If you live in Tasmania or are planning to visit the state, you may need to figure out how to travel to Launceston from Hobart. Whether you’re looking for the quickest route, a scenic multi-day highway trip, or want to take a bus to Launceston from Hobart, this post has got you covered!
Even though the distance between Hobart and Launceston is short and can be covered briefly, making stops, if feasible, can be delightful.
We’ve outlined the journey from Hobart to Launceston below, providing information on how far and long it takes to drive. Additionally, we’ll display the route on a map, present all of your options (including bullying, renting a vehicle, and taking the Redline bus from Hobart to Launceston), and discuss airlines and trains.
For those who can make stops along the way, the guide provides excellent data on the top Hobart to Launceston driving stops. It also includes the return trip from Launceston to Hobart.
Distance From Hobart To Launceston
The distance between Hobart and Launceston is around 200 kilometres. The precise driving mileage from Hobart to Launceston can vary depending on where you are leaving and coming from.
This supposes you follow the route precisely without stopping at any town.
Driving Time Between Hobart and Launceston
Driving from Hobart to Launceston takes roughly two and a half hours. The precise length will depend on congestion and any ongoing road construction.
While there are a lot of lanes for passing on this street, it is also simple to get held up by other cars. The majority of the route is 110 km/hr.
a Major street in Ross, Tasmania, yet stopping here can lengthen your commute from Hobart to Launceston and increase the distance,
What Is the Best Way To Get From Hobart to Launceston?
Travel From Hobart to Launceston by Vehicle.
The best method of transportation from Hobart to Launceston is unquestionably via car. It is simple to make mistakes on this journey.
Just go the Brooker Highway in Hobart to the north. You may travel the entire length of Route 1 to reach Launceston. The Midlands Highway is its name.
If you don’t have a vehicle, renting one from Hobart to Launceston is easy. This will be useful throughout the remainder of your Tasmanian vacation. Many rental car companies will let you return the vehicle in Launceston without paying a one-way cost.
If you need to get from Hobart Airport to Launceston, your best option is driving. Whether renting a car or having a vehicle at the airport, you can start your journey immediately! The route for this excursion will be substantially different as we’ll travel through Campania and Richmond before hitting the Midlands Highway in Jericho. So buckle up – because it’s time for adventure!
Travelling to Launceston Airport from Hobart is convenient since it is near the Midlands Highway on the southern side of Launceston, making the trip take only around two hours.
Stops on the Hobart-Launceston Road Trip
Driving from Hobart to Launceston is much more pleasurable if you take a few stops! These locations are easily added to your Hobart to Launceston travel timetable, or you can spend your time and stop for two nights to break up the journey.
Here are the best selections from the journey.
1. Oatlands
A little community called Oatlands is located off the major thoroughfare. It was first selected as the location for a new town in 1821 and now has a population of roughly 680.
This town is worthwhile as a drive-through since it has the most Georgian residences of any place in Australia—138, most of which are on the main street. While the significant highway bypasses it, driving into town only takes a few minutes.
There are still a few things to explore, even though it did feel locked up and vacant when we last went there (in September 2020, during the epidemic).
The Callington Mill was first—built in 1837 and milled flour virtually until the turn of the century. After neglect and ruin, it was recently renovated, producing premium, organic flour. Although you can’t walk inside this only operating Lincolnshire-style windmill in Australia, you may stroll around the outside.
Look for the Callington Mill Distillery Visitor Center, now constructed close to the mill. A wonderful time is guaranteed!
Moreover, the History Room is a tiny museum near the mill. You can find photos and artifacts from the past here to help explain the region’s history.
The Cows in the Lake statues in Lake Dulverton are located across the street. Look at these entertaining sculptures that are actually in the water.
2. Ross
On this route, Ross is my favourite stop, and it has the added benefit of being near the halfway mark. It has well-kept colonial houses and streets bordered with elms, making it exceedingly picturesque.
Being a critical junction between Hobart and Launceston, this settlement was founded in 1812 to serve as a bushranger-protective hub. It also developed as the hub of Tasmania’s wool sector.
