A nostalgic road trip from Hobart to Launceston

Back in the early ‘90s, when I first moved to Hobart, the road to Launceston was one I travelled often. Whether it was for work, visiting mates, or just clearing the head, the drive along the Midlands Highway became a familiar rhythm — a stretch of bitumen winding through Tasmania’s heartland.

This road trip isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s about soaking in the slow-changing scenery, spotting wombats near the fence lines, and stopping in places where time feels like it’s politely waiting for you to catch up.

Leaving Hobart, the road climbs gently through the outer suburbs before giving way to rolling countryside. It’s worth an early start, especially in the cooler months. Black ice can sneak up on you near the higher stretches — especially around Tunbridge and Jericho — so keep the daydreams to a minimum and your eyes on the bitumen.

The first town worth a proper stop is Oatlands. The old Callington Mill still stands proudly, and the sandstone buildings give it a timeworn charm. I used to stop here for a coffee and a wander, and I still recommend a quick look through the local shops or a detour down to Lake Dulverton if the morning’s still young.

As the kilometres roll on, the Midlands Highway feels like it’s cut straight through Tasmania’s colonial story. Sheep graze lazily beside Georgian-era estates, and the roadside tells stories if you know where to look. Pulling into Ross is never a bad idea. With its beautiful old bridge — built by convicts in 1836 — and streets lined with elm trees, this little town is a living postcard. The Ross Village Bakery is a must. I’d often grab a scallop pie (the real kind, not those mainland imitations) and sit outside, watching the world move a little slower.

Just up the road is Campbell Town, another highlight of any Tasmania road trip. It’s bigger than Ross, but just as steeped in history. There’s a convict brick trail along the footpath, each one engraved with names and crimes, telling stories of Tasmania’s rough beginnings. The Red Bridge here — the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in Australia — is one of those spots you pass a hundred times and still admire every time.

Past Campbell Town, the landscape begins to shift. The hills soften, and the air seems to change. Before long, you’re easing into the outskirts of Launceston. I always liked this final stretch — a chance to reflect before city life took over again.

This Hobart to Launceston drive is just over two and a half hours without stops, but that would miss the point entirely. The real value in this nostalgic drive lies in letting the scenery speak. In stopping for a photo of an old barn or ducking into a café where someone still remembers your name. It’s a simple, gentle journey — one I’d do again in a heartbeat.

In summary

This one-day trip along the Midlands Highway is more than just a Tasmania road trip — it’s a quiet lesson in appreciating what’s right in front of you. If you take your time and stop in the right places, you’ll discover that the real beauty lies in the balance of nature and history, with every small town offering something that stays with you long after the drive is done.

Practical information

  • Distance: ~200 km one-way
  • Driving time (non-stop): Approx. 2.5 hours
  • Best time to go: Autumn and spring for mild weather and clear skies
  • Road hazards: Watch for black ice in winter, especially early mornings
  • Fuel & food stops: Available in Oatlands, Ross, Campbell Town
  • Dress code: Comfortable casual wear; it gets chilly in the morning