# Launceston, the Tamar Valley and the North

> 3-day road trip of about 214 km (133 mi) with 9 stops, from Devonport to Low Head Pilot Station and Lighthouse. About 2 h 20 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/au-tas-launceston-tamar-north/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 214 km (133 mi) with 9 stops, from Devonport to Low Head Pilot Station and Lighthouse. About 2 h 20 min of driving in total. Three days from the Devonport ferry port through Sheffield's murals and Liffey Falls to Launceston, Cataract Gorge and the mining and maritime history of the Tamar.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 214 km (133 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 20 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 9 |
| Route | Devonport → Low Head Pilot Station and Lighthouse |
| States | Tasmania |
| Updated | April 25, 2026 |

## Route description

Day one: Devonport is where the Bass Strait ferry from Melbourne arrives, so it makes a natural start. Walk the Mersey Bluff, then drive about 30 km south to Sheffield for its murals and a coffee. Continue about 35 km to Deloraine, on the edge of the Great Western Tiers. This is a short, easy day.

Day two: from Deloraine drive about 30 km to Liffey Falls, the last section unsealed, and walk the track through rainforest to the cascades. Then take the Bass and Midland highways, around 60 km, to Launceston. Spend the afternoon at Cataract Gorge, only 1.5 km from the centre, with walking tracks, the chairlift and a pool.

Day three: leave Launceston on the West Tamar Highway to Beaconsfield, about 40 km, for the mine and heritage centre. Cross the Tamar at the Batman Bridge and follow the east bank to Low Head, about 50 km further, for the pilot station and lighthouse. Return to Launceston, around 55 km, with dusk penguin viewing at Low Head a possible stop.

Practical notes: the ferry crossing from Melbourne is overnight or daytime and needs booking, particularly in summer. Roads here are sealed and easy except the last stretch to Liffey Falls. Summer is mild, but evenings are cool. Allow extra time to Cradle Mountain, about 80 km from Sheffield, if you add it to the route.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Devonport** (Tasmania)
2. **Mersey Bluff Lighthouse** (Devonport, Tasmania): A headland at the mouth of the Mersey River with a red-and-white lighthouse, walking paths and a beach, a few minutes from Devonport's centre. An easy first stop for anyone arriving on the Bass Strait ferry.
3. **Sheffield, Town of Murals** (Sheffield, Tasmania): A small town below Mount Roland that has covered its walls with large murals of local history and people since the 1980s, a free open-air gallery. A good coffee stop on the way to Cradle Mountain.
4. **Deloraine** (Tasmania)
5. **Liffey Falls** (Deloraine, Tasmania): A cascade of four tiers in cool temperate rainforest, with moss-covered rocks and tree ferns along a walking track from the lower car park. The access road is partly unsealed and the track can be slippery.
6. **Launceston** (Tasmania)
7. **Cataract Gorge Reserve** (Launceston, Tasmania): A steep-sided gorge on the South Esk River, only 1.5 km from Launceston's centre, with walking tracks, Kings Bridge, a chairlift with a very long single span, a swimming pool and peacocks at First Basin.
8. **Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre** (Launceston, Tasmania): A gold-mining town on the Tamar whose 2006 mine collapse and the two-week rescue of two trapped miners became a national story. The heritage centre covers the area's mining history and the rescue.
9. **Low Head Pilot Station and Lighthouse** (Launceston, Tasmania): A pilot station established in 1805 guards the mouth of the Tamar River; the lighthouse and maritime museum are the main sights. At dusk, guided viewing shows little penguins coming ashore. About an hour from Launceston.

## Suggested stages and overnight stops

1. **Day 1: Devonport → Deloraine** (70 km, 0 h 46 min) On the way: Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, Sheffield, Town of Murals.
2. **Day 2: Deloraine → Launceston** (78 km, 0 h 51 min) On the way: Liffey Falls.
3. **Day 3: Launceston → Low Head Pilot Station and Lighthouse** (66 km, 0 h 43 min) On the way: Cataract Gorge Reserve, Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre.

## Best time to go

The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## FAQs

**How long is Launceston, the Tamar Valley and the North?**
3-day road trip of about 214 km (133 mi) with 9 stops, from Devonport to Low Head Pilot Station and Lighthouse. About 2 h 20 min of driving in total.

**How many days do you need for Launceston, the Tamar Valley and the North?**
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 20 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

**Where does Launceston, the Tamar Valley and the North start and end?**
It starts in Devonport and ends in Low Head Pilot Station and Lighthouse.

**Which states does Launceston, the Tamar Valley and the North pass through?**
Tasmania.

**When is the best time for Launceston, the Tamar Valley and the North?**
The most pleasant months are usually November–March. Still fine, with some compromises, in April–May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)