Launceston to Stanley: The Ultimate 5-Day Coastal Road Trip Guide
Tasmania’s north-west coast doesn’t shout—it whispers. And if you’re willing to slow down and listen, it’ll reward you with turquoise water that looks like it belongs in the Whitsundays, volcanic headlands, red-soil farmland, and tiny towns with more character than places ten times their size.
This 5-day itinerary takes you from Launceston (or Devonport) to Stanley via the kind of coastal back roads and small-town detours that make Tasmania one of the best road trip destinations in Australia. It’s not a race to The Nut—it’s a slow roll through penguin statues, surf beaches, clifftop lookouts, and campgrounds where the only noise at night is possums arguing in the trees.
While not covered in this itinerary, you may wish to extend it by spending some time in the picturesque town of Deloraine and/or Sheffield.
Starting from Devonport? If you’re rolling off the Spirit of Tasmania, you’re already more than halfway to Day 1’s destination. Skip the Launceston leg and head straight west along the Bass Highway to Ulverstone—it’s only 25 km and about 30 minutes from the ferry terminal. That gives you even more time to explore Penguin and Sulphur Creek in the afternoon if you arrive on an early morning ferry.
Total Distance: Approximately 228km from Launceston (129km from Devonport)
Best Time to Travel: November to April (long daylight hours and milder weather, though Tassie will keep you guessing)
Launceston to Stanley Map
To aid in your planning, we have carefully prepared a map of the route. Also on the map are the campground locations, points of interest and the starting points for walks. You can toggle the layers for easier viewing.
5-Day Itinerary at a Glance
Base Itinerary Stays
- Day 1: Ulverstone Golf Club
- Day 2-3: Myalla Recreation Ground
- Day 4-5: Stanley Recreation Campground (or Black River Campsite / Peggs Beach)
Day 1: Launceston (or Devonport) to Ulverstone — Hit the Coast
The Run
Launceston → Ulverstone 124km | 1.5 hours via the Bass Highway
Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania terminal) → Ulverstone 25km | 30 minutes via the Bass Highway
On the Road
An easy first day that gets you out of Launceston and onto the north-west coast without breaking a sweat. The Bass Highway is sealed, well-maintained, and mostly a dual carriageway for the first stretch. You’ll pass through Devonport—worth a fuel stop if you need one—before continuing west along the coast to Ulverstone.
Don’t be tempted to rush this leg. The coast starts revealing itself once you pass Devonport, and the afternoon is best spent exploring rather than sitting behind the wheel.
The Stay
Ulverstone Golf Club — 1 night
A cracking little spot that flies under the radar. The golf club welcomes travellers with affordable unpowered sites right on the edge of town. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s flat, quiet, and perfectly positioned for an afternoon exploring the coast to the west. You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient. Pop in for a cold one after you’ve set up—you’re supporting a local club, and the prices are hard to beat.
The Highlight
Once you’ve set up camp, head west along the coast to the little town of Penguin. Yes, it’s named after the penguins, and yes, there’s a giant fibreglass penguin on the foreshore—because Australia. But Penguin is more than a photo op. The main street has a genuinely lovely feel with its painted murals and vintage shopfronts, and the coastal walking track is worth a wander.
From Penguin, continue a few minutes further west to Sulphur Creek. This is where the coastline gets properly rugged—jagged rock shelves, rockpools, and crashing waves that feel a world away from the gentle beaches you passed on the highway. It’s a brilliant spot for an afternoon scramble along the shore, and you’ll likely have the place to yourself.
Extend Your Trip: Deloraine & Sheffield
If you’re not in a hurry to hit the coast—and with this itinerary, you shouldn’t be—we highly recommend adding a few days to the front end of your trip with stops in two of Tasmania’s most charming inland towns.
