Road Trip Guide
Tasmania West: The Wilderness Frontier
Launceston to Hobart
Start
Launceston
Finish
Hobart
Distance
585 kilometers
Duration
6 to 8 days
Best Months
December - March
Budget
$$
EV Ready
6/10
Kid-Friendly
7/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Launceston
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Sheffield
Fuel & Supplies
Known as the Town of Murals. This is your last chance for major supermarket supplies before entering the wilderness.
Tullah
Rest Area & Coffee
A beautiful lakeside village. Stop at the Tullah Lakeside Lodge for a coffee with a view of Mount Farrell.
Ouse
Fuel & Emergency
A critical fuel stop in the Derwent Valley. If you are low on fuel after the mountains, do not skip this station.
Insider Driving Tips
Fuel management is critical; the stretch between Tullah and Queenstown has limited services, so always top up when you see a station.
The weather can change from sunny to snowing in minutes, even in summer. Layering with high-quality wool and waterproof gear is essential.
Purchase a National Parks Pass before you leave Launceston; it is required for entry into Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, and Mount Field.
Download offline maps (Google or Maps.me) as GPS signal is non-existent in the deep valleys of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Drive with extreme caution at dawn and dusk; the West Coast has a very high density of wildlife, and collisions with wombats or wallabies are common.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Hellyers Restaurant
“A cozy, high-ceilinged lodge restaurant specializing in Tasmanian produce. Try the slow-cooked Cape Grim beef or the local salmon, paired with a glass of cool-climate Pinot Noir by the roaring fireplace.”
Dove Lake Boat Shed
The iconic rustic wooden shed with the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain reflected in the water behind it.
Marions Lookout
A steep climb that rewards you with a breathtaking aerial view of Dove Lake, Crater Lake, and the surrounding alpine plateau.
The Pencil Pine Cascades
Located just a short walk from the main lodge area, these cascades are often overlooked by tourists rushing to Dove Lake. It is a serene spot where the water tumbles over dark rocks into deep, cold pools surrounded by ancient trees.
Dove Lake
Natural Landmark
“This iconic glacial lake offers the most famous views of Cradle Mountain and serves as the starting point for the scenic circuit walk.”
Enchanted Walk
Nature Trail
“An easy and magical short walk that winds through mossy forests and along the banks of the Pencil Pine River.”
Waldheim Alpine Museum
Historic Site
“This replica of the original cabin built by pioneer Gustav Weindorfer provides fascinating insight into the history and early tourism of the park.”
Strahan and Macquarie Harbour
Risby Cove
“An award-winning waterfront restaurant located in a converted sawmill. They serve incredible seafood platters featuring Strahan-grown ocean trout and local scallops.”
Ocean Beach
Tasmania's longest beach. The sight of the massive Southern Ocean swells crashing onto the shore under a fiery sunset is unparalleled.
Gordon River Reflections
Capture the perfect symmetry of the ancient rainforest in the tannin-stained waters during a morning cruise.
Hogarth Falls
A gentle 45-minute walk from the edge of town leads you through a lush rainforest to a beautiful waterfall. Keep a very sharp eye on the creek, as this is one of the best places in Tasmania to spot a wild platypus in the late afternoon.
Gordon River Cruise
Nature Cruise
“Experience the pristine wilderness of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park from the water.”
The Ship That Never Was
Live Theater
“Enjoy this long-running, humorous play that tells the incredible true story of a dramatic escape from the Sarah Island penal settlement.”
Ocean Beach
Scenic Landmark
“Walk along Tasmania's longest beach to witness the raw power of the Southern Ocean and stunning, uninterrupted sunsets.”
Queenstown and the 99 Bends
Tracks Café
“Located inside the West Coast Wilderness Railway station, this café offers hearty mining-themed meals and the best homemade scones in the region.”
The 99 Bends Lookout
A pull-off point that allows you to capture the winding road snaking through the stark, colorful hills.
The Empire Hotel Staircase
A magnificent National Trust-listed staircase made of rare blackwood, located inside the town's most iconic hotel.
