tasmania road trip with toddler

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A family friendly road trip around tasmania 2024.

Sarah Tayler

Sarah is a British travel writer living on the Tweed Coast with her husband and tiny humans. As well as a slightly unhealthy obsession with gardening, Sarah loves exploring with her family—teaching the next generation of adventurers to love the outdoors and figuring out how to pack the innumerable snacks they require.

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Amy Fairall

As the Editor, if you read WAE, you've more than likely read something Amy's written. Amy lives on Larrakia land in the NT and is frequently on the hunt for new bodies of freshwater to dunk herself into. She has a preference for adventures slightly off the beaten track, with a penchant for multi-day hikes and a new found love of paddling.

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Overseas vacays are still off limits, but this island state is open for business and packs a lot of adventure into its compact shores. Tasmania is perfect for family holidays, with short driving distances and a whole lot of outdoors to explore.  

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which this adventure takes place who have occupied and cared for this land for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

• Best Tasmania Road Trips
• Things To Do in North West Tasmania
• Best Waterfalls in Tasmania You Need To Visit
• Best Camping Friendly Beaches in Tasmania
• Best Multi-Day Hikes in Tasmania
• Short, kid-friendly hikes and bike rides with stunning scenery
• Outdoor foodie experiences which roll learning, eating, and playing into an afternoon of fun
• Plenty of stops on each leg of the road trip to minimise car time and maximise adventuring

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People often think of adventures in Tasmania being hardcore multi-day hikes, extremely remote bush camping , and not much in between. But they’d be wrong. A Tasmanian road trip makes an ideal family getaway and is a great opportunity to nurture your kids’ love of all things outdoors. From wild swimming to hiking and cycling, children of all ages will be able to get stuck into this adventure.

Not in Tas? Check out: 

• 7 Best Road Trips in Victoria
• Top 10 Road Trips in Queensland
• New England High Country’s Best Road Trips

Tips For Travelling Tasmania With Kids

The first thing to think about when planning a family holiday is food. Tired, hungry kids make terrible travelling companions. Whether you’re planning a hike, a beach day or driving between activities, pack lots of food and drinks.

There’s no shortage of amazing food to try in Tassie, so as well as piquing kids’ interest in the great outdoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to get them to try new foods as well.

Keep an eye out for ‘hedge veg’ stalls in peoples gardens and on the side of the road – as well as being an excellent eye-spy clue, they’re a great place to pick up home-grown fruit and veggies.

Day 1 – 3: Cradle Mountain

Distance: 133km Time Driving: 2hr 20min

After being kicked off the Spirit of Tasmania ferry bright and early, head to House of Anvers for breakfast, a play in the gardens, and to watch chocolate being made. Open from 7am and less than ten minutes from the ferry.

The drive to Cradle Mountain is 2 hours 20 minutes from here, but can be broken up by a tour of the Mole Creek Caves (book ahead) to see the glow worms.

The Cradle Mountain campsite is a great spot within walking distance of the Visitors Centre and buses. There’s a lot of wildlife about and you might be lucky enough to see an echidna or wombat wandering through your camp. Enjoy the warm log fires in the camp kitchen on chilly nights and cook up some pizzas on the gas-fired pizza ovens.

Bushwalking at Cradle Mountain is perfect for families because there are so many options. Choose anything from the 1km Enchanted Walk Circuit , to the 10km Cradle Valley Boardwalk which winds its way back to the Ranger Station/Interpretation Centre from Dove Lake.

This is a great walk to test out how far the family is happy to walk as you catch the bus to Dove Lake and walk back, but with three bus stops dotted along the route, you can hop on if it’s time to call it a day.

Not only are these walks packed full of waterfalls, streams, interesting trees, and the odd wombat or two, they also mostly finish at the Cradle Mountain Lodge , where mulled wine and a bowl of hot chips are ready to greet you.

To access the walks either walk to the Visitors Centre from the campsite or drive to the Ranger Station/Cradle Mountain Lodge and get the bus from there (you’ll need a bus ticket from the Visitors Centre, which is free with your Parks Pass ). There’s also a pram-friendly/wheelchair-friendly walk which leaves from the Ranger Station.

Day 4 – 6: Queenstown

Distance: 203km Time Driving: 3hr 25min

The drive to Queenstown is 3.5 hours but can be broken up by stopping to explore Tasmazia – a collection of outdoor mazes and model villages 1 hour and 40 minutes from Cradle Mountain.

Queenstown itself has a historic pub, a good playground, and several short walks to get stuck into.

The boardwalk to Horsetail Falls (1km return) is slightly uphill but very manageable for tiny legs (not pram-friendly due to steps). The main event has to be the historic railway, train station, and fully-functioning steam train. A day trip on the train is a must. Not only is it a nice change from the car, but the short kid-friendly bushwalks and gold panning are only accessible from the train (not suitable for prams).

If you have older kids there’s also the option to go white water rafting on the King River and catch the train back to town, which is a great combo.

Day 7 – 8: Mount Field National Park

Distance: 209km Time Driving: 3hr

Total drive time from Queenstown to Mount Field National Park is three hours but there’s plenty to see and do along the way. Approximately 30 minutes into the drive, Nelson Falls is well worth the easy 1.4km walk through the forest and might be one of the most spectacular falls in Tasmania.

Drive a little further and stop for lunch at Derwent Bridge. There are a few options here depending on the age of your kids. The Wall is a 100 metre long wooden carving with a restaurant and is great if you have older children who can enjoy it and keep their hands to themselves.

The Hungry Wombat is a great family-friendly spot for younger children who insist on licking everything. After lunch, hop in the car for the two hour journey to Mount Field National Park.

From the campsite , you can walk to the Mount Field Visitors Centre which is the start of the pram-and-toddler-friendly 1.4km (return) walk to Russell Falls . If you want to walk further, carry on along the Three Falls Circuit which is 6km return from the Visitors Centre.

Day 9 – 10: Hobart

Distance: 88.4km Time Driving: 1.5hr

Drive 1.5 hours down the mountain to Hobart . Here you can look around the replica arctic huts and explore the harbourside fish and chips options before hiring a bike from Hobart Bike Hire (electric bikes, baby seats, and tagalongs available).

There are plenty of route options depending on if you want a relaxing waterfront ride or an exerting hill climb. After your ride, drive 30 minutes south to Huonville to set up camp at Huon Valley Caravan Park . A huge open grassy campsite with creek swimming, foam parties for the kids, a farm show, and Tasmanian Devil feeding every afternoon.

Just up the road, Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is a great restaurant for lunch with the kids as there’s a grassy area in the middle where they can play. Just next door at Something From the Ground you can spend the afternoon picking blueberries straight from the bush.

Day 11 – 12: Maria Island

Distance: 162km Time Driving: 2hr 15min

Today it’s time to hit the beach. Just an hour from Huonville, Clifton Beach is patrolled and has great surfing waves for beginners. Board hire and surf lessons are available.

After ripping it up on your foamy, jump in the car for the 1 hour 20 minute drive to Triabunna, and hop on the ferry before setting up for the night on Maria Island.

The ferry and the island are pram and bike friendly, and there are carts to put your camp gear in when you arrive so you can tow it to a nice shady spot under the trees. The wildlife runs rampant on the island and there are great views out over the ocean.

Take the easy, fairly flat, and pram friendly 4.3km return walk to the Painted Cliffs which have a lovely beach, perfect for a swim.

Day 13 – 14: Tamar Valley

Distance: 224km Time Driving: 2hr 40min

Back on the mainland, it’s a 2 hour 20 minute drive from Triabunna to Launceston, with a stop at Bark Mill Bakery playground to break up the drive. Once in Launceston, hit up the museum if the weather is bad, or the Cataract Gorge if it’s not.

The gorge has an outdoor pool, a playground, and a cable car over the gorge, which you can catch to take the short walk back across the bridge. Set up at Old Mac’s Farm Stay and walk up the hill to meet the animals.

On your final day before catching the overnight Spirit of Tasmania back to Melbourne there’s still lots of time to explore. Head to Hillwood Berries for fruit picking and lunch, then to Goaty Hill Wines to explore the huge grounds – perfect for running off some energy.

One last stop at the Mersey Bluff in Devonport which has an excellent playground and a short walk up to the lighthouse where you can watch the ferry coming in before saying bye for now, to your Tassie adventure.

Need more Tasmanian bushwalking inspo? Check out this seven-day itinerary , perfect for families wanting to do 2-10kms per day.

How To Get There

Travelling with kids is famously synonymous with packing everything you own, to go anywhere, ever. So although flights are available from mainland Australia, taking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry might be more practical. A night sailing with a cabin is your best bet to start the holiday off on the right foot, arriving well-rested and ready for adventure.

Essential Gear

• A Tasmanian Parks pass
• As many snacks as you can carry
• Baby carrier – some walks are suitable for sturdy prams, but if you want to access walks with steps or rocky surfaces a baby carrier or baby backpack might be a good investment for younger kids (even if they can walk these are great for naps or if they get tired)
• Patience – teaching your kids to love bushwalking might mean slowing down and cutting back the kilometres until they get into it
• Spare clothes – it’s all good fun until someone falls in the creek. Spare clothes are a must when adventuring! Plus, the weather can change quickly in Tasmania, especially in the mountains and the West Coast, so pack layers

Read more: Remember to leave no trace !

Distance / Days

1,062 km driven / 14 days

MORE EXPERIENCES

1 Week-Long Loop Around Tasmania Itinerary with Kids

Have you ever thought about taking a loop of Tasmania with the kids but didn’t think that you had enough time?

So many families spend weeks if not months in Tasmania, and while we would love to have that opportunity, it isn’t always feasible.

We managed to take a week and wanted to be able to show our kids as much as Tasmania as possible in such a short time.

If this long post overwhelms you, check out A Loop Around Tasmania with Kids, The Short Version . The short version of our Tasmania holiday includes just our stops without any commentary.

If you are planning a longer loop around Tasmania with kids, this itinerary can be easily extended. We would have loved to spend more time in every single place that we visited.

Day One: Loop around Tasmania with Kids

Hobart to bicheno, driving time 2.5 hours.

We rented a car at the airport and drove to Bicheno.

As our original plan was to do a lap of Tasmania, this was necessary after our flight changed locations. Luckily we flew in during the early afternoon and it is only a 2.5-hour drive from Hobart to Bicheno.

Of course, no one wants to drive 2.5 hours after a flight, but it made the most sense. Bicheno is almost 2 hours from Launceston. We wanted to go to Bicheno just for a night in order to see the penguins.

The drive is pretty and we saw so many sheep plus a few cows and even some alpaca.

The penguin tour times vary by season as the penguins go onto land when it is dark outside.

We signed up for the first tour of the night, at 6:05 pm. Our flight was to arrive at 1 pm so we had plenty of time to get to Bicheno.

Hotel and Dinner in Bicheno

We got into town early enough to check into our hotel, Beachfront Bicheno .

Mark booked the hotels for this trip and he tends to go with basic, but obviously clean.

Our room had 2 bedrooms. One had 3 single beds and the other had a queen bed. There is a balcony with a table and chairs facing the water across the street.

There wasn’t too much time to relax at the hotel as we needed to have an early dinner. I chose Lobster Shack .

Tasmania is known for its seafood, so why not eat fresh seafood each day? I got the lobster roll, and highly recommend it.

Lobster Shack is located on the water and it was cold and windy. It wasn’t very cold in Hobart, so it was surprising for us to get a blast of cold air.

Bicheno Penguin Tour

After dinner, we drove to the shop where we were to meet for the Bicheno Penguin Tour. As I said, the temperature was dropping fast, and we realized that we needed all of our layers. We went into the store to wait for the bus that would take us to the location where we would see penguins.

The bus ride is quick. I didn’t time it, but it might have taken 5 minutes to get on the bus, drive to the location, and get off the bus.

Our guide took us into a small building and taught us about penguins. I did not get to hear it all, because of kids, but I did learn that we would be seeing the “little blue” penguins. Little blue penguins grow to about 0.3 meters high.

Our second stop was at a seating area above the water. After just a minute, we saw our very first penguins pop out of the water and onto the rocks.

You can not use flashlights or camera flashes as they would scare the penguins. The guides use red lights so that the visitors are able to see the penguins in the dark.

Groups and Pairs of Penguins

The penguins tend to wait for a group before waddling up the rocks. They pair up and go to their “home.” Some of the homes are man-made boxes while others are made by penguins.

Another group joined us at the spot and we stayed just another minute or two before heading to the next seating area. We saw even more penguins get out of the water and climb up the rocks. They waddled right past us. Some stayed near us for a while while others quickly waddled away.

After that, we went for a walk and checked out some of the boxes with penguins inside. I got close to one open box and it stunk!

Bicheno Penguins and Stars

The penguins head out to fish all day and return to their homes at night. It is breeding season, and mates tend to stick together during breeding seasons, but then they might separate.

Apparently, penguins do not sleep much. These penguins can only sleep for 30 seconds at a time in the water and up to 4 minutes on land.

While it was hard to take my eyes off the penguins, there was also a beautiful sky filled with stars. The night was completely clear.

Our bus driver pointed out the Southern Cross. I remember seeing it during my first trip to Australia when I camped outside in the Northern Territory.

We all highly recommend the Bicheno Penguin Tour, with or without kids.

A Loop of Tasmania with Kids Day 2

Bicheno-freycinet national park-hobart driving time 3 hours.

We were all up before the sun.

Luckily, there was a bakery open at 6 am so we did not have to make any decisions and just went there. It was busy with people getting coffee before work.

The Blow Hole in Bicheno

After breakfast at Blue Edge Bakery , we headed to see The Blowhole . The blowhole is an area where the water hits the rocks and it looks like a whale shooting water out of its blowhole.

The blowhole remains one of the kids’ absolute favorite things about our trip to Tasmania.

There are tons of rocks to climb on and over. Some of them have water going through them.

A sign by the entrance says that you are able to see penguins from the blowhole. Had we stayed another night, we would have gone down here at night. I am not upset that we paid for a tour. We saw more than 50 penguins and were able to get extremely close to them. I like having a guide teach us about the penguins and also, we do not have a red light to see them.

We let the kids climb around the rocks for a while while we watched the water crash against the rocks.

There is a picnic table where we discussed having breakfast had we known, but in the end, it is too cold and windy to enjoy a meal outside.

All of us would have loved more time at the blowhole, but we needed to move on.

Freycinet National Park

Mark proposed to me at Freycinet National Park in 2011. He wanted to propose at the Wineglass Bay Lookout , but it was closed so instead, we took a bunch of smaller hikes until he found the spot he liked.

Our first stop was to finally walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. The walk is about 3 kilometers and is considered a moderate hike. It is probably the longest and hardest hike that my kids have done so far.

The Hike up to Wineglass Bay Lookout

There are lots of stairs on the way up. Of course, there are benches and rocks to sit on, as well as a “saddle seat” near the top.

About halfway up is Coles Bay lookout.

We were early and did not see many people on the way up. We started our hike just before 9. The first half of the hike has separate paths going up and down, but they combine into one path at the top half. We saw 1 person heading down the mountain, and a couple passed up at the top as we were snacking in the saddle seat. We saw them again at the lookout.

Right before you get to the path leading to the lookout, there are stairs leading to the beach at Wineglass Bay. From there, it is about a 1.5-hour return hike including 1000 stairs. Despite the kids begging to go, we skipped the beach and just went to the lookout.

There were a decent amount of hikers on the way down. They were distanced far enough away that they did not have to walk together, but they would all meet up at the top.

The last half of the path separates, so there was a while where we didn’t see anyone. We all felt like the way down was longer. It probably has fewer stairs and a longer distance.

We finished by 11, and that included lots of stops and a while at the top. There are bathrooms at the bottom and a small area for kids to play (but I didn’t get a picture as it was drizzling).

Lookout and Lighthouse

In the end, Mark chose to propose at a lookout near the lighthouse. We walked the path and reminisced on how he had started that walk 10 years ago before telling me that he had forgotten his camera so he could go back to the car for the ring.

There had been a couple standing at the spot he wanted to propose and they took picture after picture so we walked around the lighthouse before finding another spot to look out on the water.

I had completely forgotten about the rock where I had tied my shoe before looking up to see Mark down on one knee.

Oh, by the way, the kids couldn’t care less about our stories. They just wanted to look into the binoculars that weren’t there 10 years ago.

I tried to get a picture of us in the exact same spot. The weather was completely different and this time was grey and rainy, but the rocks still look the same.

Drive From Freycinet National Park back to Hobart

We stopped for lunch just outside of the park at Pondering Frog Cafe .

There is a playground at Pondering Frog as well as a play area inside the restaurant.

The road back to Hobart is the same one that we took to Bicheno the day before. There are lots of vineyards and wineries, especially close to Freycinet. We realized that we had not seen many traffic lights in the past 2 days.

Our hotel for the night was Bay Hotel Apartments , just a few minutes from the wharves. Our apartment was 2 stories with the bedrooms on the top floor and the living room, kitchen, and bathroom on the bottom.

We weren’t at the hotel for long. We went down to the wharf for dinner at Mures Lower Deck . There are 3 restaurants inside that building with the lower deck being the most casual. We walked around a little bit after dinner but gave up due to rain.

A Loop of Tasmania with Kids Day 3

Hobart-southern edge-hobart-medina driving time 4.5 hours.

If we had never been to Hobart before, we would have spent much of day 3 in Hobart.

Mark and I were in Hobart in 2011 and I remember loving it. I remember thinking that I wish it were closer (I lived in New York at the time) because I wanted to recommend that my friends and family visit.

Besides the bars, breweries, and distilleries that I remember from my last visit, we also went to MONA and the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Unfortunately, the factory is now closed. I do not remember MONA being child-friendly, but that could have just been the exhibit that stands out in my mind the most. Either way, Hobart is an adorable small city and I suggest exploring it if you have the chance.

Drive the Southern Edge

One of the places that we saved is Summer Kitchen Bakery . We do not know which one of us found out about this gem, but we are both happy to have found it.

Of course, we woke up early. We decided to drive a bit before breakfast. Summer Kitchen Bakery seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but their pastries are phenomenal. There was a line of locals waiting to get in.

I ordered the savory tart and then Mark asked if I wanted to share a sweet item. He asked which was best and that is how we ended up with carrot cake.

After breakfast, we continued to drive past farms. Some had stands out front with items for sale such as apples, eggs, and flowers. All items are sold on the honor system.

Tahune Adventures Airwalk and Hang Gliding

Mark chose Tahune Adventures for the airwalk .

It is a long drive into the forest, and there is no cell service.

We arrived early, as they do not open until 10, but they were willing to sell us tickets early and let us explore.

Tahune Adventures also has white water rafting in the Huan River, which they thought we were there to do. You can also stay in the cabins there.

As we were the first to arrive, we had to airwalk to ourselves until the end. The airwalk is basically a square. You climb upstairs and then around the airwalk before ending near the top of the hill and walking down.

The ticket for the airwalk includes other hikes in the park. The airwalk takes about 15 minutes and then we chose to walk on the shorter of the 2 hikes, one that would be about 30 minutes return. That hike included a scavenger hunt, which the kids always get into.

The kids had to find silhouettes of Australian animals.

This walk had picnic tables and trash bins and looked like a great place to stop for lunch.

On the way back by the river, we saw someone Hang Gliding and decided to check it out back at the visitor’s center.

Tahune Adventures Visitor Center

The Visitor Center has WIFI, which is needed to check-in.

They also have bathrooms, a cafe, and a store.

We told them that the kids had spotted all of the animals except the platypus and each kid got to pick out one of the animals to color in. Their drawings were then turned into pins for them to take home.

I asked about hang gliding and while children can be as young as 5 years old to participate, they need to be at least 25 kilos. Unfortunately, only one person can go at a time, so it can not be a combined weight.

Hang Gliding

M is just over 25 kilos so she was able to try hang gliding.

Try as he might, Z eats all day but is nowhere near 25 kilos at 6 years old. He was slightly upset but understands that sometimes he gets to do things that his sister doesn’t get to do.

The walk to the hang glider is about 10 minutes.

M was strapped in and then had to prove that she would be able to hold on to the bar for 2 minutes.

The hang glider is attached to a rope, so she would not fall if she let go, but she would spin around a lot.

It was a little difficult for her to hold on, and she almost was not allowed to go. I am not sure how a 5-year-old would manage. M is 7 and strong. We were told that it is harder to hold onto on the ground than in the air, but she needed to be able to hold on the whole time.

Thankfully she was able to hold on. She had a quick trip back up the slope and then came racing toward us with a giant smile on her face.

Drive back to Hobart

Middle Row: The apple museum at Willy Smith’s. Eating out with kids is hard, so it was great for them to have a place to look while waiting on lunch.

Bottom Row: Lunch at Willy Smith’s in the Huon Valley. Delicious hot apple cider, and a charcuterie plate with extra sides.

We stopped for apples from a farm stand on the way back to Hobart. A bag of 20 gala apples costs $4 and we were happy to have a delicious and healthy snack for our trip.

Right after purchasing the apples, we saw a shop called the Honey Pot and realized that we needed honey to eat with our apples for Rosh Hashana which would be in a few days. The shop offers samples of their various flavors of honey. We tried a bunch and decided to get 3 small jars.

There are also cherry farms, but they are not open due to the season.

After asking the woman running the hang glider for a lunch recommendation, we ended up at Willy Smith’s Cider House.

There was a market going on outside and it was very busy inside.

They have a self-guided apple museum inside as well.

Mark got us hot apple cider and we all shared a charcuterie plate.

I wanted to go to Hobart, but Mark really wanted to drive up to Mount Wellington. We had not gotten to go up Mount Wellington on our last visit. Mount Wellington is known for its view of the city below.

Mount Wellington

The higher up Mount Wellington that we drove, the foggier it got. At one point, we almost turned back.

Then we noticed the temperature was quickly dropping. By the time we reached the top, there were snow flurries!

They only lasted a minute, but the kids have never seen snow (that they remember).

We found a large patch of old snow at the side of the mountain and pulled over to let the kids play.

For us, playing in the snow was worth skipping Hobart.

As I said, if we had not ever been to Hobart, we wouldn’t have left Hobart today. For now, I live a short plane ride away, and hopefully, I will get back there.

Mark wanted to get to our location before dark, and we hadn’t planned anything in Hobart, so we moved on.

Drive to Maydena

We drove through Hobart and past bright green hills and lakes with black swans to an extremely small town called Maydena.

Our hotel is called Giant Table Cottages . They have a playground and plenty of room for kids to run, plus platypus in the stream behind the cottages. There are alpaca, chickens, and other animals there as well.

Our cottage had 2 bedrooms and a large living room/kitchen. I was most excited about the electric blankets because it was cold in Tasmania at the beginning of spring!

Tired from the long day, we planned on having dinner at the hotel pub. I looked up the menu on the drive.

Well, things changed in 2020, and as there aren’t many tourists right now, the pub is closed until the school holidays. Mark and I have been in small towns where all of the restaurants are closed before, but never on a Saturday night.

Even though we had gotten to the hotel before dark as planned, we had to backtrack in the dark to find a restaurant.

Besides being tired and ready to stop for the day, Mark didn’t want to drive at night as there are a lot of wallabies near the road. We saw a lot of roadkill.

The nearest restaurant was only a 10-minute drive. We ended up at the National Park Hotel which was warm and inviting (once we walked through the bar and into the restaurant).

A Loop Around Tasmania with Kids Day 4

Maydena-mount field national park-strahan driving time 4 hours.

Not even the town that we went to for dinner had a restaurant open when we tried to get breakfast.

We drove all the way to Mount Field National Park and did not find anywhere to eat.

Luckily we always have snacks so we decided to snack, hike, and then find coffee and breakfast.

*Lanie’s Tip* If you are going to be visiting more than 1 national park, buy a visitor pass. A visitor pass is the cost of 2 National Park visits and is good for 2 months. For $10 more, you can get an annual pass. We were able to show our receipt from Freycinet and upgrade to the visitor pass so many other National Parks would essentially be free.

Mount Field National Park

Russell Falls is one of the great short walks in Tasmania and our first stop.

By the time we got there, we saw a sign for Horseshoe Falls , just 15 minutes away.

The Russell Falls hike is quick and easy. There are lots of stairs to get to Horseshoe Falls.

The visitor center was open by the time we returned. We exchanged our pass for a visitor pass and asked about breakfast. The cafe opened in 10-15 minutes, but she suggested that we drive to Roadhouse in Ouse for breakfast. She wanted to make sure that I knew that Roadhouse is not fancy and would not have a lot of options. She told me that I would not be finding smashed avo on toast, but maybe an egg and bacon roll.

Ouse is not that close, and it was close to 10:30 by the time we arrived. We only passed 1 or 2 service stations on the way. There are definitely not a lot of choices for food in this area, so come prepared.

Roadhouse did not have a lot of options, but I enjoyed my egg on a roll. Maisie went with bacon and egg on a roll and Mark and Zach picked dim sim and a spring roll.

There is an IGA nearby and we went to replenish our snack supply.

Geographical Centre of Tasmania

Today is the longest driving day, and it includes the Geographical Centre of Tasmania.

There isn’t a sign telling you where to go, but we had it tagged and found it easily.

There is a rock with a plaque and of course, it isn’t exciting, but there are not a lot of great places to stop on this drive through central Tasmania, so it is a great place to get out of the car for a few minutes.

Seemingly in the absolute middle of nowhere is the entrance to The Wall .

This is another thing that we had tagged, but we weren’t really sure what it was.

The only pictures that came up when we looked up reviews were giant bugs. Those bugs can be found on the light posts on the drive-in.

Kids are free, but adults are not, so in an effort to save money, I stayed in the car and enjoyed a few minutes by myself.

Everyone seemed to like it. They said it was one long structure that was carved over 12 years. There is a story to follow, but the kids were mostly interested in the fireplace. There are no pictures allowed inside, which is why we couldn’t find any.

