7 day tasmania road trip from devonport

Tasmania Explorer

Tasmania Itinerary 7 Days✅: Perfect Tasmania Driving Holiday

Decided on a Tasmania driving holiday and now want to work out your Tasmania itinerary?

In this guide, we give you not one, but two detailed options for a 7 days in Tasmania itinerary. You simply need to decide if you would prefer to concentrate on Hobart and wilderness or Launceston, convicts and coast lines.

Tasmania may be Australia’s smallest state, but it’s one that’s full of national treasures. Its small size and population make it ideal for a road trip, and there’s certainly no shortage of things to see and do.

Tasmania is a state of small towns, historical sites, World Heritage listed national park land, several UNESCO-listed sites, esteemed wine and produce and much more.

There really is no shortage of things to see in a 7 day tour Tasmania, and when it comes to what to see in Tasmania in 7 days, we’ve given you two options. Each offers a great (but different) taste of the state.

Driving yourself is the best way to get around and explore Tasmania whether you hire a car or bring your own. It’s an easy place to explore on four wheels as distances are not great, and there is a lot to do in a small space. A Tasmania 7 day self drive itinerary will allow you to get out there and experience a lot.

To help you come up with your perfect Tasmania itinerary 7 days, below we give you exactly this! We give you two options to choose from. While it’s designed so you can see Tasmania in a week, there are also options for a Tasmania itinerary 6 days and Tasmania itinerary 8 days at the bottom so you can extend or shorten these itineraries depending on how long you have.

Going for a shorter period? You can find our best 4-5 day itinerary for Tasmania here . If you have longer than this, check out our 10 day itinerary for Tasmania here or our 14 day itinerary for Tasmania self drive here .

Keep reading for your step-by-step 1 week in Tasmania itinerary that you can simply follow day-by-day. This includes your stops, driving times and best places to stay. There are also maps to help you decide the best route for your one week in Tasmania itinerary.

Note these 7 day itinerary Tasmania options are on the fast side. We assume you want to experience as much as possible and get a great taste of a big part of Tasmania on your trip. If you like to take things slower, I recommend you remove a destination or remove some of the stops between places. Take out the ones that sound the least interesting to you.

This Tasmania 7 day itinerary is suitable for solo travellers, couples, friends and families. If you are a family with younger kids, I recommend removing the occasional stop to make it easier however.

Finally, if you have any questions about these self drive Tasmania 7 days itineraries, please let us know in the comments below.

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip! Wan t help with your itinerary? Find our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

• 1 Tasmania Driving Holiday Options
• 2 Hiring A Car
• 3.1 Overview
• 3.2 Tasmania Driving Map: Tasmania East Coast Drive
• 3.3.1 Where To Stay In St Helens/Binalong Bay
• 3.3.3 St Marys
• 3.3.4 Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm
• 3.4.1 Bay Of Fires
• 3.5.1 Where To Stay At Coles Bay
• 3.5.2 Freycinet Marine Farm
• 3.5.3 Wineglass Bay
• 3.6.1 Maria Island
• 3.6.2 Where To Stay At Port Arthur
• 3.7.1 Port Arthur Historic Site
• 3.8.1 Doo Town
• 3.8.2 Blow Hole and Tessellated Pavement
• 3.8.3 Cataract Gorge
• 3.8.4 Where To Stay In Launceston
• 3.9.1 Tasmania Zoo
• 3.9.2 Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre
• 3.9.3 Seahorse World
• 3.9.4 Platypus House
• 4.1 Overview
• 4.2 Tasmania 1 Week Itinerary Map: West Coast Tasmania Itinerary
• 4.3.1 Where To Stay In Hobart
• 4.3.2 Mt Wellington
• 4.3.3 Battery Point
• 4.3.4 Salamanca Place and Hobart’s Waterfront
• 4.4.2 Richmond
• 4.4.3 Richmond Gaol
• 4.4.4 Old Hobart Town Model Village
• 4.5.1 Where To Stay In Strahan
• 4.5.2 Lake St Clair
• 4.5.3 West Coast Reflections
• 4.6.1 Gordon River Cruise
• 4.6.2 West Coast Wilderness Railway
• 4.7.1 Where To Stay At Cradle Mountain
• 4.7.2 Zeehan
• 4.7.3 Devils@Cradle
• 4.8.1 Cradle Mountain
• 4.9 Day 7: Returning To Hobart
• 5 Tasmania 6 Day Itinerary
• 6 8 Days Tasmania Itinerary
• 7.1 Related posts:

Tasmania Driving Holiday Options

Tasmania may be a small state but it’s still not possible to see everything in one week. This is why we’ve included two itineraries – an east coast Tasmania itinerary and another itinerary Tasmania 7 days away from civilisation exploring the wilderness.

If you have more time, I recommend reading through our longer 10 day and 14 day Tasmania guides and adding attractions that interest you.

Note that option one, the east coast Tasmania road trip, is constructed to start at Devonport or Launceston whereas option two, the west coast Tasmania road trip 7 days, starts at Hobart.

However, Tasmania is a small place and you can start either of these itineraries in any place. Just remember you will need to allow time to drive from your starting point to start the itinerary. There are some tips given below about how you might modify the 7 day Tasmania itinerary to start at these other places.

You can read more specifically about driving in Tasmania and how it differs to elsewhere here.

Hiring A Car

You need a car to explore Tasmania whether that’s your own or a hire car.

It’s easy to hire a car in Tasmania.

There are two great car hire options I recommend that are both in Hobart and Launceston.

• Book through Bargain Car Rentals . This Tasmanian car rental company has some great deals and availability. Even better is if you use the code: TASEXPLORE you save 5%

Simply click here.

Then when you enter the dates and location, enter: TASEXPLORE for the “Discount Code”.

• Check out LeisureRent. They are a Tasmanian owned company. You could also choose to hire a campervan or motorhome.

Simply, click here to see the latest prices and use our special coupon code: explore for 5% off.

Click here to see their latest prices and options.

You can also click here for more car hire options .

Tasmania Itinerary 7 Days – Tasmania East Coast Road Trip

Remember, this is a full 1 week Tasmania itinerary. If you have fewer days, simply pick the days that most appeal – there are tips for less or more days below. For a longer trip, read our itinerary here .

• Day 1 drive to St Helens/Binalong Bay stopping at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and St Marys along the way if you are coming from Devonport. From Hobart, stop at Ross and St Marys
• Day 2 enjoy Bay of Fires
• Day 3 drive to Freycinet National Park and hike to famous Wineglass Bay
• Day 4 visit Maria Island on the way to Port Arthur
• Day 5 visit the Port Arthur Historic Site
• Day 6 drive to Launceston stopping at Doo Town, the Blow Hole and Ross on the way
• Day 7 enjoy the Tamar Valley region

The highlights of this Tasmania east coast itinerary are:

• Exploring interesting towns like Ross, St Mary’s and Eaglehawk Neck
• Spending a day discovering the beautiful beaches at Bay Of Fires
• Hiking in Freycinet National Park and seeing the world famous Wineglass Bay
• Understanding Tasmania’s convict history by visiting Maria Island and Port Arthur Historic Site
• Spending a day seeing all the incredible sites of the Tamar Valley

…and much more!

This one of our Tasmania tours 7 days is designed especially for people looking for a Tasmania self drive 7 day itinerary from Devonport or Launceston but it can work just as well from Hobart.

You will still drive to St Helens on day 1 and then I recommend that instead of driving to Launceston on day 6, you drive back to Hobart and choose some activities to complete from the Hobart days in the west coast itinerary below.

Tasmania Driving Map: Tasmania East Coast Drive

The following map shows you the route this Tasmania east coast drive itinerary takes.

Day 1: Driving To St Helens/Binalong Bay

Today, you arrive in Tasmania. The start of this 1 week itinerary is a trip to St Helens on the east coast.

• Arrive in Devonport. Drive straight off the boat and on to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a delicious breakfast (approx driving time 32 minutes)
• OR Arrive in Hobart or Launceston Airport. I recommend you pick up your car hire at the airport so you are all set to go
• Head to the historic town of Ross if you are coming from Hobart and stop and explore
• Next, head on to St Marys and explore
• Drive on to St Helens/Binalong Bay depending on where you are staying and check in to your hotel

Where To Stay In St Helens/Binalong Bay

• BEST – Pelican Point Sanctuary ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – NRMA St Helens ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park ( Click here for more details )

Read our full guide to St Helens accommodation here.

If you’re starting your road trip in Hobart you’ll be lucky enough to drive past the small town of Ross. I highly recommend stopping here.

This historic town was established in 1812 and is a charming place to visit. It’s home to a collection of colonial style homes and buildings. It’s certainly one of the prettiest towns in Tasmania and one of our personal favourites.

Ross is small and easy to explore. One of the most popular tourist attractions here is the Ross Female Factory, which is one of only a handful of places to house female convicts in Australia.

Entry is free, and the centre describes how life was for the women and children that lived here. Little remains above ground, but excavations and information boards help you imagine what it was like.

We also recommend a visit to the Ross Bridge – one of the oldest in Australia and with an interesting history of its own.

Historically Ross was the centre of Tasmania’s wool industry so it’s only fitting to visit the Wool Centre – a small site with a museum and a shop.

There’s also several churches, pubs and some bakeries in town, as well as some lovely picnic settings. It’s a charming place to spend an hour or two.

St Marys is a very small town with fewer than 1000 people calling it home. This is another pretty town surrounded by mountains and lush valleys.

One of the most popular things to do here is bushwalking, and the walk from St Mary Pass to the Gray Mares Tail waterfall is an easy and popular track, taking only 5-10 minutes through the forest to the tall waterfall.

More challenging tracks include St Patricks Head, but note this is not the best track for beginners, but rewarding nonetheless. You can also simply drive to the South Sister Mountain Lookout to get a stunning view.

The town itself has a personality of its own. There are several B&Bs in town, and quirky museums and galleries, such as the old Saint Mary’s Historic Railway Station, as well as several shops and cafes.

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

If you’re a fan of raspberries, a visit to the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm is a must.

This is a working farm where raspberries are grown onsite, and it’s a beautiful spot to stop for breakfast or lunch and to sample some of Tasmania’s fine cuisine for yourself.

Raspberry dishes are available year round from the cafe. The menu offers simple food but has plenty of variety and is reasonably priced. You can opt to have a sweet treat or something more substantial and compliment it with a glass of strawberry wine or a cup of coffee.

There is also a shop offering some tasty and interesting souvenirs. The setting is beautiful, with walking tracks by a small lake. In the cooler months, there’s also an open fire.

Address: 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town TAS 7304

Click here to read our full review of Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.

Day 2: Bay Of Fires

Today you’ll explore the beaches and the conservation area, Bay Of Fires, at your leisure.

• Explore Bay of Fires

Even if you’re visiting Tasmania in winter, I would keep this day. It’s an interesting and pretty place to see and explore.

Bay Of Fires

Take a 30 minute drive north from St Helens and you’ll reach Bay Of Fires. This conservation area is one of the most unique spots on your Tasmania travel itinerary 7 days, and a must see.

The conservation area stretches over 50km from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, and the stunning beauty will introduce you to just one of Tasmania’s unspoilt natural treasures.

Binalong Bay is an entry point to Bay Of Fires with several places to stay, a cafe and surrounding camping spots.

Bay Of Fires is best explored by a leisurely drive, with frequent stops to appreciate the many sights. You’ll see white sand beaches, untamed bushland and striking orange boulders.

You would be forgiven for thinking the name ‘Bay Of Fires’ comes from the orange lichens on the boulders, but it’s believed to derive from the sighting of fires in this area by European explorers.

A popular place to stop and take a short walk and photos is The Gardens. The Gardens is located about half the distance between Ansons Bay and Binalong Bay and has a boardwalk and some information boards. Note that it can get super windy!

If you’re interested in driving the whole distance, you can follow a dirt road to Eddystone Point where you’ll reach a car park. From here, you can walk a short distance to the Eddystone Point Lighthouse.

There’s plenty more to see at Bay Of Fires. It really is a special spot. Of course, it’s also an amazing place to go swimming in warmer months, but at any time of year it’s worth witnessing it’s unique beauty for yourself.

If you are looking for more to do while you’re in this area, read my full guide to St Helens here .

Day 3: Freycinet National Park

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Next on the Tasmania self drive itinerary 7 days is a visit to Freycinet National Park. From here, you’ll take the track to Wineglass Bay.

• Make your way to Freycinet National Park. We recommend having lunch at Freycinet Marine Farm
• Hike the track to Wineglass Bay

Where To Stay At Coles Bay

Coles Bay is the best place to stay for access to Freycinet National Park.

• BEST – Freycinet Lodge ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Swansea Backpacker Lodge ( Click here for more details )

Freycinet Marine Farm

If you’re a fan of seafood then we highly recommend stopping at Freycinet Marine Farm for lunch.

The site itself consists of a few buildings offering plenty of seating to sit and have lunch. This is a working farm where much of what you eat is fresh from the sea. This includes the mussels and oysters, which we thought were some of the most delicious we’ve ever had.

They also sell other seafood, chips and drinks to compliment your meal.

Another cool thing about this place is that they offer tours where you can catch your own oysters. As oyster lovers, this is definitely something we would have done had we not visited with kids.

Having lunch here isn’t budget breaking but it’s not super cheap either. It’s highly recommended for seafood lovers.

Address: 1784 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215

Click here to read our full review.

Wineglass Bay

A trip to this part of the world would be incomplete without a visit to Wineglass Bay. This iconic area is one of the most visited spots in Tasmania and the beach below is often featured among the best beaches in the world.

Hiking to the Wineglass Bay Lookout from the car park below lets you see the beauty from above. The walk to the lookout follows a steep 1.3km track, and takes most people anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes one way.

There are several spots to stop and catch your breath along the way, and the track itself is well paved and trafficked by people of all ages.

You’re rewarded when reaching the top by the stunning view. It really is a special place. You’ll find a viewing platform to take photos from all angles and the beach below. You can hike to the beach from here. Most people don’t hike to the beach, but if you have the time and energy, we highly recommend it.

Longer, more challenging tracks include the Hazards Beach Circuit which you can do from the car park. This takes you over the length of the beach and back and can take around 5 hours to complete.

Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to be rewarded with stunning sights and the tranquility of the surrounding area.

Day 4: Maria Island

Driving Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (plus two ferry rides)

On day 4, it’s time to drive down the east coast all the way to Port Arthur with a stop for a day trip to amazing Maria Island on the way. This is the perfect place to learn more history of Tasmania and see wildlife.

• Leave early and drive directly to the Maria Island ferry terminal in Triabunna (approx driving time 1.25 hours)
• Take the ferry to Maria Island. Read more about taking this ferry here
• Explore Darlington and take a hike on Maria Island looking out for wildlife
• Take the ferry back and drive on to Port Arthur (approx driving time 1 hour 35 minutes)

Maria Island

Maria Island is located about 4km from the coast of Tasmania, and is a very special place which can only be reached by ferry. No vehicles are allowed on the island, giving it a very unique and isolated feeling.

The ferry ride departs from Triabunna and takes about 30 minutes. You can purchase tickets here . Ferries come fairly regularly, arriving and departing approximately every 1.5 to 2 hours (find more information here ).

When you arrive, you’ll walk into Darlington. This is the only town on Maria Island, and it has no permanent inhabitants. What it does have are relics from the past with remnants of what was once an old convict settlement. Maria Island once had an active penitentiary and there are several historical buildings you can explore.

Another thing which makes the island special is that it’s home to an abundance of native wildlife like wallabies, pademelons and Tasmanian devils.

The island is a pleasure to explore on foot and there are several walks you can do. The Reservoir Circuit is one which is short and it’s easy to see the local wildlife. Popular longer walks include the Bishop and Clerk trail. You can also hire a bike when booking your ferry ride. You can see a full list of walks here or read about visiting the Fossil Cliffs here .

There’s also a large Marine Nature Reserve which is ideal for diving and snorkelling and you can often see dolphins and seals.

You can spend as long or as little time as you’d like here, but we’d recommend a good few hours. However, note there are no shops on the island, so bring everything you’ll need with you – including water.

Where To Stay At Port Arthur

• BEST – Port Arthur Villas ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – NRMA Port Arthur ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Fox and Hounds Inn ( Click here for more details )

Want more options? Find our full Port Arthur accommodation guide here .

Day 5: Port Arthur

Wake up ready to explore Port Arthur Historic Site which is the perfect place to learn about Tasmania’s convict past.

• Explore Port Arthur Historic Site. With your entry ticket you get included walking and boat tours. Make sure you take them.
• In the evening, it’s time to return to the site for the ghost tour

Port Arthur Historic Site

One of the most interesting and extensive historical sites in Tasmania is the UNESCO listed Port Arthur Historic Site, and it’s yet another must see place on our suggested itinerary Tasmania 7 days.

Port Arthur was an important convict gaol for some of the worst offenders in the colony, but what makes it so impressive is the vast array of buildings and monuments which remain, waiting to be explored.

A ticket to Port Arthur includes entry to the site, a 40 minute guided walking tour and a 25 minute cruise of the harbour making it an excellent place to spend the day exploring. You select the time of your walking tour and cruise when booking, so I highly recommend pre-booking online.

Wandering the site alone you’ll explore the prison, houses, barns, gardens, both the old and new penitentiary and many other sites. It is very easy to explore with something different at every turn. Information boards are scattered around and you can enter some buildings and see the relics on display. Others are closed or in ruins. We had a lot of fun exploring the site.

The relaxing 25 minute cruise takes you around the harbour past Isle of the Dead, a burial spot which you can explore by tour for an additional fee. The ferry is very comfortable and you’re free to go outside in front of the ferry or sit and relax. There is a small shop onboard for snacks.

Back on land, you’ll find an excellent gift shop and a large cafeteria/restaurant onsite where you entered. You are free to take a break for lunch or coffee and continue exploring the site.

At night, Port Arthur hosts its famous ghost tours. These extremely popular tours cover some of the creepier aspects of the site, complete with stories from the past and visits to supposedly haunted areas of the site where you’re asked to judge for yourself. Entertaining and highly recommended!

Address: Historic Site, Visitor Centre, Port Arthur TAS 7182

Read our full guide to Port Arthur here.

Day 6: Drive To Launceston

Driving Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

After some fun and interesting stops on the Tasman Peninsula, drive back up north to Launceston ready for more fun!

• Drive to Doo Town, one of the most original towns in Australia to check out the house names (approx driving time 30 minutes)
• Check out the Blow Hole and Tessellated Pavement
• Stop at historic Ross on your way to Launceston (approx driving time 1 hour 50 minutes)
• Visit Cataract Gorge (approx driving time 1 hour)
• Check into your hotel in Launceston

Note, if you started this trip in Hobart and need to return there, return to Hobart today and look at days 1-2 in the itinerary below for activities for day 6 and 7.

There’s more information on Ross in day 1 above.

Driving through Eaglehawk Neck on Pirates Bay, you’ll come across a small quirky community known as Doo Town.

This small town has become an attraction in its own right because it offers something different – nearly every house is named using the word ‘doo’. This is a tradition that started over 90 years ago and continues today.

You’ll find Dr Doolittle, Doo-Drop-Inn and the Doo-Lishus cafe among many other names. Our kids had a great time pointing out funny names, and it’s worth a visit for some easy entertainment.

Address: 301 C338, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS 7179

Read our full guide to Doo Town here.

Blow Hole and Tessellated Pavement

One of the most visited spots in Eaglehawk Neck is the Blow Hole, named due to the spurting of water at high tide due to the remnants of an old cave system.

From the car park, the Blow Hole is a short walk. The area is quite pretty, overlooking the ocean and you can see the power of the water from below. The full blow hole effect only occurs at high tide. Therefore if you want to see this, it’s best to time your visit with high tide. However, it’s still an interesting and pretty place to see at any time.

A short distance down the road is another natural phenomenon, although you wouldn’t think so just by looking at it. The Tessellated Pavement is an area of tiled rock which looks anything but natural, but amazingly it is. This is a rare phenomenon which is explained on an information board as you walk towards it.

It takes less than 5 minutes to reach the pavement from the car park, and you can walk over it and take photos. There are many cool rock pools and marine life to spot, and the pavement itself is very impressive. Note the tide can come in!

You can easily walk to the beach from the Tessellated Pavement and spend some time stretching your legs before you head off.

Address: Eaglehawk Neck, TAS 7179

Cataract Gorge

Your first stop after arriving in Launceston is Cataract Gorge. This is a beautiful spot to stretch your legs, take a walk and relax.

Entry is free and there are several things you can do here. Starting from the First Basin, one of the most popular things to do is take a ride on the chairlift, which takes you around the site and back again. This is relatively affordable and family tickets are available.

There are two main stations from First Station to the Cliff Grounds, and you’ll see everything this expansive area has to offer from above.

There are plenty of walks you can do. If you do just one, we recommend the suspension bridge which doesn’t take long, and follows a track which is complete with information boards on how the indigenous population once lived.

You’ll also find a swimming pool, cafe and restaurant, wildlife and the Inclinator, which is a self operated transporter which takes you from the base of the gorge to the top.

The Gorge is open year round and it really is a beautiful spot with a relaxing vibe.

Address: 69 Basin Road, Launceston, TAS 7250

Read our full guide to Launceston here.

Where To Stay In Launceston

• BEST – Peppers Silo ( See latest prices here )
• MIDRANGE – Best Western Plus Launceston ( See latest prices here )
• BUDGET – Village Family Motor Inn ( See latest prices here )

Find our guide to all the best hotels in Launceston here .

Day 7: Tamar Valley

Driving Time: 25 minutes

Hopefully, you have the full day available to explore the Tamar Valley. If so, you can do the following. Otherwise, cut out what you need to get to your flight or the Spirit of Tasmania on time.

• Have breakfast in Launceston then head to Tasmania Zoo (approx driving time 25 minutes)
• Continue on to Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre (approx driving time 35 minutes)
• Head to a winery for lunch. We enjoyed Iron Pot Bay Vineyard (approx driving time 15 minutes)
• Drive on to Beauty Point and visit Seahorse World and Platypus House (approx driving time 20 minutes)
• Continue on to Devonport for the Spirit or Launceston Airport for your flight (approx driving time to Devonport 1 hour 10 mins, approx driving time to Launceston Airport 50 mins)

Note this day is quite busy so you may want to cut out whichever attraction sounds the least interesting to you.

Read our full guide to the Tamar Valley here .

Tasmania Zoo

Located just outside of Launceston is Tasmania Zoo, your first stop in the Tamar Valley. This zoo actually hosts an impressive variety of animals with over 100 unique species with both native animals and rare species from around the world.

The zoo feels more like a wildlife sanctuary and, while there is a lot to see. it’s very easy to explore and see it all in around an hour. Some of the most interesting animals to see are the wide variety of pretty birds, Tasmanian Devils, Tigers, Lions, emus and so many varieties of monkeys!

There’s also a Jurassic walk you can do with dinosaur sounds and moving dinosaur models which is great for kids.

The zoo also has food machines where you can buy a small cup of food to feed some of the animals (such as goats, sheep and kangaroos), and we found the animals coming up asking for food before we even had any.

They also have a cafe, shop and places to sit. It’s not a super well equipped zoo but there are plenty of animals to see and a visit here is a nice way to spend a morning.

