Photo: Tourism Australia
Things to do in Tasmania
No matter the season, discover places to explore, activities to enjoy, and so many ways to plan your visit
Where to explore based on distance
Leighton House is the perfect launch pad to explore Tasmania’s highlights.
On your doorstep:
Visit EvAndale township
Leighton House is less than a five-minute drive, or a 15-minute walk, from the township of Evandale, one of Australia’s most iconic historic towns. A stroll down High Street in Evandale will uncover many treasures such as antique shops, two historic pubs and The Village Store – a must visit. The Evandale Sunday Market is the largest open-air market in Tasmania, boasting more than 100 antique, food and second-hand items stalls to shop to your heart’s content.
Add Launceston to your Tasmanian Itinerary
Slightly further, but still less than 20 minutes, you’ll find the city of Launceston, a great place to immerse yourself in rich heritage, gourmet food, shopping and even a little nightlife.
Pay JOHN GLOVer's COUNTRY homestead a visit
Visit the homestead of Australia’s most famous landscape painter, John Glover. Patterdale is located on 4000 hectares of picturesque grazing land just down the road from Evandale Township. Visit Glover’s restored 1800’s house, art studio and gardens, open to the public on the first weekend of every month. Enjoy a guided or self-guided tour anytime from 10.30am to 3.30pm. Bookings are essential.
Prince of wales hotel
Legend has it that the Prince of Wales Hotel has been stood on the corner of Nile Road in Evandale since 1836. Whilst we’re entirely sure of its varied history, one thing we do know is that it is a true, old school country pub with many tipples to try. After an afternoon of wandering Evandale, stop by at the Prince of Wales and see what’s on the menu.
What do do within 30 minutes' drive:
Visit the Tamar Valley Wine Region
Tasmania’s oldest and most established wine growing area famous for cool climate wines, outstanding produce and award-winning restaurants. The Tamar Valley is where magnificent vineyards and friendly cellar door service meet.
Discover the Launceston Cataract Gorge
Launceston’s own piece of wilderness. Here you’ll find walking and hiking trails, the world’s longest single span chairlift, swimming pool, restaurant, kiosk, café peacocks and wildlife, beautiful gardens, suspension bridge, inclinator for easy access, Interpretation Centre and panoramic lookouts with spectacular views.
Road trip through historic towns
Evandale sits at the edge of the Heritage Highway which passes through some of the most well-preserved Georgian-era villages in the world today. Here you will find the finest examples of colonial architecture and craftsmanship in Australia. Other village highlights include Longford, Campbell Town and further afield; Oatlands.
Discover the beauty of Tasmania within 1 hours' drive from Leighton House accommodation:
Get golfing at Barnbougle Dunes
Tasmania is the leading golf destination in Australia with three iconic golf courses for the enthusiastic or social golfers. The Dunes, Lost Farm and Bougie Run offer world-class courses in a spectacular location. Leighton House accommodation makes the perfect base for a golfing trip. For golfers wanting to splash out, arrange a chopper to transport you!
A must-see attraction, Ben Lomond Alpine Resort
Ben Lomond National Park plays host to Tasmania’s newest attraction, Ben Lomond Alpine Resort. While this gorgeous national park is a year-round favourite for tourists and hikers, winter is Ben Lomond’s time to shine. Snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, cross-country and tobogganing. Those who prefer to take it easy can sip on hot chocolate while immersed in the ski village atmosphere of this authentic Tasmanian winter wonderland.
Seek adventure at the Blue Derby mountain biking trails
Once a thriving mining town with the richest tin mine in the world, Derby is now home to one of the world’s premier mountain bike networks. Encompassing more than 125 km of purpose built mountain bike trails with options to suit all skill levels, this destination is an absolute must for the adventurer. Even if you’re not a biker, make sure you go and visit the Floating Sauna on the lake.
Explore the rich landscape within 2 hours' drive:
Things to do in the East Coast of Tasmania and WineGlass Bay
Set your sights on the iconic Cradle Mountain
Dive into culture in Hobart and visit MONA
MONA is a museum in Hobart and is the pinnacle of modern art and madness in Australia. Inspired by David Walsh’s passion for spectacular architecture, archaeology, and porn – yes, you read right – it has to be experienced to be believed. It is what has put Tasmania on the map and at the forefront of culture. While in Hobart, be sure to check out its gastronomic gems – there are loads.
Tasmania's best food and wine
Tasmania is, without argument, a food lover’s paradise. Everything tastes better in Tasmania. Food is an essential part of each journey, whether it’s a trip to the Harvest Market in Launceston to stock up on supplies for a sumptuous dinner, or a long lunch at a winery restaurant, below are our top tips to explore and sink your teeth into.
Josef Chromy Wines
Your local restaurant. Just around the corner from Leighton House accommodation is Josef Chromy Vineyard. It’s the ultimate place for a long lunch matched with superb Tasmanian wines that you can enjoy while overlooking their lake and vineyards.
Clarendon Arms
Evandale’s very own gastro pub. Set in historic grounds, Clarendon Arms offers a large selection of Tasmanian spirits and wines in their bar. Head here to experience sophisticated dining, or a relaxed beer garden with entertainment on Sundays.
Stoney Rise Tasting Room
Harvest Market Launceston
Devil's Corner Fishers of Freycinet
Stelo at Pierre's
Stelo continues a Launceston food legacy in Pierre’s. Pierre’s opened in 1954 with Australia’s first espresso machine. Today Stelo features local produce plated up thoughtfully through an Italian lens.
