Our most recommended things to do in Sheffield, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain: Day Trip from Launceston with Lunch

1. Cradle Mountain: Day Trip from Launceston with Lunch

Meet your coach at one of the Launceston pickup points, and travel in comfort to Cradle Mountain National Park. Take a 15-minute scenic tour through Sheffield to see some of the highlights of the Town of Murals along the way. Journey along the Great Western Tiers of the Central Highlands to arrive at Cradle Mountain Visitor Center. Get a short break before entering the national park to drive to Dove Lake. Embark on a guided nature walk through the rainforest and pass quartzite beaches. Discover the remnants of the last Ice Age at Glacier Rock. Then depart for Waldheim Chalet to enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh rolls, wraps, salad fillings, cheeses, and local meats. Get shown around the first accommodation to open in the national park before a short forest walk, time permitting. Make your way back to Launceston, stopping at the Ashgrove Cheese Farm to taste an amazing array of cheeses and other local produce along the way.

From Hobart: 5-Day Tasmania West & East Coast Tour

2. From Hobart: 5-Day Tasmania West & East Coast Tour

Departing from Hobart, escape into Tasmania's wilderness and travel coast to coast to explore and experience the best of the island on this 5-day tour. Journey to the wild and rugged West Coast for waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife. Then experience the startling change of scenery as the tour continues on through the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain to the white sands of the Bay of Fires. Full of famous attractions, fun and adventure, this tour will show you the best of Tasmania! Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Depart Hobart at 7:30 AM and drive through the Derwent Valley, traveling east to west across the island. You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan where you will stay overnight. Day 2: Wild West Coast   In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then, continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall Montezuma Falls. Or choose to join the world famous Gordon River Cruise (optional, at your own expense). Stay overnight at Strahan. Day 3: Cradle Mountain Around 950m above sea level is the World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park, where you choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes you through Sheffield, the "town of murals", to Launceston. Stay overnight at Launceston. Day 4: Bay of Fires Head to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Enjoy the pristine white sands and orange lichen-clad boulders. Learn about the rich culture of the palawa (Tasmanian aboriginal people). Later, Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to the seaside town of Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Stay overnight in Bicheno. Day 5: Freycinet National Park to Hobart An early start means you are the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mount Amos or Hazards Beach walk. Continue further along the scenic east coast via the seaside towns of Swansea and Orford on the way to Hobart.

From Launceston: Cradle Mountain Day Tour

3. From Launceston: Cradle Mountain Day Tour

Cradle Mountain’s jagged silhouette is unmistakable. Standing 1545 metres above sea level amongst glacial lakes, alpine moorland and World Heritage Listed wilderness, this iconic mountain is pure untamed Tassie. On this full day tour, you’ll score front row seats. After leaving Launceston we stop in the quirky town of Sheffield, the town of murals, a unique open air art gallery. From there we head into the mountains along winding roads fringed by rainforest to arrive at Cradle Mountain National Park. We begin our adventures with an easy guided walk to Pencil Pine Falls, a stunning cascade of pristine water. After that it’s onto our main walk of the day, Dove Lake Circuit, a comfortable 6km circumnavigation of the glassy lake that sits at the bottom of Cradle Mountain. The views are epic. If you’re looking for a challenge, tackle the hike to Marion’s Lookout. An uphill climb rewards you with breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain, Little Horn, Smithies Peak and so many mirrored lakes. Our last stop is Van Diemen’s Ice Creamery and Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for well-earned treats crafted from the finest Tasmanian dairy and produce. A sweet end to a heavenly day.

Tasmania: 7-Day Tasmania Highlights Tour

4. Tasmania: 7-Day Tasmania Highlights Tour

Day 1: Hobart to Strahan Departing Hobart, your tour of Tasmania/lutruwita begins in Mount Field National Park. Walk among the world’s tallest eucalyptus trees and discover the cascading Russell Falls. The incredible scenery continues at Lake St Clair (Australia’s deepest freshwater lake), and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. You’ll learn about Tasmania’s mining history in Queenstown before arriving in the village of Strahan where we’ll spend the next two nights. Day 2: Wild West Coast Discover the West Coast’s wild and rugged coastlines and rainforests. Walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, within the ancient rainforests of the Tarkine/takayna. At the coast we’ll explore Henty Sand Dunes and Tasmania’s longest stretch of sand at Ocean Beach. Or today you can choose an outstanding nature cruise on the beautiful Gordon River (own cost). Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Launceston Discover Cradle’s alpine and glacial-carved wilderness as you look for wombats, echidna, and other Tasmanian wildlife. Choose from a variety of world-class walks, such as the track to the summit of Marion’s Lookout, or the Dove Lake circuit. Later today we'll drive to the city of Launceston via the colourful town of Sheffield, known as the Town of Murals. Day 4: Launceston to Bicheno Explore Launceston's lovely Cataract Gorge which is a great place for seeing wallaby. Travel to the Bay of Fires/larapuna and learn about the spiritual connection of the land to Tasmanian aboriginal people/palawa. Walk along pristine white sands with its turquoise waters with striking orange boulders. We will spend the night in Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Day 5: Freycinet National Park Walk to Wineglass Bay or climb to the summit of Mt Amos. We'll visit the Cape Tourville lighthouse before returning to Hobart/nipaluna. Day 6: Tasmanian Devils, Richmond and Wellington Park Today we'll meet Tasmanian devils at Bonorong wildlife sanctuary, before exploring the heritage village of Richmond. Back in Hobart we'll show you some of our favourite spots on Mount Wellington/kunanyi. Tonight, unwind in one of Hobart's historic pubs or restaurants. Day 7: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula Discover the rugged coastal scenery and epic convict history of the Tasman Peninsula/turrakana. Visit Port Arthur, Australia’s best preserved convict settlement. Later today we'll walk to the stunning Crescent Bay, before returning to Hobart.

