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Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania © Pierre Destribats

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• Getting to Tasmania

Reconnect with nature, wildlife and your taste buds on a trip to the impossibly beautiful island state of Tasmania.

Tasmania’s natural beauty is captivating, its cultural experiences are diverse, and its food and drink offering is enviable. Get a true taste of Tasmania in its fresh apple cider, cheeses, wine and oysters, and experience a dose of its serenity with its powder-white beaches and laid-back luxury. 

Tasmania's natural beauty abounds around every corner, and thanks to its compact size, it's easy to see a good portion of it by travelling just outside the capital city of Hobart. It's also a wildlife haven, so wherever you travel, you're likely to spot wombats, pademelons and wallabies. 

• Visit Hobart's most fascinating art gallery, the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
• Wander white sand beaches lining calm blue waters of Freycinet National Park
• Head out for a true adventure on one of the state's famous walking tracks  

Tasmania may be Australia’s island state, but it’s still easily accessible from the mainland.

The two major Tassie cities, Hobart and Launceston, have direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. You can also travel by sea using the car ferry, Spirit of Tasmania, which crosses between mainland Australia (from Geelong) to the Tasmanian city of Devonport (near Launceston) daily. Driving is a great way to get around after arriving in Tasmania, with incredible road trips like the Great Eastern Drive waiting to be discovered.

Popular destinations in Tasmania

Launceston, Devonport and Burnie

Cradle Mountain

Tasman Peninsula

Tasmania's West Coast

Trips and itineraries.

Circle Tasmania road trip

5 days road tripping Tasmania's Great Eastern Drive

A 10-day taste of gourmet Tasmania

5 days of Instagram worthy sights in Tasmania

6-day journey through Tasmania's western wilds

Things to do in tasmania.

Tasmania's best islands

Food and wine trails in Tasmania

Tasmania's top hiking trails

Looking for more inspiration? Go to discovertasmania.com

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What makes Tasmania an outdoor lover’s dream?

Home to real-life devils and 2,000-year-old trees, this epic isle takes travelers on an adventure of a lifetime.

At Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park , hikers tackle multiday trails that pass through a landscape of ancient forests and alpine heaths.

“Explore the possibilities” reads the license plate of my rental car, complete with a Tasmanian tiger peeking out from between two numbers. Challenge accepted, I think, tossing my hiking boots in the trunk and setting the GPS to the nearest national park.

Once mocked as a backwater, Tasmania is now one of Australia ’s fastest-growing tourism destinations and one of National Geographic’s Best Trips to take in 2020 . Key to the appeal of Australia’s southernmost state is its raw natural beauty, which it owes largely to a combination of its remoteness (airport expansion plans are under way, but international flights are still a few years off) and the enduring green spirit of its half million or so residents.

Swathed in 2,000-year-old trees and home to real-life devils (and even “tigers,” if you believe the rumors that the officially extinct thylacine lives on), it’s the stuff outdoor adventures are made of.

After making the trek here, visitors find that most of Tassie’s attractions are surprisingly accessible. It takes just four hours to drive the length of the state. No matter where you base yourself, opportunities to become immersed in nature are never far away—nearly half the state is designated national park, after all. Curious to discover if Tassie’s newest adventure experiences are as spectacular as they appear on my social media feeds, I headed to Hobart to explore the adrenalized enticements “within cooee” (within reach) of the capital.

Where to hike

“Bit cuter than the tiger snake, isn’t it?” guide Joel Kovacs jokes, as a pademelon (like a mini-kangaroo) hops across our path along the Three Capes Track, pausing a few feet away to peer at us through a hedge of cutting grass once used by the Palawa (Aboriginal people of Tasmania) for basket-weaving. Along with the trio of Bennett’s wallabies and the deadly tiger snake that had joined us on the track, not to mention the echidna we spot later that day, it’s been a wildlife-watching boon.

But the views remain the highlight of this four-day, 30-mile trail skirting the soaring dolerite cliffs that prop up the Tasman Peninsula, a windswept wilderness jutting off the state’s southeastern tip. Unveiled in 2015 to tremendous expectations, Tasmania’s newest multiday trail comes complete with architect-designed bunkhouses and a smattering of “story seats” inviting walkers to contemplate the history of the peninsula while taking a breather.

Last year, Tasmanian Walking Company , which runs luxe guided hikes on some of Tassie’s top trails, launched the Three Capes Lodge Walk, with groups overnighting at private eco-sensitive cliffside lodges discreetly tucked off the main trail. Considering the gourmet meals, the local wine I don’t have to carry in myself, and the two guides’ knowledge, it’s a truly transformative way to experience the trail, which is unlike any other in Tassie. But the 880-odd tracks that lace the state’s national parks, reserves, and conservation areas each have their own unique aspects. And variety isn’t the only selling point.

Related: This is what it’s like to see Australia’s Great Barrier Reef up close.

“Even the trails with the best infrastructure don’t detract from the feeling of being immersed in the wilderness,” says Kovacs, a Hobart native who has tramped many of them in his decade of guiding. “Tassie’s trails haven’t been widened like you’ll see in New Zealand and elsewhere to accommodate big crowds, and I hope they’ll stay that way.” Kovacs’s favorite is the Overland Track, a six-day traverse of Cradle Mountain–Lake St. Clair National Park .

High on my own wish list is the Wukalina Walk, a four-day Aboriginal-guided trek launched last year in the Bay of Fires, so-called partly for its orange lichen-covered granite boulders.

Red-necked wallabies find a haven in Narawntapu National Park , a seaside reserve of wetlands, lagoons, and sand dunes on Tasmania’s northern coast.

The island’s natural beauties include a superb fairy wren at the York Town Historic Site, the location of the first British settlement in Tasmania in the early 1800s.

More casual walkers find a diversity of day hikes to choose from. I squeeze in a quick jaunt to Russell Falls (and Horseshoe Falls upstream), in Mount Field National Park , which tumbles through a rainforest setting immortalized on Tasmania’s first stamp collection designed to promote tourism in 1899.

Other notable strolls include the Dove Lake Circuit beneath the towering spires of Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay Lookout for Freycinet National Park’s best view, and the Springlawn Nature Walk in Narawntapu National Park on the north coast for its wildlife. These are just three of 60 short walks listed by the Parks & Wildlife Service as the state’s best, and big developments are on the way.

A proposal to build six eco-sensitive hiker’s huts along the South Coast Track—Tasmania’s most remote trail—was greenlighted last year, while this past July saw the announcement of plans to develop a walking route in the Tyndall Range on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area .

Where to bike

Peering over my handlebars at the steep, rocky single track jagging down between the snow gum trees, I wonder if I’ve overestimated my ability. But after navigating a few tight corners without falling off, I settle into the ride down Maydena Bike Park , allowing myself to steal longer glimpses of the ever changing landscape as we descend more than 2,600 feet through a web of 62 trails (and counting) threading down a hillside northwest of Hobart.

“I like to think of this section as our own Jurassic Park,” assistant manager Luke Reed tells me as we weave between lofty king ferns in the temperate rainforest that hugs the slopes. Since decamping from the mainland two years ago when he got wind of the Maydena development, Reed says he hasn’t looked back. “There’s just so much to do here,” he says. “We’ve got Marriott’s Falls and Mount Field just down the road, and I still haven’t ridden all the trails in Maydena.”

While Maydena is Tasmania’s only all-downhill bike park, it’s just one of a growing number of top mountain bike parks popping up around the state. Just north of Launceston, Hollybank Mountain Bike Park opened in 2014 with a six-mile descent called the Juggernaut that draws riders from around the world.

The following year, the former tin-mining town of Derby transformed into Australia’s premier mountain biking destination overnight following the opening of Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails . And the scene continues to evolve, with the first section of the St. Helens Mountain Bike Trail Network, 40 miles southeast of Derby, having opened in November.

“You can even ride some of the Mount Wellington trails,” says Reed, as we peel off our helmets. Relieved to have completed a lap of Maydena without having to test the limits of my travel insurance, I take his word for it.

Where to kayak

My guide, Liam Weaver, sees it first. Following his lead, I kayak slowly toward the small brown lump moving across the water. Suddenly it stops, its slick furry body and iconic “duck bill” more visible as it pauses on the surface for a few seconds before diving under the tannin-stained water. It’s my first wild platypus sighting, and I’m rapt.

“On some trips we spot more than 20,” says Weaver, grinning back at me, and I snap back to scanning the river for more platypus activity.

Opened in 2015, wilderness retreat Pumphouse Point frames a wintry scene at Lake St. Clair. The glacier-carved basin is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake.

Fog rolls in over the fertile Tamar River valley, home to several wineries.

One of Australia’s most elusive creatures, these shy monotremes (egg-laying mammals) thrive in the upper Derwent River, which snakes down a rural valley northwest of Hobart lined with sheep farms and hop plantations that scent the air with an odd mix of lanolin and beer. Weaver estimates 30 to 50 breeding pairs of platypuses make their homes here, setting the scene for Tassie Bound ’s flagship kayaking tour.

“When Liam first took me down here on a kayak, it felt like we were being gifted an opportunity to create a unique, sustainable tourism experience,” Liam’s wife and business partner, Fiona, tells me after the tour. She also runs Wild Island Women , Tasmania’s first female adventure community. “Even some locals are unaware that we have this incredible wildlife-spotting opportunity on our doorstep,” she says.

Even if you don’t see any platypuses, it’s a ridiculously scenic afternoon paddle downriver. Three years since launching the tour, Tassie Bound remains the only operator on the river, which adds to the sense of adventure. The couple also run various other kayaking tours, and there’s some beautiful kayaking to be had around the Freycinet Peninsula, though keen paddlers in search of the ultimate off-grid adventure would be wise to check out Roaring 40s Kayaking ’s multiday expeditions in the rugged, hidden waterways of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Operated in the same region is Australia’s most spectacular white-water rafting experience, an eight-day adventure down the Franklin River, which was saved from a dam project in the ’70s, thanks to one of the most significant environmental campaigns in Australia’s history.

“The experience of paddling down the untamed wilderness of the Franklin, which has no man-made infrastructure whatsoever, is incredibly powerful,” says Tassie-born Elias Eichler, who runs Franklin River Rafting with his wife and fellow rafting guide, Franzi. “The water is so pure we have a cup hanging off the side of the boat that you can just dunk in the river if you get thirsty. Where else can you do that these days?”

Where to eat

From King Island Dairy cheeses to Bruny Island oysters, Tasmania’s edible output is legendary, and with more than half a dozen established food and drink trails across the state, choosing your own culinary itinerary is one of Tassie’s most rewarding soft adventures.

Given its ideal climate for malting, Tassie’s Whisky Trail is a good place to start. Following a suitably weird morning at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), Tassie’s flagship cultural institution and an adventure in itself, I drop into Shene Estate , just a 30-minute drive north of Hobart. The Kernke family has painstakingly restored an exquisite 19th-century Gothic-Revival sandstone stables and barn, the latter now acting as the tasting room of the family distillery.

The first release of their triple-distilled Mackey whisky won the gold medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but I’m partial to their Poltergeist gin. It was named in honor of the pagan witch-protection symbols etched into the buildings during colonial times, though Anne Kernke, who runs tours and tastings by appointment, hints there’s more to the story. She once experienced the sensation of someone sitting on her bed when she was in it, and nobody else was around. “We love a property with spirit, so we thought we had better make some,” she winks as she pours me a gin and tonic.

Other paths reveal the spectrum of Tasmania’s tastes. Oenophiles follow the blue-and-yellow signs along the 105-mile loop north from Launceston to discover more than 30 cellar doors on the Tamar Valley Wine Route . The Made on Bruny Island gourmet trail is ideal for oyster and cheese lovers.

While tucking into a perfectly battered fillet of trevalla from one of Hobart’s famous floating fish-and-chip shops, I think that if there’s a downside to seeking adventure in Tasmania, it’s that no matter how hard you throw yourself into it, you’ll be lucky to go home any lighter.

Taking another bite, I figure I can live with that.

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Tasmania Explorer

Tasmania Travel Guide: Road Trips, Attractions & Accommodation

Planning a trip to Tasmania? Fantastic! This island state at the bottom of Australia offers so much for visitors.

In this Tasmania travel guide, I share everything you need to know about Tasmania in my Tasmania travel blog so you can plan your best trip ever.

Whether you want the best Tasmanian itinerary for a long weekend or a long epic adventure, I can help you below with plenty of inspiration and practical attraction and accommodation guides to help you plan your travel to Tasmania.

This guide is all about overall Tasmania travel planning with plenty of Tasmania travel tips. To read guides to individual places in Tasmania, click here .

If you have just started your travel Tasmania planning, I recommend you start with this article . I go step-by-step through everything you need to do to plan your trip to Tasmania including how to get to Tasmania, get around once you get there, where to go and what to pack and budget.

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.

Tasmania Travel Guide

Tasmania is an island off the south east coast of Australia. One of the states of Australia, it offers a lot of variety and is quite different to the rest of the country, yet easy to reach and fun to explore.

With a population of just over half million, it’s also sparsely populated and it’s crazy easy to find a gorgeous beach or slice of heaven to yourself.

Find our ultimate how to plan a trip to Tasmania guide below.

Tasmania Road Trip Planner✅: How To Plan A Trip To Tasmania

Tasmania uses Australian dollars just like everywhere else in Australia. ATMs are readily available in population centres and most places will take credit cards.

Tasmania has four distinct seasons, although sometimes these can all happen within the one day!

I have experienced snow in Tasmania at Christmas time and have been sunburned in winter so be prepared for all weather regardless of the time of year, especially cold weather. Parts like Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park can be cold and frosty at any time of year. Even Hobart can have a hot summer’s day and then the cold wind will start in the early evening and you can go from sweaty hot to freezing cold within an hour.

The sun is particularly harsh in Tasmania so don’t forget the sunscreen and hat. It’s much easier to get burned here than on the mainland of Australia.

Getting To Tasmania

The major airport in Tasmania is in Hobart with reasonable flight options to Launceston and some flight options to Burnie and Devonport. Flights from other capital cities, particularly Melbourne, can be very cheap with a good deal.

Click here to look up flight costs.

The other popular option is to take the Spirit of Tasmania car ferry from Geelong. This is an overnight or full day journey (day crossing are only at peak times) between Geelong and Devonport on the north coast of Tasmania.

This is a great way to take your car with you which can save on car hire and make travel easier. However, if you aren’t taking your car, it’s easier, quicker and usually cheaper to fly.

Read our full guide to taking the Spirit of Tasmania below.

Ferry To Tasmania⛴️: Everything You Need To Know

Top tasmania travel itinerary options.

Planning your trip to Tasmania but not sure how long you want to spend where and how it should fit together? Check out our itineraries as we have done the work for you!

Want more itineraries and a detailed plan for each day? Find our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

Perfect Tasmania Itinerary 5 Days✅

Tasmania Itinerary 7 Days✅: Perfect Tasmania Driving Holiday

Self Drive Tasmania: Perfect Tasmania Itinerary 10 days✅

14 Day Tasmania Itinerary✅: Ultimate Tasmanian Road Trip

Best places to visit in tasmania.

Looking for some travel guides Tasmania inspiration? There are many great destinations to visit in Tasmania but what are the best? If you are looking for inspiration for your trip, these articles are for you!

Best Things To Do In Tasmania With Kids✅

Lavender Farms In Tasmania💜: Where And When To Go

Top 10 Best Beaches In Tasmania

Best tasmania accommodation.

There is a huge range of accommodation in Tasmania available in many different places in this island state. From camping in a national park to stunning eco-options, there are some great choices.

They are popular though so book ahead. You can find dedicated accommodation guides in the d estinations part of this site.

Getting Around Tasmania

Getting around Tasmania is easy – if you have a car! This is not a good place to be relying on public transport.

Thankfully, it’s easy to hire a car and drive yourself. We love doing this! You can read more here about driving in Tasmania.

You can also bring your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania from Geelong.

Bargain Car Rentals Discount Code [5% Off Cheapest Rate!]🚗

LeisureRent Discount Code [5% Off Cheapest Rate!]🚗

Driving in Tasmania🚗: Tips, Laws, Itineraries And More

For car hire, 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 .

Other Tasmania Travel Guides

Best Time To Visit Tasmania☀️: Weather, Crowds And More

Our Experiences In Hotel Quarantine In Tasmania

You can find more information on specific destinations in Tasmania here or find everything else you need to know about visiting Tasmania in all our Tasmania travel guides here. You can also buy our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

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A 10-day Tasmania road trip itinerary

Updated On 30th September, 2021

If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania and are wondering what your Tasmania road trip could look like or what you should do with your time there, you’ve arrived at the right blog post. In this blog post, I am going to share a 10-day Tasmania road trip itinerary with you, jam-packed with all the best places to visit in Tasmania. It’s one of the best places to visit in Australia and certainly somewhere you should consider for a road trip in Australia!

This 10-day Tasmania road trip is perfect for those who want a real taste for what Australia has to offer. Whether you like hikes and bikes, penguin watching, distilleries or heritage sites, Tasmania is an absolute must for internationals visiting Australia as well as Australians looking for a domestic trip that feels like you have gone on an international adventure. This epic road trip itinerary, which is one of the best things to do in Australia , will take you through all the best places to visit in Tasmania.

Of course, this Tasmania road trip itinerary is going to assume you have a car or van with you. I’m not sure it would be of any use for me to write an itinerary for you whilst staying at your hotel lol. However, if you have booked to stay in one place during your time in Tasmania, you may want to use this post to inspire a day trip in Tasmania or to add an extension to your existing booking.

If you want to know more about renting a campervan in Australia, check out this blog post. 

After all, road trips are the best!

Other blog posts you might find useful…

• Hiring a campervan in Australia
• A guide to freedom camping in Australia
• The best things to do in Australia
• Australia: the ultimate travel guide
• Everything you need to know about farm work in Australia
• A guide to solo travel in Australia
• Australia: the ultimate East Coast bucket list
• The best things to do in Sydney

A 10-day road trip itinerary for Tasmania...

I’m going to begin and end this road trip in Tasmania in Devonport, so it’s the perfect Australia road trip if you’re looking for a loop route! This itinerary focuses on East Tasmania and goes in a clockwise direction, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t enjoy this Tasmania road trip itinerary in the other direction. 

This is a 10-day road trip itinerary for Tasmania, but there’s no reason why you can’t adapt it to be a 1-week itinerary, or take your time and spend 3 or 4 weeks completing this route! The absolute best way to see this magical wild place is by camping and caravanning. Tasmania is a camper’s heaven with so many beautiful waterfront and nature immersed campsites. With many of these being free, you can save your money for the experiences, park entry and local food! 

See my guide to freedom camping in Australia here. 

I explored Tasmania in my own van, if you don’t have a van/caravan you can easily rent one from places like Appolo or Britz , or if you’re looking for something more homey, you can rent vans on Camplify starting at $70 a day. Trying to do it on a budget? Then pack a tent and you are ready to go!

However much I love van life, this trip is equally doable in a car, if you prefer. I’d recommend using Airbnb or  Booking.com  for the best accommodation along your route.

In terms of getting to Tasmania, this island state is only a short 2-hour flight from Sydney. You can also get to Tasmania by The Spirit of Tasmania. This ferry runs twice a day and can take you and your car/van from Melbourne, Victoria to Devonport, Tasmania in around 11 hours. Tickets start at around $130 per adult and $100 for a car/motorhome each way. You can also choose to book a cabin to get a good night’s sleep starting at $149 per cabin. Be aware that prices fluctuate in peak season and do sell out, so book in advance! Book your Spirit of Tasmania tickets here. 

Weather in Tasmania: When to visit Tasmania…

Whether you decide to do the full 10-day Tasmania road trip itinerary, pick and choose your favourites for a weekend getaway or immerse yourself for a longer stay, these are a few of my absolute favourite places to visit in Tasmania from my four months exploring this beautiful island state in my van.

If you’re planning a road trip in Tasmania and wondering ‘what is the weather like in Tasmania?’ or ‘when to visit Tasmania’, the best months to visit are between November-February, to avoid the winter closures of some areas. Either way, be sure to pack some warm clothes and a rain jacket (even in the summer months!), so you can enjoy whatever the weather throws at you on your Tasmania road trip. Also, be sure to grab a Tasmania Parks Pass (2 months for $80), which will allow you access into some campsites and all major parks for the trip. 

Day 1: The Nut, Stanley

• Driving time: 2 hours

It’s Day 1 of this Tasmania road trip itinerary and I hope you’re raring to go! 

After taking the Spirit across from what the locals call “the mainland”, you will arrive in Devonport in Northern Tasmania. Head west for 1.5 hours towards the historic seaside village of Stanley, one of the best places to visit in Tasmania and best known for ‘The Nut’: a sheer sided bluff that is all that remains of the volcanic plug. 

The Nut is accessible by chairlift for $17 pp, or on foot, but be prepared for a short steep climb to get to the top. Follow the 4.6km circuit around the grassy plains of the Nut taking in the stunning sights from above.  

When you’re finished, head into town and wander down Church Street to try the Tasmanian special: the famous scallop pie at Touchwood Cafe. They are also known for their ‘The Nut’ scones that are made even better when enjoyed from this rustic wall to wall glass dining room overlooking the town. 

Make the 20-minute drive towards Peggs Beach Campground for the night ($13 for 2 people).

Day 2: Cradle Mountain

• Driving time: 3 hours

On your second day of your Tasmania road trip  you’re heading to one of the best places to visit in Tasmania: Cradle Mountain.

Get an early start on the day and drive southeast towards the wild west of Cradle Mountain. This iconic wilderness world heritage destination is a 2.5 hour drive from Stanley and is home to some of the most diverse natural beauty that Tasmania has on offer. From the moss covered rainforests to glacial lakes, it’s no wonder Cradle is such a popular place to visit in Tasmania year round. 

The park provides a free shuttle with purchase of a Parks Pass, so park in the main car park, head to the visitor information centre to get your shuttle tickets, and make your way into the park. 

Take the shuttle to Dove Lake where you can choose from an array of walks in Cradle Mountain. You can spend the full day (8hrs+) hiking to the peak, or keep it to a half day loop winding your way up to Marrion’s Lookout overlooking Dove Lake, and then back through the forest towards Ronnie Creek, where you can encounter a wisdom of wombats traversing the wide grassy plains.  

If you have ever dreamed of seeing a Tasmanian Devil then be sure to check out the after dark feeding tours at the Devil’s at Cradle Sanctuary where you have the chance to interact with these near extinct animals at their most active time ($37.50 AUD pp). This is definitely one of the best things to do in Tasmania! 

Head about 30 minutes out of Cradle to find camp for the night at Lake Gairdner Campground. 

Day 3: Launceton

Heading east for 2 hours, make your way towards the riverside city of Launceston for the day. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Tasmania and a must do on your road trip in Tasmania!