Address: 1166 Ecclestone Rd, Riverside TAS 7250

Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre

The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is actually quite an impressive place to visit. The heritage centre is built on the site of a defunct mine, and you can walk around exploring the site.

There’s lots of information here, particularly on mining in Beaconsfield and the incident in 2006 when two miners became trapped underground for 14 days. Reading through this, you start to get a sense of what being trapped for 14 days one kilometre underground must have been like and how difficult and complex the rescue mission was.

There’s also a lot of interactive pieces making it extra fun to visit with kids. For example, just pressing a button operated a huge water turbine.

There is a big collection of relics from mining/farming in the past (and a few other random pieces) and lots of information on mining making it a really interesting place to visit.

Address: West St, Beaconsfield TAS 7270

Seahorse World

Beauty Point is a gorgeous spot, and perched on the water you’ll find Seahorse World – the place to see and learn all about seahorses.

A visit to Seahorse World is conducted by tour, so I recommend booking ahead to get your preferred time. The tour takes about 45 minutes and you’re taken around the facility by an informative guide.

The site is very cool, with tiny seahorses as well as a breeding centre with seahorses of all ages, as well as other marine life like crabs and starfish. Seahorses are very interesting and the guides give lots of information on them.

Address: 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point TAS 7270

Click here to read our full review or here to buy your entry ticket .

Platypus House

Similar to Seahorse World and positioned just next door is Platypus House – the place to see and learn about platypuses. However, it isn’t all about platypuses as you’ll see and learn about echidnas too!

Visiting Platypus House is similar to Seahorse World and is run by guided tours which take about 45 minutes. We quite liked this as you do learn a great deal about them.

We learned that both platypuses and echidnas are Monotremes, hence them being in the same site. We found it fascinating to see platypuses up close, and we sat in a room with echidnas feeding in the centre of it.

It is a really unique experience to see these interesting animals up close and highly recommended.

Tasmania Self Drive 7 Day Itinerary – Tasmania West Coast Itinerary

Get ready to explore Tasmania’s capital and Tasmania’s vast wilderness.

• Days 1-2 discover Hobart
• Day 3 drive to Strahan with a stop at the Lake St Clair part of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park on the way
• Day 4 explore the west coast
• Days 5-6 drive to Cradle Mountain and explore
• Day 7 head back to Hobart stopping at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Ross on the way

The highlights of this 7 day Tasmania road trip are:

• Exploring Tasmania’s wilderness in the World Heritage Wilderness areas at Strahan, Lake St Clair and Cradle Mountain
• Seeing the Gordan River up close on a cruise
• Learning about the west coast’s mining past
• Discovering convict history at Ross
• Enjoying picturesque Hobart and having the unique experience of visiting MONA.

This Tasmania one week itinerary is designed to start and finish in Hobart, but you can start and finish from any point.

If you are starting at the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport, I recommend you drive straight to Hobart when disembarking to start the tour. On day 7, you can drive from Cradle Mountain back to Devonport stopping at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm on the way. You can do the same thing if you are starting and finishing in Launceston.

Tasmania 1 Week Itinerary Map: West Coast Tasmania Itinerary

The following map shows you the route this 7 day driving tour Tasmania takes.

Day 1: Arriving In Hobart

Today you begin your journey by exploring Tasmania’s capital, Hobart!

This first day is all about getting acquainted with Hobart, and we assume you want to take it relatively easy. However, depending on when you arrive, you may want to add an attraction from the second day to this day.

• Arrive in Hobart either driving from Devonport or flying into Hobart Airport. You can hire a car from one of the many companies at the airport
• Drive to the summit of Mount Wellington and see Hobart from above from the observation deck
• Have lunch in North Hobart and then check-in to your hotel
• Head on to Battery Point and take a heritage walk
• Explore Salamanca Place and Hobart’s Waterfront and pick a place for dinner

Where To Stay In Hobart

• BEST – MACq 01 Hotel ( See latest prices here )
• MIDRANGE – Somerset On The Pier ( See latest prices here )
• BUDGET – Central Hotel Hobart ( See latest prices here )

Read our full guide to Hobart accommodation here.

Mt Wellington

At over 1200 metres, Mt Wellington can be seen from all around Hobart, and the first thing you should do when you reach Hobart is drive to the top and see the city from above.

Driving to the top of Mt Wellington is easy and takes about 30 minutes. There are several walking tracks and scenic spots along the way. A particularly popular spot to stop is the Springs, with a big car park, coffee van, toilets and walking tracks in the forest.

Of course the main event is the Pinnacle – the top of the mountain with a sheltered observation deck and signs to familiarise yourself with the city’s layout. You’ll also find a few outdoor observation areas and walks.

Whilst this is a beautiful spot it can be very cold and windy at the top of the mountain. Warm clothes are essential in any season.

In the colder months, there is often snow and as such the road to the top can be shut. However you can still usually drive as far up as the Springs.

Battery Point

Battery Point is a historic and affluent inner city suburb of Hobart, and exploring its pretty streets is a great way to spend an afternoon.

One of the best ways to see Battery Point is with a heritage walk which you can follow here . This will take you to the most iconic spots of the suburb. I recommend you park at Salamanca Place and make your way up Kelly’s Steps to start your walk (you’ll return here afterwards).

Battery Point is filled with pretty buildings and cottages. Arthurs Circus is a must see which is a collection of cottages built for the garrison officers.

Hampden Road is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants and a stroll along this is a must. You’ll also find the Narryna Heritage Museum which is a well preserved historic townhouse open for viewing.

Other points of interest are the pretty St George’s Anglican Church and Princes Park for a relaxing stroll as you make your way back to Salamanca Place.

Salamanca Place and Hobart’s Waterfront

A trip to Hobart would be incomplete without a visit to the converted sandstone warehouses at Salamanca Place. This trendy area has everything from fine dining to dessert cafes, museums and galleries, shops and souvenir stores and a large open square complete with a fountain.

This is a lovely spot to spend some time getting lost exploring the different sites. It’s also a particularly nice spot to stop and have a drink. There are many trendy bars here each with their own flair.

If you’re visiting on a Saturday you will be lucky enough to see the streets come alive for the Salamanca Market. This large open air market sells everything Tasmania is famed for, with fudge, honey, flowers, produce, food vans and much, much more.

Salamanca Place is positioned just a stone’s throw away from Hobart’s waterfront. From Salamanca Place you can pass through Parliament House Gardens (and see Parliament House) and then cross the road and explore the waterfront.

The waterfront has many offerings itself. This is a pretty place to walk and see the many boats and yachts docked, as well as see the gift and souvenir stores and restaurants.

We recommend visiting the floating pontoon Brooke Street Pier, Mawson’s Hut and the converted warehouses on Hunter Street. The MAC01 complex also has several bars and restaurants, and is a nice place to walk by.

When it comes to dinner, it’s obvious that seafood is a massively popular option. There are options to suit every budget.

For fine dining, I recommend either MAC01 or one of the restaurants at Salamanca Place. For a more budget friendly option, you can choose one of the many popular seafood restaurants like Mures or Fish Frenzy or one of the floating takeaway shops.

Day 2: Enjoying Hobart

On day 2 of your itinerary, you’ll delve into Hobart’s art scene and explore the nearby town of Richmond.

• After breakfast, head to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) and explore this fascinating museum. You get there by ferry from Hobart or car (approx 20 minute drive)
• After MONA, drive on to Richmond, stopping at one of the many wineries for lunch on the way – there are several in the Richmond/Cambridge area (approx 25 minute driving time)
• Explore the attractions at Richmond then return to Hobart (approx 30 minute driving time)
• Have dinner in Salamanca Place

Read our full guide to Hobart here.

MONA is a world renowned unique, captivating and interesting art museum, and it’s a must see place while you’re in Hobart. This museum is unlike any other we’ve been to, and there’s a lot to see (and a lot you may not want to see).

There are several ways to get to MONA. You can take a bus decked out like a prisoner bus, a cruise on the MONA Roma or drive. If you’re heading to Richmond afterwards, it’s best to drive and make your way from there.

Currently due to COVID, you must pre-book online before you go.

MONA is mostly underground which makes it an impressive site to see, and the exhibits range from murals on the wall, paintings and rooms featuring strange and interesting things like a bunch of people singing to Madonna (oddly creepy).

This is an interesting place unlike any other where you’ll find vending machines with beer and something different at every turn. We saw a room with computer codes all around and TV shows with strange figures and events.

Exhibits do change but I quite liked seeing the egyptian sarcophagus and other artifacts from the past. The kids liked seeing the poo machine (which was more about smell than sight).

Address: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011

About a 30 minute drive from Hobart is Richmond, a pretty historic town with plenty to see and do. Richmond is visited year round by tourists and locals due to its impressive collection of historic architecture and a variety of things to do.

Richmond is small and can easily be explored on foot. We recommend parking by the Richmond Bridge (Australia’s oldest stone stand bridge), walking across and making your way into the town from here.

Everything is close together and you’ll find a variety of shops, cafes, galleries, museums and churches so I recommend taking a stroll and visiting the sites that interest you. A visit to the Pooseum – a surprisingly informative museum featuring animal dung – is recommended if you’re traveling with kids!

Two of the most popular attractions are the Richmond Gaol and the Old Hobart Town Model Village.

Richmond Gaol

One of the most authentic and interesting places to see in Richmond is the Richmond Gaol – Australia’s oldest convict gaol still standing.

Entry is affordable ($10 for adults and $5 for kids) and you visit by self guided tour. There are plenty of information boards (complete with sound effects) to guide you through your visit and understand how life was life here.

Cells are almost the same today as they were back in the 1800’s, and seeing the variety of rooms – including the main gaol, holding cells and solitary confinement, women’s quarters, kitchen and flogging yard – make this is a very complete and unique site.

This gaol is relatively small and you can see it all in under an hour. The historic buildings are impressively kept and this is certainly one of the most interesting places to see in Richmond.

Address: 37 Bathurst St, Richmond TAS 7025

Click here to read our full review of Richmond Gaol.

Old Hobart Town Model Village

If you’re interested in how Hobart looked 200 years ago, a visit to the Old Hobart Town Model Village is a must. This impressively large model village took several years to construct and is based on trusted sources and records to replicate how Hobart Town looked in the 1820’s.

The model is exceptionally well presented with information boards and street names giving a description of buildings and life during this early period of Hobart’s history. Few of the buildings in the model exist today, and it’s very interesting to see just how much the city has changed and evolved.

The designers clearly have a sense of humour too, as you’ll find human figures in amusing situations (such as fighting off wildlife or stumbling out of the pub drunk). There’s plenty to see and it’s fun to see what you can spot!

Address: 21a Bridge St, Richmond TAS 7025

Click here to read our full review of Old Hobart Town Model Village.

Day 3: Lake St Clair And Strahan

Driving Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Today on your 7 day road trip you’ll be heading out of Hobart and onto Strahan, stopping to explore the beautiful Lake St Clair area on the way!

• After breakfast, continue your road trip to Lake St Clair Visitor Centre (approx driving time 2 hours and 20 minutes)
• Have lunch at the restaurant near the Visitor Centre and then go for a walk. I suggest the Watersmeet Walk and then heading to Platypus Bay to potentially see a platypus (this is a 4.7km track and takes about an hour and a half)
• Continue on to Strahan (approx driving time 2 hours)
• Stop at the West Coast Visitor Centre and pay a visit to the West Coast Reflections museum (note it closes at 4pm)
• Eat dinner in Strahan (we recommend Bushman’s Bar and Cafe). It’s best to book ahead

Where To Stay In Strahan

• BEST – Aloft Boutique Accommodation ( See latest prices here )
• MIDRANGE – Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat ( See latest prices here )
• BUDGET – Motel Strahan ( See latest prices here )

Find our guide to all the best hotels in Strahan here .

Lake St Clair

After a nearly 2 and a half hour drive, you’ll reach the stunning Lake St Clair, and you’ll be lucky enough to stretch your legs by taking a walk by this beautiful lake.

From the car park, you’ll first enter the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre which has a bit of information on the area and native wildlife. This is the first spot where you will need a national park pass to visit. You can purchase it at the visitor centre or pre-purchase online , and you can purchase one pass for your entire trip.

You’ll also find toilets and a large restaurant/cafe for lunch (although they stopped serving lunch at 1:30pm when we arrived).

After lunch, take your time exploring this stunning area by taking a walk. You’ll start at Cynthia Bay and quickly realise there are many walks you can do – some taking several hours. I recommend the shorter Watersmeet Walk and continuing on to Platypus Bay if you have the stamina and time. The full figure-eight circuit can take between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Along the way look out for the Waratah which grows in abundance here, and walk back to the visitor centre by the lake to appreciate this calm, tranquil spot.

West Coast Reflections

Inside the West Coast Visitor Information Centre is the West Coast Reflections Museum. Entry is only $2 ($1 for kids) and it’s worth seeing to get some information on the places you’re about to visit.

This small double floor museum has a lot of info on the West Coast, particularly around Sarah Island and early colonial and indigenous life, as well as the climate and political controversies (like the proposed damming of the Franklin River) and historical events in the area.

For a small museum it is well set out and cheap to see. The visitor centre also has a good shop, and you can purchase tickets to see the play here ‘The Ship That Never Was’ – Australia’s longest running play and based on a true event. This is worth seeing if you’re looking for something to do at night.

The museum does close at 4pm, so if you miss out, you can always add this to day 4 after your cruise or train ride. It’s not a must see museum, but cheap and interesting nonetheless.

Address: The Esplanade, TAS, 7468

Day 4: Strahan

Today, you have a tough decision – whether to take a Gordon River Cruise or journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway! Unfortunately, there isn’t time for both, so read through each below and see which one appeals more to you.

• Cruise the stunning Gordon River on a Gordon River Cruise; OR
• Have an adventure on the West Coast Wilderness Railway

Gordon River Cruise

Part of Tasmania’s famed World Heritage Area, the Gordon River is a stunning place and the best way to appreciate it is by taking a Gordon River Cruise.

You have two companies to choose from for your cruise – Gordon River Cruises and World Heritage Cruises.

Both cruises take you to the iconic spots of the area such as Hells Gates (the narrow and complex entryway to the Gordon River), Sarah Island (a small and infamous penal settlement) and a cruise down the Gordon River with a stop at Heritage Landing where you can take a walk through the forest.

We took a cruise with Gordon River Cruises which was extremely comfortable. The boat, Spirit of the Wild, was virtually silent while cruising the river which made it extra relaxing, and we were served a good buffet lunch. The cruise stopped at both Heritage Landing and Sarah Island and there were guided tours at both.

Our cruise took 6 hours and we enjoyed every second of it and found it a relaxing and scenic way to spend a day.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

A journey on the West Coast Wilderness Railway is simply one of the best ways to appreciate the west coast of Tasmania.

This railway, which was originally used to carry mined material from Queenstown to the port at Strahan, now operates as a tourist attraction on an original old steam train.

There are several different tours you can do, both half day and full day, depending on whether you leave from Strahan or Queenstown (Queenstown is about a 30 minute drive from Strahan). Each tour stops at different stations along the way. There are two carriage classes – Heritage (with snacks available for purchase) and Wilderness (fully catered and with an open balcony).

From Strahan, I recommend taking The Queenstown Explorer. This excellent tour departs from Regatta Point Station in Strahan and takes you to Queenstown and back, stopping at several stations such as Dubbil Barril and Lynchford on the way.

The stations have their own attractions such as a walking track and gold mining, and the return trip takes about 9 hours.

The trip itself is simply stunning with scenery that needs to be seen to be appreciated. This is one of the best ways to see the rugged west of Tasmania.

Address: 62 Esplanade, Strahan TAS 7468

If you are looking for more activities in Strahan, read our full guide here .

Day 5: Drive to Cradle Mountain

Today you’ll leave Strahan and head to Cradle Mountain.

• Have breakfast in Strahan and then drive to Zeehan (approx driving time 30 minutes)
• See the West Coast Heritage Centre and Spray Tunnel
• Continue driving to Cradle Mountain and check-in to your hotel (approx driving time 1 hour 30 minutes)
• At night visit Devils@Cradle and see the Tasmanian Devils feeding

You could also switch the stop at Zeehan with doing whatever you missed of the Gordan River Cruise and West Coast Wilderness Railway.

Where To Stay At Cradle Mountain

• BEST – Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Cradle Mountain Highlanders ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain (Dorm Rooms Available) ( Click here for more details )

On your way to Cradle Mountain it’s worth stopping by the small town of Zeehan.

There’s not a whole lot to see here, but there are some worthwhile attractions such as the West Coast Heritage Centre.

This museum has quite an impressive collection of things on display like mined minerals, machinery, locomotives, access to the court house, an underground mine experience and much more. One of the main offerings here is access to Gaiety Theatre – a grand theatre once considered to be one of the best in the country.

A 5 minute drive from the museum is the Spray Tunnel. This is an abandoned railway tunnel from the days of silver mining which you can walk through and take an easy 1 hour return walk. This is a unique walk with ruins and relics that you can spot along the track.

Back in the town centre there is a shop and a couple of cafes if you’d like to relax before heading onwards.

Address (West Coast Heritage Centre): 114 Main St, Zeehan TAS 7469

Address (Spray Tunnel): Fowler Street, Zeehan TAS 7321

Read more about visiting Zeehan in our full guide here .

Devils@Cradle

If there’s one animal most people are interested to see when visiting Tasmania, it’s the Tasmanian devil.

Tasmanian devils are nocturnal, and as such, the best way to see these iconic and interesting animals is with an after dark tour. You can do this at Devils@Cradle.

Devils@Cradle is a wildlife sanctuary helping to conserve native wildlife. You can visit outside of tours, but to see the Tasmanian devils feeding, you need to book one of their after dark tours.

I highly recommend this. It’s the best way to see the Tasmanian Devil alert and in action and it’s a highly sensory experience with an interesting guide.

The tours take a bit over an hour and run from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, and the facility has other native wildlife, such as the spotted-tailed and eastern quolls, as well as joey devils.

Address: 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306

Day 6: Cradle Mountain

On day 6 you’ll spend some time exploring the beautiful Cradle Mountain. You can take as little or as long as you’d like exploring this area.

This is an easy going day for you to spend in nature after a full on journey.

• Have breakfast at your hotel and then pack a lunch
• Head to the visitors centre and take the shuttle bus to Dove Lake
• Take the Dove Lake walk (approx 1.5 – 2 hours)
• Take the bus to other stops exploring Cradle Mountain, stopping somewhere to eat your lunch

Cradle Mountain

The stunning Cradle Mountain is the result of an eroded glacier, and by visiting you’ll understand just how magnificent this area is.

Your visit will start at the visitor centre where you’ll pick up your ticket for the shuttle bus (this is included in your national park pass fee) and get some information on the park. There’s a good cafe here if you’d like to have something to eat before exploring (or to stock up on water).

You’ll then make your way to the bus stop. The shuttle buses arrive frequently – usually 10 to 15 minutes between each – however the hours they run depends on when you’re visiting (usually between 9am – 5pm in winter and 8am – 6pm in summer).

The shuttle bus stops at various points along the way, and you can get a map and ask for information at the visitors centre.

I recommend taking the bus to Dove Lake and doing the Dove Lake walk, which is a beautiful walk around the lake. It’s fairly flat and much of it is on a boardwalk, and you’ll get some stunning views of the lake and mountain and will get to walk through the forest.

If you’re after something short and easy, The Rainforest Walk is a good option and is entirely on a boardwalk.

There is a list of the walks you can do here.

The area is a wealth of rainforests, rivers, wildlife and bushland and you can spend as long as you’d like soaking up the natural beauty. This is a day to take it easy in nature and to feel unrushed and relaxed in a stunning setting.

Day 7: Returning To Hobart

Driving Time: 4 hours

It’s time to finish your 7 day Tasmania adventure with a drive back to Hobart (note if you are leaving from somewhere else, you would drive there today). On the way, have a delicious breakfast at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and explore historic Ross.

• Leave early and head to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for breakfast (approx driving time 1.25 hours)
• Drive on to historic Ross and explore (approx driving time 1.25 hours)
• Head back to Hobart ready to fly out  (approx driving time 1.5 hours)

There is more information about Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Ross on day 1 of the east coast itinerary.

Tasmania 6 Day Itinerary

If you’ve only got 6 days in Tasmania you can make some modifications to the itineraries above. If you’re looking for an east coast 6 day itinerary Tasmania, you could just cut off the last day. Otherwise, Eaglehawk Neck is only 25 minutes from Port Arthur, so you could combine some attractions from day 6 with day 5 and squeeze in some attractions in the Tamar Valley on day 6.

If you’re looking at what to see in Tasmania in 6 days on the West Coast, I recommend you leave early for Cradle Mountain on day 5, remove Zeehan from your Tasmania self drive 6 day itinerary and see Cradle Mountain and Devils@Cradle on day 5. You can then head back to Hobart on day 6.

8 Days Tasmania Itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to have time for a Tasmania self drive 8 day itinerary, you have a couple of options. For an east coast Tasmania 8 day self drive itinerary, I recommend you add some attractions from day 7 to day 8 so that you can spend longer exploring the Tamar Valley region, and so that your final day isn’t so rushed.

For a west coast Tasmania self drive itinerary of 8 days, after visiting Cradle Mountain you could add a visit to Wynyard, Boat Harbour and Stanley on day 6/7, and head to back to Hobart from there. You can read about the attractions in these spots here .

Final Words About Your Tasmania Driving Holiday

Tasmania really is an exceptional place for a road trip, and both the east and west coast are vastly different from each other – in both climate and attractions.

Whatever you choose to do, remember you can always return again for another Tasmania road trip. We will be here to help you discover the best attractions Tasmania offers!

If you are catching the Spirit of Tasmania to Tasmania, read our full guide here.

We hope you enjoy these suggestions for what to do in Tasmania for a week so that you can have your perfect trip. You can find more information to plan your perfect trip to Tasmania here , read our 4 or 5 day itinerary here , 10 day here or 14 day here . For more planning guides,  click here . You can also buy our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

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By Shan Hutchinson

Shan grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

Places We Go

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Our 7-day Tassie Road Trip Itinerary!

Places We Go Team | August 17, 2019 | 9:56 pm | 12 Comments

We *might* have mentioned that road trips in Tasmania are one of our favourite Australian travel experiences, and that we love to take our car on Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Devonport so we can drive straight off at the other end and begin our Tassie Road trip itinerary!

But many people ask us what to do and where to go once there!

Inspired by the driving itineraries available on Spirit of Tasmania’s Road Trip planner (seriously, check them out – everything is done for you!) we’ve put together an East Coast Tassie Road trip itinerary that we think is perfect for experiencing many of Tassie’s treasures over seven days. This adventure takes in some of our favourite locations around the state, and is a real mix of the highlights that Tasmania is so famous for – a pristine coast, delectable food and wine, history and culture, and of course, friendly and welcoming (and enterprising) locals!

We are calling this Day 0 because we love taking an overnight sailing from Melbourne to Devonport on board Spirit of Tasmania and beginning Day 1 of your holiday upon your arrival. You can even finish work / school that day, then drive to Station Pier in Port Melbourne to board the ship and begin your trip! Load your vehicle with everything you want and need, no excess baggage fees here!

