4 days in Launceston and surrounds

Drop into Bread and Butter in Launceston for fresh pastries and coffee to kickstart your day.

It’s a 1hr drive to Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. Scout for furry favourites including Tassie devils, pademelons and wombats. If you're lucky, you might even spot an elusive tawny frogmouth.

Nearby, the Hearth of Chudleigh is a convenient lunch stop set in an historic 1886 general store.

Next, bundle up for cool adventures underground at Mole Creek Caves. Marvel at natural wonders like sparkling crystals, underground rivers and amazing glow worm displays.

Feeling peckish? Head to Deloraine for a casual dinner in a former bicycle factory at the Empire Hotel.

Embrace cabin core at Cedar Cottage Meander and maybe brave a Baltic dip in the lake followed by a steaming soak and hot cocoa under the stars.  

Enjoy a sleep in at your cosy cottage, get your farm gear on, then head out for breakfast at Deloraine Deli.

A 35min drive brings you to the World Heritage Convict Site of Brickendon Estate, near Longford. Explore the well-preserved convict-built farm village and meet the friendly farm animals. Daily feeding at 10.15am.

Drive up the Bass Highway for lunch at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm's cafe. Sample their hand-dipped chocolate-coated raspberries then stroll along the lakeside boardwalk to view the berry farm.

Book ahead to get your cuteness fix at Little Things Farm where you can join a farm walk and meet the mini goats. Snap up some goats milk souvenirs from the shop and try a tasty cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

For dinner, tuck into pizza at Bush Inn Brewhouse – kids even have a make-your-own menu.

Return to your accommodation and unwind by the outdoor fire pit (marshmallows optional).

Check out of your accommodation and journey through fertile farmland to Launceston.

Stop in at Juice Bar 55, near the waterfront, for a healthy snack, cold-pressed smoothie or coffee.

Jump aboard a Tamar River Cruise to float past the cliffs of Cataract Gorge on a misty morning.

Warm up with a tasty lunch of seasonal fare at nearby Rupert and Hound on the banks of the North Esk River.  

Next, drive to Cataract Gorge to walk off your meal with a wander around the easy First Basin loop track (900m circuit) which includes Alexandra Suspension Bridge.

As the sun starts to dim, snag the best seat in the house on the Gorge Scenic Chairlift for an afternoon ride (winter closing time is 4.40pm with last rides 15mins before closing).

Bigger thrills and brighter lights await on a zipline, cliff jump or cliff walk night adventure at Penny Royal Adventures. Night adventures are available on limited nights but most adventures are bookable during the day.

Calm the nerves with dinner and a local tipple at Best Western Plus Launceston's Tram Bar.

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before setting out to explore the Tamar Valley.

Trace the banks of Kanamaluka / River Tamar north to Seahorse World in Beauty Point. Tour behind-the-scenes to see and feed tiny seahorses and spy the critically endangered spotted and red handfish.

Next door, Platypus House is your best bet to see platypuses swimming and echidnas feeding.

Crossing the river, drive on to Bridestowe Lavender Estate, the largest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. Tour the grounds then spark the senses with lavender-inspired tastes like lavender ice cream, or a light lunch at the onsite cafe. Then pick up a fragrant take-home treat.

End your trip with a memorable dinner at Launceston’s popular Cataract on Paterson. Highlights include the seafood platter and their stone grill experience (served on 400 degrees Celsius volcanic stone). That’ll keep you warm for winter.