How to Get to Quamby Bluff Tasmania

Getting There

Last updated: April 2026

Sunlit forest trail winding through tall moss-covered trees with ferns lining the path on the lower section of Quamby Bluff

Getting to Launceston

Quamby Bluff is about 60km west of Launceston, so Launceston is your gateway city. We flew Qantas Link direct from Sydney. Easter 2026 pricing was steep at around $350 each way per person, but I have seen those flights drop to $150 or less each way outside peak season. Jetstar also flies Sydney to Launceston and can be significantly cheaper if you book 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

From Melbourne, Launceston flights are usually under $200 return on Jetstar outside of school holidays. Virgin Australia also operates the route. International visitors can fly into Hobart or Launceston from mainland capital cities, then drive.

There is a sneaky alternative that some people overlook: the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. Devonport is actually closer to Quamby Bluff than Launceston, only about 45 minutes drive west along the Bass Highway. If you are bringing your own car and want to explore the region for a few days, the ferry makes sense. It sails overnight, so you wake up in Tasmania and can drive straight to the trailhead.

Car Rental

You need a car. There is no public transport to the trailhead, and ride shares do not operate out here. We rented from Redspot at Launceston Airport and they gave us a free upgrade, which was a nice surprise. Their reviews were solid and the process was painless.

Budget around $60 to $80 per day for a standard car. You do not need a 4WD. The road to the trailhead is sealed the whole way.

The Drive to Quamby Bluff

From Launceston, take the Bass Highway (A1) west towards Deloraine. The drive is about 50 minutes through rolling green farmland with the Great Western Tiers rising on the horizon to your left. It is a pleasant drive. Just before you reach Deloraine, you will see the turn-off south towards Quamby Bluff via Highlands Lake Road.

Warning

We followed what we thought was the right map and ended up at someone's private property. A gate. A 'Private Property' sign. Two people in a rental car looking at each other going, 'This can't be right.' Search 'Quamby Bluff Trail' on AllTrails and follow the GPS directions. That will take you straight to the correct car park via Highlands Lake Road, past the Bodhicitta Dakini Monastery.

Ancient moss and lichen-covered tree trunk with small red trail marker beside a dirt forest path

Parking

The car park is just off the highway, but it is small. Maybe 10 to 15 cars at most. We arrived at 9am on an Easter Saturday and got a spot easily, but by the time we came back down around 12:15pm it was noticeably fuller. If you are going on a weekend or public holiday, get there early. 8am to 9am is the sweet spot.

There are no toilets, no water, and no facilities at the trailhead. Sort yourself out in Deloraine before you drive up.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Windara Bed and Breakfast in Launceston, booked through Booking.com. Less than $200 a night and it was genuinely beautiful. Launceston has plenty of options at every price point and makes a great base for multiple day trips in the area.

Deloraine itself has some accommodation if you want to be closer. There are a couple of B&Bs, a caravan park, and some Airbnb options. It is a small town though, so book ahead during peak season.

Travel Insurance

Tasmania's alpine weather can turn quickly. If you are travelling from interstate or overseas, travel insurance is worth having for trip disruption alone, let alone the hike itself.