Alternatively, you can take a day sailing across the Tasman and spend your journey enjoying all the great onboard entertainment available, then arrive into Devonport to spend your first night.

If you take an overnight sailing, we recommend watching the sunset from the outdoor decks. See the Melbourne skyline fade into the horizon as the ship cruises into Bass Strait, then head inside for all of the entertainment and dining options available! Grab dinner at TMK (Tasmania Market Kitchen) and if you have kids, let them run around the play areas. Then catch a movie in one of the onboard cinemas, or have a drink in the lounge where there is usually some live music. Nothing better than starting the trip with some local Tassie wine!

Then get a good night’s sleep in one of the private cabins and as the ship sneaks into Devonport early the next day, be ready to drive straight off and begin your Tassie Road trip itinerary!

Day 1 – Devonport to Launceston – 102km

The beauty of today is that you will get an early start and be able to make the most of your first day in Tassie. It’s an easy drive from Spirit of Tasmania’s pier in Devonport to Launceston, and a great stop along the way is at Ashgrove Cheese in Elizabeth Town.

Ashgrove are open 7 days a week for visitors to see the farm where the famous dairy products are made, and taste the creamy ice-cream, bottled milk, cheeses, cream and butter. In our books, there is no better way to start a Tasmanian adventure!

Arrive into Launceston and head to Cataract Gorge , one of Launceston’s best attractions. Just a two-minute drive from the city centre, the Gorge is a natural formation with so much to see and do, you can easily spend much of the day here. Walk the Kings Bridge which spans the gorge itself, grab lunch at the café, and if it’s warm, enjoy the swimming pool. Walk the historic pathway along the cliff face looking down onto the river, and if you stay until dusk, meet some of the local wild wallabies.

Day 2 – Launceston > Tamar Valley > St Helens – 170km

We recommend driving to the coast via the Tamar Valley Wine region and stopping at one of our favourite wineries there, Josef Chromy .

Just 15 minutes out of Launceston you will find yourself in a beautiful landscape of premier vineyards and at Josef Chromy you can wine and dine on some of the best produce in the state.

They also hold incredible events including Jazz nights and Sunday markets!

TIP: Load up on cases of wine! You can fit them all in your car and simply take them back to Melbourne without restriction!

Continue towards the coast and the amazing Bay of Fires stretch of coastline. St Helens, 15 minutes drive south of Binalong Bay, is a beautiful little fishing village and the ideal place to base yourself for the night.

Go for a walk along the Bay of Fires beaches – you will be dazzled by the pristine white sand, turquoise waters and fiery-red boulders along the coast. We took it one step further when we were there and went diving in the gulch for abalone, but we must be honest, the water was pretty chilly!

Day 3 – St Helens – Coles Bay (Freycinet National Park) – 108km  

It’s time to really experience Tassie’s East Coast. The Great Eastern Drive hugs the coastline all the way south and there truly are some amazing gems along the way.

The drive from St Helens to Coles Bay offers plenty of reasons to stop and a few of our favourites include the town of Bicheno and its dramatic blowhole, Spring Vale Wines , and East Coast Natureworld – to meet the local Tassie devils of course.

Arrive into Coles Bay in time to check out Muirs Beach, just one of the unspoiled beaches in this pristine and stunning region.

Day 4 – Coles Bay (Freycinet National Park)

We think this part of the world deserves a couple of nights stay to really take advantage of all there is to offer here.

Get up before dawn and tackle the well-designed walk up to the lookout over famous Wineglass Bay. It is a 1.5 – 2-hour return trip and worth every single minute for the views over the iconic beach.

You can stretch it out further by walking down to the beach itself.

Go kayaking! Paddling the sea on gorgeous Oyster Bay under the spectacular pink-hued ‘Hazards’ ranges is truly a bucket list experience.

Finally, don’t miss the seafood! Drop into Freycinet Marine Farm to taste oysters as fresh as they come.

Day 5 – Coles Bay to Hobart – 206km

Time to tear yourself away from this little piece of paradise and hit the road again, and it’s time to get your head around some of Australia’s most significant history.

We absolutely recommend visiting Port Arthur if you are ever in the region, and we think it is worth the 3-hour drive today.

Get up early and hit the road, and you will be in Port Arthur by lunchtime. Spend the rest of the day at the Port Arthur Historic Site , soaking in the incredible convict history, stories and buildings, trying to wrap your head around the reality of such a place.

Stay in Port Arthur overnight so you can do the ghost tour at Port Arthur Historic Site – if you dare!

Day 6 – Port Arthur to Hobart – 100km

Try and time this day to be a Saturday and you will arrive in time for the Salamanca Markets !

Browse the many stalls of local food, arts and crafts and soak in the atmosphere that these iconic markets enjoy.

Wander some of the historic streets around Salamanca Place, take a stroll around the docks, full of history and characterful buildings, and then board the MONA ferry for a transfer to one of the most unique experiences in the country!

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) was designed to be viewed from the water and it won’t be the first time you will gaze at something with your mouth open! Open your mind, embrace the experience and enjoy!

If you have time, don’t forget the many amazing restaurants and bars that Hobart is so famous for this evening. Hobart is an easy place to stroll around if you are based in the city centre so make sure you get out to enjoy it if you can!

Day 7 – Hobart to Devonport – 281km

Enjoy a lazy breakfast in Hobart and perhaps one more wander of the city’s heritage streets lined with boutiques, galleries and cafes. The drive to Devonport is around 3hrs 20 minutes but leave time to stop along the way.

Gems like the historic town of Ross are more than worthwhile, with its heritage bridge, sandstone buildings and convict history – not to mention a great bakery!

Arrive into Devonport in time to check into your Spirit of Tasmania sailing – check in opens 2.5 hours prior to departure, so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the final day of your driving adventure.

Set sail on Spirit of Tasmania back to Melbourne, enjoying the hospitality one more time and a relaxing end to your Tasmanian experience.

Are there any places you would add to a Tassie Road Trip Itinerary or like to know more about visiting in Tassie? Let us know in the comments and we can hopefully help!

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August 22, 2019 at 10:14 am

The first great destination to try are the road trip down to Strathgordon via the township of Plenty, where you can visit salmon ponds. While there go on a guided tour of the Hydro Electric Scheme and also visit the big dam wall holding back the waters of the Gordon River. Even try some abseiling down the dam wall if you are game! The second is a days drive around the Great Lake. From Launceston, travel inland via Perth and Cressy. Then onto Poatina where there is another great tour to see their hydro electric water scheme. Then drive up the Western Tier Mountain Range, with multiple stops with great views! At the top is the inlet for the Poatina Hydro Scheme of the Great Lake.Then continue your drive around the lake on unsealed but very drivable road with again many great photo opportunities! Continue onto the Golden Valley which is magic, and on to Deloraine where you can drive back to Launceston or wherever you are based!

September 13, 2019 at 1:49 pm

Hi David How suitable is this road for caravanning? Or should we base ourselves somewhere, then do this drive. Sounds lovely.

August 22, 2019 at 5:34 pm

Hi there, Loved this article and it would also be wonderful to learn a little about the western side of the state, too.

Thanks and Kind Regards, Jeb

September 1, 2019 at 1:22 am

Hi Jennifer! We actually just visited the west of Tasmania and have shared our experience both on TV and online, you can find it all here: https://placeswego.com/driving-tasmanias-western-wilds/ and https://placeswego.com/videos/driving-tasmanias-western-wilds-episode-1-series-12/

August 29, 2019 at 11:56 am

I would go to Queenstown and have a ride on the Ap Railway

August 29, 2019 at 12:14 pm

Tasmania looks fantastic please choose me😀 I am on disability pension because I had 2 strokes I would really love to go now while I could still enjoy It .

August 29, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Hi Sounds action packed. Can you recommend places to stay on a budget? Thanks Kate

September 1, 2019 at 1:15 am

Hi Kate! We have stayed in many of the BIG4 Holiday Parks around Tassie and found them all to be good!

September 4, 2019 at 5:07 pm

yea been over there 3 times and 2 of them we stayed in caravan parks both were reasonably priced and quite suitable 4 a nights sleep cos al we did all day twas drive & investagate the whole land of tass long an short she,s a beutifull bit of mother earth aye once u get out of the towns u basicly have the joint 2 yourself just make shure u hav a reliable 4wd under your bum aye

August 29, 2019 at 3:52 pm

Just took a trip down memory lane. My husband and I traveled around Tasmania several times. 12 weeks in all. It was the most enchanting destination. Being too elderly to travel anymore I enjoyed looking and reading about the many interesting towns and attractions. Thank you once again for the memories

September 3, 2019 at 12:59 am

With only 5 days please give me the top 3 things to see please. Limited budget, 3 children and one adult with limited mobility. Hoping to make memories.

September 13, 2019 at 1:55 pm

We are planning a trip to Tas with Van in March/April 2020. We have around 3 weeks there. I need a full itinerary to cover the whole island. Any help would be appreciated. We love walking, photography , and history of places we visit. Not so much wining and dining as we have everything with us in the van. Thanks in advance.

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The Ultimate Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary: 7 Days of Adventure

Table of contents.

• Tasmania Hotel Review
• Water Activities In Tasmania
• Transport In Tasmania
• Tasmania West Coast
• Tasmania North West
• Tasmania Launceston & North
• Tasmania King Island
• Tasmania Hobart & South
• Tasmania Flinders Island
• Tasmania Events and Festivals
• Tasmania East Coast
• Tasmania Culture
• Religion in Tasmania
• Night Life In Tasmania
• Couple Travel In Tasmania
• Budget Travel Tips Tasmania

Koby Scurry

Get ready to embark on the ultimate adventure as you hit the open road and explore the stunning landscapes of Tasmania.

In just 7 days, you’ll journey through picturesque towns, hike through breathtaking national parks, and indulge in the flavors of the Tamar Valley wine region.

From the rugged wilderness of Cradle Mountain to the historic beauty of Port Arthur, this road trip will take you on a journey like no other.

So buckle up and get ready for a week of excitement and exploration in Tasmania.

Key Takeaways

• Hobart and its surrounding areas offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring markets and indulging in the food scene to immersing oneself in the vibrant city atmosphere.
• The stunning East Coast of Tasmania is a must-visit, with its scenic coastal drive, iconic lookout points like Wineglass Bay, picturesque towns like Bicheno, and opportunities to spot unique wildlife.
• Freycinet National Park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, with its scenic trails, encounters with native animals, diverse landscapes, and breathtaking sunrise views over Wineglass Bay.
• Cradle Mountain is a wilderness destination that offers pristine hiking trails, enchanting forests, mirror-like lakes, majestic peaks, and picturesque landscapes that are perfect for photography.

Day 1: Exploring Hobart and Surrounding Areas

On day 1, you’ll start your adventure in Hobart and explore the surrounding areas. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant city and all it has to offer.

Begin by exploring Hobart’s markets, where you can browse through a wide array of fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious treats. The Salamanca Market, held every Saturday, is a must-visit, filled with bustling stalls and lively atmosphere.

After working up an appetite, indulge in Hobart’s food scene. From trendy cafes to award-winning restaurants, the city is a paradise for food lovers. Sample fresh seafood, indulge in artisanal chocolates, and savor the flavors of Tasmania.

As you savor your last bite, get ready to embark on day 2: discovering the stunning east coast, where breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences await.

Day 2: Discovering the Stunning East Coast

Discover the stunning East Coast of Tasmania on Day 2. You’ll have the opportunity to explore breathtaking beaches and charming coastal towns. Start your day by driving along the Great Eastern Drive, a scenic coastal route that offers spectacular views of the Tasman Sea.

Stop at the iconic Wineglass Bay lookout for a panoramic view of the pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Afterward, head to the picturesque town of Bicheno and visit the beautiful beaches, where you can relax and soak up the sun. Don’t miss the chance to spot some unique wildlife, such as penguins and fur seals.

As the day comes to an end, you’ll be ready to embark on Day 3, filled with exciting hiking trails and wildlife encounters in Freycinet National Park.

Day 3: Hiking and Wildlife Encounters in Freycinet National Park

Ready for an adventure-filled day in Freycinet National Park? Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the scenic trails and encounter incredible wildlife.

As you trek through the park, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, from rugged mountains to pristine beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for native animals like wallabies, wombats, and even the elusive Tasmanian devil.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and create unforgettable encounters in Freycinet.

Scenic Trails and Wildlife

You can spot incredible wildlife while exploring the scenic trails in Tasmania. As you venture into the wilderness, the lush greenery surrounding you is a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of the native animals you’ll encounter along the way.

Picture yourself hiking through diverse landscapes, from rugged cliffs to ancient rainforests, all while being serenaded by the sounds of nature.

Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Tasmanian devil, a feisty and elusive marsupial that calls this island home. Or perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the adorable quokka, known for its friendly demeanor and photogenic smile.

Whether it’s spotting wallabies hopping through the underbrush or hearing the melodious song of native birds, the wildlife encounters on Tasmania’s scenic trails are sure to leave you in awe.

As you continue your journey, prepare to be captivated by even more incredible nature encounters in Freycinet National Park.

Nature Encounters in Freycinet

While exploring Freycinet, don’t miss the opportunity to witness breathtaking sunrises over the iconic Wineglass Bay. This stunning coastal paradise offers more than just picturesque views.

For birdwatching enthusiasts, Freycinet National Park is a haven. The diverse range of habitats attracts a wide variety of bird species, such as the striking black cockatoos and the colorful rosellas.

Take a leisurely stroll along the coastal walks, where you can spot native wildlife and soak in the refreshing ocean breeze. The Peninsula Circuit is a popular trail, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline and secluded beaches.

After immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Freycinet, it’s time to hit the road and continue your adventure.

Transitioning into day 4: road tripping through the wilderness of Cradle Mountain.

Day 4: Road Tripping Through the Wilderness of Cradle Mountain

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Cradle Mountain as you hike through its pristine wilderness trails. Immerse yourself in the untouched nature and capture stunning photographs of the picturesque landscapes.

Here’s what you can expect on your wilderness exploration and nature photography adventure:

Enchanting Forests: Wander through ancient forests filled with towering trees and moss-covered rocks. The air is crisp and fresh, and the sound of birdsong fills the air.

Mirror-like Lakes: Discover tranquil lakes that perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains. The mirror-like surface creates a surreal and awe-inspiring sight that is perfect for capturing beautiful photographs.

Majestic Peaks: Marvel at the towering peaks of Cradle Mountain as they pierce through the clouds. The rugged beauty of these mountains will leave you in awe and provide a stunning backdrop for your nature photography.

As you bid farewell to Cradle Mountain, get ready to embark on an adventure exploring the quirky towns of the northwest.

Day 5: Exploring the Quirky Towns of the North West

Get ready to explore the quirky towns of the North West and discover their unique attractions.

From charming coastal villages to historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant region.

And while you’re there, don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in the delicious local food experiences that will truly tantalize your taste buds.

Unique Attractions in NW

Don’t miss out on the unique attractions in NW Tasmania during your road trip adventure.

As you explore the charming towns of the North West, make sure to discover the hidden gems and offbeat attractions that this region has to offer.

Start your day by visiting the Tarkine Forest Adventures, where you can take a thrilling zipline tour through the lush rainforest.

Then, head to the Dip Falls and Big Tree Reserve, where you can marvel at the towering Big Tree and the picturesque waterfall.

Next, make your way to the quirky town of Stanley and take a chairlift ride up to the iconic Nut, a volcanic plug offering stunning panoramic views.

With these unique attractions, your road trip in NW Tasmania is bound to be an adventure like no other.

And now, it’s time to dive into the local food experiences that await you in this region.

Local Food Experiences

After exploring the unique attractions in Northwest Tasmania, it’s time to indulge in the culinary delights that this beautiful region has to offer. Tasmania is known for its fresh produce and vibrant food scene, and you won’t be disappointed with the local food markets here.

Salamanca Market: Located in Hobart, this bustling market is a food lover’s paradise. Wander through the stalls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet treats.

Farm Gate Market: If you’re in the mood for organic and locally sourced ingredients, head to Farm Gate Market in Hobart. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of seasonal produce, meats, and baked goods.

Harvest Launceston: This vibrant market in Launceston showcases the best of Tasmania’s local food scene. From farm-fresh produce to homemade preserves and delicious street food, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Burnie Farmers Market: Located in Burnie, this market is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Sample the region’s finest cheeses, meats, seafood, and artisanal products.

As you explore the local food markets, get ready for an exciting day ahead in Port Arthur, where you’ll uncover the history and beauty of this captivating destination.

Day 6: Uncovering the History and Beauty of Port Arthur

Visiting Port Arthur offers a chance to explore its fascinating history and stunning natural landscapes.

Start your day by immersing yourself in Port Arthur’s haunted history. Take a guided tour of the infamous Port Arthur Historic Site, where you’ll learn about the convict past and the ghostly tales that still linger in the air. As you wander through the old buildings and ruins, you can’t help but feel a sense of eeriness and wonder.

After diving into the past, it’s time to explore the beauty of the Tasman Peninsula. Embark on a scenic drive along the coastline, where you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Stop by the Remarkable Cave and marvel at its unique rock formations.

End your day with a tranquil sunset at the Tasman Arch, where the waves crash against the cliffs in a mesmerizing display of nature’s power.

As you bid farewell to Port Arthur, get ready for a day of relaxation and indulgence in the Tamar Valley wine region.

Day 7: Relaxing and Indulging in the Tamar Valley Wine Region

Start your day by savoring a glass of locally-produced wine in the Tamar Valley Wine Region. As you explore this picturesque region, you’ll discover a world of vineyards and wineries just waiting to be explored.

Here are four reasons why you should include wine tasting and vineyard tours in your itinerary:

Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the Tamar Valley, with its rolling hills and lush vineyards.

Indulge in a variety of award-winning wines, from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, as you sample the best that the region has to offer.

Learn about the winemaking process and the passion that goes into creating each bottle, as you take a guided tour of one of the many vineyards.

Pair your wine with delicious local produce, such as cheeses and chocolates, for the ultimate gastronomic experience.

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply appreciate the finer things in life, a visit to the Tamar Valley Wine Region is a must on your Tasmania road trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to rent a car for this road trip, or are there alternative transportation options available.

If you’re wondering whether you need to rent a car for this road trip, there are alternative transportation options available.

Public transportation options in Tasmania include buses and ferries, which can take you to popular destinations. However, it’s worth considering the cost comparison of renting a car versus using alternative transportation.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and access more remote areas, but it may be more expensive than relying solely on public transportation.

Are There Any Specific Permits or Fees Required for Hiking in Freycinet National Park?

Sure, you’ve got the itch to explore Freycinet National Park on your Tasmania road trip. But before you lace up those hiking boots, let’s talk permits and fees.

Yes, my friend, you’ll need a park pass to wander these stunning trails. But fear not, it won’t break the bank. Just a small fee, and you’re good to go.

So grab your gear, hop in your car (or find those alternative transportation options), and get ready for some epic hiking adventures!

What Are Some Recommended Wildlife Viewing Spots in Freycinet National Park?

If you’re looking for recommended wildlife viewing spots in Freycinet National Park, you’re in for a treat! The park is home to a diverse range of animals, including wallabies, wombats, and a variety of bird species.

For the best chances of wildlife sightings, head to the Hazards Beach area or take a stroll along the Wineglass Bay Lookout track. Keep your eyes peeled during the early morning or late afternoon when animals are most active.

Are There Any Guided Tours or Excursions Available in Cradle Mountain for Those Who Prefer Not to Hike?

Looking for guided tours or excursions in Cradle Mountain that don’t involve hiking? You’re in luck!

There are plenty of options for wildlife viewing and exploring the stunning scenery without having to hit the trails.

From guided wildlife tours where you can spot unique Tasmanian animals, to scenic drives that offer breathtaking vistas, there’s something for everyone.

Can You Recommend Any Unique Shops or Attractions in the Quirky Towns of the North West?

Looking for unique shops and must-visit attractions in the quirky towns of the northwest? You’re in luck!

From the charming boutiques in Devonport to the vibrant markets in Burnie, there’s something for everyone.

Don’t miss the iconic Don River Railway in Don, where you can hop on a vintage steam train and take in the breathtaking views.

And be sure to explore the fascinating history of Stanley, with its quaint shops and the famous Nut to climb.

Congratulations on completing your 7-day road trip adventure through Tasmania! From the vibrant city of Hobart to the stunning East Coast, wildlife encounters in Freycinet National Park, and the wilderness of Cradle Mountain, you’ve experienced an incredible journey.

The quirky towns of the North West and the historical beauty of Port Arthur have also left a lasting impression. And let’s not forget the exquisite wines you indulged in at the Tamar Valley Wine Region.

Having explored Tasmania’s diverse landscapes, encountered its unique wildlife, and experienced its rich history and culture, I wholeheartedly recommend this road trip to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure. Tasmania’s beauty and charm will captivate nature lovers, history buffs, and wine enthusiasts alike.

The abundance of vineyards and the production of some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines make Tasmania a must-visit destination for wine lovers. The Tamar Valley Wine Region in particular offers a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts, with its picturesque vineyards and cellar doors.

So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary road trip that combines breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and the opportunity to indulge in world-class wines, Tasmania should be at the top of your list. Start planning your ultimate road trip today and get ready for an adventure like no other!

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The best itineraries for a spectacular Tasmania road trip

This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2014. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.

I spent 22 years living in this naturally beautiful Australian state.

My childhood was filled with day trips up the coast, hiking in national parks, visiting waterfalls and viewpoints and rock formations. This seemingly tiny state has a surprisingly large number of things to see and do.

Through various conversations about my home state, I realised that many people want to experience the best of Tassie but have no idea how to go about it, so I’m going to share some amazing Tasmania road trip itineraries with you!

How to get to Tasmania:

The easiest way to get to Tasmania from mainland Australia is to fly into Hobart or Launceston (every time I step off the plane in Tasmania I take an alarmingly large breath of the fresh air. There really is nothing else like it!). Once you’ve arrived, rent a car from the airport for driving around the state. A regular small car will do the job – there’s no need for a 4WD or anything.

You can also take your own car across the Bass Strait from Melbourne to Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania . This is an especially useful option if you own a caravan or campervan and want to use it for your Tassie travels.

When to go to Tasmania:

Tasmania is great at any time of year, but generally speaking, the best travel time is October to March as the temperatures are more tolerable for you mainland folk. Expect large crowds around Christmas and New Year during the Taste of Tasmania festival and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

Winter in Tasmania can be cold and wet but you can expect this weather any time of year, so be prepared for all weather conditions no matter when you travel. Every time I head down to Hobart to visit my family, I take clothing that I would wear on the coldest winter days in Sydney (no matter what time of year I head down), and I always pack waterproof boots and a rain jacket.

How long does it take to drive around Tasmania:

The number one biggest mistake people make when they visit Tasmania is thinking they can zoom around the state in a few days, but this is impossible unless you only plan to visit one or two destinations. There is so much to see and a million places to explore – you will seriously regret it if you don’t give yourself enough time to see the state properly.

I’ve compiled three recommended itineraries in this post which are 7, 10, and 14 nights. The shortest itinerary involves about 11 hours of driving time, and the longest itinerary is about 23 hours total.  I’ve limited the driving time to a max of 4 hours per day to slow the pace of these Tasmania road trips and make the itinerary manageable for everyone.

