6 Must-Do Things in North-East Tasmania
North-East Tasmania has a lot to offer, from world-class wine and golf, to adrenaline-pumping treetop adventures and mountain biking.
Previously a mining region, the abundance of natural resources and minerals including rich volcanic soils now makes Tasmania’s north-east a hotspot for wine, being home to some of Australia’s most sought after cool climate wines. A place for both excitement and relaxation, Tasmania’s North-East is a place that has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. There are so many great things to do in the North-East, but here are 6 in particular that just cannot be missed!
1. Cataract Gorge Reserve
The Cataract Gorge in Launceston is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. Filled with Tasmania’s amazing natural scenery just minutes from the heart of the city, the Gorge is a great place to relax by the water, or go for one of many short walks in the area.
Entrance to the reserve is free, and allows anyone to take advantage of the serenity offered by the beautiful natural and Victorian gardens, abundance of local wildlife, and spectacular views. The Cataract Gorge is also home to the longest single-span chairlift in the world, spanning 308 metres at a slow enough pace to take in the sights and get some amazing photos.
Photo: Wikipedia, Creative Commons 2.0
2. Lilydale Falls
Lilydale Falls is the name given to two beautiful cascading waterfalls just outside of Lilydale. An easy, partially board-walked track takes you to the first waterfall in about 10 minutes. The second waterfall is then only about 3 minutes from the first. The walk departs from the Lilydale Falls Reserve carpark, home to a picnic area including public barbeques. Lilydale Falls is a great place to stop for a rest and to stretch your legs on your way deeper into Tasmania’s North-East.
Image: Wikipedia, Creative Commons 2.0
3. Bridestowe Lavender Estate
Featuring the largest lavender farm in the southern hemisphere, the Bridestowe Lavender Estate in Tasmania’s North-East is one of the state’s most beautiful tourist locations. Visit during the flowering season of December-January to get the full experience of the breath-taking rows of lavender in full bloom spanning into the horizon, set against the towering Mount Arthur.
The shop at the estate is full of lavender-based products all year round, featuring lavender tea, soaps, oil and the famous Bobbie, the Bridestowe Lavender-infused teddy bear.
Image: >littleyiye< Creative Commons 2.0
4. Pipers Brook
The Pipers Brook vineyard at Pipers Brook showcases some of the best cool-climate wine in all of Australia. After a self-guided tour through the expansive vineyards overlooking the ocean, relax at the cellar door and sample some of Tasmania’s most sought after wines. After enjoying your wine, kick back in the onsite café and have some of the delicious food which has been crafted specifically to complement the range of wines available.
Guests are welcome to bring their picnic rug and hamper to enjoy with the wine, so this is a perfect place to stop while touring the Tamar Valley region in the North-East.
5. Barnbougle
Barnbougle is home to two of Australia’s top-ranked golf courses. Welcoming players of all abilities, from the social golfer to the enthusiast, the two courses, The Dunes and Lost Farm are both exquisite courses crafted specifically to enhance the natural surroundings.
The Dunes, rated #2 in Australia by Australian Golf Magazine, is designed to challenge. The green features a combination of broad slopes and ridges contoured with the natural lay of the land, and the 4th hole features the largest bunker in the southern hemisphere.
Lost Farm, coming in just behind The Dunes, is rated #3 in Australia by Australian Golf Magazine. Offering an exciting challenge for golfers of all abilities, this was the first golf course at Barnbougle and was crafted to complement the natural landscape.
Image: Mike Hauser, Creative Commons 2.0
6. Hollybank Forest Reserve
Something for the more adventurous, Hollybank Treetop Adventures at the Hollybank Reserve has a range of exciting activities for people of all ages! Featuring zip lines in the tree tops of the beautiful blue gum forest spanning a total of 1km, as well as free mountain biking tracks (bike hire available) and Segway tours, there is plenty of excitement for everyone. Located just outside of Lilydale, Hollybank is a great place to check out while exploring Tasmania’s North-East!
Image: Atsushi Kase, Creative Commons 2.0