Explore Tasmania > Day Trips and Walks > Far East

Far East Walks and Day Trips

Lilydale Falls

Another interesting day trip will take you east through Lilydale and Scottsdale on the B81 enroute to the east coast. This might be a return day trip or a leg of your tour around Tasmania.

Just 25 km north east of Launceston, Lilydale nestles under the northern slopes of Mount Arthur (1187 m), It is an attractive area noted for the distinctive 'Englishness' of its landscapes. Just through the town you might stop and take the short walk up to Lilydale Falls.

Bridestowe Lavender Farm Just before reaching Scottsdale I suggest that you take the short detour north to Bridestowe, the largest and oldest lavender farm in the Southern Hemisphere. The Lavandula angustifolia oil distilled on the property is renowned for its consistently high quality. Bridestowe is one of Tasmania's premier tourism icons.

The farm consists of 48 hectares (120 acres) of rolling lavender fields and is considered one of Tasmania's most spectacular sights during flowering. Experience a guided tour of the farm during December and January. If you are visiting outside these months, an informative video is screened detailing the farm's history and the harvest and distillation process. For the true lavender lover, there's a shop on the property that sells everything lavender, from lavender ice cream to lavender muffins, lavender fudge and even lavender cheese. And there's no better way to enjoy to a lavender feast than in the fields of purple, with the aroma of lavender all around.

East Coast Beaches The North East corner of Tasmania is another beachside 'holiday' area of Tasmania. From the rich farming community of Scottsdale and Ringarooma to the beachside resorts of Anson's Bay, Scamander and the Bay of Fires the north east has plenty to offer. The mountain ranges from Mt Victoria just south of Ringarooma to the Blue Tier further to the east, the North East also has a rich wilderness area to experience. The 'capital' of the area St Helen's is rich in history and culture. The town hosts the 'Suncoast Jazz Festival' during the last week end in June every year. The mild winter climate along with a host of national and international guests ensures its ongoing success.

But do take the Binalong Bay Road (C850) road north from St Helens. Then take the turnoff on the left into the C848 at the sign - “The Gardens – 13 Kms” for a scenic view of the bay. Binalong Bay is one of Tasmania's most popular tourist destinations with its stunning blue water, red rocks, white beaches and fishing lagoons.

At the edge of Mt. William National Park, the magnificent wilderness coastline known as the Bay of Fires invites you to experience its dramatic landscape, ecology and wildlife. Led by well-informed, young Tasmanian guides, small groups can explore both the fascinating beach environment and the rich diversity of the nearby woodlands in this near-uninhabited wilderness paradise.

Boating, fishing and trills in St Helens This coastal area is the main Tasmanian centre for sport fishing. In a single season more than 200 marlin have been struck near St.Helens, with a couple of dozen being brought aboard. Some have been up to 200kg. During the season the challenges on offer include striped marlin, broadbill swordfish, yellow fin tuna, blue fin tuna, albacore tuna, and mako sharks. Adding to the attraction of St Helens is that serious fishing can be under way within half an hour of leaving the boat ramp. But by far the greatest lure for sportsmen and women is that the waters are so little known outside Tasmania. Even some locals are just discovering the thrills and excitement of fishing the east coast from late December to June as the currents flowing down the coast of the mainland raise the water temperature as high as 23 degrees Celsius. With the currents come the marlin, tuna and shark.

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