Launceston to Stanley: The Ultimate 5-Day Coastal Road Trip Guide
This 5-day Launceston to Stanley itinerary is a 228 km coastal “slow roll” along Tasmania’s North West, designed for caravans and hybrids. We’ve used our two visits to the region to map out the best detours.
Whether you’re fresh off the Spirit of Tasmania or starting in Launceston, this guide ensures you navigate the Bass Highway and its scenic coastal back roads safely.
Tasmania’s north-west coast doesn’t shout, it whispers. If you’re willing to slow down, this Launceston to Stanley route rewards you with turquoise waters, volcanic headlands and red-soil farmlands. It’s a region where tiny towns punch well above their weight in character.
This 5-day itinerary focuses on the coastal roads and small-town detours that make Tasmania a premier road trip destination. Forget racing to The Nut; this is a slow roll through penguin statues, clifftop lookouts and quiet campgrounds where the only noise is the local wildlife.
While not covered in this itinerary, you may wish to extend it by spending some time in the picturesque town of Deloraine and/or Sheffield.
Starting from Devonport? If you’re rolling off the Spirit of Tasmania, you’re already more than halfway to Day 1’s destination. Skip the Launceston leg and head straight west along the Bass Highway to Ulverstone, it’s only 25 km and about 30 minutes from the ferry terminal. That gives you even more time to explore Penguin and Sulphur Creek in the afternoon if you arrive on an early morning ferry.
Launceston to Stanley Quick Facts
- Duration: 5 Days
- Distance: 228 km from Launceston (129 km from Devonport)
- Start / Finish: Launceston (or Devonport) / Stanley
- Best Months: November to April
- Road Conditions: Fully sealed, well-maintained highways and coastal roads; some narrow sections and tight carparks near coastal headlands.
- Caravan Suitability: Excellent for all setups, including hybrid caravans and full-size vans; day-tripping from basecamps avoids towing through tight coastal turnarounds.
- Camping Cost: Low-cost to budget-friendly (mix of low-cost recreation grounds and council campgrounds).
- Fuel Availability: Readily available in major hubs like Ulverstone and Wynyard; options thin out towards Stanley, so fill up early.
- Mobile Reception: Good to reliable along the main coastal corridor and towns; minor patchy spots in low-lying coastal pockets or off-grid camps.
- Pet Suitability: Moderate; pets are welcome at most listed recreation camps, but check local council restrictions for specific beaches and nature reserves.
- Highlights: The Nut at Stanley, Boat Harbour Beach, Table Cape Lookout & Lighthouse, Big Penguin statue, and Sulphur Creek rockpools.
- Difficulty: Easy (relaxed driving days with low daily mileage).
- Who This Trip Suits: Slow travellers, hybrid caravaners, coastal lovers, and budget-conscious campers looking to avoid crowded holiday parks.
- Last Verified: August 2026
Launceston to Stanley Map
To aid in your planning, we have prepared a map of the route. The map includes campground locations, points of interest and stops along the way. At the end of the itinerary, there is an interactive map providing more details (see interactive map now).
If you wish, you can download our map: download the map.
Launceston to Stanley Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Launceston (or Devonport) to Ulverstone
- Day 2: Ulverstone to Myalla
- Day 3: Day trip to Table Cape & Boat Harbour
- Day 4: Myalla to Stanley
- Day 5: Exploring Stanley & conquering The Nut
Day 1: Launceston (or Devonport) to Ulverstone – Hit the Coast
The Drive
Launceston → Ulverstone 124 km | 1.5 hours via the Bass Highway
Devonport (Spirit of Tasmania terminal) → Ulverstone 25 km | 30 minutes via the Bass Highway
On the Road
An easy first day that gets you out of Launceston and onto the north-west coast without breaking a sweat. The Bass Highway is sealed, well-maintained and mostly a dual carriageway for the first stretch. You’ll pass through Devonport (worth a fuel stop if you need one) before continuing west along the coast to Ulverstone.
Don’t be tempted to rush this leg. The coast starts revealing itself once you pass Devonport and the afternoon is best spent exploring rather than sitting behind the wheel.
