Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days of Scenic Driving & Packing Tips
There’s something truly special about hitting the open road in Tasmania. From dramatic coastlines and World Heritage-listed wilderness to quaint historic towns and gourmet local fare, the Apple Isle serves up some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery—all just a few hours apart. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or keen photographer, a well-planned Tasmania road trip is the perfect way to soak it all in at your own pace.
In this blog, we’ve mapped out the ultimate 10-day Tasmania road trip itinerary to help you make the most of your adventure. Plus, we’ve included a comprehensive packing list to make sure you’re well-prepared for everything Tassie has in store—no matter the weather or terrain.
10 Days Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
This 10-day self-drive Tasmania road trip map & itinerary begins and ends in Hobart, looping around the island’s highlights at a relaxed pace. Each day balances reasonable drive times with ample stops for outdoor recreations like hiking and beach strolls, as well as visits to cultural sites and food/wine experiences.
We understand that everyone travels a little differently, so this itinerary gives you a mix of options. You can follow it step by step, or tweak it to suit your own style. Now, let’s dive into it!
Day 1 – Arrive in Hobart & Explore the City
Start/End: Hobart
Driving: None
Vibe: Settle in, explore the city’s charm, and ease into island life.Morning
Morning
Welcome to Tassie! After you touch down in Hobart, pick up your hire car and take your time getting into holiday mode. A good first stop on your Tasmania road trip map is breakfast at a local favourite like Machine Laundry Café—quirky, tucked into Salamanca Square, and reliably excellent.
From there, wander around Salamanca Place, where historic sandstone warehouses now house art galleries, boutiques, and local artisan shops. If it’s a Saturday, you’re in luck—Salamanca Market is one of the best in the country and a perfect intro to Tassie’s food and craft scene.
Afternoon
Once you’ve had your fill of the waterfront, head uphill into Battery Point, one of Hobart’s oldest neighbourhoods. The charming cottages and hidden laneways feel like something out of a storybook. For a bigger picture—literally—take the drive (or shuttle) up kunanyi / Mt Wellington.
If you’re feeling cultural, the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) ferry ride is an experience in itself, and the museum is unlike anything else in Australia—provocative, weird, and wonderful.
Evening
Back in town, Hobart’s dining scene shines. Head to the waterfront for fresh seafood—Mures is a classic—or book a table at one of the city’s up-and-coming gems like Fico or Templo. If you’re in the mood for something low-key, grab takeaway and enjoy it by the harbour as the sun dips behind the hills.
Accommodation
Camp at the Hobart Showground campground if you have a camper
Stay in a budget-friendly hostel or hotel in the city centre like the Narrara Backpackers
Splurge on a boutique waterfront hotel like MACq 01 or the Henry Jones Art Hotel
Whichever you choose, get a good rest – tomorrow you hit the open road!
Day 2 – Hobart to Tasman Peninsula
Start: Hobart
End: Port Arthur / Tasman Peninsula
Driving: ~1.5 hours
Vibe: Coastal cliffs, convict stories, and dramatic natural scenery.
Morning
After breakfast, hit the road heading southeast toward the Tasman Peninsula. It’s not a long drive, but you’ll want to take your time. If you didn’t get a chance yesterday, swing by Richmond—this historic village has Australia’s oldest stone bridge and a lovely old-world feel, plus a few spots for coffee and snacks.
Continue on to Eaglehawk Neck, where you can stretch your legs and explore the wild coastline. The Tessellated Pavement is an easy walk and a geological oddity that looks almost man-made. Just a few minutes away, you’ll find Tasman Arch and the Blowhole, both worth quick stops for dramatic cliffside views.
Afternoon
By midday, you’ll roll into the Port Arthur Historic Site—a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site tells the story of Tasmania’s early convict days, with preserved ruins, gardens, and haunting stories of life in the 1800s. Entry includes a guided walking tour and a short harbour cruise to the Isle of the Dead.
Evening
If you’ve still got energy after exploring the site, consider joining the Ghost Tour after dark—it’s atmospheric, a bit eerie, and surprisingly entertaining. Otherwise, relax at your accommodation.
Accommodation
Port Arthur motor inn and cottages (some right by the historic site)
Campgrounds like Fortescue Bay (a beautiful beachside national park campsite, though a 30-min drive on unsealed road)
Mid-range B&Bs and budget cabins are available in nearby villages (Eaglehawk Neck or Nubeena).