The first stop is Grindelwald, a small village in Tamar Valley Resort on the outskirts of Launceston. This stunning little village was in fact named and inspired by a village in Switzerland and created by a local businessman for his wife who wanted to move to Switzerland.

It features traditional Swiss-German architecture and is a great place to come try your hand at Putt Putt, feed the resident ducks down by the lake and grab some freshly made crepes and a coffee from Miss A Sippy Cafe overlooking the courtyard. 

Once you have had your fill, head into Launceston to explore the beautiful Cataract Gorge. One of the best things to do in Tasmania is to take a walk down the original 1890’s pathway towards the South Esk River to the urban reserve with its rolling lawns and meandering peacocks.  

If you love Indian, be sure to finish the day by grabbing dinner at Pickled Evenings. Open from 5pm, they do an incredible Cheese and Garlic Kulcha and their curries are divine. Portions are on the smaller side, so grab extra rice if you’re hungry, but the flavours are worth it. 

Then make the short 30-minute drive east to camp for the night at Lilydale Falls Campground. 

Day 4: Lavender Fields and Floating Sauna

• Driving time:

Start the day with a quick explore of the Lilydale Falls and then head 20 minutes east to Bridestowe Lavender Estate to explore the picturesque fields. This is one of the best things to do in Tasmania, not only because of the beautiful purple of the lavender but also because of the cafe! Try one of the many lavender infused items from the cafe, like the subtle flavoured lavender ice cream!

Then drive about 1 hour to the little mountain town of Derby to finish the afternoon with an hour of relaxation at the famous Floating Sauna. Only a short 10 minute walk from town, this woodfired sauna with a window overlooking Derby lake offers a scenic, one of a kind, hot-cold immersion experience. Sessions run for an hour and cost $45 pp. Be sure to book as these spots sell out fast!

Head back into town and sleep at the free camp in town. 

Find out more about freedom camping in Australia here. 

Day 5: Derby

• Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Derby is the one of the best places to go mountain biking in Australia. The Blue Derby network consists of 125km of trails winding through the beautiful local forests and ancient ferns beginning in the centre of town. 

One of the best things to do in Tasmania is to get a taste of the trails by renting a bike in town and spend the morning exploring! Beginners can enjoy a scenic ride around Derby Lake, while more intermediate and advanced riders can head up on a shuttle and explore the downhill trails. 

Finish your ride with a well deserved pizza at The Hub from $13-22 AUD and make your way east for 1.5 hours to Swimcart Beach Campground in the Bay of Fires for the night. 

Day 6: Bay of Fires and Bicheno

It’s day 6 on our Tasmania road trip itinerary and it’s a good day for an early start. Wake up for sunrise and enjoy coffee with views overlooking the crystal clear blue waters of the Bay of Fires. Spend the morning exploring the beaches, go for a dip, or a surf if the conditions are right!

After that, pack up and head 1.5 hr south to Bicheno. Grab a pastry from Little Bay Collective and take a walk on the beautiful Waubs beach. 

In the evening be sure to check out the penguins in Bicheno! You can book a tour with Bicheno Penguin Tours for $40 pp or go down by yourself down near the boat ramp, but be sure to not shine lights on them or take photos with a flash. Pick a spot, be still and enjoy the magic. 

Drive 15 minutes south to sleep at Friendly Beaches campground. 

Day 7: Mt Atmos and Wineglass Bay

• Driving time: 1 hour 25 minutes

The next stop is a 25-minute drive to Freycinet National Park to hike the rugged Mt Atmos overlooking the beautiful sweeping beach of Wineglass Bay. These are two of the best places to visit in Tasmania. 

The Mt. Atmos track is 3.6km and I recommend you allow 3 hours with its steep climb with rocky wet slabs in some parts. Be conscious of recent rainfall, bring water and wear comfortable grippy shoes. 

Not up for a climb? Then check out the 2.6 km return Wineglass Bay Lookout track, another one of the best things to do in Tasmania, which delivers similar views from a more accessible vantage point. 

Finish with dinner in town with a casual bite to eat at Richardson’s Bistro or for a more fine dining experience check out The Bay Restaurant with their seasonal menu. Then drive 1-hour to Mayfeild Beach campground for the night. 

Day 8: Hobart Outskirts

• Driving time: 2 hours 50 minutes

In the morning of day 8 of this Tasmania road trip itinerary head 1 hour south to the National Heritage Listed Richmond Bridge to see Australia’s oldest stone arch bridge built by convict labour in 1825. 

Then, if it’s a weekend, one of the best things to do in Tasmania is to head into Hobart’s Salamanca markets on Saturday and farmgate markets on Sunday to sample the best of Tasmania’s artisans, designers, wine makers and distillers. 

Finish the afternoon driving south along the beautiful Huon Valley for a cider tasting at Pagan cider cellar door. You will be able to try their full range of ciders including their seasonal small-batch blends that you can only get at the cellar door (the quince is an absolute must!).

Free camping is limited near Hobart, so either head back into town and treat yourself for a night in a hotel, or head to The Leah bush camping area for $10 pp. 

Day 9: Mona and Mt Wellington

• Driving time: 1 hour 50 minutes

On day 9 of your road trip in Tasmania drive into Hobart and up to Mt Wellington. Get a coffee at the Lost Freight Cafe and then drive the rest of the way to the top to enjoy your coffee overlooking Hobart. 

Head to MONA and spend a few hours getting connected to the wacky and weird in the Museum of Old and New Art. Throw out the stereotypical ‘boring’ museums and make sure you don’t miss this unique place to visit in Tasmania: this one of a kind labyrinth leads you down a spiraling staircase to the basement, that progressively winds its way through an array of art. Come with an open mind and enjoy this eclectic museum for $30 pp.

When you’re done, grab a plant based burger from Dubsy’s and enjoy it while sitting on the lawn and see if you can spot the resident chickens running free.  

Head to Kempton free camp for the night. 

Day 10: Jacob's Ladder / Kempton Distillery

• Driving time: 4 hours 20 minutes (or 2 hours 30 minutes if skipping Jacob's Ladder)

Jacob’s ladder, a moody and winding cliffside road in Ben Lomond National Park, is a 3.5 hour drive from Hobart. This is an invaluable habitat for wallabies and pademelons and a photographer’s dream. It’s by far one of the best places to visit in Australia, never mind one of the best places to visit in Tasmania, and if you are up for a longer drive today, you absolutely must go.

However, if you’re not wanting to take the detour on the last day of your road trip in Tasmania, you can skip Jacob’s Ladder and book yourself a tour of the Kempton Distillery at 11am for $35pp to enjoy their range of small batch whiskies.

And with that, our Tasmania road trip itinerary has come to an end, and it’s time to head back to Devonport!

Have you been on a Tasmania road trip?

Where are your favourite things to do in Tasmania? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

I am a writer, podcaster and traveller fascinated with what it takes to thrive in a more alternative lifestyle. After years of trying to fit the mould, I ditched the 9-5, moved to Canada to work as a ski instructor, and have been living a little differently travelling the world ever since. I now live in my van with my partner and our pup, exploring Australia all while discovering what it takes to thrive in this unconventional nomadic lifestyle.

See all Claire’s adventures here.

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Discover the Best of Tasmania in One Week: Your Ultimate Itinerary Guide

I lived in Australia for a year, and while the sunny beaches and arid deserts are what everyone thinks of when they imagine Australia, the lush rainforests and rich landscape of  Tasmania  were something that awed and astounded me. It was a complete surprise. I never knew that such a place could be found in Australia. What surprised me most was that of all the travellers who visited Australia, only 2% of them visited Tasmania!

Tasmania is truly a spectacular place, and if you’re making a trip all the way out to Australia, you need to make time to fly over to this secluded island to experience all it has to offer. I thought you could easily spend a week here and have prepared a wonderfully rich and diverse week-long itinerary. If your trip is shorter, you can easily pick and choose your favourite parts of this tour to customize your own adventure.

Tasmania is located 240 km away from the mainland of Australia. Tasmania is known as one of Australia’s “natural states” as 42% of its land is protected. This includes several national parks and gorgeous World Heritage sites. The native indigenous tribes, who inhabitated the country for over 30,000 years before colonization, are significantly different than the tribes on mainland Australia. Their unique traditions grew from their love and reliance on the waters which surround the island.

The British Arrival

The island was settled by Europeans in 1804. Britain saw that the French had been exploring the area and rushed to beat them to claim the land for England. They used the newly colonized island as a place to house the British Empire’s penal colony population. The island was initially called  Van Diemen’s Land.  It was named after  Anthony van Diemen , the Dutch colonial governor who ruled in the 16th and 17th centuries. van Diemen had commanded naval explorations, and it was under his direction that the island was first discovered in 1642.

Free settlers from England began to arrive on the shores of Tasmania as they were promised free land grants as well as free convict labour. By 1825, over 75,00 convicts had been sent to  Van Diemen’s Land.  Many of them had finished their sentences and decided to start their new life here in the colony. Sadly, the British saw the indigenous tribes as their enemy and, over the years, massacred almost the entire population. By 1830 only 300 indigenous people were left on the island. Many of the few remaining indigenous people later died from the diseases introduced by the British to which they had no immunity. It’s heartbreaking to imagine how such a rich culture could be wiped out in such a short amount of time. 

The Modern Age

In 1901, Tasmania joined with the five other Australian colonies to form the Commonwealth of Australia. After the closure of the penal colonies, the island’s main form of income was through whaling, fishing and most lucrative of all, mining. The mining industry dried up shortly after WWI. After this point, they began to focus on agriculture and the productions of fruits and vegetables. After WWII, many people started to immigrate to Tasmania as it was seen as the “ Sanitorium of the South ” as its quiet and zen-like natural environment was perfect for those seeking peace. This gave the population a little boost, but it still feels like a quaint island with extremely friendly locals happy to welcome tourists to their hidden gem in the ocean.

Travelling Around Tasmania

Tasmania is best traversed by car . Tasmania might be a big island, but it has a small population, so large-scale public transport is really lacking. So you’re the best option is to fly into Launceston (or Hobart ) and rent yourself a car . Cars can be picked up in Launceston and dropped off in Hobart. Or vice versa if you prefer to reverse your trip. Car rentals in Tasmania can be as little as $96 USD a day.

Although a Camper Van is a much more costly experience, they also allow you to sleep anywhere you want. In a place as scenic as Tasmania, this is a real treat! The other plus with a camper van is that you have a kitchen wherever you go. This way you can easily stock up on groceries before you leave the big cities. You’ll never find yourself having a place to stop for something to eat. The downside obviously is the cost of gas. Another downside could be if you’re not familiar with driving a camper van. This can be a bit of a learning curve. Thankfully the roads in Tasmania are generally pretty empty. so you don’t need to worry about navigating through intense traffic.

Cost of Gas

As of March 2021, gas prices in Tasmania were $1.40 Australian per litre. The trip mileage can vary greatly depending on how many detours you take along the way. But overall you should be covering around 800 km. But I would add even more since you are bound to make some detours along the way as you see things that catch your eye.

Notes on Food & Gas

Some of the areas we will travel through are very remote, so be sure to research before you head out for the day where your food and gas stops will be to ensure you’ll have enough before the next stop. A small fabric cooler will go a long way to keep your grocery food and drinks cold on your journey. I am always sure to keep a large bag of room temperature snacks with me as well. And always be sure you pack plenty of water.

If you can’t drive or don’t want the stress of driving yourself, you can always join a bus tour. One of my favourite companies is Under Down Under Tours . They offer a comparable 7-day tour of the island. It includes all your accommodations, pickups and drop-offs, and small group size. Also included in your booking are all the national park fees. Their tours do not include food, but they do stop at restaurants, cafes and takeaways along the journey. Also, if you opt to stay in a hostel accommodation, you can always use their kitchen for cooking upon arrival.

The best things about their tours is that they give you a choice of accommodations. They offer both hostel rooms as well as motel accommodation. And you can even get a cheaper price if you are a single traveller. This is such a great option. I’ve been in many a situation when I wanted to go on a group tour, but the accommodations were always double occupancy, and I was on my own.

The seven-day tour costs $800 USD per person for the hostel dorm rooms . $886 USD per person for a twin hostel room . And $1079 USD per person for a twin motel room.

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When to Go?

Tasmania is noticeably colder than the rest of Australia. Don’t come here without checking the weather! We saw a few people step off the plane in shorts and t-shirts in a climate that was more suitable for a winter coat! November to March are the best months to travel when the weather is at its most enjoyable. June, July and August are relatively chilly and rainy. But the prices of hotels are significantly discounted during the rainy season, and the cities are almost empty of tourists! Summer is the peak travel season when you’ll find the hotels to be the priciest but that’s the price you pay (literally) for that beautiful weather.

Whereas international travellers might not find their way to Tasmania, local Australians have been frequenting the island more and more. Be sure to check the dates of any Australian holidays or school breaks as these times may also be much busier and more expensive.

What to Pack?

As mentioned above, you might be surprised to see how different the weather is in Tasmania compared to the mainland. So much of Tasmania is made up of cool temperate rainforests. In addition to your regular travel essentials, there are a few critical items to bring to Tasmania. It’s crucial to pack lots of layerable clothes. These will help keep you warm in the morning, but you can shed them in the afternoon. Unless you going at the peak of the summer, be sure to pack a hat, scarf and gloves. Some of the high points in Tasmania are very windy and you’ll be happy to have the extra protection.

It’s also essential to pack a good raincoat or waterproof windbreaker. This will be super useful since rain is a frequent visitor to Tasmania’s forecasts. The rainforests can get pretty wet as well. Umbrellas are also a good thing to pack in your bag for extra protection. But a good raincoat with a sturdy hood is your best option. There are a few easy hikes in this guide, so while you don’t need professional hiking boots, a good pair of waterproof or water-resistant walking shoes is a must!

National Park Fees

A valid park pass is required for entry to all of Tasmania’s National Parks . Paying these fees individually can add up, so my best advice is to buy a Holiday Pass . You can buy the pass at the first park you visit. Holiday Passes are good for up to two months and cost $80 AUS ($61 USD). When you compare this to the $40 one-day pass, you can see why the holiday pass just makes more sense. You can also buy your pass online before you leave. This will save a few minutes when you enter the park, especially if it’s busy season.

How to Arrive

This tour is designed to go from Launceston to Hobart , but you can easily flip it the other way around. I lived in Syndey when I visited Tasmania, and it was a cheap 2-hour flight from Sydney. A direct flight costs $112 USD one way. If you are departing from Melbourne, flights are almost the exact same. Flying home from Hobart back to Sydney will run you a bit more since it’s a slight loner flight at $160 USD. But remember, these flights are always cheaper during the week. If you’re flexible with your timeline, keep this in mind.

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If you are departing from Melbourne, some people opt to take the ferry , dubbed the Spirit of Tasmania . This is the more popular option with local residents who wish to bring their own car along. A one-way journey on the ferry will cost around $90-100 USD for the lowest-economy recliner chair. Or you can opt for a a two-person cabin with a shower and window for $153 USD. The ferry journey is about 10 hours long and runs both during the day and at night. I can’t stand ferries since I get so sick-sea, but for people who love being at sea or who want to save on a night’s hotel, this is a great option!

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Day 1 – Arriving & Exploring Launceston

I like starting my tours in Launceston . Launceston is such a dreamy place to visit and a great introduction to Tasmania. When you arrive in Tasmania, you can get a cab to your hotel, as the rest of the city is very easily accessible by foot and by public transport. You won’t need to start renting your car until you are ready to depart the city.

The first thing I NEED to do once I arrive, after even a short flight, is grab a cup of coffee. And just like the rest of Australia, which is known for its incredible coffee culture, and Tasmania is no different.  Sweetbrew  is a local hangout for hipsters and tourists alike. Every coffee is perfectly crafted, and their summer berry cake is something I’ll remember forever! Sit and relax here to soak in the atmosphere of this new city.

Explore Historic Launceston

After getting your bearings, and dropping off your luggage at your hotel, it’s time to head out and start exploring! Launceston , located on the northern tip of the state of Tasmania, is one of their two main cities. The other being Hobart, located on the southern end. Launceston is Australia’s third oldest European settlement, established in 1806 after Sydney (in 1788) and Hobart (in 1804). The city is renowned for its well preserved historic buildings. Launceston has some of the best colonial and Victorian architecture anywhere in Australia.  Cameron street  alone perfectly exemplifies what the rest of Australia would have looked like during the boom times of the 19th century.

You can do your own  self-guided walking tour  from  Albert Hall  in the east to the  Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery  in the west. This tour focuses on specific buildings along the route that tell rich tales of the city’s architectural and social history. There are little plaques along the way to help inform you of the stories as you go. And it’s a great way to explore the city on foot.

Sip on Aged Ales at  James Boag Brewery Experience

Tasmania’s most famous beer is the  Boags beer , which is sold worldwide but highly regarded in Launceston where the brewery is located. On the  Brewery Tour experience , you’ll learn all about what makes their beer unique, see how its made and learn about the history of this Tasmanian Brewery.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be invited into their bar where you’ll receive a 30-minute guided beer tasting! Here you’ll be able to taste a flight of their brews paired with locally produced cheese! I’ve been to many a beer tasting but never one which included cheese, so that captured my attention straight away (I’m a HUGE cheese lover) and I did think it really gave an interesting spin on the tasting.

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Cataract Gorge

There is no better place to spend the afternoon than Cataract Gorge. Cataract Gorge is a stunning park in the centre of Launceston. To get to the gorge, you begin by walking along a scenic pathway called the King’s Bridge-Cataract Walk. This leads you around the South Esk River’s edge to the northern part of the gorge’s basin. From here, you can walk across the Alexandra Suspension Bridge. On the other side of the bridge, you’ll find a large swimming pool to be enjoyed in the summer months.

Gorge Scenic Chairlift

The Gorge Scenic Chairlift is one of the best parts of your visit to the gorge. This antique chairlift was built in 1972 and is still the longest single-span lift in the world! We were one of the only people in the park during our visit and figured the lift wouldn’t be open. But to our surprise, a quiet old woman was sitting at the desk to welcome us in and let us ride. It felt almost strange, like they had kept it open just for us. We giggled the entire way across the gorge, swinging our feet, nervously laughing as the chairlift climbed higher and higher. The chairlift crosses 457 metres and moves pretty slowly for you to really take in the scenery around you.

The trip costs $9 USD for a one-way ticket or $12 USD for an “Across & Back” ticket. We opted for the one-way since we enjoyed the walk back to the entrance. The lift is open every day from 9 am, 365 days a year! In the winter it closes at 4:30 pm, in the Spring and Autumn it closes at 5 pm and in Summer from 5:30 pm to 6 pm.

When you get off the chairlift, you can explore the Victorian garden and small cottage restaurant on the other side of the basin. You’ll find unusual Tasmanian flora and fauna, including ferns, exotic plants, and even wild peacocks covering the entire hillside.

Get Spooked on  Launceston City Ghost Tours

To end your evening I would highly recommend that a ghost tour! Ok, now I know ghost tours might seem like something kinda cheesy, but  I LOVE them . To me, they are just like a history tour but with a slightly macabre angle. Launceston has a deep and dark convict past. It’s said that some of the prisoners who were sentenced here can still be seen roaming the streets, their ghosts clinging to the mortal world. Walking the old streets of Launceston, your guide will tell tales of the past, making the city’s history come alive. There is both an adult-only and family-friendly option, so there is something for all ages! Obviously the family-friendly tour is a little less scary so if you spook easily that might be the tour for you.

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Day 2 – Road to the Bay of Fire

After a relaxing first day exploring the city of Launceston, it’s time to head out onto the road! The area we’re heading into doesn’t have almost any restaurants or even fast-food stops along the way so be sure to pack some food before you leave Launceston. And remember to bring lots of water!

Grindelwald

Just 20-minutes outside the city is the city of  Grindelwald . Grindelwald Tasmania is a minature replicate of the Swiss village of Grindelwald. The charming little town is located in the scenic  Tamar Valley.  Driving through this beautiful valley is such a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the Tasmanian landscape. But Grindelwald isn’t a theme park; it’s a real neighbourhood where real families still live. The concept to recreate this place began in the 1980s as a unique take on suburban residential developments. 

The idea came about from a Dutch immigrant named  Roelf Vos . To re-create the Swiss village, they built the houses using classic Swiss architecture and added sweet details like balcony rails in the shape of tulips and scalloped-wooden eaves. Plus there is even an Alpine-themed restaurant and shopping center. If you didn’t grab a coffee on your way out on the road, I would recommend stopping by  Missasippy Cafe  near the Alpenrose Bistro & Bar. If for nothing else but to enjoy the almost theme park-esque stylings of the minature town square.

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Batman Bridge

From Grindlewald, travel north along highway C733 that travels along the scenic River Tamar. Although named “the Tamar River” on the map, its proper indigenous name is actually ‘kanamaluka.’ And despite being called a river, it’s actually tidal estuary. While driving along the water’s edge might be a little less direct, the views you get of the landscape are just spectacular. It’s lovely to enjoy this scenery before heading into the dense forests. 

Eventually, we make our way East, crossing over the Batman Bridge. Yes, that’s right, ‘Batman’ Bridge. Sadly, the bridge isn’t named for the famous cartoon hero but after John Batman, a Launceston businessman and co-founder of  Melbourne . Built in 1966, the bridge was actually the first cable-stayed bridge in Australia and one of the first of its kind worldwide! If there’s not too much traffic as you cross, be sure to take it slow and enjoy the incredible view from up there across the valley.

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Hillwood Berries

Once you’ve crossed over the bridge, continue down highway C727 towards Hillwood . Hillwood is a tiny town famous for its agriculture. Tasmania is known for being one of the most prolific producers of fresh berries in Australia.  George Peacock  set up the first Tasmanian jam manufacturing company in Hobart in 1850. Tasmania was the ideal climate for growing berries. When Peacock arrived in the new colony in Tasmania, there was a wealth of open fields to establish farms. Although the Peacock company has since closed, the farms growing berries across Tasmania continue to produce a wealth of these incredible fruits. 

One such place you can visit is Hillwood Berries . The farm is open for “pick-your-own berries” from November to March. Berry picking is an excellent activity if you need to stretch your legs and allows you to enjoy the natural environment around you. Picking a small box doesn’t take long either, so it’s a short activity. But they also have prepackaged berries if you need a snack for the road. They also have a small cafe and grocery store inside with unique local products, delicious savoury pastries, and decadent desserts. I always am sure to pick up little snacks and portable meals whenever I can at places like this. This way, I’m sure to have food with me even when there isn’t anywhere to stop later in the day. If you want to grab a to-go lunch, you can eat it at the picnic area at our next stop.

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Lilydale Falls

From Hillwood Farms, we begin our journey into the interior of Tasmania. The landscape almost immediately seems to change. The river disappears and the road winds through hilly valleys covered in eucalyptus trees. The tall mountains and hillsides rolling up and down by your window as you drive.

