5 Days on Tasmania’s Heritage Highway: Hobart to Launceston through Georgian Villages
Trace Tasmania’s original inland route between Hobart and Launceston and step into a living timeline of colonial Australia. The Heritage Highway carries you through some of the most complete and well preserved Georgian era villages anywhere in the world, with sandstone cottages, convict-built bridges, and handsome farm estates framed by hedgerows and rolling pasture. It is an easy, sealed drive with short daily distances that leave plenty of daylight for leisurely walks, bakery stops, and unhurried museum visits. Late spring to early summer brings mild weather and blooming countryside, though crisp winter mornings add a certain drama to the stone streets.
Day 1: Hobart to Oatlands
Distance: 85 kms
Travel time: ~1 hour
Roll out of Hobart and into the green Midlands as the highway follows the path once built by convict road gangs. This is a gentle driving day designed to get you into the heritage mood quickly, swapping city bustle for quiet villages, farm gates, and the soft golden tones of sandstone architecture. Oatlands is your base tonight, a town celebrated for its rare concentration of early buildings and its iconic windmill.
Where to stop between Hobart and Oatlands
Just north of the city, look for the historic cottages around Pontville, where early Georgian streetscapes hint at what lies ahead. Continue through Bagdad, once a key coach stop, and detour to Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary for short bush walks, picnic spots, and the chance to spot wallabies among rocky outcrops. Back on the highway, pause in Kempton, originally Green Ponds, to admire its neat row of sandstone cottages and handsome civic buildings that speak to the prosperity of the coaching era. The countryside here is classic Midlands, with neat paddocks and old stone fences guiding you towards Oatlands.
Things to do in Oatlands
Oatlands is renowned for having one of the largest collections of pre 1837 buildings in Australia, all within an easy stroll. Wander the main street to survey the fine sandstone facades, then visit the town’s landmark windmill and interpretive displays to learn how grain and trade shaped these communities. Stretch your legs beside Lake Dulverton, where waterbirds work the shallows and the evening light turns the stone buildings to warm honey. Seek out the town’s topiary trail and stop for a treat at a bakery or a small cafe that often occupies a heritage shopfront. It is the perfect soft landing into the Heritage Highway’s rhythm.
Where to stay in Oatlands
Set up at the council-managed Lake Dulverton foreshore stopover for a peaceful, walk-to-town base with space to unwind. This is a simple lakeside area that typically suits self-contained vehicles and operates with time limits.
Day 2: Oatlands to Campbell Town
Distance: 50 kms
Travel time: ~1 hour
Today strings together some of the Heritage Highway’s most evocative sites. Start with a short morning detour to Jericho, one of Australia’s oldest townships, before heading north again through Ross and finishing in Campbell Town. The distances are small on the direct route, which means slower travel, longer lookups at carved bridges, and time to linger over lunch in village bakeries. Note that adding the Jericho detour increases the day’s driving time and kilometres.
Where to stop between Oatlands and Campbell Town
Drive south from Oatlands to tiny Jericho to discover quiet lanes lined with colonial sandstone and remnants of convict-cut culverts and walls, including the so-called Wall of Jericho. Return north to Ross, established in 1812, to admire the exquisite Ross Bridge. Completed in 1836 and carved by convict artisans, its panels of flora, fauna, and figures make it one of the most beautiful bridges in Australia. Walk the green riverbank, visit the old colonial cemetery, and call in at a bakery for a classic Tasmanian pie or a sweet treat. Continue a short hop to Campbell Town, a historic garrison town that served travelers for two centuries.
Things to do in Campbell Town
Campbell Town’s star is the Red Bridge, the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in the country, built by convicts across the Elizabeth River. Park up and stroll beneath its graceful arches to appreciate the craftsmanship, then follow a self-guided heritage wander past civic buildings and shopfronts that chart the town’s evolution as a Midlands service hub. The parklands along the river are ideal for a picnic or a coffee break, and there are several bakeries and cafes tailored to road trippers. This is a convenient place to refuel both vehicle and traveler before the final days north.
Where to stay in Campbell Town
Choose the council-managed riverside overnight area at Blackburn Park for a central, walk-to-town stop. It is unpowered and suits self-contained vehicles, with the Red Bridge and main street a short stroll away. For powered sites, head to Ross Caravan park.