Day 3 – Tasman Peninsula to Freycinet National Park
Start: Port Arthur
End: Coles Bay / Freycinet
Driving: ~3.5 hours
Vibe: A scenic drive up the east coast, with ocean views and laid-back stops along the way.
Morning
This morning, grab a bite and start the drive north along the coast. You’ll pass back through Sorell and then join the Tasman Highway (A3), which winds its way toward Tasmania’s sunny east.
A great coffee and snack stop is Orford, where golden beaches meet blue water and the view across to Maria Island is picture-perfect. Further up, just outside of Swansea, don’t miss the curious Spiky Bridge. It’s a strange sight, and a good excuse to stretch the legs.
Afternoon
Arrive at Coles Bay in the early afternoon and get your first glimpse of the pink-hued granite peaks of Freycinet National Park. Before you settle in, make the short drive to Cape Tourville. The easy boardwalk here loops around a clifftop with expansive views over the Tasman Sea—you might even spot a whale in the right season. If you’re after a swim, head to Honeymoon Bay or Richardsons Beach, both great for a relaxing dip.
Evening
Coles Bay is small, but full of charm. For dinner, there’s Geographe (casual, with great pizza and seafood) or local wine and a barbecue if you’re self-catering. As dusk sets in, keep an eye out for wallabies and possums—they’re not shy.
Accommodation
Spend the next two nights in the Freycinet area so you have a full day to explore.
Campers can stay at the national park’s Richardson’s Beach or Honeymoon Bay campsites (book in advance), or at private caravan parks in Coles Bay.
For others, there are options from backpacker hostels and basic cabins to the upscale Freycinet Lodge or eco-luxury Saffire Freycinet.
Sleep well, because tomorrow’s hike is a highlight of the whole trip.
Day 4 – Freycinet National Park
Start/End: Coles Bay
Driving: Minimal (short drives to trailheads or beaches)
Vibe: Iconic hikes, postcard-perfect views, and a relaxed coastal pace.
Morning
Wake early and get your boots on—it’s time for the park’s star attraction: Wineglass Bay Lookout. The trail begins at the main carpark and climbs steadily for about 45 minutes. It’s a bit of a workout, but you’ll be rewarded with that view: the curve of Wineglass Bay’s white sand beach against aqua water and pink granite cliffs.
If you’re up for it, continue the hike down to the beach itself. It’s around 1,000 steps down (and yep, back up again), but dipping your toes in the clear, cool water is worth it.
Afternoon
After you return from the hike, take a breather over lunch—either pack a picnic or grab something casual in Coles Bay. If you’ve still got energy, head back into the park for a quieter walk. The Sleepy Bay trail or the Friendly Beaches just outside the park are beautiful, less-visited spots.
Alternatively, hop on a Wineglass Bay cruise if you prefer to admire the coastline from the water, with the bonus of dolphin sightings or sea eagles overhead.
Evening
As the sun starts to dip, you’ll notice the granite mountains take on a rosy glow—one of those small Tassie moments that just sticks with you. If you’re self-catering, pick up supplies earlier in the day (local seafood or produce if you can!) and enjoy dinner under the stars. Otherwise, head to one of Coles Bay’s taverns for a casual meal and maybe a glass of Tasmanian Pinot.
Return to your Coles Bay accommodation for the night.
Day 5 – Freycinet to Bay of Fires
Start: Coles Bay
End: Bay of Fires (Binalong Bay or St Helens)
Driving: ~2.5 hours
Vibe: Beach-hopping northward, orange boulders, and a night under the stars.
Morning
Leave Freycinet behind and follow the coast north through small towns like Bicheno, where you can stop for a coffee and a quick look at the blowhole on the waterfront. If you’re travelling with kids (or just love wildlife), East Coast Natureworld is nearby and a solid place to meet wombats, devils, and kangaroos. Back on the road, you’ll pass by rolling hills and glimpses of the ocean before arriving in St Helens, the gateway to the Bay of Fires.
Afternoon
From St Helens, head to Binalong Bay and start exploring. The Bay of Fires isn’t one beach—it’s a string of pristine coves and headlands that stretch along the northeast coast. Think impossibly white sand, turquoise water, and bright orange lichen-covered rocks. It’s raw, wild, and incredibly photogenic.
