When you stay at Glencoe Country Guesthouse, not only do we have a number of activities to do on our property…but we are also a good base to explore if you’re wondering what to do around Cradle Mountain and the Northwest of Tasmania.
In fact, there are so many attractions within an hour and a half drive of our B&B, that you’ll be spoilt for choice. We’ll make it really easy for you: unpack just once, come back each night and relax.
There are two wildlife parks in the region – Wings Wildlife Park, where you can see over 150 different species and get amongst the Australian native wildlife. Be amazed by their birds of prey, frolic with the farm animals, mingle with the meerkats and marmoset monkeys, throw some pellets to the fish and smile with the reptiles.
Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary has been caring for Tasmania’s native animals since 1979 and it continues to be at the forefront of conservation and education in the state. The Sanctuary is currently involved in five separate conservation breeding programs that will ensure the survival of these threatened and endangered species.
To explore further and see some more natural wonders – Gunns Plains Caves features a limestone cave system formed by an underground river that still flows today. Mole Creek Caves have numerous caves with a spectacular glow worm display. Leven Canyon is the deepest limestone ravine in Tasmania with a number of varied walking trails experiencing an entirely different landscape.
When asking yourself what to do around Cradle Mountain, there are plenty of beautiful little towns to explore within an hour’s drive of us…many known for their individuality. Sheffield (the town of murals) is situated perfectly with the stunning backdrop of Mount Roland, Railton (the town of topiary), Wilmot (letterboxes), Latrobe (famous for its antique shops), Delaraine (known for its history and is home to one of Australia’s biggest craft fairs in November).
Tasmazia and the village of Lower Crackpot is one of the world’s largest maze complexes with a total of 8 mazes to lose yourself in, as well as a
lavender farm and café. Located only 20 mins away in the aptly named Promised Land.
Next to Tasmazia is Lake Barrington, an artificial lake 20 kilometres long which was built on the Forth River in 1969 to provide a head of water for the Devils Gate Power Station. Lake Barrington is a designated ‘big fish’ water, stocked by the Inland Fisheries Service with king size fish for anglers.
It’s a popular venue for a variety of activities including rowing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, fishing, camping, picnicking and sightseeing, and is a venue for State, National and International sporting events; particularly rowing, kayaking and water-skiing.
Mount Roland is a cracker of a hike. On a clear summer’s day, views stretch out to Bass Strait and across the Great Western Tiers from 1,234m above sea level. Choose to head up the Face Track (3-5 hours, the quickest route but very steep) via Kings Road or take the longer track departing from O’Neill’s Road (4-6 hours). There are also some lovely walks around the seaside town of Port Sorrell.
Iconic Cradle Mountain is a place of exceptional natural beauty in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and only 75 mins from Glencoe. The Park offers a world-class system of walking tracks to explore, ranging from very short easy strolls to the legendary Overland Track. Cradle Mountain is synonymous with nature, wilderness and all things pristine.
If you like waterfalls – then there is no shortage around Cradle Mountain. There are the Lobster Falls, Liffey Falls, Champagne Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, Prestons Falls, Shower Cave Falls, Enchanted Falls, Guide Falls, Meander Falls and Oldaker Falls.
Tasmanian Arboretum has the world’s largest collection of Tasmanian living woody plants, southern hemisphere conifers, and plants from northern hemisphere forests in an extensive park of around 66ha. The arboretum is currently the best place in Australia to see a platypus in the wild being reliably seen most days in Founders lake. There are around 80 bird species recorded in the area and plenty of other wildlife.
If wine trails are more your thing, the North West doesn’t disappoint: Ghost Rock Wines, 3 Willows Vineyard, La Villa Wines, Leven Valley Vineyard, Motton Terraces, Lake Barrington Estate Vineyard, Wilmot Hills Vineyard, Myrtle Brook Fruit Wines. Additionally, we have Seven Sheds Brewery and Spreyton Cider close by.
For foodies, we have Anvers chocolates, Ashgrove Cheese, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Van Diemen’s Land Ice Creamery, Turners Beach Berry Farm to name a few. Follow the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.
Penguin is a picturesque seaside town with a pretty esplanade, scenic walking trails, great coastal drives and a quirky collection of penguins on the street. Watch penguins make their way up the beach to nest (September to March).
Burnie is a port city – see local craftsmen and artisans at work at the Makers Workshop, part contemporary museum, part arts centre, gallery and craft workshop. Burnie also produces award-winning cheese and at Hellyer’s Rd Distillery, Australia’s largest boutique whisky distillery, you can sample some of the world’s best whisky at the cellar door. The Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden is a remarkable private garden 8km from Bernie. The 11-hectare property features over 24,000 select rhododendrons and companion plants from around the world.
If visiting in spring, Table Cape Tulip Farm has fields of tulips in flower during September/October, as well as souvenirs, Devonshire tea, art and bulbs for sale. Wynyard has a daffodil and flower show in September.
If you’re still wondering what to do around Cradle Mountain and are up for a slightly longer drive (it’s well worth it), go through beautiful Boat Harbour then onto the Historic village of Stanley nestled at the base of ‘the Nut;’ a sheer-sided bluff – the remains of an ancient volcanic plug which you can walk up. The town was formed in 1824 during the Reign of King George IV and has an imposing Georgian Manner house.
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