Embrace old-school road tripping… Stop often, explore plenty and don’t be afraid to get a little lost! From Launceston and Hobart, you can expect to be on the road between 3.5 and 4.5 hours, depending on whether you’re finishing in Queenstown or Strahan.
The journey West takes you through remarkable rainforest, over mountain plateaus and down into incredible glacial valleys, all globally recognised by UNESCO as offering some of the most diverse and unique flora the world has to offer.
There are many things to see and do in Tasmania, and half of the adventure is the journey to and from these attractions.
Travelling to us from Hobart is done via the Lyell Highway (A10) and can take around 3.5 – 4.5 hours depending on if you are arriving at the Strahan or Queenstown station. This will also vary with the stops taken for activities and scenic viewing which you will most definitely enjoy on your trip.
These stopovers could include the small towns along the way for a bite to eat or to stretch your legs. The wall at Derwent Bridge is a popular visiting point and the short walks as you get closer to the West Coast are worth a visit as well!
Please note that areas of this highway (particularly near Mount Arrowsmith) can be subject to snow and heavy hail particularly in the cooler months, low to no mobile coverage for majority of the drive, and limited refueling options from New Norfolk to Queenstown.
Perfect stop for a coffee or to break up the travel time. Why not take a look around, shop for some Tasmanian produce or even explore farm life while you're there!
Stop here for a great pub meal or take the short detour to Lake St Clair.
This 25 minute return walk is a great way to stretch your legs along a part boardwalk track through the beautiful rainforest.
Close to Queenstown you will find an accessible short walk to beautiful Nelson Falls. This waterfall is worth a look on your journey, and quite spectacular after heavy rainfall.
Heading to the West Coast from Launceston can be done a few different ways, but the route over Cradle Mountain is the most scenic. Small towns, farm stops and wild stretches line the road, so give yourself time to explore. On this side of Tasmania, the journey counts just as much as the destination.
The drive is around three hours to Queenstown without stops, and another 30 to 35 minutes if you’re continuing on to Strahan. We’ve listed a few key stopovers below, though Deloraine, Elizabeth Town and Tullah are also worth a pause for food, views or a short wander.
You can also swing onto the A10 to see more of the broader West Coast on your way in. This route takes you through Rosebery and near Zeehan – a good detour if you want a deeper look at mining towns and wilderness country.
Keep in mind the road conditions. Sections of highway near Cradle Mountain, Rosebery and Queenstown can experience snow and heavy hail in the cooler months. Mobile coverage is patchy, and fuel stops are scattered, so plan ahead.
Stop for a bite to eat or stretch your legs as you pass through Sheffield, the town of murals. Plenty to see here as you admire the incredible artwork displayed on local businesses.
Take a short detour to enjoy a 45 minute return walk beneath the spectacular Great Western Tiers.
From hiking to lookouts and everything in between, Cradle Mountain is certainly worth a visit on your journey West. Break up your trip and enjoy the wonderful scenery including the mountain itself!
Explore the broader West Coast on your journey in and kick start your history lesson, with a visit to the museum in Zeehan.
The drive from Devonport to the West Coast takes around two and a half hours direct, with a little extra time added for any stops along the way. There are plenty of towns to explore on this route, each with its own character, so take the chance to stretch your legs and see more of the North West.
After passing Ulverstone and Penguin, you’ll travel through Burnie—the last major centre before the road carries you West. From there, the journey winds through smaller towns including Ridgley, Hampshire and Guildford before you reach Tullah, the unofficial gateway to the West Coast. Tullah is home to Wee Georgie Wood, where a 1924 steam railway operates on select summer weekends. Check their website for the latest details. Romeo, the petrol locomotive that once worked the Lake Margaret line, now rests here in the Wee Georgie Wood sheds.
From Tullah, continue straight to Queenstown or take the scenic route through Rosebery and Zeehan. A short detour into Zeehan is well worth it—its museum and historic streets offer a vivid look into the region’s mining and cultural heritage.
Before arriving in Queenstown or Strahan, you’ll pass the turn-off to Lake Margaret. Once a thriving village from the early 1900s to the 1960s, it supported the hydropower station built in 1911 and opened in 1914. The station still operates today. The remains of the abandoned settlement sit quietly around it, offering a striking glimpse into Tasmania’s pioneering past.
Please note that areas of this highway (particularly near Waratah, Fossey River, Rosebery and Queenstown) can be subject to snow and heavy hail particularly in the cooler months, low to no mobile coverage for some of the drive, and scattered refueling options in passing towns.
Why not stop in and see our fellow train enthusiasts on your way to see us, their museum is open Monday - Friday with trains operating Thursday - Sunday all year round.
The town of Penguin is a great place to grab a bite to eat or take a stroll along the beach before you venture West, call into the local visitor information centre whilst you're there and grab one of our brochures as you look forward to your arrival!
Many views and walks surround the township of Tullah, stop by on your way through and choose between Lake Rosebery, Lake Mackintosh and Mt Farrell, just to name a few. When you've worked up an appetite visit the Tullah Lakeside Lodge for a great bite to eat!
Montezuma Falls is located 2 kilometers south of Rosebery as you are travelling through to either Queenstown or Strahan, and is Tasmania's highest waterfall. The 3 hour return walk begins at Williamsford and arrives at the base of the 104 metre falls.
