What are the Best Scenic Drives in North West Tasmania?
We’re lucky enough to call North West Tasmania “home” and know first-hand that this region is made for road trips. It combines spectacular coastal stretches with quiet country roads, not to mention cool-temperate rainforests, historic towns and rugged mountain scenery.
While most visitors make a beeline for Cradle Mountain, there is so much more to discover in this part of the world. And there’s no better way to do it than by getting behind the wheel (or hiring a local to drive you) and exploring the roads less travelled.
The best part? Many of the region’s scenic drives are as much about the stops along the way as the roads themselves.
The hardest part? Deciding which route to take!
In this article, we’ll introduce 5 of the best scenic drives in North West Tasmania, whether you’re into wilderness immersion, coastal villages or foodie experiences.
Devonport to Stanley
Distance: 124 km
Duration: A full day from Devonport or stay overnight in Stanley
Best for: Coastal scenery, seaside towns and cultural heritage
If you're arriving in North West Tasmania by ferry, this is one of the easiest scenic drives to start with. It hugs the northern coast of the island for much of the way, with sweeping views across Bass Strait, and there plenty of opportunities to stop for a walk or picnic.
Unlike some of the other scenic drives in North West Tasmania on this list, the Devonport to Stanley route doesn’t pass through large stretches of wilderness. This is exactly why we think it’s such a great option for first-timers. There’s no shortage of petrol stations and services along the route, so you never feel like you’re “in the middle of nowhere”.
Between Devonport and Burnie, you can enjoy a stroll on Lillico Beach and another along the banks of Ulverstone’s Leven River. Then, be sure to stop in the town of Penguin to photograph its famous (you guessed it) penguin statue!
After passing through Burnie, continue west towards Stanley, one of the most pictureque towns in North West Tasmania. You can make a short detour to Table Cape (famed for its lighthouse and tulip farms) or refresh with a swim at beloved Boat Harbour Beach. There’s also a great cafe here if it’s time for lunch!
Stanley itself is dominated by The Nut - a 143-metre-high volcanic plug that rises dramatically above the town. The summit can be reached via a chairlift or steep walking track. At the top is a circuit trail offering expansive views of the surrounding coast farmland.
Panoramas are also on offer from the Highfield Historic Site with its Regency-style residence and gorgeous gardens.
Visiting Tasmania without a car or arriving on a cruise ship? Our Burnie Attractions Bus takes in many of the North West’s most popular attractions, including Guide Falls, the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden and the town of Penguin.
The Murchison Highway and Hellyer Gorge
Distance: 180 km
Duration: Half a day for a direct drive; a full day if exploring the stops
Best for: Rainforest, mountains and a classic wilderness drive
If you prefer winding mountain roads to coastal highways, put the Murchison Highway through Hellyer Gorge on your itinerary. The road cuts through dense rainforest and steep-sided wilderness as it makes its way from Burnie to Tasmania's West Coast.
Opened in 1963, the 147-kilometre Murchison Highway remains an important route for both passenger travel and freight today. It officially connects Somerset (near Burnie) with Zeehan. But we’d highly recommend continuing on for another 40 kilometres to the historic port town of Strahan, which overlooks the spectacular waters of Macquarie Harbour.
One of our favourite areas on the Murchison Highway is Hellyer Gorge, a scenic reserve between Yolla and Waratah. It’s named after a 19th-century English surveyor (there’s also a whiskey distillery in Burnie named Hellyer Road) and follows the course of a river where platypus can occasionally be spotted.
Be sure to stop at the Hellyer Gorge picnic area, where you can stretch your legs on the short River Walk or Old Myrtle Forest Walk. Waratah is worth a stop too, with a waterfall located in the town centre. After driving through Tullah on the shore of Lake Roseberry, continue to the historic mining town of Zeehan and Strahan.
If time allows, spend a couple of nights in Strahan. It’s arguably the most atmospheric base for exploring this stretch of the West Coast and has a well-established tourism industry.
You can take a cruise on the Gordon River and learn about Tasmania’s convict history at Sarah Island or ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway to another historic mining settlement, Queenstown.
Stanley to the Edge of the World and the Tarkine
Distance: 192 km
Duration: One full day minimum; two days for a slower experience and more rainforest walks
Best for: Wilderness, rainforest and wild coastal landscapes
This wilderness-focused North West Tasmania road trip takes a different route, connecting Stanley with takayna / Tarkine via the Edge of the World. This route takes you into a cool-temperate rainforest wilderness area, renowned for its rushing rivers and short walks. It really is spectacular!
After leaving Stanley, drive towards Marrawah, a beachside town that’s famed for its surf. Take the opportunity to stretch your legs with a walk on Green Point’s windswept stretch of sand and watch the waves rolling in from the Southern Ocean (hopefully with local surfers showcasing their skills).
Then, continue south to the Edge of the World at Gardiner Point, a ruggedly dramatic coastal stop near the mouth of the Arthur River. The relentless pounding of waves has left massive pieces of driftwood scattered across the beach and it really does feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. Bring a jacket because it can get incredibly windy here!