Deloraine sits about 45 minutes to the west of Launceston on the Bass Highway, tucked into rolling green hills alongside the Meander River. It’s one of Tassie’s prettiest small towns, with heritage streetscapes, galleries, and a pace of life that’ll have you wondering why you ever rush anywhere. Two nights here gives you time to actually settle in and explore properly—wander the town, walk along the river, and use it as a base for day trips into the surrounding countryside. We’ve put together a separate guide to Deloraine if you want the full rundown: Deloraine Guide.
From Deloraine, it’s a short and scenic drive north-west to Sheffield—Tasmania’s famous Town of Murals. What started as a single mural project to revive a struggling town has turned into an outdoor gallery with dozens of large-scale murals painted across buildings throughout the main street and beyond. It’s worth at least a half day to wander and take it all in, though you could easily fill a full day if you combine it with the surrounding area. We’ve covered Sheffield in detail in a separate guide (coming soon ~26 Feb 26).
Both towns are easy detours that add depth to the trip without adding serious kilometres. They also break up the drive from Launceston to the coast beautifully, turning a 1.5-hour highway run into a proper journey through Tasmania’s heartland.
Muay’s Tip: Stock up on groceries and supplies in Ulverstone before you settle in. The town has a decent Woolworths and a handful of bakeries that’ll sort you out. Once you head further west, shopping options thin out considerably, so top up the pantry and the water tanks while it’s easy.
Day 2: Ulverstone to Myalla Recreation Ground — Into the Farmland
The Run
Ulverstone → Myalla Recreation Ground 60km | 50 minutes via the Bass Highway and Myalla Road
On the Road
A short, easy run today—and that’s entirely the point. Head west along the Bass Highway through Wynyard, then turn off towards Myalla. The last section takes you through beautiful red-soil farm country, the kind of rolling green paddocks and quiet back roads that make Tasmania feel like it’s operating on a different clock to the rest of Australia.
The turn-off to Myalla is well-signed, and the road in is sealed. Take your time and enjoy the change of pace—this is slow travel at its best.
The Stay
Myalla Recreation Ground — 2 nights
This is a gem of a sports oval camp tucked away in the farming country behind the coast. Managed by the local community, Myalla Recreation Ground offers a peaceful, no-fuss spot to base yourself for a couple of nights while you explore the surrounding area. The sites are spacious and grassy. A small fee helps to maintain the grounds.
The beauty of staying here is that you can leave the rig parked and day-trip to the coast without dragging your setup into tight carparks and tourist traffic. It’s the smart way to see the highlights without the hassle.
The Highlight
Today is about settling in and slowing right down. Once you’re set up, take a drive into Wynyard if you haven’t already stopped on the way through. This tidy little town sits on the banks of the Inglis River and has everything you’ll need—supermarket, bakeries, fuel, and a pleasant waterfront area for a stroll.
If the weather’s playing nice, the Wynyard Foreshore Walk is a lovely way to stretch the legs after a day behind the wheel. The track follows the river to the coast, and you might spot a platypus in the quieter stretches if you’re patient and lucky.
Rob’sTip: Wynyard is your last proper supply town before Stanley, so make the most of it. Grab fuel, fill the water tanks, and pick up anything you need. The IGA in Wynyard is well-stocked and handy for a quick top-up. If you’re craving a proper pie, the local bakeries won’t let you down.
Day 3: Basecamp at Myalla — Table Cape & Boat Harbour
The Turquoise Coast
The Run
Day trips from camp — leave the rig and explore by car only.
On the Road
Keep the van parked and take just the tow vehicle today. This is exactly why you based yourself at Myalla—the best coastal attractions along this stretch have tight carparks, narrow access roads, and limited turning space for rigs. Unhitch, pack a picnic, and hit the road light.
The Stay
Myalla Recreation Ground — second night
Return to camp this evening with sand between your toes and a camera full of photos. Use the evening to prep the rig for tomorrow’s move to Stanley.
The Highlight
Today you visit two of Tasmania’s north-west coast showstoppers, and neither disappoints.
