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Historic towns, local flavours, and the scenic route to Cradle Mountain.
West of Launceston, the Meander Valley offers a rewarding mix of countryside charm, heritage sites, and foodie favourites — ideal for a relaxed day trip or as part of your journey to Cradle Mountain. Just 20 minutes from town, Longford is home to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed estates: Woolmers and Brickendon. Step back in time with a stroll through convict-built farm buildings, heritage rose gardens, and beautifully preserved homesteads. Further along, Deloraine is known for its artisan community, riverfront walking tracks and excellent local produce. Drop by the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre for tips on local hikes and hidden waterfalls. Nearby, you can tour the truffle farm, visit the sustainable 41° South salmon farm, or enjoy a berry-filled treat at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. Travelling the Bass Highway? Ashgrove Cheese is a fun stop for tastings, ice cream, and a peek into the cheesemaking process. A little further on, in Latrobe, don’t miss Anvers Chocolate Factory and the wildly whimsical Reliquaire — a delightful treasure trove of toys, books and curiosities. And just 2.5 hours from Launceston, you’ll find Cradle Mountain — the jewel of Tasmania’s wilderness. |
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hidden gems
Woolmers Estate
(25 min drive) Wander the grounds, enjoy a bite to eat in and take a tour of the buildings to learn about early Tasmanian colonial farming and convict heritage in this remarkable historic property. 658 Woolmers Ln, Longford woolmers.com.au |
41 Degrees South Tasmania
(40 min drive) This inland salmon farm and ginseng nursery was built on the pillars of eco sustainability. Take a self-guided tour of the farm and enjoy the delicious hot-smoked salmon in "Georgie's cafe". 323 Montana Rd, Deloraine/Red Hills 41southtasmania.com.au |
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café
(35 min drive) Enjoy farm fresh berries and deliciousness at the cafe, and take a wander through the peaceful surrounds of the raspberry farm. Stock up on berry jams, sauces – even socks! 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town raspberryfarmcafe.com.au |
Ashgrove Cheese
(40 min drive) Award winning Tasmanian Farm Milk, Cheese, Cream and Butter! Visit the Ashgrove Dairy Door. We offer their cheddar as past of our "Tassie Trio" welcome gift! 6173 Bass Hwy, Elizabeth Town ashgrovecheese.com.au |
The Truffle Farm
(40 min drive) You're invited to join the hunt at Australia's first black truffle farm and dig up some magic of your own. Dig up and sample some truffles, or simply call into the farmgate store. 844 Mole Creek Rd, Deloraine thetrufflefarmtasmania.com.au |
Anvers Chocolate
(60 min drive) Artisan chocolate handmade with care - witness and be enthralled by the careful tempering, molding and enrobing of fine couverture chocolate, truffles, pralines, fudges and more! 9025 Bass Hwy, Latrobe anvers-chocolate.com.au |
Reliquaire
(60 min drive)
Tassie’s most amazing and unique gift shop – kids AND adults will be amazed!!
Words just can’t describe how incredible this shop is… so many hidden nooks and crannies filled with absolute enchantment and magic! You could spend hours just looking in this shop.
139 Gilbert Street, Latrobe
reliquaire.com
(60 min drive)
Tassie’s most amazing and unique gift shop – kids AND adults will be amazed!!
Words just can’t describe how incredible this shop is… so many hidden nooks and crannies filled with absolute enchantment and magic! You could spend hours just looking in this shop.
139 Gilbert Street, Latrobe
reliquaire.com
cradle mountain
Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most iconic natural destination — and an unforgettable day trip from Launceston.
Driving west along the Bass Highway, it’s a scenic 2.5-hour journey via Sheffield, that rewards with breathtaking alpine landscapes winding deep into the in the heart of this breathtaking Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Begin your visit at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, your go-to for up-to-date info and suggestions on walks and activities. Parking your car here, you can catch the shuttle bus (operating 8am–4pm daily) into the park—the shuttle is mandatory during these hours as private vehicles are not permitted on park roads. Be sure to catch the last shuttle back by 4pm!
Top Easy to Moderate Walks:
Dove Lake Circuit
Duration: ~2 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This iconic 6km loop starts at the Dove Lake carpark. It’s mostly flat, making it family-friendly and perfect for soaking in spectacular views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake.
Marion’s Lookout
Duration: ~2.5 hours return | Difficulty: Moderate
For a rewarding climb, follow the trail from the Dove Lake Circuit up to Marion’s Lookout. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the mountain, surrounding valleys, and waterfalls.
Waldheim Chalet Walk
Duration: ~1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
Step into Tasmania’s history with a gentle stroll to Waldheim Chalet, the historic home of Gustav Weindorfer, a pioneer of the national park. The chalet offers charming insights into early conservation efforts.
Cradle Mountain Summit
Duration: 6+ hours return | Difficulty: Challenging, for experienced walkers only
If you’re after a full-day adventure and are well-prepared, the summit walk is a spectacular challenge offering unmatched views. Note: This is a serious hike requiring good fitness, proper gear, and careful weather consideration.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP:
For the latest road and track conditions, shuttle times, and park alerts, always check the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service website before your visit.
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain
Driving west along the Bass Highway, it’s a scenic 2.5-hour journey via Sheffield, that rewards with breathtaking alpine landscapes winding deep into the in the heart of this breathtaking Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Begin your visit at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, your go-to for up-to-date info and suggestions on walks and activities. Parking your car here, you can catch the shuttle bus (operating 8am–4pm daily) into the park—the shuttle is mandatory during these hours as private vehicles are not permitted on park roads. Be sure to catch the last shuttle back by 4pm!
Top Easy to Moderate Walks:
Dove Lake Circuit
Duration: ~2 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This iconic 6km loop starts at the Dove Lake carpark. It’s mostly flat, making it family-friendly and perfect for soaking in spectacular views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake.
Marion’s Lookout
Duration: ~2.5 hours return | Difficulty: Moderate
For a rewarding climb, follow the trail from the Dove Lake Circuit up to Marion’s Lookout. From here, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the mountain, surrounding valleys, and waterfalls.
Waldheim Chalet Walk
Duration: ~1 hour | Difficulty: Easy
Step into Tasmania’s history with a gentle stroll to Waldheim Chalet, the historic home of Gustav Weindorfer, a pioneer of the national park. The chalet offers charming insights into early conservation efforts.
Cradle Mountain Summit
Duration: 6+ hours return | Difficulty: Challenging, for experienced walkers only
If you’re after a full-day adventure and are well-prepared, the summit walk is a spectacular challenge offering unmatched views. Note: This is a serious hike requiring good fitness, proper gear, and careful weather consideration.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP:
For the latest road and track conditions, shuttle times, and park alerts, always check the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service website before your visit.
https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/cradle-mountain
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explore some more
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