The Stay
Ulverstone Golf Club: 1 night
This under-the-radar site offers affordable, unpowered sites on the edge of town. It’s a flat, quiet spot perfectly positioned for exploring the coast to the west. You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient here, but it’s worth it for the peace. In the evening, pop into the clubhouse for a cold drink to support the local club; the prices are unbeatable.
The Highlight
After setting up, head west to the town of Penguin. Beyond the famous giant fibreglass penguin on the foreshore, the town offers a charming main street filled with murals and vintage shopfronts. The coastal walking track is a must-do for a relaxed afternoon wander.
Continue for a few more minutes to Sulphur Creek for a change of pace. The coastline here is rugged, featuring jagged rock shelves and rock pools that feel worlds away from the highway. It’s the perfect spot for a coastal scramble and you’ll often have the entire shoreline to yourself.
Extend Your Trip: Deloraine & Sheffield
If you’re not in a hurry to hit the coast (and with this itinerary, you shouldn’t be) we highly recommend adding a few days to the start of your trip with stops in two of Tasmania’s most charming inland towns.
Deloraine is about 45 minutes to the west of Launceston on the Bass Highway, tucked into rolling green hills alongside the Meander River. We found it to be one of Tassie’s prettiest small towns, with heritage streetscapes, galleries and a pace of life that’ll have you wondering why you ever rush anywhere. Two nights here gives you time to actually settle in and explore properly. Wander around town, walk along the river and use it as a base for day trips into the surrounding countryside. We’ve put together a separate guide to Deloraine if you want the full rundown: Deloraine Guide.
From Deloraine, it’s a short, scenic drive north-west to Sheffield, Tasmania’s famous Town of Murals. What started as a single mural project to revive a struggling town has turned into an outdoor gallery with dozens of large-scale murals painted across buildings throughout the main street and beyond. It’s worth at least a half day to wander and take it all in, though you could easily fill a full day if you combine it with the surrounding area. We’ve covered Sheffield in detail in our Guide to Sheffield.
Both towns are easy detours that add depth to the trip without adding serious kilometres. They also break up the drive from Launceston to the coast beautifully, turning a 1.5-hour highway run into a proper journey through Tasmania’s heartland.
Muay’s Tip: Stock up on groceries and supplies in Ulverstone. The town has a decent Woolworths and a handful of bakeries that’ll sort you out. Once you head further west, shopping options thin out considerably, so top up the pantry and the water tanks while it’s easy.
Day 2: Ulverstone to Myalla Recreation Ground – Into the Farmland
The Drive
Ulverstone → Myalla Recreation Ground 60 km | 50 minutes via the Bass Highway and Myalla Road
On the Road
A short, easy run today and that’s entirely the point. Head west along the Bass Highway through Wynyard, then turn off towards Myalla. The last section takes you through beautiful red-soil farm country, the kind of rolling green paddocks and quiet back roads that make Tasmania feel like it’s operating on a different clock to the rest of Australia.
The turn-off to Myalla is well-signed and the road in is sealed. Take your time and enjoy the change of pace; this is slow travel at its best.
The Stay
Myalla Recreation Ground: 2 nights
This is a sports oval camp surrounded by farming country behind the coast. Managed by the local community, Myalla Recreation Ground is a peaceful, no-fuss spot to base yourself for a couple of nights while you explore the surrounding area. The sites are spacious and grassy. A small fee helps to maintain the grounds. It is so quiet that we had the place to ourselves for 1 of the 2 nights.
The beauty of staying here is that you can leave the rig parked and day-trip to the coast without dragging your setup into tight carparks and tourist traffic. It’s the smart way to see the highlights without the hassle.
The Highlight
Today is about settling in and slowing right down. Once you’re set up, take a drive into Wynyard if you haven’t already stopped along the way. This tidy little town is on the banks of the Inglis River and has everything you’ll need, including a supermarket, bakeries, fuel and a pleasant waterfront area for a stroll.
If the weather’s playing nice, the Wynyard Foreshore Walk is a lovely way to stretch the legs after a day behind the wheel. The track follows the river to the coast and you might spot a platypus in the quieter stretches if you’re patient and lucky.
Rob’s Tip: Wynyard is your last proper supply town before Stanley, so make the most of it. Grab fuel, fill the water tanks and pick up anything you need. The IGA in Wynyard is well-stocked and handy for a quick top-up. If you’re craving a proper pie, the local bakeries won’t let you down.