Start with Table Cape. This dramatic volcanic headland juts out into Bass Strait and offers panoramic views that’ll have you reaching for the camera before you’ve even left the carpark. Drive to the top of the Table Cape Lookout, where the views stretch from Rocky Cape in the west to the coast beyond Burnie in the east. The Table Cape Lighthouse sits nearby—a beautifully maintained working lighthouse that’s been guiding ships since 1888. If you’re visiting between late September and mid-October, the Table Cape Tulip Farm puts on a spectacular show with hundreds of thousands of blooms against the backdrop of the ocean.
From Table Cape, head to Boat Harbour Beach. There’s no gentle way to put this—the water here is absurdly beautiful. Crystal-clear, turquoise, and sheltered by a curved white-sand beach that looks like it’s been Photoshopped into the Tasmanian coastline. It’s widely regarded as one of the best beaches in the state, and on a calm day you’ll understand why. Bring your swimmers if the weather’s warm enough, or simply sit on the sand and take it in.
If you’ve got time and energy, the Boat Harbour to Sisters Beach walk follows the coastline through coastal bush and offers more of those ridiculous ocean views. It’s an easy to moderate walk and a brilliant way to see more of the coast beyond the main beach.
Those with extra time may like to explore Rocky Cape.
Rob’s Tip: Head to Table Cape first thing in the morning for the best light and fewer people. Boat Harbour is best saved for late morning or early afternoon when the sun is high and the water colour really pops. Pack lunch—there’s limited food options at Boat Harbour itself, and a picnic on the beach beats a servo pie every day of the week.
Day 4: Myalla to Stanley — The Nut Awaits
The Run
Myalla → Stanley 44km | 40 minutes via the Bass Highway
On the Road
Another easy run today as you head west towards the distinctive silhouette of The Nut—you’ll spot it from kilometres away, rising up from the flat coastal landscape like a giant tabletop was dropped from the sky. The Bass Highway is sealed throughout, and the turn-off to Stanley is well-signed. The road into town is suitable for all rigs, though the streets in the town itself can be a bit tight if you’re towing something large, so go slow and pick your route carefully.
The Stay
You’ve got two good options here, depending on what kind of night you’re after:
Stanley Recreation Campground — for a social vibe right in town. This council-run campground sits at the base of The Nut with unpowered sites. You’re a short walk from Stanley’s cafes, shops, and waterfront. It fills up fast in peak season, so arrive early or book ahead if you can.
Black River Campsite / Peggs Beach — for a quieter, off-grid feel. If you’d rather fall asleep to the sound of waves than chatter from neighbouring rigs, head a short distance out of Stanley to these more remote options. Basic facilities, so come self-sufficient, but the peace and scenery more than compensate. These spots suit travellers who prefer their camping with a side of solitude.
The Highlight
Arriving in Stanley is one of those moments that stays with you. The town sits at the base of The Nut—a massive volcanic plug that rises 143 metres above sea level and dominates the skyline from every angle. The heritage streetscape is beautifully preserved, with weatherboard cottages, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and a pace of life that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades.
Spend the afternoon wandering the town. Stanley’s main street has a handful of galleries, craft shops, and cafes worth poking your head into. The Stanley waterfront is a lovely spot to sit and watch the fishing boats come and go, and if you time it right, you might catch the local fishermen unloading their haul.
For history buffs, Highfield Historic Site on the hill above town is worth a visit. This beautifully restored 1830s property was once home to the chief agent of the Van Diemen’s Land Company and offers fascinating insight into the region’s colonial past, along with sweeping views over Stanley and the coast.
Rob’s Tip: If you’re staying at the recreation campground, get in early to snag a decent spot as it is popular. For dinner, treat yourself to fish and chips from a local takeaway and eat them down by the water. You won’t find fresher seafood anywhere.
Day 5: Explore Stanley — Conquer The Nut
The Grand Finale
The Run
No driving today — this one’s all about the climb.
On the Road
Keep the rig parked and lace up your walking shoes. Today is your Stanley day, and the main event needs no introduction. Everything worth doing is within walking distance of town.
The Stay
Same as the night before — whether you’re at the recreation campground or out at Black River or Peggs Beach, enjoy your final night on the north-west coast.
