Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
What You Need to Know to Plan a Road Trip in Tasmania
A Tasmania road trip itinerary could take you from the wilds of the West Coast to the beautiful beaches of the East Coast, with unforgettable adventures along the way. A road trip is a wonderful way to experience this intriguing island state and its stunning scenery, charming towns, and fascinating past.
On your travels, pause to absorb nature, culture, and history. You could hike up Cradle Mountain, relax on the white sands of Wineglass Bay, and savor seafood in Hobart. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a leisurely loop, the island delivers a sense of freedom and endless possibilities. Before you hit the open road, here’s everything you need to know to plan an amazing road trip in Tasmania.
1. What’s the best route to take?
Loop around the island or focus on highlights
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One of the best routes for your Tasmania road trip is a full counterclockwise circle around the island. Starting in Hobart will give you a burst of energetic city culture before you head east to absorb the beauty of Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, and the Bay of Fires. Pause in historic Launceston, then bask on the beaches of Tasmania’s northwestern coast, with a stop in Stanley. After admiring the awe-inspiring Cradle Mountain, visit the secluded charms of Strahan, then loop back to Hobart.
If you have less time or you’d prefer a specific focus, you could tour just the western wilderness, east coach beaches, or vineyards. Or journey between Hobart and Launceston for an amazing city-framed break.
What's the best route to take?
2. How long do I need for my trip?
Great short breaks and longer adventures
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How long you’ll need for your Tasmania road trip depends on how much you want to see and how in-depth you’d like your exploration to be. A 7-day road trip will allow you to complete a scenic route through the island, with major highlights like Freycinet, Bay of Fires, and the west coast wilds.
For a full island adventure, a 14-day trip lets you meander at a leisurely pace and add more remote areas like Bruny Island or the Tarkine to your itinerary. But even in a short weekend, you’ll be able to discover some highlights of Hobart, Launceston, or Cradle Mountain. Whatever your timeframe, enjoy Tasmania’s gorgeous landscape, fascinating history, and delicious food at every turn.
How long do I need for my trip?
3. Which mode of transport should I choose?
A choice of ways to take to the road
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When choosing the best mode of transportation, consider your schedule and itinerary. Driving is one of the best ways to explore Tasmania, so rent a car or a campervan for the freedom to travel at your own pace and make detours when the mood takes you. You’ll find the roads in Tasmania well-maintained but often narrow, winding through the rugged landscape. Take care and watch out for wildlife, especially at sunrise and sunset.
If you prefer not to be at the wheel, you’ll find useful buses that connect many parts of Tasmania, or you could join an organized tour to take the guesswork out of your itinerary. Alternatively, consider a cycling route and capture the true spirit of outdoor adventure.
Which mode of transport should I choose?
4. What’s best time to go?
Year-round island beauty
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Whatever the season, it’s always a great time to go on a Tasmania road trip. If you’re looking for the warmest weather and prime beachfront ray-catching, then a summer trip between December and February pretty much guarantees you sunshine and warmth, though be warned that it’s also the busiest season. At the other extreme, try exploring in the calm of winter, June through August, when you might spot snow-covered mountains on a cool hike before you thaw out at a cozy cafe fireplace.
The fall is always a wonderful time to experience quieter roads framed by stunning foliage, while spring brings pretty wildflowers and baby wildlife to admire. Plan ahead and book at the best time for your preferences.
What's best time to go?
5. Where is the best scenery?
Unusual and breathtaking spots
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Tasmania is packed with options for spectacular scenery, making every road trip unforgettable. On the East Coast, you’ll find a vibrant natural display of colors, from the deep blues of the iconic Wineglass Bay to the white sands and orange lichen-covered boulders of the Bay of Fires. To the west, discover wilder landscapes, like the verdant peaks, rainforests, and lakes of Cradle Mountain.
Journey to Strahan for views of the rugged coastline or try a river raft adventure on the King River at Queenstown. Don’t miss the dramatic sea cliffs, caves, and waterfalls of the Tasman Peninsula and the lush diversity of Mount Field National Park in the south.
Where is the best scenery?
6. Where can I find the best food?
Australian delicacies around the island
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Tasmania is a haven for foodies, especially if you’re a fan of fresh lobster, abalone, and other fish-based dishes. In Hobart, it’s hard to beat a visit to the Salamanca Market and waterfront restaurants for a fresh catch or succulent Tasmanian scallop pie. The east coast is famous for its incredible oysters, like the ones at Freycinet Marine Farm and in the fishing center of St Helens.
As well as seafood delights, you’ll find a range of artisan delicacies throughout the island. You could sail over to Bruny island to sample specialty cheeses or pick your own berries. And be sure to visit Launceston, UNESCO City of Gastronomy, on your gourmet exploration.
Where can I find the best food?
7. Where are the best places to stay?
Accommodation with charm and comfort
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The best places to stay in Tasmania include eco-lodges and wilderness retreats near the beautiful scenery of Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, and the Tarkine Rainforest. You could sample the tranquility of rural life on a farm stay, stop at one of the many caravan parks, or fully embrace nature and camp under the stars, there’s free and low-cost camping available at many of the national parks.
If you’d like a coastal retreat, you’ll find beachfront cabins and boutique hotels with stunning ocean views along the east coast. For a city break, stay in a budget-friendly hostel, a heritage hotel, or a luxury apartment in Hobart or Launceston.
Where are the best places to stay?
8. Where to stop for stargazing?
The wonders of the Tasmanian night sky
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One of the best places to gaze at the sparkling sky is the Tarkine Wilderness in the northwest, where you’ll feel transported to another world. At Cradle Mountain, you can spot the celestial twinkling reflected in midnight-blue lakes. Or, try stargazing over the ocean at one of Tasmania’s remote beaches.
Tasmania’s low light pollution means dark night skies and fantastic opportunities for stargazing. If you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring aurora australis, also known as the southern lights. Travel to the sweeping coast of the South Arm Peninsula on a clear winter’s night, June through August, for the best chance of seeing the amazing glow.
Where to stop for stargazing?
9. Where to stop to go for a hike?
Energetic and scenic walks
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Tasmania is a hiker’s paradise, and you’ll have a choice of wonderful places to stop for an invigorating trek through nature. Many of the trails are absolutely epic, like the Overland Track through the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and the remote beauty of the South Coast Track. You could scale Frenchmans Cap, or embark on rainforest discovery at Mount Field National Park.
You don’t have to hike for miles to experience some of the state’s most stunning natural wonders, though. Try a tranquil stroll through woodland to the waterfall and gorge at the Apsley River, explore the mysterious limestone Calcified Forest at King Island, or admire the sweeping beach views from Archers Knob.
Where to stop to go for a hike?
10. What are the best family-friendly road trips?
Outdoor activities and exploration for all ages
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Tasmania offers great road trips for all the family, with wildlife encounters, fresh air freedom, and outdoor adventures within easy driving distance. Your itinerary could include pauses for mountain biking, treetop airwalks, thermal swimming pools, cave discoveries, or just kicking back on the beach.
For family-friendly road trip stops with a difference, pop into Richmond’s Pooseum, or navigate your way through the mazes at Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot. Then take a laid-back hike through the whimsy of the Goblin Forest Walk or jump between rocks at Apsley Gorge’s waterholes.
What are the best family-friendly road trips?
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