Where to Stay & What to See on our East Coast Tasmania Roadtrip
Roadtrip Launceston to Bruny and you’ll discover a slower side of Tasmania. You’ll pass through historic towns, coastal spots, and a few places you might not expect, with the chance to stay somewhere that’s a bit different to your usual. If you like the idea of taking your time and seeing what regional Tassie has to offer, this one’s worth a look.
Stop 1 – Lovely Launnie: Laid Back with Good Taste
Walk the Gorge, grab breakfast at Samual Pepys if you’re close, and later have a dig through vintage treasures at Red Fox Antiques. Check out local makers at Design Tasmania, and wrap up the day with pizza and pinot at Geronimo or Havilah.
Choices of accommodation –
Stop 2 – Hello Ross: History, Hello Vanilla Slice
- Distance from Launceston: Approx. 78 km
- Driving time: Approx. 1 hour
Welcome to Ross. It’s a small historic town with a few surprises. Everyone checks out the famous 1836 convict-built bridge, then venture into the Ross Female Factory (a harsh reminder of Tassie’s harsh past for woman). And there are antique shops, and an awesome wool centre to enjoy especially if you’re crafty. The kids? Set them loose on the hunt for the town’s quirky “Four Corners” – Temptation, Redemption, Damnation and Salvation.
The Ross Village Bakery is a must. Open nearly all the time, it’s known for buttery pies, (even scallop pies), pastries, sourdough that sells out fast, and what they boldly call the World’s Best Vanilla Slice. Grab something delicious, then walk it off along the peaceful riverbank.
- Stay at White Croft Cottage. – a cosy cabin with big hospitality in Ross. Sleeps 2 with breakfast supplies.
Stop 3 – Coles Bay / Freycinet: Small Town, Big Views
- Distance from Ross: Approx. 170 km
- Driving time: Approx. 2 hours 15 mins.
Welcome to Coles Bay. Beachy, breezy, and pretty iconic. This quiet coastal town has with front-row seats to Freycinet National Park. You can take on the Wineglass Bay lookout walk if you’re keen, or keep things simple with a wander along the beach or a drive out to the Cape Tourville Lighthouse. There’s no rush here and plenty of space, big scenery, and take your time to slow down. Pop into the Freycinet Marine Farm for fresh, plump oysters (and mussels), or grab a meal at Geographe for something casual and tasty.
- Stay at Walters at Coles Bay – light, bright and stylish beach shack with 4 bedrooms and spectacular view. Sleeps 8
Stop 4 – Geeveston, You Sweet Thing: Apples, Treewalks & Spot-the-Platypus
- Distance from Coles Bay: Approx. 310 km
- Driving time: Approx. 4 hours 20 mins.
- Welcome to Geeveston. This place feels like a storybook village with apple trees, riverside rambles, and forests you can walk above. Keep your eyes peeled for a platypus near the stream. It’s sweet, slow Tassie at its best and with a gentle touch of magic. It’s also full of character. Life-sized timber sculptures of local legends line the streets: the baker, chemist, blacksmith, even a rower and a woodcutter tucked inside the Visitor Centre. Fun to see! They should have a statue of Chef Kazumasa Yazawa below –
- Stay at Cambridge House Geeveston – A Victorian riverside guesthouse with spectacular Japanese dining, thanks to world-class Chef Kazumasa. He’s been a chef of Michelin-Star restaurants and now brings that magic to Shio, in tiny-town Tassie. Book for a meal to remember too. Sleeps 10.
Stop 5 – Oh Bruny! Wild Feasts, Windy Walks
- Distance from Geeveston to Kettering: Approx. 85 km
- Driving time: Approx. 1 hour 10 mins.
- Ferry to Bruny Island: Approx. 20 mins.
Welcome to Bruny. You’ll need to hop on a short ferry from Kettering (book ahead if you’re driving on), but it’s worth it. Once you’re here, it’s all rugged coastlines, farmgate produce, and sleepy charm. Climb the stairs at The Neck Lookout, browse Bruny Island Honey, and make time for oysters at Get Shucked. If you’re lucky, you might spot white wallabies or dolphins cruising the coast. There’s plenty of space here to do a lot — or very little.
- Stay at Questa, Bruny Island – right on Barnes Bay. A restored 1800s cottage with original timber features, vintage finds, and calming water views. Sleeps 4.
The Wind-Down
That’s your Roadtrip Launceston to Bruny – five slow and special stops, stitched together by winding roads, warm people, and more than a few good bites. It’s not a rush. It’s a chance to notice the little things, from flaky pastries in Ross to platypus ripples in Geeveston, and wide skies on Bruny.
And just when you think you’ve got Tassie figured out, you’ll find world-class hospitality tucked inside a riverside guesthouse, with a gourmet Japanese meal cooked by a chef who once earned stars in Michelin kitchens. That’s the magic of slow travel – the surprises are real.
So if you’re after something different – something with heart – this Roadtrip Launceston to Bruny might just be your kind of adventure. Pack light, drive slow, and let Tassie surprise you.
