North West Tasmania

The highway west from the busy port of Burnie pretty much follows Bass Strait, past rocky capes and bluffs, through fields of flowers and past rich farmland with some delightful towns to stop and explore.

Things To Do in North West Tasmania

· In and near Burnie there's the Regional Art Gallery, Pioneer Village Museum, Lactos Cheese Tasting Centre (off Old Surrey Road), the Creative Paper Mills and the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden.
· Other gardens worth a look include Annsleigh Gardens near Burnie, Allendale Gardens near Edith Creek, Tanfield Gardens at Rocky Cape and the Table Cape Tulip Farm.
· At Fern Glade you can view platypus in the early mornings and evenings.
· Scenic waterfalls in the area include Guide Falls, Dip Falls, Waratah Falls and Detention Falls.
· Take the drive south through Hellyer Gorge to the historic mining town of Waratah.
· In Wynyard, take the short beach walk to Fossil Bluff. Just beyond Wynyard is Table Cape (lookout with spectacular views) and colourful tulip farms.
· Go for a walk in the Rocky Cape National Park or take a dip in the sheltered waters at lovely Boat Harbour or Sisters Beach.
· In Stanley you'll find the cottage where Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons was born and some fine art galleries and studios.
· Stanley is nestled into the side of The Nut. For the energetic there's a track to the summit, for the not-so-energetic there's a chairlift. In October to April you can watch the shearwaters returning from the sea in the evening.
· Bull Rock (5 nautical-but-nice miles from The Nut) is home to Australian fur seals and fairy penguins.
· At nearby Smithton you can take a rewarding walk to Lake Chisholm or picnic in the forest reserves.
· Down the west coast a tad is Marrawah, which offers excellent surfing and the world's cleanest air at gloomily named Cape Grim.
· You can take a tour on the Arthur River to discover wildlife (particularly sea eagles).
· The North West links to the West Coast but driving is a little slower as most of the road is unsealed.