Lap of Tassie

Burnie is a convenient north-west base for exploring the coast, mountains, and towns of Tasmania. Whether you arrive by boat into Devonport or fly by plane and hire a car, there is much to see and do.

Suggested Itineraries 

  • 3 nights: Burnie · Launnie · Hobart. 
    Explore coastal walks, penguins, tasting trails to Launceston, MONA, Salamanca, and panoramic views from kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

  • 4 nights: Burnie · Cradle · Launnie · Hobart. 
    Add a Cradle Mountain overnight stop to explore Dove Lake and alpine scenery.

  • 5 nights: Burnie · Cradle · Launnie · Bicheno · Hobart.  
    Add an East Coast stretch: seaside Bicheno for beaches, Frecinet National Park.

  • 6 nights: Burnie · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Bicheno · Launnie. 
    Add the rugged west Strahan and a Gordon River cruise to include a wilderness contrast.

  • 7 nights: Burnie · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Port Arthur · Bicheno · Launnie. 
    Add Port Arthur for convict history and Tasman Peninsula scenery.

  • 8 nights: Burnie · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Port Arthur · Bicheno · Derby · Launnie. 
    Add Derby for mountain biking and outdoor adventure on the northeast coast.

  • 9 nights: Burnie · Stanley · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Port Arthur · Bicheno · Derby · Launnie.
    Include historic Stanley, The Nut and old-town charm, for a slower scenic circuit.

  • 10 nights: Burnie · Stanley · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Port Arthur · Bicheno · Derby · Barnbougle · Launnie. 
    Add Barnbougle for world-class coastal golf or a luxury stay; book tee times early.

 

Highlights 

  • Burnie: penguins, waterfalls, galleries, local seafood
  • Stanley: The Nut lookout, heritage town
  • Cradle Mountain: Dove Lake walks, alpine wildlife
  • Strahan: Gordon River cruises, west coast wilderness
  • Hobart: Salamanca, MONA, waterfront dining
  • Port Arthur: historic site, Tasman Peninsula
  • Bicheno: beaches, Freycinet National Park 
  • Derby: mountain biking
  • Barnbougle: coastal golf and luxury stays

 

What to see - things to do

Burnie · Launceston · Hobart

Day 1 – Burnie

Morning 🖼️

  • Browse local shops and admire Burnie’s Art Deco and Federation buildings. 
  • Visit the Federation Street Museum and Burnie Regional Art Gallery.
  • Enjoy a coastal walk along the foreshore for sea views and fresh air.

Afternoon 🐚

  • Visit the Giant Freshwater Crayfish Sculpture and the original Burnie Inn in Burnie Park; stroll to Oldaker Falls.
  • Drive to Hellyer Road Distillery for the Whisky Walk Tour and tastings.

Evening 🐧

  • Watch the Burnie Little Penguins return to shore at dusk.

Overnight 🛏️ Burnie

Day 2 – Burnie → Launceston

Morning

  • Head east along a scenic coastal drive through the picturesque towns of Penguin and Ulverstone, then continue along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
  • Stop at Turners Beach Berry Patch for fresh berries and baked treats.
  • Visit Anvers Chocolate Factory, Latrobe for handmade chocolates.
  • Stop at Ashgrove Cheese, Elizabeth Town for cheeses and dairy tastings.

Lunch 🍴

Enjoy a meal at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café amid rolling fields.

Afternoon 🐟

  • Visit 41° South Salmon & Ginseng Farm for a short walk and tastings.
  • Stop in Deloraine for galleries and craft shops.
  • Continue to Launceston and explore the Tamar River foreshore or local boutiques.

Evening 🌙

  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Tamar River at sunset.
  • Option to visit a local craft brewery, wine bar, or café for a nightcap.
  • Attend evening live music or cultural events.

Overnight 🛏️ Launceston

 

Day 3 – Launceston → Hobart

Morning 🖼️
  • Breakfast and an easy stroll around Launceston CBD or City Park.
Lunch 🍴

Dine beside Cataract Gorge with river views and an optional chairlift ride.

Afternoon 🖼️
  • Drive south to Hobart with optional stops at Ross historic town and Richmond Bridge.
Dinner 🍴

Hobart dining features waterfront restaurants and chef-led seasonal menus.

 Overnight 🛏️ Hobart

 

Day 4 – Hobart

 Morning  🖼️

  • Relax at a café in Battery Point.

  • Explore Salamanca Place and galleries (Saturday Market if applicable).

Lunch 🍴

  • Wander along the waterfront for quick, fresh seafood; it's perfect for people-watching by Constitution Dock.

