The Ultimate Tassie Travel Guide - Part 1
Tasmania’s Northwest coast
We recently completed an eight-week comprehensive tour around Tasmania during the summer and we are already dreaming of returning. For such a compact state it has so much to offer. From mountain tops, world-class hiking, secluded free camping, rainforests, waterfalls, impeccable beaches and an abundance of wildlife.
Getting there:
We booked the Spirit of Tasmania five months prior to travel as we knew it would be busy during the summer period. As a result, we only had the option of day sailings. We departed Geelong at 10 am and arrived in Devenport shortly after 9 pm. We booked the recliner chairs for added comfort and are so glad we did as were able to charge our electronics and get some sleep. It was a long journey but luckily we had a calm crossing across the Bass Strait.
There are several bars, restaurants, a cinema and kids’ entertainment.
Alternatively, travellers can choose to arrive by air in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport.
When you arrive we recommend buying a Tasmanian National Parks pass straight away and printing it so you can display it on your vehicle. We chose to get the 2-month pass for $82.40 per vehicle.
Tasmania’s northwest coast
Recommended time 5-7 days:
Tasmania’s Northwest coast stretches from Port Sorrel to Stanley.
After departing the ferry in Devonport we drove West along the coast stopping at the beautiful seaside towns of Ulverstone and Penguin to check out the beautiful cafes and boutiques. Continuing to Fern Glade Platypus Reserve in search of our first platypus sighting.
We spent our first night along the Northwest coast in an incredible boutique accommodation in Somerset called 41Found. It was the perfect place to slow down and recharge after the long ferry journey. From Somerset, we travelled to Table Cape Lighthouse for breathtaking views of the surrounding area and ocean.
During Spring you can visit the colour Table Cape Tulip Farm.
Boat Harbour Beach
A must-stop on everyone's northwest road trip.. we loved it so much that we visited it twice. Tucked under the rolling green hills is the quiet little beachside town with crystal clear waters. If you are lucky you might see a pod of dolphins frolicking in the clear waters.
STAY:
Boat Harbour Beach Holiday Park
Stanley, is one of those charming historic towns you expect to see all over Tasmania. It is easy to spend a whole day wandering around the little town or a couple of days taking it all in. It feels as though you have stepped back in time. We took the self-guided walking trail admiring the historic cottages and buildings learning about the town’s history, culture and architecture.
Another must-do is to climb the famous nut, it takes roughly 20mins to climb. Alternatively, you can take the chair lift to the top.
At dusk, you can wander down to the boardwalk at Godfreys Beach to watch the penguins return from the ocean.
STAY:
There is a main caravan park in town however we chose to stay out of town at Peggs beach conservation park for $13.00.
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