Lanie’s Tip: Not everyone has to do everything. It is nice to have a few minutes alone and save money at the same time.

Suspension Bridge at Franklin River

Again, thanks to our tags, we knew about a suspension bridge. The sign says that it is 15 15-minute return, but we think it was longer. There are a lot of stairs.

Only one person is allowed on the bridge at a time.

Basically, you hike to the bridge, over, and back, all on the same track.

Nelson Falls Track

Getting out of the car a lot definitely helped us enjoy the longest driving day.

Nelson Falls Track is an easy 20-minute return hike.

Driving Day 4 Wrap-Up

This is the one day I suggest making sure that you have food.

Of course, things change by the day of the week and the time of year.

For us, this was a Sunday. We woke up early. After eating a late breakfast, we just wanted a large snack for lunch (no more crackers or apples). Queenstown appears to be a larger town, but besides a grocery store, nothing was open when we drove through in the middle of the afternoon. We knew that there would be restaurants open in Strahan, our stop for the night.

We stayed at Driftwood Strahan Village. Our room had 2 bedrooms, one with a queen bed and the other with 2 single beds. There is a kitchen and living area and 1.5 bathrooms.

It was sprinkling so we drove around the small waterfront town before deciding to have dinner at Hamer’s Hotel Pub .

A Loop Around Tasmania with Kids Day 5

Strahan-cradle mountain driving time 1 hour 45 minutes.

We drove back to the waterfront for breakfast at The Kitchen Strahan before boarding our boat cruise for the day.

There is a well-known train ride in Strahan., Tickets get booked out weeks in advance. I am sure that we could have called and gotten a last-minute cancellation but instead decided to go on the Gordon River cruise .

Gordon River Cruise

There are 3 types of seats available for purchase on this 6-hour boat tour.

We went with the cheapest seats, the ones in the middle of the boat on the bottom floor.

The price went up for window seats, and up even higher for the 2nd level.

Those who paid for the VIP seats not only get priority seating and an outside deck to themselves but they also get fed all day. Their tickets include a welcome meal, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and dessert. Plus unlimited drinks.

Our tickets included a buffet lunch and we figured that we would just bring our own snacks. The price difference is vast.

The bar is open as soon as the boat starts moving. There were options to buy scones and muffins for those who had not yet had breakfast. Many people purchased tea and coffee. I also noticed that they had sandwiches for sale, despite offering a lunch buffet that is included in every ticket.

Gordon River Cruise Seating

We were the only family with children on board.

Originally we were sat at the back of the boat, facing backward. The view would be spectacular. There were plenty of open seats and they spaced everyone out. The kids were seated in front of us and had a table to color on. We sat behind them and each seat had a tray table.

I get seasick, so Mark asked if our seats could be moved so that we face the front. All of the window seats face the front, but the middle seats in the back face the back.

We were moved to the last 2 rows of the front half of the boat, right in front of the buffet. The view wasn’t as grand, but at least we were facing forward.

It seems pretty even between people sitting at window seats and in middle seats.

The buffet is set up as a store at the beginning of the cruise.

There are 3 levels for everyone to go outside.

The first level has an area out front. The second area has a small seating area in the back and a private area in the front. The top of the boat has plenty of benches to sit on.

Guests are also allowed to go into the room with the captain of the boat. There is a 2-person limit and there were always people talking with the captain so we were unable to go in.

I was not willing to wait as it was cold and windy.

The Southern Ocean

The first stop is through Hell’s Gate to the Southern Ocean.

Hell’s Gate was named by prisoners entering during the 1800s.

Once we were in the Southern Ocean, the nearest land to the west, based on the latitude, is Argentina.

The boat doesn’t stay in the Southern Ocean for long. They turn around and head back through Hell’s Gate to the Gordon River. On the way, we passed salmon farms with seals lounging, and a few dolphins swam by.

Heritage Landing

Everyone can get off the boat for 30 minutes to walk around Heritage Landing.

There is a picture scavenger for kids.

Heritage Landing is a rainforest that is part of the Tasmanian Heritage World Heritage Area. World Heritage Areas are protected for their natural and cultural heritage. There is a list of 10 things that are considered when deciding if a place qualifies. Heritage Landing meets 7 out of the 10 qualifications, making it the area that satisfies the most criteria in the world.

Lunch on the Gordon River Boat

The buffet is set up when the passengers return, around 11:30 a.m.

Everyone returns to their seats and waits to be called up to the buffet.

Lunch includes smoked salmon, ham, and chicken as well as a variety of salads and rolls. Drinks are not included, but we got free water at the bar.

Sarah Island

Everyone can get off of the boat again once it reaches Sarah Island.

Sarah Island housed Tasmania’s oldest and most remote convict settlement.

The passengers have a choice to walk around the island on their own or take a guided tour. Of course, the kids wanted to just run around and wander, so Mark took them while I joined in on one of the 2 tours. Everyone else on the boat joined a tour.

The tours last about an hour. I heard stories of the inmates, including lots of escape attempts and re-capturing.

Every night back in Strahan, there is a show “The Ship that Never Was” which is based on an escape attempt. We left town as soon as we returned to land, but it would be fun to check out for those who are in town another night.

Cradle Mountain

We left Strahan after the boat returned to Strahan at 2:30 p.m.

There are a few options for lodging at Cradle Mountain, and we went with one of the cheapest, a cabin at Discovery Park cabins. Of course, we did not pick the absolute cheapest as those do not come with bathrooms and I insist on having a bathroom in our room.

The cabin has 2 bedrooms. One has a queen bed and the other one has 2 sets of bunk beds. The kids were thrilled to have bunk beds, especially a double set so that they could both sleep on top. There is a combined kitchen and living space.

A few restaurants were open for dinner, and we went to Altitude at Cradle Mountain Resort as it was the closest. The restaurant was booked out for the night, but we were able to immediately sit in the bar area and order off of the exact same menu.

A Loop Around Tasmania with Kids Day 6

Cradle mountain-deloraine driving time 1 hour and 45 minutes.

It was Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, so we started our day eating the apples that we had bought at a roadside stand dipped in honey from the local honey shop.

Of course, we were up early and figured we could hike before breakfast.

Cradle Mountain requires everyone to enter on a bus. There is no parking inside the park. However, there are a few tracks that you can get to from Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

We parked at the lodge, but it was extremely cold and windy and started to drizzle. Instead of hiking, we decided to eat first.

The lodge normally only has a buffet breakfast for their guests, but we called and they said that we were allowed to eat there that morning. The hostess did have to double-check, but then we were seated.

The buffet includes hot and cold items as well as fresh juices, tea, and coffee. We were (just a tiny bit) concerned that we did not know the price, but in the end, it cost our family of 4 AUD$76.

Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we went outside, but it was still cold. The kids were a bit whiny until we saw a wombat crossing the street!

Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls

We followed the wombat across the road to the path to Pencil Pine Falls.

There is a boardwalk-style path that everyone must stay on until you get to the dirt path.

We managed to see more wombats on our way. They do blend in with the surroundings, but we spotted some eating breakfast.

The walk to Pencil Pine Falls is quick and easy. From there, it is a short walk to Knyvet Falls.

Wallabies are plentiful along the path to Knyvet Falls.

Enchanted Walk

Another walk that you can do from outside of Cradle Mountain, without taking the bus in, is Enchanted Walk.

I chose this walk to see more wildlife, but we did not see any platypus or echidnas. We did see more wombats and wallabies.

Enchanted Walk is a great walk for children. They have a few little areas specifically for kids. Adults can not fit inside. Each area has information on the wildlife and plants that are along the walk.

Tasmanian Devils

If you want to see a Tasmanian Devil, Devils @ Cradle is open day and night for various tours.

We have seen Tasmanian Devils before, so we did not go. However, it would have been at the top of my list if we had not seen them before.

Visitor Center

We actually visited the Visitor Center multiple times.

There is a store, an information center, and a cafe.

I purchased a guide to Australian animal poo for my niece.

After our hikes, we stopped at the cafe for hot chocolate. The day was cold and windy and I had to bribe my kids a little to get them going.

Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot

Not far from Cradle Mountain is the strangest little place.

Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot reminded me of an old roadside attraction.

We hiked a lot over the last few days and while the kids enjoy the hikes, it was nice to have something specifically for them.

A family ticket gets you into Tasmazia for the whole day, but we probably spent about 1-2 hours here.

There are 8 mazes and no directions. There is a map that shows you where in the giant area you are in relation to the other locations.

Some mazes are longer and harder than others. A few of them have “goals” to get to.

In addition to the mazes, there are cubby houses to explore, a model village, Embassy Gardens with buildings from many countries around the world, a cafe, and a shop. We also saw many animals that we were later told were paddy melons. They are similar to wallabies.

At the front of Tasmazia is a box where you can mail off postcards that will have the location stamp of “the Village of Lower Crackpot.” Unfortunately, our postcards, which we purchased at Freycinet National Park, were still blank.

House of Anvers Chocolate Factory

Our drive went back to more fields and less curvy mountain roads. We saw lots of cows and horses, but fewer sheep than at the beginning of the trip. There were also a few alpacas.

We stopped at House of Anver’s Chocolate Factory. They have a free self-guided tour and you can see the chocolate being made. They offer 1 type of sample each day. We got a strawberry-flavored truffle.

It was past lunchtime, so we went to the cafe for sandwiches. We didn’t want to eat too much as we knew the next stop would be a cheese factory.

Ashgrove Cheese Factory

Close to Ashgrove Cheese , there is a petrol station with a strange item on a pole. It looks like a potato.

Mark pointed it out and asked if we had seen it before. I said yes, thinking we saw a similar sign at another service station.

It wasn’t until we got to Ashgrove Cheese Factory and saw the painted cows outside that we realized we had been there before. A decade ago. Neither of us remembers being in the area, but looking back at pictures, we have been to Ashgrove Cheese.

They redid the factory a year or so ago, and it is much bigger. There is a play area outside with a tractor for kids to climb.

Inside, there is a self-guided tour.

There are no samples at this time, but there is a store and a cafe.

We purchased the Tassie favorites sampler, crackers, and apple spread. The kids played while I cut the cheese up and then we snacked.

We had not booked a hotel yet as we weren’t sure if we wanted to drive to Launceston for the night. In the end, we decided not to. There are a few other farms that we were interested in, and neither of us loved Launceston the first time.

Our hotel, the Deloraine Hotel , is the only place we stayed on this trip that was just 1 room. I didn’t have high hopes based on the price, but our room was very nice. It had a high decorative ceiling. The room has a queen bed and two twin beds, as well as a fireplace.

I was worried about noise as the hotel included a bar and an area for gambling. The level below us has shared bathrooms.

The hotel itself was quiet at night, however, our room was at the front of the hotel and we heard the train go by.

Deloraine is a small town. They do have a platypus viewing area, which we found by parking in a camper lot and walking through the woods. There weren’t any platypus visible, even at dusk, probably due to the cold weather.

We ate dinner at Cycles at the Empire Hotel.

A Loop Around Tasmania with Kids Day 7

Deloraine-launceston-brisbane driving time 40 minutes.

We had breakfast at Deloraine Cafe Bakery and let the kids play at the playground across the street from the hotel while we packed.

At this point, our stuff was all over the car, so we emptied it out and packed up our cold-weather wear as today was the warmest day of all.

41 South Salmon Farm

41 South has a small shop and cafe and you can purchase a self-guided tour around their property which includes fish food.

I am pretty sure that my kids could spend all day at 41 South if not weeks.

There is a small stream that is attached to the stairs at the beginning of the property. My kids would place a leaf or stick at the top and chase it down. Again and again.

You can feed the salmon at 2 places. The water is murky, but we could see the fish, and even an eel when they came up to eat.

There are various tubs of salmon in different stages of life.

Past that, there is a 5-minute hike to a waterfall, and then you can walk around the property.

We let the kids play while we purchased hot smoked salmon to take home.

Hazelbrae Hazelnuts

Unfortunately, we were running out of time and did not get to spend a long time at Hazelbrae Hazelnuts . There is a shop and cafe, but also a play area.

The kids loved cracking open and eating hazelnuts, and of course, they loved the play area.

We did not get to stay as long as any of us would have liked. Instead, we bought roasted hazelnuts and drove toward Launceston.

Cataract Gorge Reserve

There was one last stop before Launceston.

The hike up/down the gorge is not long, maybe 15 minutes. There is a chairlift that you can take up and down, but we chose to walk one way.

Thinking about it, it is probably easiest to take the chairlift up and hike down, but we walked up and took the chairlift down.

There are peacocks at the top, near the chairlift.

I do recommend hiking at least 1 way if you are able to. The view is beautiful.

I have ridden on many chairlifts, but maybe it is my age because I was slightly scared. It didn’t ruin my trip, but I did not want to let go of the bar. Of course, the kids loved it and wished that they could ride it again.

We did not have much time in Launceston.

We got to the see synagogue which I had researched as soon as I found out that our family would be in Tasmania for Rosh Hashana. This is my children’s first year away from their temple during the high holy days. The population of Jewish people in Tasmania is around 250. There is a temple in Hobart and one in Launceston.

For lunch, we got to meet up with my friend who I had not seen in 15 years. We ate at The Metz.

By the end of lunch, we had time to vacuum out the rental car before heading to the airport for our flight back to Brisbane.

Launceston Airport

I was not expecting to have to show our IDs, as we never showed them at Brisbane Airport.

Mark went to return the car and dropped the kids and me off with the luggage. When he realized it was a bit of a walk, he told me to check in.

Thankfully he arrived as I was checking in, as she not only asked for our ID but also the Medicare card with the children’s names on it.

We carried both honey and salmon in our bags, which I thought would be checked, but our flight was allowed in without being checked.

Jetstar is a budget airline. There is nothing given out for free, not even water. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase, as are toys and games.

I did not download the Jetstar app as it is not free.

As for the actual plane, it was similar to the Virgin Australia plane that we took a week earlier.

A Quick 7-Day Loop Around Tasmania with Kids Takeaway

If you read all of this and want the highlights for your adventure around Tasmania with Kids, check out the much much shorter version, A Loop Around Tasmania with Kids, the Short Version.

All 4 of us had a great time in Tasmania and want to return.

It has been a long time since we had a week-long vacation. We are lucky that we have been able to take a few days here and there, but moving to a new country in 2020, we haven’t been able to travel very much, at least not for a whole week.

Honestly, checking out other blogs, it seemed impossible to get a whole loop of Tasmania in during just a week, but we did a good job of it. Sure there are many places that we were not able to see, but we got some great highlights.

How My Family Travels

My family is usually up with the sun, so we were able to get an early start. Our goal was to be at our hotel by dinner/dark. The downtime was in the car. The kids had their activity books and enjoyed checking out the animals. We only used tablets for one day, during the longest drive.

All of the activities on our loop around Tasmania would work with older kids as well. My kids used to be terrible walkers, so we would not have been able to hike as much if they were toddlers/preschoolers, but obviously, that depends on your kids and your family.

As always, I suggest picking out the things that are most important to you and making sure that you get to do them.

We weren’t picky about anything except seeing penguins and going to Freycinet National Park, but the best part of our loop around Tasmania was the weather and the mountains. Tasmania is so different than where we live.

A Little Backstory, Why We Picked Tasmania with Kids

Mark and I got engaged in Tasmania 10 years ago.

We met up with his friends in Hobart to celebrate some of their 30th birthdays. All I remember is loving Hobart, bars, breweries, and distilleries.

Then Mark and I drove to Freycinet National Park, where he proposed.

Our last stop was Launceston.

When we moved to Australia, almost a year ago, Mark promised that we could go back to Tasmania.

Our 10-year anniversary is August 22, 2021, so I decided now is the time.

Things changed a few times with our flight times and a change of airports. I became frustrated after multiple trips were canceled. I plan out my trips and put a lot of work into them, and I did not want to plan out Tasmania just to have it get canceled.

We left later than planned. Our original flight was in and out of Hobart. Our second flight was in and out of Launceston.

Then our flight there was changed to add in a layover in Sydney. We called the airline and changed our flight to a direct flight to Hobart.

Good thing we didn’t book our hotels or excursions far in advance or they would all have to be canceled.

Mark decided that we should complete a “loop” around Tasmania with the kids instead of just reenacting what we did last time. As our flights weren’t in and out of the same airport, we had to adjust a little bit.

Researching for a week-long Loop around Tasmania with Kids

After multiple canceled trips, I did not want to put effort into planning this trip.

Mark and I like to use Google Maps and save places (restaurants, museums, tours, anything interesting). Google Maps is great because we can share an account and see what is tagged. We are able to see how far away things are and if we are near anything that we have tagged.

If you don’t want to share your Google Maps account with the person that you are traveling with, there are apps that you can use such as Wonderlog or TripIt.

I have 1 friend in Tasmania and he sent me a bunch of ideas. I also did a quick Pinterest search and added a few more items. Mark looked at Reddit and added suggestions that he found.

The only things that we had booked before leaving home were the penguin tour, a night in Bicheno, and a night in Hobart.

Packing for Tasmania with Kids

Our trip fell on the first week of September, which is considered the beginning of Spring in Australia.

Spring in Tasmania is colder than what we are used to in Brisbane, and in Florida which is where my kids have lived most or all of their lives.

I tried to pack light and we managed to pack 1 medium size suitcase and 1 carryon size suitcase for the 4 of us. Both adults carried backpacks.

Packing cubes are my current favorite item when packing. I try to have us each pack in 1 cube to stay organized. The kids’ clothes fit in a medium-size packing cube and each adult gets a large cube.

We have 2 types of packing cubes, Gonex and Amazon Basics . Unlike everyone else, I prefer Amazon Basics. They don’t compress, but I like the way they keep their shape. From experience, both types of bags fit the same amount inside. A large gonex = a large Amazon Basic. A medium Gonex = a medium Amazon Basic.

Each packing cube holds our daily clothes (pants, shirts, underwear, socks, pajamas).

Check the weather

The weather looked like rain, so we added raincoats and umbrellas, which we usually do not pack.

We bought or borrowed winter wear and accessories (jackets, gloves, hats) for our canceled trip to see snow in Victoria, but we were happy to have them for Tasmania.

I didn’t bother to put these items into packing cubes. We left them all in the trunk of the car so they were always readily accessible. For the plane, we just packed them into the suitcase.

The only items that we did not end up using were our bathing suits. I packed a swimsuit for everyone inside a wet bag so it would be easy to find in case one of our hotels had a pool or a hot tub. None of them did, and we didn’t miss swimming. Our days were packed.

Carry on bags

Our backpacks hold items we would need on the plane: activity books, books to read, coloring books, and hoodies in case it is cold. Then we fill our bags to the brim with snacks.

The flight was during lunchtime so I packed sandwiches and cleared every fresh fruit and vegetable from the refrigerator.

Traveling to Tasmania, from Brisbane with Kids

Getting to brisbane airport.

We live in the city, a short walk from the train.

Our regular train takes us to the Brisbane Airport.

We pre-purchased train tickets online as it is cheaper than just using your GO Card. Just show the receipt on your phone to the staff at the train station and they let you through.

It is a quick train ride to the airport, and there are elevators in the stations if needed.

Brisbane Airport

We flew Virgin Air from Brisbane to Hobart.

I was surprised that no one asked for our ID. Usually, in the States, we show ID at check-in and again before entering security.

I remember not needing to show ID 10 years ago to get to the gate, but I thought we then had to show it at the gate. Maybe I am wrong, but when I asked I was told that you do not need to show ID on domestic flights in Australia.

Another thing that surprised me was that you are allowed to bring liquids on board.

We always travel with empty water bottles and fill them up after security. The security guard told me that we were allowed to bring water through. We also did not have to take off our shoes.

I had my ID ready to go, but no one checked it as we went on the plane. Not one person checked my ID in Brisbane.

Flying Virgin Australia to Tasmania with Kids

Our plane did not have screens.

Virgin has an app that you can download ahead of time and then you are able to watch movies or television shows when you are in the air. I didn’t check their website out, but I believe there are also audiobooks and podcasts.

The app does not load until you are onboard, so you can not decide what you are going to do ahead of time.

I watched the movie A Star is Born which is the length of the flight. Unfortunately (I mean otherwise, fortunately), the flight got in early, but I was able to stay in my seat and watch the ending.

Virgin hands out free coffee, tea, and water, but everything else has a charge.

One thing that I had never seen before is an extension seatbelt for lap children. There was a child in the row across from us and they handed the parent a seatbelt to add to theirs for take-off and landing.

Pin A Quick Loop Around Tasmania with Kids for Later!

Lanie is the owner and author of Make More Adventures, a family travel blog that helps families make the most of their holidays. Lanie is an American living in Australia with her husband and 2 kids who love to travel almost as much as she does. When she is not traveling, working on her blog, or planning her next vacation, Lanie is watching Bravo, reading, or working with kids.

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The Best Tasmania Itinerary (+ Tasmania Road Trip Map)

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Tasmania is an island state in Australia known for its rugged landscape, sparse population and of course Tasmanian devils. Affectionately called “Tassie” by Australians, it is rugged and wild and easy to fall for.   Outdoor enthusiasts will love the awesome hiking opportunities and city lovers will appreciate the rich foodie and art culture.

In this guide, we want to help you plan the best Tasmania itinerary with our tips for the best things to do in Tasmania and how to make the most of your Tasmania road trip.

• 1 When to Go to Tasmania
• 2.2 Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
• 2.3 Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay
• 2.4 Bay of Fires
• 2.5 Launceston
• 2.6 Cradle Mountain National Park
• 3 Getting to Tasmania
• 4 Getting Around Tasmania (+Renting a Car in Tasmania)
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When to Go to Tasmania

Tasmania’s weather is very different from what most people think of when they think of Australia.  Tasmania experiences four seasons and parts of the island see snow in winter.  Christmas through to early February is peak time on the island as it is school holidays and temperatures are the warmest – a comfortable low 20s (C).  If you are looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons are a great time to travel (March-April and October-November).  Winter offers the best value, but will require lots of layers and winter clothing.

Weather in Tasmania can be very variable and change quickly regardless of which time of year you visit.  Pack lots of clothes to layer and be prepared for swift weather changes. We experienced 12 degree weather and lots of rain at Cradle Mountain, even in January.

Tasmania Itinerary + Map

Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state and with a maximum width and length of 300 km, it is manageable to explore many of the highlights on one visit.  You could race around and see the east coast sights in one week, but 10-14 days will give you a chance to slow down and explore a little bit deeper.  This 1 and 2 week itinerary includes the Tasmania must see highlights and the best places to visit in Tasmania.

1 Week Tasmania Itinerary: Hobart, Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay (Freycinet National Park)

2 Week Tasmania Itinerary: Hobart, Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay, Bay of Fires, Launceston, Cradle Mountain National Park

If you have more time, consider including Bruny Island, the wild west coast, the Huon Valley, the Tamar Valley, Bicheno or Penguin to your itinerary.

Hobart is the capital and largest city of Tasmania with a population of 220,000.  It’s walkable, has a relaxing vibe, a huge arts and culture scene and plenty of farm to table foodie restaurants.  It’s harbourside setting with mountains and valleys surrounding the city make it a great base to explore the outdoors.

Start your visit by wandering the city, climbing Kelly’s Steps to the Battery Point neighborhood with its quaint cottages and views.

Hobart is famous for being home to  MONA, the Museum of Old & New .  This Hobart attraction is a privately funded museum that the owner describes as a “subversive adult Disneyland” and for many, it is the highlight of their time in Hobart.   MONA is open from 10-6 in the summer, closed on Tuesdays and the entrance fee is $30/adult. It is located 11 km outside of Hobart.  You can take a ferry or arrive by road.

Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum is a recreation of the hunt that Sir Douglas Mawson’s team built for their Antarctica expedition in 1911-1914.   This is an interesting place to learn more about Antarctica, the polar explorers, and their scientific work. You only need an hour to visit the museum.  It is open daily from 9-5 in the summer and 10-4 in the winter months.  Entrance tickets are $15/adult, $5/child, $35/family.

Where to Stay Hobart

Salamanca Inn – situated right in Battery Park, this mid-range hotel is a great option.  With spacious apartments, an in-door pool, free parking and right in the centre of Hobart, this hotel consistently gets great reviews.  Click here to check the latest prices.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel – an uber cool hotel that looks more like a modern art gallery, this hotel is well situated in central Hobart and offers great service and a great atmosphere.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Camping – the  Discovery Park Hobart is convenient for accessing central Hobart, but is located alongside a busy highway.

Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

Port Arthur is the best preserved convict site in Australia and was actually a penal colony for the penal colony.  It is located 1.5 hours from Hobart, so you can visit on a day trip.  However, the Tasman Peninsula in which Port Arthur sits on is worth spending a night or two.

Port Arthur is a fascinating place due to its historical significance not just from the convict era, but in more recent times as well.  In 1996, 35 people lost their lives at the tourist site of Port Arthur as a  gunman went on a shooting spree.  Australia quickly took action and amended their gun control laws prohibiting semi-automatic weapons.  Twenty years on and the government’s action has proven successful with a decline in mass shootings and firearm deaths.

Practical Information: Port Arthur is open every day of the year, 9 am to dusk.  Tickets cost $40 AUD/adult, $18/child, $102/family (up to 6 children).  There is a canteen on site serving meals, drinks and snacks.

Learning, learning, lots of learning.

While most visitors come to the Tasman Peninsula to visit Port Arthur, there are many other interesting things to see on the Peninsula.  You can camp and hike at Tasman National Park at Fortescue Bay and visit many geological wonders including the Tesselated Pavement, Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and Eaglehawk Neck.  You can also take a boat cruise, visit a lavender farm and enjoy delicious Tasmanian cuisine.

