Queenstown is 3 1/2 hours drive from Hobart or Launceston but once there is close to all the wilderness trails, steam railway in Tullah, Cog railway from Queenstown to Strahan and museum in Zeehan. All these towns have beautiful Victorian era buildings and magnificent surroundings. Queenstown itself has magnificent hotels like the Hunter's Hotel and Empire Hotel which show the former wealth of the mining town. Plenty of good accommodation, both modern and historic but book early in Summer or you may miss out on the better ones. The extreme devastation of the early Queenstown copper mining industry is evident when traveling along the A10 to Hobart. It does though have its certain beauty, especially in the afternoon light. As a contrast, when traveling from/to Launceston, take the B28 through Mt Murchison Regional Reserve to see awe inspiring cliffs, lakes and rainforests. And finally, if the weather allows, stand in Orr St facing Mt Owen just before sunset, breathtaking colour changes!