Location: Orford
Distance from: Hobart - 85 km, Launceston - 201 km, Devonport - 282 km
Three Thumbs Lookout towers over the summer town of Orford on the east coast. The views from Three Thumbs State Reserve are absolutely breathtaking over Orford's Prosser and Spring Bays. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to Maria Island and over the Freycinet Peninsula.
Orford explodes during summertime with its pristine beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling, excellent restaurants and indulgent shopping. Many holidaymakers choose to hike up to this lookout, but for those with a strict timetable or mobility issues, the drive will take you right to the main attraction. But it can be a bit tricky to find this stunning spot.
Orford is a quick 1 hour and 15-minute drive from Hobart which sits 85 kilometres to the south. The drive from Launceston is 2 hours and 41 minutes over 201 kilometres. Devonport, Tasmania's main North Coast port, is 3.5 hours away sitting 282 kilometres to the northwest.
Find Orford's IGA in the middle of town. At the intersection, you'll find Charles Street which heads away from the Prosser River and eventually turns into Rheban Road which takes you to Spring Beach. After crossing the bridge over the Prosser River, turn right onto Weilangta Road, otherwise known as W Road. You'll see a bright blue Thumbs Lookout sign at the W Road turn telling you it's 4 kilometres away.
W Road becomes a well-maintained dirt road. After passing the entrance sign for the Three Thumbs State Reserve, you only have 2 more kilometres to go.
You'll find an emergency shelter, picnic tables and a fire pit at the Three Thumbs Lookout. You might want to stop at the IGA on Charles Street to pack up a picnic as you could drink in the views for an entire afternoon.
The area is fitted with informational displays. You'll be on the lookout for Swift Parrots and Wedge-tailed Eagles while learning about the waterways below. After leaving the lookout, you'll be an expert on the local geography which could enhance your enjoyment of Orford and all it has to offer.
No dogs are allowed in the Thumbs Reserve so leave Fido at home.