Tasman Arch

Where to Stay Port Arthur  

Stewarts Bay Lodge – within walking distance to Port Arthur Historic Site, this is the best accommodation if you want to be really close to Port Arthur.  The lodge is cozy and homey with its own private beach and spacious cabins.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Camping – We recommend staying at Fortescue Bay in Tasman National Park. The camp sites are located right near a beautiful beach and is a jumping off point for hikers doing multi-day hikes. Facilities are basic, but the wildlife opportunities are worth it.  Note that the campground is 12 km off the highway, down a rough unsealed road.   This is a popular campground, so booking are essential.  Sites are $13-16/night.  It is 17 km from the campground to the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay

Freycinet National Park surrounds Coles Bay on the east coast of Tasmania.  The National Park is best known for Wineglass Bay, a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach and turquoise waters dotted with pink granite cliffs.  It is one of the most popular things to see in Tasmania, so be prepared to share this special spot with other visitors.

The most common walk is to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, a 2.4 km return loop that takes 1-1.5 hours.  From the lookout you can continue your hike down to Wineglass Bay, which will add 3.5 km return and another 1.5 hours.  While Freycinet National Park is synonymous with Wineglass Bay, there are many other incredible places to explore in the National Park.

Where to Stay Freycinet National Park

You have a few choices of where to base yourself when visiting Freycinet National Park.  You can stay in Coles Bay , or nearby Bicheno or Swansea .

Edge of the Bay Resort – located 4 km outside of Coles Bay, the rooms have gorgeous views and you will have wildlife on your doorstep.  Located 5 minutes from town, but peaceful and tranquil, Edge of the Bay Resort is a great choice when visiting Freycinet.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Saffire Freycinet (Luxury) – this architectural gem is gorgeous with modern luxe suites, views from every room, an award winning restaurant and top notch hospitality.  Worth the splurge!  Click here to check the latest prices.

Big 4 Iluka Camping and Cabins – great location opposite Muir’s Beach with nice water views, an IGA down the street and good access to Freycinet National Park.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires has gained quite a bit of attention recently as one of the most beautiful places in Australia.  The unique orange covered boulders that litter the coast shine against the white sand beaches and turquoise waters, making for a photographer’s dream.  Best of all, it is still off-the-beaten path so you can find deserted bays.  While the water may look inviting, even in summer it never gets above 65 degrees, making for a very refreshing experience.

We spent hours climbing the big boulders, finding secret passages through the rocks, and exploring the tidal pools.  The sunsets are incredible .  The best way to experience the Bay of Fires is by camping, however you can stay in nearby Binalong Bay or St. Helens too.

Where to Stay Bay of Fires

Pelican Point Sanctuary – located just north of St. Helens, this quiet place really is a sanctuary.  Located near the sea with abundant birdlife, the clean rooms and friendly staff, make this a great choice.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Airbnb – there are a number of great airbnbs near the Bay of Fires.  Burgess Cottage is a great choice.

Camping – Cosy Corner South campground is a basic free camping area with stunning views right on the water.  It is first-come-first-serve and incredibly popular.  There are a couple of drop toilets, but you need to bring in your own water and take out your waste.

Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city and is best known for the beautiful Cataract Gorge. In the late 1800s, someone had the foresight to create this beautiful park around this breathtaking Gorge with walking trails, a large swimming pool, restaurants and even a chairlift across the water.

A 3.4 km walking track will take you around the Gorge and over the long suspension bridge.  The free and chilly public swimming pool can be a great place to cool down or you can go for a swim in the river.  You can ride the First Basin Scenic Chairlift across the river for $13/adult and $8/child, one-way.  The chairlift is open everyday from 9 am.

Other ideas for things to do in Launceston include visiting the Saturday Harvest Market, City Park Launceston, Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery and of course the Tamar Valley wineries.

Where to Stay Launceston

Peppers Silo – this modern and comfortable hotel offers good value with great views of the city and river. Some of the rooms are located inside a renovated grain silo, making this a unique place to stay.    Click here to check the latest prices.

Camping – the Big 4  Lauceston campground is very kid friendly with a playground and jumping pillow for the kids.

Cradle Mountain National Park

Cradle Mountain National Park was one of the highlights of our time in Tasmania and we wish we had allocated more than just one night here.  The terrain is really unique – Lord of the Rings-like with wild alpine moorlands, glacial lakes and moss covered rainforest.  The higher altitude makes it cool even in summer and it is known for its misty and moody weather.  The hiking opportunities are fabulous with everything from short day hikes to multi-day epic trails.

To protect this fragile environment, the National Park provides mandatory shuttle service between the Visitor Centre and the most popular sights and hikes.  A 24 hour Cradle Mountain pass costs $16.50/adult, $8.25/child, $41.25/family (2+3).  Holiday passes for up to 8 weeks are also available.

The most popular hike is the Dove Lake circuit with gorgeous views of Cradle Mountain on a clear day.  The circuit is 6 km and takes 2 hours.  There are numerous other short hikes if you have time.  You can almost guarantee that you will see a wombat in the National Park.

We only wishes we could have spent more than one night there and that it didn’t rain most of the time we were there.

Tassie is well known for its fabulous produce and food.  On our 2.5 hour drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain we did stop to sample some local foods highlighted in the  Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail .   We enjoyed the chocolates at  Anvers Chocolates , tasted delicious cheeses at  Ashgrove Cheese , sampled some yummy craft beer at  7 Sheds Brewery and visited enjoyed a lovely meal at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.

Where to Stay Cradle Mountain

Camping or Cabins –  Located right on the edge of the National Park, the Discovery Holidays Parks campground offers a wilderness experience right at your doorstep. The campground has a wonderful chalet building with a wood burning stove, a camp kitchen and travelers from all over the world to hang out with.  They also have comfortable cottages and cabins if you are looking for more comfort.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge –  a luxury experience in the wilderness, this lodge is picturesque and cozy with open fireplaces, postcard views and even a spa to soothe your sore muscles.  Did we mention the lodge is located right in the National Park?  Click here to check the latest prices.

Getting to Tasmania

Since Tasmania is an island, you have two choices of how to get here: you can fly or take a boat.

The main airports in Tasmania are in Hobart and Launceston which offer frequent directs flights to Melbourne and Sydney.  Flights are 1-2 hours and cost AUD $100-200/each way.

The  Spirit of Tasmania is a ferry that sails between Melbourne and Davenport in Tasmania.  We opted for the ferry since we were bringing our car and thought it would be an interesting way to get across the Bass Strait. The Bass Strait is known to be a rough passage as the warm waters of the Indian ocean meet the Pacific through this narrow and shallow strait. Read our Tips For Taking the Spirit of Tasmania here.    Spirit of Tasmania fares start at $89/person and $99/vehicle, but increase drastically during peak times.

Getting Around Tasmania (+Renting a Car in Tasmania)

The best way to explore Tasmania really is by car which gives you the most freedom.  Many of the most beautiful spots are in between popular Tasmania tourist attractions and with your own car you can stop to enjoy a deserted beach that beckons or buy some fresh cherries from the farm stand.

Most visitors will rent a car from Hobart or Launceston.  A 2WD is perfectly suitable for exploring the east coast of Tasmania.  You will have to be comfortable driving on the left, but the roads are quiet and small.  Similar to New Zealand, it does take longer to get around on the smaller roads.

Click here to check the latest prices of car rentals in Tasmania.

Tasmania with Kids

There are so many wonderful activities that both kids and parents will love in Tasmania.  Here were our top things to do in Tasmania with kids:

• climbing the boulders and finding hidden caves at the Bay of Fires
• learning about Antarctic exploration at Mawson’s Hut Museum in Hobart
• testing out the chilly waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston
• savoring fresh fruit from roadside vendors
• spotting wombats at Cradle Mountain National Park
• learning about Australia’s convict history at Port Arthur
• seeing and learning about the geological formations on the Tasman peninsula
• shopping for treats at the Salamanca Markets
• spotting glow worms at Mole Creek
• riding the Scenic Chairlift at Cataract Gorge, Launceston
• climbing the boulders on the top of Mount Wellington

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• 10 Day Must Do Tasmania Family Road Trip Itinerary
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• 10 Day Must Do Tasmania Family Road Trip

Tour Overview

Day by Day Itinerary

Welcome to hobart.

Welcome to Hobart, the capital of the Apple Isle!

Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. From the bustling waterfront of Salamanca Place to the historic houses of quaint Battery Point, Hobart is a gorgeous place to wander and get lost in.

Take a bus to the summit of Mount Wellington for panoramic views over the city, or board a ferry at Brooke Street Pier and sail upstream to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

You won't be short of delicious dining options this evening: Hobart has fast become one of Australia's top gourmet hotspots, thanks to its amazing local produce.

Accommodation: Hobart - 2 nights

Family Fishing Adventure

Enjoy a family-friendly fishing tours out of Hobart, Southern Tasmania. Fish the best local bays or just go sightseeing on the water. Treat yourself to a memorable fishing and sightseeing trip with a qualified and experienced local guide who knows all the "HOT SPOTS" and beautiful sights that the locals commonly refer to as "Paradise".

Let your guide do all the hard work as you reel in your catch - you're sure to bag a good feed of "flatties". The humble flathead is Tasmania's most abundant species of fish but with a growing reputation as a top-quality table fish.

Freycinet National Park

Today collect your rental car and drive to  Freycinet National Park .

If you thought Tasmania couldn't get any more beautiful, Freycinet will prove you wrong. Against a backdrop of pink granite mountains, you'll discover secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife, and incredible walking trails.

Wineglass Bay is the jewel in Freycinet's crown. Nestled at the foot of the forest-covered mountains, you'll see a crescent of white sand bordering the emerald waters of the bay. Admire it from the Wineglass Bay lookout point or grab a picnic and hike down to one of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. 

Approximate Distance:  192 km | 119 miles    Total Driving Time:  2 hours 32 mins

Accommodation:   Freycinet National Park - 2 Nights 

Freycinet at Leisure - Evening Penguin Tour

Suggested Activities:  Wineglass Bay Cruise to Freycinet Peninsula

Wineglass Bay, nestled underneath the Hazards Mountain range, is a location of primeval peace and beauty.  Experience the tranquility from a truly unique perspective with a Wineglass Bay Cruise .

Let our experienced and friendly crew guide you through the sights and history of the Freycinet Peninsula; taking you from the gentle shores of Coles Bay, to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.  Stop for lunch at Wineglass Bay and enjoy some of Tasmania’s finest fresh produce, selected by the head chef at Freycinet Lodge.

This Evening Experience the Bicheno Penguin Tour (30 mins from Freycinet)

As night begins to fall, see Little Blue Penguins return to their burrows on a twilight-guided  Bicheno Penguin Tour . This is a rare and thrilling chance to get very close to the world's smallest penguins in a private rookery. Watch as they emerge from the ocean after a hard day of fishing and head home for the night

Cataract Gorge Abseiling Adventure / Launceston

Join local climbing guides on a great day on the crag (Launceston's Cataract Gorge). The climbing will be tailored to suit your experience and ensure a great day of fun and adventure. From first-time beginners through to advanced rock climbers, half and full-day climbing trips are arranged on request.

On this tour, you start with an introductory abseil, once we have mastered this skill we move on to some Top Rope climbing. We then finish with a combination of both skills with an abseil to the Base of Feltham Buttress prior to climbing back out. No prior abseiling or climbing experience is necessary but a reasonable level of fitness is required as climbing requires stamina, balance and strength.

Approximate Distance:  178 km | 110 miles    Total Driving Time:  2 hours 9 mins

Accommodation: Launceston - 1 Night

Launceston to Smithton

While you can drive to Stanley from Launceston in about 3 hours, it is a very pleasant day drive between overnight stops. Meander through some wonderful farming areas and historic towns, before taking the coast road through Ulverstone and Penguin Town ,  on through rolling green hills to Table Cape for spectacular views of Bass Strait. Picturesque Stanley is in your sights as you head west. Enjoy views of the sheer-sided Stanley bluff known as ‘The Nut’ and take some time to explore before arriving  to your final destination today -  Smithton .

Welcome to Smithton your gateway to the breathtaking wilderness of Tasmania’s Tarkine region.

Approximate Distance:  231 km | 143 miles    Total Driving Time:  2 hours 36 mins

Accommodation: Smithton - 2 Nights

4WD Tarkine Wilderness Adventure

The Tarkine Drive introduces you to unique flora and fauna, globally significant rainforests, wild river landscapes, and dramatic coastlines.

Small group 4WD Tarkine Wilderness Adventure.

The Tarkine is the largest tract of protected wilderness in “The Edge of the World” region. It is an expansive 447,000-hectare wilderness area of recognised World Heritage significance in Tasmania’s northwest corner. The Tarkine is the largest expanse of temperate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the last remaining and most significant in the world.

A mixture of rainforest and eucalypt forest, wild rivers, mountains, cave systems, and extensive coastal heathlands await. There are large sand dune areas, with some containing ancient Aboriginal sacred sites. Here you will find well-maintained walking tracks, lookouts, picnic places, and memorable photo opportunities.

You will experience your adventure in our luxury 4WD through the breathtaking Tarkine Wilderness with the region’s most experienced guides. Enjoy fresh Tasmanian produce and a glass of wine for lunch while you experience the area’s unique flora and fauna.

Cradle Mountain National park

After a very scenic drive, you enter Cradle Mountain National Park , arguably one of the prettiest National Parks in Australia. With alpine wilderness, abundant native wildlife, and a huge variety of walking trails to choose from you'll love exploring this peaceful haven.

The gentle Dove Lake Circuit takes around 2 hours with amazing mountain views. Or you try the climb to Marion’s Lookout if you feel energetic. It's ridiculously steep but the lake & mountain views from the top are a worthy reward.

If hiking isn't your thing, there are endless ways to explore the area: try a scenic flight, horse treks, canyoning adventure, or a wildlife-spotting walk to name but a few!

Approximate Distance:  181 km | 112 miles    Total Driving Time:  2 hours 10 mins

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 2 Nights

Devils at Cradle Wildlife Park

Joey Encounter with Day Keeper Tour

The Joey Encounter tour will take a small group of visitors behind the scenes to our animal nursery, where you will interact (face to face) with some of our youngest residents. This is a unique opportunity and will be a very special and memorable experience, ideal for families with young children, or animal lovers of any age.

The tour will incorporate, handling and general health checks by our keepers, and afford visitors the opportunity to pat and get photographs with these beautiful young animals.

Leisurely Scenic Drive to Hobart - Farewell

Today return to the Seaside city of Hobart, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.

Say farewell to Tasmania today as you drop off your rental car and board your onward flight. We know you will enjoy your Family Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Tasmanian experience.

We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible Island. 

Approximate Distance:  299 km | 187 miles    Total Driving Time:  3 hours 59 mins

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Family-Friendly Road Trips: Exploring Tasmania with Kids

Embarking on a family-friendly road trip through Tasmania promises an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, intriguing wildlife encounters, and unforgettable experiences. Tasmania, with its pristine wilderness and captivating attractions, is tailor-made for families seeking an escape into nature’s embrace. However, the key to unlocking the full potential of this journey lies not just in the destination itself but in the mode of transportation chosen for traversing its winding roads and scenic routes. In this article, we delve into the essence of family-friendly road trips, highlighting Tasmania’s allure as a prime destination and emphasizing suitable transportation’s crucial role in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable exploration with your little adventurers by your side. So buckle up and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tasmania’s natural wonders.

Introducing Yes Drive Car Rental

Are you ready to hit the road and explore Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes with your family? Look no further than Yes Drive Car Rental, your trusted partner in adventure. As you plan your family-friendly road trip, choosing the right vehicle is paramount, and Yes Drive offers an extensive selection of cars and SUVs ideally suited for your journey.

With Yes Drive Car Rental, you can rest assured that your family’s comfort and safety are top priorities. From spacious SUVs capable of accommodating the whole family to fuel-efficient cars ideal for zipping through Tasmania’s scenic routes, their fleet caters to every need and preference.

Renting a car with Yes Drive unlocks a world of convenience and flexibility, allowing you to explore Tasmania’s attractions at your own pace. Say goodbye to rigid schedules and crowded tour buses – with your vehicle. You can chart your course and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Cradle Mountain National Park, soaking up the sun on Freycinet’s pristine beaches, or delving into Tasmania’s rich history at Port Arthur, Yes Drive Car Rental ensures that you have the means to embark on your family’s next great adventure with ease.

Don’t let transportation woes hinder your exploration of Tasmania’s wonders. Choose Yes Drive Car Rental and embark on a family-friendly road trip filled with unforgettable memories.

Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Tasmania

Regarding family-friendly destinations, Tasmania boasts many captivating attractions that delight travelers of all ages. Here are some must-visit spots that promise unforgettable experiences for you and your loved ones:

1. Cradle Mountain National Park

Nestled in the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness, Cradle Mountain National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. From strolls to exhilarating hikes, there’s no shortage of activities amidst the park’s breathtaking scenery. Families can embark on scenic drives or take leisurely walks around Dove Lake, soaking in panoramic views of Cradle Mountain’s rugged peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for native wildlife, including wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils, often appearing along the park’s trails.

2. Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is the perfect destination for families seeking sun, sand, and adventure. Home to the iconic Wineglass Bay, this coastal paradise offers many family-friendly activities, from leisurely beachcombing to invigorating hikes. Explore the park’s network of trails, which cater to all skill levels, and be rewarded with sweeping views of turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Keep an eye out for friendly wallabies and echidnas along the way, or embark on a guided wildlife tour to learn more about the park’s diverse ecosystem. With plenty of picnic spots and facilities, Freycinet National Park is the ideal setting for a memorable family day out.

3. Port Arthur Historic Site

Immerse your family in Tasmania’s rich history with a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s convict past, with a range of educational experiences suitable for visitors of all ages. Explore the site’s well-preserved ruins, including the imposing Penitentiary and the eerie Separate Prison, and gain insight into the lives of the convicts who once called Port Arthur home. Families can participate in interactive exhibits and guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters or stroll through the site’s picturesque gardens. Afterward, relax and recharge at one of the family-friendly dining options nearby, where you can savor delicious local cuisine while recounting the day’s adventures.

With its diverse array of family-friendly attractions, Tasmania offers endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Whether exploring the rugged wilderness of Cradle Mountain, basking in the beauty of Freycinet’s beaches, or delving into history at Port Arthur, you’re sure to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

 Tips for a Smooth Road Trip with Kids

Embarking on a family road trip through Tasmania can be an exciting adventure filled with endless possibilities. However, traveling with kids requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone involved. Here are some essential tips to help make your road trip with kids a breeze:

1. Packing Essentials for a Family Road Trip Before hitting the road:

• Pack all the essentials to keep your family comfortable and entertained throughout the journey.
• Stock up on snacks, drinks, and meals to curb hunger pangs during long stretches of driving.
• Don’t forget to pack plenty of entertainment options, such as books, games, and movies, to keep the kids occupied during the trip.
• Pack essential items like sunscreen, insect repellent, and first-aid supplies to ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected situations along the way.
• Planning Kid-Friendly Activities Along the Route

Plan and incorporate kid-friendly activities into your itinerary to prevent boredom and tantrums during the journey. Research fun attractions, playgrounds, and parks along your route where the kids can stretch their legs and burn off some energy. Consider scheduling stops at interesting landmarks or natural wonders that capture their imagination and create lasting memories. By breaking up the journey with engaging activities, you’ll keep the kids entertained and excited about the adventure.

2. Ensuring Car Safety and Comfort for Children

Safety should always be a top priority when traveling with kids, especially on a road trip. Before setting off, ensure your car is appropriately equipped with child safety seats and restraints suitable for your children’s age and size. Double-check that all seat belts are fastened securely and that car seats are installed correctly. Additionally, create a comfortable environment inside the car by adjusting the temperature, providing pillows and blankets, and organizing belongings to minimize clutter and maximize space.

3. Making Frequent Stops for Rest and Recreation

Long hours on the road can take a toll on adults and children, so scheduling regular stops for rest and recreation is essential. Plan to take breaks every few hours to stretch your legs, use restroom facilities, and enjoy a change of scenery. Look for rest areas, roadside parks, or scenic overlooks where you can breathe while the kids run around and explore. Making time for rest stops helps prevent fatigue and discomfort and allows your family to appreciate the journey and make the most of your road trip experience.

By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable road trip through Tasmania with your kids, creating unforgettable memories. From packing essentials and planning activities to prioritizing safety and making frequent stops, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a successful family adventure on the open road.

Why Yes Drive Car Rental is Ideal for Family Road Trips

Are you planning a family road trip through Tasmania and searching for the perfect rental car provider to accompany your adventure? Look no further than Yes Drive Car Rental, your ultimate partner in exploration. Here’s why Yes Drive stands out as the ideal choice for your family road trip:

1. Flexible Rental Options Tailored to Family Needs

Yes, Drive understands that every family is unique, so they offer flexible rental options tailored to your needs. Whether traveling with a small family or a larger group, Yes Drive’s diverse fleet includes cars and SUVs of various sizes to accommodate your family comfortably. From fuel-efficient compact cars perfect for city exploration to spacious SUVs ideal for long-distance journeys, Yes Drive ensures you find the perfect vehicle to suit your family’s preferences and travel plans.

2. Safety Features and Amenities Available in Their Rental Fleet

Safety is paramount when traveling with loved ones, and Yes Drive prioritizes the well-being of its customers by equipping its rental fleet with the latest safety features and amenities. Each vehicle undergoes regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure optimal performance and reliability on the road. From advanced braking systems and airbag protection to child safety seats and GPS navigation, Yes Drive provides everything you need to travel with peace of mind and confidence, knowing that your family’s safety is always their top priority.

3. Customer Support and Assistance for Hassle-Free Travel

At Yes Drive, exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything they do. Their dedicated team is committed to providing personalized assistance and support to ensure a hassle-free travel experience for you and your family. Whether you have questions about rental options, need help booking accommodations, or require roadside assistance during your journey, Yes Drive’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to lend a helping hand. With their prompt and reliable customer support, you can rest assured that any concerns or issues will be addressed promptly, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with your family on the road.

4. Affordable Pricing and Special Offers for Families

Traveling with a family can be expensive, but Yes Drive strives to make it more affordable with competitive pricing and special offers designed specifically for families. Enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surcharges, allowing you to budget effectively for your road trip adventure. Plus, take advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions available to families, making it even more affordable to explore Tasmania’s wonders with Yes Drive by your side.

With Yes Drive Car Rental, your family road trip through Tasmania is destined to be unforgettable. From flexible rental options and top-notch safety features to exceptional customer support and affordable pricing, Yes Drive has everything you need to make your journey successful. So why wait? Start planning your family road trip with Yes Drive today and embark on a memorable adventure through Tasmania’s stunning landscapes and attractions.

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The Most Spectacular East Coast Tasmania Road Trip

Plan your epic East Coast Tasmania road trip with this itinerary, including the top places to visit with or without kids. 

Visiting Tasmania? A self-driving holiday is, without a doubt, the best way to appreciate the magnificent landscape and surroundings of Tasmania.

Tasmania’s dramatic natural beauty can be witnessed all along the east coast, and if you have time, there are many places to discover, and things to do.

The drive alone makes this trip worthwhile as the road kisses everything from farmlands to the ocean, as it twists its way along an impressive coastline.

With numerous incredible attractions in east coast Tasmania, it can be challenging to know which ones you shouldn’t miss. In this article, I share our experience visiting the East Coast of Tasmania and an itinerary for how you can spend your days.

Continue reading my East Coast Tasmania itinerary, so you don’t miss any of the gems along the way!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. Visit disclaimer for more information.

Post was updated in December 2019

Featured Image: © Lisa Kuilenburg | Tourism Tasmania

Table of Contents

Planning a Tasmania East Coast Drive

The journey can be just as rewarding as a destination, and this is what you’ll discover with this ultimate Tasmania road trip planner.

If time is precious, the below East Coast Tasmania travel guide is for two nights, three full days exploring the top sights and things to do on the East Coast of Tasmania. Before I go into detail about all the places to see, here’s a short overview.

• Day 1: Hobart to Bicheno (Exploring Bicheno)
• Day 2: Bicheno to Coles Bay (Freycinet National Park)
• Day 3: Bicheno to Binalong Bay to Launceston (Bay of Fires)

You will also find some additional suggestions below for must-see places on your Tasmania east coast road trip if you have more time.

Tasmania East Coast Itinerary

Day 1: hobart to orford.

Distance from Hobart to Orford – 1 Hour

Stay – Bicheno

Follow an ever-changing coastline through forests and farmlands for most of the way from Hobart to Bicheno.

Your first glimpse of water will be the meandering Prosser River that follows the road until you reach the little town of Orford. Orford is a beautiful coastal town centred on the mouth of the Prosser River, and somewhere you can stretch your legs, grab a snack or lunch while taking in the multiple shades of blue ocean and Maria Island in the distance.

Orford to Bicheno

Distance from Orford to Bicheno – 1 hour 25 minutes

Continuing along the coastal road towards Bicheno, your eyes won’t know what direction to look as the car is nestled between tree-covered cliff faces and the glistening ocean.

Bicheno gives the perception of a sleepy seaside town, but with numerous accommodation options and lots of activities, it attracts many visitors. We found it the perfect place to stay for exploring the East Coast of Tasmania.

Things to do in Bicheno

1. Visit the Bicheno blowhole – We timed our arrival perfectly, basking in beautiful sunny weather and clear skies. There are many sights to explore in Bicheno, but the first attraction to tick off the list is a Bicheno Blowhole trip. Both adults and kids found the blowhole alluring and waited patiently for the next wave to crash up through the rocks and cover them with salty ocean water.  

2. Explore the rock pools – Bicheno is the first (but certainly not the last) stop where you can witness the amazing rock formations that are iconic along this coast. Walk along the giant orange boulders stopping at the rock pools to discover starfish, crabs, and possibly even a blue ring octopus.

