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Heading out from Launceston along the Bass highway towards Devonport, or inland towards Cradle Mountain! With Great Western Tiers off in the distance, there are so many wonderful little detours and stops to enjoy along the way, throughout the rolling countryside of the Meander Valley.
Just twenty minutes from Launceston will see you in the historic town of Longford and the UNESCO World Historic sites of Brickendon and Woolmers Estate (home to Tassie's largest rose garden), each share the story of local farming heritage and convict history. Make your through to Deloraine and pop into the Western Tiers visitor centre for loads of local knowledge and inspriation - you could take a hike to one of numerous waterfalls, or call in to sample some local produce. Delight in the sweetness of Chistmas Hills Raspberry Farm, unearth rare black truffles at The Truffle Farm or take a tour of the ecologically sustainable salmon farm set in the wilderness at 41 Degree South. Ashgrove Cheese is right on the highway and a great spot to pop off to sampel their delicious cheeses and icecream, and coffee of course! More of a sweet tooth? Discover a world of premium, handmande chocolate at Anvers Tasmania. We highly recommend swinging past La Trobe to visit the most incredible store you've ever seen - Reliquaire. |
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hidden treasures along the way...
Woolmers Estate
(25 min drive) Wander the grounds, enjoy a bite to eat in , and take a tour of the buildings to discover more about early Tasmanian colonial farming and convict heritage in this remarkable historic property. 658 Woolmers Ln, Longford woolmers.com.au |
41 Degrees South Tasmania
(40 min drive) This inland salmon farm and ginseng nursery was built on the pillars of ecological sustainability. Take a self-guided tour through the farm and enjoy the delicious hot-smoked salmon in "Georgie's cafe". 323 Montana Rd, Deloraine/Red Hills 41southtasmania.com.au |
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café
(35 min drive) Enjoy farm fresh berries and deliciousness at the cafe, and take a wander through the peaceful surrounds of the raspberry farm. Stock up on berry jams, sauces – even socks! 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town raspberryfarmcafe.com.au |
Ashgrove Cheese
(40 min drive) Award winning Tasmanian Farm Milk, Cheese, Cream and Butter! Visit the Ashgrove Dairy Door We offer their cheddar as past of our "Tassie Trio" welcome gift! 6173 Bass Hwy, Elizabeth Town ashgrovecheese.com.au |
The Truffle Farm
(40 min drive) You're invited to join the hunt at Australia's first black truffle farm and dig up some magic of your own. Dig up and sample some truffles, or simply call into the farmgate store to enjoy these delights. 844 Mole Creek Rd, Deloraine thetrufflefarmtasmania.com.au |
Anvers Chocolate
(60 min drive) Artisan chocolate handmade with care - witness and be enthralled by the careful tempering, molding and enrobing of fine couverture chocolate, truffles, pralines, fudges and more! 9025 Bass Hwy, Latrobe anvers-chocolate.com.au |
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Reliquaire (60 min drive) Tassie’s most amazing and unique gift shop – kids AND adults will be amazed!! Words just can’t describe how incredible this shop is… so many hidden nooks and crannies filled with absolute enchantment and magic! You could spend hours just looking in this shop. 139 Gilbert Street, Latrobe reliquaire.com |
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cradle mountain
Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most iconic natural destination — and an unforgettable day trip from Launceston.
Driving west along the Bass Highway, it’s a scenic 2.5-hour journey via Sheffield, that rewards with breathtaking alpine landscapes winding deep into the in the heart of this breathtaking Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Begin your visit at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, your go-to for up-to-date info and suggestions on walks and activities. Parking your car here, you can catch the shuttle bus (operating 8am–4pm daily) into the park—the shuttle is mandatory during these hours as private vehicles are not permitted on park roads. Be sure to catch the last shuttle back by 4pm!
Top Easy to Moderate Walks:
Dove Lake Circuit
Duration: ~2 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This iconic 6km loop starts at the Dove Lake carpark. It’s mostly flat, making it family-friendly and perfect for soaking in spectacular views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake.
Marion’s Lookout
Duration: ~2.5 hours return | Difficulty: Moderate
For a rewarding climb, follow the trail from the Dove Lake Circuit up to Marion’s Lookout. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the mountain, surrounding valleys, and waterfalls.
Waldheim Chalet Walk
Duration: ~1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
Step into Tasmania’s history with a gentle stroll to Waldheim Chalet, the historic home of Gustav Weindorfer, a pioneer of the national park. The chalet offers charming insights into early conservation efforts.
Cradle Mountain Summit
Duration: 6+ hours return | Difficulty: Challenging, for experienced walkers only
If you’re after a full-day adventure and are well-prepared, the summit walk is a spectacular challenge offering unmatched views. Note: This is a serious hike requiring good fitness, proper gear, and careful weather consideration.
PRACTICAL TIPS:
For the latest road and track conditions, shuttle times, and park alerts, always check the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service website before your visit.
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain
Driving west along the Bass Highway, it’s a scenic 2.5-hour journey via Sheffield, that rewards with breathtaking alpine landscapes winding deep into the in the heart of this breathtaking Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Begin your visit at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, your go-to for up-to-date info and suggestions on walks and activities. Parking your car here, you can catch the shuttle bus (operating 8am–4pm daily) into the park—the shuttle is mandatory during these hours as private vehicles are not permitted on park roads. Be sure to catch the last shuttle back by 4pm!
Top Easy to Moderate Walks:
Dove Lake Circuit
Duration: ~2 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This iconic 6km loop starts at the Dove Lake carpark. It’s mostly flat, making it family-friendly and perfect for soaking in spectacular views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake.
Marion’s Lookout
Duration: ~2.5 hours return | Difficulty: Moderate
For a rewarding climb, follow the trail from the Dove Lake Circuit up to Marion’s Lookout. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the mountain, surrounding valleys, and waterfalls.
Waldheim Chalet Walk
Duration: ~1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
Step into Tasmania’s history with a gentle stroll to Waldheim Chalet, the historic home of Gustav Weindorfer, a pioneer of the national park. The chalet offers charming insights into early conservation efforts.
Cradle Mountain Summit
Duration: 6+ hours return | Difficulty: Challenging, for experienced walkers only
If you’re after a full-day adventure and are well-prepared, the summit walk is a spectacular challenge offering unmatched views. Note: This is a serious hike requiring good fitness, proper gear, and careful weather consideration.
PRACTICAL TIPS:
For the latest road and track conditions, shuttle times, and park alerts, always check the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service website before your visit.
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain
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