Day 3: Basecamp at Myalla – Table Cape & Boat Harbour
The Turquoise Coast
The Drive
Day trip from camp: leave the van and explore only by car.
On the Road
Keep the van parked and take just the tow vehicle today. This allows you to explore the coast unhindered.
The Stay
Myalla Recreation Ground: second night
Return to camp this evening with sand between your toes and a camera full of photos. Use the evening to prep the rig for tomorrow’s move to Stanley.
The Highlight
Today you visit two of Tasmania’s north-west coast showstoppers and neither disappoints.
Start at Table Cape, a dramatic volcanic headland jutting into the Bass Strait. The views from the lookout (stretching from Rocky Cape to Burnie) will have you reaching for your camera before you’ve even unbuckled. Nearby, the 1888 lighthouse remains a beautifully maintained icon. If you’re visiting between late September and mid-October, the Tulip Farm’s sea of blooms against the ocean backdrop is a must-see.
Next, head to Boat Harbour Beach. The water here is absurdly beautiful. The water is crystal-clear, turquoise and framed by white sand that looks Photoshopped into the Tasmanian coast. Frequently voted one of the state’s best beaches, it’s the perfect place to either dive in or simply soak up the view from the sand.
If you’ve got time and energy, the Boat Harbour to Sisters Beach walk follows the coastline through coastal bush and offers more of those ridiculous ocean views. It’s an easy to moderate walk and a brilliant way to see more of the coast beyond the main beach.
Those with extra time may like to stay longer and explore Rocky Cape.
Rob’s Tip: Head to Table Cape first thing in the morning for the best light and fewer people. Boat Harbour is best saved for late morning or early afternoon when the sun is high and the water colour really pops. Pack lunch as there’s limited food options at Boat Harbour and a picnic on the beach beats a servo pie every day of the week.
Day 4: Myalla to Stanley – The Nut Awaits
The Drive
Myalla → Stanley 44 km | 40 minutes via the Bass Highway
On the Road
Another easy drive today as you head west towards the distinctive silhouette of The Nut and you’ll spot it from kilometres away, rising up from the flat coastal landscape like a giant tabletop was dropped from the sky. The Bass Highway is all sealed and the turn-off to Stanley is well-signed. The road into town is suitable for rigs of all sizes.
The Stay
You’ve got two good options here, depending on what kind of night you’re after:
Stanley Recreation Campground: for a social vibe right in town. This council-run campground is at the base of The Nut with unpowered sites. You’re a short walk from Stanley’s cafes, shops and waterfront. It fills up fast in peak season, so arrive early if you can.
Black River Campsite / Peggs Beach: for a quieter, off-grid experience. If you’d rather fall asleep to the sound of waves than chatter from neighbouring rigs, head a short distance out of Stanley to these more remote options. Basic facilities, so come self-sufficient, but the peace and scenery more than compensate. These spots suit travellers who prefer their camping with a side of solitude.
The Highlight
Arriving in Stanley is one of those moments that stays with you. The town is at the base of The Nut, which is a massive volcanic plug that rises 143 metres above sea level and dominates the skyline from every angle. The heritage streetscape is beautifully preserved, with weatherboard cottages, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour and a pace of life that feels like it hasn’t changed in decades.
Spend the afternoon wandering the town. Stanley’s main street has a handful of galleries, craft shops and cafes worth poking your head into. The Stanley waterfront is a lovely spot to sit and watch the fishing boats come and go, and if you time it right, you might catch the local fishermen unloading their haul.
For history buffs, Highfield Historic Site on the hill above town is worth a visit. This beautifully restored 1830s property was once home to the chief agent of the Van Diemen’s Land Company and offers fascinating insight into the region’s colonial past, along with sweeping views over Stanley and the coast.
Rob’s Tip: If you’re staying at the recreation campground, get in early to snag a decent spot as it is popular. For dinner, treat yourself to fish and chips from a local takeaway and eat them down by the water. You won’t find fresher seafood anywhere.
Day 5: Explore Stanley – Conquer The Nut
The Grand Finale
The Drive
No driving today: this one’s all about the climb.
