Best Day Trips from Launceston, Tasmania
The view from The Nut, Stanley.
Launceston might be one of Tasmania’s smallest cities, but don’t let its size fool you. This place punches well above its weight when it comes to day trips.
Within one to two hours, you can be hiking alpine landscapes, sipping wine overlooking vineyards, spotting penguins at dusk, wandering historic towns, cruising through gorges, or standing at the edge of wild, windswept coastlines.
We based ourselves near Launceston for a good chunk of our Tasmania trip, and honestly? It was one of the smartest decisions we made. If you’re short on time, energy, or just don’t want to move accommodation every night, these are the best day trips from Launceston… all road-tested, and absolutely worth the effort.
Cradle Mountain National Park (Full Day Adventure)
Drive time: ~2.5 hours each way
Best for: Hiking, wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery
Cradle Mountain was hands down one of my favourite days in Tasmania… the kind of day that stays with you long after you’ve left.
It’s a longer drive, but the moment you arrive, it all makes sense. The landscape is raw and dramatic, with alpine peaks, lakes, waterfalls and boardwalks weaving through ancient terrain.
We walked the Dove Lake Circuit, stopping at the iconic boatshed (yes, it’s as beautiful as the photos), before heading onto part of the Overland Track. This was wildlife heaven. Wallabies and pademelons everywhere, echidnas casually crossing the track, and wombats… loads of wombats, wandering right past us.
Traveller tip: Start early, dress in layers, and expect all four seasons in one day. Even in summer, it can be icy and windy.
The Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain.
Tamar Valley Wine Route
Drive time: 30-60 minutes
Best for: Wine lovers, relaxed sightseeing
The Tamar Valley is one of those places where you accidentally linger. We started the day with a few lookouts before heading to Tamar Ridge winery for a tasting. The views alone are worth the stop… rolling vineyards, river in the distance, and that calm Tasmanian stillness.
For a dose of nature, stop by the Tamar Island Wetlands… especially if you enjoy bird watching.
Lunch was riverside at Kings Bridge Bar and Restaurant, a pub set inside a historic water mill. Halfway through our meal, two large doors were opened to reveal the water rushing through the mill behind them. Unexpected. Beautiful. Very Tassie.
We rounded out the day at Cataract Gorge, jumping on a 50-minute boat cruise. If you’ve got more time, there’s a longer cruise with local wine, beer and afternoon tea.
Traveller tip: Designate a driver or book a wine tour if you want to fully indulge.
Penguin, Devonport & the North West Coast
Drive time: ~1.5-2 hours
Best for: Quirky towns, coastal vibes, wildlife
We drove through Devonport and into the seaside town of Penguin, and it was impossible not to smile.
Penguin leans all the way into its name… penguin murals, penguin bins, penguin statues, even a tiny street library that looks like a miniature police station. It’s charming in the most wholesome way.
We had lunch at Penguin Beer Co., wandered the park filled with ducks and a little windmill, and later stumbled across waterfalls in the surrounding area that completely exceeded expectations.
That night, we rugged up (and I mean rugged up) to watch little penguins return to shore at dusk. It was one of the coldest experiences of my life! The wind cut straight through us, but watching around 30 penguins waddle home made it completely worth it. Best of all, it’s free, with volunteers there every night to share their knowledge.
Traveller tip: Bring thermals, a beanie, and gloves… even locals complain about the cold here.
The free library in the charming coastal town of Penguin.
Stanley & The Nut
Drive time: ~2.5 hours
Best for: Iconic views, short hikes
Stanley is postcard Tasmania.
We hiked up The Nut after the chairlift shut due to wind (very on-brand for Tassie). The walk is steep but short, and the views from the top are stunning… but the best views were actually from the historic house on the other end of the beach.
From there, we explored Trowutta Arch, a moss-covered sinkhole that looks almost unreal, then stopped at Fossil Bluff. We went at high tide (rookie mistake), but even without seeing the fossils properly, the beach itself was beautiful.
Traveller tip: Visit Fossil Bluff at low tide if you want to see the fossils clearly.
The Nut and the beautiful town of Stanley.
Historic Towns: Evandale, Sheffield & Latrobe
Drive time: 20-90 minutes
Best for: Slow travel, photography, quirky experiences
These towns are perfect fillers between bigger adventure days.
Evandale surprised us with its water tower, historic churches and beautifully preserved homes.
Sheffield, the Town of Murals, sits beneath a dramatic mountain backdrop and feels like an open-air gallery.
Latrobe was home to one of the most unexpected experiences of our trip: Reliquaire.
Reliquaire is technically a shop, but really, it’s an experience. You’re given a map and sent wandering through themed rooms: Alice in Wonderland, Jurassic Park, a disco toilet, a haunted corner… it’s weird, wonderful, and completely unforgettable.
We also stopped at the Anvers Chocolate Factory, where you can watch chocolates being made before tasting far too many.
The historic town of Evandale.
Beaconsfield & Cataract Gorge (Launceston Side Trips)
Drive time: 30-45 minutes
We visited the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, which was larger than we’d expected. Before you leave, grab a beer across the road at Miners Gold Brewery, a perfect pairing.
Back in Launceston, we explored Cataract Gorge on foot after doing the boat cruise earlier in the trip. Walking across the suspension bridge, spotting wild peacocks and wallabies, and discovering the quieter Duck Reach Power Station made this visit even better the second time around.
Traveller tip: Duck Reach is quieter than the main gorge lookout, and the views are arguably better.
Beaconsfield Mine & Historic Centre.
Woolmers Estate
Drive time: ~45 minutes
Best for: History lovers
Woolmers Estate is vast, elegant, and steeped in convict history. Entry to the homestead is by guided tour only, and tours run just twice daily (something we sadly missed). Luckily you can explore the grounds (and most of the other buildings) without a tour, and it’s definitely worth it. Just don’t make the same mistake we did, and check tour times before you go.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate (Seasonal)
Drive time: ~50 minutes
Best for: Summer travellers, photography
If you’re visiting between December and January, Bridestowe Estate is a must. Rolling purple lavender fields, fragrant air, and photogenic everything.
Outside of lavender season, it’s still a lovely stop, just don’t expect the iconic purple views. Don’t miss their lavender ice cream and extensive range of lavender products.
Why Launceston Makes the Perfect Base
Launceston quietly gives you access to:
World-class hikes
Wine regions
Coastal wildlife
Historic towns
Quirky, unexpected experiences
All without repacking your bags every day.
If you’re planning a Tasmania itinerary that balances adventure with ease, Launceston deserves a serious spot on your map.