Entering Tasmania’s national parks:

All of the following itineraries include entering two or more national parks. If you’re driving around Tasmania, you’ll needs a parks pass each time you enter a park. Get a National Parks Holiday Pass for your vehicle, which costs $80 AUD and allows you to enter all parks over a two month period. This will save you a lot of hassle buying a day pass at each park, and will be much cheaper, too.

Destinations to visit in Tasmania:

• Hobart:  Hobart is Tasmania’s capital and the largest city in the state. From here, you can do day trips to locations such as Richmond, Bruny Island, or the Huon Valley .
• Tasman Peninsula: On the Tasman Peninsula you’ll find the historic Port Arthur convict settlement which is one of Tasmania’s most visited destinations.
• East Coast:  The small towns of Coles Bay and Bicheno are popular spots for accessing Freycinet National Park and the world-famous Wineglass Bay.
• North East Coast:  The township of St Helens is located near the Bay of Fires, which is known for having vibrant turquoise waters and red-tinted rocks.
• Launceston: Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city. Close by is the popular Tamar Valley wine region and rolling fields of lavender that bloom mid-summer.
• North West:  Stanley is a tiny coastal town with unique geological features. The town of Penguin is also an interesting stop with sculptures themed on its name.
• Cradle Mountain: Cradle Mountain National Park attracts eco-conscious visitors with dramatic scenery and wildlife, located in a remote area far from civilisation.
• Strahan:  On Tasmania’s West Coast is the historic township of Strahan, which is next to stunning natural landscapes in Franklin–Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
• Midlands:  Mount Field National Park in Tasmania’s midlands is frequented by locals with a range of hikes that visit waterfalls, rainforest, and alpine lakes.

Tasmania guided tour options:

If you just don’t have the time to drive around but still want to see Tasmania, there are a few multi-day tours that will allow you to see the best of the state in a short amount of time. Here are a few options:

• 5-Day Best of Tasmania Tour from Hobart (including Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Launceston & Bicheno)
• 6-Day Tasmanian Explorer Adventure Tour from Hobart (including Port Arthur, Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Launceston & Bicheno)
• 7-Day Super Value Tour of Tasmania (including Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Launceston, Bicheno, Bruny Island & Port Arthur)

Tasmania road trip itineraries:

7 nights – Hobart to Launceston

• 2 nights in Hobart
• 1 night on the Tasman Peninsula
• 2 nights in Coles Bay or Bicheno
• 1 night in Launceston
• 1 night in Cradle Mountain

Total driving time: 11 hours

This itinerary is for those who can only wrangle a week off work and therefore have to travel weekend to weekend. If you can, try to fly into Hobart on a Friday night so that you can make it to Salamanca Market on the Saturday morning.

This Tassie road trip is truly a ‘best of’ itinerary that hits up the flashiest destinations in a short timeframe. You will be happily exhausted by the end of it and will feel like you got to see what Tasmania is all about.

10 nights – Hobart to Hobart

• 2 nights in Coles Bay or Bicheno
• 2 nights in Strahan
• 1 night near Mount Field

Total driving time: 17 hours

With 10 nights in Tasmania, you’ll be able to visit a decent amount of the state including the major cities, the small towns, and the national parks. You can choose to start this loop in either Hobart or Launceston. It’s a fairly comprehensive itinerary but at a reasonably fast pace.

14 nights – Hobart to Hobart

• 3 nights in Hobart
• 1 night in St Helens
• 1 night in Stanley
• 2 nights in Cradle Mountain

Total driving time: 23 hours

If you can manage to get two weeks in Tasmania for your holiday, this is the best way to fill it. On this itinerary, you’ll get to see Tasmania’s best destinations with a little extra time to do it all at a more relaxed pace.

This option is also the best one for those of you coming over on the Spirit of Tasmania, because that boat is fairly expensive and you will want to make the most of the trip over. It’s easy to start and end the loop in Devonport if this is your deal.

Related posts

The best things to do around Port Arthur + the Tasman Peninsula

Wander through the treetops on a Huon Valley day trip from Hobart

10 cheap or free things to do in Hobart

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17 comments

U forgot Bruny Island esp the neck 🙂

True, though we’d have to make it a 3 week trip then! I did add Bruny into my comprehensive local’s guide to Hobart post 🙂

What an excellent article, makes me want to travel to Australia! Glad I found your website 🙂

Thanks so much JP, I’m really glad you like it! You should definitely travel Australia if you get the chance 🙂

I love Tasmania! Since I’m in Melbourne, it’s the perfect long weekend getaway! I haven’t seen it all yet though, so I’ll definitely use your guide here next time I’m heading down for a Tassy adventure. x

Tasmanians and Melbournians swap cities for weekend getaways I think, I used to head there about twice a year for shopping trips and AFL games! There’s definitely a lot to see in Tas, if you need any recommendations let me know 🙂

Oh wow, thanks for this post! 🙂 I just thought about making a road trip in Tasmania as I live in Australia as an Au Pair and wanna see as much as I can 😀 But like you said I had no idea where to start and what to see, though this really helps me. 😀

Cheers, Sanji

Wow, how much time have you got to travel Australia Sanji? It’s a big place, but there’s definitely a few key places worth seeing! If you need any recommendations let me know 😀

Thank you very much for the itenary! My family of 2 adult and a 10 years old girl inted to visit Tas this coming Aug/Sep. Would you suggest us to follow this itenary or make some changes due to the weather? We plan to spen 10 days in Tas and might want to include some ski lessons.

You’re welcome, Loke! If you do the 10 day itinerary and skip St Helens or Launceston, you can ski at Ben Lomond instead. The weather is usually wet around August, but not much you can do about it – take a good raincoat and you’ll be fine!

Hi, is there a fully guided tour for the 10-d itinerary u can recommend with details and price? Tks!

There are a few companies that do some great Tasmania tours – this 12 day Perfect Tasmania tour by Trafalgar is the closest one I can find to the 10 day itinerary! 🙂

Hi. I’ve been looking into doing this by myself. I don’t want to miss out on any of these fantastic places you’ve mentioned so thank you. Is there a chance on seeing the southern lights in any of those places?

That’s great, Cris! I’m so glad you’ll be seeing some of my home state. I’ve seen the southern lights about 2 or 3 times in my lifetime, so it is rare. Sometimes you’ll be able to capture the glow of the lights on the horizon with a long exposure photo, without seeing them with the naked eye. You can read a bit more about my experience photographing them here 🙂

Hello how much is your Hobart to Hobart 14 night self drive holiday & whats included in the price. Thanks. Awaiting your reply.

The 14d program looks good but I was wondering if this is all sealed as most of the campers don’t allow gravel and do you have details on what to do at each place?

We are a fam of 4 travelling at the worst time over late Dec, early Jan for 18d in Tas.

Looking at a campervan and staying at national parks and community or free caravan sites.

Yes the main routes on this itinerary are sealed road, through there are a few places where you will have to venture onto gravel road to access the sites (last time I checked, Freycinet National Park was one). If you’re worried about driving there in a campervan, there may be local tour options that will allow you to see the sites without using those roads. I have more posts on some of the destinations in my Tasmania archives 🙂

• This Is The Perfect Tasmanian...

This is the Perfect Tasmanian Road Trip

Positioned south of Victoria is the Australian island state of Tasmania. Magically rugged Tassie is blessed with dazzling beaches, astounding mountains, charming hamlets and a rich history. Culture Trip has planned a lap of the map road trip from Devonport all the around to Cradle Mountain. Take your time on Apple Isle, venture off the beaten path and discover the beauty of Tasmania.

Day 1: spirit of tasmania.

Your journey begins in Port Melbourne as you depart on the Spirit of Tasmania across Bass Strait towards Davenport. Sit back in a recliner, choose from a range of private accommodation options or book a day ticket and roam the ship. On board, you’ll find three bars, a buffet-style eatery, two cinemas, live music, kids’ activities, a tourism hub and more. The voyage takes between 9 and 11 hours with both day and night trips available. Vehicle fares start from AUD $89.00 and human fares start from AUD $79.00. To make the most of your time in Tasmania, we recommend bringing your car or camper van over from the mainland as there are no passenger trains on the island.

Day 2: Disembark in Davenport

Day 3: Bay of Fires

Follow the Tasman Highway/A3 for two and a half hours northeast to Binalong Bay, the gateway to the Bay Of Fires which was named after the Aboriginal fires spotted by Captain Tobias Furneaux when he sailed along Tasmania’s east coast in 1773. Stretching over 50 kilometers from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, the striking shoreline is renowned for its string of pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and tangerine granite boulders. We recommend staying at Tidal Waters Resort in St Helens.

Day 4: Freycinet National Park

Moving south down the Tasman Hwy/A3, Freycinet National Park is a pristine outcrop home to Wineglass Bay which is considered one of the top ten beaches in the world. Dive into the crescent cove, go sea kayaking, or laze on the luminous white sand. One of the best ways to see Wineglass Bay is to step aboard a four hour cruise where you’ll be treated to spectacular views, wildlife sightings and a Ploughman’s lunch courtesy of the Head Chef at Freycinet Lodge. We recommend staying at the peaceful Freycinet Lodge.

Day 5: Maria Island

Travel further along Tasmania’s East Cost to the fishing village of Triabunna where a 30-minute ferry ride costing AUD $50.00 will bring you to the historic Maria Island. Watch as wombats graze undeterred by visitors, wander through the ghost town that is Darlington, see the convict station and stroll to the breathtaking Painted Cliffs at Hopground Beach. Once back in Triabunna, it’s time to hit the road again on route to Port Arthur via C335 and Arthur Hwy/A9 which will take less than two hours. Upon arrival, check into Stewarts Bay Lodge where you can tuck into dinner at the on-site restaurant Gabriel’s on the Bay.

Day 6: Port Arthur

A ten-minute walk down Church Street will bring you to the World Heritage Listed Port Arthur Historic Site , Tasmania’s top tourist attraction that welcomes over 250,000 visitors each year. Site entry tickets cost AUD $39.00 and include a guided walking tour, access to over 30 historic buildings including the museum which contains artifacts from the Convict era and a harbor cruise on board the MV Marana. Other ticket packages are available, including the must-see lantern-lit ghost tour featuring unsettling paranormal accounts dating back to 1870.

Day 7: Hobart

Tasmania’s capital city is only 90 minutes from Port Arthur. We recommend staying at the waterfront Grand Chancellor Hotel which overlooks River Derwent and Constitution Dock. If you happen to be in Hobart on Saturday, don’t miss Salamanca Market which has over 300 stalls selling a variety of goods from fresh produce to arts and crafts. Another popular attraction is David Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art. Australia’s largest privately owned art gallery houses a collection of 1,900 works of art from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art. Admission starts at AUD $25.00. For dinner we recommend Da Angelo.

If you have time, visit the Huon Trail, about an hour south-west of Hobart and pick up a bag or two of apples at one of the many farm gates within the area which use an honesty-box system. Just be sure to carry coins with you as pay wave isn’t an option.

Day 7: Drive to Lake St Clair

Before setting off to the western side of Apple Isle, mosey through the maritime village of Battery Point and see gorgeous Victorian homes before grabbing breakfast at Jackman & McRoss bakery. Looming over Battery Point is Mount Wellington , located just 27 minutes away. Mount Wellington is 1,271 metres high and the pinnacle observation shelter offers panoramic views of Hobart. Once back down the mountain, make your way onto the Lyell Hwy/A10 for two hours and 45 minutes until you reach The Wall in the Wilderness in Derwent Bridge. Artist Greg Duncan’s sculptural site features carved wooden panels commemorating the history of Tasmanian’s Central Highlands. Two minutes away is Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake at a depth of 160 meters. There are a number of short and longer walks to choose from as well as overnight walks. National park passes are required. Resting on the water’s edge is Lake St Clair Lodge , which has a range of accommodation options as well as a restaurant and wellness centre.

Day 8: Cradle Mountain

From Lake St Clair, journey three hours via A10 to the picturesque Cradle Mountain. From alpine heaths to chiseled mountain peaks and glacial lakes, the landscape is one of Tasmania’s most awe-inspiring attractions. Hike through the iconic region on a self-guided or ranger led walk, visit the reflective Dove Lake and glistening Enchanted Forest, climb to Marion’s Lookout, go horse-riding, fly fishing and see magnificent waterfalls. While in Cradle Mountain, you may come across native wildlife, but if you’re keen to see the Tasmanian Devil then visit Devils@Cradle. Spend the night nestled by the fireplace at the cosy Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge . If you can’t get enough of Cradle Mountain, explore the region further on the renowned 65km Overland Track .

Day 9: Return to Devonport

After a well-deserved sleep in, enjoy a buffet breakfast at the Highland Restaurant before setting back out into the national park. When you’re ready, pack the car and drive the final leg of your road trip back to Devonport along Cradle Mountain Rd and C132 which will take you less than 80 minutes. The Spirit of Tasmania night cruise typically leaves at 7:30pm, allowing you to see Devonport. From the Mersey River, to Bass Strait Maritime Centre and Devonport Regional Gallery , there is plenty to do before you wave goodbye to Tassie.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Self-Drive Tasmania: The Best Trip Planner for an Ultimate Road Trip

• Updated on: November 29, 2023

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Table of Contents

Imagine this: I’m spending over a month in the rugged wilderness of Tasmania, an Australian island that’s a world unto itself. This place, one of the last accessible frontiers of raw, untouched nature, is a magnet for anyone with a thirst for adventure. The journey itself is captivating – empty roads meander through an ever-changing canvas of landscapes, making every mile an unfolding story.

In my trusty camper van, which quickly becomes more than just a vehicle but a mobile home, I dive deep into the heart of Tasmania. This extended stay isn’t just a visit; it’s a full immersion into the island’s soul. Every day is a new chapter, each destination a fresh revelation.

Given the luxury of time that many might not have, it didn’t feel right to just churn out a standard X-day Tasmania road trip itinerary. How could I distill this rich, sprawling experience into just a handful of days? Instead, I’ve put together a Tasmania trip planner, a guide born from my extensive explorations. This isn’t about prescribing a route; it’s about offering you the tools to weave your own Tasmanian tapestry, to build a journey that echoes your personal rhythm and style. So, get ready to chart your own course through Tasmania’s wild beauty!

How to get to Tasmania

As Tasmania is an island, which is not connected to the mainland by any tunnels or bridges, the only way to get there is by boat or by plane. If you want to bring your own car, you can take the ferry, the Spirit of Tasmania . They provide a regular daily service between Melbourne and Devonport.

If you prefer to fly , you can take a flight from Sydney, Melbourne, Launceston, or Hobart. Launceston is a city in the North of Tasmania. Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, situated in the South.

Don’t miss: Our Complete Tasmania Travel Guide

Best time to visit Tasmania

Tasmania can best be visited between December and February. The temperatures are best during this time of the year. Nature is stunning and there are plenty of  activities  that can be done. But always be prepared for a cool day and cold nights.

Car rental Tasmania

If you choose to fly to Tasmania, you can rent a car at both the airports in Hobart and Launceston. This is the easiest way to go, as there is barely any public transport in Tasmania, not even an option to bring you into town from the airport.

As the roads are pretty solid in Tasmania, you should be very fine with renting a 2WD car. This can either be a small car, a station wagon, a Camper Van or an RV.

Camping is very common in Tasmania and you will find a lot of free camps and campsites all around. But if camping is not your thing, don’t be afraid, as there are also many opportunities when it comes to B&B’s, hotels, and hostels!

Self-Driving Tasmania

In Tasmania, you drive on the left side of the road, just like in the rest of Australia. This also means that you have to stay on the left unless you are passing.

Always be aware of wildlife. They can cross the road literally any moment of the day. We had to stop a couple of times to let some wildlife cross the road, like an echidna, several wallabies, a goanna, and even a Tasmanian Devil!

If you didn’t see them in time and you hit an animal, always make sure to stop. See if the animal can be rescued or if it had any babies with it that need to be taken care of. Call the Wildlife Rescue at 1300 094 737 to report an animal that needs help.

Always wear your seatbelt and use hands-free devices. Stick to the speed limits, which is 50 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h in rural areas, and 110 km/h on the highway. Please be aware that gas stations might be further away from each other than you expect, so don’t forget to fuel up on time!

If you don’t like to travel around Tasmania by yourself, check out this amazing 6 day tour.

Know before you go

There are a couple of things you need to know before you start your road trip around Tasmania.

Tasmania National Park Pass

A National Park Pass is a pass that gives you permission to enter a national park in Tasmania. You can either purchase a single-entry ticket, that gives you access for 24 hours, or you can purchase a holiday pass, that is valid for all the national parks in Tasmania for 8 weeks.

It might save you a lot of money on your Tasmanian road trip to purchase the holiday pass, even when you don’t spend the full 8 weeks in Tasmania. Below are the costs for the different national park passes:

• Single entry (24 hours): AU$22, which is valid for 1 vehicle and up to 8 persons
• Holiday pass (8 weeks): AU$56, which is valid for 1 vehicle and up to 8 persons

If you are planning on going to more than 2 national parks, it is more affordable to purchase the holiday pass.

Tip: You can purchase your national park pass at the entrance of any national park, any visitor center or at the Spirit of Tasmania I & II if you arrive by ferry.

Southern Lights

You might not expect it, but in Tasmania, it is possible to see the Southern Lights! This is also called the Aurora Australis. It is the same natural phenomenon as the Northern Lights, but then in the Southern Hemisphere.

Actually, Tasmania is one of the best places in the world to see these incredible light shows. So, if you travel around, don’t forget to check the aurora forecast and set an alarm clock if the chances are high!

You can see the Southern Lights pretty much everywhere in Tasmania. Just make sure your view to the South isn’t blocked by large mountains or trees. It also helps a lot when you are away from the city so that you don’t have light pollution.

Tip : Join the Facebook group Aurora Australis Tasmania to get to know if and where there is a chance to capture the Southern Lights.

Bioluminescence

Another phenomenon to be seen in Tasmania is the bioluminescence, also called sea sparkle. When it gets dark the water lightens up in a bright blue color. The glow is caused by specific algae or plant plankton, flashing when they are disturbed by waves or currents.

This sea sparkle is especially known to be seen around Hobart. So, if you are around, check out if there is a chance to see it!

TIP : Become a member of the Facebook group bioluminescence Tasmania to get to know if and where there is a chance to see this blue fluorescence.

Self-Drive Tasmania Road Trip Planner

That was some basic information about Tasmania. You know where to rent a car and what you always have to look out for. So, now it’s time to finally dive into the beautiful sights, amazing things to do, and incredible National Parks to explore in Tasmania!

I start this road trip around Tasmania in Hobart, but you can literally start anywhere. If you fly to Launceston, scroll down to that point and start planning your Tasmania itinerary from there. Same story if you arrive by ferry in Devonport!

Interactive map of Tasmania

Below you’ll find an interactive map of Tasmania, where you can see all the stops, places of interest, things to do and places to sleep which I discuss in this post. Simply click on the map to integrate it into your Google Maps and navigate to the next stop on your route!

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, but when you have been to Melbourne or Sydney, you will be amazed by the small size. It really is a cute and compact town where you are able to find anything you need. You can see it all in a day, but you can easily spend here 3 days as well.

Driving isn’t the most comfortable in the city center, as there are a lot of really small and narrow roads. Do you have a Camper Van? Don’t even bother trying to park in the city! Park just outside the center and walk in 10-15 minutes into town.

Tours we recommend:

Mount wellington.

Mount Wellington is one of the iconic sights in Hobart. You can drive all the way to the top of the mountain via a winding steep road. It is worth all your time and effort, as the views on a clear day are incredible! Especially during sunrise or sunset.

Once at the top, you can walk onto a viewing platform to have a view over the city and the ocean. There is also an inside viewing platform if you feel cold. Don’t forget, you can climb up a mountain and the temperature can easily be a couple of degrees colder than in the city! When we visited Mount Welling the temperature change was 12 degrees!

Also, don’t forget about the wind. Without any shelter, you will be fully exposed to it. Bring a windproof jacket, gloves, and a hat if you want to prepare yourself!

Salamanca Market

The Salamanca Market is a street market, held every Saturday from 8.30 am until 3.00 pm at Salamanca place. This is in the middle of the city center of Hobart. It is a very vibrant market with lots of handicrafts, arts, jewelry, organic produce, and delicious local foods and breweries.

With over 300 stands, you can easily spend there the whole morning. Wander around, take in the relaxed vibes and search for a beautiful souvenir.

MONA – the Museum of Old and New Art

This Museum of Old and New Art is a must-visit when in Hobart. You can get here by car or by ferry. It is a very interactive art museum, where old and modern art is combined.

So, what can you expect to see here? Although it is a very modern and interactive museum, there is also art hanging on the walls. But instead of figuring out what it is all about, you get a device where you can listen to the founder of the museum and sometimes the artist himself. They explain the story behind the art, which makes it way easier to understand.

There is also a lot of interactive art, where you can actually participate in to let it work. For example the pulse bulb, that shows your pulse when you hold on to a metal bar. And there is also a device that lets the wind do the work. Yes, you do understand it right, the wind makes the art here!

You can easily spend half a day at MONA. And if the weather is good you can enjoy lunch or a drink in the garden of the restaurant and watch the boats come by over the river.

Rektango Live Music

Every Friday night from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm there is a free live music event at Salamanca place. Right behind the Peacock theater people gather to enjoy the music with some drinks.

So, if you are around on a Friday night, definitely go here to get a real local Tasmanian experience!

Places to stay in Hobart

There are several backpacker hostels situated in the middle of the city center. A private room in a hostel is available from US$45 to US$50 a night.

If you want a bit more luxury the Tasmania Inn offers great value for their price. You can book a room from US$65 a night. It is still very close to the city center and they have a restaurant where you can enjoy a dinner buffet for US$21 per person.

The Lea Bush Camp is a very good campsite which is only a 15-minute drive out of Hobart. They only charge AU$10 per person for an unpowered site and AU$12.50 for a powered site. The amenities are spotless and the camp kitchen is a big plus. Outside the bush fire season, you are also allowed to make a campfire at one of the designated spots.

The Tasman Peninsula & Port Arthur

Its time to actually start your self-drive Tasmania road trip! And it starts with a 70-minute drive from Hobart to the rugged Tasman Peninsula. Access to this Peninsula is via the ‘Eaglehawk Neck’, which is an isthmus of only 30 meters wide. Back in the old days, this place was guarded by dogs to prevent the convicts from escaping.

Most of the peninsula is a national park and it offers spectacular coastlines, blowholes, caves and two world heritage listed convict sites. There are also lots of walking tracks!

Depending on how much time you have I would suggest taking at least 1 day to explore the highlights of this part of Tasmania. If you do have an extra day, put on your hiking boots and take one of the incredible hikes!

Tour recommendation for Tasman Peninsula:

Enjoy a day in a sea kayak surrounded with a wide variety of wildlife. Tasman Peninsula Full-Day Sea Kayak Excursion

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur historic site is a world heritage listed site and is the best-preserved convict settlement in Australia. Explore the old buildings and take in the history that still feels alive when you wander around.

