Updated on September 8th, 2024
Roads are made for journeys, not destinations, and sometimes, while travelling, we get moments that can’t be explained in words. Tasmania is one of those destinations, which is perfect for road tripping with outstanding views around every corner, an abundance of beachfront, and roadside produces stalls aplenty, there’s every reason for you to hit the highway. Road trip Tasmania has a lot of things that can make your trip a lifelong memory.
Many years have passed, but the memories are still afresh that I can recall all the wonderful moments I experienced during my trip to Launceston & Hobart in Tasmania. We travelled from Launceston to Hobart by bus. In 2014, the University of Tasmania organized a trip for education consultants working with them, and I was part of it. We spent two nights in Launceston, a beautiful city in Tasmania. It is like some holiday place, where you get everything that refreshes your mind and soul. You can’t stop praising the elegant architecture of the city.
It is indeed a city full of art and design, beautiful green parks, surrounding hills, pleasant and cold weather make you feel outstanding. I spent my maximum time walking around different places in Launceston and seeing the sights. Tasmania is a place of wild and beautiful landscapes, friendly people with a relaxed lifestyle, but this is more true of Launceston.
Tamar Valley, Launceston
Tamar Valley is a place you can’t miss visiting when you are in Launceston. It’s a very scenic place where you can easily spend your afternoon checking out some wineries.
Launceston’s local airport receives flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Before coming to this place, my stay was in Melbourne, where I often stay while I am in Australia. Launceston Airport is a regional airport on the outskirts of the city.
After visiting campuses of universities and few colleges in Launceston, our next destination was Hobart. Organizers of the trip planned to take us to Hobart by road on a tourist bus. The trip guide asked us to be ready in the morning at a time.
First stay at Colonial town Champbell with some refreshment
The next morning, we all were ready in front of our hotel at the right time. We all were excited because the road trip was going to be full of wonderful experiences. The very first stoppage, on the way, was Campbell town. Located 67 km southeast of Launceston, Campbell Town is the perfect place to stay and have some relaxing moments. You may take a walk along the banks of the Elizabeth River before finding a local bar or restaurant for a well-earned meal.
In 1811, Governor Macquarie named the river Elizabeth after his wife’s name. There are so many interesting tourist spots in town that you can explore. There are so many buildings dating from the 19th century. Campbell Town is full of colonial history where you can find many colonial structures; you can’t stop yourself admiring them. Red Bridge is one of them, which was built in 1830 by convicts. You may also visit Campbell Town Museum if you wish to learn more about the town’s history. Here you can have a useful brochure from the Visitor Information Centre.
If you feel hungry, you need not worry. There are a lot of eateries for quick snacks and lunches. If you have sufficient time, you may sit on the bank of the river and enjoy your picnic.
Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
The next important stoppage we took was Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, just 17 miles before reaching our last destination, Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. As the sanctuary is mostly situated outdoors, you get plenty of free parking. It was almost evening time when we reached there.
Bonorong is one of Tasmania’s important sanctuaries. It is home to many awesome animals, including Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and Tasmanian devils. You get free time to see a sanctuary, touch even feed these beautiful and cute animals like kangaroos, koalas. Visitors get pictures clicked to keep as memories.
Check timing before planning trip
As I said, the sanctuary is outdoor, so you must keep with your weather-appropriate clothing. The sanctuary is open almost daily, but you must check it before planning your trip. You can take your eatable if you have a picnic there, but even if you forget to take food, you will find excellent restaurants serving snacks and other eatables.
Entry to the wildlife sanctuary is paid. This entry fee is used to maintain Bonorong sanctuary. You also get a free bag of kangaroo food with this entry fee. We all enjoyed a good time being at the sanctuary. I can certainly recommend this place as must visit if ever you are near Hobart.
In Hobart, our stay was at Hotel Maya Colonial, near to Salamanca market. It was very comfortable to stay, especially because of its location. Hobart’s picturesque waterfront is quite close to this hotel. Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s largest and most vibrant outdoor market, which opens every Saturday. You can buy almost everything you need like fresh food, homeware, crafts, jewellery, and so many other things.
As I earlier said, the University of Tasmania and the Department of Education organized our trip, so our primary focus was visiting the university and different Tasmania TAFE campuses. After two or three day’s busy schedules, our trip organizers again planned a leisure trip to two awesome places. One of them was Mt Wellington, and another one was Bruny Island.
Exploring the Salamanca market
Trip to Mt Wellington
On the day of the trip, we again started around 8 am. Everybody was so excited to see Mt Wellington from the close; no doubt it is normally visible from the city of Hobart itself. We all were on a tourist bus running through the green forest and zig zag slopes. All this was creating an incredible experience.
All members of the group were enjoying the natural scenery and trying to feel windy mountains. It was a cool but sunny day, but the roaring cool wind was making everyone feel chilled. I recommend everybody should be dress according to the weather.
Standing on Mt Wellington, you can feel Hobart city somewhere in the clouds, and all this makes stunning scenery, which you can never forget. You can catch panoramic views of clouds, sunrise and sunset. The Wellington Range is popular for mountain biking as well as horse riding. We all spent few hours there, enjoyed the beautiful facets of nature before moving to our next destination.
Day spent at Bruny Island
Bruny Island is nothing less than a paradise for those who love beaches, surfing, scenic views, boat riding, and food lovers. We went there in our tourist bus arranged by trip organizers. The entire way was through a green forest. You have to board your vehicle on a ferry at one particular point, which takes you to Island.
The very first view after reaching the island makes you outstanding. A natural wonderland full of stunning coastline gives you such a soothing impression that you can’t forget it throughout your life. Food lovers get so much variety of eatables that you will love to stay a few days there. Locally produced cheese, chocolate, whiskey, seafood, berries, wines, and so many other options you get to enjoy your trip.
Scenic views at Bruny Island are an all-time attraction. You can enjoy a long beach walk, see the sunset and so many such moments. Boating can add a thrill to your trip. As a whole, it is a complete paradise you would like to visit again and again.