Afternoon 🛥️

  • Take a river cruise and visit MONA

  • or a tour up kunanyi / Mt Wellington for panoramic views.

Burnie · Cradle · Launceston· Hobart

Add a Cradle Mountain overnight stop to explore Dove Lake and alpine scenery.

Day 1 – Burnie

Morning 🖼️

  • Browse local shops and admire Burnie’s Art Deco and Federation buildings. 
  • Visit the Federation Street Museum and Burnie Regional Art Gallery.
  • Enjoy a coastal walk along the foreshore for sea views and fresh air.

Afternoon 🐚

  • Visit the Giant Freshwater Crayfish Sculpture and the original Burnie Inn in Burnie Park; stroll to Oldaker Falls.
  • Drive to Hellyer Road Distillery for the Whisky Walk Tour and tastings.

Evening 🐧

  • Watch the Burnie Little Penguins return to shore at dusk.

Overnight 🛏️ Burnie

Day 2 – Burnie → Cradle Mountain

Morning 🚗

• Drive south from Burnie with scenic stops at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden and Guide Falls.
• Visit the historic town of Waratah, Australia’s first town with electric street lighting (1886), powered by a hydro-electric system from its waterfall.

Afternoon 🥾
• Arrive at Cradle Mountain Shop and explore the short trails around the lodge.
• Spot wombats, wallabies, quolls, echidnas, and enjoy alpine views.
• Visit the Tasmanian Devil Park

Overnight 🛏️ Cradle Mountain

 

Day 3 – Cradle Mountain → Launceston

Morning 🥾

  • Pack a picnic lunch and take a walk around Dove Lake, enjoying the reflections of the mountains.

 Afternoon 🛣️

  • Enjoy a scenic drive with optional stops in Sheffield and Deloraine

  • Arrive in Launceston and explore the shops or City Park

 Evening 🌙

  • Stroll along the Tamar River

  • Launceston restaurants showcase seasonal Tasmanian produce and local wines.

  • Visit a local bar or live music venue

Overnight 🛏️Launceston

Day 4 – Launceston → Hobart

Morning 🏞️

  • Spend the morning at Cataract Gorge Reserve, take the chairlift, walk the suspension bridge, or relax at the café before departure.

Afternoon 🚗

  • Drive south to Hobart, with optional stops in historic towns Ross and Richmond

Evening 🌙

  • Sample Hobart’s dining scene or enjoy live music, local wine, or craft beer.

Overnight 🛏️ Hobart

Day 5 – Hobart

 Morning  🖼️

  • Relax at a café in Battery Point.

  • Explore Salamanca Place and galleries (Saturday Market if applicable).

Lunch 🍴

  • Wander along the waterfront for quick, fresh seafood; it's perfect for people-watching by Constitution Dock.

Afternoon 🛥️

  • Take a river cruise and visit MONA

  • or a tour up kunanyi / Mt Wellington for panoramic views.

 

 

Burnie · Cradle · Launceston · Bicheno · Hobart

Day 1 – Burnie

Morning 🖼️

  • Browse local shops and admire Burnie’s Art Deco and Federation buildings. 
  • Visit the Federation Street Museum and Burnie Regional Art Gallery.
  • Enjoy a coastal walk along the foreshore for sea views and fresh air.

Afternoon 🐚

  • Visit the Giant Freshwater Crayfish Sculpture and the original Burnie Inn in Burnie Park; stroll to Oldaker Falls.
  • Drive to Hellyer Road Distillery for the Whisky Walk Tour and tastings.

Evening 🐧

  • Watch the Burnie Little Penguins return to shore at dusk.

Overnight 🛏️ Burnie

Day 2 – Burnie  → Cradle Mountain

Morning 🚗

• Drive south from Burnie with scenic stops at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden and Guide Falls.
• Visit the historic town of Waratah, Australia’s first town with electric street lighting (1886), powered by a hydro-electric system from its waterfall.

Afternoon 🥾
• Arrive at Cradle Mountain Shop and explore the short trails around the lodge.
• Spot wombats, wallabies, quolls, echidnas, and enjoy alpine views.
• Visit the Tasmanian Devil Park

Overnight 🛏️ Cradle Mountain

Day 3 – Cradle Mountain → Launceston

Morning 🥾

  • Pack a picnic lunch and take a walk around Dove Lake, enjoying the reflections of the mountains.

 Afternoon 🛣️

  • Enjoy a scenic drive with optional stops in Sheffield and Deloraine

  • Arrive in Launceston and explore the shops or City Park

 Evening 🌙

  • Stroll along the Tamar River

  • Launceston restaurants showcase seasonal Tasmanian produce and local wines.

