On the Tasman Highway (connects Launceston with the eastern coast) 70 kilometres north-east of Launceston, Scottsdale is a large town supporting some of Tasmania's most productive pastoral and forestry country. The town's friendly atmosphere and wide range of services and accommodation make it a great rural retreat, and garden enthusiasts will love the Bridestowe Lavender Farm, especially during December and January when the hillsides are ablaze with purple. From Scottsdale, it's another 33 kilometres west before the Tasman Highway reaches the charming old township of Derby. So numerous are the historical buildings brought about by its tin mining heyday, the entire town has been classified by the National Trust. Some of the old mine buildings now form part of the interesting Derby Tin Mine Centre, a museum which features a reconstructed mining shanty town, as well as various displays of old photographs and mining implements. Many of Derby's other 19th century buildings and shops are also worth a look, now housing a range of galleries and craft outlets.

38 kilometres further down the Tasman Highway towards the coast, the tiny rural community of Pyengana marks the turn-off to the St Columbia Falls. Well worthy of the 13 kilometre detour, the falls are thought to be Tasmania's highest, dumping up to 200 000 litres of water over a ninety metre drop every minute. The best vantage point to view this amazing spectacle is from the platform at the base of the falls, accessible via a ten minute walk from the carpark. While in the area, it always fun to have a beer St Columbia Falls Hotel, a unique watering hole better known as the Pub in the Paddock.

Back on the main highway and travelling east, it's only another 26 kilometres before the road touches the eastern coast at the popular holiday resort of St Helens. The largest town this side of the island, St Helens has long been visited by landlocked Tasmanians looking to capitalise on the area's mild climate and excellent swimming, boating and fishing opportunities (a good range of charters can be hired). Lovers of fine food will also be happy to know that the town's other big drawcard is seafood. Within hours of its huge fishing fleet returning home, the local specialities of lobster and scalefish can be sampled in St Helens' renowned seafood restaurants.

Set on a string of superb white beaches 20 kilometres south of St Helens, Scamander is another frequented holiday destination enjoying Tasmania's stunning eastern coast. Although considerably smaller than its northern neighbour, the township is well developed and offers a good choice of places to stay. Just inland from the coast 17 kilometres south of Scamander, St Marys is a quaint little country town, lying at the junction of the Tasman Highway and Esk Main Road. Visitors to St Marys are either here to soak in the charming rural atmosphere, or to eat at the world famous Mount Elephant Pancake Barn, set amidst spectacular scenery only minutes south of town.

National Parks

In the remote top corner of North East Tasmania, the little known Mt William National Park is an important wildlife reserve, brimming with common species like wallabies, echidnas and wombats, as well as rarer native animals like the Forester kangaroo (Tasmania's only kangaroo), spotted-tail quolls, and the Tasmanian devil. The park's landscape consists of gentle, undulating hills, fringed by rugged headlands and beautiful white beaches, perfect for swimming, fishing, and diving. Bushwalking is obviously the other main activity, and treks include a hike to the breathtaking views at the summit of Mt William itself. Built in the 1890's, the impressive lighthouse at Eddystone Point is another great photo opportunity.

Access to both the northern and southern stretches of Mt William National Park can be gained via the small town of Gladstone, 135 kilometres north-east of Lauceston. For those planning an extended stay, Gladstone is only good for accommodation on a limited basis, but well-equipt campers can utilise Mt William's basic, but scenically positioned campgrounds. (for more information see Campgrounds under Accommodation)

Closer to Launceston, the less remote Ben Lomond National Park is one of Tasmania's two main skiing destinations, encompassing the entire Ben Lomond Range. During the ski season, the moderate slopes offer both downhill and cross-country skiing (at around half the cost of similar setups on the mainland), and services at the park's alpine village include a kiosk, restaurant, ski and snowboard hire, and a cosy tavern with accommodation. Should you be in the area when the slopes are green rather than white, the park's striking mountainous scenery is still well worthy of exploration, especially in Spring when the countryside is blanketed in wildflowers.