One of the more undiscovered hiking trails along our route is the  Lilydale Falls Reserve . The first waterfall on the trail is found just 10-minutes from the parking lot. Other hiking trails might be more rigorous, but this one provides such a beautiful view after only a short walk. Along the way, you’ll be able to spot Tasmania’s tall eucalyptus trees and lush fern-covered landscape. The trail passes by two little waterfalls. While they aren’t immensely tall, there is something about the coziness of the scenery and ease of the trail that makes visiting them so enjoyable. The rest area near the car park is a great place to picnic and use the restrooms.

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

Continuing along highway B81, head slightly northeast towards  Bridestowe Lavender Estate . This farm is home to great waves of lavender fields. The lavender generally blooms from December through to early February, but their website has more up-to-date information. During the rest of the year, you are free to wander the fields and view the other native vegetation. There are even self-guided tours to learn more about the history of Bridestowe. 

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Their shop is a great place to buy local Tasmanian lavender products. They also have a cafe/restaurants where you can dine and try some of their iconic lavender flavoured ice creams. If you don’t have an interest in seeing the lavender fields when they’re not in bloom, you can always skip this destination and just go directly to our next stop.

Legerwood Memorial Tree Forest

Along the road towards the eastern part of the island is the  Legerwood Memorial Tree Forest . In 1918, after the first World War, several great trees were planted by the remaining family members of honoured Tasmanian fallen soldiers. Almost a hundred years later, the trees grew so large they were thought to be a danger to the community and were set to be torn down. But the community was devastated as the trees were so important to the historical legacy of Tasmania and their township. 

Instead of just uprooting them, the stumps of the trees were turned into sculptural memorials. Each stump was carved to represent a poignant scene from the first world war. Other trees were carved in the memory of the soldier to whom the tree was dedicated to. While the sculptures are very rudimentary and made by untrained artists, I love the fact that the community came together to ensure the memory of these soldiers lived on. Some art doesn’t need to be high brow. Some art is more about expression and walking through this grove of trees; I feel like you really get a sense of the impact the war made on even this little village.

Little Blue Lake

Travelling along highway A3 through B82, we drive further north towards  Little Blue Lake  in  South Mount Cameron . The lake is spectacular. It glows almost neon blue in the sunlight. But don’t you dare dip your foot into the water! The luminescent colour is formed as the result of alluvial tin mining and is packed with toxic heavy metals! Despite the toxicity, the area is a HUGE draw for spectators as it is truly one of the most impressive sights you’ve ever seen! Just north of Little Blue Lake, there is a gas station, so be sure to fill up.

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As you drive down the highway and through Ansons Road , keep your eye out for wildlife. This area is a part of Mount William National Park, which is a protected environment for the Forester Kangaroo. The Forester Kangaroo is the largest kangaroo species in Tasmania and the second largest marsupial in the world.

Policeman’s Point

A 40-minute drive from the gas station will take you right to the coast! It’s incredible to see as you approach. Head down to the  Policeman’s Point  campground parking lot, where you can leave the car and look out on the incredible vista. There are also public bathrooms here if you need to use the facilities. Policeman’s Point is a part of the Bay of Fires Conservations area. The Bay of Fires area around here is known for its incredible white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Many people don’t think of Tasmania as having such perfect beaches, but this one is spectacular! Standing on the edge of the Bay of Fires walkway on a clear day, you might be able to spot the Eddystone Point Lighthouse.

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The Dutch navigator  Abel Tasman , for whom the entire island is named after, was the first explorer to set their sights on Eddystone Point in 1642. It wasn’t until 1875 when a group of hazardous rocks were discovered below the waterline, that the lighthouse was built. It was made from local pink granite and constructed to help the sailors coming into port at St. Helen’s.

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Bay of Fires

Head back along Ansons Bay Road, south towards through the  Bay of Fires  Conservations Area.  The Bay of Fires  was named by  Captain Tobias Furneaux  in 1773. When the captain first arrived in Tasmania, the first thing he saw upon landing was a group of fires set along the beach by the Aboriginal people living on the island. It was such a powerful sight that he named the area after that encounter.

An iconic part of the Bay of Fires are the coastal rocks covered in bright orange lichen. The rocks found along the shore here are made of dolerite. The most extensive of all dolerite formations worldwide, are found here in Tasmania.

Meresta Eatery

One of the Bay of Fires’ best views can be found in ‘The Gardens.’ To access the Gardens, you need to head east towards Bingalon Bay and then make a sharp turn north up C848. If you brought a picnic dinner, this would be the perfect place to eat it. But if you are desperate for food, you’re in luck since there is a fantastic restaurant in Bingalong Bay. Meresta Eatery is a wonderful restaurant serving up great food made with the best ingredients from Tasmania. Their restaurant is often very busy since it’s one of the only ones in the area, but they also offer take-way for a little picnic in the Gardens.

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The Gardens

When you finally arrive at the Gardens, it will be around dinner time, so find a spot on the beach to enjoy dinner and a sunset! The Gardens were named by Lady Jane Franklin, the wife of the Governor of Tasmania, in the early 1800s. She loved flowers, and when she came to visit, the wildflowers were blooming all across the coastline, making it appear as a giant garden. The waters here are just crystal clear and if you’re lucky, keep your eyes peeled to see if you can spot a pod of dolphins on their way home. There are even humpback whales that migrate through the area during certain times of the year!

Bay of Fires Accommodation

My favourite place to stay is near Skeleton Bay and Binalong Bay . The area was once a retirement village, but it has been transformed into a little spot for surfers, fishers and people who visit the area for snorkelling and nature walks. There are dozens of holiday homes here, most of which can be booked on Airbnb . There are also some rentable bungalows in the area as well. If you need more accommodation options, you can go down to  St. Helens . If you are travelling with camping gear or a camper van, there are several amazing camping grounds in this area. 

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Day 3 – Freycinet National Park

The Bays Kitchen

To get your day started, wake up and head on over to  The Bays Kitchen . This cafe is such a surprise to find in such a far-off place. Their passionfruit cronut is wildly delicious. But they also serve classic Australian breakfast favourites like bacon sandwiches and meat pies.

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Now that you’ve filled up for breakfast, it’s time to get back on the road. There is a gas station in St. Helen that is a great place to fill up. From there, we drive down the scenic A3 highway towards our next destination. Tasmania is such an interesting island to drive through as the landscape and greenery around the coastline are so different than the interior, which is much more like a rainforest.

After an hour and a half of driving, you’ll arrive in the small coastal town of Bicheno. This town is one of the major fishing ports in Tasmania and a popular beach resort. Everything from crayfish, abalone and scallops are caught just off the shores of the city.

Bicheno Blowhole

One of the most popular locations to visit is the  Bicheno Blowhole . The rocks along this shore are made of granite, but the crashing waves have carved a small sea cave shelf underneath the stones over the years. Eventually, a small hole began to form on the roof of this sea cave, creating a natural blowhole for the waves to burst through. Making an enormous spray above from the water rushes in. It’s a hit for kids and adults alike as every spray is different. Be careful, because you might just get wet! Bicheno was once a popular whaling spot in the 1800s, so it seems even more fitting that Bicheno would have formed its very own “blowhole.”

Whalers Lookout

Whalers Lookout is a steep but short 10-minute walk that leads to two lookout platforms. There is both an east-facing and west-facing platform. From here, you have a panoramic view of the town and the great crescent harbour.

Lobster Shack Tasmania

Bicheno is known for its seafood, so you absolutely must have lunch at the   Lobster Shack Tasmania ! This laid-back restaurant specializes in everything from lobster rolls to fresh oysters, local mussels and grilled salmon. Even just their house fish and chips is divine! Their outdoor deck tables sit off of the water and provide a stunning view of the pristine boat harbour surrounding it.

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Diamond Island Nature Reserve

Just off the coast, to the north of Bicheno, is the  Diamond Island Nature Reserve . The island is so close that you can even walk across the sandbar to the island during low tide. The island is home to a unique form of wildlife in Australia; the fairy penguins. These are minature penguins with the most darling blue colouring. All the little pathways you see on the island are formed by the penguins. This secluded, uninhabited island has become the penguin’s primary rookery. Be careful where you step to be sure to don’t crush one of their dens. Also, keep an eye on the water levels! You don’t get stuck on the island when the tide starts to come back in.

Grab some Groceries!

Before leaving Bicheno, head over the IGA supermarket to grab some items for a little picnic dinner on the beach at the last hiking spot!

Freycinet National Park

Just 30-minutes down the road from Bicheno, you can drive over to the  Freycinet National Park Tourist Information center . Here you can pick up and learn more about the different walking and hiking trails that wind through this monumental natural wonderland that is  Freycinet National Park .

Accessibility

The parks department installed a 10-minute wheelchair-accessible circuit track that begins at the visitor center. While it would be great to see this expanded further over the years, it’s nice to know they have made an effort to take into account accessibility.

Wineglass Trail

The  Wineglass Bay Trail  is 6 km long and takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete based on how fast you go. But trust me, you’ll want to stop lots along the way! Not because it’s a particularly hard trail, but because there are so many amazing lookout points to admire. While the pathway isn’t too rough, you should definitely have some good walking shoes for this hike. The bathroom in the car park is the only washroom on the route, so be sure to use it before you go.

The Wineglass Bay walk takes you up to the top of the hill, where you’ll find the lookout. This point gives you a great view across the saddle-shaped wineglass bay beach below. The bright turquoise waters and almost impossible to believe white sands make for one of the most iconic views of Tasmania.

Wineglass Bay

From the top of the lookout, you can walk down the 1000 stairs to  Wineglass Bay Beach . While this might seems like a trek, it’s well worth it to relax and explore the beach for yourself (not just from above). You can stroll along the sands, enjoying the sounds of the softly crashing waves while birds chirp in the distance. If you walk to the south end of the beach, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view of ‘the Hazards’ mountains.

Because of the tall mountains which surround this bay, flora and fauna here are protected from the elements. Therefore this area produces a superb array of plants and animal life. Everything from wallabies, pademelons, and echidnas are commonly seen on land, and you might even be lucky enough to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks. If you brought some picnicking food with you, this is the perfect spot for it! And you’ll need to gather your energy for the 1000 stair hike back to the car park! If you planning the hike to end around sunset, once you get back to the top of the stairs, you’ll get an even more incredible view of the sun setting across the water.

Honeymoon Bay

If you are still looking for a place to watch the sunset, head over to  Honeymoon Bay . This peaceful beach is a popular destination for picnics, birdwatching and snorkelling. But at sunset, you can understand why it might be called Honeymoon Bay as the scenery just screams romance!

Coles Bay Ice Creamery

If you didn’t bring anything to eat for dinner or want to grab a late-night dessert, head back into Coles Bay village and over to Coles Bay Ice Creamery . Coles Bay Ice Creamery serves up fantastic fried fish and chips! Located in the quaint seaside village, this retro-styled shop also offers 24 flavours of Tasmanian-made ice cream and a wide range of hot and cold drinks. Dine inside or out on the patio tables with panoramic views of the Hazards mountains of the Freycinet peninsula. The fried Crumbed Tasmanian Scallops with chips, aioli dipping sauce and local craft beer is a match made in heaven.

Finish off the meal with a couple scoops of ice creams. They have such unique flavours as; salted caramel crunch, lavender, watermelon, Irish creme with scorched almonds, or Viennese coffee. If you still have any energy left, you can grab a cone to-go and head over to the Esplanade to enjoy your sweet treat.

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Freycinet Retreat

There are lots of holiday home rentals around Coles Bay and near the Hazards. You can get huge homes for the whole family or little apartments perfect to crash in after a long day of hiking. If you brought a camper or camping equipment Freycinet National Park’s campground is a wonderful place to set up for the evening. But my favourite place to stay is at Freycinet Retreat . This is an eco-certified, boutique hotel, nestled in thick forest on the side of Mount Paul and surrounded by the National Parkland. The rooms are impeccably designed and provide a stunning view of the Tasmania landscape. Their walk-out balconies offer the chance to spot the wildlife that surrounds the sanctuary. It’s a luxury experience but well worth the price.

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Day 4 – Wielangta Forest

Spend as much time in the morning in your room as possible, as the mornings in the  Freycinet National Park  are a particularly special time of day. Enjoy a coffee on the patio as you watch the sunrise, and listen to the sound of the animals as they sound the alarm as dawn rises in the distance.

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Kate’s Berry Farm

As we get back on the road, we start to head down south. On the way, let’s stop off at  Kate’s Berry Farm . Kate has been harvesting and growing berries since 1988, when she bought this property. The main reason? The magnificent views of Tasmania’s eastern coastline. Here, Kate grows raspberries, strawberries, red and black currants. She turns these fruits into everything from jams, ice cream, and baked pastries. 

The biggest draw to Kate’s farm is her ‘Just Desserts Café’, which serves fresh-baked scones with their homemade jam, fruit and meat pies and even Belgian waffles. Basically everything you need for a mouthwatering breakfast. Another item that you can’t leave without trying is Kate’s handmade chocolates. She combines rich Belgian chocolate with her berries and other Tasmania ingredients to create incredible flavours. Grab a box to go to enjoy on the road when you get peckish.

Spiky Bridge

Along our route today, you need to stop to see one of the stranger side-of-the-road attractions, the  Spiky Bridge . The bridge was built by convicts in 1843 out of sharp fieldstones. The bridge is located on the old convict road that connected Swansea with Little Swanport and the east coast road to Hobart. 

The stones were laid vertically on the parapet to give the bridge its name:  Spike Bridge . There are two differing opinions on why the spikes were added like this. The first is said to have been made to prevent cattle from falling over the bridge. The other is that they were added to help the bridge survive the harsh elements of the coastline. Either way, it is one of the more obscure scenes from the Tasmania roadside.

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Triabunna Ferry to Maria Island

Travel down the A3 until you reach  Tribunna . Head down to the  Triabunna Wharf , where you can get the Ferry to  Maria Island . The Ferry departs from Triabunna to Maria Island at 10:00 am and 11:30 am. Departure times from Maria Island back to Triabunna are from 2:30 pm and 4:15 pm. Be aware that the Ferry does not operate on Tuesdays or Thursdays. A return adult fare costs $45 AUS. The best plan is to arrive at  11:30 am  and head back on the  2:30 pm  ferry. This gives you enough time to explore the island, but you can head back before the end of the day. 

Darlington Convict Site

Exiting the Ferry, you arrive in the tiny settlement of  Darlington . This old convict probation station is now considered a World Heritage Australian Convict Site. Darlington was the sole settlement on the island, but there are no permanent inhabitants aside from the park rangers today. Upon arrival on the island, stop off at the ranger station for a map of the island to help you get around.

Today, the Darlington township is the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia. It is one of eleven convict sites recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the Darlington historic township, you can still visit some of the old buildings from the 1820s. This includes the commissariat store, the workers’ cottages and the old penitentiary.

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 When the convict station was open, it was home to over 600 male convicts crammed into these overcrowded buildings. The old prison that still stands here dates back to 1824. It was built to house convicts, mainly from Ireland, including the Irish nationalist leader  William Smith O’Brien . He was exiled for his part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. Interestingly, O’Brien didn’t have to live in the crowded penitentiary. He had a cottage built near the penal colony that you can still visit today. Shockingly you can even opt to stay overnight in the old jail cells! There is also a campground on the island near the old Penitentiary buildings where you can camp should you choose to. Eventually, the prison was shut down, with a halting of convicts arriving from England. 

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The Island as National Park

The island was purchased by an Italian entrepreneur, Bernacchi, who wanted to harness the island’s agricultural resources. He opened “the Grand Hotel” in 1888 and turned some of the old convict buildings into a pleasure resort. This “sanitarium” was designed for city folks to escape and relax in the peace and quiet of the countryside. Funny to imagine that this place of harmony was once a horrible spot of punishment only a few years early.

Sadly, Bernacchi’s venture was short-lived, and eventually, the township passed hands to a small cohort of farmers. Farming ended when the Tasmanian Government began purchasing properties from their owners to declare the island a national park.

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Maria Island Wildlife

Animals to spot while you walk along the trails include; the bare-nosed wombat, eastern grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies. There are also fallow deer, ringtail possums, echidnas, and many, many snakes! Birds are also very prevalent on the island. In fact, there are even some swift parrots, Cape Barren geese and twelve of Tasmania’s endemic birds, so bring your binoculars!

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Painted Cliffs Walk

From the Darlington settlement, take a walk along the island’s eastern side. Here you can see Maria Island’s spectacular painted cliffs wrapping around the coastline. The painted cliffs are made of these fantastic swirling colours and patterns. The design is caused by the groundwater percolating through the sandstone over time. The waves crashing onto the sand create erosion resulting in these magical honeycomb patterns, potholes and notches. Mother nature is such a wonder!

The  Painted Cliff walk  starts along the coastline and heads back to Darlington via the island’s interior. This winding trail provides views of the waterside and forest-like landscape of the inner island. The walk takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, so you can easily walk it in enough time to be back at the Ferry for the 2:30 departure. Whenever you get a chance to look out over the water, keep a keen eye out. During certain times of the year, you might be lucky enough to spot a whale during its annual migration! 

Three Thumb State Reserve

Get back on the Ferry at 2:30 pm so you can get back on the road with sunlight to spare. Make your way to the  Three Thumb State Reserve . This lookout point can be driven directly up to; no hiking require at all! And you’ll be shocked at the incredible view you’ll be greeted with as you arrive in the picnic area. It looks out over  Prosser Bay  and  Great Oyster Bay  at the Peninsula and the ocean beyond. This area is home to Swifty parrots and wedge-tailed eagles, as we all as several threatened plant species.

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Wielangta Forest

Only 20 down the road from the lookout, you continue on into the  Wielangta Forest . The Wielangta forest is a glacial forest containing lush eucalyptus trees and giant ferns. The forest is home to some rare and threatened species, including the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, swift parrot, Wielangta stag beetle, spotted-tail quoll and eastern barred bandicoot. They have even discovered a rare orchid inside this unique forest.

Stop at the  Wielangta Forest Picnic Area , where you can walk along the  Wielangta Walk  that weaves itself along the Sandspit River. The walk is pretty long, but you need only go about 20-minutes in to still get a great sampling of the fantastic temperate rainforest. Something only to be found in Tasmania!

Murdunna Roadhouse

On your way towards the last stopping point of the night, head over to  Murdunna Roadhouse . Although this looks like a gas station with a small supermarket inside, the building hides a fantastic little cafe with everything from a deli counter to freshly shucked oysters! The fish and chip are made fresh and surprisingly sumptuous for somewhere you’d expect to serve nothing but chocolate bars and soda pops. Pick up some items to make yourself a picnic dinner as the accommodation we recommend for the night has a small kitchen. If you are staying somewhere else, you can also get many premade meals here you can eat without much prep. I would also advise you to stock up on some food for tomorrow’s breakfast and lunch as there aren’t many options for food as we drive deeper into the Tasman peninsula.

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Eaglehawk Neck / Teralina

Passing over into the Tasman Peninsula, we cross over the narrow isthmus called Eaglehawk Neck. An isthmus is a narrow piece of land connecting two larger areas across an expanse of water by which they are otherwise separated. The Tasman Peninsula was originally called ‘Turrakana’ by the indigenous people who once inhabited this part of the island. Before the invasion of the British, who eradicated almost the entire population in the short time after their arrival. The peninsula is best known for being the location of historic convict site Port Arthur and for its natural rugged coastline where you can find the Tasman National Park.

The Dog line

The Eaglehawk Neck or ‘Teralina’ was used by the British as a place to stop any escaping convicts from the southern Port Arthur penitentiary. As the expanse of land was only 30 metres wide at its narrowest point, the British employed a series of dogs chained to posts to warn the guards of anyone attempting to get through unannounced. In addition to the line of chain, very aggressive dogs, there was 24-hour surveillance by heavily armed soldiers.

Eaglehawk Pavilions

Finish your night at the Eaglehawk Pavilions . This is another boutique hotel located right at the mouth of the Tasman Sea and Pirates Bay! There are only two pavillions so book this accommodation early. Each one of these little holiday homes has an outdoor bbq or indoor kitchen. If you are looking for a camping spot consider the Sunset Beach Holiday Spot just up the road.

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Day 5 – Tasman National Park

Tasman National Park

After loading up on coffee or tea while soaking in the sunrise on the water, it’s time to get back on the road. The first stop of the day is at the tip of  Pirates Bay , at the  ‘Blowhole .’ This blowhole is very similar to the one we saw in Bicheno, with a spray of misty water exploding from a hold in the sea cave below. Above the blowhole, you can walk out towards the  Fossil Bay Lookout , where you can see the entirety of the dramatic coastline spread out in front of you.

Tasman Arch

Walk a few minutes along the pathway towards the great  Tasman Arch . This incredible cliff side looks out over the southeast tip of Tasmania and out towards the ocean. Towering up above the water, over 300 meters above, to be exact, are these amazing dolerite cliffs. The cliffs have been naturally carved by the wind and water that batter the cliffside carving out over thousand and thousands of years this archway. It looks so artfully deliberate like someone came and made it as a frame to the great ocean on the other side. Once more, mother nature just on full display here in Tasmania!

If you are feeling peckish, you need to see if it’s late enough in the morning for the  Doo-lishus  food truck to be open. This side of the road establishment is a mainstay for visitors and even the locals. They have more than just the traditional fish and chips, too; you can get scallops and squid as well as freshly made meat pies and steamed mussels. Prices are a bit high, but since the food is almost brought to you in one of the most picturesque locations, you’re paying a premium for that. 

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Cape Hauy Walk

Get back on the road and make your way through the island’s centre towards the southeastern tip, at the  Tasman National Park  near the parking lot to the  Cape Hauy Trail . This hike is the longest included in this itinerary. The entire hike takes about 4-hours to complete the return journey. As the vegetation up here on the cliffs is relatively low to the ground, you pretty much always get a beautiful view of the stunning coastline. So feel free to make the hike as long or as short as you see fit. There’s no pressure to walk the entirety. You can turn back whenever you see fit. If you do plan on doing the entire hike, be sure you bring some food along with you for a bit of picnic at the endpoint around the 2-hour mark.

The trek starts from the boat docks at  Fortescue Bay  and follows the edge of the steep dolerite cliffs. Towards the end of the hike, you’ll be able to see the sea stacks that the rocks form. These have also been dubbed the “candlesticks” or “totem poles.” These rock formations have split off from the mainland and now stand on their own. Many climbers and abseiler use these rocks to climb, and you can often watch their daring antics as you continue on your walk. Really makes your walk feel like childs play in comparison to those daredevils.

Remarkable Cave

With exhausted feet, it’s time to head back into the car and bid adieu to the natural beauty of the National Park as we head west, over to Port Arthur. But before heading to Port Arthur for the rest of the day, drive to the southern tip of Tasmania, where you’ll find the  Remarkable Cave.  The Remarkable Cave is famous for its unique form when gazed upon from the viewing deck near the water’s edge. The two sizeable sandstone outcrops were worn away by the splashing of the waves over time. This once more created a hollow cave underneath. Hiking down the stairs to get to the viewpoint, you can make out the shape of the sea cave, and you’ll be amazed to see that it takes on the form of Tasmania! Just incredible.

