This Tasmania Itinerary Makes the Perfect Road Trip
This post is designed to help you plan the perfect itinerary for your road trip through Tasmania.
Navigate this post with this clickable table of contents:
Road Map of This Post
- 🏙️ Day 1 – Hobart
- 🌊 Day 2 – Freycinet National Park
- 🔥 Day 3 – Bay of Fires
- 🟣 Day 4 – Lavender Fields
- ⛰️ Day 5 – Cradle Mountain
- ⛵ Day 6 – Strahan
- 🌲 Day 7 – Mount Field National Park
- 🚗 Day 8 – Drive to Bruny Island
- 🏝️ Day 9 – South Bruny Island
- 🏙️ Day 10 – Return to Hobart
- Map (star to save to Google Maps)
- Road Trip Planning (Where to Rent an RV or Car)
- FAQs
- 🖨️ Get Printable Version
I have been traveling the world full-time for almost a decade. 80 countries and 6 continents later, Tasmania still is my favorite road trip destination — not just in Australia, but in the entire world.
I fell in love with Tasmania, and I hope you will too with my guide.
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Follow My 10 Day Self-Drive Tasmania Itinerary
In my opinion, 10 days is a solid amount of time to set aside for your itinerary. But if you have more or less time, you can extend this itinerary to 14 days by slowing down (there’s a lot to take in!), or skip a few stops to save time.
Also, if you can get a printable version of this emailed to you if you want to save it for later.
Day 1: Hobart
Since Hobart is both the main airport for the island and the base for most campervan and car rentals, many people will start and end their road trips in Hobart.
But, as excited as you may be to get out into the wild, I would suggest making sure to build in some time to take in this incredible city as well. There are so many interesting things to do and see in Hobart.
For example, check out the pretty neighborhood Battery Point, take a stroll to browse fresh produce or grab some ice cream at the Salamanca Market, and be sure to spend an afternoon exploring the thought-provoking exhibits at the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).
🚗 Where to Find Rental Vehicles for Tasmania
- Rental Cars: Discover Car Hire (comparison site)
- Campervans & RVs: Motorhome Republic (comparison site)
🛏️ Where to Stay in Hobart
- Luxury: The Henry Jones Art Hotel
- Mid-range: Hadley’s Orient Point
- Budget: Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
Day 2: Freycinet National Park
From Hobart, it’s about a 2.5 hour drive to Coles Bay, the launching point for exploring Freycinet National Park, a must-see spot. Spend at least one day here exploring the park, and taking in the famous vistas of Wineglass Bay.
👉 Tips for Freycinet National Park
- 🥾 Don’t just stop at the Wineglass Bay viewpoint like many tourists! The quick hike down to the beach itself is worth it. Better, yet, spend a day doing a hiking loop through Freycinet National Park.
- 🦘 Watch out for wallabies on the beach!
- 🚙 Have an RV? Make sure you arrange ahead of time to snag a campsite within the park itself (info here).
- 🏕️ Missed out on a campsite? Stay in Coles Bay or in the several private campgrounds outside the park.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Freycinet National Park
- Top Choice: Freycinet Lodge
- Mid-range: Freycinet Waters
- Budget: Swansea Motor Inn
Day 3: Bay of Fires
From Freycinet, head north and make a quick stop to check out Diamond Island north of Bicheno (be prepared to wade through water, as the tide often covers the sandbar giving access to the island!).
Next, continue north for a couple of hours to the Bay of Fires. Here you’ll be able to witness white sand butting up against stunning rock formations covered in a red moss that makes the scene look simply otherworldly.
👉 Tips for Bay of Fires
- 🌅 Make sure you get to the Bay of Fires in time to see the (epic) sunset!
- ⛺ You can free camp in the park or overnight in nearby St. Helens or Binalong Bay.
