Tasmania, that mysterious little island under Australia that has so much to offer. Even though it is part of Australia, you feel like you are in another country. You will find the rugged mountain peaks of Cradle Mountain, lush green forests with waterfalls and pearly white beaches. During your road trip in Tasmania, you are bound to encounter a wallaby, wombat or who knows even a Tasmanian devil. Compared to Australia, the island is also not that big, and you can perfectly explore it in two weeks. This itinerary takes you through Tasmania’s finest highlights. And believe us, once you’ve been there, you don’t want to leave!
Where is Tasmania located
Tasmania is an official state of Australia and is the island located south of mainland. There are two ways to travel to Tasmania: by plane or by ferry. If you travel by plane, you will first land at one of Australia’s international airports such as Sydney or Melbourne. You will then take a short, domestic flight towards Tasmania where you will land at Hobart. If you travel by ferry, you will depart from Geelong near Melbourne and arrive in Devonport in Tasmania. One to two ferries run daily, one at night and often one during the day. With the ferry it takes about 9h of travel time. But the ferry does allow you to take your car or camper from Melbourne.
We began our journey through Tasmania in Devonport with our camper. For this, we took the overnight ferry from Geelong. The ferry is very comfortable and we slept very well that night. The advantage of traveling at night is that you then have an extra day in Tasmania. This itinerary makes a loop, so if your trip starts in Hobart then you can follow this route perfectly as well!
TRAVEL TIP: The ferry to Tasmania often fills up weeks in advance. So book your tickets early, especially if you are traveling around with a camper.
How to get around Tasmania
By Australian standards, Tasmania is not that big and therefore ideal to explore in two weeks. The roads are in fine condition and the best way to travel around is therefore by car or with a camper. We highly recommend the second, which will make your travel experience even better. Australia and Tasmania have a lot of campsites where you get to the most idyllic places. Most campsites are also equipped with conveniences such as kitchens, showers and sometimes even swimming pools. For this itinerary, we will always recommend to you the campgrounds where we stayed. We will also provide a nice alternative if you prefer to stay in authentic B&Bs or lodges.
National parks
This itinerary will take you past several national parks. In Tasmania, you need an entry pass to enter the national parks. You buy those at one of the visitor centers. You can buy a pass by the day, but it is most economical to go for the two-month option. This is the Holiday Pass, costs $89.50 AUD per vehicle and allows you to visit all the national parks during your two-week road trip in Tasmania.
The ultimate 2-week Tasmania itinerary
Ferry or flight booked? Camper or car fixed? Then it’s time to explore beautiful Tasmania! This travel itinerary will take you through the highlights of Tasmania in two weeks. If you have more time, however, we definitely recommend staying a little longer, as there is so much to see!
Day 1 – 3: Cradle Mountain & Dove Lake
+/- 78 km ● 1h15 drive
If, like us, you arrive in Devonport in the morning, you can do some shopping before driving on to your first destination in Tasmania. The next few days are devoted to Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. This iconic landscape is located in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and is one of Tasmania’s most photographed sites. Around Cradle Mountain you will find numerous hiking trails for every hiking level. The 6 km Dove Lake Circuit is an easy hike that takes you around the lake in 3 hours. If you like a challenge, then the hike to Marions Lookout is highly recommended. This tough hike lets you climb up to a viewpoint where you have a fantastic view of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake.
To reach Cradle Mountain, it is best to park your vehicle at the visitor center. From there you can take the shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes and takes you to the base of Cradle Mountain. After 7 p.m. you can drive yourself into the park, but be aware that it is a narrow road all the way to Dove Lake. Still, we recommend you to do so because on a clear night you can see the Milky Way over Cradle Mountain! Be careful when driving back down, though, because toward evening the animals become increasingly active.
Where to stay in Cradle Mountain National Park
- Camping: The nearest campground is Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain. It is certainly not the cheapest campground, but the location is perfect and it has very good facilities.
- Hotel: The Pepper Lodge Cradle Mountain is located in the national park. Here you have luxury in the middle of nature, and as you sit by the campfire you might see a wombat or wallaby passing by.