Port Arthur Motor Inn

After a scenic drive back to Port Arthur, it’s time to find a place to lay your head. Port Arthur is such a charming town, despite its rather sordid convict past. One of my favourite places to stay in Port Arthur is at the Port Arthur Motor Inn . This amazing and quaint hotel is actually located inside the historic Port Arthur Convict site. It’s like staying inside a bit of history. Not only are the room very affordable, but all the rooms also look right out over the scenic Port Arthur site and the bay. Best of all, there is also an amazing restaurant on-site, so you don’t even have to leave your room if you don’t feel like getting up for dinner after your long day of hiking!

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One of the best ways to experience the darker side of Port Arthur is at night. Specifically at one of their evening lantern-lit  ghost tours . The ghost tours are even more popular than the regular site tours, and they book up fast, so best to book that tour well in advance. Since the site was such a place of pain and suffering, it is the perfect location for hauntings. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the storytelling that takes place here is phenomenal and seeing the site at night is a really unique experience. If you don’t feel like leaving your room, you can simply sit out on the balcony as the sun sets and read over my ghost stories all about Port Arthur ! Trust me, you don’t need to be there to get a good scare.

Day 6 – Port Arthur to Hobart

To start our sixth day in Tasmania, we make our way to the old convict settlement of  Port Arthur . The site at Port Arthur is one of the best-preserved Australian Convict sites and one of the largest settlements. This site gives a fantastic look back in time at Tasmania’s violent and criminal past. At the site was here, the most hardened criminals came to stay with some of the most rebellious personalities. For this reason, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures and most brutal punishments. Most of which focuses on the psychological rather than the physical. To end our day, we make our way to the old convict settlement of Port Arthur .

Port Arthur Historic Site

The site at Port Arthur is one of the best-preserved Australian Convict sites and also one of the larger settlements. This site gives a fantastic look back in time at Tasmania’s violent past. At the site was here the most hardened criminals came to stay with some of the most rebellious personalities. For this reason, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures and brutal punishments.

Practical Information

Hours and admission.

Adult tickets cost $40 AUS, and children are $18 AUS.  Your ticket into Port Arthur  includes entry to the museum, a 40-minute walking tour, a harbour cruise, and access to 30 different historic buildings. The site is open seven days a week, from 10:00am – 5:00pm. They are only closed on Christmas Day.

COVID-19 Protocols:  Tickets must be booked online   prior to your visit.  Click here for more information  on their COVID-19 safety precautions.

I have a complete guided tour of Port Arthur if you’re interested in having someone lead you on your way throughout the site. This way you can learn stories all about the history of each of the buildings inside the convict site.

Rosedale Homestead

After you’re finished at the historical convict site, grab a spot of lunch at the Rosedale Homestead. The homestead is owned by an Aboriginal Tasmanian family who has created a charming animal sanctuary and tasty restaurant that focuses on local delights. Eating here really feels like you’ve been invited right into a family kitchen, and the friendly atmosphere here just can’t be missed!

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Tasmanian Devil Zoo

Before leaving this peninsula, it’s worth making an early morning stop at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo just a minute down the road from the homestead. A “un” zoo, you say? What on earth is that? The zoo owners Jon Coe and Ray Mendez wanted to create their vision of an animal’s natural environment that the human visitors can explore, not an environment created for the human visitors that the animals must adapt to.

The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is worth a visit for their namesake, the famous Tasmanian Devil. In here, you can see their habitats and many of the animals up close. They are such interesting animals and so much small than I thought they would be! If you have never had a chance to visit a free-range kangaroo field, where you can see these massive creatures in person, this zoo also has a large paddock where you can see kangaroos, wallabies and Australian hens.

Federation Chocolate

A minute down the road, make your last stop on the peninsula at Federation Artisan Chocolate . Federation Artisan Chocolate has been an iconic foodie establishment in Tasmania for over 30 years! Their chocolatiers have been crafting innovative and ever-evolving handmade chocolate praline and truffles for years, all made with local ingredients. Their unique flavours include hazelnut praline, wildberry and pistachio, Tasmanian peppermint crunch, espresso martini, Hellyer’s whisky and my favourite, Tasmanian lavender!

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Richmond Bridge

Continue along the A9 Highway through the Woodvine Nature Reserve . Travelling west towards Hobart, you will pass across the famous Richmond Bridge . Richmond is a beautiful little place for a pitstop just outside of Hobart. The Richmond bridge is a heritage-listed bridge built by English convicts in 1823 and, therefore, the oldest stone bridge in Australia! While the bridge is magnificent and placed in a scenic location, it is perhaps its darker past that makes it so well known. In 1832, George Grover, an employee at the nearby Richmond Gaol, was murdered on the bridge. Grover was known to be very cruel to the prisoners. Although no one was convicted of his murder, he had many well-known enemies. His ghost is thought to haunt the bridge to this day.

Richmond Village

It would be a shame not to pass through Richmond and not hop out of the car for a few minutes to walk around this historic and charming little village. Richmond has been relatively untouched by the modern changes that came to bigger cities like Hobart. It, therefore, retains its Georgian colonial architecture would have looked like once all cities around Tasmania would have looked. It feels like a living museum.

My favourite building is the old Richmond Arms Hotel with its fantastical lace wrought-iron verandah. The building was constructed in 1827 for James Buscombe, who aimed to create a pub that would serve the growing population of Richmond and all the passersby who were travelling onto Hobart. Despite passing hands and changing names over the years, the building still serves local drafts in a friendly atmosphere. Their outdoor beer garden is such a great place to sit and enjoy the warm weather and beautiful surroundings.

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Pooley Wines

Just down the road from Richmond are the vineyards for the award-winning  Pooley Wines.   This winery is located in the heart of Tasmania’s famous wine-producing region, the Coal River Valley. This is the steepest vineyard site in the coal river valley. The rich and fertile soils and the afternoon sea breeze and prevailing winds result in a smaller variation between day and night temperatures which aids grape production. Pooley Wines is located on a historical property which is one of the loveliest places to wander around. For only $5 per person, you can enjoy local cheeses and charcuterie along with a varied selection of wines from the estates.

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Arriving in Hobart

After finishing up at the Winery, it’s time to leave the countryside behind and head into the great city of Hobart. One of the most beautiful aspects of Hobart is the fact that there are so few high-rise buildings that creep across the city. This building limitation was put in place due to Hobart’s proximity to the River Derwent and Mount Wellington/kunanyi. This was due in part to the fact that the government didn’t want to ruin these incredible vistas with views of stark steel towers. The results in the peaceful seaside village we find today. Despite being an urban centre and having all those amenities, Hobart still feels like a secret treasure.

Franklin Wharf

Drop your things off at your hotel and head out to the docks to grab yourself some dinner! Walk along the  Franklin Wharf  waterfront. The historic buildings along this street are stunning, one of which is the old  Marine Board.  Franklin Wharf is the Hobart’s Waterfront where fishing and sailing boats dock, both now and in years past. It is also where you can find some of the best seafood restaurants and cafes at very reasonable prices! 

Heading South Sculpture

So much of Hobart is home to random sculptures and art installations that seem to pop up out of nowhere. And the docks aren’t any different. You’ll find the ‘ Heading South Sculpture ‘ group along the water’s edge towards Hunter street. The first sculpture you see is called ‘ The Bernacchi Tribute. ‘ Louise Bernacchi was a scientist, photographer, and writer, and he is seen here with his trusty husky dog Joe, holding the flag. Bernacchi was the first Australian to spend and document a winter in Antarctica. In the sculpture, we catch Bernacchi taking a picture (or selfie as we know it today) of himself as he marks his accomplishment.

Behind Bernacchi, we find the bronze sculpture of a group of seals and penguins made by  Stephen Walker . This scene is meant to memorialize English explorer  James Clark Ross  and his role in the 19th-century Antarctic expeditions. Ross sailed from Hobart to Antarctica in 1840. Later, in 1845, Ross set out with Sir John Franklin to help lead his expedition to discover the North-West Passage. Although we both know now how that ended for both explorers.

Elizabeth Street Pier

Elizabeth Street  is one of the major street that runs southeast to the northwest through the downtown and into the suburbs. But the famous street ends right here in the harbour. The Governor of New South Wales named Elizabeth Street after his wife,  Elizabeth Macquarie . The original Elizabeth Street Pier was in built 1866, but this new concrete structure was built in 1933. Today, the covered pier serves as a space for restaurants, bars and event spaces.

Fish Frenzy

When I first visited Hobart, I was a young student and was eager to find somewhere to eat great seafood at  low prices . No trip to Hobart is complete without some fresh seafood, and even students deserve to try it out! Lucky for me,  Fish Frenzy  was recommended to me over and over again as the best place for cheap and delicious seafood. It makes me so happy to see they are still wildly popular. Fish Frenzy serves amazingly fresh fish and chips with seafood caught directly from local fishermen. They also serve incredible grilled seafood, chowder, and my personal favourite,  Tasmanian scallops.  And the best part is you can dine outdoors along the waterfront. Sitting here enjoying your catch of the day is the best way to take in the fantastic views of Hobart’s waterfront.

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Lady Nelson Tall Ship

Located right outside Fish Frenzy is the historic  Lady Nelson tall ship . To be fair, this is a replica of the historic ship that people still use regularly today! It sets sail from this dock and heads out along the Derwent River. The original  HMS Lady Nelson  was commissioned in 1799 to survey the coast of Australia. At the time, large parts of the Australian coast were unmapped, and Britain had claimed only part of the continent. This ship would be the first to seal all of Australia for the British. The ship’s crew were also the first to establish settlements on the River Derwent, at  Port Dalrymple  in Tasmania.

Constitution Dock

Constitution Dock  has been used to harbour fleets in Hobart since its founding in 1804. It is still used today by fisherman who docks here to sell their catch of the day. Walking around this area and the adjacent  Fisherman’s Dock,  you’ll find that pretty much every single building is a fantastic seafood cafe or restaurant! There is no better place to come for seafood lovers!

A Hobart institution that I loved coming back to, night after night, was  Mures . Jill & George Mure established Mures Fish House in 1973! Back then, it was located in Battery Point but to ensure the fish’s freshness, they moved the location right to the source on Fisherman’s Wharf. One of the most interesting things about Mures is that they have two different areas of the restaurant; the upper and lower deck. The  Lower Deck  is where you’ll find the quick-service restaurant serving up their famous fried fish and seafood paired with their world-class chips. But another seemingly strange addition to the lower deck is their cafe with 32 flavours of ice cream! Despite being primarily a seafood shop, their ice cream is AMAZING! You can either eat your plunder inside in their gorgeous mural-covered interior or outside where you can watch fishing boats come in and go out to sea.

The  Upper Deck  is their fine dining restaurant. Here you can experience the ultimate seafood experience in Hobart. This is a great place to try fresh Tasmanian pacific oysters! You can also sample Tasmanian octopus, Bass Strait squid, Tasmania rock lobster, and local spring bay mussels. Despite being a fine dining restaurant, the prices are shockingly affordable for the incredible quality and freshness you get!

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Drunken Admiral

The best place to end your day in Hobart is inside the  Drunken Admiral ! While this restaurant and bar might seem too touristy to be legit, don’t let the kitsch factor dissuade you. The restaurant is decorated to look like you are drinking inside a haul of a pirate ship. Ropes hang from the walls, and the ceiling even appears to be made of the ribbing of a giant ship. The are nautically themed objects all over the place, covering almost every inch of the surface. Some of them are antiques, others are new creations, but it’s almost impossible to tell which ones are which.

Their beer and wine lists are staggering, so it’s a wonderful place to come to sample locally made spirits of all sorts. But it’s the friendly environment inside this place that makes it so special and the best place to wile the night away.

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Day 7 – Exploring Hobart

To end our week in Tasmania, we spend our last day touring the city of Hobart and the famous Mount Wellington/kunanyi.

Battery Point

Start your morning off right in the historic neighbourhood of Battery Point . This area is one of Hobart’s most peaceful and beautiful districts, and I love wandering the streets in the early morning. You’ll find the least tourists out and about this time of day, and the area takes on a more authentic neighbourhood feel. I adore wandering aimlessly and watching the locals mull about doing their morning tasks.

Princes Park

Start your tour of Battery Point inside the peaceful Princes Park . The name “ Battery Point ” was due to the fact that the first Battery was built here in 1818 as a part of Hobart’s coastal defences. Although the Battery was well stocked with guns and ammunition, the defences were never called upon to withstand an invasion. Instead, the Battery was mainly used for ceremonial salutes. The Battery was officially decommissioned in 1878 and turned into a lovely park for the residents in 1934. Princes Park is the perfect place to start the day as it is located on a lookout over the gorgeous River Derwent. Princes Park is also home to some beautiful lush trees, representative of that iconic flora and fauna that makes Tasmania so unique.

Battery Point Historic Homes

After meandering around Princes Park, take a walk along Hampden Road. This street winds up the hillside, climbing higher and higher. As you go, you’ll catch more and more views of the towering Mount Wellington/kunanyi overhead. On either side of the street, you can spot a myriad of different styles of colonial cottages. Keep an eye out for the eave-free homes. These are some of the oldest in the area and have been here since the colony’s establishment. In 1973, the Builders Labourers Federation established a “green ban” on the destruction of the historic building. This ban ensured the historic homes were preserved for future generations. The everyday Tasmanians who own these homes take great pride in keeping them prime and proper and their gardens are almost as glorious as the houses themselves.

Runnymede Street & Arthur Circus Park

For a moment, turn off Hampden Street to explore Runnymede Street , a small circle that surrounds the quaint Arthur Circus Park . The houses surrounding the park are old cottages. These homes were originally constructed for the garrison officers of the Battery. An iconic architectural element to keep your eye out for around here is the “iron lace” verandas. This style of wrought iron is a feature of many buildings in the area and in colonial Australia. In 1870 Australia established its own iron factories, influenced by the Victorian ornamental iron designs they saw in magazines from England. Australians adapted this style for themselves and having an iron lace terrace was a sign of your status in Australian society.

Jackman & McRoss

Located in the heart of the community is the popular cafe Jackman & McRoss . Jackman & McRoss feels like a quintessential Australian cafe, but with a gourmet twist. Their most popular item is the iconic Australian staple: meat pies. But unlike the mystery meat pies you get in truck stops, these pies come in flavours like; goat & lentil, blue eye fish korma, lamb & rosemary and even scallop pie, with shellfish caught right from the Tasman sea.

If sweets are your morning preference, then they have you covered as well. You’ll be drooling over the gorgeous window displays of all their sweet creations. Always go for whatever is labelled “ seasonal ” as these items are extra special. You can opt to grab your food to go and eat in one of the many beautiful parks around the area or sit inside and watch the locals come in and out for their morning brew.

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St. George’s Anglican Church

From the cafe, head up Waterloo Crescent, then down Colville Street and over Cromwell Street to find your way to St. George’s Anglican Church . Although this is a little bit of a roundabout way to get here, it is the best route to see some of the most amazing historic streets along the way. St. George’s Anglican Church is a Greek revival church built to serve Battery Point residents in 1838. English architect James Blackburn designed the classical tower in 1847. The tower is one of the most impressive parts of the church and a worthy addition.

Nanny Goat Lane

Nanny Goat Lane is home to one of the best spots to get an amazing view across Hobart. This steep and skinny set of steps is essential to help residents make their way from Quayle Street to St Georges Terrace. These little shortcut steps can be found all over the city. Originally, many of these access points were made by the residents themselves and not the city. But in recent years, they have become both historical and accessible assets.

St. Georges Terrace

Continue along Cromwell Street and down De Witt Street until you reach St. Georges Terrace . Standing on the corner of St. Georges Terrace and Colville Street , you have the most incredible view of the water to the left and the sprawling city, crawling over the hillside to your right.

Narryna Heritage Museum

Turn around and walk west along St. Georges Terrace and back north along Sandy Bay Road . Then turn back onto Hampden Street to visit Narryna Heritage Museum . The Narryna Heritage Museum is a delightful place to visit to explore what the interiors of a 1830’s style merchant house would have looked like. Designs and furnishings from early colonial Tasmania have been preserved here. The house and their collection help tell the story of life in Tasmania for those early settlers. The Georgian townhouse was built by the seafarer, Captain Andrew Haig. Haig also built the famous Salamanca warehou ses in 1834.

Admission : 10 AUD for adults and 4 AUD for Children. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 4 pm | Closed Mondays and Sundays

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Kelly Street & Steps

Walk along Hampden Street until you reach Kelly Street . Kelly Street was named after James Kelly , an explorer who circumnavigated Tasmania in 1816. And in only a 5-oared whaling boating nonetheless! Kelly went on to become a whale-oil merchant. Back then whale oil was one of the highest-selling commodities of the Hobart ports. To export the oil, he needed to employ shipwrights, sailmakers, ship chandlers, coopers to make barrels, smiths, wharf labourers, and watermen to ferry the cargo. These men needed to live close to the warehouse, so Kelly took his huge plot of land and subdivided it into smaller cottages for her workers. You can still see many of these old cottages today.

But the most important part of the street is the famous Kelly Steps. The steps were also made by Kelly in 1839. He wanted a shortcut for him and his workers to access the warehouses in Salamanca Place from their homes in Battery Point. The steps were carved into the hillside and from the top provide a stunning view out towards the piers. As the steps were carved almost 200 years ago, they weren’t quite made to code and are very steep, so those with mobility issues should traverse down to Salamanca Place via nearby Runnymede Street .

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Salamanca Place

The steps guide you right to the center of Salamanca Place . These rows of simple, sandstone buildings were once the former warehouses that served the enormous marine industry, that was the Port of Hobart. The area was previously called “ Cottage Green ” but renamed in 1812. It was named Salamanca after the victory in the Battle of Salamanca by the Duke of Wellington. As the whaling and shipbuilding industry dried up and the port became less and less frequented by ships, the warehouses were transformed into a trendy space for restaurants, theatres, galleries, cafes and shops.

Salamanca Market

The best time to visit Salamanca Place is on Saturdays for the Salamanca Market . Every Saturday, hundreds of vendors come here and pop up their market stalls. Locals come here for fresh produce collected from all around Tasmania. Everything from delicious baked goods, fresh fruits and veg and friendly florists selling bouquets of brightly coloured flowers. Tourists will enjoy all that as well as the crafts and gifts made by local craftspeople. But best of all is the cheery atmosphere local markets provide. The market runs from Salamanca Lawns to Salamanca Place and is open from 8:30 am to 3 pm. This is a great place to get some food for lunch and eat it picnic-style in one of the nearby parks.

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Food at Salamanca

My favourite place to grab a cup of coffee or a delicious brunch is Machine Laundry Cafe . This retro fantasy cafe is located inside the old interiors of a laundry mat. Instead of removing the old machines, they left them on display and in fact, you can still do your laundry here while enjoying your breakfast! A double load will cost you $5 AUD and the dryer costs $1 AUD for 7 minutes. If you’re travelling for a long time and need some laundry done, you cannot miss doing it here! Plus the food is incredible, the perfect hangover cure!

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If you want something sweet, check out San Churro Salamanca . Since the area is named after a place in Spain, it seems fitting to find a Spanish Churro shop in the middle of the old warehouses. This place serves up pipping hot, fresh churros served with traditional cinnamon sugar and a side of melted chocolate for dipping! Honey Badger Dessert Cafe is another fantastical brunch restaurant that serves up some decadent breakfast sweets. Try the pancakes or cheesecake covered in candy floss for those of us with a real sweet tooth.

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Salamanca Arts Centre

Wanders into the Salamanca Arts Centre to peruse the incredible works of art found inside. Unlike a traditional art gallery, this place is free to visit and an amazing way to explore up-and-coming local artists as well as get a sense of the vibrant art style Hobart is famous for!

I’m a HUGE used book lover, so I adored Deja Vu Books inside the arts centre. This place is a treasure trove of books that wobble from the floor to the ceiling. Aspect Design is a wonderful gift shop inside that supports local Tasmanian artists and craftspeople. Everything is made using local materials and is the best place to pick up something to remember your trip with.

St David’s Park

Continue along Salamanca Place street, passing the Supreme Court of Tasmania . Just opposite the Supreme Court, you’ll find the entrance to St David’s Park. Marking the entrance to the park are the two large lion sandstone sculptures. Their paws clutching onto the column capital. These were a gift for the Hobart bicentennial from an Australian and New Zealand Banking Group. You might spot the image of the lion all over Tasmania. This is because the Tasmania flag has a white disk with the image of a red lion in the center. Throughout the English-style park, there are lots of pretty sandstone sculptures, gorgeous pergolas, and lush Tasmanian flora and fauna.

St David’s Cemetery

While strolling through this peaceful park, many visitors are unaware that under their feet sits the grounds of an old cemetery. St David’s Cemetery was first established here in 1804. The site was thought to be perfect as it was a tranquil part of town with scenic water views. But it was also located a ways away from the residential area of Hobart Town. Many of Hobart’s founding citizens were buried here after serving in the new colony.

As the neighbourhood around the cemetery was built up, many residents became uneasy living close to the corpses. Health officials also voiced concerns about the health risks of this proximity. So, the cemetery was closed in 1872 when the Cornelian Bay cemetery was opened far north of the city centre. In 1919 the town council purchased the land from the church, and the area transformed into a lush recreational park.

There are still 900 bodies buried in the park as only some graves were moved to the new cemetery. Today, you can still see some of these old tombstones and headstones along the memorial wall. These include the remains of David Collins, the first Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania. Taking a look at these headstones, you might notice that many are from young children. Sadly, children’s life expectancy in the new Tasman colony was very low, and many children didn’t survive into adolescence.

Parliament House Gardens

Walk back out to Salamanca Street and make your way to the Parliament House Gardens . On the west side of the park stands the grand Parliament House . Look up at the flag on top of the building to see the red lion for yourself we mentioned previously. In 1825 Tasmania became an independent British colony, and its administration was separate from that of New South Wales. It was here that the first Legislative Council was formed to advise the Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen’s Land, who had sole governance of the colony. The gardens in front of Parliament House are a peaceful place to stop to rest your feet before continuing on the rest of the tour.

Customs House

On the other side of the road stands the old Customs House . John Lee Archer was the architect who designed the Customs House in 1835. The Customs House was originally used as Tasmania’s primary Parliamentary building until the new Parliament was built in 1841. The beautiful classical revival facade has been preserved and is a great example of the styles of the time. The building is now used as a pub and hostel, so you can still go inside and take in the historic atmosphere.

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Franklin Square

Head North along Murray Street to Franklin Square. Franklin Square is one of the most impressive public squares in Hobart. The square is lined by oak trees on either side. The park was named after Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin . Sir John Franklin was also the Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen’s Land from 1837 to 1843.

