Tasmania’s North West is a place of wild coastlines, rolling farmland, ancient rainforest and towns full of local character. Stretching from Devonport towards Stanley and Arthur River, and inland to Sheffield, Cradle Mountain and Waratah, this is a region made for road trips.
Meet the people behind the produce, explore coastal towns, walk through forests and waterfalls, and experience some of Tasmania’s best food and drink along the way.
In spring, the region comes to life with colourful tulips and gardens, green farmland, flowing waterfalls and longer days to explore. From local events and fresh seasonal produce to wildlife, walks and scenic drives, spring looks pretty good up here.
Spring adds a fresh burst of colour to every road trip. Tulips bloom, gardens come alive and rolling green farmland stretches from the hills to the coast.
Winter rain keeps the region’s waterfalls flowing well into spring. Follow forest trails to Guide Falls, Philosopher Falls or Montezuma Falls, with plenty of hidden cascades to discover along the way.
Meet local producers along the Tasting Trail at farm gates, markets, cellar doors, breweries and distilleries. Taste cheese, chocolate, seafood, wine, cider and other seasonal flavours grown and made across the North West.
Spring brings festivals, markets, live music, food and outdoor events to towns across the North West Coast. See what’s happening while you’re here and add something local to your road trip.
CHArts is a month-long celebration of local arts, culture and community across Circular Head. Expect live music, exhibitions, performances, workshops and family events, from MOO’D at Duck River to the Spring Swim at Stanley and Sounds Around Town in Smithton.
The Wynyard Tulip Festival brings the town to life with live music, local food, market stalls, family entertainment and plenty of community spirit. Set beside the Inglis River, the free festival finishes with a fireworks finale. Pair your festival visit with a trip to the spectacular spring tulip fields at nearby Table Cape.
The Strait Link Burnie Ten brings runners and supporters together for one of Australia’s leading community running events. The fast coastal course attracts elite athletes, families and recreational runners, with 10km and 5km events plus an 800m kids’ dash. Join the race or cheer from the sidelines as central Burnie comes alive.
Start in Devonport and follow the coast through Penguin, Burnie and Wynyard towards Stanley and the wild landscapes of the far North West.
Turn inland for rolling farmland, country towns, waterfalls and mountain views around Sheffield, Cradle Mountain and Waratah. Distances may look short, but there will always be another lookout, farm gate or local lunch worth stopping for.
Along the way, wander through the Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden, look for platypus at the Tasmanian Arboretum or watch little penguins return to their coastal colonies.
Whether you have a weekend or a full week, take your time and leave some room for an unexpected detour.
Pick a direction, hit the road and see where spring takes you.
We live here, we love it and we know where the good stuff is. From penguin spotting and paddock-to-plate experiences to waterfalls, gardens and road trips, our local guides will help you get more from your visit.
See below our featured articles on things to do this Spring on Tasmania’s North West.
Anytime, and we’re not just saying that.
In the North West, the seasons make themselves known. Each one shapes what’s on your plate, the rhythm of daily life, and the way the landscape looks and feels. Whatever time you come, you’ll find the region at its best.
Spring brings longer days and a burst of colour. Table Cape’s tulip fields steal the show, with the Wynyard Tulip Festival drawing thousands each October. Across the region, events like the CHArts Festival, The Unconformity and the Burnie 10 add to the buzz. Fresh produce, blooming gardens and open roads make it the ideal season for a self-drive trip.
North West summers are made for long days, beaches and seafood. It’s the season of small town festivals and easy coastal living, with highlights like the Festival of King Island (FOKI). Book ahead, hit the road, and make the most of the region’s warmest, brightest days.
Autumn is a good time to slow down. Days are calm and clear, evenings are cool, and Cradle Mountain National Park glows with the turning of the fagus, Tasmania’s only deciduous native. It’s also harvest season – you’ll taste it at the Forage Festival in Stanley, Gumnut Festival in Sheffield and community events right across the coast. Runners and adventurers head for the Diverge Sky Run on the West Coast, while travellers settle into the slower pace of our country towns and autumn produce.
In Tassie, we lean into winter, and the North West is no exception. This is the Off Season with its crisp, quiet days and plenty of reasons to rug up and get out. Join the locals for Permission to Trespass at Table Cape & Wynyard, head west for the Strahan Solstice, or indulge at the Chocolate Winter Festival in Latrobe. There’s music too, with Devonport Jazz Festival warming the coast in July. Winter is wild and welcoming here, it’s when you get to see the region in a different light.
No matter when you come, you’ll find the North West at its best. Start planning your next visit now.