Day 3 – 4: Strahan
+/- 140 km ● 2h drive
On Day 3 of this Tasmania road trip, you will leave Cradle Mountain behind you and continue driving towards Strahan. Strahan is a cozy coastal town in Western Tasmania. Here you can board the World Heritage Cruise across the Gordon River. This mystical cruise takes you through the beautiful rainforest and past highlights such as Hells Gates and Sarah Island where convicted prisoners were sent. While sailing through the beautiful countryside, you’ll also enjoy a fantastic lunch on board. Definitely worth it, then!
Where to stay in Strahan
- Camping: When you stay in Strahan Beach Tourist Park you are right on the beach!
- Hotel: The welcoming owners make you feel at home in The Crays Accommodation which has an excellent location.
Day 4 – 6: Mount Field National Park
+/- 250 km ● 3h50 drive
Today you will head deeper into Tasmania’s nature and drive toward Mount Field National Park. Along the way, you can make a stop at the beautiful Nelson Falls which you can easily reach from the parking lot. Next you will pass Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Lake St Clair is also part of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and several hikes depart from here as well. A fun one to do is the one-hour Platypus Bay Circuit, and who knows, you might see a platypus!
From Lake St Clair, it’s another 2-hour drive until you arrive at Mount Field National Park. This is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks and was one of the most surprising stops on our road trip. The 6 km Three Falls Circuit starts at the visitor center and takes you past three beautiful waterfalls. Or hike all the way to Tarn Shelf for breathtaking views of Lake Dobson. Definitely try to get a spot at the Mount Field Campground on the waterfront. Here we saw several platypuses swimming!
Where to stay in Mount Field National Park
- Camping: We were at the Mount Field Campground and this was our favorite in Tasmania! Be sure to pick a spot along the water and with any luck you will see a platypus.
- Hotel: The only accommodation in the national park is Mt Field Retreat and it’s a gem too!
Day 6 – 7: Hobart
+/- 73 km ● 1h10 drive
If your schedule permits, definitely try to be in Hobart on a Saturday. Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and there is a lot to do here, especially on weekends. On Friday night you can go to Street Eats @ Franko, a cozy food market with live performances. On Saturdays, be sure to visit the famous Salamanca Market. More than 300 stalls sell all kinds of art, jewelry, fresh food and locally made products. If you want to see Hobart from a different perspective, be sure to drive up Mount Wellington for an amazing 360° view of the area. Finish up at Australia’s oldest brewery: the Cascade Brewery.
Where to stay in Hobart
- Camping: The Lea Scout Camp is a 10-minute drive from Hobart but has the best value for money ratio. Thanks to its remote location, it is also quiet.
- Hotel: At Customs House Hotel then again, you are right in the center of Hobart. The hotel was built in 1846 and you can still find one of the oldest pubs in Hobart.
Day 7 – 9: Tasman Peninsula (Port Arthur)
+/- 92 km ● 1h20 drive
In the afternoon of day 7, you will leave bustling Hobart and drive on toward the Tasman Peninsula. Along the way, you can stop at the Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest bridge and also the most photogenic! As you drive toward Port Arthur, located on the Tasman Peninsula, you will encounter numerous scenic stops such as Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and Tessellated Pavement.
Port Arthur offers a fascinating glimpse into Tasmania’s colonial past. This penal camp was once the place where 600 prisoners were exiled to from the United Kingdom. Now you can take a guided tour of this UNESCO site to learn more about this sad piece of history. Alternatively, you can take the beautiful but tough hike to Cape Huay. Starting at Fortescue Bay, you slowly hike up to breathtaking views from the cliffs over the ocean. On day 9 in the evening, drive further to Triabunna, the starting point for Maria Island.
Where to stay in Port Arthur
- Camping: It is best to reserve a spot in advance at the popular Fortescue Bay Camp but you don’t want to miss this one! This is where the hike to Cap Huay starts and Fortescue Bay is insanely beautiful.
- Hotel: The Storm Bay B&B in turn has stunning views of the bays of Tasmania Peninsula. Perfect for eating your freshly made breakfast.