🛏️ Where to Stay Near Bay of Fires
- Best in St. Helens: Panorama Hotel St Helens
- Close to Bay of Fires: Bay of Fires Bush Retreat
- Budget: Georges Bay Apartments
Day 4: Bridestowe Lavender Estate / Drive to Cradle Mountain
Most of day 4 will be dedicated to the 4+ hour road trip to get to Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Claire National Park.
But along the way, detour for a short day trip to visit Launceston or to check out the stunning purple fields at the Bridestowe Lavender Estate. These gorgeous fields are an Instagrammer’s paradise!
After that, complete the drive and get some rest before the big day on Cradle Mountain!
👉 Tips for the Drive to Cradle Mountain
- ⛺ Planning to camp? Helpful info is available on the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife website.
- 🏨 Prefer staying in a hotel? Be warned options are very limited here, so reserve asap.
🛏️ Where to Stay Near Cradle Mountain
- Top Choice: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
- Mid-range: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village
- Budget: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain
Day 5: Cradle Mountain-Lake Saint Claire National Park
At 1,545 meters, Cradle Mountain may not be the highest mountain in Tasmania, but its jagged peaks make it by far the most imposing and famous.
Scaling the peak of Cradle Mountain requires a moderately challenging hike, with an especially challenging bit of bouldering at the top (wear shoes with a good grip — I failed to do this and regretted it badly!).
If you’re not up for that, no worries mate: there are dozens of gorgeous trails for all skill levels around the park and World Heritage-listed Dove Lake. You’ll want to set aside at least one full day to take it all in. In fact, if you have extra time, I suggest building in an extra day just to explore all the walking trails around Lake St Clair.
👉 Tips for Cradle Mountain
- ⛰️ Planning to scale Cradle Mountain? Be sure to start EARLY in the morning.
- 🚰 Tired of carrying plastic water bottles? Pack a water filtration bottle!
🛏️ Where to Stay Near Cradle Mountain
- Top Choice: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
- Mid-range: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village
- Budget: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain
Day 6: Strahan
Your legs will probably be a bit tired at this point, so venture to the West Coast of Tasmania to relax a bit in the fishing village of Strahan.
Strahan is a charming port town that is the gateway to Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Enjoy one of the many day cruises on offer to visit this incredible rainforest – yes, really, there’s a rainforest in Tasmania – or just spend the day soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of this remote settlement.
👉 Tips for Strahan
- 🚢 Book Your Gordon River Cruise here to get free cancellation (always good to have in times of covid!).
🛏️ Where to Stay in Strahan
- Top Choice: Risby Cove
- Mid-range: Franklin Manor
- Budget: Strahan Village
Day 7: Mount Field National Park
It’s a long drive back to Hobart, so break it up by spending your last night camping at the wonderful Mount Field National Park (there are some hotel offerings available below too if you don’t have a campervan or tent).
Go for a few easy hikes to view the many beautiful waterfalls. The highlight is Russel Falls. I loved seeing the glowworms at night!
👉 Tips for Mount Field National Park
- ✨ Be sure to head back into the jungle after dark, when thousands of glowworms light up the night. A genuinely cool not-to-be-missed Tasmanian experience that was one of my favorite parts of the road trip.
🛏️ Where to Stay Near Mount Field National Park
- Top Choice: Russell Fall Holiday Cottages
- Inside the Park: Mt Field Retreat
Day 8: Drive to Bruny Island
Drive south, take a short car ferry, and spend your final two days exploring Bruny Island. More like two islands separated by a sandbar, South Bruny Island National Park offers up plenty of Instagram-worthy photo spots!
👉 Tips for Bruny Island
- ⛴️ Check Sea Link Bruny Island for the latest prices and timetables for the car ferry.
🛏️ Where to Stay in Bruny Island
- Top Choice: 43 Degrees Bruny Island
- Best RV Campground: Captain Cook Holiday Park
Day 9: Bruny Island National Park
You’ll need a full day to take in the many things to do on Bruny Island. Go for a stroll along the gorgeous Cloudy Bay – or, better yet, grab a surfboard and ride some waves. And definitely don’t miss the penguin colony at Bruny Neck!
