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Tasmania’s compact size and diverse landscapes make for superb road trips.

Though you can cross the island from Hobart to Launceston in two-and-a-half hours, one of the pleasures of driving in Tasmania is heading down country lanes and taking the time to explore.

With no major freeways and many tempting detours, allow plenty of time to drive between destinations. (Tasmania looks like a small island state, but don’t be fooled. It’s about the size of Ireland.)

Some roads are long and winding and it will be hard to resist pulling over to capture the sweeping views. 

There are five signposted drive journeys to follow – Great Eastern Drive, Western Wilds, Heartlands, Southern Edge and Northern Forage – and a raft of special interest trails covering wine, whisky, produce, convict history and more.

Because wildlife is so abundant, native animals often wander onto the road, particularly between dusk and dawn. Please slow down and take extra care, and avoid driving at these times. 

Find out more information about driving in Tasmania here.

Before heading out on a road trip, here’s a guide to distances and drive times around Tasmania.

 

Launceston to…

Bicheno (via Scottsdale) 236km 3hr 30min
Burnie 146km 1hr 40min  
Coles Bay (via Campbell Town) 209km 2hr
Cradle Mountain 149km 1hr 55min
Devonport 99km 1hr 15min
Hobart (via Midland Hwy) 198km 2hr 20min
Queenstown (via Sheffield) 251km 3hr 10min
St Helens (via Scottsdale) 163km 2hr 20min
Strahan (via Cradle Mountain)  270km 3hr 30min

 

A motorcyclist drives along the waterfront road whilst touring Coles Bay.
Touring Coles Bay
Pete Harmsen
Endangered black and white Tasmanian devil road sign on Tarkine Drive.
Tarkine Drive
Sarajayne Lada

Hobart to…

Bicheno (via Sorell) 178km 2hr 25min
Coles Bay 192km 2hr 20min
Cradle Mountain (via Midland & Bass hwys) 327km 4hr 15min
Devonport (via Midland Hwy) 277km 3hr 10min
Geeveston (via Huon Hwy) 62km 50min
Kettering (via Channel Hwy) 37km 30min
Launceston 198km 2hr 20min
Port Arthur 93km 1hr 30min
Queenstown 260km 3hr 40min
St Helens 265km 3hr 40min
Strahan 300km 4hr 30min

 

A silver car drives along the waterfront road whilst touring Mayfield Bay.
Touring - Mayfield Bay
Pete Harmsen

Burnie to…

Devonport 49km 40min
Hobart 325km 3hr 30min
Launceston 146km 1hr 40min
Queenstown 152km 2hr
Smithton 85km 1hr

 

Ariel of Lake Burbury and Bradshaw Bridge.
Lake Burbury and Bradshaw Bridge
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