3. Swim at the beach – When you stay at a picturesque location, you usually want to make the most of the outdoors. Waubs Bay is the local beach, and its calm waters make it a popular place for swimmers.

4. Take a nature walk – Another activity is to walk north to Redbill Beach or south to the blowhole along the foreshore path taking in the stunning scenery of iridescent waters and watching for animal life.

5. Meet the local penguins – At dusk depart on a Fairy Penguin Tour where you discover fascinating facts and get up close and personal with these adorable animals that call Bicheno their home.

You May Also Like: Read the Ultimate Guide to Travelling Tasmania with Kids

Day 2: Bicheno to Coles Bay

Distance from Bicheno to Coles Bay – 40 minutes

Stay : Bicheno

Coles Bay is the main township on the Freycinet Peninsula and the best-known starting point to explore Freycinet National Park.

The bay is bordered by The Hazards’ mighty granite peaks that tower 500m above the dazzling waters of Great Oyster Bay. These captivating mountain ranges are named after an American whaler, Albert “black” Hazard, captain of a whaling ship active in the area in the 1820s.

Coles Bay has an array of outdoor activities allowing you to see the pristine environment on a  personal level; sea kayaking, cruising to Wineglass Bay, sailing, joining a fishing charter, scenic flights, swimming, bushwalking are to name a few.

Lunch Stop at Freycinet Marine Park

A Tasmanian road trip is not complete without stopping for some local cuisine. Seafood lovers will rejoice at Freycinet Marine Farm . We were recommended, and now I am recommending the Freycinet Marine Farm for a lunchtime stop.

If you love seafood, we came across some of Tasmania’s finest along Coles Bay Road .

The little tin shed serves up fresh & cooked oysters, mussels, prawns, lobsters, along with Tasmanian beer and wine. Freycinet Marine Farm was a consistent hive of activity, and you know it’s going to be worth the wait when it’s a challenge to find a free picnic table.

The oysters did not disappoint with them being the cheapest and the best we have eaten.

Coles Bay to Freycinet National Park

Distance from Coles Bay to Freycinet National Park – 10 minutes

A national park since 1916, covered with a wide variety of flora and fauna and home to the impressive Hazards Range, Freycinet National Park is extremely popular as a bushwalking and camping destination.

Before you enter the national park, stop at the visitor centre where you will be provided with a map and information about how you can spend your day. Inside the centre are many creative displays sharing the heritage and culture of the region. They also stock a range of products to buy and have toilet facilities before you start your journey.

TIP: You will need to purchase a national parks pass for entry into Freycinet National Park, and there are hefty fines if you are caught without one.

National parks pass – The money raised from the fees goes directly towards the parks and reserves upkeep. It is used to maintain and upgrade visitor facilities, walking tracks and information booths. The pass options available are on the National Parks and Wildlife website .

Bushwalking Tips for Freycinet National Park

• Wear sturdy shoes,
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a warm top and a waterproof
• Stock up on drinking water

Some of the national parks most beautiful areas can be seen on foot, and your visit can be as active or relaxing as you wish.

The Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre has a vast amount of information on the walking tracks and camping sites if you are new to the area.

Must-See in Freycinet National Park

Cape Tourville Lighthouse – There are many incredible walks for all fitness levels and ages you can enjoy while in Freycinet National Park. The Cape Tourville lighthouse walk is one of the more famous trails as it is child-friendly.

The wooden walkway has a slight incline up to the lighthouse and takes around 20 minutes to complete the circuit, but you no doubt will spend more time in this area savouring the views of Mt Graham, Mt Freycinet and Wineglass Bay in the distance.

The lighthouse erected in 1971 was constructed as an automatic light; it stands at the very top of the walkway and can be reached via stairs. 

This area is not only breathtaking above the water, but fascinating underneath. The information boards posted along the path share that underneath the sheer cliffs in the seafloor’s deep blue ocean sonar mapping has revealed the continental shelf drops a whopping 5000 metres!

Have more time? For the most celebrated views in this area hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout.

Honeymoon Bay – Have you heard of Honeymoon Bay? Just the name alone sparked our curiosity for this popular place, located in Freycinet National Park. Once again, The Hazards stand proudly over the area and you are greeted by a rainbow of colours from the faint pink tint of the mountains to the turquoise blue waters lapping the beach.

Honeymoon Bay is a surprise package as it is tucked away behind natural bushland. It is not until you reach the end of the bush path that allows you to appreciate the beauty before you.

Granted, the beach is not as pristine as some on the east coast. However, that does not stop many visitors from enjoying a picnic or relaxing near the water. The main drawcard to this majestic place is the shallow crystal-clear bay where you can enjoy many water activities from swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

Giant granite boulders protect the turquoise waters, and the black shells you encounter in this area resemble clusters of solidified rocks. These clusters are scattered shells housing tiny sea creatures, and word of warning; it best to observe and watch your step as they are quite sharp.

Day 3: Bicheno to Binalong Bay

Distance from Bicheno to Binalong Bay – 1 hour 20 minutes

If you are travelling from Bicheno to Launceston, you will need to make a detour to visit Binalong Bay, but I believe it is worth the extra time. Travelling north of Bicheno, the roads start to flatten, and the hills move further away. You will pass many signs to off-road beaches along this untouched coastline with uninterrupted views of the ocean.

Situated at the southern end of the Bay of Fires, Binalong Bay is a charming community of holiday homes and campsites concealed among the acacia trees fringing the coast. As many of the dwellings are hidden or few and far between, the area felt entirely untouched.

Things to do in Binalong Bay

1. Enjoy a coastal walk – It is hard to believe something in nature looking so perfect, and these are the views you can experience on a hike to Skelton Bay or the top of Humbug Point reserve.

2. Snap a few pics – Skeleton Bay Reserve is at the end of Main Road. It offers excellent photo opportunities of the contrasting landscape of granite boulders splashed with orange lichen against the brilliant blue waters.

3. Swim at the beach – The sand at Binalong Bay is pristine and squeaks under your feet as you made your way through the powdery sugar to the crystal-clear ocean. The multiple shades of blue are what you’d come to expect from this coastline of Tasmania, yet at Binalong Beach they are on another level.

Due to this area’s popularity, there are showers, change rooms and toilets easily accessible for beach-goers near the parking area.

Binalong Beach had another major attraction. A flowing river meets the ocean waters via a wide stream it has carved into the sand. Many people take advantage of this by riding the river current down to the ocean water on floating rings and bodyboards.

TIP: There is only one restaurant in Binalong Bay, so if you want more choices, you will find other dining options at St Helen’s, 10 minutes drive away.

Bay of Fires Conservation Area

I initially thought the Bay of Fires was a one-stop destination, so I was surprised to learn it starts at St Helens Point and extends to Eddystone Point in the north stretching for over 50 kilometres.

Named by ‘Lonely Planet’ in 2009 as the world’s hottest travel destination it is well known worldwide.

If you are short for time and can not explore the whole region, Binalong Bay will give you the perfect representation of what you can experience in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area.

Have more time? Binalong Bay is a brilliant place to stay to explore the Bay of Fires region.

Binalong Bay to Launceston

Distance from Binalong Bay to Launceston – 2 hours 25 minutes

From Launceston to Bay of Fires or Binalong Bay, you have the choice of taking the A4 or A3. The A4 will back-track on some of the coastal roads you drove on to reach Binalong Bay, but you will reach your destination a little sooner as the road is less windy. The A3 is scenic and the best route if you would like to visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm before stopping at Launceston.

You May Also Like: An ultimate guide of visiting Launceston with kids

East Coast of Tasmania Accommodation

Choosing a base along the East Coast of Tasmania can be tricky, particularly if it’s your first visit. We stayed at Bicheno, and I wouldn’t hesitate on staying there again as I felt like it was one of the best hubs to explore the east coast due to its central location between Hobart and Launceston.

Where to Stay in Bicheno

There are many fabulous accommodation options in Bicheno.

If a motel, hotel or resort is to your liking, you can find the best deals for accommodation in Bicheno here .

The below are some popular hotel suggestions:

Beachfront Bicheno – Beachfront Bicheno is hotel-style accommodation located opposite the beach. The 50 hotel rooms have various views and come with your standard hotel facilities.

 Diamond Island Resort – The 26 rooms at Diamond Island Resort offer guests views and easy access to the beach located at the bottom of the resort.

More Places on a East Coast Tasmania Road Trip

If you have more time, the other must-see places along the Tasmania East Coast are:

• Maria Island

Since returning from our Tasmania trip, we discovered it is a place that connects with people on many different levels. Yet, one thing is always sure it is a destination you will want to return to again and again.

Read More: Find here a 14 day road trip itinerary for around Tasmania

Tell me in the comments below. What places are going to make it on your itinerary?

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What a beautiful post! I love the idea of the pink tinged mountains and turquoise sea. This is now definitely on my family bucket list.

Thank you very much, Jenny for your kind words – I’m glad you enjoyed it! I hope you are able to visit one day.

What a beautiful area to explore! Definitely adding it to my list :) So glad I finally found your blog – it’s so well designed and easy to use! Steph xxx (@love.from.steph)

Thank you so much, Steph for your kind works about the blog! Australia has some magical destinations, and Tasmania has to be one of our favourites. We hope you have the chance to see it one day.

This is an incredible article and trip, I look forward to more of your travels and articles.

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I got caught overstaying my visa in Bali

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We would love to take our family (three children under seven) for a lap of tasmania in our caravan. we’re wondering how long you’d suggest for a journey of this type and what the must-see destinations are to visit along the way..

Having explored the Apple Isle with my own young children, I’m always astounded by just how much there is to see and do. And speaking to the team at Tourism Tasmania (who know better than most), I wasn’t surprised to discover they shared my opinion that you’ll require 14 days at a minimum.

A great way to tour Tasmania with little ones is to base yourself in a few of the major hubs which have family-friendly accommodation such as a BIG4 Holiday Park or a Discovery Parks option. Choose Launceston, Hobart and East Coast town Coles Bay, for example, and spend long days exploring the surrounding regions.

This way you can enjoy nature pursuits, cultural institutions and scenic drives yet give the kids time to shake their sillies out at the parks’ jumping pillows and playgrounds.

Tasmania’s second biggest city Launceston, in particular, has plenty for children with the amusements at Penny Royal, the activities around Cataract Gorge and the kid-friendly exhibits at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Take a 20-minute drive north and you can pick your own berries at Hillwood Berries.

Over west towards Cradle Mountain, there are plenty of short, child-friendly trails, but don’t miss Tasmazia and The Village of Lower Crackpot (trust me) on the way there and be sure to tack on a day trip to explore the wildlife at Maria Island, located just off the east coast of the island. Family-friendly activities can also be found readily around Coles Bay and Port Arthur (check out Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, an animal sanctuary for native animals).

For further inspiration, it’s worth looking at the Road Trips section of Discover Tasmania’s website. The Spirit of Tasmania Bass Strait ferry also has a great Tasmanian Road Trip Planner where itineraries can be found for all interests.

Are there any websites or tour operators that cater for the many people who find themselves on their own? Twin-share pricing and single supplements can be expensive, and I’ve found conflicting schedules often make it difficult to travel with buddies.

Travelling solo has so many benefits but it’s safe to say the dreaded “single supplement” is not one of them. Added to travel costs to compensate tour operators, accommodation providers and cruise lines for the lost revenue of just one person occupying a room, there are many ways of getting around paying it.

To meet other travellers to partner up with, consider joining GAFFL , a site which connects people based on where and when they’re travelling so they can travel together and split costs. If you have a smartphone, the SoloTraveller app is particularly useful for solo female travellers looking to connect and travel with other solo female travellers, while a more traditional approach would be to join a Meetup (meetup.com) group that specialises in solo travel.

Of course, another option is to go ahead and book a trip with a tour operator that offers solo tours. Intrepid Travel and G Adventure tours, for example, do not have single supplements on most of their tours, while Two’s A Crowd guided getaways are for solos only with everyone getting their own room.

Meanwhile, Cosmos promotes “guarantee share” reservations that link travellers of the same gender to share a room, thus eliminating the single supplement. Should they not find a suitable match, you will receive your own room without paying the supplement.

Dilvin backpacked solo around Europe after finishing high school and has lived for adventure ever since. She’s fallen under the spell of Bora Bora, made multiple trips to Turkey and finally got to visit Antarctica. She is also a self-professed cruise convert after a trip around the Norwegian fjords.

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Explore Tasmania from coast to coast with Discovery Holiday Parks

With the help of six discovery holiday parks spread across tasmania,  amelia hungerford  finds a road trip across the apple isle is the perfect family escape..

Tasmania is famous for stunning scenery and farm-to-table dining, but it is also home to plenty of family-friendly experiences, if you know where to go .

Discovery Holiday Parks  Devonport is just a short drive from the Spirit of Tasmania cruise terminal, right on the banks of the picturesque Mersey River. They offer guests a variety of accommodation options including en suite powered sites and a selection of cottages and cabins. There’s a jumping pillow and playground for kids, and serene surrounds for parents. Learn about the treacherous local nautical history at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre or get arty at the Devonport Regional Gallery , showcasing local Tassie talent and crafty activities for the kids.

On the way to Cradle Mountain, be sure to stop at the Don River Railway , perfect for kids who are loco for locomotives – they can hop on a steam engine and go for a ride. Speaking of loco, Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot is a fabulously kooky place for kooky people. Get lost among eight entangling mazes (they say the Great Maze is the world’s largest) and wander the Village of Lower Crackpot, a model village built to a one-to-five scale, complete with post office and Cathy Freeman Sports Centre.

Cradle Mountain

Retreat to the wilderness at Discovery Holiday Parks – Cradle Mountain, where the National Park is the perfect backdrop to the powered and unpowered sites on offer, and cosy gas log-heated cottages and cabins complement Tasmania’s wild beyond. Explore on a family bush walk along the famous Overland Track or have a close encounter with Tassie’s infamous Devils at the Devils @ Cradle conservation facility – the night-time feeding is a thrilling event for the whole family.

Just two hours away, you’ll find Discovery Holiday Parks – Strahan. Nestled between the beach and the town, you’re perfectly located to relax with self-contained cabin accommodation and idyllic coastal surrounds. A twilight cruise to visit remote Bonnet Island and its resident Little Penguins is a great place to start but if you want thrills and spills, you need an exhilarating ride on the Wild Rivers Jet Boat, complete with views of ancient, majestic Huon pines.

On the way into Hobart, stop by the Lake St Clair lookout as you skirt the national park. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of an untamed wilderness. On the outskirts of Hobart, take a detour to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where the kids can hand-feed a friendly mob of kangaroos and learn about the survival of native animals in the wild.

Hobart and Mornington Hobart  

Discovery Holiday Parks – Hobart is located on the Derwent River, close enough to be convenient but with all the beauty of the bush. Or you could choose to admire the views of Mount Wellington from Discovery Holiday Parks – Mornington Hobart. Head to the controversial Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), where staff can guide you along a kid-friendly path around the exhibitions. MONA is also home to the Moorilla Winery, Moo Brew Brewery, Source Restaurant and wide open spaces where the little ones can run free. Enjoy a picnic among the colour of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens or discover all things Tassie, from environment to culture, at the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery . Uncover a treasure trove at the Salamanca Market and don’t miss the Cascade Brewery Heritage Tour – suitable for families – taking you through the heritage gardens and museum.

On your way to Launceston, treat your family to a ‘reverse BYO’ picnic at Puddleduck Vineyard (you supply your family’s favourite treats, Puddleduck supplies the drinks), complete with beanbags on the grass. For more animals, stop at Zoodoo Wildlife Park – the kids will love their hands-on approach.

The penultimate stop on your Tasmanian journey is Discovery Holiday Parks – Hadspen, south-west of Launceston. Near the South Esk River, this holiday park is perfectly located to admire the natural beauty of  Cataract Gorge . Whether you take in the gorge from the chairlift or from the water aboard a  Tamar River Cruise , don’t miss the gardens and resident peacocks. Take a canopy tour high among the leaves at  Hollybank Treetops Adventure  before coming close-up with a Tasmanian Devil. The littlies can get their paws dirty hand-fe

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Planning your Trip

Congratulations! You’re one step closer to an epic Tassie Holiday!!

Obviously, you’re after some info on what’s what when it comes to touring Tasmania with the kids and we’ve got that covered. We’ve also included some of the info you may not have thought of. Like where is the best place for a decent coffee when you get off the Spirit of Tasmania? Or, where can we let the kids stretch their legs after a long flight down From Queensland? We have kids too so we know what it’s like. That's why we've got you covered.

Check out our list below for great tips, tricks and ideas. If you have any questions or want to know more about an area or activity we are only a text, call or email away!

When is the best time of year to travel to Tassie?

Remember eating chocolate-covered Clinkers as a kid and hoping that the colour you chose would be inside? Tassie’s weather is a bit like that mixed back of Clinkers. You never really knew what you were going to get! Sure, here in Tassie we are renowned for having four seasons in one day, but it doesn’t matter what time of year to visit. Even the wildest of weather makes our landscapes crazy beautiful so it's best to factor into your decision what you’re keen to see and do while you are here. If beach love is your thing, then summers for you. If it’s wilderness and raw beauty then the heart of winter never disappoints. Spring and Autumn are both amazing in their own rights but if you really need it broken down because you can’t quite make up your mind...

SUMMER - December to February

Tassie has awesome summers. Warm, inviting and perfect for long days spent at the beach. Explore the East Coast hotspots of Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay, or walk the rugged coastlines of the Far South and Bruny Island. Enjoy seafood delights in the North West and let the kids run for miles along the beaches of the Wild West . It's our most popular time of year for visitors so booking ahead well in advance is advised.

AUTUMN - March to May

Autumn oasts are a rare beauty only seen during Autumn, deep within the valleys of our spectacular Gondwanan rainforests. Many of Tassie's deciduous trees change colour from greens to beautiful golds, oranges and reds as they begin to lose their leaves for the harsh winter months. People travel from all over the world to visit the deciduous beach at both Cradle Mountain and Mt Field National Parks. Otherwise, hop aboard a tour boat to catch sight of the majestic humpback whales between May and July on the east coast, as they migrate towards mainland Australia.

WINTER - June to August

Wild, wet and often white, experiencing a Tasmanian winter is like stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia. The contrast is unbelievable unless you’ve seen it for yourself. The rains make for the best experiences deep within our World Heritage National Parks as raindrops glisten on magical ferns and mist sweeps through snow-capped valleys over tannin-rich rivers. You're bound to find snow upon kunanyi / Mt Wellington, Cradle Mountain and Ben Lomond and if you are lucky enough to wake to a frost the sky is perfectly clear with our wild rivers showcasing some of Australia's best reflections. Pack a red or yellow jacket for the kids and send them out into the mist following behind with your camera (totally instaworthy!). It's also when you'll find us Tassie locals out and about; we are a real friendly bunch so hit us up for the secret hotspots, or why not head to one of our many winter festivals like Dark MOFO?

SPRING - September to November

The Shoulder seasons offer cool mornings and warm days. It's a magical time for travelling through the wilderness, going on hikes or exploring our rainforests and natural reserves with the forest coming alive with new growth, birds busily fluttering around the new foliage and many of our species of wildlife bare young. With plenty of nature parks to say hello to the young Tassie devils, wallabies or wombats that's just been born, the days are stretching out as it gets closer to the beginning of daylight savings. Often the driest time of the year, Spring is perfect for a getaway before the busy summer and Christmas season takes over.

For more details on travelling in Tasmania through the seasons, check out this article.

What to pack?

The time of year doesn't impact too greatly on what you should put in your luggage. If you use these as the basis, you can work around the rest dependent on the season and predicted temperatures.

• Good walking shoes
• Backpack as your carry on luggage
• Drink bottle

For a more detailed list of what to pack when visiting Tasmania, check out this article: What To Pack For A Family Trip In Tassie .

Where should we go first?

That’s a tough one. With so much to do and see, this really depends on how long you have and how old your kids are! A good rule to stick by when planning is having stopovers for two or three nights. Also, factor in the drive time for the age of your kids. If you’ve got little ones you’ll need more toilet and play stops.

There are three main areas for arriving in Tassie:

• Launceston airport
• Hobart airport
• Devonport via the Spirit of Tasmania

Qantas has recently introduced flights into Devonport and Sharp Airlines flies from Essendon via King Island to Wynyard just out of Burnie. Chances are you’ll be arriving in one of the three main arrival locations.

If you’ve come to the north, try the northwest first, or the opposite direction towards the North East. This way you can do a big lap if you have time, finishing where you started.

If you’ve landed in the south you can go South east or west for the big lap, or down into the far south, returning into Hobart before you head off to other regions.

If you arrive on a weekend there are markets everywhere, and during the week you’ll have ample access to all the hotspots whilst the locals are at work. Winning!

For more detailed info on destinations click here!

We can plan and book your holiday!

With over a decade of experience developing tours and itineraries, we know what families need and understand.

As parents ourselves, we've learnt that we just don't have the means or the energy to dash around Tasmania in three days. Kids need toilet breaks, are hungry all the time, become easily bored and we all know that a three hour drive is really more like five hours, with kids!

We can help you plan your whole trip from start to finish. Check out our bespoke itinerary packages, inclusive of bookings, here.

Need more travel and planning tips? Head over to our blog page for a whole lot of inspo!

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Travelling With Kids In Tasmania: A Family Motorhome Adventure

Exploring Tasmania with the kids in tow? Get ready to discover a perfect blend of nature, history, and family-friendly attractions on a road trip from Hobart!

Tasmania is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets and offers an abundance of family-friendly experiences, making it an ideal destination if you’re seeking a blend of excitement and relaxation. From the rugged beauty of Cradle Mountain to the charming streets of Richmond, each stop offers a taste of the island’s charm.

Get set for an unforgettable trip through Tasmania’s wild landscapes!

Top Places to Visit In Tasmania With Kids

Hobart: Thrifty Family Adventures

Hobart offers an array of budget family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank. Plan a day trip and climb Mount Wellington, spend a morning wandering through the vibrant Salamanca Market, picnic in the Botanical Gardens, and immerse yourselves in the quirky art at MONA. There are so many family experiences in Hobart waiting to be discovered!

Port Arthur, Tourism Tasmania

Port Arthur: Time-Traveling Experience

Take a couple of days to travel down the coast and step back in time at Port Arthur, where the captivating remnants of the convict era await exploration. There’s plenty more to see and do in the area – trust us, an itinerary is a must-have whilst you’re down this way!

Richmond: Georgian Charms

Ready to head north? Add Richmond to your list of pitstops! Richmond, with its Georgian-style buildings-turned-venues, has a range of cafes and galleries that are well worth visiting.

Whilst you’re here, you won’t want to miss the historic Richmond Gaol. Spend the morning running through colonial courtyards and stock up your motorhome at the delightful Sweets and Treats lolly shop before you hit the road again!

Quadrant Mall Launceston, Tourism Tasmania

Launceston: Adventures Galore

From the picturesque Cataract Gorge to the interactive Phenomena Factory exhibition at the QVMAG, Launceston offers a variety of budget-friendly activities for an adventure-filled day of family fun. Round off the afternoon with an hour or two to play at the ever-popular Riverbend Park.

Both the Gorge and Riverbend are free to enter!

Overland Track, Blake Lisk – Pillar Creative

Cradle Mountain: Nature's Wonderland

For an immersion in nature and a day of family fun, head to Cradle Mountain. Here you can marvel at rainforests, river gorges, and alpine vistas. Make sure you keep an eye out for local wildlife like wombats and echidnas – and if you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the ever-elusive wild platypus!

Platypus House, Tourism Tasmania

Beauty Point: Riverside Wonders

A popular day trip from Launceston, drive up to Beauty Point for a day of unique encounters in a charming riverside town.

You can’t miss Seahorse World and Platypus House whilst you’re here, so get ready to spend your day immersed indoors with some of Tasmania’s most interesting and elusive animals!

Freycinet National Park: Coastal Delights

With iconic sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and family-friendly walks, Freycinet National Park, especially Cape Tourville, promises fun and adventure for all ages.

You’ll want to pack plenty of snacks and a tasty picnic lunch!

The Nut Chairlift, Lusy Productions

Stanley: Seaside Serenity

Take the trip towards Devonport (making sure you visit Latrobe on the way), and stop to discover the peaceful seaside allure of Stanley and its iconic Munatrik – AKA the Nut! Walk the trail or catch the chairlift up for a chance to see panoramic views.

At sunset, head down to the beach for your chance to meet the local penguin population!

Tasmazia, Tourism Australia

Top Family-Friendly Attractions

• Tasman National Park's: Soaring seacliffs and monumental rock formations
• Russell Falls: A local treasure and a must-see for any traveller
• Bonorong Wildlife Park: A chance to see a diverse range of rescued wildlife up close
• Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery & Gardens: Wander through the oldest trout hatchery in the southern hemisphere
• Tahune Adventures: Home of the airwalk, eagle glider, and swinging bridges
• Hastings Cave & Thermal Springs: A day to tour the caves, swim in thermal springs, and relax with a picnic
• Penny Royal Launceston: Rugged cliff walks, rock climbing, zip-lining, boat rides, and a chance to step back into the gold rush era
• Tasmania Zoo: Meet Tasmania’s largest collection of native and exotic wildlife
• Tamar Valley Wetlands: Meander through the otherworldy wetlands near Launceston
• Hollybank Wilderness Adventures: Experience Tasmania’s first high ropes course
• Don River Railway: One of the last operational trains in the state
• Tasmazia: One of Australia’s most whimsical attractions
• Grindelwald: Play minigolf in an entirely different world

Best Playgrounds In Tasmania

• Riverbend Park, Launceston
• Simmons Park, Lindisfarne
• Kingston Park, Kingston
• Dru Point Park, Margate

Best Family-Friendly Beaches In Tasmania

• Wineglass Bay Beach, Freycinet National Park
• Friendly Beaches, Freycinet National Park
• Greens Beach, Greens Beach
• Coles Beach, Devonport
• Boat Harbour Beach, Boat Harbour
• Godfreys Beach, Stanley
• West Strahan Beach, Strahan
• Kingston Beach, Hobart
• Clifton Beach, Hobart
• Seven Mile Beach, Hobart
• White Beach, White Beach

House of Anvers, Tourism Australia

Food & Drink for Kids In Tasmania

Indulge yourself in culinary treats that are perfect for the whole family:

• St Helens Bakery Savouries & Sweets: Or really any local bakery across the state!
• Stephens Apiary's Leatherwood Honey: Delightful sweetness from Mole Creek.
• Somercotes Cherries: Enjoy fresh juicy cherries and an assortment of snacks.
• Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm's Raspberry Ice-Cream: A refreshing treat in Deloraine.
• Glenburn Orchards or Millers Orchard Apples: Discover why Tasmania is called the Apple Isle!
• Ashgrove Cheese & Fresh Ice-Cream: Savory cheese and creamy delights.
• Anvers Chocolate Factory's Chocolate: A treat for young and old.
• Hazelbrae's Fresh Hazelnut Products: Taste the hazelnutty goodness at Hagley.

