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Great Western Tiers — Australia — Scenic
Australia & Pacific

Great Western Tiers

Australia

In short: Great Western Tiers is a 240 km scenic road trip in Australia, typically driven over 1-2 days, best in October-April. Highlights: Deloraine, Great Western Tiers Lookout, Mole Creek.

Distance
240 km
Duration
1-2 days
Best Season
October-April
NotableEasyScenicEV-friendly

This Tasmanian drive traces the Great Western Tiers from Deloraine through Meander and the limestone caves to the forested plateau of the Central Highlands, finishing near Lake St Clair. Expect rolling farmland, highland viewpoints, cool temperate rainforest, and crisp mountain air with frequent stops for short walks and lookouts.

Practical notes
This is an easy sealed-road drive, but Tasmanian weather can turn quickly in the highlands: expect fog, rain, and cold wind even in summer. Winter and shoulder-season conditions can bring icy patches and occasional access closures around caves and alpine sections, so check local road and park notices before setting out.
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Stops along the route

Deloraine — Departure — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Departure
Deloraine
Pretty Meander Valley town with riverfront parks and heritage streets. A relaxed launch point for the Tiers.
Hotels
Mole Creek — City — Great Western Tiers — Australia
City
Mole Creek
Small highland village with caves, dairy farms, and mountain air. A useful base for exploring the karst country.
Hotels
Lake St Clair — Arrival — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Arrival
Lake St Clair
The route finishes by Tasmania's deepest lake, ringed by forest and mountain silence. A calm end after a scenic highland drive.
Hotels

Things to Do

Great Western Tiers Lookout — Landmark — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Landmark
Great Western Tiers Lookout
High views across patchwork farmland to the escarpment. On clear days the whole wall of peaks feels close enough to touch.
Marakoopa Cave — Nature — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Nature
Marakoopa Cave
Limestone chambers glow with underground streams and glow worms. One of the route's most memorable short detours.
Leven Canyon Lookout — Landmark — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Landmark
Leven Canyon Lookout
A dramatic forested gorge with a steep viewing platform. The river far below adds a big-drop thrill.
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park — Nature — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Nature
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Alpine peaks, button grass plains, and cool temperate rainforest. Expect short walks, clear lakes, and changing weather.
Mole Creek Caves — Nature, cave tour — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Nature, cave tour
Mole Creek Caves
Explore underground limestone chambers and ancient formations. Expect glow worms, streams, and easy guided access.
King Solomons Cave — Nature, cave tour — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Nature, cave tour
King Solomons Cave
A classic karst cave with stalactites and flowing calcite. Tours make it easy to see the best underground features.
Leven Canyon Walk — Hike, lookout — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Hike, lookout
Leven Canyon Walk
Short walks lead to sweeping gorge views and dense rainforest. Great for stretching legs between drive sections.
Dove Lake Circuit — Hike, scenery — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Hike, scenery
Dove Lake Circuit
An iconic lakeside walk beneath Cradle Mountain. The loop offers some of Tasmania's best alpine scenery.

Where to Eat

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe — Cafe, desserts — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Cafe, desserts
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe
Farm-style stop known for raspberry treats, light meals, and coffee. Good for a sweet break near Deloraine.
Deloraine Deli — Cafe, sandwiches — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Cafe, sandwiches
Deloraine Deli
Easy town stop for lunch supplies, pastries, and coffee. Handy before heading into the caves and high country.
Mole Creek Hotel — Pub — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Pub
Mole Creek Hotel
Classic country pub meals in the middle of the route. A practical dinner option after a cave or canyon stop.
The Old Black Stump Restaurant — Australian, steakhouse — Great Western Tiers — Australia
Australian, steakhouse
The Old Black Stump Restaurant
Regional dining spot near the Cradle Mountain area. Good for a hearty meal before or after forest walks.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Great Western Tiers drive?

The Great Western Tiers covers 240 km from start to finish.

How long does the Great Western Tiers take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1-2 days on the Great Western Tiers, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Great Western Tiers?

The recommended season for the Great Western Tiers is October-April.

Where does the Great Western Tiers start and end?

The Great Western Tiers runs from Deloraine to Lake St Clair.

What are the main stops on the Great Western Tiers?

The Great Western Tiers passes through Deloraine, Great Western Tiers Lookout, Mole Creek.

Can I drive the Great Western Tiers in a regular car?

Yes — the Great Western Tiers is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Great Western Tiers EV friendly?

Yes — the Great Western Tiers has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Great Western Tiers safe to drive?

This is an easy sealed-road drive, but Tasmanian weather can turn quickly in the highlands: expect fog, rain, and cold wind even in summer. Winter and shoulder-season conditions can bring icy patches and occasional access closures around caves and alpine sections, so check local road and park notices before setting out.

What scenic tier is the Great Western Tiers?

The Great Western Tiers is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.