🇦🇺 7 Days 6 Nights Tasmania Road Trip: Launceston + Stanley 🚗💨

We set off for Launceston after brunch 🥐. The highway was smooth and easy to drive. 🏨 Launceston Accommodation: Mercure Launceston We made a quick stop at the historic Ross Village along the way – visited the famous Ross Bridge and the Ross Bakery (⚠️ closed Mon-Tue!). We arrived in Launceston as it was getting dark. We snapped some photos at St Johns Anglican Church and the beautiful Princes Square nearby before heading to dinner. Checked out early and visited the Japanese Macaque Exhibit at City Park 🐒 (open 8 AM - 4 PM daily). Then drove to Cataract Gorge Reserve – navigate to “Gorge Scenic Chairlift” for parking. We took the cable car up 🚡 and walked back down. There are cute wildlife spotting areas partway – but ⚠️ if you’re short on time or not fit, avoid climbing further up from the cable car exit! We accidentally went off-trail and ended up on a steep, slippery path – had to turn back halfway. By noon, we were back on the road heading to Stanley! 🏨 Stanley Accommodation: Stanley Village Waterfront Accommodation (Highly recommended! Right by the sea 🌊, amazing views, and opposite a lobster restaurant 🦞) After checking in, we enjoyed the sunshine at Jimmy Lane Memorial Lookout and Highfield Historic Site 📸. Around 7 PM, we followed the coastal path near Big 4 campground and spotted adorable little penguins returning to their nests! 🐧❤️ (Please turn off flash when photographing them!) We hiked up The Nut (chairlift was closed in winter 🥶). The zigzag path is steep but manageable – took about 20-30 mins to reach the top. The loop walk around the summit is ~40 mins. There’s a short staircase on the back side – recommend walking clockwise so you go down the stairs, not up! After a quick lunch, we drove to Launceston Airport (2.5 hours from Stanley). Follow signs to “Car Return”, and the rental staff will check the vehicle and take the keys. And just like that… our 7-day Tasmanian road trip came to an end 😭 See you next time, Tasmania! 👋🏻 #TasmaniaRoadTrip #Launceston #StanleyTas #PenguinWatching #TheNut #TravelTas #AustraliaTravel