👉 Tips for Bruny Island National Park
- ⛽ If you can, fuel up your car before the ferry. The only place to do so on the island is at the Adventure Bay General Store, where prices can be higher.
- 💵 There are no ATMs on South Bruny Island, bring cash with you!
🛏️ Where to Stay in Bruny Island
- Top Choice: 43 Degrees Bruny Island
- Best RV Campground: Captain Cook Holiday Park
Day 10: Return to Hobart
On the last day of your trip, head back to Hobart. If you didn’t get to hit it up at the start of your road trip, be sure to check out the Museum of Old and New Art before you wrap up your trip!
🛏️ Where to Stay in Hobart
- Luxury: The Henry Jones Art Hotel
- Mid-range: Hadley’s Orient Point
- Budget: Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
📚 Related Reading: Australia Packing List
Tasmania Itinerary Map
Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post. You can click the star to save to your own maps.
Planning Your Tasmania Road Trip
How to Get Around the Island
Every road trip requires a great set of wheels. There are basically three options on the island:
Option 1 – Bring Your Own Car on the Ferry
The Spirit of Tasmania sails between Port Melbourne in Victoria and Devonport in Tasmania.
The journey across the Bass Strait takes between 9 and 11 hours and can be done via overnight or day sailings.
Shared and private cabins are available, and pets are welcome onboard! Check out the official sailing calendar for exact times and fares.
Option 2 – Rent a Car
Discover Cars
Discover Cars is a great search engine for comparing prices from multiple rental car agencies in Tasmania.
Probably the simplest solution, and definitely the most popular, is to simply rent a car and either camp or stay in hotels or B&Bs along the route.
Both Hobart International and Launceston Airport have loads of rental car companies to choose from, but you’ll want to be sure to reserve in advance because the inventory on the island can run low during peak periods.
I recommend using Discover Car Hire’s handy search engine to easily search and price-compare car hire options from different companies.
Option 3 – Rent a Campervan or RV
Motorhome Republic
Motorhome Republic is a great place to compare RV and camper rentals in Tasmania. Just book ahead – as there are only so many vehicles on the island!
My personal favorite way to a road trip is in an RV or campervan! Sure, it costs a little more for the rental, but think of what you can save on accommodation!
Campervans and RVs are very popular on the island, so there are many rental companies to choose from. Personally, I suggest using Motorhome Republic’s search engine to see what inventory is available for your dates.
Pro tip: stock up on your road trip essentials at any of the many super-center stores on Hobart’s outskirts before heading out.
Additional Stops to Consider
There’s a lot to see in Tasmania, and your specific road trip itinerary will depend a lot on your starting and ending points. So feel free to mix up these itineraries and improvise a bit!
Here are some other major Tasmanian points of interest to consider for your road trip itinerary:
- Mount Wellington – You can take in incredible views of the city of Hobart from atop this mountain.
- Port Arthur – This former penal settlement is now an open-air museum.
- Richmond – A photogenic historic town just outside Hobart.
- Maria Island – Check out the gorgeous painted cliffs on this beautiful island off the east coast of Tasmania.
- Queenstown – A rugged town with a quaint main street on Tasmania’s western side.
Practical Information & Tasmania FAQs
Tasmania is such an excellent road trip destination because it is relatively compact, there are so many things to do, and it’s easily possible to create several loops that allow you to take in multiple sites without ever having to double back on the territory you’ve already covered!
Here’s a quick guide to some of the practicalities and common questions:
What do I need to know about driving?
Tasmania’s roads are modern, well-paved, and relatively easy to drive. Driving in Tasmania is done on the left. Most foreign driver’s licenses will work just fine in Tasmania, but check this site to be sure you’re in the clear.
How do I arrange an RV or Campervan hire?
It is easy to hire an RV or campervan for your Tasmania road trip. Just note that you’ll definitely want to make your reservation in advance as the inventory on the island is limited (it IS an island after all)!
Personally, I recommend starting your search by checking prices at Motorhome Republic.
