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North Tasmania Activities

Ben Lomond National Park
Summer or winter, the craggy Ben Lomond plateau attracts adventure seeks. Rock climbing, alpine walking, cross-country and downhill skiing are the highlights of this national park, situated about and hour’s drive east of Launceston. To reach the park, take C roads from Evandale then follow the 17 km gravel road to the ski village. Jacob’s Ladder, a steep and narrow section of the road, demands great care, especially in winter conditions when chains should be carried. Staff in the park entry booth at the foot of the mountain can give advice on road conditions during winter. Weather in alpine areas changes rapidly, be prepared for cold, wet conditions, even in summer.

Hollybank Forest Reserve
About 20 km north of Launceston, this forest reserve gives insights into various forest types, both exotic and native. Groves of mature deciduous trees shelter the excellent picnic and barbecue facilities. To reach Hollybank, turn off on the B81 at Rocherlea, north of Launceston on the East Tamar Highway.

Liffey Falls – Liffey Forest Reserve
Rising on the northern edge of the Great Western Tiers, the Liffey River plunges through dense rainforest and over spectacular waterfalls before reaching rich northern farmlands and joing the South Esk River. There are two reserves on the upper reaches of the river, with picnic and barbecue facilities as well as excellent short walks through forest of treeferns, myrtles, leatherwoods and sassafras trees. To reach the waterfalls, either turn off the Bass Highway (A1) at Carrick and take the C513 through the townships of Bracknell and Liffey to the Liffey Falls State Reserve; or turn left in Deloraine on the Lake Highway (A5) then take the Riversdale Road to the Liffey Falls Forest Reserve.

Tamar Island
An important habitat for waterbirds, the Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve is only a few minutes’ drive from the centre of Launceston. Take the West Tamar Highway (A7) north through Riverside to reach the Wetlands Reserve. The award-winning Interpretation Centre and its volunteer staff provide information about the natural and cultural heritage of the site, as well as advice on the wide range of resident and migratory bird species. The wheelchair-accessible boardwalk crosses the wetlands to Tamar Island.

Entally House Historic Site
The faithfully restored homestead, outbuildings, machinery and gardens of this colonial country farmhouse give an insight into rural life during the 1800s. To reach Entally, turn off the Bass Highway (A1) near Hadspen, about 15 km west of Launceston.

Notley Gorge
This remnant of rainforest is in the hills above the Tamar Valley. Picnic or barbecue beneath the trees, observe native birdlife and enjoy a walk through the forest. Turn off the West Tamar Highway at Legana on the C732.

Travallyn Dam
Just out of Launceston on the West Tamar Highway is the turnoff to Lake Travallyn with its trail rides, walks and picnic areas. A good spot for boating, swimming and kayaking, the lake water also generates hydro-electricity at Travallyn Power Station.

WAG Walker Rhododendron Reserve
Springtime is a colourful delight at this Lilydale reserve, where dozen of varieties of rhodos thrive and bloom. Take the East Tamar Highway from Launceston, turn off at Rocherlea and follow the B81 for 20 km to Lilydale.

Mt Barrow State Reserve
Take the A3 from Launceston towards Scottsdale, the gravel road to Mt Barrow branches right 5 km past Nunamara. Enjoy scenic views, picnic and walks.

Mole Creek Karst National Park
Tasmania’s only underground national park protects a region of deep limestone caves with spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites and colums, glow worm displays, subterranean streams and cathedral caverns. There are guided tours through the Marakoopa and King Solomon show caves (fee charged), while escorted adventure caving expeditions can be arranged through wild caves in the area. Access to the caves is via Mole Creek. Take the B12 from Deloraine to Mole Creek, 23 km away, to check cave tour times and other information, then continue on the few extra kilometers to the cave entrances. There’s a range of visitor facilities in the Mole Creek area including accommodation, camping, picnic and barbecue areas. Near Marakoopa is the Fern Glade Walk which meanders through beautiful temperate rainforest with tree ferns and moss-covered creek beds (approximately 20 minutes return). The Alum Cliffs walk is also located in this area.