Set Off On Your Family Motorhome Road Trip In Tasmania!

It’s time to pack the kids and discover why Tasmania is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets and popular destinations for families.

Need some more tips for travelling with kids? Check out our parent’s guide to motorhome travel in Australia !

It’s time to book your family road trip in Tasmania! Call our friendly reservations team on  1300 664 485  or check out our  website  to see the  motorhomes  we have available at our  Hobart branch .

Related Locations

3 Runway Pl, Cambridge TAS 7170, Australia

Phone Number : 1300 664 485

International : +61 3 6248 4789, related blog posts, 5 of the best road trips in nsw, 11 of the best destinations to visit in australia, how to prepare for bushfires and floods in australia, is 2020 the year of motorhome travel in australia.

The Perfect 2-Week Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 12, 2024

Check out this perfect 2-week self drive Tasmania road trip itinerary to help you plan your epic adventure around Australia’s most beautiful state!

Tasmania, that bit of Australia that everyone knows exists but few seem to visit.

I first visited Australia in 2008 and sadly did not make it to Tasmania. Since then it’s been a place that has been on my bucket list.

Recently my wife and I finally made it down that far south to check out all the best places to visit in Tasmania .

This stunning island may just be Australia’s best-kept secret. Although I cannot imagine it staying that way for long.

Unlike the rest of Australia, Tasmania is small and compact.  The journeys are short, the roads are winding and the sea is cold. It’s perfect for a road trip.

The scenery is simply breathtaking. Of all the places I have been in Australia, this may just be my favourite state.

From the beauty of a national park to the natural beauty from nearly any side of the road views, a road trip through Tasmania is truly spectacular.

Table of Contents

Driving Comfort

Buying a national parks pass, eating and drinking in tasmania, day 1: hobart, day 2: port arthur, day 3: tasman peninsula, day 4: maria island, day 5: freycinet national park and wineglass bay, day 6: freycinet national park and bay of fires, day 7: bay of fires, day 8: tamar valley, day 9: cradle to coast tasting trail, day 10: boat harbour beach and cradle mountain, day 11: cradle mountain summit, day 12: cradle mountain, horse riding and onto the west coast, day 13: strahan and the western wilderness way, day 14: bruny island, what did we miss on our tasmania road trip itinerary, tips for a self drive tasmania road trip.

Below is our 2-week Tasmania itinerary that took us all the way around this beautiful island. Obviously some parts can be extended or chopped off as you wish.

However, we found this Tasmania itinerary gave us plenty of time to see the vast majority of what we wanted to see without being rushed.

Be warned though, Tasmania is not like mainland Australia.

It does rain, especially around Cradle Mountain. So even in the middle of summer, do not be surprised if you encounter a fair few showers during your road trip.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our new  travel to Australia  guide.

How to Get Around – Car vs Campervan

You cannot road trip Tasmania by public transport alone. To really enjoy and experience everything this incredible place has to offer you need your own set of wheels.

Luckily renting a car in Tasmania is cheap, we rented a car for $66 dollars a day, which included zero excess insurance.

The cheapest campervan we found was 3 times this amount. But if you love this style of travel, then this could be a good option. Check out Spaceships for affordable vans for rent.

We would recommend hiring a car for Tasmania for the following reasons:

The overall cost of renting a car is substantially cheaper. However, in effect, you need to work out if car rental + accommodation is going to be cheaper than camper-van + holiday parks.

From our pre-trip calculations, a car turned out to be our best bet.

We averaged $150 on car + accommodation on our trip, which was cheaper than the rental cost of a camper van.

Cars drink less fuel, period. We had a lovely Toyota Prius Hybrid which meant our fuel costs were minimal. This is a big plus on a Tasmania road trip, where fuel prices can be quite high.

I personally prefer driving cars to camper vans due to the manoeuvrability, ease of parking in cities and less stress driving on winding roads.

Of course, this is all up to you though. With an epic Tasmania itinerary, you’ll have an amazing time no matter how you choose to get around.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Buying a National Park Pass is a must for anyone planning to visit Tasmania’s National Parks .

It costs $89 AUD per vehicle and gives you unlimited entry to Tasmania’s National Parks for 2 months.

You can buy it at any National Park visitor centre. Just remember to display it on your dashboard or you will be fined.

It also saves $10 AUD on the ferry to Maria Island. The alternative is paying $24 AUD per 24 hours. So long as you visit national parks for a minimum 3 days then you’ve made your money back.

Like mainland Australia, eating out can be quite expensive at times. As a result, the vast majority of travellers will be cooking for themselves at numerous points on their travels.

Pick up a cheap cool bag to keep food fresh, as you cannot always guarantee a fridge (unless of course, you have a campervan).

We stayed in a mixture of holiday parks, AirBnBs, hotels and guesthouses on this Tasmania itinerary. We only had a couple of nights without a kitchen which helped us keep our spending down.

Click here to get $35 off of your first AirBnB booking!

That being said, Tasmania’s gourmet produce is both popular and delicious so don’t forget to indulge now and then, especially on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail!

2-Week Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Without further ado, let’s hit the road with my ultimate Tasmania road trip itinerary!

Fly into Hobart city centre and pick up your rental car.

After getting to our AirBnB and dumping our stuff head up Mount Wellington for stunning views over Hobart and the wider area, even as far as Bruny Island.

Then head to the Museum of Tasmania before spending the evening wandering around Battery Point and beautiful Salamanca.

From Hobart, it’s a short drive to Port Arthur on the east coast. This excellent historical site gives you the opportunity to understand more about Tasmania’s fascinating convict history.

You can book a guided tour or a ghost tour to learn more about the history and spookiness around the historic site. Also consider booking your entry ticket online in advance during peak season to save yourself some time.

Port Arthur is also home to Australia’s worst-ever massacre. While this is a pretty morbid topic, it’s important to pay homage to the victims at the Port Arthur Memorial Garden.

• Where We Stayed: Bluegum Guesthouse

On Day 3 of your Tasmania road trip, you are likely to first experience the island’s infamously temperamental weather.

Spend the morning exploring the convict coal mines located on the north west coast of the Tasman peninsula.

From there, head back to quirky little Doo Town for some gorgeous coastal scenery and excellent food from the fish and chip van next to the blowhole.

Close to Doo Town are some beautiful coastal viewpoints which a well worth exploring.

After crossing back across the Eagles Neck, check out the dog line museum before heading on towards the tessellated pavements. Here there is a lovely walk along the coast giving some wonderful views of the Tasman peninsula.

From here, head up to the tiny coastal town of Triabunna, in preparation for your journey to Maria Island.

• Where we stayed: Triabunna Holiday Park

Check out our full guide to the best things to do on the Tasman Peninsula !

Catch the ferry from the Tiabunna Visitor Centre at 10:30. You should aim to get to the ferry terminal around 30 minutes before departure.

Incidentally, you can also pick up you National Park Pass here and save yourself $10 AUD on the ferry ride.

The journey only takes around 30 minutes. And if the weather is looking good, you can stake out space at the front to sunbathe.

We only spent one day on Maria Island . If you want to stay the night there are campsites and cabins that can be booked.

READ MORE: Check out our brand new guide to the best things to do in Tasmania !

You are also able to rent mountain bikes, which can be arranged at the visitor centre in Triabunna and picked up in Darlington.

If you are only doing 1 day, a bike allows you to cover a decent amount of ground.

From Darlington, we headed for the painted cliffs which are leisurely 30-minute ride. We dumped our bikes and went to explore the amazing coastline.

We carried on further down the track stopping at various points along the way to explore the coastline and find a place to have our picnic.

It was here we encountered wombats, wallabies and pademelons.

We carried on further down the coast before heading back to snorkel around the painted cliffs.

The area from Darlington to just beyond the painted cliffs is a protected marine reserve. The snorkelling is pretty good, but the visibility isn’t great.

This wasn’t helped by the huge thunderstorm that hit not long after getting in.

As I was coming back in I got the fright of my life in the form of a 2-meter wide stingray coming out of nowhere.

Do be aware that the water here is cold too. I went in without a wet suit and was okay, but you will definitely have a more pleasant experience with one.

We spent the remaining couple of hours dropping the bikes off, spotting roos on the hills close the jetty and avoiding the rain.

After getting the last ferry back we drove up to Bicheno. Coles Bay is the other popular option for accommodation in the park. Coles Bay is closer to the attractions, but Bicheno is a bit bigger and has more going on.

We chose this as it was cheaper than anything else close to Freycinet and after camping in the rain in Triabunna a tent wasn’t on the agenda for Miranda.

• Book your accommodation for Bicheno ahead of time here .

We hopped in our car and headed for the Freycinet National Park for day 5 on our Tasmania road trip.

From Bicheno, it’s around a 30-minute drive. Probably more during dawn or dusk as the risk of wildlife jumping out increases dramatically in and around the national park.

We headed down to the visitor centre to check out some of the walks to come up with our plan of action. We ended up doing the Wineglass Beach Walk overlooking Wineglass Bay.

Understandably this is one of the most popular walks in Tasmania, so don’t be surprised if it’s busy. To avoid the crowds simply walk down to Wineglass Bay Beach from the lookout.

The vast majority of tourists head up to the Wineglass Bay Lookout and back down again. As a result, the beach is actually very quiet in comparison. This is a great spot to pull out that picnic basket.

Alternatively, if you have the time, consider this Wineglass Bay cruise from Coles Bay.

There are plenty of other great walks in the national park. The Hazards Beach walk, in particular, gets rave reviews, and you can’t really beat the Mount Amos hike at sunrise .

Don’t forget to display your Parks Pass if you are doing any longer than 2 days in Tasmania’s parks.

That evening it was back to our AirBnB in Bicheno and dinner at a Pasini’s, a great little restaurant on the edge of Bicheno.

Day 6 of the road trip, we spent the morning at Freycinet checking out Sleepy Bay and the beautiful friendly beaches. The latter giving the iconic windswept beach vibe that Tasmania is known for.

We grabbed something to eat in Bicheno and headed up towards the Bay of Fires. This drive is spectacular, a real highlight of any road trip around Tasmania. So have your camera ready and keep your eyes peeled for places to park.

Accommodation in the Bay of Fires area around St Helens in the summer can be eye-wateringly expensive. We actually stayed 30 minutes south of St Helens at Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park in possibly the nicest tent I have ever seen.

After dumping our stuff we carried on up Tasmania’s other famous beach, Binalong Bay along the east coast. Head to the Northern section of Binalong Bay, by taking the C848, to avoid the crowds.

The water here actually wasn’t too cold, although it can get really windy, so a tent or windbreaker could be a lifesaver on the beach.

• Where we stayed: Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park

The park has a fully equipped kitchen and fantastic glamping style tents. It’s awesome for a Tasmania road trip.

On Day 7 of your Tasmania road trip itinerary you’re in for a treat.

From Scamander towards St Helens and the Bay of Fires, the coastline is absolutely stunning and the chances are you will have it all to yourself.

Even in mid-January, one of the busiest times in Tasmania, we had whole beaches to ourselves.

Following this, we headed beyond Binalong Bay up to the Gardens for some beautiful coastal scenery and a bit of bouldering.

Once you get beyond one of Tasmania’s most famous beaches you have a plethora of beautiful places to stop and explore.

We headed as far as the road would take us hopped out of our car and went exploring. Half the fun of the Bay of Fires is exploring. Just park up somewhere that looks pretty and go for a wander.

Late afternoon we headed for little Launceston, Tasmania’s second city, for want of a better description.

We still had some picnic food so we took it down to the marina for dinner as the sunset.

This was definitely a highlight of our road trip along Tasmania’s east coast.

We took a slightly more relaxed pace in our road trip today taking in the gorgeous Tamar Valley.

We did plan on heading over the Bridestowe Lavender Farm. However, we ended up in Seahorse World and Platypus House at the northwestern end of the Tamar Valley.

This was a little pricey, but pretty interesting. The platypuses and echidnas are extremely adorable.

From Tamar Valley we headed back down towards to Cataract Gorge stopping in at the Exeter bakery for a curry rice pie (a must if you’re passing).

At Cataract Gorge, there is a lovely walk or you can do like most and hop straight in the lake.

This was one of our highlights during our two-week road trip in Tasmania.

Effectively this is a 150km trail that you drive and stop off at gourmet produce places and eateries on the route. If you are in any way a foodie, this is an absolute must.

Most of the eateries are between Deloraine and the wonderfully named town of Penguin. However, we carried on beyond Penguin to beautiful Stanley for our final stop on the trail.

After an amazing seafood dinner, we hiked up the Nut for some stunning sunset views. Whilst it’s not a long hike, the initial climb is extremely steep.

On day 10 of the road trip, we spent the morning at the beach and the afternoon in the mountains.

We spent the morning at the beautiful Boat Harbour Beach with golden sands, clear blue water and gorgeous coastal scenery!

From here it was a 1.5-hour drive down to one of Tasmania’s highlights; Cradle Mountain.

After checking into our hotel, we headed down to complete the Dove Lake hike. Here we found a gorgeous, easy hike that is perfect to do around sunset.

• Where we stayed : Cradle Mountain Hotel

The Cradle Mountain Hotel was above our budget. But the convenience and lack of more affordable accommodation close to the park made this a winner in our eyes.

Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park has some of the best hiking in Tasmania and is a must-see on a road trip. It is the beginning of the Overland Track, as well as being the stage for some phenomenal day walks.

Sadly we did not have enough time to do the Overland Track so I settled for the summit hike. (Although you can read all about the founders of this website’s experience of hiking the Overland Track by clicking here .)

Safe to say this is a tough hike and it absolutely should not be attempted in wet or snowy conditions since it will make the final rock scrambling and bouldering sections extremely dangerous.

This hike is an absolute must if you are heading to Cradle Mountain. And you can easily spend a few hours relaxing along Lake St Clair after the hike.

Don’t miss the NOMADasaurus guide to  hiking the Larapinta Trail , one of Australia’s other great walks.

We checked out some of the shorter walks that began around the experience centre in the morning.

Afterwards, we headed out with Cradle Country Adventures to go horse riding around their Belvoir Area track taking us up for a stunning view of Cradle Mountain.

From here we headed down towards the old mining town of Queenstown stopping in a Zeehan on the way.

Whilst it makes an interesting place to look around, Zeehan does have a slight “straight out of a horror film” kind of vibe, fascinating in an odd kind of way.

Queenstown is littered with relics and reminders of the mining boom. It was a great place to spend the night.

• Where we stayed : Empire Hotel

This excellent old hotel is a stark reminder of the gold era time of the west coast. The food here is great!

If you want a real adventure from Cradle Mountain and have a bit more time, head out to the Tarkine for this 2-day road trip extension!

On Day 13 of our road trip, we drove down the west coast to the quaint seaside village town of Strahan. If you head due west from here the next bit of land you would hit would be Argentina.

Along with Zeehan and Queenstown, Strahan also benefitted hugely from the gold rush times. Now it’s a much more sedate and laid back affair.

It’s a decent place to explore for a morning, but probably not worth much more time than that. From here it was a long drive down to Hobart.

The west coast is Tasmania at its most desolate. There is one road from Strahan to Hobart. At times, it almost seems like the outback but with more trees.

There are plenty of viewpoints, short hikes and sights on route to break up this long drive.

This gorgeous little island is only an hour or so away from Hobart. As a result, Bruny Island can get pretty busy at weekends or during the holidays.

It pays to show up half an hour early than you really need to as the queue to get on the boat can be pretty long.

We immediately headed for the Neck viewpoint, which since it is one of the best viewpoints can be pretty busy. However, the views are absolutely spectacular.

From here we headed down to grass point for a beautiful coastal and then spent to rest of the day beach hopping around the rest of the island.

A great idea is to go ahead and book this tour in advance so you get the best of Bruny Island in a 3-hour cruise. If you have more time, consider this highly-rated full-day tour .

Alternatively, if you missed it on Day 1 of your Tasmania road trip you could spend the day exploring Mount Wellington for some incredible views over Hobart.

Well in our 2 week Tasmania road trip we managed to see a huge amount of the island. But there were a few things we sadly did not get the opportunity to visit.

The list below were places that we planned on visiting on the road trip. However, unfortunately for us, time ran out.

• Haast Caves
• Mole Creek National Park
• Mt Field National Park

There are probably plenty of other amazing things that we missed on our road trip, but that just gives us a reason to return to this incredible island.

Hope you enjoyed my 2-week Tasmania road trip itinerary. If you did leave a comment below! Happy travels.

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hey, I am from Israel and planning (with my wife) a trip to Tasmania, around February-March. First of all, thank you for your route, it is well described and provided a lot of information that I will certainly use in my planning. I read several posts, and what I’m missing, including yours, is a reference to watching (terrestrial) animals. I know Tasmania is one big nature reserve. Have you encountered any animals? Which? where? Are there any established sites to meet animals? Anything you recommend? Thanks for everything, Shmulik.

Tasmania is a great state to travel around. There are a few sanctuary around but do your research before you go. We highly recommend Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary just outside of Hobart. They are great.

You can have animal encounters sometimes when you are hiking and on Maria Island. Please keep your distance from the animals and never touch them. They are wild. Have a great time.

Wow! We are trying to plan a road trip around Tassie and had no idea where to start. You have given us so much wonderful information. I will be telling my friends about your site. So very thankful for the breakdown you provided. Thank you thank you thank you. Hugs and Blessings to you both.xx

Hi Wendy, how exciting you are going to Tasmania. We love this state so much. We spent 3 months exploring Tassie, so if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help. Happy planning. 🙂

I would suggest you missed a few things to do around Strahan. The wilderness in that location is absolutely incredible and there are some beautiful hikes to do, along with train and boat excursions. Apart from that critique, your itinerary and write-up was excellent. Thanks for posting.

This is on my bucket list as well, such a beautiful place. I’m wondering being from the states if I will be able to adjust to driving because I would rather drive myself around. Fantastic article thank you!!

Hi Heather, thank you so much. We totally understand about driving on the other side of the road. It is like that for us when we visit the USA or Canada. The rental companies understand this and some offer a lesson before hiring. Definitely get the insurance so you are covered incase anything happens. Your travel insurance may offer you car rental insurance so check with that first before taking out the rental car’s insurance. Our suggestion is to hire a small car. This will depend on what time of year you are going. In winter hire a larger vehicle as it may snow. In the summer, you should be fine with a smaller car. The roads are quiet in Tasmania compared to other places in Australia, like near Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

A perfect Tas itinerary indeed! Beaches and national parks are the best for families with kids. Thanks for the self-drive tip as we also wouldn’t want a rushed trip. Keeping this post handy!

Agree. They are so beautiful there. We were blown away. Thank you. Glad the article was helpful

Tourism Tasmania owes you a beer! I wanted to take a two week holiday in October 2021 but wasn’t sure where Was contemplating scuba trip on Great Barrier Reef, Margaret River/Perth road trip, Darwin NT, and Tassie.

Read your article and within 6 hours booked Spirit of Tasmania for a two week stay in Tassie and started making some pre and post travel and accommodation plans!

haha thank you. We are stoked this article was helpful for you. There is so many awesome places to go in Australia. That is awesome we could help you decide. You are going to have such a great time in Tasmania. It is a beautiful state. When are you planning on going. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out. There is so much to do in Tasmania. It is a little overwhelming (in the good way). Have a great trip.

Very helpful ideas. We are planning a trip to Tasmania to see and learn more about the convict sites. Not sure how they would fit into your itinerary but we will see.

We have budgeted $5000.00 to cover accom car hire food and drink etc for 14 day tour….hope this covers it all,we are happy for 4star accom and mix some cabin s in as well… I think a plan of Hobart one night,port Arthur one night,Coles bay one night,Bicheno one nightLaunceston 2 nights,(including drive to Campbell town and Ross and back one day),then one night Devonport (why don’t people seem to like Devonport as a stop?)then overnight Wyndham,one night cradle mountain,Strahan 2 nights ,then back to Hobart 3 nights.and do road trips down to Huonville,Bruny ,mt Wellington etc.

Interesting read. We did a similar itinerary but focus a bit more on hiking and camping. Tasmania is a great place for outdoor lovers!.

When in Strahan, one must take the trip on the cog railway and the spectacular Gordon River tour. You might give a warning about driving on the road into Queenstown from the south – it is treacherous.

Near Hobart is the Bonorong Wildlife Refuge. There is a nighttime tour I did not get to take that is supposed to be especially worthwhile. A good place doing good things.

Sorry if the names I gave aren’t exact – it’s been a few years. (I hope to go again soon!)

Thank you so much for the tips Ginny. Something to add to our list. 🙂

great pictures, I would love to go to one of these places, thank you for sharing this post.

Thank you for your comment Jasmine. Richard made us want to go too. We have never been either. Tasmania looks like an incredible place.

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THE 10 BEST Tasmania Things to Do with Kids

Things to do in tasmania with kids.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Mount Wellington

2. Cataract Gorge Reserve

3. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Port Arthur Historic Site

5. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

6. Dove Lake Circuit

7. Devils @ Cradle

8. Cradle Mountain

9. Mona Ferry

10. City Park

11. Mawson's Huts Replica Museum

12. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery

13. Maria Island National Park

14. Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre

15. Seahorse World

16. Richmond Bridge

17. Raptor Refuge

18. Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery

19. Mole Creek Caves

20. The Nut State Reserve

21. Battery Point Sculpture Trail

22. Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs

23. Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary

24. Spirit of Tasmania

25. Freycinet National Park

26. Mount Nelson Lookout

27. Platypus House

28. The Tamar Valley

29. Russell Falls

30. Three Capes Track

What travelers are saying

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4 WEEK Caravanning Itinerary around Tasmania – The ULTIMATE adventure!

TAS , Tassie Planning , Things to Do , Tour of Tassie , Uncategorized | 4 comments

Tasmania is possibly the most under-rated state in our amazing country. We had been told before our 4 week caravanning adventure began that Tassie was gorgeous, beautiful and had erratic weather! We were told not to bother as it is too expensive and a pain to get over there with your caravan. DO NOT LET THIS STOP YOU! Nothing could have prepared us for what was the ULTIMATE caravanning adventure.  Filled with so much beauty, history, natural wonders and FUN!

Grab a cuppa, a wine, a beer, a cider or a bubbles as we go back and give you a run down on the most incredible 29 days!

There are a few points that we need to make before you read through our 4 Week Caravanning Itinerary:

• When we go on our family holiday caravanning adventures, we like to jam pack as much as we can into EVERY…SINGLE…DAY! We are not the family that you will find lazing by the beach for weeks.  Some of you might find yourselves exhausted as you read through what we did – so if you have MORE time to explore Tassie, we would recommend 6-8 weeks!  We only had 4 weeks and LOVED smashing it out and exploring as much as we could!
• Our girls were 6 years and 9 years old – we always try and fill our days with a mix of things that we love and also things that the kids will love.
• Our girls are very good car travellers – this enables us to travel long distances if required.  Everything in Tasmania is super close – unlike our Red Centre Adventure , where we could drive for hours and the scenery does not change – Tasmania was breathtaking around every corner.  WOW moments, every few minutes.  There was no time to read a book in the car – the ever changing scenery kept us enthralled the whole time.
• ROADS:  We were told the roads in Tasmania were shocking, curly, windy, hilly, rough…the list goes on! We really didn’t think they were that bad! Yes, they were windy and at times we did not get over 20km an hour, but we were not in a rush and our 24ft van handled it all with ease.  We have made note in our itinerary below of any roads we felt would not be great for a big van.
• THERE IS MORE TO COME! Stay tuned for more details on various areas and activities that we explored across Tassie!
• Check out our Travel Journals & The Big Tassie Lap Activtiy Book here.

A couple of STATS:

• Car & Caravan KMS = 4262km
• Caravan KMS = 2624km – this is where our Caravan/Camper Log Book comes in handy!!
• FUEL = 758.86 litres of diesel
• FUEL COST = average $1.45 per litre = Total $1102.46

Are you ready? Hold onto your hats…away we go…

****firstly – here is the route we took & souvenirs collected ***

DAY 1:  Caravanning with Kids  sail on the  Spirit of Tasmania

We got up bright and early and travelled from our base at the  Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park , the perfect place to stay before a day sail, only half an hour from the port! Boarding the Spirit was surprisingly super smooth, easy and QUICK!…We sailed with our great mates from TIAV and the sail was PERFECT! We were all very impressed with the onboard services. The food was delicious, the seating areas were comfortable, the kids activities were heaps of FUN…We were so glad we booked a cabin as well, this enabled us to dump some of our gear to explore and also have a nanna nap and relax…WOO HOO…Disembarking was even quicker! Which gave us plenty of time to set up at the  Abel Tasman Caravan Park  and meet up with  The Blonde Nomads  !