One of the best things to do here is taking the  ghost tour ! Hear spooky stories and enjoy the atmospheric grounds and buildings while you learn something about history!

Coal mines historic site

Another world heritage listed site is the coal mines. A place where convicts were doing forced labor. Old buildings are still standing and you can have a look around and take pictures during a guided tour while you learn all about this place. You can also walk the Convicts Coal Mine Circuit which leads you around the place in two hours.

Tasmanian Devil UNZOO

In contrary to a regular zoo, the animals are free in their habitat and the visitors can watch them from certain ‘cages’ in this habitat. This creates spectacular up-close sights and a lot more interaction with the animals.

If you go to the Tasmanian Devil UNZOO, make sure to see the Tasmanian Devil feeding and the bird show! Both real impressive! For tickets check out their website , or click on the day tour below to combine Port Arthur with the UNZOO.

From Hobart: Port Arthur and Tasmanian Devil Unzoo Day Tour

Walking tracks

There are a lot of walking tracks available on the Tasman Peninsula. One of the most famous hikes is the Tasman Coastal Hike which takes 3-5 days to complete. Luckily you can also do parts of this trail in half a day or a full day. Click here for more information.

Places to stay Port Arthur

There are a couple of places to stay in the area of Port Arthur, as well as hotels as campsites, but they are all pretty pricey. If you just drive off the peninsula, passed the Eaglehawk Neck, there is the Lufra Hotel and apartments . Situated at the beachfront they are offering fully self-contained rooms for only US$80 a night.

Great Eastern Drive

The Great Eastern Drive is a 176 km long road between Orford and St. Helens on Tasmania’s East Coast. The road leads you right through the East Coast wine region. There are lots of beaches to explore, hikes to do, and wines to taste!

Maria Island

Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary with historic ruins, beautiful bays, and incredible cliffs. It is a no-car island where you can only get to from the passenger ferry from Triabunna. It takes about 30 minutes with the ferry. You can find the ferry times here on the timetable.

There are several hikes to do on the island that will let you explore several highlights, like the painted cliffs, which are limestone rock formations, and the convict sites at Darlington.

During your visit, you will probably spot a lot of wildlife, like echidnas and wallabies. With a bit of luck, you might also spot a Tasmanian Devil!

Hiking and biking are the main activities to do on this beautiful island. Bikes are for rent from Darlington. Renting a bike will allow you to see quite a lot of the island in just one day! If you like to explore it on foot or want to spend the night there for a higher chance to see the wildlife, you can stay here an extra day.

Accommodation on Maria Island is very basic. It is either a room with 6 to 14 bunk beds or a campsite. There is also no possibility of purchasing any food or drinks, so you need to bring everything yourself! If you aren’t a big fan of this basic accommodation, but still like to see Maria Island, you can go there and back to the mainland within a day.

See below the tours we really like on Maria Island:

Top Tour: Maria Island: Day Trip with Walk, Wombats, and Picnic Lunch

Back on the mainland, you’ll drive 50km from Triabunna to Swansea. On your way, you’ll pass some small towns like Little Swanport and Rocky Hills.

From Swansea, it takes you another 50km to reach Bicheno. On this route, you’ll find some of the best vineyards of the East Coast of Tasmania. For example, check out Milton Vineyard, Gala Estate, Spring Vale Wines, Devil’s Corner, or Freycinet Vineyard to taste some of Tasmania’s best wines!

Coles Bay & Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Tasmania. It is beautiful and there are plenty of options when it comes to activities.

From the road junction before Bicheno, it is about 30 km one way to reach the car park of Freycinet National park. From here you can start pretty much all the hikes and explore the Freycinet Park.

Friendly beaches

Before you arrive at Coles Bay you’ll find Friendly Beaches. A lot of people skip them and drive straight into the national park, but I think they are worth a stop to stroll around.

There are tons of viewpoints to see this beautiful part of the coastline, it almost blinds your eyes! There are also many beach access points to get onto the beach and walk around or lay down on the soft white sand.

Coles Bay is a small town and the main entry point to the Freycinet National Park. You can get accommodation here if you like to spend a couple of days in the park, which I would definitely recommend. If you are camping you can book ahead for a campsite in the park itself, which is pretty affordable for an accommodation!

Don’t forget to return to Coles Bay after an intense day with lots of walking to get a super delicious ice cream from the Ice Creamery. Just because you really deserved it!

Our favourite tour:

This tour really impressed us Freycinet National Park: Guided Walking Tour

Wineglass Bay

This is probably the spot every traveler wants to see when they go to Freycinet National Park and for a good reason! The view on Wineglass bay is absolutely stunning with the clear blue waters divided by a small strip of white sand and high mountains with green trees. The contrast just really crushes it here!

You’ll get the best view on Wineglass Bay from the top of Mount Amos. This is a fairly difficult hike where you need to climb over the rocks to get there. Really…climbing with both hands and feet is necessary to get there.

I understand that is not a suitable hike for everyone. Luckily there is also the Wineglass Bay Lookout Trail, which is a 1.5 km one-way moderate trail. From the Wineglass Bay Lookout, you can get to the beach in another 1.5 km. This trail is quite steep with a series of stairs. But it is worth all the effort because the beach is absolutely stunning!

Honeymoon Bay

The Honeymoon bay is actually part of the Oyster bay and is a picturesque stop. The white-sanded beach with the yellow boulders and the green trees make the view almost unbelievable. Definitely worth a stop for a picture or even a swim if the weather allows it!

Continue the Great Eastern Drive

Fulfilled after soaking up some beautiful views, doing some awesome hikes, and lovely swims, you can continue your Tasmania road trip going North on the Great Eastern Drive.

Bicheno is one of the bigger cities along the East Coast and is famous for all the wildlife that can be seen here. It is near the East Coast Natureworld , which is a Wildlife Sanctuary. At night you can take a penguin tour in Bicheno to see little penguins, which are the smallest penguins in the world. SPOILER ALERT: Scroll down to Burnie for an even better penguin viewing opportunity!

A famous sight in Bicheno is the blowhole. Watch the waves crashing on the cliffs and spray up high in the air!

Tip: In Bicheo, you have a lot of choices when it comes to accommodation. Simply check booking.com for a hotel or hostel, or check the Wikicamps app for a free campsite.

The 50 kilometers between Bicheno and Scamander is called the Surf Coast. The white-sand beaches, the crystal clear blue waters and the reliable swells make it the place to be for surfers! But even if you don’t surf, you will enjoy the beauty of these beaches.

The last 20 kilometers of the Great Eastern Drive takes you to St. Helens. This is the hub for fishing boats and a good location to try fishing yourself during a fishing trip. Don’t forget to taste the fish & chips. It doesn’t get fresher than that!

Bay of Fires

The next stop on your self-drive Tasmania trip is the Bay of Fires. This is a conservation reserve famous for its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and granite boulders covered with orange mosses.

Unlike the name suggests, it isn’t just one bay where you can see these spectacular views. It is actually a 40 km long coastal strip between Binalong Bay and Eddystone Point.

When the sun sets it becomes even more magical. The orange sky colors the same as the orange mosses on the boulders and together with the white sand and the blue ocean it is perfect photo for a postcard!

There are lots of free camps along the coast, which make it very easy to access the beach during sunset or sunrise. If you prefer to stay at a hostel or hotel, St. Helens is your best chance to get accommodation for a reasonable price.

Tour Recommendation:

If you don’t have that much time but you really want a nice impression of the Island, check out the tour below:

North East Tasmania

After the Bay of Fires, you’ll start to drive to the West. The North-Eastern part you cross isn’t much to explore, yet there are quite a few stops worth it between Eddystone Point and Launceston!

Little Blue Lake

From Eddystone Point it is only a 40 km road trip to Little Blue Lake. Like the name suggests, it is a small lake with incredibly blue water. When I saw it, for a moment I thought I was in Canada.

The blue lake, deep down at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by incredible green trees, is absolutely stunning to see. Take some time to wander around and take some pictures before you continue your way. It is not very well known among tourists, so you might have the place to yourself!

Another 30 kilometers takes you to Derby, a small town famous for it’s Blue Derby mountain bike trails. So, if you have a day left and feel like getting out of the car and be active, this is your chance!

You can rent a mountain bike in the park and cycle uphill before you cross downhill on the 125 km available tracks.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Next stop on your self-drive Tasmania road trip: The Bridestowe Lavender Estate. This Lavender Farm, where they grow French Lavender, is open year-round. It is believed that it is the largest commercial plantation of Lavandula Angustifolia in the world!

The lavender flowers are during the high season. Normally the flowering season runs from somewhere in December until the end of January. This is also the only time a year that you have to pay an entrance fee of AU$10 per person

Tip: Before you pay your entrance fee, check out the status of the flowers on their website . It would be a shame to pay and not see what you expected.

From the Lavender farm, you drive 50 kilometers South West to reach Launceston. A pretty vibrant city with lots of shopping and dining possibilities.

If you fly in on Launceston airport, this is where your self-drive Tasmania road trip starts.

Cataract Gorge

The Cataract Gorge is Launceston’s own wilderness which you can reach in a 15-minute walk from the city center. It is crazy how close this is! The zig-zag trail takes you from the car park, over the Kings bridge towards the First Basin. Here, you’ll find a small cafe and a beautiful swimming pool. No wonder the locals call this Launceston’s beach!

If you have a couple of days extra to spend around Tasmania and have the budget, you can take a flight from Launceston to King Island or Flinders Island. Both these islands are only accessible by plane.

More North you’ll find the Cliff grounds, which is a garden with exotic plants and trees. At the Cataract Gorge, you also find a footbridge and even a chairlift to cross the river! The entrance fee to the park is absolutely free, but for the chairlift, they charge you a couple of dollars.

Explore the Gorge during this boat trip: Launceston: 2.5-Hour Morning or Afternoon Discovery Cruise

Fly to King Island or Flinders Island

Tamar Valley

Only a 25 km drive from Launceston you’ll find the Tasmanians Tamar Valley. This area is known as an excellent wine region. With over 30 vineyards this is the place to be when it comes to wine tasting and culinary foods.

Places to stay

In Launceston, you can book a backpacker accommodation for US$45 a night and a hotel room from US$60 a night.

A nice campsite just off the road towards Devonport is Quamby Corner. They offer unpowered sites for AU$10 per person per night and AU$14 for a powered site. The amenities are very clean and you can use the laundry machine free of charge!

Launceston – Devonport is a 100 km drive. Devonport is the main city where the ferry arrives. So, if you want to bring your own car, this is where your self-drive road trip around Tasmania will start.

It is a pretty big city for Tasmania and you can find a lot of shops, cafes, restaurants, and pubs to enjoy dinner or a drink.

In Devonport, there are several accommodations available between US$70 and US$100 per room per night. Most of them offer a private bathroom and some include breakfast.

Tour recommendation

Spot the wildlife of Tasmania during this 2 hour night walking tour. Check this tour, Cradle Mountain Wildlife Spotting after Dark.

Cradle Mountain

Your Tasmania road trip continues with a drive of almost 90 km which will get you from Devonport to Cradle Mountain National Park. This is the most famous National Park in Tasmania with the iconic Cradle Mountain.

There is a huge car park at the entrance where you can take a free shuttle bus to get deeper into the park. The shuttle service stops at several points in the park, so you can choose a spot to get off. This probably depends on your plan for the day and what you want to explore in the Cradle Mountain National Park.

Tours you have to check:

Click here to explore this amazing area and enjoy one of our favourite tours.

Dove lake is a lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain. You can follow the pretty easy trail that takes you all the way around the lake in 2 to 3 hours. The total length of the trail is 6 km and takes you along the iconic boatshed, which is really picturesque with sunset.

Cradle Mountain Summit

The trail to the summit of Cradle Mountain is a 12.8 km round trip with a climb of 600m. The trail leads you first to Marion’s Lookout, which gives you a breathtaking view over Dove Lake on the one side and on the other side, the Crater Lake.

Then the trail will take you to the Kitchen Hut, which is nothing more than a shelter hut for emergencies. You can drop your bag here before you start the last climb to the peak. But don’t forget to bring some water and drinks with you because this is the hardest part of the trail and you are going to need it!

The last part to the top is really rough and it takes both hands and feet to get there. It is no longer a trail, but a climb on the rocks. Therefore it is forbidden to go to the summit with rainy or snowy circumstances. The rocks get really slippery and it simply is too dangerous.

When you reached the top you take the same route back to the Kitchen hut and continue your way to Dove Lake to walk along the lake back to the bus station to take the shuttle from there to the main car park.

Overland track

Another hiking track, that starts in Cradle Mountain National Park is the overland track. This is a hike of 65 kilometers which takes about 5 to 6 days to complete. It is Australia’s premier alpine walk and an adventure is guaranteed!

This hiking trail, that is loved by hikers from all over the world, starts at the iconic Cradle Mountain and leads you all the way through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area towards Lake st. Clair. This is Australia’s deepest lake and the views from up the mountain are more than stunning.

Without any facilities on the way, you have to carry everything. Which means a place to sleep, food, and water. There are some opportunities to fill up water on the way, but always check where from the information center before you start.

Must Read: 11 essentials you need on every backpacking trip

And there are so many more things to do in Cradle Mountain National Park.

Cradle Mountain National Park can be explored in 1 or 2 days. The Cradle Mountain Highlanders is a good place to stay for a pretty reasonable price, taking the location into consideration. You will find it costs US$140 per night for a fully equipped cabin.

Another stunning accommodation at the edge of Cradle Mountains national park is the Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge . They offer a luxury spa, wooden cabins with views and a breakfast buffet is also included. You can book a chalet from US$280 a night.

There are also a lot of free camps in the area!

Mole Creek Caves

If you like to explore caves, you should definitely visit the Mole Creek Caves. There are multiple tours a day that lead you around the underground lakes in the Marakoopa Cave. In this cave, you also have the possibility to see glow worms! The King Solomons Cave is characterized by the lavish colors and formations.

The caves have the same climate all year round. It is around 9 degrees, so be prepared and get dressed well before you enter!

Walls of Jerusalem

Walls of Jerusalem is another national park, which is less visited because it is not accessible by car. This alpine wonderland is only to be explored by the true adventurers among us. You need to be able to handle a multiple-day hike, to get up to the walls and take in the beautiful views from there.

There are no facilities, so you have to bring your own camping gear and food for the time you stay. Luckily there is a possibility to fuel up on drinking water! Come prepared, as the weather is very unpredictable!

Burnie is a small town on the North shore of Tasmania. It has a few accommodations, a small shopping center, and some convenient stores. In my opinion, this place should really be a stop on your Tasmanian road trip if you want to see the little penguins.

Watching Little Penguins

The main reason we went to Burnie was to see the Little Penguins. In Burnie, they have an observation center and in the evenings they provide guided tours that are 100% free of charge.

The guides are very knowledgable and answer all the questions you have. They also tell you more about the cycle penguins go through each year, from nesting to pairing to breeding and to letting go of their young.

The most amazing thing about viewing penguins here is that you can get so close without disturbing them. There is a fence built along the beach to keep the penguins safe in their environment and not roam everywhere in town.

There are some nests right next to the fence and you can easily photograph the babies without having a crazy expensive zoom lens on your camera! Make sure to not use your flash! Once it gets dark, the penguins return from the sea to feed their babies, which is a spectacle to watch.

When it comes to accommodation in Burnie, my best recommendation is: Burnie Ocean View Motel and Caravan Park . They offer fully self-contained studios with a sea view. You don’t even need to get out and you can participate in a tour to view the penguins coming from the sea. You can literally see it from your balcony!

Besides the incredible beach view, they have a heated indoor swimming pool, barbeque facilities, and free Wifi. All that for only US$100 per night.

Stanley & the Nut

From Burnie, it is around 75 km to get to Stanley. A small town at the foot of The Nut. This is an extinct volcano, which you can access by foot. A short, but steep climb will get you to the top (you can also take the chairlift for a fee). Walk the short circuit on the top and enjoy the many beautiful views over Stanley. You will see the ocean and over to the other far corners of Tasmania.

Tarkine National Park

After a 50 km drive from Stanley, you’ll arrive in the Tarkine National Park which is in the North West of Tasmania. The Tarkine Forest Reserve is an area where you can find rainforest, sand dunes, and coastal heathlands.

Just driving through the park gives you beautiful views. Don’t forget to stop at ‘the edge of the world’. If you cross the ocean to the West from here, you won’t see any landmass until you reach Argentina. It is the longest uninterrupted distance in any ocean on Earth!

Besides driving through the park, which is already incredible, there are a lot of activities to do. Especially water activities like kayaking or a riverboat cruise. From here you can explore the waterways which are surrounded by blackwood forests.

Tarkine National Park offers lots of camping opportunities. There are also lots of free camps along the coast and campsites with some more facilities in the heart of the park.

If you prefer a hotel there’s only one possibility, which is the Tarkinegrove . It is very close to Roger River in the heart of the Tarkine National Park. Rooms can be booked from US$150 a night and offer a fully self-contained cabin with patio.

Leaving the Tarkine National Park you’ll head towards Strahan. This will probably be your longest drive as it takes 230 kilometers of windy mountain roads to get there. Don’t underestimate this distance, as it can easily take up to 3.5 to 4 hours to drive!

Strahan is iconic for the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Join the train ride and step back in history to the 1950’s. It is an unforgettable railway journey along 35km of wild rainforest tracks between Queenstown and Strahan.

From Strahan, it is only a short drive to Queenstown, situated in a valley on the western slopes of Mount Owen on the West Coast Range. It is a cute little town that makes you feel like being back in the time of the cowboys!

There are a couple of pubs where you can dine a pub meal and it is also a good place to stay overnight. For only US$56 a night you can sleep in the Empire Hotel , which includes breakfast.

Tour recommendation Strahan:

Ready for a nice morning cruise? Check out this tour: Strahan: World Heritage Cruise on Gordon River with Lunch.

Frenchman’s Cap

Driving out of Queenstown will lead you along the Horsetail falls. This is a seasonal waterfall that can best be seen after some rainfall. A parking spot next to the highway gives you the opportunity to get out of the car and walk on the boardwalk for a closer view.

After 55 km from Queenstown, you’ll reach the parking area at the Lyell Highway inside the Wild Rivers National Park. You can’t miss it, as many signs will inform you where to park. This is where the trail to Frenchman’s Cap starts.

This is another place that can only be explored on foot. A tremendous 4-day hike takes you afoot to one of the most scenic mountain peaks of Tasmania , the Frenchman’s Cap.

Also with this hike, you have to carry everything yourself. You won’t find any facilities or shops along the route, so be prepared and take enough food, water, and a tent. Don’t forget to bring proper clothes as the weather can change rapidly.

If you are not sure what to bring, check out our blog post about the 11 essentials you need to bring on every overnight backpacking trip . Bring these and you know for sure you will be well prepared!

Mount Field National Park

Another 170 km further you arrive in Mount Field National Park. This park was the first National Park of Tasmania and is well catered for tourists. A visitor center, souvenir shop, and a cafe provide you everything you need.

Russel falls

The Russel falls is the most popular attraction of this park and with a good reason. The beautiful waterfall thunders down over several plateaus and is surrounded by true green exotic trees and plants.

Falls circuit

The Russel falls is actually the first of many waterfalls you come across when you walk the waterfall circuit. A 4.5 km hike leads you along the Horseshoe falls, the tall trees area and the Lady Baron Falls.

The trail contains a lot of steps and goes through the middle of the rainforest, where you can see some amazing plants and trees. Also, keep your eyes open to spot wildlife!

Tour recommendation:

Enjoy a day trip full of wildlife and stunning nature, check out this tour: Mt Wellington, Mt Field, Bonorong & Richmond Day Trip.

Gordon Dam – Tasmania Wilderness Reserve

Drive another 100 km further into the Tasmania Wilderness Reserve and you get to the Gordon Dam. This dam, also called the Gordon River Dam, is 198m long and 140m high.

At full capacity, the dam holds back so much water that Lake Gordon becomes the largest lake in Australia! It is also one of the world’s highest commercial abseils, so if you are in for an adventure, you can get it here!

Bruny Island

Drive 100 km back towards the junction with the highway and from there it is another 100 km to the ferry terminal for Bruny Island. This will be the last stop on your self-drive Tasmania road trip! Last, but not least I can say!

Tour recommendations for Bruny Island:

Bruny Island has so much to offer, we made a list of our favourite tours to make your trip the best.

Ferry to Bruny Island

It takes about 20 minutes to cross over to Bruny Island. The ferry departs regularly 1 or 2 times an hour, depending on the season. It is smart to bring your car along, as the island is quite big, and exploring on foot will take you a lot more time.

The ferry fee is AU$38 for a return ticket, which you mainly pay for the car, since pedestrians and any other passengers are free of charge.

Once on Bruny Island, the first highlight you will pass is the Neck. This is a small isthmus connecting the Northern part and the Southern part of Bruny Island. Walk up the stairs to the viewing platform to get a 360 degrees view!

At the beach of the Neck, there is also a Little Penguin viewing platform. Get there just before the sun sets and wait for the penguins to arrive at the beach. You can see the Little Penguins from September till January.

November and December are the best times of the year, as it is the breeding season. This time of the year you can watch the penguins feed their young!

White Bennet’s Wallabies

The South Bruny National Park is the only place in the world where you can see the White Bennet’s Wallabies. A genetically modified Bennet’s Wallaby that is missing the pigment color to their fur. Some are albino’s which results in a white wallaby with red eyes and a cute bright pink nose.

Your biggest chance to see these animals is at the Southside of Adventure Bay, which is their main habitat. People have often spotted them at the campgrounds. But another good place to look for them is at the start of the Fluted Cape Walk. Which is a nice hike to do anyway!

Whale Watching

From June till October, you can also watch whales from Adventure Bay! This is the main season that the whales are migrating between Antarctica and the more Northern tropical waters.

Cape Bruny Lighthouse

Drive to the Southernmost point of Bruny Island and you find the Cape Bruny Lighthouse. The drive takes about 45 minutes from the Neck and takes you on some windy and very scenic roads.

The walk from the car park to the Lighthouse is easy and short. Take some time to walk around and to take in all the stunning views. Also, keep your eyes open for Echidnas, as they love to wander around on this place!

Although Bruny island can be explored within a day, you might want to spend the night here. Especially if you’d like to view the Little Penguins at the Neck.

Camping is easy on Bruny Island, with lots of free camps and paid camping spots. If you like to stay in a hotel , you can book a stay from US$100 a night.

Back to Hobart

To make your self-drive Tasmania road trip complete, you take the ferry back to the mainland and drive in 35 minutes into Hobart city Centre. Here you can stay another night or two before flying back to the mainland of Australia.

If you started your Tasmania road trip in Launceston or Devonport, your next stop will be the Tasman Peninsula & Port Arthur.

Pin for Later

We love to hear from you!

Thank you so much for reading this self-drive trip planner for a stunning Tasmania road trip. I hope it helps you with planning a trip to Tasmania and on deciding what you want to see and do!

Don’t forget to check out our Tasmania Travel Guide which gives you some basic, but very handy information before you travel to Tasmania. Exploring more of Australia? Check out our Australia page to find out what to see and do in the rest of this amazing country. Also, download the Australia preparation guide below to make it super easy to plan your trip around Australia and Tasmania!

