ABDC People Day3 02
Nadine Armstrong22 May 2016
FEATURE

ABDC: Tasmania for all occasions

The Apple Isle is a picture-perfect playground… and not just for driving enthusiasts

If Australia's Best Driver's Car has taught us one thing, it's that Tasmania has some of the most beautiful driver's roads amid the most picturesque settings. We've also discovered an array of things to do and see. From romantic getaways to family adventures, let our A-Z of Tasmania inspire your next adventure.

Air - The cleanest in the world can be found at Cape Grim in the pathway of the Roaring Forties, home to Tasmania's first wind farm located on the North West tip of the island.

Beaches – Tasmania doesn't scream family beach holiday, but they have them – and they're stunning. Seven Mile beach, Wine Glass Bay – visit as many as your bucket and spade will tolerate.

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-East-coast-beach.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179883" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-East-coast-beach.jpg" alt="ABDC-Lifestyle-East-coast-beach"></a>Cascade Brewery
– There's beer (and even brewed soft drinks)! It's a fully operational worksite and is Australia's oldest brewery. It offers tastings and tours, too.

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-1-Cascade-Brewery.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179877" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-1-Cascade-Brewery.jpg" alt="ABDC-Lifestyle-1-Cascade-Brewery"></a>Derby
– If you're after some fun of the two-wheel variety, the calibre of the mountain bike tracks here puts this small town on the world map.

Evandale – Every February, this National Trust Georgian village 19km south of Launceston is home to the National Penny Farthing Championships.

Festivals – Mona Foma, Dark Mofo, Folk, Bloomin' Tulips, Clarence Jazz, Films and more – you name it and Tasmania has a festival for it.

Gorge – Cataract Gorge is just 1.5km from Launceston. It's home to the world's longest single-span chairlift that offers stunning views throughout the gorge. A swimming pool, walking tracks, a restaurant and wildlife add to the experience.

Heritage – Richmond is home to the oldest bridge still in use in Australia, dating back to 1823.

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC_Lifestyle_Day6_01.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179872" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC_Lifestyle_Day6_01.jpg" alt="ABDC_Lifestyle_Day6_01"></a>
Itineraries
– If you're after the ultimate self-drive adventure, Discover Tasmania has mapped a path for you – convict trails, coast to coast, heritage highways and more. While Tasmania may be small, there's a lot to cover, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

James Boags – Another famous Tasmanian export, Boag's Centre for Beer Lovers in Launceston is an operating brewery open for tastings, tours and dining.

Kayaking – Located on the Freycinet Peninsula, Muirs Beach is the starting point for a paddle tour of the pink granite mountains and pristine beaches nearby.

Longford – The small town south west of Launceston has a strong motor racing history and boasts the oldest car (road) racing circuit in Australia and was once home to the Australian Grand Prix.

MONA – A major Tasmanian tourist attraction, the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart's suburbs is the largest privately owned museum in Australia, and features installations to be enjoyed by all ages.

Ninety-nine Bends – Just outside of Queenstown, this (in)famous stretch of road is part of the Lyell Highway. The bends form one stage of the famous Targa Tasmania rally circuit, but don't let that put you off.

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-99-Bends.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179881" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-99-Bends.jpg" alt="ABDC-Lifestyle-99-Bends"></a>Oysters
– Staying at the opulent Saffire Freycinet, you can don some waders, shuck and devour the freshest oysters you'll ever experience courtesy of the nearby Freycinet Marine Farm.

Pumphouse Point – If you need a child-free assault on the senses, Pumphouse Point works. An intimate retreat situated on the edge of Lake St Clair, the old converted pumphouse delivers absolute luxury.

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC_308_Day3_01-4oup.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179870" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC_308_Day3_01-4oup.jpg" alt="ABDC_308_Day3_01"></a>Queenstown
– Step back in time on the West Coast Wilderness Railway. The historic steam train travels between Queenstown and Strahan, offering full or half day trips.

Road kill – It's a serious problem. Around 300,000 animals are killed every year in Tasmania. Top tip – from dusk til dawn, slow down! Driving at 60-80km/h significantly reduces the likelihood of adding to the road kill toll.

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-Road-kill.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179889" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-Road-kill.jpg" alt="ABDC-Lifestyle-Road-kill"></a>Strahan
– Located on Macquarie Harbour on the west coast of Tasmania, you can cruise on the Gordon River to explore the famous World Wilderness Heritage Area. Or tour Sarah Island, the home to Tasmania's first penal settlement established in 1822.

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-7-Strahan.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179879" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC-Lifestyle-7-Strahan.jpg" alt="ABDC-Lifestyle-7-Strahan"></a>Tarraleah
– A town born from the hydroelectricity boom and once home to thousands of residents, Tarraleah on the road to the wild west coast from Hobart is now a privately owned spa resort town with a population of around 10 people. Stay in one of the 15 restored art deco cottages or at the luxurious Tarraleah Lodge.

Unique – In February, the tiny town of Evandale hosts their village fair and the National Penny Farthing Championships.

Vineyards – The Tamar Valley, north of Launceston boasts over 30 cellar doors, including Jansz, Pipers Brook and Ninth Island Estate. Need we say more?

<a href="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC_Lifestyle-sheep.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-179874" src="//motoring.li.csnstatic.com/motoring/general/editorial/ABDC_Lifestyle-sheep.jpg" alt="ABDC_Lifestyle-sheep"></a>
Water crossing
– If flying is not your thing, jump onboard the Spirit of Tasmania, which (with its sister ship) crosses Bass Strait from Melbourne to Devonport twice daily.

X-ings – Level crossings are aplenty in Tasmania. Approach with caution and pay attention to warnings.

Yachting – Over New Years each year, the Hobart waterfront marks the finish of both the Sydney to Hobart and Melbourne to Hobart Yacht Races, the former bringing the Constitution Dock to the world stage.

Zeehan – The Pitstop Café at Zeehan serves quite possibly (Ed: no, definitely!) the best sausage rolls in the world. Do not drive past.

ABDC-Lifestyle-Zeehan

There it is, the A-Z of driving Tasmania with some must-see pitstops. We hope your travels are at a more leisurely pace than ours were in conducting Australia's Best Driver's Car. Checkout the countdown from 13 to one to see which car has the best feel from behind the wheel.

Get the full story of Australia's Best Driver's Car here

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Written byNadine Armstrong
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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