The Ultimate North East Tasmanian Bucket List

Get your adrenaline pumping with a trip to the Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails. Host to the 2017 and 2019 Enduro World Series, Derby is the mountain bike mecca of Tasmania. Whether you’re a mountain biking novice or seasoned pro, with over 125km of purpose-built trails, there is something for everyone in Derby. Bike hires are available around town at places such as Vertigo MTB or Evolution or if you want a fully curated experience, check out some of the incredible multi-day tours such as Blue Derby Pods Ride, Into the Wild or Up Down Around.

Don't miss the last run of the day in the mountain biking town of Derby. Lot 40 - a bar, cafe, brewery and gin distillery right in the heart of Derby. Kick back on their outdoor deck with a gin flight and reflect on the highlights of your day on the trails.

Take the plunge at Floating Sauna Lake Derby for a truly exhilarating and unique experience. Set against the serenity of Lake Derby, the Scandinavian inspired woodfire sauna integrates the best of hot and cold therapies. You’ll be sure to leave feeling fully relaxed and rejuvenated.

The Pipers River wine region in the north east is world-renowned for its sparkling wine. You’ll be spoiled for choice on where to go and what to taste. For a picture-perfect cellar door, Sinapius or Delamere Vineyard is your place, for well-known favourites, Clover Hill Wines and Jansz Tasmania are great options or if you’re feeling peckish, Pipers Brook Vineyard has a café on site.

With three iconic golf courses to choose from including Lost Farm, The Dunes and Bougle Run, you'll soon see why Barnbougle is a every golfer’s dream destination. Situated on what used to be a potato farm, this incredibly picturesque spot right along the north east coast has a lot to offer. Not only home to world-class golf courses, the onsite restaurant, cosy accommodation, and serene day spa make it an ideal getaway regardless of if you’re travelling with friends or a loved one.

This surreal looking phenomenon seems almost too good to be true! What was originally a mine hole, Little Blue Lake is now a lake with a very unique, vivid aqua blue colour created from the reflection of the minerals in its base. Located just off the B-82 between Derby and Gladstone, it’s worth stopping for a selfie and leisurely walk around to take in this extraordinary spectacle. Although it might seem tempting, swimming is not recommended due to the high mineral content of the water.

For a taste of some of the finest craft beer in Tassie, Little Rivers Brewing Co. in Scottsdale is a go-to. Since its inception 2012, this microbrewery is well-known for creating quality brews that are anything but ordinary. Drop by for a drink or if you’re struggling to pick just one, opt for a tasting paddle. You can even BYO your own food!

Enjoy a day spent creating magic in the kitchen with a cooking class at Hinton Bay Kitchen. Specialising in Italian delights, head chef and teacher Jane offers fun and educational classes that let patrons experience “Tuscany-on-the-Tamar”.

Each night after sunset, adorable Little Blue Penguins venture out of the ocean and onto the shore at Low Head for bedtime. Jump on a tour with Low Head Penguin Tours to get up close and personal with them. These small, intimate tours have been specially designed to help protect wellbeing of the penguins and their environment.

The steep, zig-zag road up Jacob's Ladder to get to Ben Lomond National Park is not for the faint hearted but if you can manage the hairpin bends, you will be rewarded with stunning scenery of the surrounding dolerite cliffs.

At over 260 acres, Bridestowe Lavender Estate is the world’s largest privately owned lavender farm. Stroll through the never-ending rows of purple blooms while tasting their famous lavender ice-cream. Summer is when the lavender is in season, but you can visit all year round. The onsite shop and café have all things lavender-inspired from soap to lavender coffee and more.

Venture just a little off the beaten track to discover this extraordinary site. After Branxholm but before Derby, look out for the sign that will take you off the Tasman Highway and onto an unsealed road. Drive along through the forest of eucalyptus, myrtle and blackwood trees till you get to car park. Then, follow the path until you reach this stunning construction lost within the forest.

The coastal town of Bridport overlooking Anderson Bay has all the makings of great getaway, white sandy beaches, charming cafés and friendly locals. Old Pier Beach is particularly picturesque and if you feel the need to stretch your legs, the Bridport Walking Track is a stunning 11km circuit that will take you through stunning landscapes and secluded beaches.

Located along the eastern banks of the Tamar River, George Town has a long and unique past. To learn about its maritime history head to the Bass and Flinders Maritime Museum where you can view one of Tasmania’s most varied collection of maritime artifacts. Then, just few kilometres up the road you can wander through the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum located in the historic, convict-built Pilots’ Row. Time your visit well and you’ll be able to hear the foghorn sound at noon on a Sunday!

Explore the horticultural haven that is Hillwood Berries Farmgate. This family run farm produces some of the most delectable strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries around. Have fun picking your own and stop by the café to feast on their selection of desserts and other berry inspired items.

Take a trip to Fanny’s Bay Distillery to birthplace of whiskey making in Northern Tasmania. This quaint spot is overflowing with passion, expertise and uniquely Tasmanian stories that only founders Mathew and Julie Cooper can tell.

Hero image credit: @lostaussieadventures

Image credit (5 short walks in Great Western Tiers: Ness Vanderburgh