North & Cradle Mountain

1. Cataract Gorge & chairlift~2 h at the stop

A river gorge 15 minutes' walk from the city centre: a suspension bridge, peacocks on the lawns and a chairlift across the canyon.

Tip: In summer the free outdoor pool by the lawns is open: pack towels. Lunch is Stillwater, in the mill at the mouth of the gorge: Monday to Saturday, from 10:30. On Sunday the kitchen is shut.

↓ drive · 20 min · 19 km

2. Brady's Lookout (Tamar Valley)~20 min at the stop

The crag where bushranger Matthew Brady watched for patrols: now the best free view over the winding Tamar.

Tip: A short stop for the Tamar valley. A few minutes on foot from the car park, then back to the road.

↓ drive · 8 min · 5 km

3. Rosevears wineries~1 h 30 min at the stop

A strip of vineyards on the Tamar's west bank: the cool climate behind the valley's rieslings and pinot noir.

Tip: Book tastings a day ahead, especially on weekends. Lunch is the Rosevears Hotel on the water: every day 12:00 to 15:00, dinner 17:00 to 19:30. Closed on Christmas Day.

4. Visitor Centre~20 min at the stop

The park gateway: private cars are barred from Dove Lake while the shuttle runs, so the bus ticket is part of the plan.

Tip: Price: Icon Pass A$30.70, shuttle included. The shuttle runs daily: 8:15–17:30 in October–November, until 19:00 in summer, 8:45–16:00 in winter. Private cars can't drive to Dove Lake during those hours, and outside them there are only nine parking spaces. Pack layers: plateau weather turns in minutes even in summer. The café is opposite the visitor centre; there is no food at the lake.

↓ drive · 30 min · 13 km

5. Dove Lake Circuit, 6 km~2 h 30 min at the stop

Tasmania's signature walk: a mostly flat 6 km loop (~2 hours) beneath Cradle Mountain's spires, past the famous boatshed.

Tip: Walk clockwise so you hit the boatshed with the mountain behind it in the best light.

6. Sheffield mural town~1 h at the stop

A farm town that has painted itself with dozens of history murals since the 1980s: the whole main street is an open-air gallery.

Tip: Mt Roland looms over the main street: most photogenic in morning light. The pies are at Bossimi's, 55 Main Street: weekdays until 17:00, weekends until 16:00.

↓ drive · 30 min · 29 km

7. Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania)

The port where the Spirit of Tasmania sails for the mainland; the Mersey Bluff lighthouse makes the route's final postcard.

Tip: Not taking the ferry? Launceston is just over an hour's drive back. Breakfast and lunch are at the Harbourmaster Cafe on Formby Road, every day until 14:30.