Situated where the Leven River meets Bass Strait, the small but vibrant town of Ulverstone oozes immense appeal. And as you’ll soon discover, this scenic seaside spot is also within easy grasp of some of Tasmania’s best attractions.
Ulverstone is on the state’s northern coast, 120km northwest of Launceston (1hr 20min drive) and 25km west of the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport (15min drive).
Ulverstone’s positioning makes it a superb base for exploring a diverse selection of top Tassie attractions. The town’s relaxing vibe and stone’s-throw access to beautiful beaches only enhance its allure.
Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park
Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the state’s most famous national park is a daytrip must.
Treasure abounds: Diverse vegetation that includes rainforest, abundant wildlife, glacial lakes, and rugged peaks led by iconic Cradle Mountain.
Capture the immense beauty on various day walks, including the Dove Lake Loop Track. The visitor centre makes a great starting point before setting off, as it’s stocked with relevant maps and info.
Driving distance from Ulverstone: 1hr (to the visitor centre).
Gunns Plains Cave
This limestone creation is another engrossing natural attraction within comfortable reach of Ulverstone. Accessed just a short stroll from the car park, the cave teems with captivating formations and is home to glow-worms.
Distance: 30min
Leven Canyon Regional Reserve
This is one of Tasmania’s most underrated attractions and yet it’s so easy to be immersed among its beauty. The reserve is highlighted by Leven Canyon, a spectacular 250m-deep limestone ravine with a flowing river at its base.
Walking tracks lead to prime lookouts that reveal the area’s striking scenery. Even better, a few of these paths are easy walks of roughly 30min return. Nearby, don't miss Preston Falls.
Distance: 40min.
Penguin
Named after the cute birds synonymous with this stretch of coast, Penguin is a small town that turns on the charm. At nearby Lillico Beach, after-dark tours allow visitors to witness these adorable creatures come to shore during breeding season (September-March), which makes for a special sight.
Distance: 15min.
Sheffield
Sheffield is found at the foothills of imposing Mt Roland, but that peak is not the only thing to catch a gaze here. The town is awash with colour thanks to 140-plus murals scatted around its streets alongside various galleries and art studios.
Nearby, Promised Land (yes, that’s a genuine locality name) is home to Tasmazia, which features a network of awesome mazes. Also close by is the unique and quirky town of Railton, which is dominated by topiary sculptures.
Distance: 35min.
Table Cape
This 180m-high plateau is best viewed in spring when it boasts a mighty colourful patchwork quilt-like ‘cover’. Much of those hues emanate from the Table Cape Tulip Farm, which makes for a must-visit. At any time, the coastal outlooks from the nearby lighthouse are breathtaking.
Distance: 50min.
Stanley
A visit to this striking seaside town is one of the best things to do in north Tasmania. Stanley is dotted with glorious colonial buildings harking back to its early days and oozes charisma.
Yet it’s the flat-topped volcanic plug that overlooks the town that steals most attention. Affectionally called The Nut, this 150m-high wonder dominates the surrounds and gifts glorious coastal vistas from its top.
Distance: 1hr 25min.
Ulverstone has various golden beaches that are both family and pet-friendly and suit swimming in warmer months.
There’s also a picturesque waterfront walking path that connects to the town centre. Or admire the sweeping views from the lookout at Zig Zag Garden.
Keep the camera or phone handy to snap away at the distinctive Shrine of Remembrance or the magnificent-looking ANZ building in Reibey St.
Elsewhere, uncover the fascinating past of the town and wider region at the engrossing Ulverstone History Museum.
And the Fairway Park Pump 'n' Jump Track, which opened in September 2019, is a big hit with kids.
In 1874, Ulverstone hosted Australia's first axeman (woodchopping) competition.
BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park
Park type: Classic.
With a prime position directly opposite the beach, the park is an excellent choice when searching for accommodation in Ulverstone.
BIG4 Ulverstone has a range of cabins alongside its various powered and unpowered sites. This includes several pet-friendly cabins and sites.
A sizeable enclosed camp kitchen, jumping pillow, and toddlers’ playground are all offered at BIG4 Ulverstone, and just outside the park’s back gate is a skate park for bigger kids.
Also near the skate park is the popular Ulverstone Waterslide, which is open daily during the summer school holidays and on weekends November-March.
Park guests who are travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania can enjoy a free late checkout.
Isn’t it time you had a northern Tasmania escape? Book your Ulverstone break with BIG4 now.
