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Top 5 Day Trips from Launceston - Fun Filled Adventures for All Ages
- Wander * Explore * Discover
- Apr 26, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: 13 hours ago
Top 5 Day Trips from Launceston - Fun Filled Adventures for All Ages
Launceston may be one of Tasmania’s most charming cities, but it’s also the perfect base for exploring some of the state’s most scenic and diverse day trips. Within a short drive, you’ll find ancient rainforests, dramatic mountains, historic villages, beautiful waterfalls, cool-climate wineries, and relaxed coastal towns.
Whether you’re chasing nature, food and wine, wildlife encounters, or a step back into Tasmania’s past, these top five day trips from Launceston showcase the very best of northern Tasmania. Grab your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore beyond the city. In this article we provide details to create your own day trips and options for day trip tours available from Launceston.
Cradle Mountain - Iconic Walks in Alpine Landscapes
Cradle Mountain sits in the heart of the stunning Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in Tasmania, a place where ancient rainforests meet snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and sweeping alpine moorlands. No matter the season, it’s a magical spot to explore and a fantastic place to spot native wildlife.
During our self-drive day trip to Cradle Mountain, we wandered down to the Dove Lake Boathouse, discovered the lovely Pencil Pine Falls along the rainforest walk, and even spotted some adorable wombats at Ronny Creek. We also wandered along the Enchanted Walk and wrapped up our adventure with the fun and fascinating Devils at Cradle experience. It’s a day full of natural beauty, wildlife, and a little bit of Tasmanian magic.
The Tamar Valley is Tasmania's oldest wine region. You can visit Bradys Lookout, Beaconsfield Mine, Platypus House, Seahorse World and drive over Batman Bridge. You can also visit the wineries.
From Launceston to Bradys, Lookout is 20 kilometres. When you arrive, you can enjoy spectacular views over the Tamar River, the rolling vineyards and beautiful countryside from Brady’s Lookout. From Brady’s Lookout to Beaconsfield is 22 kilometres.
The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors can learn about the mine rescue and the area's history. It is 6 kilometres from Beaconsfield to Beauty Point.
At Platypus House, you can see platypus swimming around while learning more about them. Then, you can get up close to the echidnas as they wander around your feet while they are being fed.
Seahorse World is a working seahorse farm with informative tours and the chance to hold a seahorse. Both attractions have small tour groups and are very popular, so it’s best to book in advance. The distance from Beauty Point to Batman Bridge is 18 kilometres.
The Batman Bridge spans 432 metres across the Tamar River, and when it was built in 1968, it was one of the first cable-stayed truss bridges in the world.
This region is also known for its stunning cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and sparkling, and there are 32 wineries to explore. It is 38 kilometres from Batman Bridge back to Launceston.
Walk to the beautiful Liffey Falls, explore the lovely town of Deloraine and take a tour of the Mole Creek Caves. This is an exciting and fun day trip from Launceston.
The distance from Launceston to the Upper Liffey Falls Carpark is 52 kilometres. From the carpark, it is a 2-kilometre grade 2 walk to the falls, which will take about 45 minutes. Liffey Falls is a lovely waterfall formed where the Liffey River cascades over several rock tiers and down into the waterhole below. From Liffey Falls to Deloraine is 26 kilometres.
Deloraine is a lovely town on the banks of the Meander River in the foothills of the Great Western Tiers mountains. The town has lovely cafes, gardens, heritage buildings, and sculptures. From Deloraine to Mole Creek Caves is 36 kilometres.
Mole Creek Caves are located in the Mole Creek Karst National Park. Tours are available daily; booking the 45-minute tours in advance is best to secure your spot. The journey from the Mole Creek Caves to Launceston is 86 kilometres.
Wander along to Lilydale Falls, then visit the Bridestowe Lavender Estate before exploring the lovely seaside town of Bridport. Bridport is a popular beachside holiday destination.
It is 30 kilometres from Launceston to Lilydale Falls, located in the Lilydale Reserve. An easy 400-metre walk brings you to two lovely waterfalls created when the Second River cascades over the rocks. From Lilydale Falls to Bridestowe, Lavender Estate is 22 kilometres away.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and features a cafe, lovely lavender, and other local products. The lavender usually blooms in December through to January, with peak periods from around mid-December to mid-January. From the Lavender Estate to Bridport is 20 kilometres.
Bridport is a popular beachside holiday destination overlooking Andersen Bay. It has cafes, a hotel, shops to browse in, and stunning rock pools and beaches. The journey from Bridport to Launceston is 78 kilometres.
These two lovely historic villages have wonderful Georgian buildings dating back to the early 1820s. There is also a great selection of cafes and antique and craft shops.
From Launceston to Evandale is 18 kilometres. Evandale is a National Trust-listed Georgian village with cafes, Air BnBs, and antique and craft shops. Many of these buildings date back to the early 1820s and were originally built by convicts.
From Evandale to Longford is 15 kilometres. Longford is also a classified historic town, and its streets are lined with charming hotels, Air BnBs, beautiful homes, and impressive colonial buildings.
It is 6 kilometres from Longford to Woolmers Estate. Woolmers Estate was founded in 1817 and is one of Australia's most intact pioneer farm complexes.
It is open daily from 10 am to 3.30 pm, and you can take a self-guided tour of the homestead, workers’ cottages, chapel, blacksmith shop, stables, rose garden, and the oldest intact woolshed in Australia. They also offer guided tours at different times of the day. The journey from Woolmers Estate to Launceston is 32 kilometres.
Hope this Helps with Planning Your Next Day Trip from Launceston
From alpine wilderness and waterfalls to wine regions, caves, historic towns, and coastal escapes, Launceston truly is one of the best bases for day trips in Tasmania.
Each of these adventures offers something different — and all are easily done in a day, making them perfect additions to any northern Tasmania itinerary.
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