Are you ready to discover more about Australia?  Check out our Australia page to read all our Australia articles.

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10 thoughts on “Self-Drive Tasmania: The Best Trip Planner for an Ultimate Road Trip”

So many great places to visit in Tasmania! Bridestowe Lavender Estate, the beaches, and Russel falls look simply stunning! I hope to them up close!

Wow there’s so many incredible places to see in Tasmania! I want to visit soo much more of Australia and Tasmania just shot up to the top of my list!

Tasmania´s natural landscapes look stunning! I´d love to see the Aurora Australis and visit The Russel falls! Thanks for the useful tips!

SUch a detailed post and great tips!

Thanks for the great guide! What a picturesque drive!

Hannah | https://getlost.blog/

Tasmania looks gorgeous-and you had me sold at whale watching! I’m so close to Australia, but I haven’t been out there yet.

I spent 6 months in Australia and never found the time to explore Tasmania, but it looks so incredible with no shortage of things to do. Hopefully I can get there soon.

Who would have thought there are so many beautiful and wonderful places. Thanks for the great pictures.

Really like your Always around the world. On Tasmania Very useful. Is it possible to get a hard copy of this ? Regards Graham

Hi Graham, I’m happy you like it! We really loved Tasmania! Unfortunately, we do not provide hard copies of our posts. But you could print it at home 🙂 Have a nice and safe trip!

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Tasmania’s best 7-day road trip itinerary

Katie Carlin

Head of Content

17 April 2024

Discover majestic waterfalls, hike around glacial lakes, indulge in gourmet food and wine on an epic road trip around Australia’s island state.

The Apple Isle may appear small by comparison to the rest of Australia but it will take you longer than a week to explore all Tasmania has to offer. We’ve condensed the best parts into a 7-day road trip itinerary that will leave you longing to come back.

DAY ONE: LAUNCESTON

Our 7-day journey begins and ends in the riverside city of Launceston . As one of Australia’s oldest cities, you’ll find Colonial and Victorian-era charm aplenty, in addition to first-class restaurants and popular cafes , picturesque hiking trails and waterfalls . Oh, and the vineyards of Tamar Valley are a 25-minute drive from the city centre.

Looking down George Street, Launceston. (Photo: Lusy Productions)

You’ll have an extra day to explore Launceston at the end of the journey, so don’t try to squash all the best bits into 24 hours.

Cataract Gorge

For your first taste of Tasmania’s panoramic beauty make your way to Cataract Gorge . There are four walking trails to choose from which range in length from one-kilometre to 3.4 kilometres. Refuel at the Gorge Restaurant or Basin Café, take a dip in the swimming pool if you’re visiting in the warmer months  – and don’t leave without crossing the famous suspension bridge.

Take a dip at Cataract Gorge. (Image: Jarrad Seng)

Charlie’s Dessert House

Treat yourself to an afternoon sugar-hit at Charlie’s Dessert House. Choose from a wide selection of cakes, cookies, brownie pans, waffles and fondue to share. You can also order from the vegan smoothie menu if you’re that way inclined. Our favourite? The oversized warm cookie – just bring friends as it feeds 4-6 people!

Check in to Stillwater SEVEN for a night in one of their luxurious waterfront rooms on the site of a former 1830s flour mill. Dine on-site at Stillwater – one of Launceston’s most celebrated restaurants.

Check in to Stillwater Seven. (Image: Anjie Blair)

DAY TWO: LAUNCESTON TO SHEFFIELD

Rise early to get the most out of the day as there will be plenty of stops to make along the way to the mural town of Sheffield – a great spot to base yourself to explore Cradle Mountain.

About 40 minutes into your journey you’ll want to make a stop at Deloraine. The town might be small – with a population of only 2000 – but it is big on character and stands in the shadow of the Great Western Tiers. The historic streets are lined with charming Georgian and Victorian era buildings, cafes, bakeries and art and craft stores. If you’re planning a trip in November line it up with the arrival of Australia’s biggest craft fair.

Melita Honey Farm

Sneak in a quick trip to Melita Honey Farm  (17 minutes away) to purchase Tasmania’s famous Leatherwood honey, and taste many other varieties while you’re there.  Purchase beeswax goods, nougat and see the bees hard at work.

Liffey Falls

Take a 35-minute detour to nearby Liffey Falls  (note they are in the opposite direction so you’ll have to backtrack). The four waterfalls are easily reached by two walking tracks that are accessed from separate car parks. A good downpour of rain in the days before your arrival will guarantee the falls are at their most impressive.

Take a 35-minute detour to nearby Liffey Falls.

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Head back towards the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm , a short 11-minute drive from Deloraine, for a walk around the farm and brunch at the Raspberry Farm Café. Don’t forget to pick up some raspberry and chocolate treats on your way out.

Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm

Continue your drive for a further 7 minutes and you’ll hit Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm . Have your esky handy and stock up on some of Australia’s best cheese – the perfect accompaniment to all the wine you’ll be enjoying in the near future. You’ll also find the creamiest ice cream you’ll ever taste, freshly bottled milk, cream and butter.

Stock up on some of Australia’s best cheese at Ashgrove.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Drive an hour and a half to spend the afternoon at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and walk the easy two-hour loop around Dove Lake (or try one of the many other walks in Cradle Mountain ). As you traverse the 5.7-kilometre trail below the craggy spires of Cradle Mountain you’ll come across the impressive Glacier Rock, the moss-covered Ballroom Forest and the dilapidated 1940s-built Boatshed.

The lake is located just over an hour from Sheffield. Keep in mind you’ll have to pay a park access fee, but that also includes the Dove Lake Shuttle Bus which regularly departs the visitor centre for the lake. Just remember to take note of the last shuttle back to the car park so you don’t get stranded.

Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain (Photo: Emilie Ristevski)

After an action-packed day, you’ll be looking forward to bed. Spend a night in a traditional B&B in Sheffield at the charming Acacia Bed & Breakfast. If you want to stay closer, we’ve rounded up our pick of the best Cradle Mountain accommodation. There are also a number of good restaurants to try if you do.

DAY THREE: SHEFFIELD TO HOBART

Sheffield’s mural trail should be first up on the agenda today. For more information, stop in at the Visitor’s Centre or follow the map here. Before you head south, read up on the other top things to do in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Explore Sheffield’s street art mural trail.

Lake St Clair

Take the Great Lake and Central Plateau route through Deloraine towards Hobart, but take a detour west until you hit Lake St Clair – it will take you about two and half hours. Stretch your legs and make time to sit on the rocks by the edge, watching the clouds roll past in the crystal-clear reflection of the lake.

There are a number of walking trails nearby, but we’d recommend taking the Platypus Bay Track. It’s an easy five-kilometre walk, but if you’re short on time just walk the first 1.5 kilometres until you hit the platypus lookout hide (after crossing the Watersmeet Bridge and bearing right towards the lake). Sit on the shoreline and keep very quiet for your chance to spot the shy platypus at play in the lake (note: the best time to see them is at dusk). If you’re able to extend your trip we’d highly recommend booking a night at Pumphouse Point.

Russell Falls

Drive just under two hours and you’ll reach Russell Falls for one of the prettiest natural sights in Tasmania. It’s a 20-minute return walk, making this a quick but worthwhile pit stop before continuing on for the final one-hour leg of your journey to Hobart.

Russell Falls is one of the prettiest natural sights in Tasmania

Spend the next two nights in Hobart at Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse. The boutique hostel in Battery Point offers chic accommodation on a budget (and feels nothing like a hostel!). It is also within walking distance of Salamanca Square. If you’re after a drink and a tasty meal before you call it a night, head around the corner to Preachers. Alternatively, check out some of the other top places to stay in Hobart to choose your own.

DAY FOUR: HOBART

Head down to Salamanca Square for breakfast at Machine Laundry Café – a retro-style cafe operating alongside a coin laundromat and serving up an American-diner-style menu. It is one of a handful of must-try cafes in Hobart.

Misty Salamanca Square in the morning

Take the 25-minute ferry from Hobart to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to experience the confronting and macabre art inside Australia’s most envelope-pushing museum. Note the museum is open Wednesday to Monday 10am to 6pm.

kunanyi/Mount Wellington

Before you start your journey up kunanyi/Mount Wellington make sure to get your coffee fix at Lost Freight – a cafe in a shipping container.  They also have a selection of savoury and sweet eats if you’re feeling like a light lunch. It is an easy – if admittedly slightly scary – drive to the top (just don’t look over the edge as you wind your way up), alternatively you can hike to the top for the best view in Hobart. Prepare to be surprised by the terrain – and wind!

Views from kunanyi/ Mount Wellington. (Image: Luke Tscharke)

Battery Point

One of Hobart’s prettiest neighbourhoods, Battery Point, is full of charming streets, boutique shopping, restaurants and bars to explore. See if you can find the Pink House – one of the city’s most Instagrammed locations – and make your way to the heritage renowned Arthurs Circus – just be sure not to disturb the locals as you admire the small community park and playground.

There is really no end to incredible things to do in Hobart , but if you’re arriving on a Saturday you can’t go past a visit to Salamanca Market  for all the best produce and gourmet treats your heart could desire.

Salamanca Market is Tasmania’s most visited attraction.

DAY FIVE: HOBART TO COLES BAY

Hit the road early to take in the abundance of towns and sites worth a detour on the way to Coles Bay. This route will take you the long way round to stop in at some of Tasmania’s charming midland towns, including Richmond, Oatlands and Ross before reaching the coastal town of Coles Bay on the outskirts of Freycinet National Park.

Sullivan’s Cove Distillery

A short 15-minute drive outside of Hobart is Sullivan’s Cove Distillery . They open at 10am – which may be a little early for a tasting but it is worth stopping in for a bottle of craft whiskey and a tour.

Wicked Cheese Company

Continue on to Richmond, a further 15 minutes down the road and stop in at The Wicked Cheese Company’s factory outlet for some divine sampling plates and pick up supplies to enjoy by the fire later on tonight – at factory prices.

Stop in at The Wicked Cheese Company’s factory outlet.

It may be small but Oatlands has the largest number of colonial sandstone buildings – over 150 – in Australia, most of which were built by convicts in the early 1800’s. Only a 40-minute drive from your last pit stop, it’s the perfect place for a history lesson on Tasmania’s convicts, outlaw bushrangers and farmers. Don’t miss The Callington Mill (built in 1837), the old goal and the quaint 1850’s-built Oatlands Uniting Church.

Oatlands is small but mighty. (Image: Brian Dullaghan)

One of the prettiest villages in midland Tasmania is Ross, located 25 minutes from Oatlands. Walk across the sandstone-carved Ross Bridge, which was completed in 1836, and look back on the village to admire the steeple of the Roman Catholic Church in the background. There are over 40 historical sites in Ross, view the interactive map here and take your pick. We’d recommend stopping at Ross Bakery Inn  for one of the best custard tarts you will ever have, best enjoyed in the picnic area alongside the bridge.

One of the prettiest villages in midland Tasmania is Ross. (Image: Rob Burnett)

Devils Corner Cellar Door

An hour outside of Ross on route to Coles Bay lies Devils Corner Cellar Door . Stop here for a late lunch, and wine tasting and grab a couple of bottles of wine for the rest of your time in Tasmania.

Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk and Honeymoon Bay

At this stage in the journey you should make it to Freycinet National Park to enjoy the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk before sunset. The 40-minute drive will take you past Coles Bay and into the heart of Freycinet. You’re likely to spot some friendly wallabies in the car park. Watch out for wildlife on the winding roads and stop in at Honeymoon Bay and sit on the rocks to watch the sun go down.

Stop in at Honeymoon Bay. (Image: Kathryn Leahy)

For a luxurious stay in a heritage cottage book a night at Wagner’s Cottages . Pick up some supplies for dinner and take advantage of the kitchen to spend a night in front of the fireplace. There are four self-contained stone cottages set on two acres of landscaped gardens – one dating back to 1860. A continental breakfast is provided, including fresh farm eggs and a home-baked sourdough loaf.

DAY SIX: COLES BAY TO LAUNCESTON

Today you’ll be venturing back to Launceston (two hours from Coles Bay) and continuing on to the Tamar Valley wine region – but not before starting the day at Wineglass Bay.

Wineglass Bay

Awake before dawn to arrive at Wineglass Bay for sunrise. You’ll be rewarded with the lookout all to yourself – or at most, a few other tourists keen to rise early and beat the crowds. Take the trail down to the beach if you can spare the time. Otherwise, sit and take in the views before embarking on the drive back to Launceston.

Wineglass Bay beauty (Photo: Daniel Tran)

Tamar Valley wineries

Stop at Launceston for brunch before driving to the Tamar Valley for a day of cellar door wine tastings. While Tasmania is globally recognised as one single wine region, Tassie wine growers look to the diversity of grape-growing areas in the state and insist there are seven distinct regions to explore – Tamar Valley being one of them. You can use the Tamar Valley Wine Route  to plan which vineyards you’d like to visit but our top three include Josef Chromy, Janz and Tamar Ridge.

Josef Chromy is the vineyard to beat. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

For alternative options, read our guide to the best things to do in Launceston.

DAY SEVEN: LAUNCESTON

Squeeze in one more morning of activities in Launceston before your return flight home.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Depending on the time of your visit you should take a drive to Bridestowe Lavender Estate to walk through the lavender fields (one of the most beautiful in Australia ). It is usually in bloom from December to early February and they are open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Stroll through Bridestowe Lavender Estate (Photo: Luke Tscharke)

Evandale Sunday Markets

A short drive outside Launceston airport you’ll find Evandale. If you’re leaving on a Sunday the Evandale Markets  are the perfect last stop on your road trip itinerary. Bring along a gold coin donation for entry and purchase some sweet treats as souvenirs.

Katie Carlin heads up Australian Traveller Media's editorial and native content team. She has over a decade's worth of experience as a journalist and editor and is passionate about discovering hidden-gem destinations, trips that change you and the places you visit for the better, and writing stories that get you excited to see more of Australia and beyond.

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Comments (2)

Just returned from a three week drive around Tasmania. Loved it. The north west is definitely worth a visit. Not to mention Bruny Island. Stunning destination.

The walk around the Dove lake is not that easy at all. One off the most beautifull things. Drive to Strahan and take a boat ride. Book in advance. Last 7 days is not long enough. Walter

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Every weekend is an adventure

Road trip in tasmania: self-drive 7-day itinerary for nature lovers.

• Post published: 1 May 2016
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Tasmania

Are you planning a road trip in Tasmania? Lucky you! Tasmania is one of my favourite places in Australia , perhaps even my favourite after K’gari (Fraser Island) . A road trip is the best way to explore Tasmania, and nature lovers will fall in love with the island’s wilderness. From stunning coastlines to great mountain hikes, it has a lot to offer. This self-drive 7-day itinerary will take you around the island to see the best of Tasmania in 7 days with beautiful landscapes and wildlife encounters.

At the end of the article, I’ve listed places that aren’t included in this 7-day Tasmania self-drive itinerary as suggestions in case you have more time. You’ll also find a map to make it easy for you! Keep in mind that we did this itinerary in the summer, which I think is the best season to visit Tasmania . Some places were still cold, so make sure you bring warm clothes with you . If you plan to visit Tasmania during colder months, you may have to make changes to this itinerary as snow and ice will impact your road trip.

How long does it take to drive around Tasmania?

In this post, I’ve detailed our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary. Tasmania has a lot to offer, so I recommend a minimum of 7 days to drive around the island . You’ll find all the details below to optimise your time on the island.

If you have less than 7 days in Tasmania

I recommend focusing on one area:

• You can organise a three-day Tasmania itinerary in the south of the island to visit Hobart, Port Arthur and Freycinet National Park . If you have more time, add Bruny Island to your itinerary.
• You can focus on Cradle Mountain , my highlight during our Tasmania road trip. You’ll probably save driving time if you fly to Launceston.
• To cover more ground in a short time, you could fly to Hobart and leave from Launceston.

If you have more than 7 days in Tasmania

That’s perfect. You can use this itinerary as a base and pick a few destinations I mentioned at the end of the article. Ideally, I would have planned to self-drive Tasmania in 10 days . This would have given us the extra time to go to the northwest of the island and also explore Bruny Island . We went back to Tasmania for a 14-day road trip in a van a few years later and loved it!

How we organised our Tasmania road trip

We were a group of five for this trip. We rented a car (for three, sleeping in tents) and a van (for a couple) from Hobart airport. To keep our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary cheap and flexible, we found places where we could sleep in our vehicles or tents. It’s quite easy when you use WikiCamps or CamperMate (a free app) . When in town or a national park, we always found a spot as we were travelling off-season (avoid Easter and summer holidays).

Responsible travel tip:  Leave the site cleaner than you found it. If you see any rubbish, it’s good practice to pick it up even if it’s not yours.

Our objective was to drive around Tasmania to see as much as we could in one week, focusing on nature and wildlife .

Some would visit Tasmania for a foodie experience . I didn’t have that in mind for our trip: we mostly ate two-minute noodles while on the road. Tasmania does have a good reputation for cheese here in Australia, as well as good wines. It’s surprising that a French person didn’t give it more attention, isn’t it? Well, maybe next time! If you’ve visited Tassie for its foodie reputation, don’t hesitate to share your experience below!

Details of stops on our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary road trip

Day 1 and 2 | southern tasmania: hobart to port arthur.

We drove along the coast from Sorell to Dunalley. We left the Arthur Highway to quickly stop at Tasman Blowhole and Devils Kitchen. These lookouts are very close to the road, so there is no need to hike. If you have time for a hike, I’ve heard good things about Cape Raoul and Cape Hairy.

Unfortunately, camping is not permitted at Port Arthur, so we had to stop just before.

On our second day, we visited Port Arthur, a historic site with an old jail. Don’t be disappointed, as it’s not a town, and there is no port! It’s like an open-air museum with great views. The tour includes a cruise, which is fantastic for enjoying the scenery and learning about the area’s history. We learned a lot about the convicts and some aspects of Australian culture that we hadn’t heard of before. Half a day was enough to take the guided tour, enjoy the cruise, and walk near the ruins. It cost us approximately $40. I would highly recommend it for those interested in learning more about Australian culture.

Day 3 | East Coast of Tasmania: Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park and Bicheno

We stayed the second night at Coles Bay.

Freycinet National Park is one of the most visited places in Tasmania , and it’s easy to understand why it attracts crowds. It was one of my two highlights of Tasmania; Cradle Mountain being the second. The lookout on the pristine beach was breathtaking. We hiked up there and then down to the beach that we had admired from above. It was beautiful… Allow at least three hours to hike in Freycinet to climb Mount Amos or to visit Wineglass Bay. If you have more time, you can continue walking to make a loop.

Unfortunately, we had limited time as we wanted to reach Bicheno before sunset.

According to our guidebook, Bicheno was described as a fishing village with penguins that come out at night .

The town did not have any particular charm as you would expect from a fishing village, which was a bit disappointing. We could hear the penguins on the beach, and after waiting patiently, we finally spotted a few. It was a great moment, but I wished there was more information about the best way to spot penguins in Bicheno .

We stayed at a campsite in Bicheno.

Day 4 | East Coast of Tasmania: Bay of Fires

This part of the coast is stunning with its red rocks and blue water. But don’t let the turquoise colours of the water fool you: it’s cold!

We spent the night between the coast and Launceston, before getting too close to the big town.

Day 5 | Launceston and the Gorge

As we were all more interested in exploring natural areas, we decided not to spend too much time in the city. We went to the nearby gorge. It’s incredible to have such a big natural gorge next to the town.

We weren’t surprised to find out it wasn’t wild nature at all. There were showers, barbecues and pools in the park. We went for a hike in the area. Although it wasn’t too incredible, it was still a nice stop on the road. For some reason, my friends enjoyed it more than I did. Maybe I was already too impatient to reach Cradle Mountain to fully appreciate the mild wilderness of the Launceston Gorge. It wasn’t remote enough for my taste.

I wished we could have used this day to explore the northwest of the island instead – where you can see penguins in the wild – but it was too challenging to fit into our itinerary.

For those curious about fascinating seahorses, Seahorse World * is worth a visit while in Launceston.

We slept between Launceston and Cradle Mountain.

Day 6 | Cradle Mountain

I had been waiting for a very long time to see Cradle Mountain, and I was lucky that the weather was perfect. It was my favourite place in Tasmania, and there was really something special about it . I would consider coming back here for more hiking, maybe one day on the Overland Track – who knows?

There are many hiking options in Cradle Mountain. We chose to do one that went up to Marion’s Lookout via Crater Lake (a 5-hour walk) and another at the bottom around Dove Lake (a 1.5-hour walk). On another trip, I climbed all the way to the Cradle Mountain summit and also walked to Hanson’s Peak for stunning views.

Cradle Mountain is very different from the other sceneries we see when we travel around Australia. It is a real alpine mountain. Those who have been on a trip to New Zealand before may not share my feeling. But after a few years in Australia, I am happy to enjoy something different to the beautiful beaches – although a nice beach is always a great option, of course.

We slept between Lake St Clair and Hobart.

Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake

This is the part I removed from our 8-day road trip to convert it into a 7-day itinerary. I have kept it here in case you plan to follow an 8-day itinerary. However, you might want to consider skipping Launceston and Lake St Clair to have more time to explore the northwest of Tasmania. That’s what I would do if I were redoing this trip.

En route to Lake St Clair, we made a quick stop at Queenstown. We all felt a bit eerie there, as the town seemed abandoned and could be a filming location for an episode of The Walking Dead. We spent the night between Queenstown and Lake St Clair.

At Lake St Clair, we went on a hike through the forest that led us to the lake. I enjoy hiking, but this one didn’t impress me much. It wasn’t terrible, and I would have been content to do it if I lived in the area. However, when you have limited time in Tasmania, there are many better things to do.

Day 7 | Back to Hobart

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

As I am aware of the harm captivity can cause to animals , I generally avoid zoos or similar activities. Sanctuaries, on the other hand, are different: they rescue injured animals and keep them only if they cannot survive in the wild . The animals that can survive are released, and the park fees support animal rescues. There is also a strong focus on educating visitors.

My friends wanted to stop to see Tasmanian Devils as they had never seen them. I wasn’t particularly interested as I had already seen them at the Sydney Reptile Park – a park that was doing a lot to support the research to try to save the species. It’s more fun to spend time in nature to try to see iconic Australian wildlife – Tasmania is a perfect place for this!

I almost didn’t visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary during our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary. But I don’t regret following my friends there as I managed to get a unique behind-the-scene encounter with a young penguin that had been rescued the night before. They also give the opportunity to feed the kangaroos/wallabies and pet a rescued koala. It is a big cliche when you’ve been in Australia for a long time… but first-time visitors love it.

Visit of Hobart

Mount Wellington offers the best views of Hobart, and it’s easily accessible by car. If you’re in Hobart, it’s a must-do.

Hobart is a small town, and half a day is enough to walk all around the city. However, if you like museums, you’ll need more time. From what I’ve heard, the foodie experience is at its best there, so be sure to check out the restaurants before you leave.

More ideas for your Tasmania road trip itinerary

What i didn’t include in this tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary.

