Tasman Highway

The Tasman Highway (or A3) is a highway in Tasmania, Australia. Like the Midlands Highway, it connects the major cities of Hobart and Launceston — however it takes a different route, via the north-eastern and eastern coasts of the state. The designation "Tasman Highway" arises from this location, facing the Tasman Sea — named, like the state itself, after Abel Tasman. The highway is the longest in Tasmania - 418 kilometres, with an average traveling time of 4 1/2 hours.

The portion between Launceston and Scottsdale runs through the Sideling Range lookout, which offers a spectacular view of Scottsdale and its surrounds. The eastern, coastal portion of the highway is similarly spectacular, in places running just metres from the Tasman Sea, which makes this the eastern-most A road in Tasmania.

The Highway also changes it's nature several times during its length. Between the Tasman Bridge and the airport near Cambridge, it is a four lane expressway. For the majority of the highway's length it is a two lane highway

with numerous overtaking lanes. At the Launceston end, it takes more of a main road style with traffic lights.

Prior to 1990, there was no road between Falmouth and the Chain of Lagoons - one had to travel into and out of St Marys, both roads being steep grades. The bypass was opened on December 2, 1991, though motorists had been using the partially unconstructed road before its opening. Great care was taken during to construction as to protect Aboriginal Middens and the general environment. The highway passes through the following localities:

Launceston
St Leonards and other Launceston suburbs
Scottsdale
St Marys
St Helens
Triabunna
Orford
Sorell

Suburbs the Highway passes onroute to Hobart
- Midway Point
- Cambridge
- Mornington
- Warrane
- Rosny
Hobart

References: 1) "Link road finally a reality on coast" - The Examiner, December 3, 1991

See also