A 2-Week Road Trip Around Tasmania
Tasmania is an island state located south of Australia. It’s an hour flight from Melbourne and a 2-hour flight from Sydney. It’s a place where nature’s beauty takes center stage, where landscapes will leave you in awe and where wildlife roams free. I don’t think I’ve seen that many animals anywhere else in the country before. The beauty of Tasmania lies in its untamed and unspoiled natural splendour. Whether you like hiking, going to the beach, exploring some wineries, or learning more about history, Tasmania will leave a lasting impression on you. The island is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to connect with nature.
Tasmania
Here is an overview of my 2-week itinerary around Tassie. I started and ended my journey in Hobart, but one could choose to fly in and out of a different city to minimise driving times. One thing is sure is that you’ll definitely want to hire a car or a camper van to get around the island state!
HOBART (5 days)
Where to stay in Hobart?
I would highly recommend staying at the Crowne Hobart. Located in the heart of the city, this modern and well designed hotel is walking distance from the city’s main attractions.
Hobart, the capital city of this beautiful state, is a perfect starting point for your trip. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty and thriving cultural scene, Hobart has something to offer to everyone.
First, you’ll want to make sure to visit Mount Wellington. This towering mountain offers panoramic views over the city and beyond, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is another place worth visiting. This unique museum features contemporary art that might leave you in awe, or sometimes rather confused. They often host events with live music in their outdoor area, which is a great way to end the day while enjoying a glass of wine! The Salamanca Market, held every Saturday, is a vibrant hub of local arts and crafts, food and entertainment. With over 300 stalls, the market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and sample local cuisine.
When it comes to dining, Hobart has plenty of options to choose from. For a special evening, check out In The Hanging Garden, a stunning open-air restaurant located in a greenhouse-style setting. For a more casual experience, The Den Salamanca is a popular bar with a great selection of local beers and wines. For brunch, Pigeon Hole and Sisterhood are two popular options. Pigeon Hole serves up delicious dishes made from local ingredients, while Sisterhood is a chic café with a more diverse menu full of healthy options. Make sure to also check out Hobart’s famous Cascade Brewery!
Richmond
From Hobart, there are several day trips that will take you on a journey through the stunning sceneries of Tasmania. First, head to the historic town of Richmond, located just 30 minutes from Hobart. This charming town is home to a stunning church and an old bridge, and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. Wine lovers should definitely check out Pooley Wines and Puddleduck Vineyard, two of the region's finest wineries. If you don’t have a car, Richmond is easily accessible by bus (726 Campania).
Bruny Island
Another option is to venture out to Bruny Island for a day or two. In order to get there, you’ll need a car and you’ll need to hop on the SeaLink ferry for 20 minutes. Once you arrive, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try some of the freshest oysters at Get Shucked and buy local cheese from Bruny Island Cheese Company. For those who like to hike, I’d suggest Cape Queen Elizabeth Track which leads to the Arch, a stunning rock formation on the beach. Another popular spot is the Neck Lookout, which can get very busy! For those who would like more relaxing time, I’d suggest hitting the beach at Adventure Bay or going for a little stroll around Cape Bruny Lighthouse to admire the coastline.
Port Arthur
Port Arthur is another must-visit destination in Tasmania and is better suited for those who are passionate about history. You’ll learn more about its former use as a penal colony for convicts from the British Empire in the 19th century. It is one of the best-preserved convict-era sites in Australia. On your way to Port Arthur, I’d suggest making a stop at the Tessellated Pavements and Tasman's Arch, two stunning geological formations like no others. After your historic visit, if you have a bit of energy left, I would recommend going on an easy hike up Mount Brown for panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs and beaches.
Gordon Dam
If you don’t mind driving long distances, I’d suggest heading west to explore Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls, and then continuing your way until you reach Gordon Dam. This 137-meter tall concrete dam is located in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and was built in the 1970s for the purpose of generating hydroelectric power which impounded Lake Gordon, creating a large reservoir. Make sure to take in the breathtaking views from Knob Hill Lookout!
MARIA ISLAND (2 days)
Where to stay near Maria Island?
Unless you’re willing to go camping, the best town to stay in when visiting Maria Island is Triabunna. That’s also where the ferry departs from. I personally chose to stay at the Triabunna Cabin & Caravan Park, and enjoyed my stay.
Maria Island is a nature lover's paradise located off the east coast of Tasmania. Visitors have the option of either camping on the island or staying in the nearby town of Triabunna, from which the ferry to Maria Island departs multiple times a day. The ferry roughly costs $60 for a return trip and the ride takes approximately 25 minutes. Once on the island, there is no shortage of activities to do.
The most popular attraction is definitely the painted cliffs, which can only be visited at low tide. They’re famous for their stunning colours and unique geological formations. Haunted Bay, Soldiers Beach and Bishop and Clerk are also popular spots for swimming, biking, fishing, hiking and exploring the island's rugged coastline.
