North-west Tasmania stretches from the Mersey and Forth districts through Burnie and Wynyard to Circular Head, then into remote forest and coast. It is not one short scenic drive: working ports, productive farms, towns and reserves need different amounts of time.
Begin with the north coast
Devonport is a ferry and service city, while Burnie remains a major port and regional centre. Penguin, Ulverstone and Wynyard provide smaller coastal bases. Rail, highways and industry share the narrow strip between sea and hills.
Give Circular Head its own day
Stanley’s volcanic neck, heritage streets and port sit within a major farming district. Smithton is the practical service centre for journeys farther west. Do not treat remote coast as a quick detour from Stanley.
Inland journeys take longer
Cradle Mountain, the Leven Canyon and takayna / Tarkine lead into wetter, colder country. Roads can be winding, gravel or affected by logging traffic. Keep daylight, fuel and weather margins.
Use Devonport, Burnie and Stanley as separate planning anchors.