Why Motorhome Republic? It’s the largest motorhome rental company on Earth, and they have a TON of great inventory in Tasmania. Plus, they have by far the best search interface and easiest booking process of any of the sites I’ve seen.
The great thing about the Motorhome Republic is that it helps you search a variety of campervan rental companies across Tasmania, so you can always be sure you’re getting the best RV for your trip.
What about accessing the national parks?
You will need a National Parks Pass for entry into the various parks throughout the island. You can purchase a pass here on the official website, or many campervan rental agencies will sell it to you when you pick up your vehicle.
Where can I camp?
Whether you’re in an RV, campervan, or tent, Tasmania has an incredible offering of camping sites, including both free sites and paid campgrounds that often offer services like laundry, kitchens, showers, and more. Check out this map to see all of the campgrounds on offer in Tassie. But, be aware that some of the best campgrounds can book up early, so make reservations if you can!
Do I have to camp?
Absolutely not! No matter where you are in Tasmania, there are sure to be plenty of incredible hotels and hostels on offer all along the way.
What side of the road do they drive on?
Driving in Tasmania is on the left hand side of the road.
How do you get to Tasmania?
The best way to get to Tasmania is to fly into Hobart, which has lots of quick flight connections from Melbourne, Sydney, and elsewhere in Australia. If you’re bringing your own car or campervan to Tasmania, it might also make sense to take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne, which takes up to 11 hours.
When is the best time of year to visit Tasmania?
Peak season for travel to Tasmania is the summer months of December to February. This is when the weather is warmest and the island is generally most pleasant to explore.
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🖨️ Remember – you can get a printable version for later!
I hope this helped you plan the perfect Tasmania itinerary! Next, read Laura’s list of her favorite places in Australia (that aren’t Sydney or Melbourne).
Can we drive with a camper van from Hobart to catch a ferry from either Geelong or Port Melbourne in 2 weeks . Seeing sites along the way at a relaxed pace ?
I certainly think 2 weeks is a good amount of time to cover Tasmania. I’ve not taken a camper on the ferries, but I know many do.
Hi I am looking at having 10 in Tassie at the end of March this year. I was wondering if I was to book some airbnbs to stay in which places are the best to base ourselves for say 3 days each stop. We are hoping to get around most of the island.
Hi Sheryn! Sounds like a fun trip. I don’t have experience staying in apartment rentals, as I prefer hotels and campervans, but I think anywhere in the route above is worth it if you can find a place to stay that you like.
Hi Nate,
We are going to Tasmania from January 14-21– unfortunately a fairly short time but we are super excited. We will rent a small camper. The weather doesn’t look too promising which concerns us a little. We love to see a lot of things, swim, and be active but without driving all the time. We love to hike and take it in, too. Do you have any words of wisdom?
Thanks, Bettina
Sounds like a fun trip Bettina! It’s January so still should be relatively good weather at least when it doesn’t rain. But even in the rain, Tasmania is beautiful. Since you only have a week and don’t like driving too much, I’d suggest just taking Days 1-5 of the itinerary and slowing down a bit along the way. Plenty to see still just in that part of the island and you can always come back to do the west.
It’s me, MRy again. My friends and I have no confidence driving on snowy roads.
Would Autumn or Spring be a better option to see colourful foliage or blooming flowers?
Hi Mary – yes, both seasons do get some tourists so definitely consider spring or autumn depending which strikes you.
The 5 of us senior ladies from hot sunny Malaysia plan to self drive in Tasmania in July with the hope of seeing the southern lights.
Do you think it is advisable to do the trip in cold snowy July.
Being winter, daylight will be shorter hours and may require some driving skills to drive on snow, I guess.
Please advise
Hi Mary! It really comes down to how confident you are driving (and traveling) in the winter. Tasmania does get some snow in winter, but actually not that much. Icy roads are probably a bigger concern, although the average low is still usually above freezing. On the plus side, July is the low season so accommodation prices should be much more affordable.