Check out our Day Sail vs Night Sail article here!

BIG4 Melbourne – the night before.

What a glorious morning to SAIL!

Two rigs, Two Families, CWK & TIAV are very excited!

Click this photo for our review of DAY sailing vs Night Sailing!

We hit the Abel Tasman Caravan Park in Devonport with TIAV & The Blonde Nomads.

Day 2: Devonport & Surrounds

We had a wonderful day trip down to Sheffield – the town on murals – and Railton – the town of topiary! Topped off with a visit to the  House Of Anvers  – chocolate museum, tastings and viewing!! Delicious!!Then a ripper BBQ back at the Abel Tasman Caravan Park – check out our review here!

Sheffield – the town of Murals

Railton – Spot the Topiary

Day 3: Another Day Trip from Devonport! 

4 seasons in one day! In January, Tassie sure put on a show!  Winter chilly one minute, followed by gorgeous sunshine.  We started the day with a lazy sleep in then headed out towards  Tasmazia & The Village of Lower Crackpot  …we stopped and checked out Devils Gate Dam in the freezing rain then spent the next few hours at Tasmazia! There is so much hype around this adventure tourist spot and it did not disappoint! A super impressive set up that was so much fun for us all. 8 mazes and a mini model village that was hilarious. Followed by the best pancakes and stroll through the lavender field…it is sure to be a highlight of our trip… Plenty of time to check out  Spreyton Cider Co.  and enjoy a tasting board…plus they did juice tasting boards for the kids which they loved! Served with fresh cherries we left and were all full as a goog! Another stop at Latrobe on the way back to Devonport to check out  Reliquaire  …the most amazing gift shop you will ever see!! Back to the  Abel Tasman Caravan Park  where we all got together and cooked up some left overs…

Devils Gate Dam

TASMAZIA – so much FUN!

TAZMAZIA – miniature world wonder!

Lavender Fields at TASMAZIA.

Spreyton Cider – real stuff for us, juice for the kids.

Reliquaire – gorgeous TOY store & cafe.

Day 4: Go West – Devonport to Stanley! 

The drive from Devonport to Stanley was filled with so many things to see and do, a coastline that many who visit Tassie actually miss!! Next time we are here we will stay longer in Ulverstone and Burnie…but this time we headed to Stanley and had a fantastic afternoon exploring the  Stanley Cabin Park , the town and The Nut!  The Nut Chairlift Stanley  was a little hairy scary for me, maybe because of the wind…but the kids loved every second…once at the top The Nut Circuit walk is 2km around the nut and delivers some spectacular views! Back on safe ground we walked the main street of Stanley. This town is quirky, unique, super cute and very enjoyable! We tasted our first cup of  Van Diemens Land Creamery  and it won’t be our last…lol…We ended the day with scooting, walkie talkie fun and games night! Tomorrow we hit the Tarkine!

Nearly at the NUT!

On top of the NUT

The chairlift was one of the BEST!

This was our first taste (chocolate and lemon Gelato) and it was not the last…

Stanley Caravan Park

Day 5: The entire Tarkine Drive from Stanley in one massive day.

We filled our bellies at  Moby Dicks Breakfast Bar Stanley  with the most delicious feed of eggs and waffles then headed out to the Tarkine Drive…we knew we wanted to see the Trowutta Arch so headed that way first!

What followed was the most amazing day exploring  Tasmania’s North West  …one full day experiencing so many different landscapes…it blew our minds! From Rainforests to farms…from river lookouts to sinkholes…from paddocks to fire ravaged mountains…from rugged coastlines to quaint sea side towns. The Tarkine Drive had it ALL!! We topped the day off with a visit to Dismal Swamp so Ashlee and Wayne could fly down the 110m slide into the rainforest at  Tarkine Forest Adventures . What a hoot! Back to  Stanley Cabin Park  for tacos and a well earned beer! Huge day…brilliant day…highly recommend The Tarkine Drive! 260km of wow moments around every windy corner!

Breaky in Stanley

So much to see along the Tarkine Drive – stay tuned for more soon.

Western point of Tasmania

The FUNNEST slide in Tassie

Tarkine Forest Adventures

Tired Tacos

Keep track of your own travels using our Travel Journal and Log Book!

Day 6: Stanley to Waratah to see Cradle Mountain!

We sadly left the gorgeous Stanley and headed towards Cradle Mountain. We stopped at Dip Falls and The Big Tree…um…hiccup, there is no parking for big vans!! Oops…lol…we un hooked into a side track…detour to Table Cape…another lookout where you can’t take a big van…Wayne’s 26 point turn was hilarious! Stocked up with supplies in Wynyard and saw the ladies in the info centre who were brilliant… down towards Cradle Mountain…windy roads…ended up at the Waratah Camp ground next to  Hart Australian Round Trip Unplugged …a ripper family who have been on the road for 9 months and who have our Travel Journals…crazy small world! Tomorrow we tackle Cradle!!!

Backed the rig into a fire track at Dip Falls

Over 200 steps down into Dip Falls

Table Cape Lookout

Waratah Camp Ground

New friends at the Waratah Camp Ground.

Day 7: Cradle Mountain!…plus our tips!

Today was a very emotional day! We ventured into the most gorgeous part of Tassie! Yes…the pictures are real! This really is a breathtaking destination and one of the best days we have had in years!!!

We felt very blessed…why?…it rains for 300 days a year on Cradle…and most of the time it is covered in thick fog…so, today…we got the BEST day EVER! Clear skies and sunshine…here are our tips: – Get there early! If you arrive early (before 9am) you can drive up past the car park to the boom gate and drive 8km to Dove Lake. – Dove Lake Circuit walk TURN RIGHT!  Hart Australian Round Trip Unplugged  suggested this and we LOVED every second. We hit the Boat House within minutes for some gorgeous early morning shots then hit the mountain while the girls legs were fresh…2.5hrs later and we had experienced the BEST nature walk ever!!! – We then hit Weindorfers Lodge Forest walk that was steeped in history and an incredible insight into Laķe St Clair National Park…off to another walk…to see Pencil Pine Falls and Knyvet Falls…followed by a well earned drink at  Peppers Retreats, Resorts & Hotels  , back to Warratah for a swim and to check out the history of the town…dinner at the  Waratah Camping Ground  with great new mates…BEST DAY!!!!

INCREDIBLE!

Pine Falls at Cradle Mountain

Waratah Camping Ground was amazing!

Day 8: Cradle Mountain to Strahan!

The west coast is magical…rolling hills and mining towns filled with history and beauty. We left Waratah and stopped in at Macintosh Dam, then Rosebery for the biggest Rose Yo Yo Kate had seen. Next stop was Zeehan, home to the  West Coast Heritage Centre, Zeehan  which takes you on a journey through the mining history of the west coast…we then rolled into Strahan and set up at the  Strahan Beach Tourist Park  on a perfect Summer arvo! We topped off our day with a visit to the longest running play –  The Ship That Never Was  – we all laughed our heads off! Back to the caravan, heat up some Tuna casserole pre-prepared at home and a Pimms!! Life is gooooooooood! Tomorrow we cruise with World Heritage Cruises

Macintosh Dam

Rosebury Yo Yo

Zeehan Heritage Centre

One of the funniest plays we have ever seen.

Both girls got asked to join the cast!

Strahan Tourist Park

Day 9: Strahan – West Tasmania!

Strahan has given us the most incredible history lesson…so many people recemmended  World Heritage Cruises, Strahan, Tasmania  and the experience was so worth it! (check out our full review here )It all started with a display at the local Saw Mill…then on to the Harbour Master…a gorgeous vessel built in 2016…the Captain took us out to Devils Gate, past the Fish farms and we docked on Sarah Island! An hour tour of the convict ruins was OUTSTANDING! We then headed down the magestic Gordon River and were treated to a delicious dinner followed by another dock at the Heritage Landing…a boardwalk stroll into the forest to see ancient Huon Pine…back onboard we settled into some breathtaking views of the Gordon River and Mount Sorell while listening to the history of Huon Pine logging…mind blown again! Topped off by a tassie sunset…what a cruise!!!! PLUS…the Harbour Master had a Kids Play Room and fabulous facilities..kids were in heaven!!

Click on the photo to read our FULL review of World Heritage Cruises

Day 10: Strahan to Mount Field National Park

We left the  Strahan Beach Tourist Park  and headed to Queenstown…a quirky little town with the best coffee from  Queenstown Cafe Serenade …next up was the curliest and prettiest drive we have been on…driving out of Queenstown was breathtaking… OMG…the windiest and hairiest drive…lucky the kids slept! So INCREDIBLE! We caught up with  Trip In A Van  at  The Wall In The Wilderness  and saw the most amazing carving…then a bloody awesome roll at  The Hungry Wombat Cafe Derwent Bridge  and on to  Left of Field  Caravan park…wowzers…this site is brilliant! Adrian has just celebrated 7 years here and has created something very special…What a day…time for a fish and a bbq and fire!

Best coffee in Queenstown!

The Wall – no cameras! Bummer…

The food in Tassie is AMAZING!

Left of Field Caravan Park with TIAV

Day 11: Are you afraid of heights? The magnificent Gordon Dam!

I didn’t think I was until I looked over the edge of Gordon Dam!…an hour and a half windy and bumpy drive from  Left of Field  through more breathtaking Tasmanian landscape…especially Lake Pedder…AMAZING and worth every second! Our big day was topped off with a Bush Bath at Left of Field and a scrummy dinner with our mates.

Gordon Dam – well worth the drive!

HOT Bush Bath at Left of Field

Good tucker with great friends…

Day 12: Mount Field National Park to Huonville

Last night we ventured into Russell Falls at night to see the glow worms then treked back in early this morning before breaky. Only a 2 min drive from  Left of Field  Caravan Park…what a way to start the day! We then headed to the Salmon Ponds to feed the fishies which the kids loved! A stop in New Norfolk for lunch and then off to Huonville to set up camp on the river. The kids loved seeing the baby chicks and a couple of Tassie devils at Huon Valley Caravan Park …time for a swim, some washing and a well earned drink with Bec.

Russell Falls

Salmon Ponds

Huon Valley Caravan Park

Tassie Devils at Huon Valley Caravan park

Reality check – washing still needs doing – to grab a pack of our Aussie made Pegless Clotheslines , simply click on this photo.

Happy Hour…again! Our Caravan Bamboo Travel Mugs are not just for coffee…hahaha..Click on this photo to see more…

Day 13: Huon Valley & Down South.

HUGE DAY!  Tasmania  has been bloody awesome at every…single…turn! Today we headed to  Tahune Adventures Tasmania  to experience the airwalk and swinging bridges…gulp…despite feeling a bit wobbly it was a super morning…lunch in Geeveston and then further south to  Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs …WOW…the girls loved the caves and they were the best we had been to, so well worth the trip…back to have a bevvie at  Willie Smith’s Organic Cider  and a swim for the crew in Mountain River, dinner and movie night  We are half way there and loving Tassie!!

Tahune Air Walk

Tahune Swaying Bridge

Tahune Walk – well worth the trip!

Hastings Caves

Hastings Caves – INCREDIBLE!

Willy Smith Cider House

Huonville Caravan Park

Day 14: We are half way through our Tour of Tassie ! Huonville to Cockle Creek.

The southern most point of Australia & Tassie is BEAUTIFUL! We found a ripper free camp with  Trip In A Van  and the guys did the 4 hr walk to South Cape while we played in the ocean and walked to the Whale Sculpture…amazing part of our world!!

The road down to Cockle Creek – 19kms of dirt!

Free Camp – just over the bridge into the National Park

Fun in the sun at Cockle Creek with Jack

Cockle Creek

Whale Sculpture at the Southern Tip!

Day 15: Cockle Creek to Hobart 

It was a big day on the road! After a sleep in at the free camp (YES!), we waved good bye again to  Trip In A Van  and headed towards Hobart. We checked out the main drag of Huonville, had lunch and added our Aussie made Travel Journals to the  Huon Valley Visitor Information Centre  YAY! Coming over the mountains into Hobart was a beautiful drive, we set up at the  BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park  and headed in to town to explore: The Wharf, Salamanca, Battery Point, Princes Park & Arthurs Circus ticked off our list!  Tamania is rich in history and breathtaking at every single turn!! Tomorrow we hit Richmond.

BIG4 Airport Hobart

Princes Park Hobart

Day 16: Australia Day in Richmond.

What a day! We started at  Zoodoo Zoo – Richmond Tasmania  where we all got up close and personal with lots of animals…off to Richmond to soak up some more history…Richmond Bridge is the oldest working bridge in Australia and was beautiful! The Richmond Goal was so worth a visit…preserved NOT restored! Off to see  Old Hobart Town Model Village , an incredible model town of how it was in the 1800’s with a hard eye spy game for the kids (and grown ups!) …A visit to Richmond would not be complete without a visit to the  Richmond Lolly Shop  (homemade turkish delight and raspberry licorice…yummo).  Wicked Cheese  has a vast selection of Tasmania’s finest cheese and we topped off the day with wine tasting at  Puddleduck Vineyard  which had a play area for the kids and loads of ducks!!!

Australia Day!

Old Richmond Goal

Richmond Bridge

Old Hobart Model Village

Lolly Shop Heaven!

Wicked Cheese – so much FOOD in Tassie – Loving it!

Puddleduck Vineyard

Puddleduck Vineyard – Proud stockists of our Aussie made Travel Journals…

Day 17: Hobart from high & low.

The weather in Tassie can be pretty erratic, however our 4 week Tour of Tassie is having the best run of sunshine!  A trip to Hobart wouldn’t be complete without a venture through the  Salamanca Market , filled with great food, fresh produce and truck loads of impressive stalls…Mount Wellington was next and on such a clear day the views were STUNNING…we could have stayed up there for hours. Back down the mountain to check out the view from South Arm, an area that is often missed by tourists but has some ripper beaches. We visited our great mates from  Step N Store  who we had not seen for ages and had a wonderful afternoon chewing the fat and eating fresh mulberries xx Thanks Pete & Deb xx Back to  BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park  for some  Puddleduck Vineyard  ciders!!

Salamanca Market Hobart

New hat for Kate at the Salamanca Market – we were absolutely spoilt with perfect weather!

The drive to the top of Mount Wellington was steep and windy with the most breathtaking views…

On the Top of the World – Mount Wellington Hobart (one of my all time favourite photos)

Hello Hobart from the top of Mt Wellington

The view from the other side of Hobart – South Arm

South Arm – the beaches in Tassie are amazing…

Ending the day in style with a spot of local cider from Puddleduck Vineyard. YUMMO!

Day 18: Bruny Island from Tip to Toe.

We left Hobart and headed for the Bruny Island Ferry Terminal at Kettering…easy peasy boarding process and we were off on another glorious adventure! Off the ferry, we drove from the North Island to the South Island to set up camp at the  Captain Cook Holiday Park … we then went to the Neck to take in the most incredible views! WOW! The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring…  Bruny Island Honey  has the yummiest Honey Mustard…  Bruny Island Cheese Co. & Bruny Island Beer Co.  not only has delicious cheese (try the Otto & the George…OMG!) but also has a lovely beer selection and yummy cider on tap in a bush setting with heaps of shaded areas and ambiance… further north, we hit the Tip at Dennes Point and enjoyed coffee at the Jetty Cafe, we did the dirt loop across the west and the girls fell asleep as we crossed back over the Neck, so we kept driving (…as you do!)…they woke up 5km from the  Cape Bruny Lighthouse  which was perfect! This southern point was rich in history and gave us some more super WOW views! Back to camp at Adventure Bay for some beach time and dinner… Holy Moly!!! What a day…we were only going to day trip it, but are now so glad we are staying a couple of nights…

The ferry from the main land to Bruny was super smooth and quick!

Quick stop to Captain Cook Caravan Park, do dump and explore!

The Neck – GULP!

Food, food and more food! We love Bruny Island…

Bruny Island Cheese – some of the best we have every tasted!

Not just cheese…cheese cake, cider and craft beers!

The very north – Dennes Point

Hidden cafe with delish icecream…

Bruny Island Lighthouse – A highlight of our Tassie Adventure

Bruny Island Lighthouse views – SPECIAL!

Day 19: History Lesson, rain and more food on Bruny Island!

We started the day with a pretty cool history lesson! Captain Cooks landing spot followed by the quirky Bligh Museum…so much happened here on Bruny. Our stay was made complete by indulging on more of what Bruny Island is famous for…food & produce! Awesome coffee at the new  Penguin & Pardalote Coffee House  ☕at Adventure Bay… Off to the  Bruny Island Chocolate Company  to stock up (YUM), a quick visit to the  Bruny Island Berry Farm  and then a ripper lunch at the NEW seafood restaurant at  Pennicott Wilderness Journeys . Delicious and affordable with the most amazing views… A rainy arvo was spent chillin’ out with  Trip In A Van before heading to  Bruny Island Premium Wines  and then  Hotel Bruny  for dinner…Back to the  Captain Cook Holiday Park  for Go Karting fun, a fire and more cheese!!! Baha… This was a wonderful base to explore Bruny Island from.

Captain Cook history at Adventure Bay – Bruny Island.

I thought I knew my explorer history! Clearly, I was mistaken…Great little museum with loads of very special pieces.

Best Coffee on the Island!

Gorgeous Bruny Island sculpture

More chocolate!

New Seafood restaurant – the rain stayed away while we enjoyed a bit of deliciousness at very affordable prices!

Rain won’t stop this lot from FUN!

More wine tasting before dinner…

Bruny Hotel

Rugged up FUN , Fire and more cheese with our great mates from TIAV!

Day 20: Bruny Island to Port Arthur

What a drive! So many places to stop and explore along the way…including the Tessellated Pavement, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmans Arch, Devils Kitchen, Pirates Bay, Blowhole and Fossil Bay lookout…wowzers!!! We arrived at the  NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park  buggered…but not too tired to wizz around the  Modular Pumptrack Australia  with the guys from  Trip In A Van  😉 This caravan park is bliss – check out our review here! 

Eaglehawk views..on our way around to Port Arthur!

Tessellated Pavement

Tasman Arch

Devils Kitchen

Fossil Bay Lookout

NRMA Port Arthur

Modular Pumptrack!

Day 21: Port Arthur & Surrounds.

Port Arthur was hauntingly beautiful! It rained, it hailed and the sun shone down…typical Tassie summer day apparently… We toured around the  Port Arthur Historical Site  and were flooded with convict and early settlement history that we all LOVED! The site is stunning… We enjoyed the cruise around the Isle of the Dead and were very impressed with the whole set up…worth every cent of the 2 day pass. We then headed to the Remarkable Cave which was nestled in some pretty spectacular coastline…more history to follow with a walk around the  Coal Mines Historic Site  …a special place that many tourists miss…take some time with this one, it was worth it! On the way back we stopped at White Beach, which was a little grey…lol…and then it was time to taste some  McHenry Distillery  whisky & gin…geez, what a way to knock our socks off…back to our gorgeous base at the  NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park  to have our last supper with  Trip In A Van  (again!). After 3 weeks of fun and games it’s time to finish our Tour of Tassie up the East coast without them as they have an extra week up their sleeves…lucky buggers!

Port Arthur – stay tuned for more info about this Historical Site soon…

History Lesson!

Stunning ruins!

Remarkable Cave

The other side of the Remarkable Cave

White Beach

Coal Mines Historical Site – well worth the drive!

Coal Mine Historical Site…all to ourselves!

Distillery in the middle of no where!

Another Happy Hour….

Day 22: East Coast.

We left Port Arthur and followed the GPS on some pretty ‘interesting’ roads…lol…we followed the gorgeous  East Coast Tasmania  road north and saw some amazing beaches. Wayne tried his first Scallop Pie in Orford (the jury is still out!)…we saw the Spiky Bridge…very cool…and had some ripper jam tastings at Kates Berry Farm…off to find a free camp…Lagoon Beach is perfect! The beach was huge, the sand was clean and the camp was filled with friendly travellers. *Wayne and I travelled to Coles Bay and Freycinet NP for a kid free celebration a few years ago…so we skipped these gorgeous parts for this trip…pretty sure the girls were not fussed…Our mates from TIAV headed there just after us with their kids and this is their recap!

Oops!! A few hairy parts on the way up…we went through Nugent…was a pretty drive, but a bit rough…

Orford…Scallop Pie…Have you tried one?

Blink and you might miss this one…very unique. Look for the sign!

Kate tasting Jam at Kate’s Berry Farm.

OMG! So goooooooood!

Lagoon Beach Free Camp. WOW!

Time to fix the battery! Free Camp Bush Beach FUN! Lagoon Beach

Day 23: Bicheno, St Helens & BAY OF FIRES! 

We explored the Bicheno Blowhole (that really blew!), the Gulch and had a ripper cuppa and morning tea at  PASINIS Cafe * Wine Bar * Deli  YUM! The friendly crew at the  Bicheno News and Lotto  now stock our Aussie made Travel Journals too…woo hoo. Time to head north to St Helens, via a little detour along Elephants Pass (not suitable for caravans…gulp…lucky the rig was at the campsite)…we set up camp at  BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park  and headed out to explore Bay of Fires and all the little camping areas (no room for our big rig this time ) The girls had a ball climbing all over the coloured rocks…due to the wind and cold the beaches were all ours and we soaked up everything the ocean could dish up…so much FUN…back to the park for another delish dinner. * big shoutout to Emma & Chris from  Gap Year Australia  who made our night at Lagoon Beach so enjoyable…

Bicheno Blowhole!

The Gulch – Bicheno

Food..so much food!!

We now have 7 stockists in Tassie! Awesome…Click on this photo to check out our Aussie made Travel Journals and other goodies.

St Helens Caravan Park

Bay of FIRES!!

The world is their STAGE! So much fun with the Bay of Fires all to ourselves!

Day 24: The North EastTrail! St Helens to Bridport.

If you are planning Tassie with your van then please read this! It was suggested that we head back south to get to Launceston as the road from St Helens to Scottsdale is pretty hairy! We umm’d and arhh’d, checked the map, asked in a few forums and then decided that we would miss too much if we headed south…so, off we went…what followed was one of the best days on the road! First stop: St Columba Falls…the best falls we have seen so far… 2. The  Pub in the Paddock Pyengana  where the girls gave the pigs a beer…hilarious… 3.  Pyengana Holy Cow Cafe  and  Pyengana Dairy Co  ..yummy cafe and play area for the kids plus a Wasabi Cheyre that was divine and delish on a wrap for lunch 4. Windy drive! It was slow going, we averaged about 40km/hr, the roads were narrow in parts…but nothing that we had not seen before over in the west…so, all good for us and our 24ft van… 5. Morinna: an interesting cemetery with a Tin dragon stop… 6. We turned right…travelled 15km…and found the Blue Lakes! Hidden near South Mount Cameron, the drive in was smooth and easy with incredible views… 7. Derby: A quirky little town with a Tin Mining Museum and a meca for mountain bikers… 8. Legerwood: only 3km off the highway you will find the  Legerwood Memorial Tree Carvings …WOW and a little sad at the same time…very impressive. Throw in a gold coin donation to help out xx 9. Scottsdale: the largest town between St Helens and Launceston, great coffee stop and stock up. The popular free camping spot was chocka block, so we kept moving… 10. Bridport: another very pretty coastal town… 11. Back SW and we took a wrong turn that ended up taking us to free camp BLISS! We love it when that happens! Huge thanks to  Pipers Brook Vineyard  for such an amazing back drop. 12: Dinner (pre made at home ) in a vineyard with my most dearest. Could this day have gone any better? Huge thanks to everyone who posted and messaged with suggestions… you guys ROCK!!!

St Columba Falls

Giving the pig a beer at the Pub in the Paddock!

More Cheese! YASS!

BLUE LAKES! Photos really don’t do this justice!

Walk right from the look out to get up close and personal!

War time wood carvings…

Pipers Brook Vineyard FREE CAMP! The views were incredible!

Yup…we had the whole place to ourselves!

Day 25: Just when we thought Tassie couldn’t get any better…we hit Lonny!

Waking up in the gorgeous  Pipers Brook Vineyard  was a ripper way to start the day…off towards Georgetown, the third oldest Australian town behind Sydney & Hobart and up to Low Head. The light house gave us wonderful views and an encounter with penguins. The  Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum  was interesting with plenty of RV parking and coffee at  Coxswain Cottage Cafe  was delish. We then headed down to Launceston to set up camp for our final few days.  Old Macs Farmstay was highly recommended and we landed a ripper site right on the lake…with the arvo left to explore we headed into Cataract Gorge! WOW…can you imagine having this in your backyard! It was sensational…the  Gorge Scenic Chairlift  is the longest of its kind and gives you a fantastic view of this family friendly playground. Swim in the gorge or the pool, enjoy the playground, the cafes and the scenic walks…pretty sure we will be back over the next few days…time to relax back at camp with more  Wicked Cheese  and yet another Happy Hour.

By Pipers Brook – check our WikiCamps for this awesome FREE Camp

Low Head Lighthouse

So much history…

Plenty of parking for big rigs!

Old Macs Farm – one of the BEST low cost camp spots in an awesome location!

HIGHLIGHT! Cataract Gorge Launceston

Cataract Gorge FUN

What a day!!

Wicked Cheese…AGAIN!

Day 26: North of Launceston.