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In the center of the square stands a large fountain with a statue of Sir John Franklin on top. On one of the stone pedestal, you can see the words, “ Not here! The white north has thy bones. ” This is because Franklin was obsessed with exploring the artic and perished there instead of at home in Tasmania. In 1845 he set out with two huge vessels, the HMS Terror and HMS Erebus , to explore the Northwest Passage. The ships never returned home as they became icebound. He and all his crew perished at sea, but their death was a mystery for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until 2014 that the ships were discovered, and the mystery was finally put to rest along with Franklin and his crew.

On the east side of the park sits a beautiful sculpture called “ Two Islands. ” The sculpture portrays a sizeable wooden boat skeleton wrapped around a smaller metal canoe. This sculpture represents the history of the Tasmanian Indigenous people being swallowed up by the European settlers. The Two Islands sculpture also incorporates a soundscape comprised of many voices providing a dialogue revolving around reconciliation for the future.

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St. David’s Cathedral

Sitting just behind Franklin Square is the domineering castellated parapet tower of St. David’s Cathedral . In 1842 Hobart was declared an official city, and the existing smaller St David’s Church became St David’s Cathedral. Construction on the current cathedral began in 1868 but wasn’t complete until 1936. St. David’s Cathedral is designed in the Gothic Revival style by the English architect George Frederick Bodley .

Walking inside, one of the first things I was struck by was the impressive stained glass windows. These windows depict saints, knights, kings and other biblical characters. Despite the rather simple exterior, the interior is replete with neo-Gothic quatrefoil tracery windows, buttressed turrets, stone columns supporting pointed arches and an incredible wooden vaulted ceiling.

Brooke Street Pier

Walk back towards the water along Brooke Street towards the Brooke Street Pier . The Brooke Street Pier is a floating pontoon made to expand the waterfront area of Sullivans Cove. Sullivans Cove , also known as Macquarie Wharf , historically served as the main port for the city of Hobart. Sullivans Cove was the place where Captain David Collins chose to establish a new colony in 1804. He christened the area “ Hobart Town .” Sullivans Cove was the ideal place to set up a colony. Its proximity to the Derwent River provided access to inland transportation, and the deep, natural harbour was protected by Storm Bay. And best of all, the area has easy access from the Tasman Peninsula into the ocean.

The Glass House

Inside this beautiful glass pier building is a series of small restaurants and shops. Appropriately named ‘ The Glass House ‘ offers a selection of Tasmania’s finest drinks, matched with unique shared plates. You can taste the best Tasmania wines along with freshly plucked oysters, spring bay mussels, Tasmanian scallop ceviche, Stanley octopus, and a selection of vegan and vegetarian cuisines with only the best organize produce from local farmers.

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Explorer Bus

If you didn’t bring your own vehicle, you can take the  Explorer Bus up to visit the soaring views on top of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. This tour bus departs directly from Hobart and takes you up to the summit. Once you arrive, you get to enjoy the panoramic views and observations shelter without doing the drive yourself! There are also a few different hop-on-hop-off options along the route. These are great if you wanted to explore any other walking trails around kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Throughout your journey on the bus, there is a commentary track from your drive. They will tell you all about the history and wildlife of the region. Your bus passes valid all day, but checks to see when the different  pick-up/drop-off times and locations  are.

Adult (17+ years): $35 | Child (6–16years): $25

What to Wear?

kunanyi/Mount Wellington  rises 1,271 metres (4,170 ft) above sea level. The temperature up here is frequently so cold that the summit is covered in a thin blanket of snow, even in the summer! So be sure to bring a bunch of extra layers to ensure you’re not too cold up here. I thought I had dressed warmly enough but was shocked by the strong winds up here. The wind chill drops the temperature even further! So bring more than you think you’ll need. A puffer jacket is an excellent option since it is so light to carry around in your bag after the tour. A scarf, hat and gloves are also a necessity!

Landscape and Wildlife

As you climb the mountain, look out your window at the incredible landscape. The initial climb is full of lush Eucalypti forests. On either side, you’ll see tiny bursts of water flowing out from the rocks. These ravines, creeks and hidden waterfalls flood the mountain range. The freshwater creates colossal tree ferns that flourish in the moist ground.

The animals that live in these mountains are so diverse! I hadn’t even heard of some of the creatures that live up here. Everything from potoroos, pademelons, quolls, bettongs, and bandicoots! There are also the common possum, bats, echidnas, the elusive platypus, small frogs, reptiles, and of course the alpine lizards. There are also 67 different bird species living in these forests including peregrine falcons, wedge-tailed eagles, swift parrots and grey goshawks.

Wellington Pinnacle

When you finally reach the summit, the landscape changes from lush green ferns into flat sandstone cliffs. The sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations you find on the summit are so unique. It feels like walking on the moon. You might have noticed that anytime I write Mount Wellington I pair it with the word kunanyi . Kunanyi is the proper Palawa name for the mountain. The indigenous Tasmanian people have called it such for thousands of years before the British colonizers’ arrival. In 2014, the mountain’s name was officially changed to kunanyi/Mt Wellington. This was done as part of the Tasmanian Government’s Aboriginal and Dual Naming Policy.

Standing at the top of the summit, you can see the entirety of Hobart, the River Derwent and even the surrounding hillsides spread out across you like a painting. The most iconic aspect of the summit is the igneous rock spread out over the landscape. These were formed by layers of rocks pushing upwards by upsurges of molten rock as the Australian continental shelf violently tore away from the Antarctic. It’s incredible to think how old these rock formations are. This separation from Antarctica happened over 40 million years ago!

Charles Darwin Visits the Mountain

Charles Darwin visited Hobart Town in 1836. He made an effort to climb the mountains and described his journey to the summit.

“The summit of the mountain is broad and flat, and is composed of huge angular masses of naked greenstone… The day was splendidly clear, and we enjoyed a most extensive view; to the north, the country appeared a mass of wooded mountains, of about the same height with that on which we were standing, and with an equally tame outline: to the south the broken land and water, forming many intricate bays, was mapped with clearness before us. …”

Pinnacle Observation Shelter and Boardwalk

Once you get out of your car or bus at the summit, you can walk along the boardwalk toward the Observation Shelter. The short section of the pathways leading into the Observation Shelter has been made to be wheelchair accessible. Inside the Observation Shelter is a great place to look out at the fantastic views but be protected from the harsh weather as the room is encased in glass.

The boardwalk continues one along the cliff edge. A set of stairs leads you towards a view platform that puts you out on the absolute edge of the mountain to get the best views. Continue walking along the boardwalk as the more you explore, the more of the unique landscape you’ll discover!

Cascade Brewery

Heading back down the mountain, make your way to the South Hobart neighbourhood. Nestled in these suburbs are a few historical treasures of Hobart’s past. If you are taking the Explorer Bus, you can ask to get off at the Fern Tree Park Stop. From there board the 448 Bus at Fern Tree station towards stop 20, Huon Rd near Hillborough Road. Then it’s a 20-minute walk to the Brewery. Although it sounds like a trek, we loved the winding, scenic walk leading up to the great Brewery!

Walking up Cascade Brewery , the enormous building feels a little ominous. It feels almost out of place, as such tall buildings are scarce to find in Hobart. On the grey, misty morning when we arrived the building looked absolutely haunting! The misty shadow of kunanyi/Mt Wellington silhouetted behind the sandstone facade. But once you get inside, you’ll find a charming brewery serving up some fantastic local beers and ciders. Although you’ll discover that its tumultuous history gives reason for the rather spooky atmosphere here.

History of Cascade Brewery

The history of Cascade Brewery is marred with deception and hints at its convict past. The Cascade Brewery first opened in 1824 and remains the oldest continually operating brewery in Australia. Originally the estates here consisted of large sawmills producing the much-needed timber used in the Hobart shipyards. Shipbuilding was one of Hobart’s largest and most lucrative industries, so the demand for timber was very high. Hobart was an optimal location for shipbuilding as the blue gum trees around the city made for some of the best ship lumber.

Peter Degraves and Hugh Macintosh

The Cascade Brewery was the brainchild of Peter Degraves and Hugh Macintosh . Until 2011 this was not the commonly accepted truth. It was previously thought that the brewery was founded only by Peter Degraves. Degraves was a cheat and a debtor so it’s no surprise he managed to fool everyone for years that he was the sole creator. Peter came to the shores of Hobart with his brother-in-law Hugh Macintosh in 1824. Degraves had decided to come to Hobart only to escape his charges of thievery in England. But you can’t run from your past forever.

When they arrived, Macintosh wasn’t so keen on the idea of a brewery. But Degraves convinced him to fund it anyway. In 1826, Degraves was arrested for the debts he had in England. He was sentenced to prison for five years in Hobart. Once Degraves was in jail, the kindly Macintosh opted to pay off all Degraves’ outstanding debts. Macintosh abandoned the operation of the brewery and focused his attention on the lucrative sawmills he ran with his nephews.

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Once Degraves was let out of prison, Macintosh (for whatever reason) agreed to allow him back into the partnership. Degraves immediately went about expanding the brewery. When Macintosh died in 1834, Degraves offered to buy out the other half of the estate. Macintosh’s sons, who inherited the property, lived far away in India and had no interest in the estate. The sons agreed and transferred the deed to Degraves but, as was the pattern with Degraves, he never paid them. In fact, Degraves went onto falsify the brewery’s history after Macintosh’s death and made it appear as if he was the sole owner.

The Gold Rush & Today

Despite his trickery, both the mill and the brewery began to experience a boom of growth, and the money came rolling in. The gold rush in Victoria demanded the import of both timber and beer for the miners. And lucky for Degraves, he could supply both! Eventually, Degraves died and the brewery passed hands a few times. Eventually, the brewery was purchased by Australian subsidiary Carlton & United Breweries, who still own the brewery today. Sadly, a massive bushfire in 1967 destroyed many buildings around South Hobart, the brewery included. Thanks to immense restoration efforts, the entirety of the brewery was rebuilt stone by stone and looks like a replica of the original.

Tasmania Tiger

The original icon of the Cascade Brewing Company is the now extinct Tasmania Tiger or thylacine . The thylacine was the largest carnivorous marsupial native to Tasmania. They called it the Tasmania Tiger as a nickname was the stripes on its lower back resembled that of a tiger. Like the kangaroo, the thylacine also carried its young inside its abdominal pouch. The animal was timid and only about the size of a large dog. Sadly, intensive hunting, shockingly encouraged by state bounties on the animal, contributed to its eventual extinction. New diseases were brought to the country by the English settlers. Their encroachment on the land also led to the thylacine’s disappearance. The last Tasmania tiger died in captivity in 1930. The Tasmanian devil is its closest living relative.

Cascade Brewery Bar

The Cascade Brewery Bar is also a great place to grab a bite to eat and settle in for the evening. Their menu is full of incredible Tasmanian delights. Their taste of ‘Tassie platter’ is a fantastic way to try a bunch of different local items at once. It consists of smoked wallaby, pale ale glazed ham, salmon rillettes, apple relish, pickled vegetables and lavosh bread. And of course, you must try a variety of their different brews. Their tasting paddle comes with four 5oz Cascade beers, a lager, pale ale, first harvest, and a stout. Or if beers aren’t for you, you can try four ciders instead. I adore Australian cider, and Cascade makes ones infused with crushed passionfruit, raspberries, and traditional apples.

After a night drinking in the shadow of Mount Wellington/kunanyi, it’s time to head home. This brings us to the end of our beautiful journey across Tasmania. I hope you enjoy all the different facets that this wonderful island has to offer. I truly think Tasmania is one of the most spectacular places in the world and CANNOT be missed if you are making the journey all the way over to Australia. Let me know in the comment any questions you might have about Tasmania.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

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10D Tasmania Itinerary — A Road Trip for Adventure Seekers

Trust us, Tasmania is the next go-to road trip destination — and it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the world finds out.

Sunrise at Piermont Retreat, Swansea.

As someone who loves nature and wildlife, I knew I’d enjoy road tripping around Tasmania . What I didn’t expect was how easy it would be to fall in love with this under-the-radar island state.

The word I’d use to describe Tasmania is colourful .

Blue Tier Giant Walk, Derby.

There’s the gorgeous sunrises each morning; a vibrant mix of orange and pink hues. Then there’s the whimsical, calming greens of the forests — home to trees that are hundreds of years old. And of course, the deep azure blues that colour the oceans and skies.

Wild wombat, Maria Island.

The wildlife that inhabits these lands is also pretty incredible. Tasmania is home to several species found nowhere else in the world — like the Tasmanian devil and the Tasmanian pademelon!

Intrigued? We’ve put together this 10-day Tasmania itinerary for the ultimate Tassie road trip!

Tasmania Itinerary Road Trip Overview

Our Tasmania itinerary focuses on the eastern side of the island — starting from Hobart in the south and ending at Launceston in the north.

Click to jump to each section.

Day 1: Hobart Day 2: Tasman National Park Day 3: Maria Island Day 4: Freycinet National Park Day 5: Bay of Fires Day 6-7: Derby Day 8: Derby to Launceston Day 9: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Day 10: Launceston and Flight Home

More information: Flights to Tasmania | Planning Tips and Pre-trip Essentials

We flew via Qantas into Hobart Airport in Tasmania after transiting in Melbourne — more flight information at the end!

Day 1: Hobart 

Hobart is Tasmania’s endearing seaside capital and the first stop on our Tasmania itinerary! It’s Australia’s second-oldest city, home to almost half of Tasmania’s population.

This city is known for a rich culinary scene (especially seafood), the beautiful Mount Wellington and just all-round good vibes.

Lunch at Billy’s Burgers

Billy’s Burgers had humble beginnings as a food van, and is now a popular establishment among locals. It’s situated in a prime spot along Elizabeth Street Pier — perfect for people-watching.

I had a Sticky Pulled Pork Burger (AU$17) which came packed with slow cooked pulled pork and slaw, hoisin marinade and apple sauce. Plus a Billy’s Brew tap beer to wash it all down!

Cost:  From AU$11.50/burger (~S$10.60) Opening hours:  11AM – 9PM (Mon – Sat), 11:30AM – 9PM (Sun) Address: Elizabeth St Pier, Hobart, Tasmania 7000

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Hobart to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary: 30min drive (29km)

Tasmania is home to unique wildlife like Tasmanian devils, wombats and sugar gliders! We got to meet some of these animals at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary  — Tasmania’s largest 24/7 rescue service, where the goal is to release the animals back into the wild.

This is Madge, a rescued baby wombat. We love Madge.

We joined a daily tour (included in the entry fee), where our guide Miguel shared about Bonorong’s furry residents. It was fascinating to learn about Tasmania’s wildlife — did you know wombats can run up to 40km/hr? That’s almost as fast as Usain Bolt!

Psst. Bonorong offers Animal Encounters (AU$25/pax) where guests can enjoy a more intimate experience with their favourite critters — like what we did with Madge.

We also learnt about Bonorong’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts, while watching the animals being fed!

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is fully funded by entry fees and donations, so visiting plays a part in local animal conservation!

Entrance fee:   AU$32.50  (~S$30) — Experiences like Animal Encounters and Feeding Frenzy are available at additional cost Opening hours:  9AM – 5PM (Night tours are available after 5PM) Address: 593 Briggs Rd, Brighton Tasmania 7030

kunanyi/Mount Wellington

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to kunanyi/Mount Wellington: 51min drive (44km)

Photo credit: Tourism Australia

Overlooking Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart is the 1,271m-tall kunanyi/Mount Wellington . This iconic peak is easily accessed from the city centre via a short 30-minute drive.

There are plenty of  trails available such as the Organ Pipes Track, an easy 2.5km walk that showcases the dolerite cliffs. If time permits, visit during golden hour and watch the sunset from the top!

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours Address: kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Wellington Park, Tasmania 7054

Dinner at Mures

Mount Wellington to Hobart: 30min drive (17km)

Mures is a third-generation family business that’s all about seafood. It started as a fish house in 1973 and grew to become a household name in Hobart. Mures is now the go-to place to buy and eat fresh seafood — at any of its three seafood restaurants along the city’s waterfront!

On the ground floor sits Mures Lower Deck . It’s for casual bistro dining; diners can get anything from seafood platters to 32 flavours of ice cream! Locals also purchase seafood from fishmongers here.

Then there’s Mures Upper Deck , a renowned seafood restaurant overlooking Victoria Dock.

Everything we ate was fantastic, but my favourite was the oysters. We had a dozen Tasmanian Pacific Oysters (AU$52) with different seasonings — including a soy and chilli mix, and a citric herb with white balsamic gel.

Their signature Mures Blue Eye Trevalla (AU$39) is also worth trying — the meat is nice and firm, and paired well with creamy lemon tarragon sauce.

Cost: From AU$19/main (~S$17.60) Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM (Mures Lower Deck), 11AM – late (Mures Upper Deck) Address: Victoria Dock, Hobart Tasmania 7000

Where to Stay in Hobart (2 nights)

Henry Jones Art Hotel — conveniently located right across Victoria Dock and Mures .

Budget: Alabama Hotel Hobart (from ~S$91.50/night ) Mid-range: ibis Styles Hobart (from ~S$165/night ) Luxury: Henry Jones Art Hotel (from ~S$266.81/night )

Day 2: Tasman National Park

Tasman island cruise.

Hobart to Tasman National Park: 1hr 30min drive (94km)

Tasman National Park covers the coast in southeastern Tasmania. The best way to see this national park is therefore by boat!

Pennicott Wilderness Journeys is a family-run cruise operator that offers excellent wilderness cruises around Tasmania. We experienced a three-hour Tasman Island cruise , which explores the coastline between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck.

During the cruise, we got up close to several of Tasman National Park’s wildlife. There were seals basking on the rocks, sea birds diving for fish, and dolphins playfully leaping out of the ocean.

It wasn’t the right season for whale spotting, but the area is frequented by migrating whales!

The tour also took us to the entrances of deep-sea caves and beautiful rock formations — including Australia’s tallest cliffs (300m-high!). Our guide pointed out landmarks along the way, such as the Tasman Island Lighthouse and Cape Pillar.

Tasman Island Cruise Cost: AU$155  (~S$143) for a 3hr cruise  Tour timings:  10AM, 2PM Address: Tasman Island Cruises Booking Centre (6961 Arthur Hwy, Port Arthur Tasmania 7182)

Lunch at Port Arthur Lavender Farm

Tasman Island Cruise to Port Arthur Lavender Farm: 5min drive (4km)

Drop by Port Arthur Lavender Farm for lunch and lots of lavender! They own 18 acres of land — growing and harvesting, and creating all sorts of lavender products from jewellery to tea to bath salts.

We dined at their onsite restaurant which offers panoramic views of Long Bay. We got the beer battered fish and chips (AU$32), Tasmanian scallops and chorizo skewers (AU$32) and lavender lattes (AU$5).

There’s also a gift shop beside the restaurant, where you can purchase lavender products.

Cost: From AU$24/main (~S$22.20) Opening hours: 10AM – 4PM Address: 6555 Arthur Highway, Port Arthur, Tasmania 7182

Tessellated Pavement

Port Arthur Lavender Farm to Tessellated Pavement: 15min drive (16km)

At first glance, the Tessellated Pavement looks too neat and manicured — like it’s been carefully carved out by hand. But this rock formation was crafted by Mother Nature herself!

Earth’s movements caused the rocks to fracture, resulting in joints. Constant erosion by the crashing waves deepened these joints and formed a tessellated pavement. It’s a great spot for photography, especially when it’s covered in water and there are beautiful reflections.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 380 Pirates Bay Dr, Eaglehawk Neck Tasmania 7179

Tasmans Arch

Tessellated Pavement to Tasmans Arch: 8min drive (5km)

A short drive from the Tessellated Pavement stands the Tasmans Arch. It’s a bridge-like rock formation, created by constant erosion from the Tasman Sea. The name might ring a bell — it’s named after Abel Tasman, the first known European explorer to reach Tasmania!

Check out the nearby Fossil Bay Lookout and Devil’s Kitchen while you’re there — both a short walk from the Tasmans Arch.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 16/20 Tasmans Arch Rd, Eaglehawk Neck, Tasmania 7179

After spending the day exploring Tasman National Park, drive back to Hobart to stay a second night.

Tasmans Arch to Hobart: 1hr 15min drive (80km)

Day 3: Maria Island 

Hobart to Triabunna Ferry Terminal : 1hr 15min drive (85km)

A beautiful island with a  rich history ,  Maria Island  wore many hats in the past. She was a penal settlement in the 1820s, an agricultural station in the 1850s and was eventually declared a national park in 1971.

We visited Maria Island just for a day trip, enough for a taste of this stunning park. To cover the entire island though, will take around four days — it’s almost 12 times the size of Pulau Ubin!

The first thing you’ll notice about Maria Island is her abundant wildlife. It’s home to more than 2,000 wombats, easily spotted on cooler days. We were lucky enough to spot a mother and baby just 10 minutes into our walk!

Maria Island is also home to kangaroos, wallabies, Tasmanian devils and a wide range of bird life (including all of Tasmania’s endemic species !).

If you’re there for a day trip, there are several short walks like the Painted Cliffs (2hrs, 4.3km) and Bishop and Clerk (5hrs, 11km). For those with more time to spare, there’s the Maria Island 4-Day Walk — which covers most of the island.

Besides hiking, you can rent bikes at Darlington or go snorkelling!

*Pro-tip: There aren’t any shops on Maria Island. Pack your own lunch, water (there’s no potable water) and snacks!

Cost:  AU$52/pax  (~S$48.10) for a round trip ferry ride. As Maria Island is a National Park, all visitors require a valid National Parks Pass (AU$20.60/pax) Ferry timings:  Four times daily — Check the  schedule for exact timings Address: Triabunna Ferry Terminal (Charles St, Triabunna, Tasmania 7190)

Triabunna Ferry Terminal to Coles Bay: 1hr 30min drive (109km)

Go Stargazing

Drive on to Swansea or Coles Bay, where you’ll spend the night before exploring Freycinet National Park the next day. Coles Bay is the closest town to Freycinet National Park, but it’s small. Consider some of the other accommodation options in Swansea as well!

These areas are more remote and less light pollution means a clearer Milky Way. This was our view at night from Piermont Resort in Swansea. 😍

Where to Stay in Swansea or Coles Bay (2 nights)

Piermont Retreat . We had an amazing stay here, catching the Milky Way at night and a gorgeous sunrise the next morning. Treat yourself and add this to your Tasmania itinerary!

Budget: Swansea Backpackers (from ~S$82/night ) Mid-range: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet (from ~S$170/night ) Luxury: Piermont Retreat (from ~S$426/night ) — minimum two nights

Day 4: Freycinet National Park

Coles Bay to Freycinet National Park: 9min drive (4km)

Photo credit: Matthew Donovan

Your Tasmania itinerary won’t be complete without a trip to Freycinet National Park . Established in 1916, it’s one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks. The main attraction is  Wineglass Bay , a beautiful curved beach framed by The Hazards (a line of granite peaks).

