{"id":5084,"date":"2024-04-02T07:58:15","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T07:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/?p=5084"},"modified":"2026-04-20T05:52:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T05:52:17","slug":"tips-for-driving-from-hobart-to-launceston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sixt.com.au\/magazine\/road-trips\/tips-for-driving-from-hobart-to-launceston\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for driving from Hobart to Launceston"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A drive from Hobart<\/a> to Launceston takes you through the heart of Tasmania. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the way, you\u2019ll experience the spectacular scenery, fascinating history and delicious local produce that make Australia\u2019s southernmost state so famous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DRIVING HOBART TO LAUNCESTON \u2013 THE BASICS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your trip starts in Hobart, near the mouth of the River Derwent, on Tasmania\u2019s southern coast, and ends in Launceston<\/a>, perched on the River Tamar, in Tasmania\u2019s north-east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The quickest way to drive is directly south to north \u2013 a 202-kilometre-long trip that takes around two-and-a-half hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, for the best of Tasmania<\/a>, a more circuitous route is definitely recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Wineglass
Image credit: Luke Zeme<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

DRIVING HOBART TO LAUNCESTON VIA THE EAST COAST<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This road trip, which takes four days, passes through some of Tasmania\u2019s most incredible spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before leaving the charming city of Hobart, there\u2019s a few things you shouldn\u2019t miss. Make sure you catch a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art, wander around Salamanca Markets and feast on fresh local seafood at the Drunken Admiral. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your next stop is Port Arthur, an 80-minute drive southeast. Here, you\u2019ll visit the ruins of one of Australia\u2019s most infamous convict prisons \u2013 ironically surrounded by some of the country\u2019s most awe-inspiring coastal scenery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From Port Arthur, it\u2019s a three-hour drive north to Freycinet, home to the frequently photographed Wineglass Bay. Experience its stunning natural beauty whichever way suits you best \u2013 be that by scenic flight, cruise or on foot. The trail to Wineglass Bay Lookout is 1.3 kilometres, and it\u2019s another 1.7 kilometres to the beach. Keen hikers should consider the 11-kilometre circuit, which also takes in the Hazards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your next stop is the Bay of Fires, which lies another two hours\u2019 drive north along the coast. Swim in crystal clear water, laze about on dreamy white sand and explore the rock formations covered in bright orange lichen that give the area its name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, head west for two-and-a-half-hours to find yourself in Launceston. In Tasmania\u2019s northernmost city, the highlight is undoubtedly Cataract Gorge, where you can bush walk, swim, picnic and even catch a gondola. If you\u2019re in town on a Saturday, head to the Harvest Market, where you\u2019ll find more than 80 stalls peddling fresh local produce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cradle
Image credit: Robst56<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

DRIVING HOBART TO LAUNCESTON VIA THE WEST COAST<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In three days, this epic trip takes you deep into Tasmanian wilderness, passing legendary landmarks like the Gordon River and Cradle Mountain.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start, hit the road heading northwest of Hobart. Three-and-a-half hours\u2019 driving will get you to the dramatic mountainscapes of Queenstown \u2013 the gateway to Tasmania\u2019s wild west coast. Must-dos in the area include visiting Queenstown\u2019s historical buildings, a steam train ride through rainforest to Strahan and a cruise along the World Heritage-listed Gordon River. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your next stop is Cradle Mountain, which lies an hour-and-a-half\u2019s drive northeast. There\u2019s a variety of ways to explore this natural wonder \u2013 from a 20-minute stroll along the Pencil Pine River, to a three-hour walk around Dove Lake, which affords magnificent views of the mountain nearly all the way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final stretch is a two-and-a-half-hour drive east to Launceston through pretty farmland and lovely villages. Stop by Sheffield for colourful murals, Elizabeth Town to visit Ashgrove Cheese and Woolmers Estate to wander through a gorgeous rose garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GETTING TO HOBART AND LAUNCESTON<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The quickest way to get to your starting point is flying to Hobart Airport<\/a>. Of course, you can also drive the other way, beginning at Launceston Airport<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In both spots, you\u2019ll find SIXT car hire on hand, with a range of touring vehicles \u2013 from electric vehicles<\/a> to SUVS to 4WDs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A drive from Hobart to Launceston takes you through the heart of Tasmania.  Along the way, you\u2019ll experience the spectacular scenery, fascinating history and delicious local produce that make Australia\u2019s southernmost state so famous.  DRIVING HOBART TO LAUNCESTON \u2013 THE BASICS Your trip starts in Hobart, near the mouth of the River Derwent, on Tasmania\u2019s…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":108,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[69,92,60],"class_list":{"0":"post-5084","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-road-trips","7":"tag-hobart","8":"tag-launceston","9":"tag-tasmania","10":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\nTips for driving from Hobart to Launceston - 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