Great northern exposure

TASMANIA'S Northern Tamar region is rich in history and character, much like the wine for which it's developed a reputation.

Discover Tamar

WITH its vineyards, rows of opium poppies and wooded hillsides, the region that encompasses Launceston, the Tamar Valley and Tasmania's northern coastal towns is intoxicatingly beautiful and excellent roads make driving a joy.

And on the horizon there's Bass Strait, with its seaside towns, lighthouses and windswept golf links.

The area is renowned for its cool-climate sparkling and pinot noir, so a winery stop is essential. 

The Tamar Valley Wine Route is so clearly marked, all you have to do is follow your nose and pause at one of the vineyards offering cellar-door sales. 

Classy wines deserve to be paired with fresh fare, also in abundance throughout the region the sweep of countryside extending out from the Tamar River and into the north is a huge larder for cheese, seafood, berries, honey and vegetables.

*Start your journey with a visit to magnificent Cataract Gorge in Launceston where you can walk along its spectacular cliffs or jump on board a Tamar River cruise.

Afterwards, taste the fine ales on offer during a tour at the Boag's Brewery, home of arguably the city's most famous export. Enjoy the boutique shopping and sample the goods at one of several providores in Launceston.

Later, indulge in a relaxed dinner at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront in the Seaport precinct, or at Stillwater, Tasmania's restaurant of the year for 2011, which is in a gorgeous, historic riverside mill.

Chef Craig Will's enticing menu features local Greenham beef, Yorktown Organics vegetables and Macquarie Harbour ocean trout.

* While in Launceston, also take the time to admire the city's heritage architecture on your way to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery which recently reopened after extensive renovations.

The restoration work has returned the gallery to its original 1890s design: ideal for exhibiting its impressive collection of Tasmanian colonial art, including works by renowned colonial artists Robert Dowling, William Gould and John Glover.

Later, travel the West Tamar Highway to see the devils at Tasmania Zoo, before wandering the boardwalk at the Tamar Island Wetlands.

Then linger over a long lunch at one of the vineyards in the Tamar Valley it's a picturesque patchwork landscape of forested hills, orchards, pastures and vineyards.

It's a wine and food aficionado's wonderland with 30 cellar doors to discover, including Pirie South and Stoney Rise, as well as great dining opportunities such as Josef Chromy.

If you're considering staying the night in the area, why not rest your head at one of the charming B&Bs.

* Continuing on to the northeast of the state, start the day with a coastal walk through the Narawantapu National Park, ideal for wildlife viewing.

Then revisit history at Beaconsfield, the scene of Tasmania's most monumental, moving and, ultimately, triumphant mining rescue in 2006.

Now the disaster is commemorated by the award-winning Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Or drop in on the inhabitants at Platypus House and Seahorse World before heading to the Bass and Flinders Centre in George Town, and the Pilot Station at Low Head.

Make your way on to Bridport with a stop for bubbles at the Jansz, Pipers Brook or Bay of Fires cellar doors and end your day with a leisurely stroll along Bridport's coastal trail.

Play a round nearby at Australia's No.1 public golf course, Barnbougle Dunes; or indulge in a luxury spa treatment (or yet another round of golf) at Lost Farm.

This luxurious spa draws on the beauty and healing properties of the natural Tasmanian environment you can even bathe in pinot noir! Continue on to Scottsdale for locally made treasures from Scottsdale Art and Framing or the Forest Eco Centre, before visiting the Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre at Derby.

Marvel at the never-ending fields of lavender at Bridestowe Estate and taste the cheeses at Yondover. Or immerse yourself in pristine Tasmanian wilderness as you fly through the treetops with Hollybank Tree Top Adventures.

These exhilarating tours run day and night and one section is an incredible 400m long.

* The next highlight of the journey is the Heritage Highway. Step back in time at Longford, home to two World Heritage-Listed convict sites Woolmers and Brickendon estates.

Woolmers Estate is not only home to the National Rose Garden but also convict-built settlers cottages dating back to 1840 that now serve as accommodation.

Brickendon Estate, owned by the same family for more than 170 years, is a fascinating historical farming village that also features original early 19th-century workers cottage accommodation.

Further along the Heritage Highway, experience the historic towns of Ross, Campbell Town and Evandale, the home of a Sunday market, the Glover Art Show and the Penny Farthing Championships (February).

Further south, halfway or thereabouts between Launceston and Hobart, the town of Oatlands also oozes with colonial history.

Its unique landmark is the delightful Callington Flour Mill, built in 1837 and complete with a quartet of gently spinning sails.

If wilderness and mountain ranges are more your thing, make your way to Ben Lomond National Park, the place for mountain biking, rock climbing, walking and snow sports.

During summer or winter, the craggy Ben Lomond National Park plateau attracts all sorts of adventure seekers.

The park includes Tasmania's second-highest peak, Legges Tor, which is 1572m above sea level.

Continuing to the Great Western Tiers, Mole Creek Caves is another adventure stop and here you will find beautiful subterranean scenery and fascinating wildlife.

You can cross an underground stream in a chamber lit by glow worms or make your way through a more challenging honeycombed hill.

Treat your taste buds by sampling various produce including salmon, berries, chocolate, honey and cheese along the way at several roadside stalls and cafes.

If you're after a little more excitement, this is also the place to catch a brown trout from one of the stunning lakes and streams, or you could take in the views as you cycle along one of the many trails in the area before making your way back to Hobart.