Stillwater
Havilah
Black Cow
Du Cane Brewing
Pipers Brook Vineyard & Nadine's Cafe
Immerse yourself in nature no matter the weather
Leighton House luxury accommodation in Tasmania, is a place that truly celebrates the seasons and is spectacular all times of the year.
Winter
In winter, watch the sunrise over the spectacular snow-capped Ben Lomond Mountain range from your own private veranda. Roaring indoor and outdoor fires await, perfect to enjoy with a glass of red wine and slow cooked lamb from our courtyard pizza oven.
Autumn
Autumn brings with it crisp mornings and bluebird sightings, with spectacular sunsets painting the sky deep orange hues. This creates the perfect backdrop for an early morning meditation or evening sauna and spa.
Summer
Summers in Tasmania are long, dry and hot, where twilight continues late into the night. Bathe in the balmy summer nights on Leighton House’s western terrace while taking in the 300 acres of scenic farmland. Or take a stroll down to the river and cool off in this natural beauty.
Spring
Spring remains Leighton House accommodation’s crowning glory. Pastures are lush green and filled with life such as calves and chickens. The driveway explodes in a riot of pink flowers from historic cherry tree blossoms and the heritage rose garden blooms in full force and fragrance.
Itineraries catered to you
Make it a long long weekend, or take a mid-week break – these suggested itineraries are packed with adventure, relaxation, great food and nature, and last for four or five days.
Itinerary for the best hiking in Northern Tasmania
Day 1
Cataract Gorge – warm up with a gentle (or more strenuous) walk with a selection of trails that take 45 minutes to four hours.
After, visit Alps & Amici to pick up post-walk dinner supplies.
Day 2
Wineglass Bay – wake up early to hit the trail by mid-morning in order to finish the two-hour walk ready for a long lunch.
Visit Devil’s Corner Fishers of Freycinet to sample the best seafood from the region.
Day 3
Rise early for a big brunch at Earthwater Café, Mole Creek, before heading off on one of Tasmania’s premier nature walks.
Walk the track at Dove Lake Cradle Mountain. This two-hour circuit is a boardwalk for much of the way and is suitable for most, which makes it a family-friendly adventure, taking you beneath the craggy spires of the indomitable Cradle Mountain.
Day 4
Visit the awe-inspiring Ben Lomond Alpine Resort, right on Leighton House’s doorstep. This destination offers a variety of trails. If you want to tackle the summit of the mountain, plan for a two-hour walk.
Josef Chromy awaits on your way home for a long lunch and delicious wine tastings.
Itinerary for the food and wine lovers
Day 1
Visit Alps & Amici to stock up on gourmet goodies.
Tamar Valley wine road trip, visiting Clover Hill, Goaty Hill and Tamar Ridge and Stoney Rise, to name a few.
Dinner at local Evandale gastro pub, Clarendon Arms.
Day 2
Forage at Launceston’s Harvest Market (note, only open Saturdays 8:30am – 12:30pm).
Indulge in a long lunch at Stillwater.
Enjoy a cheeky post-lunch drink at Havilah.
Share cheese and wine in the cosy study at Leighton House, followed by home made pizza al fresco, cooked in our gourmet pizza oven.
Day 3
Visit Evandale Market (only open on Sundays from 8am – 1pm) for fresh produce and outstanding street food vendors.
Visit the Western Tamar Wineries followed by a wine tasting and long lunch at Josef Chromy.
Relax and unwind by the fire, or in the outdoor sauna and spa.
Day 4
Explore the East Coast on a wine tour, visiting Gala, Milton and Spring Vale.
Pick up produce from the local farm gates.
Enjoy lunch at Devil’s Corner Fishers of Freycinet.
Relax and unwind by the outdoor fire at Leighton House with your East Coast foodie finds.
What to do in Tasmania for the sports enthusiasts
Day 1
Head up to the local mountain range at Ben Lomond Alpine Resort for a spot of skiing or hiking.
Dine at Clarendon Arms on your way home.
Relax in a post-hike sauna back at Leighton House accommodation.
Day 2
Play two of the world’s best golf courses in one day at Barnbougle Dunes.
Enjoy the famous fish and chips at Lost Farm between games.
Unwind with a glass of wine, cheese and pizza for dinner from our outdoor pizza oven.
Day 3
Head to Blue Derby for a day of adrenalin-fuelled mountain biking.
Refill your stomach at Black Cow on your way home.
Ease your muscles in the Leighton House outdoor spa.
Day 4
Head to the spectacular Meander River for a spot of river rafting or river sledding.
Drop into Du Cane Brewing Company for a post rafting beer tasting and pizza.
Culture tripping for the antique and art lovers
Day 1
Discover the treasures at Evandale Market (only open on Sundays from 8am – 1pm).
Dive into heritage with historical home visits at Clarendon, Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Farm.
Enjoy lunch at The Eleanor, Woolmers Estate, overlooking the charming rose garden.
Day 2
Start off with breakfast at Zep’s Café, Campbell Town.
Spend a day exploring the wonders of MONA.
Grab a bite to eat for lunch at Faro, MONA before heading home.
Day 3
Go on an antique hunt at furniture and design shops throughout the historic towns of northern Tasmania. For gift shopping, Coco Blue at Campbell Town is a great stop, as is The Jardin Room at Oatlands. For items with a little more history, visit Evandale Antiques and The Village Store, Evandale.
Celebrate a successful shopping trip with lunch at the historic Clarendon Arms.
Day 4
Visit Queen Victoria Museum and the Art Gallery at Royal Park in Launceston.
Enjoy a relaxing sip at the Dragonfly Tea Atelier, or the Tea Room Launceston to call it a successful afternoon.
Take the hassle out of organising and book a tour through Experiential Tasmania and say something positive about them here