Iron Blow Lookout
The site of the earliest gold and copper strikes. A cantilevered walkway juts out over a massive, deep blue-water-filled pit surrounded by colorful mineral-stained cliffs.
The 99 Bends
Scenic Drive
“This iconic stretch of the Lyell Highway offers a thrilling drive through rugged mountains with spectacular views of the West Coast wilderness.”
Iron Blow Lookout
Scenic Lookout
“Experience a dramatic panoramic view of a historic open-cut copper mine that showcases the raw, otherworldly landscape of the region.”
West Coast Wilderness Railway
Historic Railway
“Embark on a captivating journey through ancient rainforests on a restored steam train that highlights the area's rich mining heritage.”
Lake St Clair and Derwent Bridge
Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel
“A classic highland pub with a massive stone fireplace. Their walloon (wallaby) burrito or hearty venison stew are perfect for a cold mountain evening.”
Cynthia Bay
The main entry point to the lake, offering a wide-angle view of the water with the mountains framing the horizon.
Lakeside Jetty
A long wooden pier that leads the eye into the deep blue of the lake, perfect for long-exposure photography.
The Wall in the Wilderness
An extraordinary art project where sculptor Greg Duncan is carving the history of the Central Highlands into 100 meters of Huon Pine panels. It is a breathtaking tribute to the pioneers and the natural world.
Lake St Clair Lodge and National Park
National Park
“Experience the stunning beauty of Australia's deepest freshwater lake surrounded by ancient rainforests and rugged mountain peaks.”
The Wall in the Wilderness
Art Gallery
“Marvel at this extraordinary 100-metre-long hand-carved relief sculpture that depicts the history and stories of Tasmania's Central Highlands.”
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park
Nature Reserve
“Explore the pristine wilderness and dramatic river landscapes that form a core part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness.”
Mount Field National Park
Waterfalls Cafe
“Located at the park entrance, this cafe serves excellent locally sourced berry desserts and savory pies, ideal for refueling after a hike.”
Russell Falls
The most iconic waterfall in Tasmania. Use a tripod and a slow shutter speed to capture the silky flow of the water over the tiered rocks.
Horseshoe Falls
A smaller, more intimate waterfall further up the track that is surrounded by dense, vibrant green ferns.
Tall Trees Walk
A loop track that takes you beneath the canopy of the world's tallest hardwood trees. Standing at the base of these giants makes you feel incredibly small and connected to the ancient history of the forest.
Russell Falls
Waterfall
“This iconic, multi-tiered waterfall is easily accessible via a gentle, picturesque walk through ancient fern forests.”
Tall Trees Walk
Nature Trail
“This short loop showcases some of the tallest flowering plants in the world, the magnificent Swamp Gums.”
Lake Dobson
Alpine Lake
“Located at the end of the park's scenic drive, this tranquil glacial lake serves as the gateway to stunning alpine hikes and unique pandani vegetation.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Corinna and the Pieman River
A remote eco-settlement accessible via a gravel road north of Zeehan. It is a step back in time to the 1800s gold rush.
Why It's Worth It
“The Fatman Barge across the Pieman River is a unique experience, and the river itself is hemmed in by some of the most pristine rainforest in the world.”
Nelson Falls
A short, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk located right off the Lyell Highway between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge.
Why It's Worth It
“It provides an immediate immersion into a Gondwanan rainforest with very little effort, featuring spectacular ancient ferns and a powerful waterfall.”
Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery
Located in Plenty, near New Norfolk. It is the oldest trout hatchery in the Southern Hemisphere, established in 1864.
Why It's Worth It
“The English-style gardens and historic ponds offer a stark, beautiful contrast to the wilder landscapes you've just traversed.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the main route from Launceston to Hobart via the West Coast is fully sealed. However, some detours like the road to Corinna are gravel and require care.
Summer (December to February) offers the most stable weather, but autumn (March to May) is spectacular for the 'Turning of the Fagus' when the deciduous beech trees turn gold.
Options are limited once you leave the main towns. It is highly recommended to carry snacks and water, and to book dinner reservations in Strahan and Cradle Mountain in advance.