North Tasmania Tasting Trail

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Take a scenic self-drive from Launceston through the picturesque Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania’s premier wine regions, known for its cool-climate varietals and stunning landscapes. Begin your day at House of Arras, where you can sample award-winning sparkling wines while enjoying sweeping vineyard views. From there, head to Sinapius Vineyard, a boutique winery offering a relaxed and personal tasting experience, where you can discover distinctive wines crafted with care. Continue to Pipers Brook Vineyard, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most respected wineries, where riverside settings and historic cellars set the stage for tasting classic cool-climate wines. Midday, stop at Jansz Tasmania, celebrated for its elegant sparkling wines, and enjoy a sophisticated cellar door experience surrounded by the region’s rolling vineyards. Then make your way to Clover Hill Vineyards, where the focus on premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay provides an opportunity to savor some of Tasmania’s finest varietals in a tranquil setting. Conclude your journey with a visit to Bridestowe Lavender Farm, where fragrant lavender fields, a charming boutique, and beautiful walking paths offer a perfect sensory finale. After a full day of wine, local flavors, and breathtaking scenery, return to Launceston with memories of an indulgent and immersive Tamar Valley experience.

Be greeted with a smile and a glass of bubbles at our Relbia Cellar Door before heading out on a guided walk of the grounds. Hear about Josef Chromy, the history of our estate and Tamar Valley and the wine. Complete the experience by enjoying a 2 course lunch with paired wines in our hatted winery restaurant.

Drive northwest from Launceston and explore the culinary delights of North Tasmania on a full-day tasting journey to Devonport. Your first stop is Hazelbrae Hazelnuts, where you can sample gourmet hazelnut products and take a stroll through the orchard. Continue to Western Tiers Distillery for craft spirits and small-batch tastings before enjoying a sweet treat at Dixie Blue Gelato Café. Stop at Red Brick Road Ciderworks and Distillery for refreshing ciders and local spirits, followed by Meander Valley Vineyard, known for its elegant cool-climate wines.

Next, indulge your senses at The Truffle Farm, discovering premium black truffles and truffle-infused products, and visit Melita Honey Farm for a taste of pure Tasmanian honey. Explore the charming town of Sheffield, the “Town of Murals,” and stop at The Truffledore for more truffle delights. Visit House of Hargrave, a welcoming cellar door offering fine wines, and recharge with coffee at Leaping Goat Coffee. Arrive in Devonport and finish the day at Island State Brewing, sampling craft beers and soaking in the relaxed waterfront atmosphere, a perfect end to a day filled with Tasmanian flavors and experiences.

Travel northwest from Launceston on a full-day self-drive tasting journey along Tasmania’s North Coast. Begin at Turners Beach Berry Patch, picking fresh berries and sampling homemade treats, then visit Tasmanian Pickled Onions for a quirky local specialty. Stop at Penguin Beer Co. for craft beer tastings before taking a detour for lunch at Mount Gnomon Farm, a family-run farm offering seasonal produce and hearty meals. After lunch, continue your journey with a coffee break at Infuse Coffee Roasters, followed by craft beer tasting at Communion Brewing Co. Then make your way to Table Cape, where you can explore walking trails that wind through scenic farmland and coastal cliffs. Take in the views at Table Cape Lighthouse, a historic beacon offering panoramic vistas of the Bass Strait and surrounding countryside. The area is famous for its tulip fields when in season (between the end of September to the middle of October) and the Wynyard Tulip Festival. Continue to the charming town of Stanley, wandering its historic streets and the iconic Nut. Conclude your day with fresh local seafood at Hursey Seafoods, a relaxed and welcoming spot to end your culinary adventure for the day along the North Tasmania Tasting Trail.

Stanley, on Tasmania’s northwest coast, is a charming seaside village with plenty to explore. Ride the Nut Chairlift or walk to the Nut Summit for stunning views, then visit the Godfreys Beach Penguin Viewing Platform at dusk to see little penguins return to shore. Take in sweeping coastal scenery from the HA Lane Memorial Lookout, or venture further on the The Tarkine Scenic Drive for rainforest, rugged coastline, and rich wildlife. Stanley is a perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and coastal charm.

The Tarkine Scenic Drive is a spectacular 205 km loop that starts and ends in the charming coastal town of Stanley in Tasmania’s northwest. From Stanley, the drive leads to Smithton, the last main service town where you can stock up on fuel and supplies. As you continue south, the scenery transforms into dense rainforest. Your first major stop is Sumac Lookout, offering sweeping views over the Arthur River and the vast Tarkine wilderness. It’s a peaceful spot to stretch your legs and soak in the layered greens of ancient myrtle and sassafras trees. Not far beyond is Kanunnah Bridge, where the Arthur River flows beneath a quiet stretch of rainforest. Keep an eye out for platypus or birds along the banks.