Quickly, you will realise that seven days isn’t enough for the perfect Tasmania itinerary. So, if you want to make it longer, or if you’re going to Tasmania for the second time and you want to check out something different, here are some recommendations to add to your itinerary:

The northwest of Tasmania

With only seven days in Tasmania, we didn’t have time to explore the North West. I’ve heard a lot about it, and it seems stunning. If I were doing the same trip again, I would skip Launceston (my friends wouldn’t agree here) to go to the northwest of the island. If you cannot make it west, the north coast near Devonport is worth visiting if you’d like to see penguins in Tasmania – I loved the experience on my second trip!

Bruny Island, south of Hobart

We didn’t go to Bruny Island due to time and budget constraints. It was hard to fit into our seven-day itinerary in Tasmania, even though you can join a day tour from Hobart *. I’m glad we went back later. The hiking and scenery during the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys cruise * to see seals were fantastic.

Mt Field National Park

Although I love waterfalls, surprisingly they weren’t my favourite thing when we visited Mt Field National Park on our second trip to Tasmania. However, I was very impressed by the beauty of the tarns.

Scuba diving in Tasmania

No one in our group was a diver at the time of our trip, so this activity didn’t even cross our minds. If I were planning a trip to Tasmania today, I would definitely consider diving there. It has a reputation for having very clear, temperate waters and would offer a very different dive experience from what I am used to in Queensland.

I’ve seen images of the kelp forest, playful seals, and leafy sea dragons. All of this on the east coast. How amazing does that sound?!

Cradle Mountain: hiking the Overland Track

The Overland Track is well-known internationally as Australia’s best alpine hike, going through incredible wild landscapes and including some challenging areas. You’ll need to allow six days to complete the hike. It has always been on my mind since I researched information to create our Tasmania itinerary. The hikes we did at Cradle Mountain reinforced this desire to see more of it. We were very lucky with the weather and had splendid sunshine and blue skies. The place looked stunning.

Will I do the Overland Track? Maybe. It’s still on my mind. It can be done as a self-guided tour or as a guided tour.

Keep in mind that hiking is a cheap activity for short distances. Overnight hiking in an alpine area is different: you’ll need to pay for equipment, accommodation, park fees, transport, etc. Agencies would quote just under $1,000 for a self-guided adventure and around $2,000 for a guided tour (with the luxury of carrying a lighter backpack!).

Have you thought about hiking Australia’s highest mountain in New South Wales? You may want to read these important tips before you go to Mount Kosciuszko !

Southwest of Tasmania

This place is very remote and untouched. There is no road that leads there, and hiking takes days. Those who have the budget for it ($400 to $500) can join a day tour that will fly them there (click here for more info*) . So far, the best option I’ve found is a multi-day kayaking trip, but it’s well over our budget for a trip to Tasmania. It’s still on my dream list!

Planning your Tasmania 7-day itinerary?  The best way to do this road trip is by renting a van. If the nomadic lifestyle doesn’t sound fun to you, the map below shows where we stopped at night, so you can look for hotels in these areas.

Map of my Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary

Tasmania is an island located in the south of the Australian mainland. The two largest cities are Hobart in the South and Launceston in the north.

Again, be careful with the season when you are planning your trip: it gets a lot colder in Tasmania than on Australia’s mainland.

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Wow, these photos are amazing. Everyone kept telling us we needed to go to Tasmania while we were in Oz, but we didn’t have the time or money back then. I’d love to get there some day though- sounds amazing!

Thank you, Katie. Tasmania is indeed not easy to fit in the plans when you lack time and/or money. I hope you’ll get another opportunity to visit it! To make you feel better, if you’ve been around New Zealand, you probably have experienced amazing places that could be a bit similar to Tasmania 🙂

We visited Australia/ Tasmania 3 years back…. what a experience !! Your post refreshed our memories:)

Thank you, Soniya! I like how writing and reading blogs can bring back beautiful memories 🙂

It’s a helpful for me to do my first Tasmania itinerary.

Hi Eloise, Thank for the write up on Tasmania. May I know what did you use to draw the google map especially the route line cause google map remove the ability to snap the line to the route. Thank you.

Hello Soo! I use Google MyMap for the maps: http://mymaps.google.com Cheers! Eloise.

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7-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

There are many amazing places to visit in Tasmania.

To help plan your visit, I have put together a 7-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary, based on my previous visit to Tasmania.

Suggestions on food and accommodations for this Itinerary are also provided to remove some hassles out of your trip planning process.

7 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary – Overview

Day 1: hobart, day 2: tasman peninsula, day 3: freycinet national park, day 4: bicheno > bay of fires > launceston, day 5: launceston.

• Day 6: Launceston > Cradle Mountain
• Day 7: Cradle Mountain > Lake St Clair > Hobart

• Battery Point : Lined with charming sandstone cottages and quirky antique shops, a stroll around Battery Point is a great way to start your day in Hobart.
• Salamanca Place : Well-known for its Salamanca Market on Saturdays . With that being said, Salamanca Place is lined with impressive colonial buildings & it is worth a visit even on those non-market days.
• Hobart Waterfront : The buzzing Hobart Waterfront is only a 5-minute stroll from Salamanca Market, but presents a different feel.
• Breakfast : Check out Jackman & McRoss during your morning stroll in Battery Point.
• Lunch : Enjoy a Fish & Chips near Hobart Waterfront.

Where to Stay

• Tasman Bay National Park Lookout : Tasman Bay National Park Lookout is among the first few attractions you will come across when driving into the Tasman Peninsula. Be sure to stop by and admire the breathtaking views of Pirates Bay when driving by.
• Tessellated Pavement : Check out the impressive rock formations at Tessellated Pavement.
• Port Arthur Historic Site :  A must-visit historic landmark in Tasmania & make sure you plan out at least half a day to check out this site.
• Doo Town : A peaceful seaside village, famous for its Doo themed signage and house names.
• Tasmans Arch & Devil’s Kitchen : Check out the spectacular views at Tasmans Arch and Devil’s Kitchen after visiting Doo Town.
• Lunch : Port Arthur Historic Site has a cafe on-site, which can be a convenient option when visiting.
• Dinner : There aren’t many options for dinner on the Tasman Peninsula & you may wish to cook something instead.
• You can also stay closer to the Freycinet National Park tonight, so you don’t have a long drive tomorrow morning.

• Mt Amos Summit: If your fitness level allows, you may wish to hike up the Mt Amos Summit for a magnificent bird’s eye view of the Freycinet National Park.
• Wineglass Bay:  Shaped like a wineglass, Wineglass Bay is one of the most picturesque and well-known attractions in the Freycinet National Park.
• Guided Penguin Tour in Bicheno: Spend the night viewing those cute fairy penguins surfing out of the sea & heading back to their colonies.
• Lunch : Enjoy a picnic within the Freycinet National Park.

• Binalong Bay to Launceston : It takes about 2.5 hours to drive from Binalong Bay to Launceston & make sure you take sufficient breaks to avoid fatigue.
• Breakfast : Start the day at Little Bay Patisserie in Bicheno.
• Lunch:  Try out the delicious tacos from Spicy Mamas (food van near Bicheno IGA).
• Launceston offers a range of accommodations for every budget.

• Brady’s Lookout:  Check out the spectacular views from Brady’s Lookout, where you can have the entire Tamar Valley and Launceston in one glance.
• Low Head Lighthouse : Check out Low Head Lighthouse for the best views of the river mouth of Tamar River.
• Bridestowe Lavender Farm: If you are visiting Launceston in December and January , be sure to visit Bridestowe Lavender Farm for a perfect Instagram photo.
• Cataract Gorge Reserve : Only a brief drive from Launceston CBD, you can find a range of hiking trails within the stunning Cataract Gorge Reserve.
• Lunch:   Bridestowe Lavender Farm offers a delicious lavender inspired menu, which can be interesting to try out.
• Stay in Launceston for its convenience.
• Or stay closer to Cradle Mountain , to reduce your driving time tomorrow.

Day 6: Cradle Mountain

• Launceston / Sheffield > Cradle Mountain : Cradle Mountain is a 2-hour drive from Launceston & a 50-minute drive from Sheffield.
• Wildlife Spotting: Near Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, you can spot many Wombats and Wallabies after dark. You can even spot platypuses in the creeks near Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
• Lunch : Enjoy a picnic during your walk in Cradle Mountain.

Day 7:  Cradle Mountain > Lake St Clair > Hobart

• Iron Blow Lookout:  Take a break at the impressive Iron Blow Lookout to appreciate its unique landscape.
• Nelson Falls:  An easy 10 minutes stroll in a stunning rainforest, for a spectacular view of Nelson Falls.
• Breakfast : Check out Elements Cafe  before leaving Cradle Mountain .
• Try to stay near Hobart Airport , if you are departing Tasmania by air tomorrow.

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Best 7 Days in Tasmania Itinerary for First Time Visitors

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

This 7 days in Tasmania itinerary takes in the highlights of the beautiful island at the southern tip of Australia. It’s the perfect Tasmania itinerary for first-time visitors who are short of time. Visitors often overlook Tasmania because it’s not on mainland Australia, but it has a lot to offer with stunning scenery, unique wildlife and untouched wilderness areas that are unlike anywhere else on earth.

Tasmania has UNESCO World Heritage historical sites, National Parks to explore, and fresh local produce to enjoy along the way. It’s possible to spend a week in Tasmania and see many of the top attractions because the distances between destinations are manageable. It takes around 4 hours to drive the 350 kilometres across the island from north to south.

But this whirlwind itinerary moves quickly between the main sites and explores what can be done in a week, with the minimum amount of time needed to see the main attractions. It includes suggestions for the best things to do and for comfortable accommodations along the way.

I’ve had many great experiences solo travelling in Australia and can recommend Tasmania as one of the safest and most scenic destinations in the country for women travelling alone and for nature lovers.

How to get to Tasmania

Flying is the quickest and cheapest way to get to Tasmania and there are regular domestic flights to Hobart and Launceston from Australia’s major cities. This road trip itinerary begins in Hobart and ends in either Launceston or Hobart. If you’re flying to Tasmania, you can hire a car at the airport.

Another option is to take the ferry from Geelong in Victoria to Devonport in Tasmania. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry takes cars and passengers across the Bass Strait. It usually takes 10 hours to make the journey and the crossing can be rough in high seas.

If you’re travelling by ferry, I suggest booking a night passage with a cabin and taking your car with you on board. The cabins cost extra but they’re comfortable and you can sleep through the trip. If you do take the ferry, you can start and end this itinerary in Devonport at the ferry port.

TIP: If you don’t want to drive you can base yourself in Hobart, and see many of the main attractions on day trips from Hobart.

7 Days in Tasmania Itinerary Overview

This 7 days in Tasmania itinerary is best done as a road trip that begins in the capital Hobart and ends in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport, where onward transport is available.

Day 1. Hobart

Day 2. Port Arthur via Richmond

Day 3. Wineglass Bay

Day 4. Bay of Fires

Day 5. Launceston

Day 6. Cradle Mountain

Day 7 Launceston (Devonport) or Hobart

On Day 1 of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, arrive in Hobart by air and pick up a hire car at the airport. Hobart is Australia’s smallest capital city and it’s a short distance to the city centre, where there are lots of great things to do.

The best place to start is at the Hobart Waterfront.  It’s a scenic part of the city brimming with colonial history. Next to the waterfront, Salamanca Place is a colorful area with art galleries, coffee shops and heritage buildings, and if you’re there on a Saturday morning, the popular Salamanca Market takes over the street and it’s the perfect place to shop for gifts and souvenirs.

TIP:  It’s a great idea to time your trip so that you don’t miss the Salamanca Market held every Saturday morning from 08:30 am to 3:00 pm.

From Salamanca Place climb the convict-built Kelly’s Stairs and continue up the hill to Battery Point, one of Hobart’s oldest suburbs . Stroll past the rows of pretty Georgian cottages in this well-preserved colonial area. On Hampden Road, there are cafes, gift and antique shops and an artisan bakery.

If you enjoy art galleries, catch the ferry up the Derwent River to MONA, the Museum of New Art to see the controversial exhibits at one of Australia’s most popular art galleries or call in at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), located near the Hobart Waterfront.

Hobart’s convict history is a fascinating side of the city to explore at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Female factory and Cascade Brewery and, if time permits, drive up the steep winding road to the top of Mount Wellington to enjoy sweeping views over the city and coastline.

Where to Stay in Hobart

The H enry Jo nes Art Hotel is a favourite place to stay on the Hobart waterfront in the heart of the city. This hotel is a renovated warehouse that oozes character and is filled with artwork.

Or stay at the Moss Hotel , a quiet retreat in a superb location in busy Salamanca Place.

Day 2 – Port Arthur via Richmond

1.5 – 2 hours

On the second day of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, you’ll drive to Port Arthur, but the first stop is the pretty heritage town of Richmond, where the top attractions are the historic Richmond Gaol , the convict-built Richmond Bridge and the pretty Georgian cottages that line the main street. Many are now gift shops, galleries and coffee shops.  

After morning tea, continue driving to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur . On the way, stop off at the Tasman National Park to admire the impressive natural rock formations at the Tasman Arch, the Devil’s Kitchen , Blowhole, Tessellated Pavement and Eagle Hawk Neck.

Then continue on to Port Arthur, one of Australia’s most important convict settlements. UNESCO World heritage listed Port Arthur is where the worst of Australia’s convicts were sent, and it tells the stories of the people who lived and died there in the mid-19th century. The site is large, and the entry ticket includes a short harbour cruise.

After a few hours wandering the ruins at Port Arthur, drive to the Remarkable Cave on the rugged coastline. Enjoy the wild, coastal scenery and distant views of Cape Raoul . Watch the huge waves crashing against the majestic sea cliffs from Maingon Lookout.

If time permits stop off at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm , wander through the sweet-smelling lavender fields and stop again at the Unzoo to see Tasmanian Devils at feeding time.

Where to Stay in Port Arthur

The Fox & Hound Historic Hotel gets great reviews for its central location close to the Port Arthur historic site.

Stewarts Bay Lodge has gorgeous water views and offers self-contained chalets and villas with fully equipped kitchens a short distance from the Port Arthur Historic site.

Port Arthur Villas are just a short walk from the Port Arthur Historic Site. The villas offer comfortable accommodation with kitchen facilities for self-catering and a beautiful garden setting.

Or base yourself in Hobart and take a day trip to Port Arthur.

Planning a trip to Australia? Check out my Sydney Itinerary , Perth Itinerary , Gold Coast Itinerary and Where to Stay in Melbourne .

Day 3 Wineglass Bay & the Freycinet Peninsula

Today includes at least 3 hours of driving so make sure you get an early start for the scenic coastal drive from Port Arthur to the Freycinet Peninsula . Stop along the way to enjoy some wine tasting with stunning views at the Devil’s Corner Winery . 

In the afternoon call in at the Freycinet National Park visitors centre to buy a national parks pass and head to the start of the Wineglass Bay Lookout walking trail. It’s one of the most popular walks in the National Park and at the lookout, there are stunning views of the perfect crescent of Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Continue walking down the steep trail to Wineglass Bay Beach or return to the car park the same way you came. Nearby in the Freycinet National Park, there are more gorgeous coastal views from the Cape Tourville Lighthouse , and Honeymoon Bay but for panoramic views of Wineglass Bay, scramble up the steep trail to the top of Mount Amos .

Where to Stay

Freycinet Lodge is a great place to stay inside the Freycinet National Park, surrounded by native wildlife, close to the walking trails and lookouts with easy access to the beach.

Edge of the Bay Resort is located in a peaceful setting 5 minutes from the centre of Coles Bay with lovely views and wildlife on the doorstep.

The Freycinet Resort gets exceptional reviews for the private, well-appointed studio apartments with superb views.

Or base yourself in Hobart and visit the Freycinet Peninsula as a day trip.

Day 4 St Helens & the Bay of Fires

1.5 -2 hours

From the Freycinet Peninsula, drive along the stunning Great Eastern Drive enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery through the coastal towns of Bicheno and Swansea. If the weather is warm, stop for a swim at beautiful Redbill Beach in Bicheno then continue driving to St Helen’s, the Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay. The attraction here is the stunning coastal scenery with clear turquoise water, powder white sand and rocks covered in bright orange lichen.

If time permits drive into the National Park to the pristine Humbug Point and Dora Point to explore the stunning, secluded beaches.

Where to stay in St Helens

Stay at the Queechy Motel in St Helens and enjoy the exceptional location on the water with beautiful views and free parking.

Or book an entire apartment with a view at Sweetwater Villas in St Helens.

Day 5 Launceston

Day 5 of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary takes you to Launceston , Tasmania’s second largest city. Take a boat trip or drive to the beautiful Cataract Gorge in the center of Launceston. Enjoy a picnic by the river, and a chairlift ride across the gorge. Bushwalk along the trails through the gorge and enjoy the fresh air and the stunning scenery.

If you enjoy art galleries, head to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) for the free exhibits. Another highlight of Launceston is visiting Tasmania Zoo where you can view Tasmanian Devils and other unique Australian wildlife.

Then take a drive through the lovely Tamar Valley just outside Launceston and stop off for wine tasting at the Jose Chromy winery or another of the many wineries in the area with an open cellar door.        

Summer in Tasmania is the lavender season from December through to February, and it’s the perfect time to visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm to stroll through the photogenic lavender fields and stock up on lavender-themed gifts.

Where to Stay in Launceston

The Waratah on York Historic Hotel offers elegant, spacious rooms and a fabulous location.

The Art Hotel on York is a quirky boutique hotel with an excellent location.

Day 6 Cradle Mountain

On day 6 leave Launceston early and head to the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a delicious breakfast. Stock up on fresh berries and drive the winding mountain roads to Cradle Mountain. O ne of Tasmania’s best-known wilderness areas, Cradle Mountain is recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional natural beauty and glacier-carved landscapes.

Leave your car in the car park, register at the visitor’s centre and take the shuttle bus into the National Park. Spend the afternoon hiking the trails and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The Dove Lake trail is a popular circuit path that winds its way around beautiful Dove Lake and takes around 2 hours to complete. Look out for wombats and other wildlife at Ronny Creek and walk by the river through a wonderland of green moss-covered trees to Knyvet Falls or hike up the steep mountain path to Marion’s Lookout for fantastic views of the crater lakes.  

Choose a trail to suit your level of fitness and your time frame and visit the Devils@Cradle Wildlife Park to see Australia’s unique and endangered Tasmanian Devils and Quolls.

Stay inside the National Park at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge close to the walking trails and wildlife.

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village or Cradle Mountain Hotel are also a good choice for comfortable lodgings outside the National Park area at Cradle Mountain.

Or base yourself in Launceston and visit Cradle Mountain as a day trip.

Day 7. Hobart

On the final day of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, drive down the mountain and back to Launceston (2.5 hours) to meet your flight home or to Devonport (1.5 hours) to meet the Spirit of Tasmania ferry back to mainland Australia.

Alternatively head back to Hobart . It’s a solid 4 – 5 hour drive to the capital where you can connect with your flight home.

Other things to do in Tasmania

Tasmania is full of fun, adventurous activities and scenic places to visit. Here are some more suggestions if you would like to extend this 7-day itinerary in Tasmania.

Explore the wild and dramatic scenery of the Tasman Peninsula on the epic Three Capes walk. Hike through the Tasmanian wilderness while staying in comfortable private lodges along the way. This multi-day hike through the stunning Tasman National Park begins at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Visit Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast, a pretty coastal fishing village and a former port located on Macquarie Harbour. Strahan is a popular tourist destination and is the gateway for the wild temperate rainforests of the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Reserve. A cruise on the pristine Gordon River is the best way to discover this untouched wilderness and one of the most popular things to do in Strahan.  

The quaint heritage village of Stanley on Tasmania’s north coast is a delightful place to visit. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and nestled beneath a huge rocky outcrop called “ The Nut ” Stanley offers a variety of fun things to do from a chairlift ride to the top of The Nut, relaxing on the beach or watching the little Fairy Penguins waddling up the beach to their nests at dusk during the summer months.

Maria Island

Maria Island on Tasmania’s east coast is a wonderful place to visit on a day trip and can be accessed by ferry from the coastal town of Triabunna . Maria island has the remains of a convict settlement, beautiful coastal scenery with beaches and walking trails. It’s also known for the abundance of native wildlife such as wombats and kangaroos on the island.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island lies off Tasmania’s south coast and is a popular day trip from Hobart. The short drive from Hobart to the ferry port at Kettering takes about half an hour. Bruny island has beautiful rugged coastal scenery and stunning beaches.  

Look out for white kangaroos on the island, visit the lighthouse and try the local produce. Fresh oysters, seafood, chocolates, cheese honey and fresh berries are on the menu. Wildlife cruises are a popular way to discover the wildlife and the rugged coastal scenery of Bruny Island.

Mount Field National Park

Mount Field is another beautiful National Park in Tasmania that can be visited on a day trip from Hobart. Mount Field is known for its beautiful waterfalls at Russel Falls, Twin Falls and Horseshoe Falls which can be accessed via walking trails through tall trees and lush green forest.

The drive to Mount Field takes 1.5 hours from Hobart and along the way, you can stop off at Salmon Farm to feed the fish and buy fresh berries directly from the farm near the National Park entrance.

When to Go to Tasmania

The most popular time to visit Tasmania is during the summer from December to February when the weather is warm and sunny and the days are longer. In the shoulder season months of March and April, the weather is still warm. October to November are also good times to go and there are fewer tourists in these months.

Easter, Christmas and school holiday periods are very busy in Tasmania so book your accommodation in advance if you’re travelling during the summer months or in peak holiday periods.

Tasmania travel tips

• On a 7 day road trip itinerary in Tasmania you’ll be visiting many beautiful National Parks and it’s worth buying a Tasmanian National Parks Holiday Pass for convenience and cheaper entry to the many wilderness areas in Tasmania. The pass can be purchased online or at National Parks Visitors centres.  
• Take care on the roads and try to avoid driving at night and at dusk and dawn, especially in rural areas. The wildlife is more active at these times, and finding wildlife on the road can be dangerous for unwary motorists and fatal for the native animals.
• Tasmania is one of the safest destinations in Australia for solo travellers but always take care of your personal safety and your belongings and be extra careful if you’re out alone at night.
• Take a paper map. Internet is not always reliable in the less built-up areas of Tasmania. So it’s unwise to rely entirely on online maps and satellite navigation. Expect Wi-Fi to be patchy or non-existent in wilderness areas and National Parks.  
• Take the Skybus from Hobart airport into the city centre if you’re not driving or the shuttle bus from Launceston airport to the city centre.

Final Thoughts – 7 days in Tasmania itinerary

On a 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, you’ll spend a week on an epic road trip travelling by car visiting the top attractions, with opportunities to experience the island’s natural beauty, remote wilderness areas and unique wildlife. You’ll come across some of the most beautiful, rugged and untouched places in Australia, whilst staying in comfortable, luxury accommodation and enjoying great local food.

But there’s so much to see and do you’ll be spoilt for choice for activities and sights. With a week in Tasmania, you’ll only have time to scratch the surface. Allow an extra week or 2 if you have the time and you’ll be able to delve a bit deeper into the colonial history, spend some time hiking the National Park trails and relaxing on the stunning beaches.

Tasmania is one of my favourite places to visit in Australia and I think you’ll love it too.