Tasmania in 6 Days: the Major Highlights and Attractions

5. Tasmania in 6 Days: the Major Highlights and Attractions

Day 1: Salamanca Markets, Tasmanian Devils and Port Arthur We begin by exploring the famous Salamanca Markets in Hobart/nipaluna. At this bustling outdoor market you can buy hand-made Tasmanian goods and sample a range of seasonal produce and gourmet foods. Then we’ll visit a wildlife sanctuary to meet native wildlife like Tasmanian devils. At Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula/turrakana, imagine the harsh convict life of the early 1800’s at Australia’s best preserved convict settlement. Later, see the dramatic coastal scenery of Tasman National Park at the geological wonders of Tasman Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen. We return to Hobart for a night to explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Freycinet National Park to Bicheno Today's highlight is exploring Freycinet National Park with its pristine beaches and pink granite mountains. Climb to the summit of Mt Amos or walk to Wineglass Bay. We'll visit Cape Tourville Lighthouse then continue to the coastal town of Bicheno, home of the little penguin. Day 3: Bicheno to Launceston via Bay of Fires The Bay of Fires/larapuna is a place with profound cultural significance to Tasmanian aboriginal people (palawa). You’ll love walking along the dazzling white sands with its clear waters and lichen clad boulders. We’ll travel to Launceston and walk within Cataract Gorge, looking for wallabies as we go, before spending the night in Australia's second oldest city. Day 4: Cradle Mountain to Strahan Leaving Launceston, a short drive takes us through Sheffield, the ‘Town of Murals’ and then onto Tasmania’s most famous alpine national park. Cradle is home to an abundance of wildlife such as wombats and echidnas. Choose from a variety of incredible walks such as the Dove Lake circuit or the challenging walk to the summit of Marion’s Lookout. Departing Cradle, we travel to the harbourside village of Strahan on the West Coast, our accommodation for the next two nights. Day 5: Wild West Coast Today’s playground is the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast. Walk in the rainforests of the Tarkine/takayna to reach Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls. You’ll also explore the enormous Henty Sand Dunes. Alternatively, today you have the option of cruising the wildly beautiful Gordon River (own cost). Later at Ocean Beach, you can breathe the world’s freshest air. Back in Strahan, our guide can help you look for platypus. Day 6: Strahan to Hobart Buttongrass plains, mountains, waterfalls, rainforest, and pioneer history are some of today’s highlights. Our first stop is Queenstown, a mining town with a fascinating history. We then travel through the Tasmanian World Heritage Area via the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and Lake St Clair. At Mt Field National Park we'll stroll beneath some of the world’s tallest trees and see the beautiful Russell Falls. We return to Hobart around 5.30pm, the end of an incredible adventure.

Cradle Mountain National Park by Coach from Launceston

6. Cradle Mountain National Park by Coach from Launceston

Go deep into the Tasmanian forest and experience the solitary wilderness of waterfalls, glacial lakes, rainforest, wildlife and unsurpassed beauty of Cradle Mountain, a World Heritage-listed National Park. Travel through green pastures on your way southwest from Launceston and take in mountain views of the Great Western Tiers as you approach Cradle Mountain National Park. Along the way, pass through the scenic town of Deloraine, the hub between Launceston and Devonport. Travel further inland to take a tour of Sheffield, the town of murals, before traversing through dense forest and mountainous terrain. From there, cross the beautiful Cethana Dam as you arrive in Cradle Mountain National Park, staying on the lookout for wombats, potaroos and wallabies. Then take a short stroll along the Enchanted Forest and enjoy majestic views of pencil pine, lush forests, and a spectacular waterfall. Gaze at the sight of Cradle Mountain hanging over the picturesque Dove Lake, before taking a short walk around the lake for even more views of Cradle Mountain (weather permitting). Afterwards, visit a local chalet and stop at Ashgrove Cheese Farm for a tasting of some famous Tasmanian cheeses, and to learn how they are made, before heading back to Launceston. Limited hotel pick-ups available for this tour.

Other Sightseeing Options in Sheffield, Tasmania

Want to discover all there is to do in Sheffield, Tasmania? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Sheffield, Tasmania

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 54 reviews

Beautiful trip with two phenomenal guides Steve & Misty. On this tour you’ll experience the best of the best locations Tassie has to offer. The knowledgeable & passionate guides will eagerly answer questions & ensure you’re having a good time to enjoy the day at your own pace. Not only will you be experiencing the great TASSIE outdoors, you’ll be surrounded by kind & genuine folks seeking to explore & connect with one another. 100% recommend doing this tour solo or with a couple of mates when down in Van Diemen’s Land. A big thank you to Steve & Misty & to the many new friendships for making this trip ever so magical & one to remember.

This trip was incredible, walking around the lake was so enjoyable (although it was raining when we started the hiking but after a while, rains stopped), weather was a bit cold but air was so fresh, lake surrounded by mountains was beautiful. The driver, who was also our guide, shared lots of interesting information about Launceston, the smaller towns we passed by and of course Cradle Mountain. The tour also provided thick raincoat that helped our walk more comfortable.

Cradle Mountain is absolutely stunning and 100% recommend this tour! Loved everything about it - the guide was super informative and also met some really cool people.

John was very knowledgeable of the places we visited, a very clear communicator, and understanding of the needs of his passengers.

Enjoy the strenuous activities with the group and the excellent tour guide/driver.