Photo credit: Jason Charles Hill

Wineglass Bay Lookout offers the best vantage point of the bay and it’s just a short 1.3km hike to get there from the car park. Have more time to spare? Try the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit (11km, 5hrs) or for experienced hikers, the more challenging Mount Amos Trek (3.6km, 3hrs).

There are plenty of other exciting  things to do  in Freycinet National Park, like kayaking, swimming and camping!

Entrance fee:   S$41.20/vehicle  (~S$37.90) for a 24 hour National Parks Pass Opening hours:  24 hours Address: Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay, Tasmania 7215

After exploring Freycinet National Park, head back to your accommodation in Swansea or Coles Bay for a second night.

Day 5: Bay of Fires 

Binalong bay.

Coles Bay to Binalong Bay: 1hr 50min (124km)

To soak up some sun, head to  Binalong Bay . It’s the main beach along the  Bay of Fires , an incredible 50km-long coast lined with white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters.

A unique feature of the area is the lichen-covered (a type of algae) boulders that give the coastline its distinctive orange shade.

You won’t have trouble finding things to do here — Binalong Bay offers a wide array of activities like surfing, snorkelling and kayaking! The area is also known for its rich marine life, best seen by joining a  Bay of Fires Eco Tour .

Entrance fee:  Free Opening hours:  24 hours  Address: Binalong Bay, Tasmania 7216

Lunch at Skippers Fish Shop

Binalong Bay to Skippers Fish Shop: 11km (13min drive)

For lunch, we stopped by Skippers Fish Shop . It’s a small floating eatery, parked by the pier in St Helens. There’s no indoor seating, just a few tables outdoors.

Their signature is the Blue Eye Fish and Chips (AU$24.50). If you crave a bit more variety, get the Skippers Box (AU$19.50) instead. It includes a mix of fish, prawn, squid, scallop and chips. Everything was fried really well and had a nice crunch — 10/10 would recommend!

Cost: From AU$12.50/main (~S$11.50) Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2:30PM (Wed – Thu, Sun), 11:30AM – 7PM (Fri – Sat), Closed on Mon – Tue Address: 5 Marina Parade St Helens, Tasmania 7216

Skippers Fish Shop to Derby: 1hr 9min drive (66km)

Where to Stay in Derby (3 nights)

Photo credit: Tin Mountain

Budget: The Dorset Hotel (from ~S$111/night ) Mid-range: Pilgrim Blue Derby (from ~S$183/night ) Luxury: Tin Mountain (from ~S$355/night ) — minimum 2 nights

Day 6-7: Derby 

The next stop on our Tasmania itinerary is Derby — a small town with massive character.

A former tin-mining hub, Derby has since transformed into a world-class biking hub! That ain’t all, this town has a couple of unique experiences (floating sauna, anyone?) and beautiful hiking trails that’ll surprise you.

Mountain Bike Experience

If you weren’t into mountain biking before,  Derby  might just convert you. It’s home to some of the world’s best mountain bike trails! 

There are 125km of mountain bike trails, all of which are free to use all year round.  Biking trails  for all levels are available, from easy green routes to more advanced black diamond trails.

It’s easy to rent a bike at one of the  many bike stores  along Main Street and head off on your own. But if you’re new to mountain biking, we’d recommend booking a tour. You’ll be in the safe hands of an instructor who knows the trails like the back of their hand.

*Pro-tip: Many bike rental stores offer free shuttle service to the biking trails! The schedules can be found at the shop entrances.

Cost: From AU$75/day  (~S$69) for mountain bike rental Opening hours:  Varies Address: 66 Main St, Derby, Tasmania 7264

Main Street Derby

Main Street Derby is located along the same street as all the mountain bike stores — so it’s easy to get to. The food is tasty with generous portions; we ended up dining here more than once!

For breakfast, there’s all the brunch classics — Avocado Toast (AU$20), Breakfast Bowls (AU$20) and our collective favourite, the Bacon and Egg Burger (AU$14). It came doused in bacon and jalapeño jam, and was just really yummy.

During lunch and dinner, the menu switches up. We had the Scotch Fillet Steak with rosemary butter (AU$45) and Seared Pork Chops with mustard and honey (AU$36). Both didn’t disappoint 😋

Cost: From AU$13/main (~S$11.90) Opening hours:  7:30AM – 8:30PM Address: 69 Main Street, Derby, Tasmania

Lake Derby Floating Sauna 

Main Street Derby to Lake Derby Floating Sauna: 12min walk (1.2km)

Lake Derby Floating Sauna is Australia’s only floating wood-fired sauna — and the perfect place to wind down after biking. Its location is also unbelievably picturesque, at the edge of Lake Derby (or the Briseis Hole to locals).

Unwind in the sauna (kept at a sweltering 90°C), then cool off by jumping in the water. The temperature was a refreshing 22°C when we visited, and a dip in Lake Derby immediately jolted me awake. It was a really nice place to relax and it felt like we had the whole lake to ourselves!

The Lake Derby Floating Sauna is booked on an hourly basis, with a maximum of five people per session (AU$45/pax). If you want the entire sauna to yourself, it’s AU$225 for the hour.

Note: Bring a towel and change of clothes! Changing rooms are available but there are no showers at the sauna.

Cost: AU$45/pax (~S$41.20) for 1hr Opening hours:  8AM – 9PM Address: Derby Tasmania 7264

The Hub Derby

The Hub Derby serves up hearty wood-fired pizzas — all handmade!

There were familiar favourites such as Margherita (AU$15) and Pepperoni (AU$19), plus some more interesting options. Like the True Blue (AU$21) — onion marmalade with mozzarella, blue cheese and walnuts — and Fennel Sausage and Pumpkin (AU$18.50).

Cost: From AU$15/pizza (~S$13.70) Opening hours:  12PM – 9PM (Wed – Sun), Closed Mon – Tue Address: 72 Main St, Derby Tasmania 7264

After exploring Derby, spend the next day checking out these nearby spots — all less than an hour’s drive away!

Mount Paris Dam

Derby to Mount Paris Dam: 13min drive (13km)

The 250m-long Mount Paris Dam used to lead to the Mount Paris tin mine. Now, visitors can hike along a short section of the dam — the entire loop takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours:  24 hours Address: Mount Paris Dam Rd, Branxholm, Tasmania 7261

Blue Tier Giant Walk

Mount Paris Dam to Blue Tier Giant Walk: 31min drive (22km)

The Blue Tier Giant Walk is a short 3.2km return trek that’s extremely scenic. It’s home to Giant Ash trees which soar up to heights of 60m! Large man ferns decorate the forest, adding both character and shade.

We saw a couple of skinks and birds along the way.

It was a peaceful walk; we didn’t see another soul the entire time. I loved that while there was a clear trail to follow, it wasn’t paved — leaving the forest mostly untouched.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours:  24 hours Address: Weldborough, Tasmania 7264

Little Blue Lake

Blue Tier Giant Walk to Little Blue Lake: 44min drive (38km)

If you’ve got time to spare, consider dropping by the Little Blue Lake . It was once a mining hole which was later filled in. Due to the mineral content in the ground, the lake now appears bright turquoise!

Note: Unfortunately, swimming isn’t allowed due to the water’s high acidity.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours:  24 hours Address: 1753 Gladstone Rd, South Mount Cameron Tasmania 7264

Little Blue Lake to Derby: 24min drive (27km)

Day 8: Derby to Launceston

Derby to Fork It Farm: 55min drive (65km)

Fork It Farm

Interested in experiencing a unique paddock to plate meal? Consider dropping by Fork It Farm ! It’s a local family-run farm that produces small-batch meats and charcuterie.

They offer paddock picnics daily ( AU$35/pax ) that visitors can enjoy on their farm. Additionally, there are Long Table Feasts ( AU$190/pax ) on the first Saturday of each month. This includes the works — a full selection of Fork It Farm’s produce, plus Tasmanian wines and beers.

You can also pick up some of their products while there.

Cost: From AU$35/pax Opening hours:  11AM – 4PM (Wed – Sun), Closed on Mon – Tue Address: 311 Adams Rd, Lebrina Tasmania 7254

Hollybank Treetops Adventure

Fork It Farm to Treetops Adventure Hollybank : 25min drive (24km)

Soar through Tasmania’s lush forests at Treetops Adventure Hollybank . We experienced the zipline tour which includes six ziplines of different heights and lengths. The highlight was the 400m zipline — Tasmania’s longest!

We had to go in full cannonball position to gain speed, which upped the thrill factor. Our friendly instructors were really engaging and made the whole experience even more fun.

Besides zipline tours, Treetops Adventure Hollybank offers segway and mountain biking tours as well as tree ropes courses!

Cost: AU$139/pax (~S$127) for a 2.5hr Zipline Tour Opening hours:  9AM – 5PM, Closed on Christmas Day How to get there:  66 Hollybank Rd, Underwood Tasmania 7268

Launceston to Cradle Mountain : 2hr drive (140km)

Stop by Launceston for dinner, before driving on to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair before dark to spend the night. Alternatively, spend the night in Launceston and drive to Cradle Mountain the next morning!

Where to Stay at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Photo credit: Discovery Parks

Budget: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain (from ~S$66/night ) Mid-range: Cradle Alpine Retreat (from ~S$220/night ) Luxury: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (from ~S$411/night )

Day 9: Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Visiting Cradle Mountain  is one of the best things to do in Tasmania. Especially if you’re into hiking! It’s part of Cradle Mountain Lake-St Clair National Park, a designated Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area.

Take on the Dove Lake Circuit (6km, 3hrs) or Crater Lake Circuit (5.7km, 2hrs) — both great ways to see Cradle Mountain and its surroundings.

National Park shuttle buses run between the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Dove Lake (8AM – 6PM from Oct to Mar, and 9AM – 5PM from Apr to Sep). Private vehicles are not permitted on the road during these times. 

Entrance fee:  AU$25.75/pax (~S$23.70) for a Daily Icon Park Pass Opening hours:  24 hours Address: 4057 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain Tasmania 7306

Cradle Mountain to Launceston: 2hr drive (140km)

Where to Stay in Launceston

The Sebel , Launceston.

Budget: Pod Inn (from ~S$64/night ) Mid-range: Coach House Launceston (from ~S$123 ) Luxury: The Sebel (from ~S$182/night )

Day 10: Launceston

Chill out on the last day of your Tasmania road trip! Explore the streets of Launceston and stock up on souvenirs and snacks before heading home. Places to visit in Launceston include the Launceston Seaport Boardwalk, City Park and Princess Square.

Stillwater Restaurant

Our Tasmania itinerary ends with a scrumptious meal at Stillwater . Launceston is one of Australia’s two UNESCO Cities of Gastronomy , after all!

The building occupied by Stillwater is filled with history — it used to be an old flour mill in the 1800s and supplied water to the town in the 1900s. Today, it houses one of Launceston’s top restaurants.

We had the Stanley octopus with udon as an entree and for the main, a Koji aged eye fillet that literally melts in your mouth. 🤤

Cost: From AU$36/main (~S$33) Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM (Tue – Thu), 8AM – 11PM (Fri – Sat), 8AM – 3PM (Sun – Mon) Address: 2 Bridge Rd, Launceston Tasmania 7250

Flights from Singapore to Tasmania

Currently, there are no direct flights from Singapore to Tasmania .

The fastest way to get to Tasmania is to fly to Melbourne (7hr 10min), then to Hobart (1hr 20min) — the starting point in our Tasmania itinerary. We took an open jaw flight, flying out of Launceston at the end.

We flew via Qantas , which was really enjoyable. The check-in process before was fuss-free, plus every staff member we came across was really friendly.

The seats were spacious and comfy (blankets and pillows are provided!) and the inflight entertainment was great — I managed to watch two recently released films.

During our seven-hour economy flight, we were served one meal and three rounds of snacks — pretzels, chips and a chicken pie. I honestly can’t recall the last time I ate so much on a flight.

Tips for Planning Your First Tasmania Road Trip

1) pre-trip essentials.

Travel documents: Visitors to Australia must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)* via the Australia ETA app . The processing fee is AU$20. It usually gets approved within a few days, but it’s better to be safe and complete this at least a week before your flight!

*Note: This applies to ETA-eligible passport holders , including Singapore.

Connectivity:  There are no phone shops at Hobart Airport. Purchase a SIM card either at Melbourne Airport (Optus offers 60GB for 30 days at AU$25, Vodafone offers 8GB for 14 days at AU$20) during your transit, or in Hobart city.

Insurance:  TravelCare ( from ~S$51/pax for 10 days)

Car rental: From ~S$100.20/day

2) Purchase a National Parks Pass online

A  National Parks Pass  is needed to enter all of Tasmania’s national parks. Over 40% of the country is a designated world heritage area and the fees go towards maintaining these parks!

A Daily Pass costs AU$41.20/vehicle (up to 8pax) and the price is the same for all parks except for Cradle Mountain. As our Tasmania itinerary includes a few national parks, we’d recommend getting a Holiday Pass (AU$82.40/vehicle). It includes entry to all national parks (including Cradle Mountain!) and is valid for two months.

3) Check out   Tourism Tasmania’s Trip Planner

The Trip Planner allows you to find new things to do in Tasmania and map out a travel route and itinerary by day. You can also save your trip and share it as a collaborative link with your travelling party, so your travel mates have no excuse not to contribute to the trip planning 😉

4) Keep a Lookout for Mother Nature and Wildlife

What makes a Tasmania road trip incredible is there’s nature and wildlife in every corner. Not just in national parks or wildlife sanctuaries! In Derby, we saw wild kookaburras, wallabies and even a platypus — all in the heart of town.

*Pro-tip: Tasmania is one of the best places in the world to see the elusive Southern Lights ! It’s hard to predict when they happen — join local Facebook groups like Aurora Australis Tasmania Alert NOW and Aurora Australis Tasmania to stay updated on aurora sightings.

After experiencing Tasmania, I feel like I’ve been let into a big secret. The whole island state is a hidden gem — and it won’t be long before the rest of the world catches on.

Looking for more exciting things to do in Tasmania? Check out our Ultimate Tasmania Bucket List !

Read also: Visual Diary: Tasmania Road Trip — Our Favourite Photos and the Stories Behind Them

Did we miss out any fun things to do in our Tasmania itinerary? Share with us in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by Tourism Tasmania .

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Road trip in tasmania: self-drive 7-day itinerary for nature lovers.

• Post published: 1 May 2016
• Post category: Australia / Oceania/South Pacific / Tasmania

Are you planning a road trip in Tasmania? Lucky you! Tasmania is one of my favourite places in Australia , perhaps even my favourite after K’gari (Fraser Island) . A road trip is the best way to explore Tasmania, and nature lovers will fall in love with the island’s wilderness. From stunning coastlines to great mountain hikes, it has a lot to offer. This self-drive 7-day itinerary will take you around the island to see the best of Tasmania in 7 days with beautiful landscapes and wildlife encounters.

At the end of the article, I’ve listed places that aren’t included in this 7-day Tasmania self-drive itinerary as suggestions in case you have more time. You’ll also find a map to make it easy for you! Keep in mind that we did this itinerary in the summer, which I think is the best season to visit Tasmania . Some places were still cold, so make sure you bring warm clothes with you . If you plan to visit Tasmania during colder months, you may have to make changes to this itinerary as snow and ice will impact your road trip.

How long does it take to drive around Tasmania?

In this post, I’ve detailed our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary. Tasmania has a lot to offer, so I recommend a minimum of 7 days to drive around the island . You’ll find all the details below to optimise your time on the island.

If you have less than 7 days in Tasmania

I recommend focusing on one area:

• You can organise a three-day Tasmania itinerary in the south of the island to visit Hobart, Port Arthur and Freycinet National Park . If you have more time, add Bruny Island to your itinerary.
• You can focus on Cradle Mountain , my highlight during our Tasmania road trip. You’ll probably save driving time if you fly to Launceston.
• To cover more ground in a short time, you could fly to Hobart and leave from Launceston.

If you have more than 7 days in Tasmania

That’s perfect. You can use this itinerary as a base and pick a few destinations I mentioned at the end of the article. Ideally, I would have planned to self-drive Tasmania in 10 days . This would have given us the extra time to go to the northwest of the island and also explore Bruny Island . We went back to Tasmania for a 14-day road trip in a van a few years later and loved it!

How we organised our Tasmania road trip

We were a group of five for this trip. We rented a car (for three, sleeping in tents) and a van (for a couple) from Hobart airport. To keep our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary cheap and flexible, we found places where we could sleep in our vehicles or tents. It’s quite easy when you use WikiCamps or CamperMate (a free app) . When in town or a national park, we always found a spot as we were travelling off-season (avoid Easter and summer holidays).

Responsible travel tip:  Leave the site cleaner than you found it. If you see any rubbish, it’s good practice to pick it up even if it’s not yours.

Our objective was to drive around Tasmania to see as much as we could in one week, focusing on nature and wildlife .

Some would visit Tasmania for a foodie experience . I didn’t have that in mind for our trip: we mostly ate two-minute noodles while on the road. Tasmania does have a good reputation for cheese here in Australia, as well as good wines. It’s surprising that a French person didn’t give it more attention, isn’t it? Well, maybe next time! If you’ve visited Tassie for its foodie reputation, don’t hesitate to share your experience below!

Details of stops on our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary road trip

Day 1 and 2 | southern tasmania: hobart to port arthur.

We drove along the coast from Sorell to Dunalley. We left the Arthur Highway to quickly stop at Tasman Blowhole and Devils Kitchen. These lookouts are very close to the road, so there is no need to hike. If you have time for a hike, I’ve heard good things about Cape Raoul and Cape Hairy.

Unfortunately, camping is not permitted at Port Arthur, so we had to stop just before.

On our second day, we visited Port Arthur, a historic site with an old jail. Don’t be disappointed, as it’s not a town, and there is no port! It’s like an open-air museum with great views. The tour includes a cruise, which is fantastic for enjoying the scenery and learning about the area’s history. We learned a lot about the convicts and some aspects of Australian culture that we hadn’t heard of before. Half a day was enough to take the guided tour, enjoy the cruise, and walk near the ruins. It cost us approximately $40. I would highly recommend it for those interested in learning more about Australian culture.

Day 3 | East Coast of Tasmania: Coles Bay, Freycinet National Park and Bicheno

We stayed the second night at Coles Bay.

Freycinet National Park is one of the most visited places in Tasmania , and it’s easy to understand why it attracts crowds. It was one of my two highlights of Tasmania; Cradle Mountain being the second. The lookout on the pristine beach was breathtaking. We hiked up there and then down to the beach that we had admired from above. It was beautiful… Allow at least three hours to hike in Freycinet to climb Mount Amos or to visit Wineglass Bay. If you have more time, you can continue walking to make a loop.

Unfortunately, we had limited time as we wanted to reach Bicheno before sunset.

According to our guidebook, Bicheno was described as a fishing village with penguins that come out at night .

The town did not have any particular charm as you would expect from a fishing village, which was a bit disappointing. We could hear the penguins on the beach, and after waiting patiently, we finally spotted a few. It was a great moment, but I wished there was more information about the best way to spot penguins in Bicheno .

We stayed at a campsite in Bicheno.

Day 4 | East Coast of Tasmania: Bay of Fires

This part of the coast is stunning with its red rocks and blue water. But don’t let the turquoise colours of the water fool you: it’s cold!

We spent the night between the coast and Launceston, before getting too close to the big town.

Day 5 | Launceston and the Gorge

As we were all more interested in exploring natural areas, we decided not to spend too much time in the city. We went to the nearby gorge. It’s incredible to have such a big natural gorge next to the town.

We weren’t surprised to find out it wasn’t wild nature at all. There were showers, barbecues and pools in the park. We went for a hike in the area. Although it wasn’t too incredible, it was still a nice stop on the road. For some reason, my friends enjoyed it more than I did. Maybe I was already too impatient to reach Cradle Mountain to fully appreciate the mild wilderness of the Launceston Gorge. It wasn’t remote enough for my taste.

I wished we could have used this day to explore the northwest of the island instead – where you can see penguins in the wild – but it was too challenging to fit into our itinerary.

For those curious about fascinating seahorses, Seahorse World * is worth a visit while in Launceston.

We slept between Launceston and Cradle Mountain.

Day 6 | Cradle Mountain

I had been waiting for a very long time to see Cradle Mountain, and I was lucky that the weather was perfect. It was my favourite place in Tasmania, and there was really something special about it . I would consider coming back here for more hiking, maybe one day on the Overland Track – who knows?

There are many hiking options in Cradle Mountain. We chose to do one that went up to Marion’s Lookout via Crater Lake (a 5-hour walk) and another at the bottom around Dove Lake (a 1.5-hour walk). On another trip, I climbed all the way to the Cradle Mountain summit and also walked to Hanson’s Peak for stunning views.

Cradle Mountain is very different from the other sceneries we see when we travel around Australia. It is a real alpine mountain. Those who have been on a trip to New Zealand before may not share my feeling. But after a few years in Australia, I am happy to enjoy something different to the beautiful beaches – although a nice beach is always a great option, of course.

We slept between Lake St Clair and Hobart.

Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake

This is the part I removed from our 8-day road trip to convert it into a 7-day itinerary. I have kept it here in case you plan to follow an 8-day itinerary. However, you might want to consider skipping Launceston and Lake St Clair to have more time to explore the northwest of Tasmania. That’s what I would do if I were redoing this trip.

En route to Lake St Clair, we made a quick stop at Queenstown. We all felt a bit eerie there, as the town seemed abandoned and could be a filming location for an episode of The Walking Dead. We spent the night between Queenstown and Lake St Clair.

At Lake St Clair, we went on a hike through the forest that led us to the lake. I enjoy hiking, but this one didn’t impress me much. It wasn’t terrible, and I would have been content to do it if I lived in the area. However, when you have limited time in Tasmania, there are many better things to do.

Day 7 | Back to Hobart

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

As I am aware of the harm captivity can cause to animals , I generally avoid zoos or similar activities. Sanctuaries, on the other hand, are different: they rescue injured animals and keep them only if they cannot survive in the wild . The animals that can survive are released, and the park fees support animal rescues. There is also a strong focus on educating visitors.

My friends wanted to stop to see Tasmanian Devils as they had never seen them. I wasn’t particularly interested as I had already seen them at the Sydney Reptile Park – a park that was doing a lot to support the research to try to save the species. It’s more fun to spend time in nature to try to see iconic Australian wildlife – Tasmania is a perfect place for this!

I almost didn’t visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary during our Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary. But I don’t regret following my friends there as I managed to get a unique behind-the-scene encounter with a young penguin that had been rescued the night before. They also give the opportunity to feed the kangaroos/wallabies and pet a rescued koala. It is a big cliche when you’ve been in Australia for a long time… but first-time visitors love it.