Day 10: Maria Island
+/- 92 km ● 1h25 drive
Today you will leave your vehicle behind for a while and jump on the ferry towards Maria Island National Park! This small island off Tasmania’s east coast is completely car-free and known for its abundance of wildlife. Along the many hiking trails, you are sure to encounter kangaroos, wallabies and wombats! Furthermore, you have unique landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else in Tasmania. On the islet, you can also rent bikes to get around more smoothly. The ferry to Maria Island departs from Triabunna and runs four times a day in the summer. A round trip ticket costs $54 AUD per person and is best purchased in advance online. This was one of our favorite places in Tasmania!
TRAVEL TIP: Another popular island to visit from Tasmania is Bruny Island. This island is a bit larger and can be reached from Tasman Peninsula. On this island you will find the rare white wallaby.
Where to stay
- Camping: In the parking lot of the old Spring Bay Hotel you can park for free for one night and it is right by the ferry. If the pub is open, you can come and have a drink for a donation.
- Hotel: Beezneez B&B in turn is your best option in Triabuanna so you can leave for Maria Island rested.
Day 11 – 12: Freycinet National Park
+/- 110 km ● 1h30 drive
You continue your Tasmania road trip toward Freycinet National Park, home to the world-famous Wineglass Bay and its pearly white beach. Most visitors head to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for the classic view from above, but the Mount Amos Track offers an even better vantage point. Be aware: this hike is very challenging and requires solid fitness. Your reward at the summit is a breathtaking 360° panorama of the bay and surrounding landscapes. You can also explore beautiful beaches like Friendly Beaches and Nine Mile Beach, or stop by the coastal town of Bicheno, where you’ll have a good chance of spotting whales, dolphins, and even penguins along the shore.
Where to stay in Freycinet National Park
- Camping: Friendly Beaches Campground and Freycinet National Park Campground are two campgrounds managed by the national park and fantastic to stay.
- Hotel: The Freycinet Lodge is right at the start of the hike toward Wineglass Bay. Here you can stay in cute cabins where you will undoubtedly be greeted by a wallaby.
Day 12 – 14: Bay of Fires
+/- 130 km ● 1h50 drive
The Bay of Fires is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and cannot be missed during a Tasmania road trip. This unique bay is famous for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches that stand out against the rocks covered with orange shortsmoss. These orange rocks make it look like the bay is on fire. The coastline stretches for 50 kilometers from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point with several viewpoints along the way. Skeleton Bay Reseve, The Gardens, Taylors Beach and Cosy Corner are some of those vantage points worth stopping at.
Where to stay at Bay of Fires
- Camping: There are lots of nice, free campsites around Bay of Fires of which Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner South & North are some of the best!
- Hotel: Georges Bay Apartments is an ideal base from which to explore the Bay of Fires.
Day 15: Devonport
+/- 260 km ● 3h15 drive
The last day on your road trip in Tasmania you will drive back towards Devonport. This is another longer drive. If your schedule permits, be sure to stop at Little Blue Lake or Ben Lomond National Park along the way. If you take the ferry back to Melbourne in the morning, you should sleep near Devonport the night before. We recommend Latrobe here because you have the Mersey River here. This river is also famous for its many platypuses, and we saw one ourselves the night before we left!
Where to stay in Devonport
- Camping: The Latrobe Mersey River CP & Backpackers is a simple campground but close to Devonport and here too you have a chance to see platypuses in the Mersey River!
- Hotel: Argosy Motor Inn is a 4-minute drive from the ferry terminal, comfortable rooms and has a nice restaurant.
Where to stay in Tasmania
Whether you travel around Tasmania by campervan or car, there are an awful lot of great places to stay. If you travel by camper and stay in campgrounds, the WikiCamps app is a handy tool. You pay a one-time $9.99 AUD and get a listing of all the (free) campgrounds, public restrooms and showers and so much more. If you are traveling by car then you can use Booking.com to find the best accommodations for in Tasmania. At each stop, you’ll already find our recommendations for where to stay.
Best time to visit Tasmania
The best time to visit Tasmania is from November through April. From December to February is summer in Australia and you are more likely to have good weather, but it is also much busier because Australians also have vacations. The shoulder seasons are also pleasant in Tasmania with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. In winter (June to August) it can be very cold in Tasmania but it is one of the best places to ski in Australia.
Still have questions about traveling to Tasmania? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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