The Highlight
It’s time to tackle The Nut. The Nut State Reserve Circuit Walk is the must-do experience in Stanley, and it’s easy to see why. The walk starts with a very steep 20-minute climb up a zigzag track from the base (it’s a proper calf-burner, so take your time), and once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a flat, easy loop trail around the entire summit plateau.
Warning: The walking track is the steepest path we have ever found that does not have steps. It is a challenging walk.
The views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. On a clear day, you can see across to the coast in every direction—Sawyer Bay, Tatlows Beach, the farmland stretching south, and on a really good day, the faint outline of the mountains in the distance. The circuit takes about 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace, and there are benches along the way if you want to sit and soak it in.
Now, if the climb sounds a bit much—or if you’re just smarter than us—there’s a chairlift that’ll carry you to the top in a few minutes. No shame in it. In fact, the chairlift ride itself offers brilliant views on the way up, and it saves your knees for the walk around the top, which is the real highlight anyway.
After your Nut adventure, head back into town and reward yourself with a proper Tasmanian lunch. Stanley has a couple of excellent cafes, and fresh crayfish or local seafood is the way to celebrate the end of this trip.
If you’ve got time in the afternoon, take a wander out to Sawyer Bay or Godfrey’s Beach on the far side of The Nut. Both are beautiful, quiet stretches of sand that see far fewer visitors than the main beach, and they’re a peaceful way to round out your north-west coast adventure.
For the evening, check if the penguins are being seen at Godfrey’s Beach.
Rob’s Tip: Hit The Nut walk first thing in the morning, before the day-trippers arrive and while the air is still cool. The climb is exposed with no shade, so take water, sunscreen, and a hat regardless of the season—Tassie sun can be deceptively fierce. The chairlift has set operating hours (starting at 9:30am), so check before you go if you’re planning to ride it up or down.
Final Tips for the Launceston to Stanley Run
Fuel: Fill up in Ulverstone or Wynyard. Fuel options thin out between Wynyard and Stanley, and you don’t want to be sweating over the gauge on a Sunday afternoon when the servos are shut.
Supplies: Ulverstone and Wynyard are your best bets for supermarkets and supplies. Stanley has a small general store, but the selection is limited, and prices reflect the remoteness.
Wildlife: Tassie’s wildlife is everywhere—and that’s not always a good thing on the road. Wallabies, possums, wombats, and the occasional devil are most active at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously during these times, especially on the back roads around Myalla and Black River.
Weather: Tasmania’s north-west coast has a mind of its own. Four seasons in one day is the cliché, but it’s also the truth. Layer up, pack a rain jacket even in summer, and don’t let a grey morning put you off—the weather can turn spectacular without warning.
Pace: This itinerary is deliberately slow. Resist the urge to add more stops or cram in extra driving. The beauty of this route is in the lingering—the long beach walks, the extra cup of tea at camp, the sunset you didn’t plan for. Slow down. That’s the whole point.
The Wrap Up
Tasmania’s north-west coast isn’t the part of the state that makes the glossy tourism brochures. It doesn’t have the name recognition of Cradle Mountain or the Instagrammable fame of Wineglass Bay. And honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special.
This is the kind of trip where the best moments aren’t the ones you planned for. It’s the turquoise water at Boat Harbour that stops you mid-sentence. Also, the evening light on Table Cape when you’ve stayed a little longer than you meant to. It’s sitting on top of The Nut, wind in your face, looking out over a coastline that feels like it belongs to you alone because hardly anyone else is up there.
Five days isn’t a long time. But if you resist the urge to rush—if you let the road set the pace instead of the clock—you’ll come away from this little corner of Tassie wondering why it took you so long to get here. And already thinking about when you’ll come back.
If you finish this trip and want to continue the adventure, you may like our Tarkine Drive Itinerary. If this is not the way you are headed, perhaps we can tempt you with some of our other itineraries: Tasmanian Road Trips.
