drill Hall Emporium in town.

inside the Flywheel letterpress studio in New Norfolk — Visit the letterpress studio in New Norfolk. (Image: Christine Aldred)

Books and coffee pair perfectly at Black Swan Bookshop on a sunny corner while The Quilted Teapot mixes lattes and lunches with quilting supplies. Don’t miss Flywheel , a stunning boutique stationery shop and working letterpress studio in an old bakery.

a bartender holding a glass of rum at New Norfolk Distillery — Sample rum at New Norfolk Distillery. (Image: Jess Curtis)

Thirsty travellers can taste-test award-winning rum at New Norfolk Distillery in a quirky industrial space with weekend snacks and sci-fi vibes, or sip craft brews at Welcome Swallow Brewery – an inviting microbrewery brimming with warmth and a veritable jungle of plants. History buffs shouldn’t miss the 1825-licensed Bush Inn, said to be the state’s oldest continually licensed pub. It’s also where the very first long-distance telephone call was made in Australia in 1888.

More reasons to visit

a group having a picnic during the Tasmanian Autumn Festival, New Norfolk — The Tasmanian Autumn Festival includes events and experiences across the region. (Image: Stu Gibson)

Each April, the Tasmanian Autumn Festival brings the region to life in a month-long celebration, with food and tipple trails, blacksmithing workshops or the chance to meet a highland cow or alpaca. Platypus spotting, pottery classes, glamping on a truffle farm, kayaking and vineyard visits are other Derwent Valley temptations, all close enough to make New Norfolk a natural hub.

And there’s more change afoot. The newly opened Bridgewater Bridge means easier road and river access. And within the Willow Court complex, the Nurses Quarters and Ladies Cottage are being meticulously restored to create an evocative event space with commercial kitchen, and boutique accommodation to follow. In this town, heritage is a living asset: respected but ever evolving into something new and inviting.

The ultimate guide to driving from Hobart to Launceston

From convict-built bridges to bakeries brimming with scallop pies, let this glovebox guide take you on a journey from Hobart to Launceston.