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Hobart to Launceston Road Trip
Hobart to Launceston Road Trip
If you’re dreaming of a road trip filled with charm, history, and incredible food, the drive from Hobart to Launceston is one of the best ways to experience Tasmania.
It’s only a few hours behind the wheel, but you’ll pass through some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes, from heritage towns to rolling countryside and farm-fresh produce stops.
And with a Budget car hire in Hobart or at Hobart Airport, you can set your own pace, stop when you like, and discover the real Tasmania your way.
How Far Is the Drive from Hobart to Launceston?
The Hobart to Launceston drive covers around 200 kilometres along the Midland Highway (A1) and takes about 2½ hours if you go direct.
But the best part of this route isn’t how quickly you get there; it’s what you’ll find along the way. Allow yourself two or three days if possible, and turn it into a proper Tasmania road trip.
You can easily begin your journey with a car hire in Hobart and drop off in Launceston or at Launceston Airport - Budget makes one-way rentals simple.
Start in Hobart: Mountains, Markets and Waterfront Vibes
Before you hit the highway, spend a day exploring Hobart - Tasmania’s cultural hub and the perfect place to ease into island life.
Things to do in Hobart:
Salamanca Market (Saturdays): Local produce, crafts, and live music on the waterfront.
MONA – Museum of Old and New Art: Bold, eccentric, and one-of-a-kind.
Battery Point: A walk through cobbled streets and colonial cottages.
Mount Wellington / kunanyi: Drive to the summit for panoramic views of the city and River Derwent.
If you’re flying in, pick up your vehicle at Budget Hobart Airport, conveniently located near arrivals, and you’ll be on the road in minutes.
On the Road: The Heritage Highway
The A1 is nicknamed the Heritage Highway for good reason. Built by convicts in the early 1800s, it connects a string of historic towns that feel frozen in time.
Here are a few of the best stops along the way:
Richmond
Just 25 minutes north of Hobart, Richmond is a postcard-perfect village. Walk across Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest, and pop into local bakeries or craft stores. If you’re travelling with kids, the Old Hobart Town model village is a fun detour.
Oatlands
An hour north, Oatlands is home to over 150 sandstone buildings and the beautifully restored Callington Mill Distillery. Enjoy a whisky tasting or grab lunch at one of the town’s cozy cafes. It’s a relaxed halfway stop with heritage character in every direction.
Ross
The charming town of Ross is famous for its Ross Bridge, convict carvings, and the Ross Village Bakery, said to serve Tasmania’s best scallop pies. Perfect for a mid-morning break.
Campbell Town
Stretch your legs along the Convict Brick Trail, which tells stories of the convicts who helped build the region. You’ll also find antique stores, bookstores, and shaded picnic spots by the river.
Evandale & Longford
Just before Launceston, take a small detour to Evandale for its Sunday market or stop in Longford to visit the UNESCO-listed Woolmers Estate and Brickendon historic farms, two of the best-preserved examples of early Australian settlement.
Arriving in Launceston: Food, Wine, and Natural Beauty
Once you reach Launceston, reward yourself with good food and gorgeous views. Tasmania’s second-largest city is famous for its cool-climate wines, local produce, and relaxed pace.
Things to do in Launceston:
Cataract Gorge: Only minutes from the city centre, with walking trails, chairlifts, and a riverside cafe.
Harvest Market (Saturdays): Stock up on local cheeses, bread, and berries.
Tamar Valley Wine Route: Follow the river north to discover cellar doors and boutique wineries.
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: Learn about Tasmania’s art, history, and wildlife.
Drop off your vehicle at Launceston CBD or Launceston Airport - or continue your journey to the north coast for even more adventure.
Suggested 3-Day Hobart to Launceston Itinerary
Day 1 – Hobart to Oatlands
Enjoy breakfast in Hobart before heading north. Stop in Richmond and Oatlands, and stay overnight in a local inn or B&B.
Day 2 – Oatlands to Campbell Town
Explore Tasmania’s convict heritage, sample a scallop pie, and stroll the historic main streets. Overnight in the Midlands.
Day 3 – Campbell Town to Launceston
Visit Woolmers Estate or Evandale before rolling into Launceston. Finish your trip with dinner by the Tamar River or a wine tasting at Josef Chromy.
When to Go
Tasmania’s seasons each bring something special:
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm days, perfect for open-air dining and sightseeing.
Autumn (Mar–May): Fiery foliage and cooler air along the Midlands.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Quiet roads, cozy fireplaces, and misty mornings.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers, fresh produce, and fewer crowds.
Whatever the season, pack layers — Tassie weather can change quickly between Hobart’s coast and Launceston’s valleys.
Driving Tips for Tasmania
Drive on the left and stick to posted speed limits.
Watch for wildlife, especially near dawn or dusk.
Plan fuel stops in advance — towns are spaced apart on rural stretches.
Choose a vehicle that suits your plans: a compact car for city exploring or an SUV for flexibility and comfort.
Need a vehicle? Check out our fleet here
If you’re continuing further north, car hire in Devonport is also available — perfect if you’re catching the ferry back to the mainland.
Extend Your Tasmania Road Trip
If you’ve got extra time, why stop at Launceston?
Continue to Cradle Mountain –Lake St Clair National Park for alpine scenery and hiking trails, or loop back along the East Coast to visit Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.
Hit the Road with Budget
At Budget, we believe exploring shouldn’t be complicated - just simple, flexible, and great value.
With easy pickup and drop-off locations across the island, including Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport, it’s never been easier to see more of Tasmania for less.
Book your car today and experience the freedom of the open road - from Hobart’s mountain views to Launceston’s rolling vineyards with Budget by your side.
