Two Sams TravellingFrom beach to bush, the North East area of Tasmania has so much to offer. Being so close to Launceston, we have explored a lot of the area, but still have some wish list items to do before we head off. Listed below are some highlights of what to do in the area.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate
If you are in Northern Tasmania during December or January, definitely add Bridestowe Lavender Estate to your list to explore. Located 50 minutes out of Launceston in Nabowla, the farm is open all year round, but the best time to go is when the lavender is in bloom in December and January. While you are there, you can walk around the farm, enjoy some lavender ice cream, and take some items home from the gift shop.
Bridport
Bridport is a popular holiday destination for Northern Tasmanians, with it being only one hour away from Launceston. It has great beaches and restaurants, and is a good place to get away and relax by the sea. Just out of Bridport is Barnbougle, one of the best golf courses in Australia. If you aren’t much of a golf fan, enjoy a nice meal or relax at Barnbougle Spa. Also, if you enjoy four wheel driving, definitely try the Bridport to Bellingham beach track!
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is one of the largest towns in North East Tasmania and is a good place to get some supplies, and check out some of the heritage buildings in the area. While you are there, make sure you stop at Little Rivers brewery and have a paddle, or take some of their beers home to try!
Derby
One of the first things that comes to mind when you think of Derby is mountain bike riding! Derby is home to one of the best mountain bike trail networks, and has options to suit all skill levels. Once a small town with not much going for it, Derby has grown to be a popular destination for both locals and tourists. While you are there, make sure you book into the Floating Sauna. We have heard great things from friends and will definitely add it to our list before we head off from Tasmania!
Four Wheel Driving
North East Tasmania has a huge variety of four wheel driving, which ranges from mild to wild. Derby has some great beginner 4wd tracks like the Cascade Dam and Derby Jeep Track. From the small town of Pioneer you can take Lanka road to Gladstone which has some challenging creek crossings and great scenery. If you like things a bit more wild, the Pyengana Jeep Track is for you. Not for the faint hearted, it has some steep climbs and rutted sections, but it is a fantastic day out. Other notable tracks in the area include: Old Port Road, Mt Stronach and Emu Road. We can highly recommend the Roving Tasmania 4wd guide book. It is the bible for 4wd tracks in Tasmania, grab a copy here: Off-road Tasmania Guidebook (rovingtas.com.au)
Little Blue Lake
Located between Derby and Gladstone, Little Blue Lake is located near South Mount Cameron, and is aqua blue due to it originally being a mining hole. While you can’t swim in the lake due to the high mineral content in the water, the view is spectacular and is worth stopping to have a look.
Vineyards
There are plenty of great vineyards to stop at on the way to North East Tasmania from Launceston, and they form part of the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. Visit https://winetasmania.com.au/wine-trails/tamar-valley-trail to plan out your trip, see what Tasty Tasmanian wines you can try, and maybe even plan a platter or some food while you explore.
Musselroe Bay
Located on the North East Coast of Tasmania, Musselroe Bay is predominantly a shack locality with a small number of residents living there full time. Musselroe Bay allows you to get away from everything and just relax. With no shops around, you need to be fully sufficient, but you can travel to Gladstone and get some basic supplies if necessary. There is free camping in Musselroe Bay, along with beaches, fishing options and some four wheel drive tracks. Just be warned, it can get VERY windy there!
Mount William National Park
Located at the Northern end of Bay of Fires, Mount William National Park provides you with the opportunity to explore beaches, and view some of the wildlife that Tasmania has to offer. As it is a national park, you do need to have a valid pass to access, but you can organise that before you go online. You can camp in Mount William National Park in designated areas, and it costs $13 per night for 1-2 people. If you are heading towards the south of the park, make sure you visit Eddystone Point Lighthouse and pop in to visit Ansons Bay.
Cape Portland
Cape Portland is the North eastern tip of Tasmania, and has some great free camping, beach fishing and swimming. Petal Point is a great campsite that has a number of spots, but they are huge and spaced well away from others, so you feel like you are there by yourself. Hybrid toilets are available, but you need to be self-sufficient otherwise. You are also close to the beach, but again, it does get very windy there.
Another great campsite in the area is Little Musselroe Bay. Located further down Cape Portland Road, this is another campsite with Hybrid Toilets, but there aren’t too many spots available and it is first in best dressed so get there early. This campsite was so peaceful and the view out to the ocean was amazing! While you are camping in the area, make sure you check out the Musselroe Bay wind farm. The visitor centre provides you with great views of the wind farm and of Bass Strait, and you can read all about the wind farm, the traditional landowners, and the history of the area.
Waterhouse Conservation Area
Another great free camping spot in North East Tasmania is Waterhouse Conservation Area. Only a short drive from Launceston, this camping area can get very busy over summer. A bit of a rough drive in, but once you get there and are set up, the location is amazing! There are some hybrid toilets, but other than that you need to be self sufficient, and there are no pre-bookings, so you have to be quick when it is busy.
North East Tasmania is so close to home for us, so we have experienced a lot of it. But, like a lot of Tasmania, there is still so much for us to see and do. Make sure you spend some time in the area, and do it before or after visiting the East Coast of Tassie!
