Places to Go
Explore all towns and regions
Featured
Plan a coastal road trip →
Plan your visit
Start planning your trip
Featured
Start with the ferry to Devonport →
WHERE THE LEVEN MEETS THE SEA
A riverfront town with Hive, a coastal path and the road inland to Leven Canyon.
Ulverstone Tasmania sits where the Leven River meets Bass Strait, between Devonport and Penguin on Tasmania’s North West coast. Its riverfront, beaches, town centre and coastal pathway are all within a few minutes of one another.
Cafés, accommodation, supermarkets and visitor services make it an easy stop for a few hours or several nights.
The town is also the starting point for an inland journey through Forth and Gunns Plains to Leven Canyon.
The Leven River runs through the centre of Ulverstone before reaching Bass Strait. Follow the waterfront paths, stop beside the river or watch fishing boats move between the wharf and the coast.
To see more of the river, join a Leven River cruise from Ulverstone. The journey travels upstream through farmland and forest, along a stretch you can’t see from the road.
Cruises operate by arrangement and departure times may vary. Book ahead and confirm the meeting point before arriving.
ART, SCIENCE AND LOCAL STORIES
Hive brings a planetarium, a hands-on science centre, a museum and an art gallery together…Hive brings a planetarium, a hands-on science centre, a museum and an art gallery together in central Ulverstone. The visitor information centre is here too, with maps and local advice for the rest of your visit.
Hive Tasmania →
Town Centre
Ulverstone’s compact town centre has cafés, bakeries, gift shops, boutiques and local businesses within an…Ulverstone’s compact town centre has cafés, bakeries, gift shops, boutiques and local businesses within an easy walk of the river. Stop for coffee, browse the shops or collect something for a picnic beside the water.
Coastal Pathway
Follow the shared coastal pathway from the Leven River towards Buttons Beach and continue east…Follow the shared coastal pathway from the Leven River towards Buttons Beach and continue east towards Turners Beach. Choose a short waterfront walk, ride your bike or hire a pedal buggy for a family outing.
Start with coffee and something from a local bakery, settle in for lunch or look for Tasmanian seafood and seasonal produce between the river, town centre and waterfront. The wharf and surrounding streets place cafés, restaurants and shops close together, so you can leave the car where it is.
Buttons Brewing Cellar Door offers an authentic brewery experience. Sit amongst tanks and pallets of grain on a keg stool, tasting beer direct from the source. Taste the…
Visit the home of the manufacturing facility of Tasmania’s famous pickled onions, sample the various varieties or enjoy with a meal at Windows On Westella cafe. Tastings available…
Renowned for its delicious food and relaxed surroundings, The Lighthouse Bistro offers an air of casual sophistication that makes dining out a very special experience. Open for lunch…
The Ulverstone to Penguin Mini Trail begins with local producers and craft beer around Ulverstone before heading into the countryside for olive oil, wine, spirits and farm experiences.
Allow two days to follow the complete route, finishing beside the sea in Penguin. Opening days and tasting times vary, so check each producer before setting out.
Head inland from Ulverstone to Gunns Plains for a guided cave tour, Wings Wildlife Park or a tasting at Leven Valley Vineyard.
Continue to Leven Canyon for forest walks and lookouts above the river gorge. Allow a full day if you want to combine several stops.
The Dial Range & Surrounds guide covers Gunns Plains and Leven Canyon, with attractions, walking information, inland access and camping options.
Stay overnight for an evening meal and a slower morning around the river and town. Another day gives you time for a Leven River cruise, nearby coastal villages or a trip into the Leven Valley. Accommodation includes motels, apartments, holiday homes, bed and breakfasts and caravan parks, with further options around Turners Beach, Forth and Penguin.
Find accommodation in and around Ulverstone
Ulverstone is a practical stop for a North West road trip, with caravan parks, nearby council-managed short-stay camping and access to fuel, groceries and RV facilities.
Stay for a night or two for the riverfront, Hive and town centre, then leave your caravan at your site for a day trip into the Leven Valley.
The area
Plot your way around Ulverstone and the Leven Valley - pin by pin. Filter the map by where to stay, what to see and where to eat.
Yes. Ulverstone combines a riverfront, beaches, coastal pathway, cafés, shops and visitor attractions in a compact area. It is also a useful starting point for day trips to Gunns Plains and Leven Canyon.
Allow at least half a day for the riverfront, Hive and town centre. Stay for one or two nights if you also want to cruise the Leven River or make a day trip inland.
About 19 km west of Devonport via the Bass Highway.
Yes. Leven River Cruises depart from Ulverstone and travel upstream through the surrounding countryside. Cruises operate by arrangement, so book ahead and confirm departure details.
Hive includes the Ulverstone Visitor Information Centre, a museum, art gallery, science centre and planetarium. Exhibitions and sessions may change, so check the current program.
Yes. A shared pathway follows sections of the coast around Ulverstone and continues towards Turners Beach. Choose a distance that suits your time and ability.
Yes. Gunns Plains is approximately 30 minutes inland from Ulverstone, with Leven Canyon further along the route. Allow most of a day if you plan to visit the cave, wildlife park or vineyard before continuing to the canyon.
See the Dial Range & Surrounds page for detailed driving, walking and camping information.
Yes, but choices are limited. Ulverstone has a small selection of motels, apartments, holiday homes, bed and breakfasts and caravan accommodation. Additional options are available in nearby Penguin, Turners Beach and Forth. Book ahead if your dates are fixed.
Yes. Ulverstone is reached by sealed road and has two established caravan parks, a public RV dump point and daytime parking for long vehicles. Council-managed short-stay camping is available at nearby Forth and Gunns Plains.
Visit the Ulverstone Visitor Information Centre inside Hive for maps, local advice and current information about attractions, events and road conditions.
Make it a trip
