Roadtrip the Bass Highway, Tasmania – A Seaside Adventure

Roadtrip the Bass Highway, Tasmania and you’ll enjoy scenic coastal drives, easy accessibility to tourist attractions, and be at the gateway to Tasmania’s northwest region. This highway connects the three main cities of Tassie – Launceston, Devonport and Burnie along with unique tourist attractions, historical sites, and natural landmarks. We’ve also included some unique towns with attractions, along the way, like Deloraine, Ulvestone, Stanley, and Smithton. Drive safely and enjoy!

Day 1: Launceston to Deloraine

• Distance: Approx. 50 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 33 min
• Welcome to Deloraine – halfway between Launceston and Devonport. It’s known for its arts scene and closeby, handpicked Travellarks accommodation. Eateries like Deloraine Deli, Villarett Gardens or Brush Inn Brewhouse. Head to The Empire Hotel for pub grub and local brews. Craving something sweet? Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café has got you covered with their delicious raspberry treats and ice creams. You can chill by the Meander River or visit the Deloraine Creative Studios for some awesome local art.Don’t forget to wander the streets and check out the cool murals on the Deloraine Street Art Trail, and pop into the Deloraine Folk Museum for a bit of history. If you want to get up and personal to a Tasmanian Devil, head to the Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary near Mole Creek outside Deloraine. This is a great sanctuary offering hands on interaction with devils, wombats, kangaroos, and a variety of native birds.

Day 3: Deloraine to Sheffield

• Distance: Approx. 40 km
• Drive time: Approx. 40 min
• Welcome to Sheffield – where the town’s walls tell stories! Stroll through our streets adorned with stunning murals depicting local history and culture – it’s like walking through an open-air art gallery. Don’t miss the Sheffield Town Hall mural, a true masterpiece! After soaking in the artistic vibes, why not head over to the Sheffield Maze for a bit of fun and adventure? Get lost in the twists and turns of this green labyrinth – it’s perfect for families and kids at heart. And if you’re into breathtaking views, take a scenic drive up to Mount Roland for some epic panoramas of our gorgeous surroundings. Whether you’re an art lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a laid-back escape, Sheffield has something special in store for all!
• If you have time, visit the Tarkine Forest Adventures offers guided tours through the Tarkine wilderness. You might spot native wildlife like wallabies, possums, and Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat.

Sheffield to Devonport

• Distance: Approx. 28.9 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 23 min
• Before reaching Devonport, explore the Bass Strait Maritime and Devonport Regional Gallery. Also, Coles Beach and Mersey Bluff is worth seeing before a beachside brunch at Drift, or Laneway at 2/38 Steel St in Rooke Lane or Anvers Chocolate Cafe in Latrobe (10 min away).
• Welcome to Devonport – the laid-back gem of your Roadtrip the Bass Highway, Tasmania! Discover Devonport’s dynamic mix of seaside charm, rich maritime history, and a thriving arts scene. Take a stroll along the waterfront, catching glimpses of the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. Pick up some goodies at the Farmers Market and waterfront cafes, complemented by Tasmanian wines. Take a look at the art at the Regional Gallery, Maritime Centre, and Tiagarra Aboriginal Culture Centre. Enjoy live performances at the Entertainment Centre and explore literature at the Regional Library. Sports enthusiasts can visit the Oval and Recreation Centre, while golfers can tee off at the Devonport Golf Club. For relaxation, unwind at Coles Beach or Mersey Bluff Beach, or catch a spectacular sunset at The Bluff. Don’t miss Southern Wild Distillery for award-winning gin. Nature lovers can spot penguins at Lillico Beach, just 10 minutes west of Devonport. Additionally, penguins can be seen at Lillico Beach – a coastal reserve and penguin colony 10 mins west of Devonport.

Day 5: Devonport to Ulverstone

• Distance: Approx. 18.8 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 15 min
• Welcome to Ulverstone – with unique experiences for you to lap up. Observe penguins at the Penguin Observation Centre and explore the stunning vistas of Leven Canyon. For thrill-seekers, Jump Rock offers an adrenaline-pumping plunge into the Leven River or join the Leven Canyon and Gunns Pains Caves Tour. You can hire a fun peddle buggy too or dive into the town’s rich history at the Ulverstone History Museum, uncovering tales of pioneers and hidden treasures. And when it’s time to refuel, there’s good coffee at Thirty Three Cups (King Edward St), sweet treats at Olivers or enjoying the laid-back atmosphere at Dalton’s. Soak up the relaxed vibe of Ulverstone on its sandy beaches like Turners Beach and Ulverstone Beach, perfect for coastal walks.