This article was written by Linda from Muy Linda Travels

Linda is a travel blogger and teacher from Australia. She loves to travel solo and over the years she’s visited around 50 countries on 5 different continents. Linda’s recent trips include hiking the epic Three Capes Track in Tasmania, swimming with sea turtles on the stunning islands of the Great Barrier Reef and a jaunt to Java and Bali climbing volcanos, visiting ancient sacred places and zipping around on the back of a motorbike.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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Tasmanian road trip: a 7-day itinerary

The best way to experience Tasmania is on wheels. Take yourself through Tasmania's rugged landscapes, stunning wildlife and delicious cuisine with our 7-day Tasmanian road trip guide.

Day 1. Devonport to Launceston

Day 2. launceston to freycinet national park, day 3. freycinet national park to hobart.

Day 4. Hobart to Strahan

Day 5. strahan to cradle mountain, day 6. cradle mountain to stanley, day 7. stanley to devonport.

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Looking for ideas and must see places for our trip last week of June.

Traveling with 2 kids 13 (boy) and 10 (girl) Port Arthur is a must and I really want to do the market but have had mixed reviews.

We want to stay in caravan parks (keep cost down) so would love recommendations there too pls.

This is a good website to find van parks: https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/tas

Have a browse through the Top Questions on the right of this page for ideas on things to see and do along the way.

Thank you Luigi

Day 1 - Cradle Mountain

Day 2 - Launceton

Day 3 - Hobart

Day 4 - Hobart

Day 5 - Hoabrt

Day 6 - Port Arthur

Day 7 - Bicheno/Swansea

Day 8 - Back to Devonport

It will only take a few hours to get back to Devonport by the quickest route but you could go up via St Helens and the Bay of Fires since you don't really need to be at the boat before 6.00pm.

In regards to the Markets, we loved them when we went but they are quite expensive so if you are trying to keep a tight budget you may wish to avoid.

On the way to Cradle Mt, you could take the kids to Tasmazia.

Your daylight hours aren't long, so be very alert when heading off to another destination in the mornings, there's a good chance of ice and or snow on some roads, and there's a good chance wildlife will be on the side of the roads.

Safe travels - Robert

Any stand out activities for the kids?? I hear the blow hole in Waybs bay is good. And the tube ride in Launceston?

What about Brickendon, Christmas Hills raspberry farm and Elizabeth Town. Not sure where these are located?

Discovery caravan park at Cradle has pretty good rates as long as you don't require anything fancy, About $130 per night even better deals if you stay more than one night. You don't wont to end up driving at night if avoidable due to wildlife. As rob suggested have a look at http://www.tasmazia.com.au/home for on the way to cradle looks like a lot of fun we have put that on our to do list for our trip in July.

If you like sweet desserts and nice meals the Christmas Hill Raspberry Café is a good choice, and Elizabeth Town is just north of Christmas Hill. Further north is Ashgrove Cheese, and also on the highway level with the town of Latrobe, there's the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory & Café.

As Libby said, the Discovery Park is a good choice, it's cabins are pretty good, quite comfortable, it's in a great position for the Dove Lake shuttle bus and Visitor Info Centre, and they have a small store that supplies the necessaries and some treats.

The Visitor Info Centre has a café as well.

Brickendon is well worth the visit, and so is Woolmer's, we often head up to Woolmer's for their Festival of Roses in November, I think it's on the 13th this year.

Have a look at the link below for the foodie places I've mentioned.

https://goo.gl/maps/Uv7ii4BYLyy

It's a good mid-range option. And you'll be able to find animals outside the cabins in the morning. It's a good choice. :)

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Devonport and the Cradle Coast

Highlights | accommodation | road trip essentials.

Cradle Mountain is the jewel of the Cradle Coast, but look beyond and you will also find a region overflowing with gourmet food, stunning coasts and a vibrant arts scene. 

Experience all this and more when you include the Cradle Coast in your Tasmanian road trip itinerary!

This page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read my full disclosure policy  here .

For those travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry , the Cradle Coast is your first mouth-watering taste of Tasmania. Stretching from Devonport in the east to Stanley in the west it’s the perfect place to slow down, unwind and relax.

The iconic Cradle Mountain is a must for any Tasmanian road trip itinerary, and further afield you’ll find quirky letterbox trails, towns colourfully draped in murals, spectacular volcanic ‘plugs’, and the largest working craft fair in the southern hemisphere.

Oh, and did I mention the food? 

All the food! Luxurious chocolate truffles, award-winning cheeses, the smoothest whiskies, the coldest artisanal beers – it’s a foodie paradise!

Read : Complete Guide to the ‘Spirit of Tasmania’ Ferry

1. Highlights

2. Where to Eat

3. Accommodation

6. Road Trip Essentials

Highlights of the Cradle Coast

Cradle Mountain

Nestled high in the alpine reaches of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Cradle Mountain has to be seen to be believed!

Getting close to nature is what it’s all about, and there are many walking trails near Cradle Mountain catering to every type of traveller. On your doorstep you’ll find immersive short walks through ancient rainforest – keep your eyes open for the occasional furry wombat! And Dove Lake circuit is one of Tasmania’s most popular walks, providing stunning views of Cradle Mountain.

And when the weather closes in? In the heart of the village is the impressive Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery where film, photography and art installations from both local and international artists showcase the region and its rich history.

Whether you stay a day or a week, Cradle Mountain is a guaranteed highlight of your Tasmanian road trip!

Read More : 12 Must-Pack Items for Your Tasmania Holiday

Table Cape Tulips

Read More : Tulips in Tasmania – Everything you need to know

Stanley and the 'Nut'

With the wild and woolly Roaring 40s in your hair and feet dangling high above the village of Stanley, you’ll understand why a chairlift is the best way to explore the ‘Nut’ .

An ancient volcanic plug , the ‘Nut’ can be seen for miles around with its flat table-top sitting high above the shores of Bass Strait like a giant Lego brick.

Back at sea level, Highfield House is one of Tasmania’s earliest and most beautifully restored European settlements. Take a self-guided walking tour to discover all its secrets before returning to Stanley for a delicious hot meal at one of its quality cafes or restaurants.

If you’ve got the time, extend your road trip to the wild beaches of Arthur River and spend a day exploring the mysterious Tarkine – Australia’s largest remaining expanse of cool temperate rainforest.

Did you know…?

Take a deeeep breath, because measurements at Cape Grim show Tasmania’s north west coast has the cleanest air in the world! 💨💨💨

Leven River Cruises

One of Tasmania’s true hidden gems, the Leven River is an absolute paradise for birdwatchers and anyone else who loves to get close to nature.

Just 20 minutes from Devonport, or 25 minutes from Burnie, a tour with Leven River Cruises is the best and most relaxing way of seeing this unique tidal waterway. 

Sightings of s ea eagles, azure king fishers, goshawks and brown hawks are possible on every tour, and spectacular views are guaranteed from e very seat. If you’re lucky you might even spot a Tassie platypus!

Kim and the team receive amazing feedback from their many happy customers, and they are regular winners of the ‘People’s Choice Award’ for Tasmanian tourism.

Special Offer - Leven River Cruises

Use my LAPOFTAS  code online, or mention the Lap of Tasmania  on the phone when booking your tour with Leven River Cruises and receive 10% OFF

Click here  to see their tours, check prices, and make your booking.

Sheffield - Tasmania's Town of Murals

Close to Devonport and at the foot of Mt Roland is the tiny town of Sheffield. It might be small, but it packs creative punch!

You could spend hours walking its streets admiring the colourful artistic masterpieces adorning the walls – they don’t call it the ‘Town of Murals’ for nothing.

Nearby, quaintly named ‘Promised Land’ is home to Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot . The kids will have a ball exploring one of the world’s largest hedge mazes and walking the funny little streets of Lower Crackpot.

Still looking for things to do in Sheffield? Take the drive between Wilmot and Cradle Mountain to see one of Tasmania’s strangest sights – the Wilmot Novelty Letterbox Trail !

Cradle Coast Wilderness and Adventure

Would you like to explore ancient and untouched rainforest wilderness? Are you an adrenaline junkie? Or maybe you want to get up close and personal with some of Tasmania’s unique wildlife? The Cradle Coast is the place to be!

Combining cool rivers and plunging waterfalls with abseiling and natural water slides, Cradle Mountain Canyons offers an exciting range of half-day and full-day tours for all adventure lovers – just minutes from Cradle Mountain Village.

Or perhaps you’d prefer to get your grunt on, exploring Mt Roland’s ‘Devil Country’ by quad-bike? Forests, farmland, rocks, mud and hill climbs – these tours by Quad Bikes Tasmania have got the lot.

Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary is not only where you can say “G’day” to a Tasmanian Devil or spotted quoll, but it’s also one of Tasmania’s leading centres for the conservation of its native flora and fauna. The kids will love it!

Where to Eat and Drink on the Cradle Coast

Is there anyone else in the world where you can still find fresh produce and an ‘honour box’ by the side of the road? 

The scenery is spectacular, but if you’re a foodie you’ll find it impossible to take your eyes off all the delicious food found throughout the Cradle Coast.

If you love old-fashioned friendly service combined with Tasmania’s freshest seafood and other seasonal produce then you’ll be in heaven at Touchwood in Stanley (their arts and crafts are also a must-see).

Truffle hunting isn’t something you come across every day. The  tasting room at The Truffledore is open to the public for tastings and café style truffle lunches year round (except May and September) , but from June to August you can unearth your own piece of ‘black gold’ on one of their famous truffle hunts!

Between Sheffield and Deloraine keep your eyes peeled for Ashgrove Cheese , Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Van Diemens Land Creamery . And a little closer to Launceston is the wonderful Hazelbrae Hazelnut Farm and their exceptional lazy lunches. All are conveniently located within 20 minutes of each other – food crawl anyone?

If you enjoy the odd tipple then you must visit Hellyers Road Distillery  near Burnie, Western Tiers Distillery in historic Westerway, or Southern Wild Distillery in Devonport. Hellyers has a magnificent range of whiskies, while Southern Wild create truly innovative gins using 100% Tasmanian grown ingredients like saffron and pepperberry. Western Tiers Distillery cover both gin and whisky, offering a real point of difference with their ultra-pure water, sourced direct from the Tasmanian highlands.

Beer lovers will find it hard to leave the hoppy heaven that is Seven Sheds Brewery in Railton, or the cute and quirky Buttons Brew Pub in Ulverstone (great for meals as well!).

For fresh and locally grown fruit and vegetables and a chance to meet the makers, visit the Burnie Farmer’s Market on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month.

Cradle Coast Accommodation

Read More : Luxury Cradle Mountain Accommodation – 6 Amazing Places to Stay

Near Cradle Mountain you’ll find Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort to be an amazing base from which to explore the region. Couples will love the romantic spa bath in their Premium Luxury Spa Chalets, while families will have everything they need in the sensibly designed and reasonably priced King Chalets.

Other good accommodation options at Cradle Mountain include   Cradle Mountain Hotel  where guests  receive complimentary access to the inspiring Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery.

Or for something truly unique, book the King Billy Suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and indulge in your own private outdoor hot tub.

😍 Special Offer - Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort is my favourite accommodation at Cradle Mountain, and after reaching out to them I was so happy when Andy and the team became a Partner of the Lap of Tasmania, helping road trippers find the perfect place to stay and keeping your holiday costs as low as possible 😊

Use the LAPOFTAS code and SAVE 10% when you stay at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort !

Check prices and availability

Stanley has a lovely mix of heritage and modern accommodation options. The Ark Stanley would have to be one of Tasmania’s most beautiful B&Bs, nestled at the foot of ‘The Nut’ – perfect for a couple of nights at least!

Special Offer - Stanley

Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your relaxing stay at The Ark Stanley and receive:

• Late checkout to noon!

Why not use Wynyard’s excellent location for exploring the coast between Devonport and Stanley? We recommend staying at the quirky Coastal Pods Wynyard – transport containers with a difference!

Too many travellers disembark from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry in Devonport and then promptly head off into the sunset.

Big mistake!

Surrounded by water on three sides, Devonport is a sensational little city with plenty to see and do, and I love the heritage B&B experience on offer at  The Grand on Macfie .

🎉 Special Offer!

Use my LAPOFTAS10 code online, or mention the Lap of Tasmania  on the phone when booking your sumptuous king or queen suite at The Grand on Macfie and receive:

• a generous 10% OFF room rates; and

Click to check rates

In Sheffield you’ll be delighted by the charms of either The Station House or Grace Cottage . Both receive exceptional feedback from fellow road trippers and offer very reasonable rates.

Caravan Parks

Campervanners and caravanners are spoiled for choice on the Cradle Coast. Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain  would have to be one of Australia’s most beautiful holiday parks, offering cabins, powered and unpowered sites.

At the foot of the ‘Nut’ in Stanley you’ll find the award-winning BIG4 Stanley Holiday Park .

In Devonport the best place to base yourself is at  Discovery Parks Devonport – perfect for your first night in Tasmania after arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry!

🎯 SAVE 25% with Discovery Parks

Pop Tassie on your BINGO card this year! Discovery Parks is offering road trippers:

• 25% OFF accommodation at all five Tassie holiday parks PLUS Geelong
• Stay at 4+ parks for your chance to WIN a 2-night stay at Cradle Mountain !

Click on the button below to register your details and make your booking!

* Valid for new online bookings only. Offer valid for stays between 13/03/2024 to 15/07/2024. Offer valid for bookings from 13/03/2024 to 31/05/2024 (blackout dates apply for the Easter weekend). Must use the TASBINGO promo code at time of booking. See the Discovery Parks Tas Bingo page for full T&Cs (link above).

Cradle Coast Events

Tasmanian craft fair.

Held every year in the heritage town of Deloraine, the Tasmanian Craft Fair is the largest working craft fair in the southern hemisphere. Held over 4 days, this festival celebrates artisans from all backgrounds and from all over the world.

• Where : Deloraine
• When : November
• Find out more : Tasmanian Craft Fair

International Mural Fest

The tiny town of Sheffield is covered in more than 60 murals year-round, but it really comes alive at Easter when it hosts the International Mural Fest. A competition for aspiring artists, and a festival for the public, Mural Fest showcases the very best in Australian artistic ‘street’ talent.

• Where : Sheffield
• When : Easter
• Find out more : International Mural Fest

Chocolate Winter Fest

‘Wickedly delicious’ is the perfect way to describe this paradise for sweet-tooths. Tastings are plentiful, but best of all is the opportunity to join in one of the many chocolate-themed events. The ‘Chocolate Mousse Mayhem’ is a riot – think blindfolds and fast-feeding – and you’ll be intrigued by the ‘Wearable Chocolate’ competition.

• Where : Latrobe
• When : August
• Find out more : Chocolate Winter Fest

Cradle Mountain Film Festival

Unearthing new film-making talent while celebrating the breadth and quality of Tasmanian adventure travel options, the Cradle Mountain Film Festival is a festival like no other. The films are short and plentiful, the location is picture perfect, and you’ll walk away full of inspiration for your own Tasmanian road trip adventures!

• Where : Cradle Mountain Village
• When : March
• Find out more : Cradle Mountain Film Festival

Cradle Coast Weather

Read More : The Best Time to Visit Tasmania

Cradle Coast Road Trip Essentials

What to pack, drive times, fuel + ev charging, national parks, driving tips.

Get it Here : Tasmania Road Trip Packing List

Read More : Driving Times and Distances in Tasmania

Petrol Stations

Numerous petrol stations are located along the coast in Devonport (24hrs), Ulverstone , Penguin, Burnie (24hrs), Somerset (24hrs) and Stanley.

Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre has petrol, as do the inland towns of Sheffield, Westbury (24hrs) and Deloraine.

EV Battery Charging Stations

See  PlugShare   for all your EV charging options.

A list of Tasmania’s national parks can be found here: Parks and Wildlife

A valid permit is needed before you can drive into these parks. For more information on the which pass you should buy, click here .

Permits can be purchased online here , from National Park Visitor Centres, Accredited Tasmanian Travel Information Centres, the Spirit of Tasmania, Service Tasmania shops, or by mail/email following these instructions .

Discounts are available for Seniors.

For Tasmania Police emergency road closure alerts click here .

Snow is rare along the Cradle Coast, but may occur at high altitudes near Cradle Mountain Village. Check the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecast here for the latest updates.

Watch out for ice on the roads in the early morning.

Campervanners, beware very strong winds at times. Slow down or defer your travel if necessary under these circumstances.

Next destination on your Lap of Tasmania?

If you’re travelling clockwise, your next destination is Launceston and the Tamar Valley – we hope you love your wine!

Travelling anti-clockwise, your next destination is the beauty and fury of the West Coast wilds.

West Coast Wilds

Launceston and the tamar valley.

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional owners  and continuing custodians  of  this island lutruwita (Tasmania).

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Geelong to Devonport (GEX to DPO)

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Road Trip - Bushwalker

Tasmania may be small, but it has much to offer the avid Bushwalker. With so many trails and tracks to be explored, it can be a challenge to fit it all in. So we have put together an extensive, seven day itinerary so that you can hike straight into your next incredible adventure. 

DAY 1 - DEVONPORT TO LAUNCESTON

Start your exploration of Tassie on foot, with a short walk around the rocky headland to the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, stopping at the Blowhole and Aboriginal rock carvings along the way. Keep exploring the coastal bush and bike trails toward Coles Beach, or take a pitstop at Drift Cafe overlooking the Bluff Beach, a beautiful swimming beach in summer (or all year round, if you’re brave!).

Time a visit to Narawntapu National Park stay for twilight and be rewarded with Forester kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and pademelons grazing in the dwindling light. Continue your journey to Launceston and enjoy cheerful fare at Eat Street (a food truck park at St George’s Square) or quality local produce at Black Cow Bistro.

Overnight Launceston

Coles Beach, Devonport (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Heath Holden)

DAY 2 - LAUNCESTON TO ST HELENS

Get up at at ‘em early this morning via a coffee at local faves Inside Cafe or Sweetbrew. Make your way to Launceston’s Cataract Gorge, about 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. Hike to First Basin (where you can swim in summer) via one of two tracks - the easy Cataract Walk and the steep Zig Zag track. Find the Alexandra Suspension Bridge (it’s hard to miss!) then it’s a further 45 minute one way walk to Duck Reach to see an early hydroelectric station - Launceston was the first southern hemisphere city to be lit by electricity generated by hydropower.

It’s time to explore the beach walks of the nearby East Coast now - head to Binalong Bay at the southern end of the Bay of Fires, a 50 kilometre stretch. The sugar-white silica beaches and clear waters are often named among the best beaches in the world.

Overnight St Helens or Binalong Bay

Alexandra Suspension bridge, Cataract Gorge (Photo:Tourism Tasmania and Jason Charles Hill)

DAY 3 - ST HELENS TO COLES BAY

This morning call in to Douglas-Apsley National Park, home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals, including endemic, rare and endangered species. There are two walks starting from Apsley Waterhole; the easy loop track, or the more challenging (medium grade) three to four hour Apsley Gorge Circuit. There are longer day and multi-day walks leaving from Thompsons Marshes too.

Be sure to hit town by dusk to join Bicheno Penguin Tours to see up to 600 penguins by torchlight. Rest your weary legs in Bicheno or nearby Coles Bay - book ahead if you’re camping, or try a bed and breakfast or hotel.

Bicheno Penguin Tours (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Alastair Bett)

DAY 4 - COLES BAY

Today you’re embarking on one of Australia’s iconic walks, Wineglass Bay. Head to Freycinet National Park, near Coles Bay and start the hike to the Lookout, about two and a half kilometres, for ‘that’ view over Wineglass Bay - it’s one of the most photographed in Tasmania. For a half day adventure, you can extend the walk down on to the beach, then back to the park entrance via the Hazards Range for amazing views of Great Oyster Bay.

 Put your feet up at the stunning, nearby Freycinet Lodge, with a celebratory glass of Tasmanian sparkling or a Whisky tasting - their lounge bar captures a beautiful sunset. Or if your tank isn’t empty just yet, join Freycinet Adventures for their Twilight Kayak Tour.

Overnight Coles Bay

Sunrise at Wineglass Bay (Photo: Daniel Tran)

DAY 5 - COLES BAY TO MARIA ISLAND

Call in to the local supermarket in Coles Bay this morning to pick up supplies for today’s Maria Island adventure. On the way, pop in to one of the wineries, like Devil’s Corner and Spring Vale, for more supplies of course! Historic sites are everywhere here - drive over the Spiky Bridge, built by convicts or take a detour to the Saltworks site at Little Swanport.

At Triabunna, catch the ferry to Maria Island (and some fish and chips from the awesome fish van before you leave). There are loads of day walks - the time poor will love the Painted Cliffs (1.5hrs) or Fossil Cliffs (1.5hrs), or Bishop and Clerk (3-5hrs) if you have more time. Pre-book your accommodation at Darlington Probation Station, an old penitentiary, or a campsite from easy access to remote,  if you’d like to stay overnight.

Overnight Buckland, at Twamley Farm if you’re back from Maria Island.

Bishop and Clerk, Maria Island (Photo: Pierre Destribats)

DAY 6 - MARIA ISLAND OR BUCKLAND TO HOBART

Good morning! If you’re waking up on Maria Island, ferry back to Triabunna, if you’re waking up in Buckland, take an early morning stroll to the Tasmanian Bushland Garden to see native plants, including rare and endangered species.

On foot, take in the history of Richmond Gaol, Australia’s oldest, and the historic sites like the Richmond Bridge, around this pretty colonial town. Then detour back to Hobart via the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a number of animals that are extinct everywhere except Tasmania like the Tasmanian devil, Eastern quoll and Tasmanian bettong. The working sanctuary operates a 24 hour rescue service for injured wildlife, as well as animal encounters throughout the day and a range of tours.

Overnight Hobart

Richmond Bridge (Photo: Wai Nang Poon)

DAY 7 - HOBART

Rise and shine, it’s time to take on Mount Wellington. Head up the mountain via a caffeine stop at Lost Freight, a shipping container-cum-cafe half way up. Bushwalking tracks criss-cross Mount Wellington, but none quite like the Organ Pipes Track - a three hour return walk taking you underneath the distinctive flutes of the organ pipe across the face of the mountain and past historic huts along the way. Be sure to take in the view at the Summit - it’s worth getting up early to witness the 360 degree lookout at sunrise.

Hobart from Mt Wellington (Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Garry Moore)

DAY 8 - HOBART – TASMAN PENINSULA

Travel the road toward Port Arthur this morning to witness the soaring sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. This is home to the incredible Three Capes Track, a three day walk that you need book ahead, but you can get a taste for the terrain on the Waterfall Bay Walk - a two hour walk  along the cliff tops, where you can look down to the swirling ocean, 300 metres below.

For a longer hike, try the three hour Bivouac Bay Walk, where you’ll see the famous Totem Pole and the Candlestick, where adventure climbers test their skills on the tall,  skinny dolerite columns.

Head back to Hobart and celebrate the end of a hearty week of walking with a local craft beer or wine at the Hobart Brewing Company, down near Sullivan’s Cove on the historic waterfront. Cheers!

Depart for Devonport to board Spirit of Tasmania home.

Three Capes Track - Cape Pillar and the Blade (Photo:Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

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