One of the drive’s gems is Julius River Forest Reserve, where short walking tracks take you through mossy rainforest filled with towering ferns, fungi, and birdlife. The Rainforest Walk is particularly accessible, while the Julius River Loop Track offers a slightly longer immersion into the forest. Continuing on, the road leads you to Lake Chisholm, a serene flooded limestone sinkhole surrounded by towering trees. A short, shaded walk brings you to the lake’s edge, a great spot for reflection or birdwatching.

Another highlight is Trowutta Arch, a natural archway formed by a collapsed cave system. The short walk to the arch takes you through cool, green forest to a dramatic sinkhole with vibrant moss and still waters, a must-see for photographers and nature lovers.

The drive then veers west toward the coast, arriving at the wild and remote Arthur River settlement. Here you’ll find the aptly named Edge of the World lookout, where the Southern Ocean crashes against a rugged shore strewn with massive driftwood. A plaque marks this as one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of ocean on Earth, next stop, South America.

As you loop back north via Temma and Marrawah, the road runs alongside windswept beaches, grassy plains, and quiet farmland. Marrawah is Tasmania’s westernmost township and a popular surf spot. The drive finally returns to Stanley, completing a journey through some of the most ancient, untamed, and diverse landscapes in Australia. This self-drive route offers a blend of rainforest walks, coastal views, geological wonders, and cultural insights, ideal for travellers seeking Tasmania’s wilder side.

Check out the Tarkine Drive Website here on best routes and more information on steps.

Leave the historic town of Stanley, taking in the dramatic Nut, rugged coastal cliffs, and sweeping views of Bass Strait. As you follow the North Coast road toward Launceston, enjoy a scenic drive along rolling farmland, grazing pastures, and forested valleys, punctuated by charming rural villages. The route offers glimpses of Tasmania’s northwest coastline and opportunities to pause for photos or take a short walk along quiet beaches or nature spots. Your first stop is the Anvers Chocolate Factory, where you can watch chocolatiers at work, sample handmade chocolates, and browse a tempting array of confections. From there, continue through the scenic Tamar Valley to Eastford Creek Vineyard, a boutique winery set amid rolling vineyard landscapes, perfect for a relaxed tasting. Next, visit Grindelwald, a Swiss-themed village with charming architecture, artisanal cafés, and panoramic views over the Tamar Valley countryside, before completing your journey in Launceston, where heritage streets, parks, and local dining await.

Today you have time to explore the riverside city of Launceston. Enjoy some suggestions to spend your time around the area:
City Park: a place of historical significance, perhaps most known for its Japanese Macaque Monkey Enclosure which sits in the middle of the gardens.
The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: Australia's largest regional museum and holds exhibitions covering Tasmania art, history, and natural science. Some collections include Aboriginal art, Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) contributions, and artifacts from the Sydney Cove Shipwreck in 1797.
Cataract Gorge: Start with a walk through Cataract Gorge Reserve, just minutes from the city centre, where you can enjoy riverside trails, a chairlift ride, and panoramic views.
Tamar Valley: Just a short drive away, The Tamar Valley Wine region boasts world-class vineyards. Sample cool-climate wines, particularly pinot noir and sparkling varieties, while enjoying breathtaking views of rolling hills. 
Grindelwald Swiss Village: A charming alpine-style village with chalet-inspired buildings, lakeside views, cafés, shops, and family-friendly activities like mini-golf and paddle boating. A little taste of Switzerland in Tasmania.
Harvest Market  (Saturday only): The Harvest Market in Launceston, held Saturdays, showcases local produce, artisan foods, crafts, and live music.

Embark on an unforgettable journey on the Cataract Gorge Adventure Cruise with Tamar River Cruises. Departing from Launceston’s picturesque waterfront, this unique experience takes you through the iconic Cataract Gorge, where dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and stunning scenery create a breathtaking backdrop.
As you cruise along the tranquil waters of the South Esk River, knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife. Marvel at the towering cliffs of the gorge and enjoy unparalleled views from the comfort of the vessel.

Explore more of Launceston before dropping your rental car at the city depot and continuing your onward journey.

A full day tour to Cra­dle Moun­tain, with pick­ups start­ing at 7.30am. The tour trav­els via Sheffield, the Town of Murals before trav­el­ling up into the moun­tains through gorges, rain for­est and but­ton grass plains to reach the des­ti­na­tion of Cra­dle Moun­tain, one of Tasmania’s most recog­nis­able land­marks and one of Tasmania’s most vis­it­ed attractions. On this ful­ly guid­ed day tour you expe­ri­ence the unique flo­ra, fau­na and geo­graph­i­cal fea­tures of the World Her­itage list­ed Nation­al Park.

You will be picked up from your Hobart accommodation and taken to the Launceston Airport.

Your tour comes to an end today, but if you are itching to explore more amazing sights throughout Australia, we can customise your holiday to include more days or additional destinations. Our trusted travel specialists can book transfers to your onward flight, and even assist in booking these flights for you. Our team can't wait to help you design your ultimate getaway!