Around Tasmania in 6 Days

By David Woodward

Tasmania offers a relaxing day out with the Salamanca Markets (above) and 'The Nut' in Burnie (below)

Around the World in 80 Days is nothing compared to going around Tasmania in 6 days!

I recently arranged for a quick trip around the island state of Tasmania hoping to see all its key tourist spots in just a few days. This was easily achieved by pre-booking accommodation for five nights driving a pre-booked hire car in a clockwise direction from Launceston.

Arriving in Launceston on Day One enabled us to see the Cataract Gorge, have a quick tour of the city centre itself (not forgetting the Boag’s Brewery!) and then a short afternoon drive around the Tamar Valley, including a stop at the Beaconsfield mine site (made famous by the "Trapped Miners" in 2007).

A drive along the east coast on Day Two through some picturesque towns led to an overnight stay at the beautiful seaside town of Bicheno.  It also gave us the opportunity to take a “three hour tour” (that's right, a three hour tour) on a boat around the Freycinet Peninsula during which we spotted dolphins and fur seals. A real experience!

Day Three saw us taking a leisurely short drive to Hobart (to check out the Cascade Brewery – do you see a theme here?) and stay at the unique village of Richmond. 

We stayed in a renovated cottage (formerly the Police Sergeant's residence) just near Richmond’s famous bridge and really enjoyed a walk along the shops that featured many local arts and crafts.

Day Four involved a quick trip back to Hobart for a morning at the Salamanca Market for more arts and crafts (and food). A longer drive to Queenstown and Strahan through forested areas on the West Coast followed. 

Time didn’t allow us the chance to see the Franklin River surrounds either by boat or rail, but we really enjoyed Strahan’s waterfront area, including a good seafood meal at a restaurant on the pier.

A drive through some more forests north to Burnie on Day Five was interesting, especially as there was a big mountain bike race in progress along the way. 

A tour of the Burnie city centre was a little disappointing (it was a Sunday and many of the shops were closed!), however another drive along the coast to Stanley enabled us to take a chair-lift up The Nut, a volcanic peak which the town nestles under, to enjoy some spectacular views.

Our final day (Day Six) was spent in some coastal towns before a visit to Devonport. On our final leg to the Launceston Airport, we came across a real surprise, a little village called Evandale that was similar to the previously mentioned Richmond. 

Villages like these are spread throughout Tasmania and contribute to the state’s reputation of maintaining its historic landmarks.

Overall, Tasmania has a lot to offer the tourist who wants a short holiday to see some local history, beautiful scenery, good food and accommodation, and just have a relaxing time.

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