Suggested North West Coast Itineraries 

Fly from Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport into Tasmania’s North West with Qantaslink in to Devonport or Regional Express into Burnie and hire your car from any of the recognised Car Hire companies, or bring you own car on board the Spirit of Tasmania and stay a while – you will love it.

Some suggested itineraries to ensure you see the entire region include:

3 nights/4 days

Arrive by plane or Ship into Devonport (if you fly into Burnie simple reverse the itinerary)

Day 1 – Devonport

Grab some breakfast or morning tea at the Devonport Bluff before visiting one or more of Devonport's cultural sites including Home Hill – the home of Tasmania’s only Prime Minister, Tiagarra for an amazing insight into the lives of the Tasmanian Indeginious community, the Maritime museum which details the history of the Port of Devonport or the Don River Railway – a train set for boys of all sizes.  Travel though to Burnie via Ulverstone and Penguin – get off the highway at Ulverstone and go along the coast road – it is worth the extra few minutes and you will be amazed at the secrets you may find in Ulverstone and Penguin.  Burnie is the City of Makers – Whisky, cheese, paper, jewellery, a visit to the Makers centre a must to find out more about these wonderful local products.

Overnight Burnie or Wynyard

Day 2 – Burnie to Stanley

As you travel along the coast keep an eye out for local markets, farmers markets and farm gate sales – you won’t believe the variety and freshness of the local produce.  Heading West towards Stanley take your time and call in at Wynyard (a great second hand shop, Boat Harbour (you may never want to leave) and the Rocky Cape National Park.  You will be amazed at the lushness of the land – a patchwork of greens and browns, of brightly coloured tulips and the blues of Bass Strait.   Call into the Stanley Visitor Information Centre on arrival to book some accommodation (two nights would be a great option) and plan your next day – might need an early start.

Overnight Stanley/ Smithton

Day 3 – Stanley

Where to start (if you missed the visitor centre yesterday then this would be a good place to start – if you did get there yesterday your plans are made) – Climbing to the top of the nut (or chairlift for the less energetic) – explore historic highfield, view seals, penguins, platypus, or head to the Edge of the World and the Tarkine.  Or maybe grab a book, sit on the beach and dine on some local seafood – is there a better way to relax?

 Day 4

Surely it is not time to leave yet – have you seen it all – done all you want to do – maybe squeeze one or two more in before its time to head home – back to the airport more relaxed then you imagined possible and ready to tell your friends about your Great Tassie Break in Tasmania’s North West

5 nights/6 days

Day 1 – Arrive Devonport/Burnie

A day for exploration and foodie fulfillment. Tantalise your taste buds with truffles at House of Anvers in Latrobe and sample the charm of cherries fresh from the orchard at the Cherry Shed.  Satisfy your curiosity and your appetite as you learn about cheese making at Ashgrove Farm and unleash your raspberry cravings at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm before a return to delightful Devonport.

Day 2 – Sheffield

Art and craft combine on the Cradle Valley Wine Route with boutique cellar doors showcasing the best of cool climate wines before the beverages of the Seven Sheds brewery beckon the connoisseur of real ale. Big is better in Sheffield where the town itself has become a canvas for the world’s art on magnificent murals before the more intimate curiosity of sculptured hedgerows in nearby Railton to amuse and delight as a living fantasy and testament to the imagination.

Day 3 – Devonport to Boat Harbour

As wondrous below as it is above, the Central Coast offers a tour of Gunns Plains Caves for a taste of subterranean magic or a walk in the depths of the Leven Canyon to feel the might of nature and an ascent to its heights for spectacular views.  Wombats and kangaroos on the marsupial lawn and a myriad birds in the sun-kissed sky enchant at coastal Narawntapu National Park where walkers can sample its treasures with short walks or all-day adventures. If prettiness peace and perfection are your pleasure detour off the Bass Highway for the white sands and clear blue waters of Sisters Beach and Boat Harbour, for a relaxed and restful overnight stay.

Day 4 – Boat Harbour – Stanley

Climb the Nut at Stanley for a birds-eye view of Australia's prettiest fishing village before a stroll of the art galleries and craft shops along the High Street. Visit the Stanley Seaquarium to learn about unique Tasmanian sea life, fish yourself or enjoy fine seafood from the freshest ingredients and learn of the past as you enjoy the present at historic Highfield House.

Overnight Stanley

Day 5 – Stanley to the Tarkine Coast

Ride a twisting, 110-metre slide to the bottom of Dismal Swamp, at Tarkine Forest Adventures before cruising on the Arthur River deep into the pristine wilderness of the Tarkine where a sea eagle will dive with majestic precision to seize an offered fish and the trees will rise to the sky and sink to the deep in their mirrored reflection.  The adventurous can surf the big Southern Ocean swell at Marrawah, watch the breakers at the Edge of the World or from a coastal shack witness the wonder of a Tasmanian devil as he feeds at dusk. Smithton is ideal for a restful night after a day of nature.

Overnight Smithton

Head back to your point of departure fortified from your Tasmanian adventure with a tale of of the exotic, the extraordinary and the wonderful that from five short days will give memories to inspire the spirit for a lifetime.