If you’re dreaming of a road trip filled with charm, history, and incredible food, the drive from Hobart to Launceston is one of the best ways to experience Tasmania.
It’s only a few hours behind the wheel, but you’ll pass through some of the island’s most beautiful landscapes, from heritage towns to rolling countryside and farm-fresh produce stops.
And with a Budget car hire in Hobart or at Hobart Airport, you can set your own pace, stop when you like, and discover the real Tasmania your way.
How Far Is the Drive from Hobart to Launceston?
The Hobart to Launceston drive covers around 200 kilometres along the Midland Highway (A1) and takes about 2½ hours if you go direct.
But the best part of this route isn’t how quickly you get there; it’s what you’ll find along the way. Allow yourself two or three days if possible, and turn it into a proper Tasmania road trip.
You can easily begin your journey with a car hire in Hobart and drop off in Launceston or at Launceston Airport - Budget makes one-way rentals simple.
Start in Hobart: Mountains, Markets and Waterfront Vibes
Before you hit the highway, spend a day exploring Hobart - Tasmania’s cultural hub and the perfect place to ease into island life.
Things to do in Hobart:
Salamanca Market (Saturdays): Local produce, crafts, and live music on the waterfront.
MONA – Museum of Old and New Art: Bold, eccentric, and one-of-a-kind.
Battery Point: A walk through cobbled streets and colonial cottages.
Mount Wellington / kunanyi: Drive to the summit for panoramic views of the city and River Derwent.
If you’re flying in, pick up your vehicle at Budget Hobart Airport, conveniently located near arrivals, and you’ll be on the road in minutes.
On the Road: The Heritage Highway
The A1 is nicknamed the Heritage Highway for good reason. Built by convicts in the early 1800s, it connects a string of historic towns that feel frozen in time.
Here are a few of the best stops along the way:
Richmond
Just 25 minutes north of Hobart, Richmond is a postcard-perfect village. Walk across Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest, and pop into local bakeries or craft stores. If you’re travelling with kids, the Old Hobart Town model village is a fun detour.
Oatlands
An hour north, Oatlands is home to over 150 sandstone buildings and the beautifully restored Callington Mill Distillery. Enjoy a whisky tasting or grab lunch at one of the town’s cozy cafes. It’s a relaxed halfway stop with heritage character in every direction.
Ross
The charming town of Ross is famous for its Ross Bridge, convict carvings, and the Ross Village Bakery, said to serve Tasmania’s best scallop pies. Perfect for a mid-morning break.
Campbell Town
Stretch your legs along the Convict Brick Trail, which tells stories of the convicts who helped build the region. You’ll also find antique stores, bookstores, and shaded picnic spots by the river.
Evandale & Longford
Just before Launceston, take a small detour to Evandale for its Sunday market or stop in Longford to visit the UNESCO-listed Woolmers Estate and Brickendon historic farms, two of the best-preserved examples of early Australian settlement.
Arriving in Launceston: Food, Wine, and Natural Beauty
Once you reach Launceston, reward yourself with good food and gorgeous views. Tasmania’s second-largest city is famous for its cool-climate wines, local produce, and relaxed pace.
Things to do in Launceston:
Cataract Gorge: Only minutes from the city centre, with walking trails, chairlifts, and a riverside cafe.
Harvest Market (Saturdays): Stock up on local cheeses, bread, and berries.
Tamar Valley Wine Route: Follow the river north to discover cellar doors and boutique wineries.
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery: Learn about Tasmania’s art, history, and wildlife.
Drop off your vehicle at Launceston CBD or Launceston Airport - or continue your journey to the north coast for even more adventure.
Suggested 3-Day Hobart to Launceston Itinerary
Day 1 – Hobart to Oatlands
Enjoy breakfast in Hobart before heading north. Stop in Richmond and Oatlands, and stay overnight in a local inn or B&B.
Day 2 – Oatlands to Campbell Town
Explore Tasmania’s convict heritage, sample a scallop pie, and stroll the historic main streets. Overnight in the Midlands.
Day 3 – Campbell Town to Launceston
Visit Woolmers Estate or Evandale before rolling into Launceston. Finish your trip with dinner by the Tamar River or a wine tasting at Josef Chromy.
When to Go
Tasmania’s seasons each bring something special:
Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm days, perfect for open-air dining and sightseeing.
Autumn (Mar–May): Fiery foliage and cooler air along the Midlands.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Quiet roads, cozy fireplaces, and misty mornings.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers, fresh produce, and fewer crowds.
Whatever the season, pack layers — Tassie weather can change quickly between Hobart’s coast and Launceston’s valleys.
Driving Tips for Tasmania
Drive on the left and stick to posted speed limits.
Watch for wildlife, especially near dawn or dusk.
Plan fuel stops in advance — towns are spaced apart on rural stretches.
Choose a vehicle that suits your plans: a compact car for city exploring or an SUV for flexibility and comfort.
Need a vehicle? Check out our fleet here
If you’re continuing further north, car hire in Devonport is also available — perfect if you’re catching the ferry back to the mainland.
Extend Your Tasmania Road Trip
If you’ve got extra time, why stop at Launceston?
Continue to Cradle Mountain –Lake St Clair National Park for alpine scenery and hiking trails, or loop back along the East Coast to visit Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.
Hit the Road with Budget
At Budget, we believe exploring shouldn’t be complicated - just simple, flexible, and great value.
With easy pickup and drop-off locations across the island, including Hobart, Launceston, and Devonport, it’s never been easier to see more of Tasmania for less.
Book your car today and experience the freedom of the open road - from Hobart’s mountain views to Launceston’s rolling vineyards with Budget by your side.