Beer Barrel at dusk is the place to be: body surfing, rock climbing, batting balls, creates a great appetite
and makes for a wonderful night’s sleep.

Launceston, Tasmania

How to get there
Getting there is half the fun. Plan your trip using www.discovertasmania.com.au. Go to “maps” and check out the different routes.

From Launceston we recommend:

1. Drive south on the Midlands Highway (A1).

2. Turn east at Conara Junction and drive to St Mary's along the Fingal Valley(A4). Follow the signs to Elephant's Pass Pancake Parlour. Great food.

3. Drive north up the coast to St Helens (A3). Turn right at the Stieglitz/Akaroa (C851) sign then drive 2.6 kilometres to The Beach House, 97 St Helens Point Road, on your left.

4. Return to Launceston by driving through St Helens north to Pyengana to visit the cheese factory. Excellent local cheeses.

5. Continue on the link road (well formed dirt) via Ralph Falls to Ringarooma or go further north to Derby (home of the tin mines) on a sealed road.

6. Head for Scottsdale and wind scenically home to Launceston over the Sideling.

From Hobart we recommend:

1. Drive north up the Midlands Highway(A1) stopping at Ross to view the historic bridge, have a picnic or visit the excellent bakery or historic inn

2. Turn east at Conara Junction and drive to St Mary's along the Fingal Valley (A4). Follow the signs to Elephant's Pass Pancake Parlour. Great food.

3. Drive north up the coast to St Helens (A3). Turn right at the Stieglitz/Akaroa (C851) sign, then drive for 2.6km to The Beach House, 97 St Helens Point Road on your left.

4. Return to Hobart by driving south down the coast using the picturesque Chain of Lagoons road (A3) to Bicheno. Stop for a walk on the beach, a meal or visit the art gallery, sea life centre or wildlife park.

5. Continue on to the Coles Bay turnoff (C302). If you have time, the 30 minute drive-time (one way) to view the Hazards and Coles Bay is well worth the effort.

6. Continue past Swansea and stop at The Kabuki for an exotic Japanese meal and breathtaking views of the Freycinet Peninsular.

7. Head further south via Orford and its views of Maria Island then past historic Buckland and into the southern capital, Hobart.