My absolute favourite part of visiting Maria Island is the chance to see wombats in their natural habitat! Wombats are a type of marsupial native to Australia and fun fact: they’re well known for their very distinctive square-shaped poop. Most visitors get lucky enough to spot wombats and their babies while exploring the island's forests and grasslands. The best way to explore the island is by electric bike, which you can rent directly from the ferry company.
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK (2 days)
Where to stay in Freycinet National Park?
If you’re coming from the south of Tassie, I’d suggest staying in the small town of Swansea, located approximately an hour from Wineglass Bay. Most accomodations in the national park are outrageously expensive otherwise.
Freycinet National Park is a stunning natural reserve located on the east coast of Tasmania. To start your day right, I’d suggest heading to Kate's Berry Farm, a perfect spot to grab breakfast in a calm and charming setting! Their berry jam is absolutely delicious!
Once you have a full stomach, and only if you are physically fit and if it hasn’t rained the night before, I’d suggest going for a hike to the top of Mount Amos. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours and is considered moderate in difficulty, but with steep inclines and a rocky terrain. The reward for reaching the summit is breathtaking views over Wineglass Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. This hike was certainly one of the most challenging I have ever been on, but the reward once I got to the top was indescribable.
After this challenging hike, a dip in the turquoise waters of Honeymoon Bay is well-deserved. This secluded beach is the perfect place to relax and soak up the beauty of Freycinet National Park while waiting for sunset.
For those who might have more time, a second day can be spent exploring Friendly Beach and the nearby town of Bicheno. This charming town offers a range of activities, including fishing, kayaking and swimming, as well as the chance to spot penguins in their natural habitat.
BAY OF FIRES (1 day)
Where to stay in the Bay of Fires?
The nearest town is St Helens, however when I visited, I personally wanted to stay somewhere a bit more peaceful. Therefore I chose to stay at the Surfside Beaumaris, which I can only recommend! The rooms are completely renovated and there’s a pub right next door which I found very convenient after a long day driving!
St Helens and the Bay of Fires are part of a stunning coastal region located on the northeast coast. The area is particularly famous for its vibrant orange-coloured rock formations, crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches.
A popular spot for brunch in the heart of St Helens is the Lifebuoy Cafe, which offers a range of tasty breakfast options. After a long day of adventures, you might also want to grab something to eat/drink. I’d recommend checking out The Surfside in Beaumaris; they make amazing burgers!
For those seeking to explore the stunning orange-colored rock formations, there are two main spots where you can find them: Skeleton Bay and The Gardens. Skeleton Bay is a secluded beach located in Binalong Bay, while The Gardens is a series of small bays and beaches that offer stunning views of the coast, but is located a bit further away from St. Helens
LAUNCESTON (2 days)
Where to stay in Launceston?
Well, if you aren’t on a budget, I’d recommend staying at Stillwater Seven Accommodation, this place is gorgeous. For something a bit more affordable, the check out the Sebel Launceston.
Before heading to Launceston, I’d suggest a pit stop in Little Blue Lake. This serene lake is known for its vivid blue colour and crystal-clear waters, which are the result of the high levels of mineral deposits present in the area. Little Blue Lake is located about an hour away from St Helens, and 1:45 from Launceston. Most people who decide to make the detour also stop in Derby to experience the Floating Sauna. Sadly, I didn’t have time to check it out so I guess I’ll have to go back!
Launceston is Tasmania's second-largest city and is known for its charming Victorian architecture, vibrant arts scene, and lush parks and gardens. The main attraction I would recommend visiting is the Cataract Gorge Reserve, which features a stunning suspension bridge, a scenic chairlift, and several walking trails. Other must-visit attractions include Royal Park, Albert Hall, Tamar Island Wetlands, and the locally renowned Josef Chromy Wines.
For foodies, Launceston offers a range of dining options, with standout restaurants including Stillwater Restaurant, The Pantry, Dare Darlin, and Bread & Butter. Whether you're in the mood for fine dining, casual eats or a quick bite, Launceston has something for everyone.
CRADLE MOUNTAIn (2 days)
Where to stay in Cradle Mountain?
Towards the end of my trip, I found myself wanting to unplug so I went on a quest to book the most perfect Airbnb, and I did find it! I slept in a stable at Cradle Country Adventures and woke up in the middle of a foggy valley surrounded with horses, the absolute dream!
Before I headed to Cradle Mountain, I made a pit stop in the small town of Sheffield and grabbed breakfast at the Epicurean Cafe. The food was delicious, and the staff was super friendly which was a great way to start my day. When I finally arrived in Cradle Mountain, I was blown away by its natural beauty. There are so many activities you can do there, however my main highlights have been: visiting the Dove Lake Boatshed, hiking up to Marions Lookout, seeing the fascinating (and loud!) Tasmanian devils at Devils@Cradle, and taking a stroll along the Enchanted Walk.
It’s worth noting that Cradle Mountain is the starting point of the Overland Track, this 65 km hike which ends in Lake St Clair. I certainly did not have the time, equipment or physical shape to accomplish such hike so I stuck with Marions Lookout. The latter takes around 45 minutes, and the view from the top is out fo this world!
After a long day of exploring, I was ready for a hearty meal and was delighted to find the tavern at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge!