Visit of Hobart

Mount Wellington offers the best views of Hobart, and it’s easily accessible by car. If you’re in Hobart, it’s a must-do.

Hobart is a small town, and half a day is enough to walk all around the city. However, if you like museums, you’ll need more time. From what I’ve heard, the foodie experience is at its best there, so be sure to check out the restaurants before you leave.

More ideas for your Tasmania road trip itinerary

What i didn’t include in this tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary.

Quickly, you will realise that seven days isn’t enough for the perfect Tasmania itinerary. So, if you want to make it longer, or if you’re going to Tasmania for the second time and you want to check out something different, here are some recommendations to add to your itinerary:

The northwest of Tasmania

With only seven days in Tasmania, we didn’t have time to explore the North West. I’ve heard a lot about it, and it seems stunning. If I were doing the same trip again, I would skip Launceston (my friends wouldn’t agree here) to go to the northwest of the island. If you cannot make it west, the north coast near Devonport is worth visiting if you’d like to see penguins in Tasmania – I loved the experience on my second trip!

Bruny Island, south of Hobart

We didn’t go to Bruny Island due to time and budget constraints. It was hard to fit into our seven-day itinerary in Tasmania, even though you can join a day tour from Hobart *. I’m glad we went back later. The hiking and scenery during the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys cruise * to see seals were fantastic.

Mt Field National Park

Although I love waterfalls, surprisingly they weren’t my favourite thing when we visited Mt Field National Park on our second trip to Tasmania. However, I was very impressed by the beauty of the tarns.

Scuba diving in Tasmania

No one in our group was a diver at the time of our trip, so this activity didn’t even cross our minds. If I were planning a trip to Tasmania today, I would definitely consider diving there. It has a reputation for having very clear, temperate waters and would offer a very different dive experience from what I am used to in Queensland.

I’ve seen images of the kelp forest, playful seals, and leafy sea dragons. All of this on the east coast. How amazing does that sound?!

Cradle Mountain: hiking the Overland Track

The Overland Track is well-known internationally as Australia’s best alpine hike, going through incredible wild landscapes and including some challenging areas. You’ll need to allow six days to complete the hike. It has always been on my mind since I researched information to create our Tasmania itinerary. The hikes we did at Cradle Mountain reinforced this desire to see more of it. We were very lucky with the weather and had splendid sunshine and blue skies. The place looked stunning.

Will I do the Overland Track? Maybe. It’s still on my mind. It can be done as a self-guided tour or as a guided tour.

Keep in mind that hiking is a cheap activity for short distances. Overnight hiking in an alpine area is different: you’ll need to pay for equipment, accommodation, park fees, transport, etc. Agencies would quote just under $1,000 for a self-guided adventure and around $2,000 for a guided tour (with the luxury of carrying a lighter backpack!).

Have you thought about hiking Australia’s highest mountain in New South Wales? You may want to read these important tips before you go to Mount Kosciuszko !

Southwest of Tasmania

This place is very remote and untouched. There is no road that leads there, and hiking takes days. Those who have the budget for it ($400 to $500) can join a day tour that will fly them there (click here for more info*) . So far, the best option I’ve found is a multi-day kayaking trip, but it’s well over our budget for a trip to Tasmania. It’s still on my dream list!

Planning your Tasmania 7-day itinerary?  The best way to do this road trip is by renting a van. If the nomadic lifestyle doesn’t sound fun to you, the map below shows where we stopped at night, so you can look for hotels in these areas.

Map of my Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary

Tasmania is an island located in the south of the Australian mainland. The two largest cities are Hobart in the South and Launceston in the north.

Again, be careful with the season when you are planning your trip: it gets a lot colder in Tasmania than on Australia’s mainland.

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Wow, these photos are amazing. Everyone kept telling us we needed to go to Tasmania while we were in Oz, but we didn’t have the time or money back then. I’d love to get there some day though- sounds amazing!

Thank you, Katie. Tasmania is indeed not easy to fit in the plans when you lack time and/or money. I hope you’ll get another opportunity to visit it! To make you feel better, if you’ve been around New Zealand, you probably have experienced amazing places that could be a bit similar to Tasmania 🙂

We visited Australia/ Tasmania 3 years back…. what a experience !! Your post refreshed our memories:)

Thank you, Soniya! I like how writing and reading blogs can bring back beautiful memories 🙂

It’s a helpful for me to do my first Tasmania itinerary.

Hi Eloise, Thank for the write up on Tasmania. May I know what did you use to draw the google map especially the route line cause google map remove the ability to snap the line to the route. Thank you.

Hello Soo! I use Google MyMap for the maps: http://mymaps.google.com Cheers! Eloise.

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AUSTRALIA , OCEANIA , TASMANIA · February 11, 2020 Last Updated on March 16, 2024

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

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Affectionately known to locals as “Tassie”, Tasmania is the only island state in Australia. It’s well-known for its rugged wilderness, clean air, fascinating art scene, great hiking, and equally fabulous food and wine.

Tassie is an area of Australia that is seldom visited by international tourists, but in my opinion, is extremely underrated!

By international standard, some of Tasmania’s stunning landscapes have regularly found their way onto world-renowned “best of” travel destination lists.

Tourism hotspots such as Wineglass Bay, the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain, have been notably featured in Lonely Planet’s annual ‘Best of Travel’ in previous years.

Since visiting Tasmania, I haven’t been able to stop talking it up.

Although I’m Australian born and bred and have been fortunate enough to travel extensively within my home country, Tasmania was one state that I hadn’t previously had the chance to fully explore. And to be honest, the one week I spent there simply wasn’t long enough.

But if you’re planning to visit Australia, then indeed Tasmania should be added to your itinerary.

This comprehensive guide details everything you need to know before you visit Tasmania, including how to get there, when to go, and what to do, plus a few sample itineraries.

Why Should You Visit Tasmania?

I get it; the rest of Australia is so large and there are so many places to see – why should you spend the limited time you have touring around Tasmania?

Well, for one if you like to get away from the crowds of tourists, love good food and wine, or if you’re a bit of a nature lover, then Tasmania is somewhere you should absolutely add to your bucket list – stat!

Tasmania has been dubbed one of the world’s last accessible wilderness frontiers!

In spite of this, traveling around Tasmania is actually no more difficult than traveling around the rest of Australia.

And with 80% of the island is covered in world heritage wilderness areas and national parks , it’s very easy to find a spot away from the tourists and get your nature fix.

Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world!

Tasmania is often referred to as the only place in the world where you could bottle the air. In fact, the only place on earth where the air is cleaner is Antarctica.

Tasmania’s food, wine, and arts scene are second to none!

I’m not kidding. This little island, quite possibly, has the best food producers, best wineries and most incredible museums in Australia.

For more information, be sure to read our complete guide on the Best Airbnbs in Tasmania and 8 Reasons You Should Visit Tasmania ! 

Tasmania At-A-Glance

Do you know the little heart-shaped island at the bottom of mainland Australia that quite often gets left off maps? Yep – that’s Tasmania!

Most international visitors tend to skip Tassie in favor of other ‘more accessible’ Aussie hotspots because there is a common misconception that it’s too difficult to get there. In fact, you can reach Tassie in under an hour’s flight from Melbourne.

Tasmania may seem small in comparison to the rest of Australia – it is, after all, the country’s smallest state. However, it is quite a large island.

Being 6.8 million hectares in size, Tasmania is actually larger than Switzerland, Ireland or Sri Lanka. And over 500,000 Aussies call the island state home!

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How to Get to Tasmania

There are two ways you can reach Tasmania from mainland Australia:

By Plane: Tasmania’s two largest cities – Hobart and Launceston – are serviced by regular passenger flights from Australia’s mainland. Flight time from Melbourne is approximately 45 minutes, and 90 minutes from Sydney.

There are also regular connections from other Australian and International cities. All of Australia’s major airlines – Qantas , Virgin Australia , Tigerair and Jetstar – offer flights to Hobart and Launceston.

By Boat: The Spirit of Tasmania car and passenger ferry offers regular services across the Bass Strait from Melbourne to Devonport. The journey takes between 9 and 11 hours.

How to Get Around Tasmania

Rent a vehicle.

As mentioned earlier, Tasmania is a big island. Most of the best things to see and do in Tasmania are located outside the main cities, but easily reachable by car. For this reason, I would highly recommend hiring a car or campervan and planning a road trip!

The roads in Tasmania are much the same as the rest of the country – sealed and well maintained.

To hire a car in Australia, you will most likely require an international driver’s license, as many travel insurance companies will not cover you without obtaining one before you leave your home country. Be sure to check your travel insurance policy before you leave home.

Also, remember that Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road!

Take Public Transport

While the island may be big, the cities of Hobart and Launceston are relatively small, and most of the attractions within the city limits are easily reachable on foot, bike, taxi or public buses. Rideshare services, such as Uber, are also available in Hobart and Launceston.

So, if you plan on spending most of your time in one of these two cities, then there is no need to rent a vehicle. However, if you just stay in the city, you are really missing out on the best that Tasmania has to offer.

If driving is not an option, there are a few public bus services connecting Hobart and Launceston, as well as some regional areas around the island. The two main bus companies are Tassielink and Redline .

But once again, you will likely miss some of the more remote attractions. If you are planning to catch a bus around Tassie and are okay with sticking to the regular tourist trail, then both these bus companies offer a variety of routes that may be suitable.

Join a Tour

Another alternative is to join a group tour around Tasmania. GetYourGuide lists several small group tours in and around Tasmania.

• Cradle Mountain: Day Trip from Launceston with Lunch
• Bruny Island Day Trip from Hobart
• Bruny Island Wilderness Coast Eco-Tour from Hobart
• Tasman Peninsula Tour, Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site
• Wineglass Bay and Maria Island Scenic Flight Experience
• Launceston: Tamar Valley Wine Tour with Lunch and Cheese
• From Triabunna: Maria Island Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch
• Bruny Island: Full-Day Food, Lighthouse & Sightseeing Tour
• From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch
• Tasman Island: 3-Hour Wilderness Cruise

The Best Times to Visit Tasmania

Summer (december to february).

Tasmania’s cities and towns are buzzing throughout the summer months (December to February), as this is the peak tourist and festival season.

Summer is also the best time to escape the crowds and head into the wilderness for outdoor activities such as hiking, white-water rafting and mountain biking.

Given Tasmania’s proximity to the south pole, the island experiences relatively cool climates throughout the year, even during the summer. So, it is wise to always pack layers.

Winter (May to September)

The wintertime (May through September) in Tasmania is seriously underrated, in my opinion. I visited in June and although the temperature was cool – waterproof puffer jackets and layers are a must – the lack of tourists seriously made up for the cooler weather.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking trails all to themselves, but caution needs to be exercised at this time of year as the weather can be unpredictable and people occasionally find themselves stranded overnight in the Tasmanian wilderness during the winter months.

If you’re not an experienced or prepared hiker, be sure to stick to the signed trails.

Hobart’s acclaimed winter food and arts festival, Dark Mofo , is held annually during the winter solstice month of June.

It’s well worth timing your trip to Tassie along with the festival dates, so you can experience the wacky modern art exhibitions, world-class music events, and spectacular food and wine experiences that this month-long event offers.

Shoulder Seasons

Spring and Autumn (October through November and March through April) are also great times to visit Tasmania.

The crowds tend to thin out and accommodation and airfares tend to be cheaper than the summer months.

There are also a few food and wine festivals during the shoulder seasons and hiking conditions are still relatively good – although the odd snowfall or windstorm is still possible.

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit Tasmania?

There is a lot to see in Tasmania, so you’ll want to allow at least a few days or one week. If you really want to see the entire island, you would need at least 2-3 weeks, however.

To help you plan your trip, below are a few sample itineraries for 3 days, one week or two weeks on the island so you can make a plan that suits the amount of time that you have to spend in Tasmania.

3 Day Itinerary

If you only have a few days, it is possible to add a long-weekend or three-day trip to Tasmania as a side trip from Melbourne . Just a short hop over the Bass Straight, only 45 minutes flight away.

In three days, you are able to at least explore one of both of the main cities – Hobart and Launceston.

Option 1 – Explore Launceston and its Surrounds

Book a return flight to Launceston. Spend the three days exploring the city, visit Cataract Gorge , do a Tamar Valley Wine Trail and take a day trip to either Cradle Mountain or the Bay of Fires .

Option 2 – Explore Hobart and its Surrounds

Book a return flight to Hobart. Spend the three days exploring Hobart city and waterfront, visit MONA Museum , take a drive (or hike) up to the top of Mount Wellington, and visit the historic Port Arthur convict settlement.

Allow a full day for a trip to Freycinet National Park to see Wineglass Bay, or go hiking in Mount Field National Park, or head off on a food odyssey around Bruny Island.

Option 3 – Fly into Hobart and out of Launceston (or Vice Versa)

We recommend booking your departure flight from Melbourne to one of these two cities and your return flight from the other.

Spend one day exploring each city and one day doing a road trip between Hobart and Launceston, stopping off at a few of the attractions along the way.

One Week Itinerary

One week is the ideal amount of time to get a good taste of Tasmania’s main tourist drawcards, the majority of which are located along the East Coast Drive. This is also one of the most popular and most easily accessible regions of Tasmania.

During our visit, we opted for a one-week road trip from Hobart and Launceston along the popular east coast of Tasmania. To complete this same itinerary, I would suggest booking your inbound flight to Hobart and return from Launceston.

This itinerary was the perfect amount of time to visit the Bay of Fires, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Port Arthur, and Bruny Island. It also includes some time to explore the main cities.

In Hobart we visited MONA Museum, the Salamanca Markets, and Mount Wellington; and in Launceston, we added Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Valley wine region to our itinerary.

Two Week Itinerary

If you have more time and are determined to get a taste of the ‘entire’ island, you could start with the one-week itinerary above and extend it to include a second week.

During the second week, I would suggest exploring the central and north-western parts, including Cradle Mountain National Park , Mount Field National Park, Burnie and more.

The western region of Tasmania is much more remote than the east side. The density of National Parks is much larger in the western and central regions, meaning that you can expect to do a lot more hiking.

On the plus side, the remoteness of the western side of the island means there are far fewer tourists, so if you like a bit of peace and quiet, you will probably really enjoy this region.

There are also some great cozy cabins and BnBs with stunning nature settings around this part of the island.

Where to Stay in Tasmania

Tasmania has a ton of amazing accommodation options suitable for every type of budget. To help you find the perfect place to stay, we’ve rounded up all of the best Airbnbs in Tasmania to book the perfect stay for your trip!

Where to Stay in Hobart

Airbnbs in hobart.

• Captains Cottage
• West Hobart 3 Bedroom Cottage
• Pillinger Street Luxury Home

Luxury Hotels in Hobart

• Zero Davey Boutique Apartment Hotel
• MACq 01 Hotel
• The Henry Jones Art Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels in Hobart

• Ibis Styles Hobart
• Macquarie Manor
• Rydges Hobart

Budget Hotels in Hobart

• The Nook Backpackers
• The Brunswick Hotel
• Hobart’s Accommodation & Hostel

Where to Stay in Launceston

Airbnbs in launceston.

• Cataract Gorge Townhouse
• The Townhouse Tasmania
• Hedera – Heritage Luxury

Luxury Hotels in Launceston

• Peppers Silo
• Peppers Seaport Hotel
• The Sebel Launceston
• Stillwater Seven

Mid-Range Hotels in Launceston

• Hotel Launceston
• Art Hotel on York
• The Florance

Budget Hotels in Launceston

• Nightcap at Riverside Hotel
• Mowbray Hotel

Where to Stay on Tasmania’s East Coast

• Airbnbs on the East Coast
• BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park
• Twamley Farm
• Freycinet Lodge
• Cod Rock Point

Where to Stay in Central Tasmania

• Airbnbs in Central Tasmania
• Peppers Cradle Mountain
• Cradle Mountain Hotel
• Pedder Wilderness Lodge

Where to Stay in Western Tasmania

• Airbnbs on the West Coast
• Strahan Village
• West Coaster Motel
• Ship Inn Stanley

Where to Eat in Tasmania

If you love food, then you are going to LOVE Tasmania!

The island is well-known for its fresh seafood, world-class culinary establishments, artisan food producers, and award-winning wineries.

Tasmania’s food producers include a vast array of artisan dairy farms, coffee roasteries, cold climate wines, fresh seafood, whiskey and gin distilleries, and craft breweries – just to name a few.

• Check out the artisan food stalls at the Salamanca Markets
• Wait alongside Hobart’s trendiest locals for a coveted bunch spot at Small-fry’s tiny 12-seat communal dining table.
• Book a table in advance for the ultimate farm-to-table dining experience at The Source Restaurant – MONA’s premier fine-dining establishment, offering the freshest local and seasonal produce.
• For something a little different, try a cooking class at The Agrarian Kitchen .
• Head off on a day trip around Bruny Island sampling locally sourced or produced oysters, cheese, chocolate, whiskey and beer (details below).
• Go south from Launceston and sample some of the finest Tasmanian wines at Josef Chromy Cellar Door Café and Winery .
• Along the east coast, you won’t want to miss Lifebuoy Café and Quail Street Emporium for great coffee and antiques.
• Sample a cheese board and wine while watching the dairy cows hard at work at the Pyengana Dairy .
• Feed the pigs a ‘beer’ at The Pub in the Paddock .
• Sample beautiful fresh oysters at the Mellshell Oyster Shack at Coles Bay.

Launceston is another food and wine lovers haven. Some of the best places to eat include:

• Moores Hill Estate in the Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s first completely off-the-grid winery.
• Bluestone Bar and Kitchen offers a unique dining experience, combining fresh local produce with Asian flavors.
• Stillwater offers a fine dining experience, set in an old flour mill overlooking the water.
• Take a day trip to admire the stunning modern cellar door at Clover Hill Winery , and sample some of Australia’s finest sparkling wines, made the traditional French way.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Tasmania

1)   explore the natural wilderness of cradle mountain.

Cradle Mountain is one of the most stunning places in Tasmania, if not the world.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is one of Tasmania’s most visited regions and is located around 2.5 hours’ drive from Launceston.

It’s part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area , and the surrounding landscape ranges from grasslands to rainforest, lakes, and mountains. If you’re lucky you might spot a Tasmanian Devil.

Cradle Mountain offers a diverse range of walking trails, from easy one-day hikes to multi-day treks for the more adventurous. There is a range of accommodation options available within the park – from cabins and chalets to campgrounds.

2)   Learn About Port Authur’s Dark History

Port Arthur is a UNESCO World Heritage listed convict settlement built back in the early 1800s. Located around one-hour drive south-east of Hobart and retains a somewhat dark-history.

The site features a restaurant, bar, cemetery, beautiful gardens and ruins from old colonial buildings and a coal mine. Don’t forget to wear good walking shoes, as Port Arthur is a large site to explore.

The evening ghost tour is a must-do experience!

3)   Admire the Controversial Works of Art at MONA

Nowhere in the world will you encounter the same controversial and cutting-edge, modern works of art than MONA Museum in Hobart.

Since opening in 2011, MONA has been making a name for itself all over Australia, if not the world, for its unique interpretations of modern expressionist artworks.

Kids, adults and even non-art-lovers will be captured by what’s on offer. The museum is set in a subterranean gallery that resembles a purpose-built mine shaft, featuring unique artworks such as the poop machine.

There’s also a multitude of excellent food venues, bars, a winery, and accommodation.

If you’re staying in Hobart city, I highly recommend catching the MONA ROMA ferry from Hobart Waterfront. The spectacular 30-minute ride along the Derwent River is an experience in itself.

4)   Feast Your Way Around Bruny Island

If food is the main reason you decided to visit Tasmania, then you cannot go past Bruny Island . Located under an hour’s drive south of Hobart, and a short vehicle ferry ride from the mainland, Bruny Island is quite simply foodie heaven!

On one tiny island you’ll find freshly shucked oysters (that you can purchase from a drive-thru window) at Get Shucked, many different varieties of gin and whiskey, locally brewed beers and artisan cheeses at …, hand-made chocolates, and so much more!

And you simply cannot miss the stunning views from the Neck Lookout .

5)   See the Stunning Red Rocks at the Bay of Fires

This one my absolute favorite place in Tasmania. With white-sand beaches, stunning turquoise waters and contrasting red rocks, the Bay of Fires is a photographer’s dream.

The boulders get their ‘red’ color from lichen (a type of algae) that has grown on the granite boulders over many years.

Located on the northeast coast of Tasmania, the Bay of Fires is a good reason to visit Tasmania alone. While the coastline stretches over 50 km, the sleepy coastal village of Binalong Bay is the best point to access the bay and take a walk around the shoreline.

For a unique viewpoint, opt for a boat ride along the coastline with Bay of Fires Eco Tours or you can do a 2 day tour of the Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay .

6)   Descend into Cataract Gorge in Launceston

Just 15 minutes’ walk from downtown Launceston, Cataract Gorge is a deep chasm carved between two rock faces by the Esk River. The views are simply stunning.

Take a stroll along the suspension bridge, tackle one of the many hiking trails, take a cruise along the Esk River, or for the less adventurous, there’s a chair lift that takes you across the gorge.

Alternatively, you can simply admire the views over a glass of wine at the Gorge Restaurant.

7)   Go on a Wine Trail Around the Tamar Valley

Within a half-hour from Launceston, you’ll find Tasmania’s premier wine region along the Tamar River. The cool climate of this region makes the perfect conditions for Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Gewurztraminer.

With more than 30 cellar doors, the Tamar Valley Wine Route is well-signed and offers a great day trip option from Launceston. Be sure to check out Australia’s first completely off-the-grid winery – Moore’s Hill Estate.

8)   Take in the Stunning Views of Wineglass Bay at Freycinet National Park

A visit to Tasmania wouldn’t be complete without seeing the jewel of the island – Wineglass Bay!

Located on the Freycinet Peninsula, on the east coast of Tasmania, there are many hiking trails and viewpoints to see this stunning National Park. Wineglass Bay is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Hobart.

There’s a multitude of activities to enjoy in Freycinet National Park, including Wineglass Bay boat tours , kayaking, quad biking, bushwalking, and helicopter tours.

Most accommodation is located around Coles Bay, ranging from camping to luxury lodges .

9)   Admire the Vistas from Mount Wellington

Towering over the city of Hobart, Mount Wellington offers spectacular views of the city and the Derwent River when it’s not covered in clouds.

There is plenty of hiking and biking trails around the mountain, as well as rock climbing for the adventurous at heart. This is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Hobart.

10)   Tackle one of Tasmania’s Epic Hiking Trails

Tasmania is a haven for serious and amateur hikers. The island has various trails available from half-hour walks to spectacular viewpoints, to 6-day long treks in the remote wilderness.