Many adore it because it’s so pretty; however, there are a few sights worth seeing on your trip! It’s really well-maintained and rather attractive. There are picnic tables and seats scattered along the sides of the main road, which is tree-lined.
Also, you’ll never see so many trash cans in one place, and it pays off because the streets are spotless.
Because of this, it’s a fantastic spot to stop for a picnic. The town hall and the area between it and the bridge, with a little playground, make ideal picnic areas. Besides the town hall, I’ve never seen any cleaner public restrooms.
Don’t worry if you don’t have any food. Bakery 31, located at 31 Church Street, is famous for its scallop pies.
Begin your exploration of Australia’s best attractions with the Ross Bridge – an iconic structure constructed in 1836 by two skilled prisoners. Both men were granted pardons in recognition of their outstanding work constructing this bridge! Those who visit can’t help but be drawn to its 186 intricately carved sculptures and become captivated by its grandeur.
The Four Corners of Ross are up next. Each corner represents a possible path for your soul: the Town Hall, the Ross Hotel, the church, temptation, re-creation, or damnation. You get to decide what you’ll choose.
In this area is the Wool Centre, which houses the town tourist centre, a craft store, and a small museum about sheep, wool, and convict periods.
You’ll reach the Ross Female Factory after another five minutes of walking along a lane. This was one of only five female prisons in Tasmania, housing a large number of female prisoners as well as some of their offspring.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore the last remaining house, now a mini museum full of interesting facts about life in the area. If you want to learn more about what has happened here over time, some informative excavations and panels can fill you in with details.
Although Ross is a great area to stop overnight if you are taking your time, you can easily see all these locations in 1-2 hours.
3. Campbell Town
Campbell Town is the place to stop if you need more time, food, restrooms, petrol, or other supplies. You may stop immediately to get anything you need because it is the only central town the Midlands Highway still needs to bypass.
In the heart of the city, there are large, noticeable restrooms. Unexpectedly, there’s also the only drive-through Subway.
In the Red Bridge Campbell Town, a lovely park area along a river is there. There are sculptures, a charming pedestrian bridge, play structures, a lot of grass, and a covered picnic table. It’s the ideal location to have a picnic or just run about.
4. Woolmers House
The prisoner sites nominated by UNESCO as World Heritage include Woolmers Estate. It’s a historical homestead.
This slight detour off the main Midlands Highway along the Macquarie River is a convenient addition to your Launceston itinerary. Thomas Archer founded it in 1817.
After then, it was owned by his family for six generations up until 1994, when it was turned into a museum. You may take a guided or self-directed tour here to learn more about the pastoral estate life of the 1800s and gain some fascinating insights.
Bus From Hobart To Launceston
There are a limited number of Hobart to Launceston bus services. Only one to three Redline Hobart to Launceston services were operating when this article was published. A similar bus service runs from Launceston to Hobart.
Bus travel from Hobart to Launceston costs around $44 per person and takes about 2.5 to 2.75 hours. Renting a car is less expensive if you have more than one passenger.
The only bus service at the time of my investigation was on Redline, and the bus schedule from Hobart to Launceston included departures on average at 10:15 am and 3 pm.
Hobart To Launceston Flights Or Hobart To Launceston Train?
There are only flights going from Hobart to Launceston right now. When they do occur, trips typically last about 30 minutes and fly in tiny planes.
From Hobart to Launceston, there is no passenger rail either.
Launceston To Hobart
The route from Launceston to Hobart is quite similar to that from Hobart to Launceston. The trip from Launceston to Hobart by Redline bus takes 2.5 to 2.75 hours and covers a distance of around 200 kilometres.
Most days, the Launceston to Hobart bus leaves twice daily; however, there are exceptions. Buses from Launceston to Hobart often leave about 10 or 11 in the morning, followed by ones at 1 or 2 in the afternoon and occasionally in the evening.
Verifying the most current Redline bus schedule from Launceston to Hobart for the day you intend to travel is crucial.
Final Words
If you possess a car, travelling between Hobart and Launceston is simple. If you have the time, several excellent stops along the road are short in distance. Ross, in particular, is recommended.
A Launceston Hobart bus is another option; however, they are less frequent and frequently more expensive than auto rentals.