This is a comprehensive guide to the Great Western Tiers region in Tasmania. Here you will discover the many things to see and do in the region. Remember also that you can combine this itinerary with our other regional guides to create an in-depth itinerary for your ideal holiday.
The Great Western Tiers is the area that encompasses the rugged West Coast wilderness and reaches to the cosmopolitan cities of Launceston and Devonport. The Meander Valley skyline is dominated by the mountains of the Great Western Tiers that form a dramatic backdrop to the rural Tasmanian landscape.
The route from Launceston to Devonport on the Bass Highway A1 takes you past Deloraine, a quaint town that holds the popular Deloraine Craft Fair in November each year. Along the way are the popular Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and the ETC Bakery at Elizabeth Town – both great places to stop for lunch, an easy snack or coffee. Nearby is the Ashgrove Cheese farm, The Cherry Shed and the Anvers Chocolate Factory where you can sample the produce and make a purchase.
Head north on the A1 into Latrobe; the home of the Axeman’s Hall of Fame and the Platypus Interpretation Centre. Each Sunday the Latrobe Market, an authentic and quaint community market, is held. Visit Reliquare, an interesting shop full of fun for all ages. The Court House Museum tells the story of Latrobe and surrounding areas since European settlement began in the mid nineteenth century. Sherwood Hall is believed to be the oldest house in Latrobe, built between 1848-1850 by Thomas Johnson, a pioneer and settler who began life in Van Diemen’s Land as a convict.
The Warrawee Forest Reserve and Myrtle Hole on the banks of the Mersey River have a 5km walking track and two parkland areas with BBQ facilities and ponds stocked with trout. The area is rich with history such as the power generation site (first of its type in the area), the old shale works including mine shafts, and remnants of the shale bridge across the Mersey River, and the town’s old pump station.
West of Deloraine on the B12 is Mole Creek. Take a tour of the Mole Creek Caves where you can observe the underground rivers, great cathedrals and glow worms. Here are also the Trowunna Wildlife Park and the Chudleigh Honey Farm that produces the popular Manuka Honey, and has great activities and for children to enjoy while learning about the honey-making process.