After bacon & eggs and a cuppa next door at  Stonesthrow Launceston  we headed half an hour north of Launceston to the  Beconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre  …this is a unique heritage site with loads of hands on displays for the girls to touch and feel. They looked for the ‘gold hands’ and they knew they could touch and discover! A mix of the very old and modern mining stories, it was a fabulous journey into it’s history… Next stop:  Seahorse World  🙂 Once again, the girls were faced with new experiences and loved seeing the little ‘horsies’ and learning all about them…especially the part about the males growing a thousand babies at a time!! Next door is  Platypus House  and we once again dove into interesting facts about platypus and echidnas…a short doco film was followed by meeting a few residents… yup…safe to say this was a huge hit for the kids… On the drive back we detoured over the iconic Batman Bridge, took in Bradys Lookout and marvelled at the beautiful landscape… Back to the peace of our camp at Old Macs Farm where we enjoyed dinner cooked by the girls. Every day in Tassie has been HUGE! Every day in Tassie has been jam packed! Every day in Tassie has been brilliant!

Beaconsfield Mine – so much history from over the last 100 years….

The kids LOVED watching and learning about how little Seahorsies were born/grown. We were not too sure…

Everyone else was seeing heaps of wildlife in Tassie, we were not that lucky…so to see these gorgeous creatures up close and personal at Platypus House was very special for all of us.

Crossing from one side to the other along the Batman Bridge.

More gorgeous views along the Tamar region…more wine?

Thanks girls! Dinner at Old Macs Farm…and YES, that is Pimms in my bamboo coffee mug (available in our shop)

Day 27: Flying, Zip Lines and FUN!

We had always planned to spoil the girls with something super fun during our 4 week Tour of Tassie and  Hollybank Treetops Adventure  didn’t disappoint! Wayne & Ashlee loved the 3 hour Canopy Tour…zip lining 400 mtres over the forest floor and Piper Creek at 70km an hour! Kate & I hit the Tree Adventures course for our own fun, it was 2 hours of pure joy!

Could our day get any better? A quick lunch and it was off to  Penny Royal Tasmania , a quirky and unique area in Launceston. More flying fox and quick drop action plus a cliff climb for the whole family with  Penny Royal Adventures  and our day of adventure and fun was compete! Back to Old Macs and  Stonesthrow Launceston  for bubbles and cheesecake then dinner and happy hour drinks with our new caravanning neighbours…

2 hours of pure FUN!

EPIC Day…more fun at Penny Royal – worth the visit!

Penny Royal – such a unique place of FUN and adventure!

More zip lining! Dad having fun being a kid…

The final selfie!

Day 28: Magic Liffy Falls and Final Night!

DO NOT take your caravan into Liffy Falls…ok…now that we have that out of the way…lol…we drove in *without the van* and walked down into the falls, the sun was shining through the canopy and because the falls were not flowing fast we were able to climb right in and explore! What a magical way to end our Tour of Tassie! Off to check out  Ashgrove Cheese  and then polish off a super delish lunch at  ETC – Elizabeth Town Bakery Cafe  …our Tour of Tassie is complete! Back to our Launceston base at Old Macs and our final happy hour…thanks Emma & Chris from  Gap Year Australia  for the twice cooked pork belly and Andrew, Kim and Mitchell from  Laughtons Living Life  for joining us to celebrate our final night…

The walk into Liffy Falls was longish…but easy…glad we did it first thing, before the heat.

LIFFY FALLS!! Love love love…

All to ourselves….

Last cheese stop!

Parking at Elizabeth Town Bakery – excellent!

Day 29: HOME

We sailed back on the night sail – Check out our review of Day Sailing vs Night Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania.

A very sad day in Devonport…home time.

Our faces say it all…

28 days filled with beauty and amazement at every single turn. Exploring the most under-rated state in Australia.

The scenery…the wine…the food….the Adventures! TASMANIA – WE WILL BE BACK!!! Have you been? What were your favourite places?

HUGE THANKS to:

• The Spirit of Tasmania for the super helpful planning tips
• Cooper Tires Australia for the support in helping us pick new tyres for the Adventure! – Check out why we chose Coopers here!
• Clearview Mirrors

If you have ANY QUESTIONS – please let us know – contact us via Facebook , Instagram or email – we would love to hear from you.  Happy & Safe travels…

Do you collect Souvenirs?

Have you checked out our SHOP? Filled with loads of super cool Australian made products and other fun caravanning and camping essentials…

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Hi guys, good morning from Geraldton WA.

Thanks for all your information. My wife & I will be travelling Australia in 2023, wife mentioned that I hadn’t put Tasmania into my planning (doh) so we talked about how long for & 4 weeks was our result, so I Googled “4 week itinerary of Tasmania” and here we are now. I basically followed your trip using WikiCamps as we went, with just a couple of changes to where we will stay and for how long. Decided not to take our caravan to Tassie for 2 reasons, 1 being the cost & 2 our Nissan Navara is fully self contained & set up for free camping. Your ideas of what to see and do are really great, so I have saved your page to my favourites for future reference.

Thanks again

Brett & Phairin (Ja) Pollett

Wonderful to hear Brett & Phairin, Happy planning – your big trip sounds super exciting. Safe travels – CWK Team.

Hi, We are planning on going to Tassie just after xmas 2020 and Jan 2021. Would you recommend booking sites in advanced or winging it? We can be self-sefficident with a 21ft van so can do free/low cost camping.

Hi guys – How exciting!!! We only booked Devonport for the night we arrived and the rest we booked as we travelled though – this enabled us to travel more freely – a couple of places we booked a few days prior, most were booked on the way to them. The low cost & Free Camping in Tassie is INCREdIBLE!!! Happy & Safe travels…

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Tasmania Explorer

14 Day Tasmania Itinerary✅: Ultimate Tasmanian Road Trip

Heading to Tasmania and looking for a Tasmania road trip itinerary? Perfect! We have created exactly that – a 14 day Tasmania itinerary especially made for your next trip.

Tasmania is Australia’s southernmost state and a fantastic place to visit. Around 40% of the state is designated national park land, offering visitors stunning natural beauty with a vast array of nature treks, mountains and beaches to explore.

In addition to natural beauty, Tasmania has interesting historical sites from early colonial days, as well as laid back towns and cities and a thriving cafe and culinary culture. You can’t plan a trip to Tasmania without planning to sample its world renowned wine and produce.

It is also one of the easiest states to explore by car, making driving tours Tasmania the best way to explore this state. Our 14 day suggested itinerary for Tasmania is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of all this state has to offer.

Below, you will find the best road trip Tasmania offers! We use our experience exploring the state to give you the perfect plan with all the details you need for a Tasmania 2 week itinerary. We walk you through exactly what to do each day of your Tasmanian road trip, give you suggestions on where to stay, tell you approximate driving times and show you your Tasmania itinerary 14 days on a map.

You can simply stop following our self drive Tasmania 14 days itinerary if your trip finishes in less time by removing stops that don’t appeal to you as much. If you have a few days longer, I recommend you spend more time at the stops that most appeal to you, as this Tasmania driving itinerary does not have much downtime. If you like lots of downtime on your trips then I recommend removing a place or two from the 2 week Tasmania itinerary.

If you are searching for ideas for a 3 week Tasmania itinerary, you will also find recommended ways to extend your best Tasmania road trip below.

Finally, if you have any questions, let us know in the comments below – we are happy to help you in this ultimate Tasmania trip planner.

Going for a shorter period? You can find our best 10 day itinerary here , 7 day itinerary here and 4-5 day itinerary here .

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.

• 1.1 Overview
• 2 Tasmania Road Trip Map: 14 Day Tasmania Itinerary
• 3.1 Where To Stay In Hobart
• 3.2 Car Hire
• 3.3 Richmond
• 3.4 Richmond Gaol
• 3.5 Old Hobart Town Model Village
• 3.6 Battery Point
• 3.7 Salamanca Place and Hobart’s Waterfront
• 4.1 Mt Wellington
• 5.1 Where To Stay In Strahan
• 5.2 Lake St Clair
• 5.3 West Coast Reflections
• 6.1 West Coast Wilderness Railway
• 6.2 Gordon River Cruise
• 7.1 Where To Stay At Cradle Mountain
• 7.2 Cradle Mountain
• 7.3 Devils@Cradle
• 8.1 Where To Stay In Stanley
• 8.2 Fossil Bluff
• 8.3 Table Cape
• 8.4 Table Cape Tulip Farm
• 8.5 Boat Harbour
• 8.6 Tasmazia
• 9.1 The Nut
• 9.2 Highfield Historic Site
• 9.3 Stanley Seal Cruises
• 10.1 Where To Stay In Low Head
• 10.2 Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm
• 10.3 Tasmania Zoo
• 10.4 Cataract Gorge
• 10.5 Boag’s Brewery
• 11.1 Low Head Maritime Museum
• 11.2 Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre
• 11.3 Seahorse World
• 11.4 Platypus House
• 11.5 Low Head Penguin Tour
• 12.1 Where To Stay At Binalong Bay/St Helens
• 12.2 Little Blue Lake
• 12.3 Pub In The Paddock
• 12.4 St Columba Falls
• 12.5 Pyengana Dairy
• 13.1 Bay Of Fires
• 14.1 Where To Stay In Coles Bay
• 14.2 Freycinet Marine Farm
• 14.3 Wineglass Bay
• 15.1 Where To Stay In Port Arthur
• 15.2 Port Arthur Historic Site
• 16.1 Doo Town
• 16.2 Blow Hole And Tessellated Pavement
• 17 Tasmania Itinerary 12 Days
• 18 Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days
• 19.1 Related posts:

Perfect Tasmanian Road Trip Itinerary 2022

Remember, this is a full 14 day itinerary Tasmania. If you have fewer days, simply pick the days that most appeal – there are more tips for less and more days below.

Plans for the best road trips Tasmania are written to take advantage of every moment. This plan is fast moving and you will see a lot. Again, you can choose to remove some days to take it easier if you wish.

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

• Days 1-2 in Hobart
• Day 3 driving to Strahan stopping at the Lake St Clair part of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
• Day 4 exploring the west coast from Strahan
• Days 5-6 driving to Cradle Mountain and exploring the Dove Lake area at Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
• Days 6-7 heading to Stanley and exploring
• Days 8-10 driving on to Launceston and Low Head and exploring the Tamar Valley
• Days 10-11 heading to the east coast and exploring the Bay of Fires region
• Day 12 hiking to famous Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park
• Day 13 exploring Tasmania’s convict heritage at Port Arthur Historic Site
• Day 14 finishing up in Hobart

The highlights of this road trip around Tasmania are:

• Walk the historic areas of Richmond and Battery Point
• Be amazed (and shocked) at the world renowned museum of MONA
• Sample some of the delicious seafood and produce the state is famed for
• See the West Coast’s ancient, cool temperate rainforest on either a train ride or boat cruise
• Take a chairlift to the Nut at Stanley and see the sites around town
• Explore the glacial lake and see the imposing mountains at Cradle Mountain
• Explore the Tamar Valley region to sample top produce at wineries, see local wildlife, museums and more
• Spend a day exploring the stunning Bay Of Fires
• Sample excellent seafood at Freycinet and climb the gentle track to see the wonders of Wineglass Bay
• Witness Tasmania’s convict past at both Richmond Gaol and Port Arthur Historic Site
• See the geological wonders of Eaglehawk Neck like the Blowhole and Tessellated Pavement

…and much much more!

This one of our best Tasmania road trips is detailed as starting and finishing in Hobart, but you can start and finish from any point.

If you are starting at the ferry and looking for a Tasmania itinerary 14 days from Devonport, I recommend you start on Day 6 and drive straight to Stanley when disembarking. Once you hit day 14, start over on day one finishing up at Cradle Mountain.

If you are looking for a Tasmania family holiday itinerary, this also works great for families but with younger kids, I definitely recommend slowing it down.

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

Tasmania Road Trip Map: 14 Day Tasmania Itinerary

The following map shows you the route this road trip Tasmania takes around the state.

If you wish to go for more or less time, this map will also give you a good indication of what places you might be able to add or remove.

Day 1: Arriving in Hobart

Today, you arrive in Hobart. The start of your 2 weeks in Tasmania is all about enjoying Tasmania’s capital city.

This plan assumes you arrive first thing in the day, if you arrive later, consider dropping Richmond.

• Arrive in Hobart. I recommend you pick up your car hire at the airport so you are all set to go
• Head straight to Richmond. This small historic town is not far from the airport (approx driving time 20 minutes)
• Explore Richmond Gaol and Old Hobart Town Model Village
• Head to your hotel and check-in
• Explore the waterfront and Salamanca Place area in Hobart and Battery Point. You can do this on foot.
• Eat dinner in this area. We recommend Drunken Admirals for some fabulous seafood

Where To Stay In Hobart

• BEST – MACq 01 Hotel ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Somerset On The Pier ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Central Hotel Hobart  ( Click here for more details )

Read our full guide to Hobart accommodation here.

I recommend you 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”.

They are located in both Hobart and Launceston.

You can also find other car hire options here .

Just a 25 minute drive from Hobart is Richmond. This small town is popular with both tourists and locals with museums, galleries, cafes and gorgeous architecture, making this a lovely place to begin your driving tour of Tasmania.

Aside from just being a pretty town, Richmond showcases a lot of early colonial style architecture. Particularly impressive are some of the churches you’ll find dotted around town. Richmond is small and very easy to explore on foot, even with young kids, and you can easily spend a few hours here.

You’ll find Australia’s oldest stone span bridge, plenty of places to sample delicious food, parkland to relax and unwind, souvenir stores and interesting museums like the Pooseum, an interactive museum, best for kids, which showcases everything there is to know about poo!

Two of the must see sites in Richmond to add to your itinerary for Tasmania are mentioned below.

Richmond Gaol

One of the most interesting sites in Richmond is the Richmond Gaol. As a penal colony, Australia’s gaols were very important in its early history, and Richmond Gaol is Australia’s oldest gaol that still stands.

The gaol is relatively compact making it easy to explore, and there are information boards and sound effects to add context and atmosphere to the experience of visiting.

You can see the main building of the gaol including the cooks house with the original oven, women’s quarters, the flogging yard and chain gang holding rooms. You can also see a collection of historical relics.

One of the creepiest parts of the museum is the solitary confinement cells where you can get a sense of what this experience would have been like. The cells of the gaol remain exactly as they were in the past and you can lock yourself into one.

Address: 37 Bathurst St, Richmond TAS 7025

Click here to read our full review.

Old Hobart Town Model Village

Another interesting thing to see in Richmond is the Old Hobart Town Model Village. This village is like looking back in time and is the result of years of effort to recreate what Hobart was like in the 1820s.

The model village is quite large, with plenty of information boards, street names and detailed descriptions of what life in Hobart was like at this time. A few buildings in the model still stand today, and these and their history are given special attention.

The people in the town are interesting too, like convicts attempting an escape, a woman killing a snake, a boy falling from a tree and lots and lots of drunk people. This makes it enjoyable for kids as well who can get a list of things they need to try to find.

Address: 21a Bridge St, Richmond TAS 7025

Battery Point

Heading back to Hobart from Richmond, I suggest you park at Salamanca Place and explore Battery Point. This is a beautiful inner city suburb of Hobart, and it is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring it’s heritage trail and getting lost in it’s pretty and historic streets. It’s where we live and it’s gorgeous.

From Salamanca Place, you can climb the historic Kelly’s Steps which connects you to Battery Point via Kelly Street. These sandstone steps, built in 1840, are the perfect place to begin your walk. Must see spots include Arthurs Circus, Princes Park, Hampden Road and several of the numerous streets dotted with colonial style homes.

Hampden Road is the commercial heart of Battery Point, and here you’ll find restaurants, trendy cafes, shops and the Narryna Heritage Museum.

Salamanca Place and Hobart’s Waterfront

When you’re done exploring Battery Point, head back to Salamanca Place (simply called Salamanca by locals) and take a look at the imposing sandstone buildings complete with shops, restaurants and plenty of bars and pubs.

Salamanca has some of the best bars and pubs you’ll find in Hobart. These are all stretched along Salamanca place, and you’re quite literally spoilt for choice. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and take in everything you’ve seen.

The shops in Salamanca sell some of the goods Tasmania is known for like wine, fudge, wool and art, and every Saturday Salamanca hosts a vibrant market. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, this is definitely worth seeing.

When you’re finished with your drink, explore the nearby Parliament House Gardens, and then make your way to the waterfront.

Walking along the waterfront, some places to see include Brooke Street Pier, the converted warehouses near the MACq01 and some of the numerous fish and chip restaurants and boats (offering both dine in and takeaway).

When it comes to dinner, both Salamanca and Hobart’s waterfront have fantastic options to suit all budgets. For fine dining experiences I recommend one of the restaurants in Salamanca. For a budget friendly (and local approved meal), nothing beats fish and chips.

Day 2: Enjoying Hobart

Day 2 of this road trip in Tasmania is all about seeing more of Hobart.

• Start the day by heading up Mt Wellington for the best views of Hobart (driving time of about an hour return from the centre of Hobart)
• Eat lunch back at Salamanca Place. Machine Laundry Cafe is a good spot
• Head out to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Ideally, take the ferry from the waterfront return for great views and a great experience along the way

Read our full guide to Hobart here.

Mt Wellington

Mt Wellington, also known as Kunanyi or just “the mountain” by locals, is the imposing mountain which can be seen from all around Hobart. It is a must see destination on scenic drives Tasmania.

Driving to the top of Mt Wellington is very easy. Heading through the suburb of South Hobart, you’ll pass the historic Cascade Brewery and can make your way up the mountain from here.

While driving is easy, the roads can be quite narrow and there are usually plenty of other cars making the journey. Just go slow. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, and there are plenty of lookouts and stops along the way to take in the view. The Springs is a particularly nice spot to stop, take a walk and grab a hot drink (and use the toilet).

Continue making your way up to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the pinnacle you’ll find plenty of parking to stop and explore. There is a good observation shelter which includes a sign with landmarks to help grasp the layout of Hobart, as well as a brief history of the site.

There are also open air lookouts dotted around to get different views of the city, as well as rocks to climb and the tall telecommunications tower which can be seen from a distance.

There are also plenty of walks you can take from here. Note that it can be snowing during the winter months (and sometimes during summer as well!), and at times the pinnacle may be closed due to poor weather. It can also get very cold and windy, and warm clothes are essential.

It’s a great place to spend a short amount of time exploring (or longer if the nature trails interest you) to take in the views and the fresh, cool air.

Address: Wellington Park TAS 7054

If there’s one museum you’ll want to see while in Hobart, it’s MONA. This is a particularly impressive and world renowned museum, not only because of the impressiveness of the site, but also because of the weird and wonderful exhibitions.

MONA is located by a winery and the building is mostly below ground, etched into the sandstone. There really is something for everyone to enjoy here and you’ll notice interesting things at every turn.

The museum is like a labyrinth of exhibitions which are always changing, complete with tunnels, mazes, artwork, chambers, a library, bar and vending machines with beer. There are also restaurants and cafes for when you need a break.

An example of the strangeness of some of the exhibitions include the Poop Machine which kids certainly enjoy. There seems to be a large focus on the repulsiveness of the human body.

More sober exhibitions include an Egyptian sarcophagus and other ancient artifacts, as well as interesting artwork, short films and much more. Exploring the different floors is interesting in itself.

I love that they give you The O – this is a device which gives explanations on different art pieces. It’s like having your own guide and means you can learn more about the things which interest you.

Most of the museum is included in the ticket price, but there are certain exhibitions and shows which require an additional purchase. It is possible to buy tickets online. It’s definitely a must see.

Address: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011

Day 3: Lake St Clair And Strahan

Driving Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

It’s time to head out of Hobart on this option of the best road trips in Tasmania to explore the west coast.

• After breakfast, get in the car and drive to the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre (approx driving time 2 hours 20 minutes)
• Eat some lunch at the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre and then take a hike. There are a variety of options here depending on whether you would like an easy 30 minute option like to Watersmeet or something longer
• Drive on to Strahan (approx driving time about 2 hours)
• Head to the local museum, West Coast Reflections, on arrival if time
• Eat dinner at the Bushman’s Bar and Cafe. We recommend booking ahead for dinner in Strahan and note there can be a shortage of places to eat especially on a Sunday

Where To Stay In Strahan

• BEST – Aloft Boutique Accommodation ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Motel Strahan ( Click here for more details )

Click here for more Strahan accommodation options.

Lake St Clair

One of the top rated Tasmania scenic drives is a visit to Lake St Clair. This is a must see spot on our suggested itinerary Tasmania.

Lake St Clair is located in Lake St Clair National Park, which is also home to Cradle Mountain. On this visit, you will see the southern end of Lake St Clair and take one of three walks to get a taste of the stunning beauty of Lake St Clair (we will visit Cradle Mountain on day 5).

From Cynthia Bay, there are three walks you can take ranging from about 30 minutes to 2 hours. It’s easy to start one walk and then extend it if you’re ready for more. The Watersmeet Walk is just a short 30 minute circuit and easy with kids and you can easily extend it to reach Platypus Bay and lamairremener tabelti.

You will need a national park pass before you visit this national park, and you can buy a pass that gives you entry to all national parks for the duration of your trip. Get yours here.

West Coast Reflections

Upon entering Strahan on your Tasmania driving tour, it’s worth paying a visit to the West Coast Reflections museum located at the West Coast Visitor Information Centre.

This small museum offers a little background on the lives of the people on the West Coast, including Indigenous Australians and convicts, and the importance of the mining and forestry industry and the activism it gave rise to.

There’s also information on the local rainforests and caves, and if you have more time, you can see the play ‘The Ship That Never Was’ here – the longest running Tasmania play about 10 convicts hijacking the last ship built at Macquarie Harbour (a true story!).

Museum entry is cheap – only $2 for adults and $1 for children. If you have time, add it to your Tasmania holiday itinerary.

Address: The Esplanade, TAS, 7468

Day 4: Strahan

Today, you have your biggest decision of this 14 day Tasmania self drive itinerary – pick one of the first two options below (you don’t have time for both).

• Take the amazing West Coast Wilderness Railway starting in Strahan and either returning to Strahan or finishing in Queenstown
• Take a stunning Gordon River cruise

Read our full guide to Strahan here.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Originally built to carry materials mined in Queenstown to the port of Strahan, the West Coast Wilderness Railway is not only an engineering marvel but simply the best way to see the rugged and mountainous beauty of the west coast.

From Strahan, you’ll board an old steam train which departs from Regatta Point Station and travels through the rich rainforest.

You can choose to take either a full day or half day tour, and pick from two different tiers of carriages – heritage, which is comfortable and offers drinks and snacks available for purchase, and Wilderness, which is a fully catered service including drinks and offers use of an open balcony. Note that it’s recommended to dress warm as it can get quite cold.

The train makes multiple stops along the journey depending on which tour you choose to take, and there are activities at each station included in your ticket price where you do things like sample honey, mine for gold and go on short guided walks.

The full day tour stops at Queenstown where there is a cafe and a museum, and you can choose to do extra activities like river rafting if this interests you.

The Wilderness Railway is one of the most unique and interesting ways to appreciate the beauty, history and ruggedness of the west coast.

Address: 62 Esplanade, Strahan TAS 7468

Gordon River Cruise

The Gordon River is famous for its stunning beauty and runs through lush cold climate rainforest. The best way to see it is with a Gordon River Cruise.

There are two main cruise lines – World Heritage Cruises and Gordon River Cruises. We took the Gordon River Cruises cruise. This luxury river cruise departs Strahan and takes you on a 6 hour journey down the Gordon River aboard the Spirit of the Wild – a boat which uses technology which makes the cruise relatively quiet so that you can truly experience the peace and tranquility of Gordon River.

Our cruise started from Strahan and sailed past the historic Macquarie Harbour to Hell’s Gate (the entrance to Gordon River from the Southern Ocean). Sailing silently down the Gordon River, the cruise stops at Heritage Landing where you can take a walk through the rainforest and see Sarah Island which was a penal colony with some interesting monuments.

Along the way we were given plenty of information on the history of the area, the difficulty of navigating the harbour and the life of early settlers and convicts.

The Main Deck has two options – centre and window, and both include a lunch of Tasmanian produce. You can also choose to sit in the Premium Upper Deck, which also includes morning and afternoon tea, a viewing deck and an open bar.

The sites along the cruise are simply phenomenal and need to be experienced to be appreciated. Famous too, when conditions are right, is the reflection on the river due to the darker colour of the water. It’s an ideal way to spend a day.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Address: 24 Esplanade, Strahan TAS 7468

Day 5: Cradle Mountain

Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Today, it’s time to explore the Cradle Mountain part of Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park on your Tasmania route.

• After breakfast, grab supplies for a picnic and drive to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre
• From here, take a shuttle bus to Dove Lake
• Explore this region, picking a hike that suits your taste and ability
• Check in to your accommodation
• Go on an after dark feeding tour at Devils@Cradle

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 )

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in central Tasmania, and your drive around Tasmania itinerary should definitely include a stop here.

Driving into the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre, you’ll already get a sense of the isolation of this spot and the vastness of the landscape. The Visitor Centre itself is a hive of activity where you can visit the cafe for a coffee, purchase souvenirs from the gift shop and then take the shuttle bus to Dove Lake or one of the stops on the way.

There are plenty of walks you can do from here. If you have the time, I recommend the Dove Lake walk where you’ll get excellent views of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding area around Dove Lake, as well view the local flora. It’s 6 kilometres long and takes about 2.5 hours at an easy pace. The track is mostly flat and very well surfaced.

If taking a long walk isn’t your thing, you can visit Dove Lake to get some amazing photos, and then go on a shorter walk closer to the visitors centre. Some good shorter walks include the Enchanted Walk (20 minutes) and the Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk (just 10 minutes return).

I recommend taking a look at the walks before you visit so you can plan one for your Tasmania trip itinerary that suits you. You can find all the walks here.

Devils@Cradle

Devils@Cradle is a wildlife sanctuary at Cradle Mountain that helps in the conservation of the threatened Tasmanian devil. You can visit the sanctuary both day and night and get up close to the Tasmanian devil, as well as the Spotted-tailed and Eastern quoll. Knowledgeable guides will give you interesting information about the lives of these animals.