  • Visit a local bar or live music venue

Overnight 🛏️Launceston

Day 4 – Launceston → Bicheno

Morning 🏞️

  • Spend the morning at Cataract Gorge Reserve, take the chairlift, walk the suspension bridge, and relax at the café.

Afternoon 🚗

  • Drive to Campbell Town
  • Turn off and head east to the coast.
  • Arrive in Bicheno. Take a beach walk

Evening 🌙

  • Enjoy fresh seafood or local fare in seaside dining

Overnight 🛏️ Bicheno

Day 5 – Bicheno → Hobart

Morning 🖼️
  • Enjoy the sunrise
  • Explore Freycinet National Park with short hikes or coastal viewpoints.
  • Relax on pristine beaches or spot native wildlife.

Afternoon 🚗

  • Drive south to Hobart via Swansea

Evening 🌙

  • Sample Hobart’s dining scene or enjoy live music, local wine, and craft beer.

 

 

Burnie · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Bicheno · Launceston

Day 1 – Burnie

Morning 🖼️

  • Browse local shops and admire Burnie’s Art Deco and Federation buildings. 
  • Visit the Federation Street Museum and Burnie Regional Art Gallery.
  • Enjoy a coastal walk along the foreshore for sea views and fresh air.

Afternoon 🐚

  • Visit the Giant Freshwater Crayfish Sculpture and the original Burnie Inn in Burnie Park; stroll to Oldaker Falls.
  • Drive to Hellyer Road Distillery for the Whisky Walk Tour and tastings.

Evening 🐧

  • Watch the Burnie Little Penguins return to shore at dusk.

Overnight 🛏️ Burnie

Day 2 – Burnie →  Cradle Mountain

Morning 🚗

• Drive south from Burnie with scenic stops at Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden and Guide Falls.
• Visit the historic town of Waratah, Australia’s first town with electric street lighting (1886), powered by a hydro-electric system from its waterfall.

Afternoon 🥾
• Arrive at Cradle Mountain Shop and explore the short trails around the lodge.
• Spot wombats, wallabies, quolls, echidnas, and enjoy alpine views.
• Visit the Tasmanian Devil Park

Overnight 🛏️ Cradle Mountain

Day 3 – Cradle Mountain → Strahan

Morning 🚗

  • Drive to the rugged west coast town of Strahan.
  • Stop at scenic points along the way.

Afternoon 🌊

  • Enjoy a Gordon River Cruise through pristine wilderness.
  • Experience temperate rainforest, remote rivers, and wildlife.

Evening 🌙

Relax by the harbor or enjoy a quiet sunset walk.

Overnight 🛏️ Strahan

Day 4 – Strahan → Hobart

Morning 🚗

  • Drive southeast to Hobart with optional stops at historic towns.

Afternoon 🖼️

  • Explore Hobart’s waterfront and local shops.

Evening 🌙

  • Evening stroll along Salamanca Place or waterfront bars and cafés.

Overnight 🛏️

Hobart

Day 5 – Hobart → Bicheno

Morning 🚗

  • Drive along the scenic East Coast to Bicheno, stopping at beaches and lookouts.

Lunch 🍴

Seaside café or restaurant.

Afternoon 🌿

  • Visit Freycinet National Park and enjoy short hikes or coastal viewpoints.

Dinner 🍴

Coastal dining with Tasmanian seafood.

Evening 🌙

Beach walk or sunset views.

Overnight 🛏️

Bicheno

Day 6 – Bicheno → Launceston

Morning 🖼️

  • Breakfast by the coast and optional beach walk.
  • Drive north to Launceston, stopping at scenic towns en route.

Lunch 🍴

Café or bistro along the route.

Afternoon 🚗

  • Explore City Park or Tamar River foreshore.

Dinner 🍴

Launceston restaurants showcasing Tasmanian produce and wines.

Evening 🌙

  • Riverside stroll or local bar/café visit.

Overnight 🛏️

Launceston

Day 7 Launceston

 

7 Nights – Burnie · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Port Arthur · Bicheno · Launceston

🏙️

Day 1 – Burnie

Morning 🖼️
  • Stroll Burnie CBD and visit the Federation Street Museum and local galleries.
  • Coastal walk along the foreshore for sea views and fresh air.
Lunch 🍴

Relax at a café serving fresh Tasmanian produce.

Afternoon 🐚
  • Visit the Giant Freshwater Crayfish Sculpture and stroll to Oldaker Falls.
  • Optional tasting at Hellyer Distillery.
Dinner 🍴

Coastal restaurants offering seafood, beef, and local wines.

Evening 🌙

Watch the Burnie Little Penguins at dusk.