Hello Nate! I’m Mos from Thailand. I’m glad i find this useful itinerary :)My friends and I plan to visit Tasmania next year. We still decide which month we should visit. Do you have any recommendation on this? We want to explore Tasmania as much as we can. We enjoy nature, wildlife and especially trekking/hiking.
Best regard,
Mos
The warmer summer months are generally best (roughly December to February). Remember Tasmania is very far south, so it gets quite cold.
Popular Destinations & Accomodation to stay in Tasmania….
a) Would need recommendation on the Top 2 Popular Destination you suggest to stay in Tasmania for 5N and 6D and the areas that can be explored as part of sight seeing? As I have been searching on the internet came across Launceston and Hobart, however keen to have your views
b) From Sydney, travelling to Launceston / Hobart which one would be better and why?
c) Any itenary that you can suggest I can take away with me Launceston and Hobart for 5N 6D that I have with me.
Thanks.
I think the main thing to remember is that both Launceston and Hobart are cities, but that Tasmania is really about natural beauty. I’d consider if getting outside the cities might be something you are interested in. They are both beautiful cities, and if you want to use them as bases for day trips, that can work and you can still visit most of the places on this itinerary, but it will just involve more back and forth during your day trips.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the helpful post.
We are looking at visiting Tasmania soon and will only be able to stay a few days.
Where do you recommend visiting the most on a short trip on a family friendly budget?
Hobart, Freycinet, Bay of Fires.
Hi Nate,
Thanks for the tips, super helpful! I’m planning to go 8 days (arrive in Hobart and leave again from Hobart in the morning of day 9) with 2 teenagers (14,15) which means we need some adventure built in as well:-) What would you skip in your 10 day itinerary to make the schedule work and some tips to make it fun for teenagers? Thanks a lot!
To trim the itinerary, I would cut out the Bruny Island stops. For teenagers, if they love the outdoors, they will love Tasmania. Hiking Cradle Mountain is a significant adventure, even if you don’t make the summit!
Hey Nate, Vince here from Singapore.
Am planning a road trip in Tasmania Dec 23 and saw your itinerary and loved it. As I’ve not done this in Tasmania, was wondering how the road conditions are for the 2.5hr to 4hr drives. Would need to look at availability of all the accomodations ahead as well. Family of 4 and the only driver so hopefully there’s places to stop along your itinerary to avoid fatigue.
Hi Vince! There are plenty of stops all along most the way of this Tasmania itinerary. Strahan to Mount Field will be the “emptiest” stretch to prepare for, but it’s still not too bad. Tasmania is pretty small, so you’ll find towns, restaurants, and amenities pretty much throughout the route. Enjoy Tasmania!
Hi Nate
Love your website.
We are a couple in our 70’s planning on spending seven weeks in Tasmania later this year. We’re not incredibly fit, but would love to do short walks to the many beautiful national parks/waterfalls etc.
I’ve been trying to work out an itinerary that would give us the best way to see “everywhere” without doubling back too much.
I haven’t seen any itineraries longer than about 14 days. The occasional 21 day one just adds a day or two to the original plan.
Do you have any suggestions?
Hi Cynthia –
Sounds like an incredible trip – honestly, I’m jealous! Not many people have more than 21 days to spare, which is why most Tasmania itineraries are shorter. But if you do have the time, I think you’ll find there is lots to see! I would suggest doing a loop of the island but planning to spend more time in each place, and adding in more stops nearby. There really is a ton to see and do in Tasmania.
Some ideas for extending your trip (note: I haven’t personally done all these):
1) Northwest, including Stanley and Smithton (not as famous, but supposed to be some nice quiet beaches up there).
2) Launceston – Cataract Gorge Reserve & Tamar Islands Wetlands Centre
3) Devonport – Can take day trips to Tasmazia & The Village Of Lower Crackpot and Mole Creek Caves.
4) Queenstown
5) Maria Island and the painted cliffs
Those a few places that come to mind you might look into. Beyond that, I would just slow down and explore more.