The night feeding tour is really the showcase event. As Tasmanian devils are mostly nocturnal by nature, they are most active at night, and seeing a group feeding experience is a unique and fascinating experience for both kids and adults.

The night tours take about 1 hour and 15 minutes and operates between 5:30pm and 8:30pm daily.

Address: 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306

Day 6: Wynyard, Boat Harbour And Stanley

Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

In this part of the Tasmania road trip planner, you’ll explore some of the beautiful North West coast of Tasmania.

• After breakfast, jump in the car and head for Fossil Bluff and Table Cape near Wynyard. Switch this with Tasmazia if you have kids (approx driving time about 1 hour 20 minutes)
• If it’s October, also visit Table Cape Tulip Farm
• Next, head to the stunning Boat Harbour beach, especially if it’s summer (approx driving time about 15 minutes)
• Drive on to Stanley and check into your accommodation
• Have dinner at the Stanley Hotel Bistro

If you are planning family driving holidays Tasmania, consider heading to Tasmazia instead of the Wynyard attractions in the morning.

Where To Stay In Stanley

• BEST – Horizon Deluxe Apartments ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Stanley Village Waterfront Accommodation ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park ( Click here for more details )

Click here for more Stanley accommodation options.

Fossil Bluff

Heading north from Cradle Mountain on your driving around Tasmania itinerary, the next place to visit is Fossil Bluff.

Fossil Bluff is a stunning beach with a backdrop of cliffs. These sandstone cliffs have fossils from millions of years ago. It’s great to explore alone or with kids, and to see the fossils in the rocks and shells. There’s also a short uphill walk where you can take in the view. However, it might be a little challenging for some.

The beach itself is small and suitable for swimming in the warmer months, and there are some picnic facilities nearby, making it a great place to stop and have a picnic lunch.

Address: 26/28 Freestone Cres, Wynyard TAS 7325

Read our full guide to Wynyard here.

A short drive from Fossil Bluff is Table Cape, the next stop on your Tasmania driving holiday itinerary. Table Cape is a stunning site positioned on top of a dormant volcano.

From the car park at the top, there is a lockout area where on clear days you can see to over 175 kilometres away. From the car park, a short walking track leads you to the lighthouse in the distance.

Following the track which lines the cliff face, it’s quite common to see wildlife along the way. At the end of the short walk, you’ll reach the impressive Table Cape Lighthouse. Here you can read about its interesting history, see the beautiful view and the tulip farm in the distance, and see remnants of long demolished buildings.

Address: 363 Table Cape Rd, Wynyard, Tasmania 7325

Read our full guide to Table Cape here.

Table Cape Tulip Farm

If you’re visiting Tasmania between September and October, you might be lucky enough to see the Table Cape Tulip Farm come to life. This is one of the most unique things to add to your itinerary planner Tasmania in Wynyard.

The Tulip Farm is positioned very close to the lighthouse and is open year round, but it is an absolute delight to see in spring. This is when the Tulips bloom and the annual Tulip Festival is held, a carnival-like atmosphere where people from all around the state come to see the tulips.

They are simply amazing to see with an array of colours which seemingly go on forever. The farm also has a cafe and art gallery too.

Click here for all the Wynyard accommodation options.

Boat Harbour

Tasmania has some beautiful beaches, and if you’re visiting in the warmer periods of late spring and summer, Boat Harbour is definitely one to add to the list.

This is a gorgeous white sand beach and, in fact, regularly rated among Australia’s top 10. It’s generally a quiet beach making it a great way to spend some time relaxing with rock pools and the frequent sighting of dolphins and seals in the distance adding to its charm.

Even if you’re not visiting during summer, it’s worth seeing the beauty of this beach and taking a quick look at the surrounding Boat Harbour area.

Read our full guide to Boat Harbour here.

If you want to add something different to your Tasmania travel route which kids will praticularly enjoy, a visit to Tasmazia is perfect.

This is a super unique experience for the whole family and a lot of thought has been put in to make the experience as fun and interesting as possible. There are eight different mazes to explore (among the largest complex in the world), a lavender farm, model villages with funny names, a shop and a cafe.

You can spend hours exploring all the site has to offer, with something different on every turn, making for a super fun day for the whole family. The cafe also specialises in pancakes to keep the kids impressed.

There are model embassies from many different countries complete with satirical humour, and there are surprisingly good jokes on every turn. This is a place to keep you entertained and laughing.

Address: 500 Staverton Rd, Promised Land TAS 7306

Read our full guide to Tasmazia here.

Day 7: Stanley

Today’s part of the Tasmania two week itinerary is enjoying what scenic Stanley has to offer.

• Have breakfast and then head to The Nut
• Take the chairlift to the top of The Nut (or walk) and go for a walk around it
• Next, head to Highfield Historic Site and explore the property
• Have lunch at a bakery in town then go on a 75-minute Stanley Seal Cruise

The showpiece of Stanley is the Nut, and it’s the main place to add to your Tasmania itinerary planner while here.

It’s impressiveness can be seen from all around Stanley and, with a captivatingly flat surface, it’s very easy to explore on foot.

There are two ways to reach the top of the Nut – either by walking or taking the chairlift. Note, the walk is difficult. It is very steep and will likely require a few stops along the way. However, it is free and rewarding.

The chairlift ride takes just 5 minutes and offers great views, but it doesn’t operate all the time and there is a fee (last time we checked it was $17 return for adults and $11 for kids).

Once you reach the top, you can take a circuit walk of the Nut, which takes about an hour. You can take in the views of Stanley and the sea. It really is a pretty site.

As the Nut is mostly flat, the walk is easy, but it can be cool and windy, so it’s advised to dress appropriately.

Address: Browns Road, Stanley, TAS 7331

Click here to read our full guide to visiting The Nut.

Highfield Historic Site

After walking around the Nut, head to Highfield Historic Site, which is only 3 kilometres away and offers a great chance to see an early restored Tasmanian farm house. The site has plenty of history to absorb as well as pretty manicured gardens.

The rooms and layout of the house are very well kept, and there’s some authentic and interesting furniture and paintings to see, as well as pretty views of Stanley and the water from the house.

The entrance price is $12, and it’s a great place to take in a bit of history about Stanley.

Address: Highfield, 143 Green Hills Rd, Stanley TAS 7331

Stanley Seal Cruises

Seals are relatively abundant around Tasmania, and one of the best ways to get a glimpse of them is with a Stanley Seal Cruise. These cruises leave twice a day – 10am and 2pm – and take about 75 minutes. They pretty much give you their guarantee that you will see an Australian Fur Seal on the cruise.

The trip is comfortable and the guides are informative, and there is usually an abundance of marine life to spot around the Nut and surrounding area. Bottle Nose Dolphins are also frequently sighted.

It’s a great way to get up close and see the seals in action. There’s also a nice cafe on the Dock, the Dockside Cafe, great for a late breakfast or lunch.

Address: 6 Wharf Rd, Stanley TAS 7331

Read our full guide to Stanley here.

Day 8: Launceston And Tamar Valley

Driving Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

In this part of the 14 day self drive Tasmania itinerary, you move on to Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city, and the Tamar Valley region.

• Get going early so you are all set for a delicious brunch at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm in Elizabeth Town (approx driving time about 2 hours)
• Drive to Tasmania Zoo to check out Tasmania’s wildlife  (approx driving time about 35 minutes)
• Next, head to Cataract Gorge in Launceston. Take the chairlift one way and walk around the Gorge over the suspension bridge in the other (approx driving time about 25 minutes)
• Take a tour of Boags Brewery
• Drive on to Low Head and check into your accommodation  (approx driving time about 40 minutes)

Where To Stay In Low Head

• BEST – Low Head Pilot Station ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Low Head Tourist Park ( Click here for more details )

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm is a must visit to taste some of the fantastic produce and food Tasmania is prized for.

Of course, the main event here is the raspberries, and while these are seasonal, you can find raspberry dishes all year round. You can also sample Tasmanian wine or have a full three course meal.

The farm is a beautiful setting where you can walk by the lake, and there is also play equipment and a treasure hunt for kids. You can also see alpacas and wallabies on the property, and there is an excellent shop filled with raspberry products and some free tastings.

This is a very popular place to stop for brunch, so I recommend you book ahead.

Address: 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town TAS 7304

Click here to read our full guide to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.

Tasmania Zoo

With over 100 different species to see, Tasmania Zoo is a great way to spend a couple of hours exploring. Here you can see some of the animals Tasmania and Australia are famous for, as well as rare species from all over the world.

Animals include the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the Tasmanian Devil, the African Lion and the Red Panda, just to name a few. This is also the only Australia zoo with the Black Crested Macaque.

In addition to plenty of interesting animals to see, there is a food machine where you can fill a cup and to feed some of the animals, there is a cafe, toilet facilities and a BBQ area which is great if you’d like to have a picnic lunch in the bushy surroundings.

Address: 1166 Ecclestone Rd, Riverside TAS 7250

Cataract Gorge

In the city of Launceston you’ll find Cataract Gorge, a gorgeous place to visit with walks, places to swim in the warmer months, a cafe and restaurant, peacocks and wallabies and a chair lift (the longest single span chairlift in the world!).

A ride on the chairlift is the best way to see the beauty of this area and the natural basin below, with a single chair fitting 2 passengers comfortably.

You can take a walk around the gardens and see the peacocks and wallabies, and you can also take a walk on the suspension bridge and ride The Inclinator – a free self operated people mover which takes you from the entrance to the lawn below.

This is a pretty sensational place sitting just outside of Launceston CBD, and you can spend as long as you like exploring the area.

Address: 69 Basin Road, Launceston, TAS 7250

Boag’s Brewery

Tasmania’s breweries are a significant part of its history, and the Boag’s Brewery in Launceston is worth seeing if this interests you with this particular brewery operated since 1881.

The tour gives you an introduction to the beer making process, a behind the scenes look at the factory and the chance to sample different Tasmanian beers.

The tours are known for being entertaining and fun, take about 90 minutes and run most days.

Address: 39 William St, Launceston TAS 7250

Read our full guide to Launceston here.

Day 9: Tamar Valley

Our favourite part of this two weeks in Tasmania is exploring the Tamar Valley. Today, you will hopefully feel the same.

• Start at the Low Head Maritime Museum at the Low Head Pilot Station
• Head to the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre (approx driving time about 30 minutes)
• Pick a winery for lunch. We recommend Iron Pot Bay Vineyard (approx driving time about 15 minutes)
• Visit Seahorse World and Platypus House (or stop at some more wineries for tastings)  (approx driving time about 20 minutes)
• In the evening, take a Low Head penguin tour

Low Head Maritime Museum

The Low Head Maritime Museum is an interesting museum where you can learn about the history of sailing in the Tamar Valley and see some relics from the past.

The museum is located among pretty cottages and positioned in the convict built Pilots’ Row – a row of four cottages – and is the oldest pilot station in Australia still operating.

The museum is quite expensive with 13 different rooms focusing on things like shipwrecks, telegraphs and communications, navigation, whaling history and more. They also have a few interactive pieces like a ship’s helm and morse code telegraph key, which makes it enjoyable for kids and adults.

Address: 399 Low Head Rd, Low Head TAS 7253

Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre

Many people in Tasmania and around Australia are familiar with the Beaconsfield Mine as this is the site where in 2006 two miners became stuck for two weeks

The site is no longer an active mine, and it’s been transformed into an interesting heritage centre providing an insight into mining, Beaconsfield and the dramatic incident and rescue in 2006.

You can also walk around the original site and appreciate the interesting and complex work done here. They’ve also been quite mindful to make this attraction interesting for kids with tunnels to crawl through, levers to pull and activities like panning for gold.

Our kids were also given a list of animals to try to locate (however although we tried hard, we failed!). There’s plenty to see here and I highly recommend taking the short drive to check it out.

Address: West St, Beaconsfield TAS 7270

Seahorse World

Located in Beauty Point is Seahorse World, an awesome place where you can learn about and see a surprising array of seahorses.

A visit to Seahorse World is conducted by tour, where you are taken around the facility and introduced to the world of seahorses. We were surprised with just how small they can be. You also learn about how seahorses breed and how the male is actually the one who carries the babies!

The facility is also a breeding centre, and there are several areas in the facility where the seahorses are housed, varying on their age.

You can also see other species of marine life (like endangered fish), and are given the opportunity to touch some seahorses, crabs and starfish. Tours are run hourly and I highly recommend booking ahead. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Address: 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point TAS 7270

Click here for the latest prices or read our full review here .

Platypus House

Right next to Seahorse World in Beauty Point is Platypus House. This is the place to learn about platypus’ and echidnas and see them up close.

Platypus House is similar to Seahorse World in that you visit by guided tour, with tours running every hour at least. Again, I recommend booking ahead to get your preferred time.

Both echidnas and platypus’ come from the same group – Monotremes – and the guides give plenty of information on them. You’re introduced to the 14 year old male platypus, as well as a few females. We were then taken to a room with three echidnas, and sat in a circle while they fed (unphased by us!). This was very unique and interesting to see the animals so close up.

Tours take about 45 minutes and it’s a great place for families to visit for memorable close encounters with echidnas and platypus’, and one you won’t soon forget.

Low Head Penguin Tour

If there’s one thing you must do in Low Head, it’s a Low Head Penguin Tour. These amazing tours take place every evening after sunset, when the penguins return from sea and are an incredible way to see the fairy penguins.

Tours take place at the Low Head Coast Reserve. You can only access the reserve by tour in the evening, and I highly recommend this tour for the best up close encounter we have experienced with penguins. The guides are knowledgeable and experienced. I also recommend you dress warm and call up in advance to see when tours are run (it’ll be at sunset).

The group can be split into smaller groups, each with their own guide, who directs you to the beach and will likely point out other wildlife (like wallabies, bandicoots and possibly penguins) on the way.

The beach is where the majority of the penguins gather for the night. It’s an amazing thing to see. When we visited, the penguins were with babies, and the guide provided some fascinating information about the penguins.

The tour finishes up in the shop, where our kids were given stickers. It really is an incredible experience for all ages.

Address: 485 Low Head Rd, Low Head TAS 7253

Day 10: North East Tasmania

Driving Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

It’s time for a change of scenery with your Tasmanian road trips heading to the east coast.

• Drive to Pipers Brook Vineyard to start the day with a tasting (approx driving time about 35 minutes)
• Head to Little Blue Lake for a quick photo (approx driving time about 1 hour 5 minutes)
• Drive into Pyengana and have lunch at the famous Pub in the Paddock (approx driving time about 50 minutes)
• Drive on to St Columba Falls and take the short walk to these big falls (approx driving time about 10 minutes)
• Stop for some Pyengana cheese on your way to Binalong Bay/St Helens

Read our full guide to North East Tasmania here.

Where To Stay At Binalong Bay/St Helens

Binalong Bay is the closest point to the Bay of Fires which you will be exploring tomorrow. Another option is the town of St Helens nearby which has more options.

• 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.

Little Blue Lake

For a quick photo opportunity, I recommend stopping at Little Blue Lake. This pretty blue lake (with a less pretty history) is blue regardless of the weather.

The blue colour is the result of alluvial tin mining in the past which has left the lake a perpetual blue (and rendered it unswimmable due to heavy metal contamination).

It’s worth a quick visit and photo being located on the way to your next stop.

Address: 1753 Gladstone Rd, South Mount Cameron TAS 7264

Pub In The Paddock

A well known and traditional pub to stop for lunch is the Pub In The Paddock located in Pyengana. This pub has a colourful history, being first licensed in 1880 and once had an active dance hall and picture theatre.

It’s now mostly frequented by a steady stream of tourists. However as one of the oldest pubs in Tasmania, it’s still an interesting place to have lunch.

One of the main attractions of this pub is Priscilla II, a pig that feeds on special beer which you can buy from the bar. True to its name, you can get a nice traditional pub meal here and it’s a nice, interesting place to have lunch.

Address: 250 St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana TAS 7216

St Columba Falls

For more of Tasmania’s best natural beauty, a visit to St Columba Falls is a must. At 90 metres tall, the falls are one of Tasmania’s highest and a stunning sight to see (and hear).

The walk to the base of the falls is easy enough on a good path and takes about 7 minutes (our 4 year old was able to do it), although it can be slippery. It’s a beautiful walk through tall trees with man ferns, sassafras and myrtle rainforest trees.

The area features a 4,200 hectare mountainous catchment area, and during times of higher rainfall, the falls become huge and thunderously loud. However, at any time, they are an incredible sight.

There is a viewing platform at the base of the falls where you can appreciate their magnificence and the power of nature, and there are walks nearby (like Halls Falls walking track) if you so wish.

Address: 395 Saint Columba Falls Road, Pyengana, Tasmania, 7216

Pyengana Dairy

Tasmania is well known as a destination of great cheese, and Pyengana Dairy is the place to sample the famous Pyengana cheese.

The dairy company is a place where you can get a little insight into the cheese making process. There are two windows where you can see cheese making in action and you can see cheese maturing in their cellar.

Of course, you can also sample some of their fabulous cheeses and purchase some that you enjoy. Pyengana Dairy also has a nice cafe where you can spend some time taking in the views and relaxing over a coffee or cheese platter.

Address: St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana TAS 7216

Read our full guide to Pyengana here.

Day 11: Bay Of Fires

Today is the easiest day in this itinerary for 2 weeks in Tasmania with a beach day!

• Explore Bay of Fires

If you are looking for a Tasmania winter itinerary, I would still keep this day. You won’t want to swim but this area is still pretty to explore and by this point of this driving itinerary Tasmania, you deserve an easier day.

Bay Of Fires

A short drive from St Helens is Bay Of Fire and this is a must see on your Tasmania road trip.

This conservation area is famed for its magnificent beaches with white sand and crystal clear water, as well as its striking orange coloured boulders. The area is complete with walks with wildlife and beautiful nature sights, and it’s an area you can easily spend a day exploring.

Binalong Bay is one of the best known spots on the Bay Of Fires. Located at the southern end of Bay Of Fires, this is a small town where many people camp, and there are also a few nice cafes to stop for lunch.

The long beach here is a great place to swim on warmer days, or to take a walk and see the many native birds on the beach. You’ll also find the orange boulders to explore that the area is famous for.

Half way between Binalong Bay and Ansons Bay is The Gardens. This stretch contains fabulous beaches, as well as a car park and boardwalk where you can stop and take a short walk to a lookout for fabulous photos.

Other spots to see include Skeleton Bay, Policemans Point and Ansons Bay. There is a wealth of beaches and scenery to explore, and the area is likely to have you constantly stopping to see something new.

Of course, if you want to swim, it’s best to visit this area in the warmer months of the year. However, even without swimming, it’s a stunning place to explore.

Address: 280 Ansons Bay Road St Helens Tasmania 7216

Day 12: Freycinet National Park

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

The next stop on your travel itinerary Tasmania is Freycinet National Park and the stunning Wineglass Bay.

• Drive to Freycinet National Park stopping at Freycinet Marine Farm on the way
• Hike to Wineglass Bay

Where To Stay In Coles Bay

Coles Bay is the town at the entry 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

The first place I recommend you visit in Coles Bay is Freycinet Marine Farm. Tasmania has some fantastic seafood, and Freycinet Marine Farm is the place to sample some of it straight from the sea.

This small collection of buildings is a place where you sit down for a meal or get take away. There’s plenty of seating and most of it is undercover. I highly recommend stopping here for lunch.

There isn’t a huge range of options on the menu but everything is delicious – particularly the mussels and oysters which are farmed here. They also serve chips and other seafood, and you can wash down your meal with a nice glass of wine.

Prices aren’t overly cheap but if you love seafood, it’s worth every penny. They also offer tours where they take you to their farm and you can catch and shuck your own oysters – you can’t get fresher than that!

Address: 1784 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215

Wineglass Bay

One of the most spectacular and iconic spots in Tasmania is Wineglass Bay. The beach here is considered among the top 10 beaches in the world.

This is a very popular place to visit, and for most people it’s the main reason to visit Freycinet. You have several options here. Firstly, you can walk the uphill track to the lookout. This is a well made track and usually highly trafficked with people of all ages.

There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, and depending on your fitness level and whether or not you have kids with you, one way can take between 30 minutes to an hour.

At the top, you’re rewarded with a view from above of the gorgeous beach and coast. The lookout has plenty of room to take photos. It really is a beautiful spot.

From the lookout you can choose to hike down to the beach. However, this isn’t for everyone and most people don’t do it. It can take about 3-4 hours return and can be quite steep. However, it’s the only way to make it down to the beach.

Alternatively, you can take the Hazards Beach Circuit which starts at the car park, but this is longer and more suitable for experienced hikers. There are other walks you can do too.

The trek to the lookout is rewarding enough for most people and allows you to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of this area.

Address: Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215

Day 13: Port Arthur

Driving Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

The next stop on this driving tour Tasmania is Port Arthur to learn about Tasmania’s convict past.

• Drive to Port Arthur Historic Site and explore the site taking the included walking and boat tours
• Return to the site at night for the ghost tour

Where To Stay In 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 .

Port Arthur Historic Site

The Port Arthur Historic Site is a UNESCO world heritage site and known as one of the best relics from Australia’s convict past.

Port Arthur was the most important convict gaol in Tasmania and, from the 19th century, over 12,000 convicts were sent here and not just any convict. Port Arthur was only for the worst crimes, and, over the years, it became known as one of the most brutal gaols in Australia.

Presumably, it wasn’t a nice place. However now it is an extremely popular tourist attraction and a must see destination while in Tasmania.

A ticket to Port Arthur includes full entry to the site, a 40 minute guided walking tour of the site providing some background and broad history and a 25 minute boat cruise. When you pay for your ticket, you can select your walking tour time. For this reason, I recommend booking ahead, however you can buy tickets on the day and there’s also a gift shop, restaurant and cafe.

You can then explore the prison by yourself. It is very extensive with buildings (both restored and in ruins), gardens, walks and other interesting relics from the past. The separate restored prison is also a must see and gives you a feeling of what life must of been like for these convicts. We also really enjoyed exploring the old houses.

The included cruise sails the harbour past the Isle of the Dead – a burial spot for convicts – and you can also purchase an additional tour to explore this island.

There’s also after dark tours you can do, the most well known being the Port Arthur Ghost Tour. There’s been many reported paranormal events at Port Arthur which has resulted in this very popular 90 minute tour with an entertaining guide where you’re told both funny and creepy ghost stories and asked to judge for yourself whether ghosts exist!

It really is a fabulous place to visit.

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

Read our full guide to Port Arthur here.

Day 14: Back To Hobart

Driving Time: 1 hours 45 minutes

It’s time for the final day of your Tasmania travel itinerary 🙁 Head back to Hobart ready to fly out. If you started with this itinerary at another point, head back to the top for day one.

• Drive to Doo Town and check out the funny house names (approx driving time 30 minutes)
• Discover the Blow Hole and Tessellated Pavement
• Head back to Hobart visiting Richmond if you haven’t already (see day one)

In the pretty location of Eaglehawk Neck is the quirky town of Doo Town.

Doo Town is a place where the majority of the homes are named using the word “doo”. This is a trend that started in 1935 and continues today, and it’s an entertaining place to drive around and spot all the different names.

Some are quite funny to see and it’s clever how many names they’ve created. There’s even a cafe nearby, aptly named Doo-lishus. The town is positioned adjacent to water on the Tasman peninsula – a beautiful spot to see in its own right.

Address: 301 C338, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS 7179

Read our full guide to Doo Town here.

Blow Hole And Tessellated Pavement

Eaglehawk Neck has several fascinating geological sites, and one particularly famous is the Blow Hole. From the car park, it’s just a short walk to the Blow Hole, a very interesting site to see set in a beautifully scenic location.

Once a small cave, the water has patiently eroded the rock which has resulted in the blowhole effect seen today. To see the Blow Hole in action, you need to visit during a time of high tide. However at any time it’s still an impressive site to see.

A short 10 minute drive from the Blow Hole is the Tessellated Pavement. This is one of the most photographed spots in Tasmania, and is a natural phenomenon of tiled rock due to a combination of erosion and salt crystals of the Tasman sea.

You can get right up close to the pavement but I recommend wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Note also the tide can come in! It’s an impressive site to see and an extremely rare phenomenon which is just another example of the uniqueness of Tasmania’s wilderness.

Address: Eaglehawk Neck, TAS 7179

Tasmania Itinerary 12 Days

If you are looking for a 12 day Tasmania self drive itinerary, I recommend dropping one of the following stops:

• Tamar Valley
• Bay of Fires

Pick whichever seems the least interesting to you.

Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days

3 weeks in Tasmania? Lucky you! With some extra time, I recommend you take the above a bit slower and add an extra night to:

• Strahan – if you would like to do both the Gordon River cruise and West Coast Wilderness Railway
• Cradle Mountain – if you like hiking
• Low Head – if you like wineries
• Coles Bay – if you like beach towns
• Hobart – if you want to visit more museums and attractions

I also recommend you add a couple of days at the end of your Tasmania trip plan on Bruny Island. Read more about Bruny Island here .

If you are looking for adults-only Tasmania itinerary ideas, consider a couple of nights at Pumphouse Point on Lake St Clair. Read more about this here .

There’s also many other national parks to explore. One of the most visited from Hobart is Mt Field National Park. It’s about a one hour drive from Hobart, and from here you can do an easy 15 minute walk to see the stunning and iconic Russell Falls.

Final Words About Your Road Trip Tasmania Adventure!

With so many natural wonders, excellent food, history, museums and sites, Tasmania is a fantastic place to visit with a wealth of experiences waiting to be had.

This 14 day itinerary has focused on the top things to do in the state and, by following it, you’ll be sure to have an action packed, exciting yet still relaxing holiday.

We hope you enjoyed this best Tasmania itinerary, perfect for your Tasmanian road trip. You can find more information to plan your perfect trip to Tasmania  here , read our 4-5 day itinerary here , 7 day here , or 10 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.