Tasmania’s Heritage Highway: A Journey Through Time, Story and Wide‑Open Beauty

Stretching between Launceston and Hobart, Tasmania’s Heritage Highway is far more than a road—it’s a living storybook of colonial Australia, unfolding across rolling pastures, Georgian villages and landscapes shaped by centuries of human endeavour. Travelling this route is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply and savour a journey that rewards curiosity at every turn.

Once traversed by horse‑drawn coaches rattling across the island, the highway follows the original 1807 route carved by early explorers. What took them eight days, and later the fastest coaches fifteen hours, now takes modern travellers just over two. But rushing would mean missing the very essence of this region: its quiet beauty, its layered history and its irresistible sense of stepping back in time.

A Road Rich With Stories

As you meander south from Launceston, the landscape opens into sweeping grazing country dotted with English oaks, elms and chestnuts—trees planted by settlers who hoped to recreate a little of the world they left behind. Sandstone church spires rise above historic villages such as Perth, Campbell Town, Ross, Oatlands, Kempton and Pontville. Georgian cottages line peaceful streets, and stone bridges—crafted by convict hands—cast perfect reflections across tranquil rivers.

Every stop reveals another chapter of Tasmania’s past. Hear tales of convicts who chiselled their futures into stone, bushrangers who lurked along the coach routes, and pioneering farmers who built their fortunes from wheat and wool. This is a place where history isn’t locked behind museum doors; it’s woven into the very fabric of the towns, the architecture and the people who call this region home.

Stay, Taste and Experience

Along the Heritage Highway, time slows to a gentle rhythm. Stay in a charming bed‑and‑breakfast cottage that once housed indentured servants, or settle into a country pub where generations of travellers have shared stories over hearty meals and local ales. Expect warm hospitality, seasonal produce and the kind of unhurried atmosphere that makes you want to linger.

For a playful twist, try your hand at Skullduggery—a clue‑based game that leads you through towns and landmarks while revealing the secrets of early settlers. It’s part treasure hunt, part history lesson, and entirely addictive.

Things to Do Along the Heritage Highway

• Explore Ross Bridge — Admire one of Australia’s most beautiful convict‑built bridges, adorned with intricate carvings.
• Wander Oatlands — Home to the largest collection of Georgian buildings in Australia, plus the restored Callington Mill.
• Visit Campbell Town’s Red Bridge — The oldest surviving brick arch bridge in Australia.
• Discover local artisans — From antique stores to craft studios, each town offers unique finds.
• Enjoy farm‑fresh dining — Taste regional cheeses, baked goods, cool‑climate wines and paddock‑to‑plate dishes.
• Follow heritage walking trails — Self‑guided routes bring history to life at your own pace.
• Play Skullduggery — Solve clues, uncover stories and explore hidden corners of the region.

How to Get There

The Heritage Highway (Midland Highway / National Highway 1) connects Launceston in the north to Hobart in the south.

• Driving time: Approximately 2–2.5 hours direct, but plan for a full day—or several—to explore properly.
• Car hire: Available in both Launceston and Hobart.
• Tours: Several operators offer guided heritage tours with local storytelling and curated stops.

Best Time to Visit

The Heritage Highway is beautiful year‑round, but each season offers its own charm:

• Autumn: Golden foliage and crisp, clear days—perfect for photography.
• Winter: Misty mornings, cosy firesides and atmospheric village streets.
• Spring: Blossoms, newborn lambs and vibrant green pastures.
• Summer: Long, warm days ideal for exploring historic sites and country markets.

Why You’ll Love This Journey

Travelling Tasmania’s Heritage Highway is not about getting from A to B—it’s about embracing the stories, scenery and soul of the island. It’s a journey that invites you to slow down, look closer and connect with a landscape shaped by resilience, ingenuity and timeless beauty.