Day 3: Campbell Town to Longford
Distance: 55 kms
Travel time: ~1 hour
This compact day immerses you in the grand estates and neat villages of the northern Midlands. You will pass through Perth, a quiet town with a notable collection of historic buildings, then explore the World Heritage listed convict farm story at the Longford estates before settling into one of Tasmania’s most charming historic towns.
Where to stop between Campbell Town and Longford
Break the short journey in Perth, where more than 40 historic buildings from the early 1800s shape the streetscape, from churches to refined residences. Continue to the outskirts of Longford to visit Brickendon and nearby Woolmers, sister estates that map the evolution of agriculture on the rich river flats. Brickendon’s original farm village, with its Gothic chapel, Dutch barns, and blacksmith shop, brings to life the hands that built the Midlands. If time allows, stroll the grounds at both properties to connect the threads between convict labor, early innovation, and today’s working farms.
Things to do in Longford
Longford’s main street is a delight for heritage browsers, lined with beautifully preserved buildings that open onto leafy reserves and the South Esk River. Spend an hour or two on a relaxed heritage walk, step inside one of the town’s boutiques or galleries, and look for nods to Longford’s storied motor racing history which once attracted international attention. With the estates so close, Longford is also the perfect base if you want to return for a deeper tour or a garden ramble in the late afternoon light.
Where to stay in Longford
Park the camper at Longford Riverside Caravan Park beside the Macquarie River for shady sites and an easy stroll to town. For a character stay, choose The Racecourse Inn, a gracious Georgian property that pairs history with warm country hospitality.
Day 4: Longford to Evandale
Distance: 20 kms
Travel time: ~0.5hour
Another short run keeps the pace unhurried and the focus firmly on heritage. Today you trace quiet backroads to Evandale, a classified historic town that feels lifted from a period painting, with one of Tasmania’s best preserved collections of Georgian streetscapes and a lively market scene on weekends.
Where to stop between Longford and Evandale
Make a mid morning pause in Perth for coffee and a quick look at its neat sandstone and brick buildings if you missed it yesterday. The drive towards Evandale passes hedgerows and fertile farmland, with country lanes that beg a detour for a photo where old timber fences frame distant ranges. Keep the day easy to allow more time on foot once you arrive in Evandale.
Things to do in Evandale
Start with a slow wander along High Street to admire single storey Georgian cottages, refined civic halls, and landmark inns. If you are here on a Sunday, browse the popular village market for local produce and artisan goods. Step into small galleries and antique stores, and keep an eye out for references to the National Penny Farthing Championships, which take over the town each February and celebrate its quirky cycling heritage. Evandale is made for aimless strolling, camera in hand.
Where to stay in Evandale
Choose a heritage cottage stay in the village for classic Georgian ambience and a short walk to dinner. If you prefer powered sites and holiday park facilities, base yourself at a nearby caravan park close to Launceston and make a short evening drive back to Evandale for dinner or a twilight walk.
Day 5: Evandale to Launceston
Distance: 20 kms
Travel time: ~0.5 hours
The final day is a gentle glide into Launceston, giving you time to add a last farm gate stop or take the scenic route along the South Esk before arriving in one of Australia’s most graceful heritage cities. After days in small towns, Launceston’s parks, museums, and natural gorge provide a fitting finale.
Where to stop between Evandale and Launceston
Consider a short detour through Relbia’s country lanes for rural views and a peaceful pause before you enter the city. If you would like one more Midlands village fix, a quick stop back in Perth provides another chance to admire its tidy streetscape. Keep the drive short to maximise your time in Launceston.
Things to do in Launceston
Head straight to Cataract Gorge Reserve for a riverside walk, ferny lookouts, and the rare thrill of a wilderness reserve just a few minutes from the city centre by car. Wander City Park and the historic precincts around Brisbane and Charles Streets to see Victorian and Federation architecture complementing the Georgian themes of your journey. If you have extra time, visit the city’s museums and galleries, or time your arrival for Harvest Launceston Community Farmers’ Market on Saturday to toast the end of your Midlands odyssey with local produce.
Where to stay in Launceston
Stay at a central holiday park for easy access to the city’s attractions, or opt for a nearby caravan park on the outskirts for a quieter night among trees and birdsong. From Launceston, you can return to Hobart via the Heritage Highway route, or head along the coast for the iconic Tasmania East Coast route.
From Hobart’s outskirts to Launceston’s gorge, this five day Heritage Highway journey is all about slowing down and letting the stories in stone reveal themselves. Short drives, long looks at convict-built bridges, and evenings in quietly proud villages make this route a rewarding introduction to Tasmanian history.