Photo: Unknown author Unknown author / Public domain
Weldborough Pass is a scenic mountain pass in Tasmania's northeast, offering a wild and atmospheric drive through ancient rainforest and past dramatic granite outcrops. The winding road climbs through the Blue Tier forest, a landscape of giant tree ferns, myrtle beech, and sassafras, with ferns dripping from the canopy. This is a place for travellers who love raw nature, quiet walking trails, and the feeling of being deep in the Tasmanian wilderness.
Highlights & What to See
- Rainforest Walk – A short, easy loop trail through towering tree ferns and mossy boulders, perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the green, damp atmosphere.
- Granite Boulders & Rocky Outlooks – The pass is famous for its enormous granite tors and boulders, some as big as houses. Scramble up for views over the forested hills.
- Birdwatching – Keep an eye out for green rosellas, pink robins, and the elusive Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle soaring above the canopy.
- Photography – The interplay of light and mist through the forest, plus the rugged granite forms, makes for stunning shots any time of day.
- Wilderness Drive – The road itself is an attraction: winding, narrow, and often enveloped in mist, it’s a classic Tasmanian backcountry experience.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours here, including the short rainforest walk and a few photo stops. If you’re a keen hiker or birdwatcher, allow half a day to explore the longer trails in the surrounding Blue Tier Forest Reserve. The pass is best enjoyed as part of a leisurely drive between Launceston and the Bay of Fires or St Helens.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Cataract Gorge – A stunning natural gorge just minutes from Launceston city centre, with walking trails, a chairlift, and swimming in the South Esk River.
- Bay of Fires – Famous for its orange-hued granite boulders and white sandy beaches, about 90 minutes east of the pass.
- St Helens – A coastal town with a relaxed vibe, great for seafood and access to the Bay of Fires.
- Bridport – A quiet seaside town known for its golf course and beautiful beaches.
- Mt William National Park – A wild coastal park with hiking, wildlife, and stunning ocean views, further north.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Cataract Gorge — Peripitus / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Bay of Fires — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- St Helens — Archives New Zealand / CC BY 2.0
- Mt William National Park — Srikumar Venugopal / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Blue Tier Forest Reserve — Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0