On the Road
Keep the rig parked and lace up your walking shoes. Today is your Stanley day and the main event needs no introduction. Everything worth doing is within walking distance of town.
The Stay
Same as the night before, whether you’re at the recreation campground or out at Black River, enjoy your final night on the north-west coast.
The Highlight
It’s time to tackle The Nut. The Nut State Reserve Circuit Walk is the must-do experience in Stanley and it’s easy to see why. The walk starts with a very steep 20-minute climb up a zigzag track from the base (it’s a proper calf-burner, so take your time), and once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a flat, easy loop trail around the entire summit plateau.
Warning: The walking track is the steepest path we have found without steps. It is a challenging walk.
The views from the summit are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see in every direction from Sawyer Bay and Tatlows Beach to the inland farmlands and distant mountain peaks. The circuit walk takes about 45 minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace, with plenty of benches to sit and soak it all in.
If the steep climb sounds a bit much (or if you’re just smarter than us), take the chairlift. It’ll whisk you to the top in minutes, saving your knees for the loop walk while offering brilliant views on the way up.
The Grand Finale
After your adventure, head back into town for a Tasmanian lunch. Stanley’s cafes are excellent and fresh local crayfish or seafood is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the trip. If you have time, wander out to Sawyer Bay or Godfrey’s Beach. These quiet stretches of sand are far less crowded and offer a peaceful end to your North West adventure.
For the evening, check whether the penguins are visible at Godfrey’s Beach.
Rob’s Tip: Hit The Nut walk first thing in the morning, before the day-trippers arrive and while the air is still cool. The climb is exposed with no shade, so take water, sunscreen and a hat regardless of the season as the Tassie sun can be deceptively fierce. The chairlift has set operating hours (starting at 9:30 am), so check before you go if you’re planning to ride it up or down.
Interactive Launceston to Stanley Map
We have carefully prepared a map of this route. On the map are the campground locations, points of interest, starting points for walks and the locations of important dump points. You can toggle the layers for easier viewing.
The map has layers you can turn on and off for clarity. Click the icon in the top left to view the layers. You can zoom into areas with a high density of points.
For those who jumped to the interactive map, you may return to the static map: click to return.
Final Tips for the Launceston to Stanley Run
Fuel: Fill up in Ulverstone or Wynyard. Fuel options thin out between Wynyard and Stanley and you don’t want to be sweating over the gauge on a Sunday afternoon when the servos are shut.
Supplies: Ulverstone and Wynyard are your best bets for supermarkets and supplies. Stanley has a small general store, but the selection is limited and prices reflect the remoteness.
Wildlife: Tassie’s wildlife is everywhere and that’s not always a good thing on the road. Wallabies, possums, wombats and the occasional devil are most active at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously during these times, especially on the back roads around Myalla and Black River.
Weather: Tasmania’s north-west coast has a mind of its own. Four seasons in one day is the cliché, but it’s also the truth. Layer up, pack a rain jacket even in summer and don’t let a grey morning put you off as the weather can turn spectacular without warning.
Pace: This itinerary is deliberately slow. Resist the urge to add more stops or cram in extra driving. The beauty of this route is in the lingering for the long beach walks, the extra cup of tea at camp and the sunset you didn’t plan for. Slow down. That’s the whole point.
Wrapping Up
Tasmania’s north-west coast isn’t the part of the state that makes the glossy tourism brochures. It doesn’t have the name recognition of Cradle Mountain or the Instagrammable fame of Wineglass Bay, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
This is the kind of trip where the best moments aren’t the ones you planned for: the turquoise water at Boat Harbour that stops you mid-sentence, the evening light on Table Cape when you’ve stayed a little longer than you meant to, or sitting on top of The Nut with the wind in your face, looking out over a coastline that feels like it belongs to you alone because hardly anyone else is up there.
Five days isn’t a long time. But if you resist the urge to rush (if you let the road set the pace instead of the clock), you’ll come away from this little corner of Tassie wondering why it took you so long to get here, and already thinking about when you’ll come back.
If you finish this trip and want to continue the adventure, you may like our Tarkine Drive Itinerary. For those heading to Cradle Mountain, we have you covered: Cradle Mountain National Park. If this is not the way you are headed, perhaps we can tempt you with some of our other itineraries: Tasmanian Road Trips.