As you continue towards the Tarkine, keep an eye out for the Balfour Historical Township, the remains of a small mining settlement that developed during the late 19th/early 20th centuries. You have to venture a little off the main road to discover what’s left, but that’s all part of the appeal.
Once you enter the Arthur Pieman Conservation Area, there are several walking trails marked along the C249 if you want to venture into the surrounding wilderness on foot. Be aware that the roads accessing lookouts are in variable condition - having a 4WD can be a big plus.
Once you arrive in Corinna (the main town in takanya / Tarkine), you can park your car to explore one of several short trails. We particularly recommend the 20-minute Huon Pine Walk or the one-hour Whyte River Walk, which take in fern glades and ancient myrtle beech trees along the banks of the Pieman River.
Devonport to Cradle Mountain
Distance: 87 km
Duration: A full day or stay overnight around Cradle Mountain
Best for: Mountains, forests and wildlife
The drive from Devonport to Cradle Mountain is one of the most scenic inland road trips in North West Tasmania, as well as being one of the most popular. Many people disembark the Spirit of Tasmania ferry and make a beeline south to explore what is probably the island’s most famous national park.
But the route is an adventure in itself, taking you from the Bass Strait coast through fertile farmland, historic towns and mountain country. In our opinion, it’s too good to rush, and while Cradle Mountain is the ultimate destination, there’s a lot to discover along the way.
One of our top recommended stops is Sheffield, famed for its outdoor murals. More than 100 murals have been created around the town (mostly during the annual Mural Fest) and they depict everything from historic events to landscapes and local characters. Allow an hour or so to wander through the streets and get a caffeine fix at a local cafe.
As you approach the Sheffield area, keep an eye out for Mount Roland, one of the region's most recognisable landmarks. The distinctive peak dominates the landscape and provides a spectacular backdrop to the surrounding farmland.
Known as Tasmania's “Town of Topiary”, Railton is another worthwhile stop, even if it is a short detour off the Devonport to Cradle Mountain route. Look for the unusual living sculptures throughout the town that have been shaped into animals, people and other quirky forms.
Instead of driving through Sheffield, there’s also the option to travel from Devonport via the pretty town of Forth and take the C132 through Wilmot to Cradle Mountain. This route winds through beautiful rural landscapes, with rolling green hills, farms and mountain views. In fact, it’s sometimes referred to as the “Valley of Views” and it’s easy to see why!
Both roads meet near Moina and continue southwest to Cradle Mountain. Once you cross the Iris River Bridge, the left-hand turn to the national park is just a kilometre down the road. You’ll notice the landscape gradually change from farmland to forest and you'll start to get a stronger sense that you're entering Tasmania's wilderness country.
Cradle Mountain weather can change rapidly, even in summer, so bring warm and waterproof layers. When driving in the area, keep an eye out for wildlife, particularly around dawn and dusk when many of Cradle Mountain’s native species are out and about.
Local insight: If you want to get up close to Tasmanian native wildlife, we recommend visiting Wings Wildlife Park. It’s located in Gunns Plains and can easily be visited as a day trip from Burnie.
The Tasmanian Tasting Trail
Distance: Variable
Duration: One or more days, depending on how many producers you visit
Best for: Foodies, farm gates and a leisurely road trip
Not every scenic drive needs to be about dramatic wilderness. North West Tasmania is also one of Australia's great food-producing regions.
The Tasmanian Tasting Trail stretches across the state’s north and includes almost 40 producers, with everything from cheese and berries to honey, oysters and whisky. It connects local producers, farm gates and cellar doors, as well as unique food experiences across the region.
Many stops are small, family-run businesses where you can meet producers, sample their products and learn more about Tasmania's cool climate and fertile agricultural regions.
Rather than following one single road, think of it as a network of scenic detours and food stops. It’s a “choose your own adventure experience”! You can start in Burnie, Devonport or Launceston and combine your foodie adventure with a scenic drive to Cradle Mountain or other destinations in the North West.
If you don’t want to drive yourself, we offer small-group tours exploring the Tasmanian Tasting Trail and visit some of the region’s best producers. You can either take our recommendations or craft your own itinerary, depending on individual taste buds.
Top Tips for Driving in North West Tasmania
Don't underestimate the distances: Tasmania may look small on a map, but its winding roads, highly changeable weather and frequent photo stops can make journeys take much longer than expected.
Slow down for wildlife: Chances are, you’ll see a lot of roadkill on Tasmania’s roads and this is an unfortunate reality of life here. Dawn and dusk are particularly important times to watch out for animals.
Check conditions before heading into remote areas: Weather can change quickly, particularly around Cradle Mountain and the western wilderness. Come prepared for all conditions, even in the summertime.
Fill up when you can: Fuel and EV charging are available across Tasmania, but they are limited in parts of the North West. The more remote you get, the more expensive fuel usually gets too!
Icy roads can be dangerous: More and more people are visiting Tasmania in the wintertime and it’s a scenic season on the island. But icy roads can be highly problematic, particularly in the early morning and particularly in alpine regions.