5 ways to experience North West Tasmania

While many visitors to the “Apple Isle” focus their explorations on Hobart and the state’s south, the secret is out that North West Tasmania is brimming with charm. It's home to breathtaking wilderness areas, historic towns and lively port cities that are rapidly revealing their artistic sides. On a journey through the northwest, you’ll discover artisanal producers, passionate farmers and skilled craftspeople who have chosen to call this beautiful corner of Tassie “home”, as well as families who have dedicated their lives to the conservation of native wildlife. 

Read on to discover 5 ways to experience North West Tasmania, whether you’re on a self-driving adventure or looking for an immersive guided tour. 

Discover the region’s gourmet producers along the Tasting Trail

Discover the award-winning produce of Tasmania's North West on the Tasting Trail, a delectable journey through some of the region's finest cellar doors, farm stalls and artisan cafes. Whether you’re interested in small-batch whisky, gourmet cheese or wilderness-sourced honey, this trail has delicious options in store. 

Our Tasting Trail tour allows you to curate your own experience, selecting the producers that most pique your interest. Then, sit back and let our team craft an itinerary tailored to your desires, factoring in opening hours and efficient driving routes to maximize your time. Our Tasting Trail Tour includes comfortable transport in one of our air-conditioned vehicles and the services of a knowledgeable guide/driver. 

You can start your day sampling the freshest hazelnuts, locally roasted coffee and handcrafted chocolates, before moving on to a leisurely farm-to-table lunch or an afternoon of beer, wine and spirit tastings. Choose from either a half-day or full-day tour, both of which showcase the award-winning bounty of this remarkable region.

Embark on a day (or overnight) trip to Cradle Mountain

In the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain has long been a bucket list destination for hiking. Although a lot of people come to take on the 65-kilometre Overland Track over the course of a week, there are plenty of shorter hikes that let you soak in the stunning scenery of this protected area in just a few hours.

Whether you’re up for an easy stroll or a challenging half-day trek, there’s a trail for everyone, allowing you to experience Cradle Mountain’s snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and rugged alpine moors. If time allows, opt to stay overnight in one of the area’s cosy lodges and experience the national park once the day trippers leave. 

If you’re not self-driving on your visit to Tassie’s North West, our Cradle Mountain day tours offer a convenient means of reaching the national park. They include both self-guided and guided itineraries, both of which include return transport from Devonport or Launceston in one of our comfortable vehicles. If you have a bit more time to spare, you can also check out our overnight tours at Cradle Mountain.

Soak up the sights on the Burnie Attractions Bus

As a lively city and cruise ship port, Burnie serves as a popular gateway for exploring Tasmania’s North West. Designed with cruisers in mind, the Burnie Attractions Bus offers a leisurely and enriching experience packed with a variety of brief yet memorable stops. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll delve into the region's natural wonders, historical significance and charming community spirit over the course of a few hours.

Departing multiple times throughout the day, the Burnie Attractions Bus includes a scenic drive to the Upper Burnie Lookout for sweeping views across Bass Strait before continuing to the beautiful Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, an 11-hectare botanical paradise planted with rhododendrons from around the globe. After visiting the Fernglade Sanctuary (and hopefully spotting a platypus), you’ll have time to stroll along the waterfront promenade of Penguin, a coastal town named after its little penguin colonies.

The Burnie Attractions Bus concludes at the Burnie Historical Museum, which features a reconstructed street depicting the city's 19th-century appearance. With complimentary admission, this museum provides a fascinating glimpse into Burnie's rich history and cultural heritage - the perfect way to round out your journey through this captivating corner of Tasmania.

Explore the beautiful Mersey Valley (from Devonport)

The Mersey Valley is one of the most picturesque areas of North West Tasmania, home to charming towns, gourmet producers and scenic dairy country. It’s here that you’ll find Railton (famed for its topiary) and the colourful murals of Sheffield, whose streets are home to artisan makers and historic country stores. 

On a tour of the Mersey Valley, you can see Belgian chocolates being made at Anvers Chocolate Factory in the riverside settlement of Latrobe before sampling Tasmanian-made ciders and fruit juices in Spreyton. Some of Australia’s finest dairy products are crafted at Ashgrove Cheese while incredible honey is harvested in the nearby mountains. 

Our Mersey Valley Experience from Devonport allows you to take all of this in and more on a tour that is customised to your interests. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, you'll uncover the region's unique charm, quirky attractions and breathtaking natural beauty, creating memories that will linger long after your journey.

Get up close to native animals at Wings Wildlife Park

Nestled along the peaceful banks of the Leven River in Gunns Plains, Wings Wildlife Park is a celebrated sanctuary that features the largest collection of Tasmanian wildlife in Australia. Since its founding in 1986, the park has focused on rescuing and rehabilitating local wildlife, and it’s now proudly managed by the fifth generation of the Wing family.

The park is a wonderful place to get up close to koalas and kangaroos, along with the more elusive quolls and Tasmanian devils. Plus, the park is home to the endangered spotted-tailed quoll, which you can only find in Tasmania, and the eastern quoll, which sadly isn’t around on the Australian mainland anymore. Aside from its native residents, Wings Wildlife Park is also home to several non-native animals like meerkats, capuchins and marmosets. 

If you’re visiting Tasmania’s North West without a car, our Wings Wildlife excursion makes it easy to access the park from Burnie. In addition to return transport to Wings Wildlife Park (including a beautiful drive through rolling hills and green farmland), the tour cost includes all entrance fees.