Travelling to Tasmania
You can fly to Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie/Wynyard via the major commercial airlines, and there are direct flights to Hobart from Sydney and Melbourne.
The very popular passenger and car ferry Spirit of Tasmania travels overnight from Melbourne to Devonport. For more information, contact the Spirit of Tasmania on: 1800 634 906 or visit the website at spiritoftasmania.com.au
The major car rental companies have agencies in the main ports. By road, Strahan may be reached from Hobart, Launceston, Devonport or Burnie/Wynyard via a choice of scenic roads.
Sightseeing on the way to Strahan
There are many opportunities for sightseeing on your way to Strahan – the following are just a few examples:
FROM THE EAST
From Hobart via the Lyell Highway, between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown, you can take the Franklin River Nature Walk for views of the Franklin River valley or enjoy a short walk to Nelson Falls. From Donaghy’s Hill Lookout walk there are views of the Franklin River valley and Frenchman’s Cap. Look for beautiful stands of snow gums.
Queenstown, a tourist and former mining town 45 minutes’ drive from Strahan is worth a visit for its history and rugged scenery. Interesting side trips can be taken (4WD or walking) to Bird River, Kelly Basin and Pillinger, a deserted town at the southern end of Macquarie Harbour. Recently mountain biking has been developed in the region, with Queenstown offering a number of spectacular tracks in the surrounding mountains and new businesses to support visiting mountain bikers. Information on mountain biking and shuttles can be found here.
FROM THE NORTH
Travelling from Devonport you drive through Sheffield – the town of murals; and if driving from Launceston you can visit historic Deloraine. Break your trip at the Cradle Mountain National Park (2.5 hours from Strahan), famous for its short hikes and the iconic 65 km Overland Track. There is a visitor centre and accommodation. The road goes through open high country “vales” and thick forest to meet the Murchison Highway, north of Tullah.
From Burnie, via the Murchison Highway, there are spectacular views of the mountains as you head south.
Stop for a coffee at Tullah, a small town on Lake Mackintosh, a popular fishing spot. Shown at the left Tullah sits between lake and mountains.
At Rosebery, you can take a three hour walk along an old railway line to Montezuma Falls, the highest waterfall in Tasmania.
Zeehan, just 40 minutes from Strahan, offers a variety of sights including the Gaiety Theatre, which is being restored and was once the scene of world class entertainment; and the Pioneer Memorial Museum, which has a superb mineral and gemstone display and, for rail buffs, includes a railway museum.
Read more detailed information to plan your trip at the Discover Tasmania website.
Travelling Times
Approximate distances (and estimated travelling times) are shown below. Please allow plenty of time to enjoy Tasmania’s spectacular scenery, no matter which road you take.
Hobart: 300 km (4.5 – 5 hours) Launceston: 290 km (4.5 hours) Burnie: 180 km (2.5 hours) Devonport: 245 km (3 hours)
