DAY TRIPS
Hawley House accommodation near Devonport is situated on a 150 hectare property which straddles the 'Point Sorell' peninsula and is bounded by the Narawntapu National Park. Hawley is ideally located as your base in Northern Tasmania, central to all the major attractions and services. The coastline is both wild and romantic in some places and secluded and sheltered in others offering wonderful walks and picnic spots. The coastal heathlands are a haven for wild fauna and flora.
Gunns Plains to Leven Canyon
A short drive to Devonport, visit “Home Hill” the National Trust home of Joe Lyons, Tasmania`s only Prime Minister, then take the old coast road to the idyllic seaside town of Penguin 1 . Head south on the Riana road at the foot of the Dial Ranges and drop down to the magical Gunns Plains 2 where the hop fields thrive on fertile river flats. Visit the Gunns Plains Caves 3 before taking the road to the Leven Canyon 4 , stroll to the lookout at the top of the canyon. Past this is the
Lost World of Loongana, with its beautiful pristine river, limestone cliffs and imposing Black Bluff (which can be climbed as full day hike) 5 . Return via Lake Barrington, Devils Gate Dam and the picturesque Wilmot “Valley of Views” with the quirky Letter-Box Trail and Forth for a delightful afternoon circuit. The Forth Falls 6 is a scenic two hour hike in the rainforest if you still have time.
Mountain Adventure
Head south through the historic town of Latrobe, and browse a few of the antique shops including the unmissable “Reliquaire” on the main street. Enjoy stunning views of majestic Mt Roland 1 by taking the Barrington Road to the picturesque village of Sheffield, ‘Town of Murals’. From there choose to drive a further 45 minutes to Cradle Mountain 2 where are fantastic day walks to be had in fine weather. For the less energetic, you can visit the environmental photography at the Wilderness Gallery or pat a tame Tasmanian devil at Devils@Cradle. Alternately, tour the Marakoopa 3 and King Solomon’s Caves 4 , Alum Cliffs 5 and 41 degrees South Salmon Farm 6 , and have lunch at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm or Mole Creek Hotel before returning via Elizabeth Town, stopping in at the Ashgrove Cheese Tasting centre 7 , and Anvers Chocolate Factory 8 on your way.
Tamar Valley Wines and Heritage
Make your way to the beautiful Tamar Valley. Pick up a copy of the latest Wine Route brochure to guide your visit the West Tamar Vineyards such as Holm Oak, Iron Pot Bay, Stoney Rise, Goaty Hill and Tamar Ridge. Visit the grand Estates of Woolmers 1 and Brickendon at Longford 2 and Entally House at Hadspen 3 . Experience the wonders of Launceston`s spectacular Cataract Gorge 4 or quaint galleries. Visit the impressive Batman Bridge 5 and the Beaconsfield
Gold mine 6 , as well as the Seahorse World and the Platypus House at Beauty Point 7 .
Cradle Coast to Stanley
A relaxed drive to the picturesque seaside down of Stanley will take you through spectacular coastal scenery all the way to the wild North-west tip of Tasmania. Driving along the winding coastlines, stops can be made at Wynyard’s fossil cliffs, the tulip farms of Table Cape (October) and the windswept lighthouse, and visit the quaint town of Penguin and its Sunday market.
Stanley itself is situated at the foot of ‘The Nut’ - an extinct volcano accessible by either a steep walking track or a leisurely chairlift ride to the summit. If time permits, visit the seal colonies by boat, take a detour to Mawbanna`s beautiful Dip Falls and venture through the renowned Tarkine wilderness on the return journey. Highfield House, the historic 1820s Woolnorth homestead of Van Diemen’s Land Company fame is located just out of town and is well worth a tour.
Wildlife
The beautiful Narawntapu National Park 1 is 40 minute drive across the bay, dubbed the “Serengeti of Tasmania” boasting a rich array of easily observed wildlife and bird-life and the coastal expanse of Bakers Beach. A brisk hike to the summit of Archers Knob at sunset will serve as a perfect finale to a magical day in Tasmania. A visit to the scenic Tasmanian Arboretum 2 at Eugenana will almost certainly reward you with a platypus viewing at
any time of day. Stop at Spreyton Cider 3 for a local refreshment on your return journey.