If I had 7 weeks in Tasmania, I personally would spend more time in Strahan, Hobart, Bicheno, and Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
Tasmania is so beautiful and there is so much to take in. I’m confident you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. Plus, by the end of it you’ll be a better Tasmania expert than me! To that end, I have a request: if you remember, after your trip, could you come back here and share your experience to help future travelers?
Thanks for reading Travel Lemming!
-Nate
Nate,
Thanks for the useful advice
Is there a link for the road map of the trip, not sure it’s working as I tried Firefox on Android, and Chrome on Chromebook, but no road map appeared
Thanks
Geoff
Hi Geoff – we don’t have a Google Map, but that’s a good idea – I’ll try to make one.
G’day nate, we’re planing a 2 week trip to tassie in may next year. We’re trying to figure out if we base ourselves in Launceston for half the time and do day trips, and then the same in Hobart? Any advice on an itinerary would be great.
That can definitely work! Personally, I think it’s worth moving out of the cities though, as staying in the towns will put you closer to Tasmania’s nature, which is the real highlight of the island in my mind.
Hi Nate, your tips and advice have been awesome, in Tasmania now late June, early July and although cold weather been awesome, only real hazard seems to be ice on the road early morning but if you wait to get going until 9am and drive within speed limits have had no problems. Thanks for your inputs, been great advice.
Thank you so much Vivien. Glad to hear you’re having fun in Tasmania!
Hi,
We are planning to travel to Tasmania around Sept, is it a good time? Where do you recommend us to go? Thank you.
It is a bit cold in September in Tasmania, but Tasmania is always beautiful. Check out the itinerary above for suggestions on where to go!
Hi Nate. love the page. Lots of relevant information. Your tip for the car rental website was invaluable, saved lots on Discover Cars! Thank you.
Enjoy life!
Regards
Karen
Hi Nate,
Live on the Gold Coast, Qld.
Planning a 3wk trip – fly into Hobart in March 2022. Thinking about hiring a van caravan to tour around along w staying in some accommodations. What is the
Caravan ‘Airbnb’ tip u suggested above ?
Anything u recommend will be appreciated.
Thanx.
My best girlfriend lives in Snowmass CO
Hi Gayla! It’s this site, Outdoorsy . Their inventory is not enormous in Tasmania but they do have some in Hobart at generally cheaper rates than renting through an agency. I hope you enjoy Tasmania!
We are heading to Tassie on 27/01/22 for hopefully 3 month or as long as it takes to see most places. We have a 20’6” off road caravan and a Toyota 200 series Landcruiser. We also have a little dog. Do you know if there are Dog Daycare Centres in Tassie ? Also do you think 3 months is too long ?
There is a lot to do in Tasmania! I don’t think 3 months is too long at all if you really want to explore the whole island. Not sure about dog daycare though. Have fun in Tasmania Teresa!
Love the Caravan “AirBnb” tip. I was trying to look to hire a camper and this is such a life saver!
Thanks Hana! I hope you enjoy Tasmania! It’s an incredible place.
This is a great site! Thanks for the help in planning my trip. I used 80% of your information to travel Tasmania in December! Awesome Nate!
I’m glad you find it useful! I hope you enjoy Tasmania it’s a truly incredible destination.
Hi,
I’m travelling to Tasmania in July. Where do you recommend us to go? Is safe to drive a motorhome there in July or it’s dangerous due to the snow?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Thanks for stopping by Debora! I’ve never done a winter road trip in Tasmania my self, but I do know people who have done it and say that Tasmania is absolutely magical that way. With that said, I think you’re going to want to self-assess your comfort level and skill in terms of driving on ice.
Hi, Anu from India. We are planning a trip next July. The “Ice” part is making me ask this question. Does it snow in July in Tasmania. Is it too cold a place to spend 5 days? Thanks.
Yes, it snows in Tasmania in July. If you want a winter vacation it might be nice, but if not then I would go another month.