If you’re not much of a hiker and looking for a bushwalk that allows you to reach a beautiful viewpoint within a few hours, the Wineglass Bay Lookout trail is a perfect option. It’s only 90 minutes return. Cradle Mountain also offers several day-hikes.

For serious hikers, the epic 46 km coastal trail along the Three Capes Track is sure to impress., or the Overland Track through the iconic Cradle Mountain region.

For one the most remote walking trails on earth check out the South Coast Track, but you’ll have to allow yourself at least 6 days to complete this one.

Tasmania also offers many multi-day lodge-to-lodge treks, where you hike 10-18 km during the day and stay in luxury lodges overnight, with multi-course food and wine experiences – the epitome of luxury adventure travel.

Hikes to check out include the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, and the Maria Island Walk.

Other Things to Do in Tasmania

• See a Tasmanian Devil at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
• Visit one of the many excellent cold-climate wineries all over the Island
• Check out the spectacular rock formations at Tasman National Park
• Go shopping for foodies and other goodies at the Salamanca Markets in Hobart
• See the Aurora Australis (similar to the Aurora Borealis, but much rarer)
• Climb “The Nut” at Stanley
• Go Clay Target Shooting at Twamley Farm
• Run through the Lavender Fields at Bridestowe Estate
• Celebrate all things sparkling wine related at Effervescence Tasmania Festival, which runs during the month of November
• Check out the beautifully painted cliffs on Maria Island
• Visit the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs
• Stay at the very Instagrammable Pumphouse Point Hotel
• Take a cruise along the Gordon river

Read our Top 10 Places To Visit In Tasmania article for more things to do!

Tasmania Wrap Up

We hope this article has inspired you to visit Tasmania and has all the information you need to plan your own trip. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.

For more information about Tasmania, be sure to check out the official Tourism Tasmania website.

We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Tasmania. If you have any questions or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Go to our Contribute page for guidelines and to submit your article.

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

Read More About Australia

• The 10 Best AirBnBs in Tasmania
• Top 10 Places to Visit in Tasmania
• Road Trip Through Western Australia
• An Insiders Guide To Sydney
• 7 Things You Can’t Miss In Brisbane
• 4 Scenic Places To Visit In Margaret River

We Are Travel Girls Senior Contributor Amanda Twine  of FlyStayLuxe.com   Connect with Amanda  Instagram  | Facebook  | Twitter  | YouTube  | Pinterest

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Wendy Hermans says

July 5, 2021 at 6:21 am

Hi, my husband and I are looking for a travel destination from 11 Nov till 7 Dec and we were thinking about Tasmania. We are from Belgium (Europe), love nature and day hikes, so after reading your article I am pretty convinced that we will love Tasmania. But we will have to wait with booking our flights until we know more about the covid situation and travel regulations from/to Belgium and Australia.

I was just wondering if mid and end of November is too early for Tasmania. (We hate rain during holidays …. since we have enough of it in Belgium, year round ;o)) )

cheers! Wendy

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10 Tasmania travel ideas to inspire your next holiday

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Tasmania is worth your attention. Beyond beautiful scenery, great produce and impressive history, this little state is full of character and a hive of creativity.

Keep in mind, all visitors need to register their Tasmania travel plans and contact details before entry.

Then, once you arrive, see how many of these ten attractions you can tick off.

1. Beautiful Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires on Tasmania’s east coast is a place of natural beauty where striking red rock landscapes meet white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.

Travellers should plan to stop at Binalong Bay, the main beach in the area, and allow some time for fishing, hiking, surfing, snorkelling or birdwatching – whatever takes your fancy.

2. Hobart markets

Discover local creatives at Hobart’s famous Salamanca Market , held every Saturday along the waterfront.

With about 300 stallholders, expect to find everything from hand-made fashion to woodwork, glassware and ceramics. Then, discover the food. Taste endless options of freshly baked bread, homemade sweets and local flavours. You might want to allocate a few hours to explore it all.

This December, Hobart will also be hosting the annual design market running over three days from 4 – 6 December. 

The market in the historic Town Hall features some of Tasmania’s best emerging and established designers. Expect to find furniture, jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, prints and more, with nearly 40 designers and makers present.

3. Visit Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park

With ancient rainforests, alpine mountain ranges and picturesque lakes, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park does not fall short on spectacular scenery.

Cradle Mountain is two hours and 15 minutes from Launceston and a must-see for any Tasmania travel itinerary.

Hikers can explore the numerous short walks or take on the famous 80-kilometre Overland Track. If you’re not big on adventure but still want to be in nature,  St Clair National Park is also a great spot for a picnic.

Keep reading: Tasmania staycation ideas: the best road trips, day trips and places to stay

4. Hike Wineglass Bay

When you start planning your Tasmania travels, a picture of the gorgeous Wineglass Bay will likely be the first thing you see.

Dubbed as one of the best beaches in the world, this humble bay located in Freycinet National Park is where you’ll find a remote blue-water paradise sheltered by mountains of green.

Wineglass Bay is only accessible by hike or kayak but the views are worth it. You can walk to the lookout on your own, take a guided tour or sign up for The Freycinet Experience walk . This four-day journey will take you through pink granite mountains, coastal forests and beaches, including Wineglass Bay.

5. Lavender fields

During the summer, Tasmania’s lavender fields are in full bloom, meaning it’s the perfect time to visit – not just for the gorgeous scenes of purple, but also the aroma.

Port Arthur Lavender is just a five-minute drive from the famous Port Arthur Historic site on the Tasman Peninsula. Here you can stroll around the seven hectares of lavender fields or explore the surrounding rainforest and lakes with ocean views.

If you’re in the north, Bridestowe Lavender Estate is located a little over 50 kilometres northeast of Launceston . Here, you’ll find an incredible 105 hectares of lavender fields and gardens. Top off your visit with lavender-flavoured ice cream and brownies.

6. Discover the history of Port Arthur

Port Arthur Historic Site, located about 90 minutes away from Hobart, is one of the best places to learn about Tasmania’s history. In 1833, the town was used to house and punish over a thousand of Tasmania’s most notorious convicts. It’s now one of Tasmania’s most fascinating travel experiences where you can tour the prison and discover old artefacts and stories. If you’re brave enough there is also a lantern-lit walking tour a ghost tour.

7. MONA: a museum like no other

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is the home for everything weird, wacky and wonderful. Located in Hobart, it is the largest privately-owned museum in Australia and unlike any you’ve seen before. The displays range from interactive and entertaining to confronting and sometimes controversial. With a large range of exhibitions, restaurants and festivals, your senses will be enlightened one way or another.

8. Seek out local wildlife

Why not centre your holiday around Tasmania’s local wildlife? Tasmanian Devil Unzoo offers a unique experience where travellers can witness wildlife in their natural habitat without cages. Alternatively, you could set off on a wildlife and wilderness tour where guides take you to all the best places to witness wildlife in the wild. Maria Island National Park is a natural wildlife sanctuary where you can often spot wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, birds, ringtail possums and many other animal residents.

Keep reading: The best scenic bike trails to cycle your way around Tasmania

9. Foodie adventures

If you love discovering local food, then be sure to add Huon Valley or Tamar Valley to your list. It was thanks to Huon Valley, that Tassie earned the nickname ‘Apple Isle’. Located half an hour from Hobart, Huon Valley is where 80 per cent of the state’s apples are grown. As such, you’ll find plenty of organic cider and craft breweries in the area. For a taste of local produce, Fat Pig Farm serve dishes straight from their gardens and paddock and even offer farm tours. Port Cygnet Cannery  has also made a name for itself as a food, beverage and events hub in Huon Valley.

Tamar Valley is one for the wine lovers. Travel to north Tasmania and meander the winding roads that make up the Tamar Valley Wine Route. The region is known for high-yielding vineyards and famous for its chardonnays, sparklings and pinot noir. For lunch, stop off at Moore’s Hill Vineyard for a tasting plate of local cheeses, meats and seafood.

10. Bruny Island

On the southeast coast of Tasmania, Bruny Island makes for a great day trip or short stay. The island, accessed by a 20-minute vehicular ferry from Kettering, offers a secluded getaway among plenty of wildlife including albatrosses, dolphins, seals and occasionally migrating whales. So keep your eyes peeled as you explore this rugged coastline and take in the surrounding water views. The  Free Spirit Pods have rated among the best accommodation on the island and are situated on  eight acres of bushland  with waterfront views and direct access to Quarantine Bay. 

Keep reading: Luxury all inclusive getaway on Bruny Island, Tasmania

For more  Vacations & Travel  ideas subscribe to our e-newsletter  here .

Tags: Bay of Fires , Tasmania , Tasmania travel , Wineglass Bay

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Guide To The Famous Wineglass Bay Walk, Tasmania

Y ou’ve probably seen a photo of Wineglass Bay in a tourism advertisement for Tasmania, it’s one of the most photographed beaches in all of Tas.

The shimmering crescent of white sand meeting the turquoise water is easily recognizable.

Beautiful and remote, Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park is noted as Tasmania’s best beach, and one of Australia’s must-see destinations .

And it didn’t disappoint when we finally made the Wineglass Bay walk to The Lookout, and then onto the beach itself.

But visiting this beach isn’t as simple as parking up your car and stepping onto the beach. Because of its remote location, you can only access it by boat, foot, or taking a scenic flight.

In this guide, I’ve shared how you can visit this beautiful wonder in Tasmania and all about our experience visiting it.

Where is Wineglass Bay?

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Nestled on Tasmania’s east coast in the Freycinet National Park on the Freycinet Peninsula, Wineglass Bay is a hidden gem that can only be accessed by traversing a winding path through dense bushland.

The beauty of the bay is only enhanced by its seclusion, and yet it’s still one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in Tasmania.

To get there, you must first reach the gateway to Freycinet National Park, which is a small town called Coles Bay.

The distance from Hobart to Coles Bay is roughly 195 kilometers and takes 2.5 hours of driving time. From Launceston, the drive is two hours (175 kilometres), and from Port Arthur, it’s 238 km and takes roughly 3 hours.

The route from Launceston and Port Arthur to Freycinet is incredibly scenic and should not be done in a hurry

The road to the Freycinet passes along the A3, otherwise known as The Tasman Highway, which is one of the main roads in Tasmania.

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can get to Coles Bay by public transport. There are buses from Hobart to Coles Bay twice a day .

Check prices and availability for car rentals in Tasmania here.

Wineglass Bay Walks

The best way to see Wineglass Bay is to hike there. There are a few different walks you can take, but these are the main ones…

A walk to the look out takes 1.5 hours and is a loop trail to one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views.

The track is a short, fairly steep climb to the saddles between Mount Amos and Mount Mayson.

If you want to walk all the way to Wineglass Bay, then it takes 2.5 hours return walk from the car park on Coles Bay Road to The Lookout, and then downhill onto the beach.

You should walk for 20 minutes along the beach to the south as this will give you magnificent views back over the Hazards (Pink granite mountains that sit as a backdrop of Wineglass Bay).

Personally, if you are staying in Coles Bay and you have the time, we highly recommend walking along to Hazards Beach as well.

It takes 4 to 5 hours to hike from the car park to Wineglass Bay, to Hazards Beach, and back around to the car park in a loop. The route is well-signposted and easy to find.

The walk from Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach is only a 30 minute flat walk along the Isthmus Track, but since it takes 3 hours to get there, you would be better off continuing on this trail following the northern end, rather than turning back.

The return journey follows the coastline for about 5 kilometres back to the carpark and is quite easy going.

If you want to do a challenging hike in Freycinet, the Freycinet Circuit is the hike for you.

It’s a 30.4-km loop trail (2 days, 3 nights) that is considered challenging because it’s long, but you can break it up over a few days and camp at the campsites in Freycinet.

The route takes you past Wineglass Bay, Hazards Beach, and Botanical Creek, to the summit of Mount Freycinet, to the summit of Mount Graham, Graham Creek, and several lookout points.

There is plenty of signposts to lead the way, but you should take an offline GPS just in case.

This 5.5-Hr Small Group Guided Walking Experience will take you to Hazards Beach via Wineglass Bay. After exploring Hazards, you’ll jump aboard the Freycinet Aqua Taxi to see the peninsula from a different perspective as you journey back to the Freycinet Lodge where you tour concludes.

Other Ways to Enjoy Wineglass Bay

As mentioned, Caz experienced Freycinet and Wineglass Bay via seaplane earlier in the year.

And you don’t even have to drive to Wineglass Bay, as this experience starts and ends in Hobart. It’s on my bucket list for a return visit.

You can watch our scenic flight experience in this video:

You can also join the only cruise into Wineglass Bay like my parents did.

Whilst you don’t get to set foot on the sand, you do enjoy a lunch on board overlooking the beach.

This is a great option for those with reduced mobility or young kids, who still want to see the beach but are unable to hike. The only downside is that you can’t walk on the beach.

Check prices and availability for boat cruises to Wineglass Bay here.

We started our walk early, at 5.30am, as we wanted to reach The Wineglass Bay Lookout for sunrise to beat the anticipated crowds.

From the car park to The Lookout is approximately a 45-minute walk.

A steady uphill climb, but a well-made path, and whilst we didn’t have the kids with us this time (nanny and poppy were visiting) we did witness many others hiking with kids so it’s not beyond a family outing.

Once you reach The Lookout your reward is a spectacular view over Wineglass Bay.

Whilst we didn’t get our magical sunrise – the sky was completely covered in dark clouds – by arriving early we were fortunate to have the moment all to ourselves.

We had time to sit and take it all in, enjoy a light pre-packed breakfast, with nothing but the sounds of the surrounding bush and uninterrupted views

From The Lookout, the walk down onto the beach itself is steep but a short one of 20 minutes.

By the time we had finished our bite to eat and made the walk onto the sand, to our joy the clouds had started to lift and the sun’s rays brought to life what we had witnessed many times before in photos.

I couldn’t believe we were all alone on the famous Wineglass Bay.

We had the whole beach to ourselves – rewarded for starting the day early. This must see Aussie destination was all ours to walk barefoot in the white sand and wade in the pristine waters.

To allow time for the clouds to completely clear, we next made the 30-minute flat walk to nearby Hazards Beach , another famous beach in Freycinet National Park.

Along the track, we got lucky and came across a Wallaby going about his morning, and he was kind enough to pose so we could get a quick pic.

Once you reach Hazards Beach, you’ll probably experience what we did and again have this piece of paradise all to yourself.

Hazards Beach also looks amazing from the air, as Caz experienced on a previous trip to Freycinet earlier in the year.

But set foot on the sand and wander the rocks around the headland at the northern end of the beach and you’ll find pretty shells and starfish.

We spent about an hour on Hazards enjoying the serenity. The sky was completely blue now so we headed back to Wineglass to get some better photos.

And there it was, in all its glory, showing off like we had envisioned. We set up the tripod – don’t forget the tripod for some selfies – and then just sat there, in the moment.

But, this time, we didn’t have Wineglass all to ourselves. It was about 10am by now and we had been joined by a dozen others. Still not Grand Canyon crowded, but not the serenity we had at 6am.

Before you go, here are some tips we want to share with you for your visit…

• Start early, arrive for sunrise and beat the crowds.
• Go to the bathroom at the car park before you leave as there are no toilets or facilities on the walks
• Take a light breakfast and watch the day begin with magnificent views.
• Take a tripod for best photos + selfie shots.
• You can swim, but note that the sea is cold between April and October so pack something to warm you up.
• Wear insect repellent, there are a lot of mozzies in this park.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks.
• Wear sunscreen as there is minimal shade on the beach.
• Don’t skip Coles Bay, take a day or two to see the town, try sea kayaking from the bay, eat fresh seafood at The Freycinet Marine Farm and check out Cape Tourville Lighthouse.

Freycinet National Park Accommodation

When it comes to finding accommodation near Freycinet Peninsula, you need to base yourself outside the park in Coles Bay. Coles Bay is a great base to explore Freycinet National Park.

There are many accommodation options in Coles Bay and just outside the Freycinet National Park area.

Freycinet Lodge is the only accommodation located inside Freycinet National Park, and it overlooks the blue waters of Great Oyster Bay with the rugged Hazards mountain range as a backdrop.

Luxurious chalets range from one and two rooms to exclusive couples’ retreats and luxurious, 4.5 star premier suites. There’s free parking, free wifi, and two restaurants.

Check prices and availability for Freycinet Lodge here.

This is where we stayed, and as soon as I saw it I knew we were going to love it, if not for the name alone.

“Mummy, can we go back to The Blue House, now please?” Kalyra would ask.

The Blue House is located where the Swan River meets Great Oyster Bay, only a 5 minute drive from Coles Bay and world famous Freycinet National Park. It’s serene and quiet and stunning and the perfect place for a family to stay.

The owners provide kayaks free of charge, there are fishing rods for use, plenty of games to play, shelves of DVD’s and piles of magazines to read.

Read our full review of the Blue House here , or you can check prices and availability for The Blue House here .

More Tasmania Travel Tips

• 19 Best Places to Visit in Tasmania
• 11 towns in Tasmania you must set foot in
• Walking around the Famous Cradle Mountain in Tasmania with kids
• Don’t Miss The Spectacular Gordon River Cruise in Strahan, Tasmania
• 6 Beaches in Tasmania you must set foot on
• 3 Hours of Unspoilt Wilderness on a Bruny Island Cruise in Tasmania
• The hauntingly beautiful Port Arthur Historic Site
• Introducing the ‘Bay of Fires’ in Tasmania
• Cruising the Rugged South East Tasmanian Coastline
• Liffey Falls and the Central Plateau Conservation Area
• Things to do in Launceston and surrounds – tips from the locals

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• Space Travel + Astronomy

The Northern Lights Have a Southern Hemisphere Counterpart That Is Harder to See — What to Know

We've got the answers to all your questions about the aurora australis.

What are the southern lights?

Are the northern lights and southern lights different, when is the best time to see the southern lights, how can i increase my chances of seeing the southern lights, can i see the southern lights on an antarctica cruise, best places to see the southern lights.

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I first glimpsed the northern lights on a red-eye flight across the Atlantic. Just a few pale wisps in the night sky were enough to get me hooked on the celestial phenomenon, and my aurora chasing has since brought me to Greenland, Iceland, and Churchill, Canada. Now, my sights are set on their even more elusive counterpart: the southern lights, or aurora australis. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the southern lights, including when and where to see them. 

Meet the Expert

Jonathan Belles is a meteorologist at The Weather Channel and weather.com . 

Dr. Jason Steffen is an associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

The southern lights are the Southern Hemisphere’s version of the northern lights — that is, they're both the aurora. "The aurora is a visual representation of the Earth’s magnetic field protecting us from the sun’s disruptive bursts of energy," Jonathan Belles, meteorologist at The Weather Channel and Weather.com, tells Travel + Leisure . When energized particles from the sun slam into the Earth's magnetic field, they're redirected toward the poles, and the particles glow.

Future Publishing/Getty Images

The only major difference between the northern and southern lights is the hemisphere in which they occur. Otherwise, they're the same phenomenon. They even tend to occur in sync. "Usually, both auroras will brighten when there is a lot of solar activity," Dr. Jason Steffen, associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, tells T+L. "The particles will be trapped by the magnetic field and will be concentrated simultaneously at both magnetic poles." 

But there's always a chance for variation. "They can occur simultaneously when a solar storm occurs, but often their impacts will be asymmetric. In other words, aurora may be more prevalent in one hemisphere versus the other depending on how the burst of energy reaches the Earth and from what direction," says Belles. 

As with the northern lights , the best time to see the southern lights is whenever the sky is dark. Because the aurora occurs at high latitudes — that is, close to the poles — you may not get much darkness, if any at all, during the summer. So the best time of year to see the southern lights is from roughly March through September, the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn through spring. (The Northern Hemisphere’s aurora season lasts from around September through March.)

On a larger time scale, this year is one of the best years to see the aurora. We’re approaching solar maximum in the solar cycle, which could mean brighter and more frequent auroras.  "We’re currently in the most active part of an 11-year solar cycle, when bursts from the sun are most common," says Belles. But that's not to say the southern lights will be no-shows after that — the aurora can (and does) happen frequently, though the light show is often dimmer than the dazzling displays you might be picturing. For the breathtaking dancing ribbons, you might have to wait for strong solar storms. (In case you're wondering, it takes about three days for the sun's aurora-causing emissions to reach the Earth, so you'll have a tiny bit of a heads-up that a good show might be brewing.)

Cavan Images / Per-Andre Hoffmann/Getty Images

There's one simple thing you can do to increase your chances of seeing the southern lights — spend as much time near the magnetic south pole as possible, particularly during the dark months. (Remember, Southern Hemisphere winter occurs in June, July, and August.) Of course, that's much easier said than done. "It is more difficult to see the southern lights only in that there is less land in the Southern Hemisphere to see it from," says Belles.

It's not likely — I've cruised to Antarctica five times, and I've never seen the southern lights from my ships. There are two main reasons why.

First, the Antarctic cruise season runs through the austral summer, when Antarctica gets up to 24 hours of daylight. If the sky is bright, you won't be able to see the aurora. And second, most cruises visit the Antarctic Peninsula, where the aurora doesn't often appear overhead. 

The "auroral oval," or the region of the Earth in which you're most likely to see the aurora, is farther south than most visited parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. "The magnetic field is tilted slightly, so the auroras align with the magnetic poles instead of the geographic poles," says Steffen. And the south magnetic pole is closer to the other side of the continent. So even if you're visiting Antarctica in November or March, when you do get some darkness each night, the southern lights might only appear faintly and far in the distance, not overhead.

They’re not easy to spot, but these are three of the best places to see the southern lights.

South Island, New Zealand

The farther south you go in New Zealand, the better your chances of seeing the southern lights. An ideal location would have unobstructed views towards the south, since the southern lights will appear low on the horizon rather than overhead. For your best chances, I'd recommend taking the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island, which is off the southern tip of the South Island. But it is possible to see the southern lights from popular destinations like Dunedin and Queenstown, too — just make sure you get away from city lights to reduce light pollution. 

Chasing Light/James Stone/Getty Images

Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania is another prime destination for southern lights viewing. As in New Zealand, the farther south you go, the better your odds. Some of the most popular viewpoints include Goat Bluff, Carlton Beach, and Tinderbox, all of which are fairly close to Hobart, though far enough from substantial light pollution. You could also try the summit of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, but beware the glare of city lights. For more darkness, you'll want to head to more remote destinations, such as Southwest National Park, the state's largest expanse of wilderness.

I know, I know — I just told you that it's difficult to see the southern lights from an Antarctica cruise. And that's true. But there are some places in Antarctica that do see the southern lights frequently, and the most accessible to travelers is the Ross Sea. Some Antarctica cruises travel to this remote destination, and if you happen to be on one at the right time of year (when the skies get dark at night, from autumn to spring), you might be able to see the southern lights. Alternatively, you could try to get a job at McMurdo Station, the main base of the U.S. Antarctic Program. If you spend the winter there, you're almost guaranteed to see the southern lights.