Self Drive Itineraries

Derwent Valley Day Drive

This Derwent Valley day drive itinerary goes inland from Hobart to the picturesque valley from which it got its name.

A very pleasant day of historic villages, wilderness rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and rural scenery make this an essential part of your Tasmania itinerary.

This drive will get you off the main roads, and take you in a loop through the contrasts that are the essence of rural Tasmania.

The area was settled in 1807 when the first of the 544 migrants resettled from Norfolk Island arrived in Tasmania.

Contact with the Derwent Valley was by ferry until the first road connecting New Norfolk to Hobart was built in 1818. It is along this very scenic riverside road you will travel as you drive into the valley.

The Derwent Valley is a major rural, sheep and hop growing region. The tall buildings with the “hat” on the top are Oast Houses – used for drying hops for beer making.

This drive will take you in a loop through wilderness, farming and historic parts of Tasmania. Drive north from Hobart on the A1, and at Granton stay on the west side of the river and follow it on the A10 towards New Norfolk and Queenstown.

The road runs right beside the River and the reflections are quite beautiful on a still day.

Derwent Valley Day Drive Tasmania Australia

New Norfolk is a bustling town on the Derwent River with a rich history, quality produce and pretty rural scenery. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Rick Eaves.

Credit - Tourism Tasmania & Rick Eaves
Derwent Valley Day Drive Tasmania Australia

Salmon Ponds & the Museum of Trout Fishing. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett.

Credit - Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Derwent Valley Day Drive Tasmania Australia

Top of Russell Falls Tasmania Australia. Image thanks to Shmenny50.

Credit - Shmenny50
Derwent Valley Day Drive Tasmania Australia

Mt Field National Park, Tasmania, Australia. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Glenn Gibson.

Credit - Tourism Tasmania & Glenn Gibson
Derwent Valley Day Drive Tasmania Australia

Built in 1856, this sandstone shop was the Centre of Commerce in colonial Hamilton. Image thanks to Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne

Credit -
Derwent Valley Day Drive Tasmania Australia

Aerial of Hobart City in Tasmania.

Credit -

New Norfolk

New Norfolk is an historic village, claiming Tasmania’s oldest Anglican Church (St. Matthews) and also the Bush Inn Hotel, The hotel claims to be Australia’s oldest hotel serving in the same building.

The Bush Inn first opened in 1815 and has been continuously using the same license to serve liquor since 1825.

At New Norfolk, do not cross the river, but instead take the B62 road as it winds along the west bank of the Derwent.

Things to see and do...

The Salmon Ponds

Situated about midway between New Norfolk and Bushy Park on the B62 road, the Salmon Ponds is the site of the first introduction of trout into Australia in 1864.

It is well worth a visit with the trout fishing museum being of great interest. It is open every day.

When the road T-joins the B61 at Bushy Park, turn left and follow the Gordon River Road (B61) as the scenery changes from farmland to bush between Glenora and Westerway.

At Westerway, the B61 takes a left hand turn through the village. Stay on the B61 as it winds its way along the banks of the Tyenna River, through the gorge and out onto the flatland at National Park.

Watch for the turnoff to the right onto the Lake Dobson Rd. and drive over the bridge over the Tyenna River and enter Mt. Field National Park.

Along with Freycinet National Park, Mt. Field is the oldest declared National Park in Australia (1916). Russell Falls was set aside as Tasmania’s first nature reserve in 1885.

Russell Falls – Mt Field National Park

The Visitor Centre at the gates of the park is excellent, and there are barbecue and picnic facilities for public use.

Take the walks in to Russell Falls (handicap access), and if you really want to make a hike of it, go on to Lady Barron and Horsehoe Falls.

You can walk as little as half an hour, or as long as 3 or 4 hours on the well maintained tracks. This is a wonderful rainforest experience just 90 minutes from Hobart, and arguably the best forest walk in Tasmania. The Russell Falls track is handicap access.

Lake Dobson – Mt. Field National Park

For some excellent alpine walking, drive up the Lake Dobson Road. There are wonderful walks in the area at the end of the road, from the Lake Dobson circuit walk to the longer trek to Tarn Shelf.

Historic Hamilton Village

Leaving National Park, retrace your route to Westerway, turning left onto the Ellendale Road.

Stay on the Ellendale Road as it winds through farmland and forest and cross Meadowbank Lake before joining the A10 Lyell Highway.

Turn right onto the A10 and drive into Hamilton. Watch out for sheep on the road.

A great place for lunch, morning or afternoon tea is the Glen Clyde House in Hamilton. Their gift shop and craft gallery has some excellent, individually crafted unique items.

Things to see and do...

Hobart

From Hamilton, stay on the A10 through Gretna and Rosegarland.

The road runs beside the Derwent River into New Norfolk and is very picturesque. Stay on the east side of the river and take the B10 road back to Bridgewater.

Make a stop at Pulpit Rock Lookout for great views – watch for the turnoff to the left about 1 Km from the Bridge, just as you head out of New Norfolk.

At Bridgewater take a right turn, cross the causeway and follow the A1 into Hobart.

Things to see and do...
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