Day 6: Ulverstone to Penguin

• Distance: Approx. 11 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 9 min
• Welcome to Penguin – where you can fancy a bit of penguin action and head out to catch the nightly spectacle of little penguins waddling ashore at the Penguin Observation Centre. It’s a real treat watching these adorable critters in their natural habitat. Find the giant penguin statue in town and stroll along Penguin Beach, where golden sands meet the serene waters of the Bass Strait. If you’re here on a Sunday, don’t miss the Penguin Market at the Surf Lifesaving Club, brimming with locally crafted goods and fresh produce.
• There’s also  the Penguin Public Art Trail, with murals and sculptures that tell the story of Penguin’s history and community spirit. and if you want some physical activity, go to the Penguin Sports Complex or enjoy a family-friendly day out at the playground. History lovers will enjoy the History Group Museum, housed in the historic railway station building.

Day 7: Penguin to Stanley

• Distance: Approx. 95 km
• Drive Time: Approx.1 hr and 15 min
• Welcome to Stanley – with scenery straight out of a postcard—think rugged coastline, rolling hills, and that iconic volcanic plug known as “The Nut”. Take a stroll along Tatlows Beach or to the historic Highfield House, or hop on the chairlift up The Nut for some fabulous views. Feeling adventurous? Try a seal cruise.

Day 9: Stanley to Burnie

• Distance: Approx. 78 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 1 hr and 5 min
• Welcome to Burnie – and lap up stunning waterfront views of Bass Strait at Foreshore or Raindrops. Alternately, Fern Glade Reserve is a good spot to picnic after picking up some excellent fresh produce at the Burnie Farmers Market for fresh produce. After lunch, the Burnie Regional Museum will give you an insight into the Burnie of yesteryear, or you can head to Burnie Park for relaxation and walking off lunch! Only 5 minutes away from Burnie you’ll find the famous Hellyers Road Distillery. Opt for an awesome guided tour with whisky sips! Fern Glade Reserve is a good spot to picnic after picking up some excellent fresh produce at the Burnie Farmers Market for fresh produce.

Day 10: Burnie to Wynard

• Distance: Approx. 17 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 34 min
• Welcome to Wynard – with a lot of history and agricultural heritage. The veteran car exhibit and so is the restaurant scene. Explore the scenic waterfront with views of Table Cape, browse the Wynyard Foreshore Market for local crafts and produce and don’t miss Fossil Bluff for ancient fossils and panoramic coastal vistas. Grab a bite at cafes like Annie’s Place Cafe or Seaberry Cafe, and during spring, visit Table Cape Tulip Farm with vibrant tulip fields, and rows of colourful blooms that paint the landscape in hues of red, yellow, and pink.
• If time allows, venture further to Table Cape Lighthouse or take an unforgettable journey through Tasmania’s rugged wilderness with a scenic railway adventure on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, departing from stations such as Queenstown or Strahan. coast. Visit Circular Head Heritage Centre and to The Vault Cafe, Mallee Grill, Jetty Restaurant or Wharf Hotel Wynyard and more!

Wynard to Smithton

• Distance: Approx.67 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 57 min
• Welcome to Smithton – meant to be the gateway to the last remaining wilderness on earth – the Tarkine Wilderness, renowned for its ancient rainforests, diverse ecosystems, and unique biodiversity. Venture further and check out the awesome Big Tree – one of Tasmania’s tallest ancient trees at 60m high, located in the Trowutta Arch State Reserve.
• Also, Dip Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Dip River Forest Reserve, about a 20 min drive southeast from the Trowutta Arch State Reserve where the Big Tree is found. Dive into Circular Head’s history at the Heritage Centre, showcasing maritime, agricultural, and indigenous heritage. Treat yourself to fresh local produce and seafood from nearby farms and markets.
• And for a bit of history, head to Fossil Bluff to see ancient fossils and soak in panoramic coastline views. Also Duck River is great for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.
• Circular Head Heritage Centre, showcases the history of maritime, agricultural, and indigenous heritage around Smithton. Treat yourself to fresh local produce and seafood from Smithton Farmers Market. And for a bit of treasure hunting, Fossil Bluff has wonderfully ancient fossils and coastline views.
• If you’d to just relax with a drink, there’s the Bridge Hotel.

Smithton to Boat Harbour

• Distance: Approx.58 km
• Drive Time: Approx. 51 min
• Welcome to Boat Harbour – a chilled and dreamy little seaside town on the north – west coast, Boat Harbour has a pristine beach, crystal clear harbour and fun in the sun. Whether relaxing on the beach, exploring hidden coves, or embarking on coastal walks, Boat Harbour promises unforgettable experiences for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. It’s definitely worth some days here relaxing.

Having traversed Tasmania’s Bass Highway, relishing its coastal vistas and quaint towns, why not uncover new wonders and forge lasting memories on your next roadtrip with Travellarks?

If you think Tasmania would be an amazing holiday destination, check out our Stays with a WOW accommodation.