Overnight 🛏️

Burnie

🏔️

Day 2 – Cradle Mountain

Morning 🚗
  • Drive from Burnie to Cradle Mountain.
Lunch 🍴

Picnic or café lunch with alpine views.

Afternoon 🥾
  • Walk around Dove Lake and explore alpine trails.
  • Wildlife spotting and photography.
Dinner 🍴

Lodge dining or nearby restaurant.

Overnight 🛏️

Cradle Mountain

🌲

Day 3 – Cradle Mountain → Strahan

Morning 🚗
  • Drive to Strahan along scenic western routes.
Lunch 🍴

Local café or pub in Strahan.

Afternoon 🌊
  • Take a Gordon River Cruise to explore temperate rainforest and remote rivers.
Dinner 🍴

Seaside dining with local seafood.

Evening 🌙

Relax by the harbor or enjoy a sunset walk.

Overnight 🛏️

Strahan

🚗

Day 4 – Strahan → Hobart

Morning 🚗
  • Drive southeast to Hobart.
Lunch 🍴

Stop at a café or bistro en route.

Afternoon 🖼️
  • Explore Hobart’s waterfront and local shops.
Dinner 🍴

Waterfront dining featuring local seafood and Tasmanian wines.

Evening 🌙
  • Evening stroll along Salamanca Place or local bars.
Overnight 🛏️

Hobart

🏛️

Day 5 – Hobart → Port Arthur

Morning 🚗
  • Drive to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula.
Lunch 🍴

Historic-site café or picnic lunch.

Afternoon 🏛️
  • Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, learning about convict history.
  • Optional Tasman Peninsula scenic drive and lookout stops.
Dinner 🍴

Local dining in Port Arthur or return to Hobart for dinner.

Evening 🌙

Relax at Hobart accommodation or evening stroll by the waterfront.

Overnight 🛏️

Hobart

🏖️

Day 6 – Hobart → Bicheno

Morning 🚗
  • Drive along the East Coast to Bicheno, stopping at beaches and lookout points.
Lunch 🍴

Seaside café or local restaurant.

Afternoon 🌿
  • Visit Freycinet National Park and enjoy short hikes and coastal viewpoints.
Dinner 🍴

Seaside dining with Tasmanian seafood specialties.

Evening 🌙

Beach walk or sunset viewing.

Overnight 🛏️

Bicheno

🚗

Day 7 – Bicheno → Launceston

Morning 🖼️
  • Breakfast by the coast and optional beach walk.
  • Drive north to Launceston, stopping at scenic towns en route.
Lunch 🍴

Café or bistro along the route.

Afternoon 🚗
  • Explore City Park or Tamar River foreshore.
Dinner 🍴

Launceston restaurants with local produce and wines.

Evening 🌙
  • Riverside stroll or visit a local bar or café.
Overnight 🛏️

Launceston

Burnie · Cradle · Strahan · Hobart · Port Arthur · Bicheno · Derby · Launceston

Day 1 – Burnie

  • Stroll Burnie CBD and visit local galleries and the Federation Street Museum.
  • Coastal walk along the foreshore for fresh sea views. 
  • Visit the Giant Freshwater Crayfish Sculpture and stroll to Oldaker Falls.
  • Optional tasting at Hellyer Distillery. 

Watch the Burnie Little Penguins at dusk.

Day 2 – Cradle Mountain 

  • Drive from Burnie to Cradle Mountain. 
  • Walk around Dove Lake and explore alpine trails.
  • Wildlife spotting and photography.

Day 3 – Cradle Mountain → Strahan 

  • Drive to Strahan, stopping at scenic points along the west coast. 
  • Gordon River Cruise to explore temperate rainforest and wilderness rivers.

Day 4 – Strahan → Hobart 

  • Drive southeast to Hobart. 
  • Explore Hobart’s waterfront and local shops. 
  • Evening stroll along Salamanca Place or visit local bars/cafés.

Day 5 – Hobart → Port Arthur 

  • Drive to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. 
  • Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site and learn about convict history.
  • Optional scenic drive along the peninsula.

 

Day 6 – Bicheno 

  • Drive along the scenic East Coast to Bicheno. 
  • Visit Freycinet National Park and enjoy short hikes or coastal viewpoints.
  

Day 7 – Bicheno → Derby 

  • Drive north to Derby, the mountain biking hub of northeast Tasmania.
  • Explore mountain bike trails or other outdoor adventure activities.
  • Take in the forest scenery and challenge yourself on the renowned trails.
  

Day 8 – Derby → Launceston 

  • Breakfast in Derby and optional short walk or trail ride.
  • Drive to Launceston, stopping at scenic towns along the way.
  • Explore City Park or Tamar River foreshore.

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