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DARK MOFO ROADTRIP:
LAUNCESTON TO HOBART
Why fly into Hobart when you can fly
into Launceston? Take the scenic route
this Dark Mofo. Go on. You know you
want to.
Passengers attending Dark Mofo and
looking for car rental will receive a single
free upgrade on Budget rentals of two
or more days. Valid on all rentals booked
before 30 June 2016.
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Stillwater Restaurant, Launceston
Hatherley Birrell Collection, Launceston
Josef Chromy Wines, Relbia
Hubert & Dan Cafe, Longford
Ross Bakery Inn, Ross
Mill Keeper’s Cafe, Oatlands
Poatina Chalet, Poatina
Nant Distillery, Bothwell
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Ashmore on Bridge, Richmond
Frogmore Creek Restaurant, Cambridge
Cradle Mountain Hotel, Cradle Mountain
Mount Lyell Anchorage, Queenstown
Hungry Wombat Cafe, Derwent Bridge
Mohr & Smith, St Helens
Pasini’s, Bicheno
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MIDLAND HIGHWAY:
THE RED ROUTE
The most direct route from Launceston to Hobart.
Travel down Highway 1, observe ancient submerged sea beds, pay a visit to old colonial-era
towns such as Ross, Oatlands, and Kempton, and
then climb the ascent over the hills coming into
Hobart.
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OVER THE TOP:
THE ORANGE ROUTE
Make your way out of Launceston through the
picturesque town of Longford, before paving
your way through the Great Western Tiers and
onto the Central Plateau. Step into a sixties-era
Hydro-eclectic time capsule at the Poatina Chalet
for afternoon tea, before continuing your journey
across the Central Plateau and Great Lakes. Soon
enough you’ll find yourself descending through
the valleys into charming Bothwell—the home of
world-acclaimed whiskey distillery, Nant. Continue
from there to Highway 1 at Melton Mowbray, and
down to Hobart town. Pop in and say hi to Mona
along the way, if you can (the current exhibition is
Cameron Robbins’ Field Lines).
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COAL VALLEY
DIVERSION:
THE BROWN ROUTE
Heading south after Oatlands, take a left-hand
turn onto the B31 in the direction of Colebrook
and Richmond, down a picturesque winding road
into the Coal Valley. Enjoy wonderful views, fine
food and vino in towns like Richmond, Cambridge,
and Colebrook.
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THE WILD WEST:
THE GREEN ROUTE
Head west out of Launceston towards arty
Deloraine and crafty Sheffield, both located at
the base of ominous Mount Rowland—heading
into the wilderness (aka Cradle Mountain and the
Tarkine). Stay overnight in Cradle Mountain, or
venture along the west coast, taking the Murchison Highway, and journey through mining towns
like Roseberry and Zeehan. Soon, you’ll end up in
Queenstown: the epicenter of the wild west. A
scenic diversion to Strahan—coastal gateway to
the Franklin and Gordon rivers—is highly recommended. Exit via through deserted mining towns,
into a World Heritage-listed national park, and the
historic towns of Hamilton, Ouse, and New Norfolk.
Take a pit stop at Mike Parr’s Asylum (entry by
mirror only) if your dates match up (see darkmofo.
net.au for details), or continue to Hobart. You can
also stop off at Mona; look for the signs.
Please note: the Wild West is not for the faint
of heart, and is recommended as a 2–3 day trip.
Check the weather conditions before departure
and be careful on the winding roads.
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THE EAST COAST:
THE BLUE ROUTE
For lovers of a scenic route: rainforest, beaches,
and natural beauty in abundance. Head east out
of Launceston, and hightail it (safely) to Tasmania’s east coast. Intrigue, and quaint villages and
seaside towns such as St Helens, Bicheno, Coles
Bay, and Swansea. Allow a full day, or more.