Evening
Cook up dinner on the campfire or grab fish and chips and enjoy it on the sand. If the skies are clear, lie back and take in a sky full of stars—there’s barely any light pollution here, and the Milky Way puts on a real show.
Accommodation
Campers can choose from free beachfront sites like Swimcart Beach or Cosy Corner—simple, but stunning.
If you’re after a bit more comfort, head back to St Helens for motels, boutique stays, or the lovely Bay of Fires Bush Retreat.
Day 6 – Bay of Fires to Launceston
Start: Bay of Fires
End: Launceston
Driving: ~3 hours (with stops)
Vibe: Waterfalls, cheese, quirky pubs, and Tasmania’s second city.
Morning
If you’re up early, start the day with a peaceful beach walk or even a brisk swim. Then pack up and take a detour inland to St Columba Falls, one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls. The drive there winds through lush forest and takes about 40 minutes each way.
On your way back, stop at Pyengana Dairy for a cheese tasting and a coffee—they do a mean ploughman’s lunch. Just down the road, the Pub in the Paddock is worth a look too, especially if you like your pubs with a side of rural Aussie humour (and a beer-loving pig).
Afternoon
Continue west through the forested northeast and rolling farmland as you head toward Launceston. The town of Derby is worth a quick stop, especially if you’re into mountain biking (it’s a global hotspot) or just want a walk around this revitalised little town.
Evening
You’ll arrive in Launceston by late afternoon. It’s a compact city with heritage buildings, leafy parks, and great food. Stretch your legs at Cataract Gorge—just minutes from the centre—where you can walk across the suspension bridge or take a scenic chairlift ride over the river.
Accommodation
Central hotel
Riverside cottage
Tamar Valley vineyard retreat just out of town
Day 7 – Launceston to Cradle Mountain
Start: Launceston
End: Cradle Mountain
Driving: ~2.5 hours (plus stops)
Vibe: Scenic countryside, quirky towns, and your first taste of alpine Tassie.
Morning
Leave Launceston after breakfast and head west towardCradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It’s not a long drive, but there’s plenty to see along the way. First stop is Sheffield, the “Town of Murals,” where the buildings double as canvases for huge, colourful artworks. It’s a fun place to wander with a coffee in hand, snapping pics of the storybook-style murals dotted around town.
Afternoon
From Sheffield, the road starts to climb into the Central Highlands. The scenery gets wilder and the air cooler. Aim to arrive at Cradle Mountain by early afternoon and check in at your accommodation.
Then head to the park’s visitor centre, grab your pass, and jump on the shuttle bus to Dove Lake. If the weather’s kind, the Dove Lake Circuit is a perfect introduction—an easy loop that winds around the lake with jaw-dropping views of Cradle’s craggy peaks.
Evening
As the evening chill sets in, get cosy. Many lodges have roaring fires and hearty meals on offer—perfect after a brisk walk. For something special, book into Devils@Cradle for a night-time wildlife experience where you can meet real Tasmanian devils up close.
Accommodation (for two nights)
The Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain campground has powered sites and cabins right near the visitor centre.
Stay at the comfortable Cradle Mountain Hotel or the upscale Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.
Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village has some affordable chalet options.
Day 8 – Cradle Mountain National Park
Start/End: Cradle Mountain
Driving: Minimal (just to the visitor centre and back)
Vibe: Wombats, waterfalls, and wild alpine landscapes.
Morning
Start your day early with a hearty brekkie—today’s all about exploring Tasmania’s most iconic wilderness. If you’re keen for a challenge, hike to Marion’s Lookout. It’s a tough uphill climb, but the views across Dove Lake and the surrounding ranges are incredible.
Not up for a steep trek? Take the Crater Lake Circuit instead—it’s a moderate walk that passes waterfalls, a glacier-carved lake, and mossy rainforest trails.
Afternoon
Back from your hike, take it slow. Visit Waldheim Chalet to learn about Gustav Weindorfer, the Austrian who helped found the park, or wander the Enchanted Walk—a short loop through moss-covered forest, ideal for spotting wombats (especially in the late afternoon).
Evening
Your second night here gives you a chance to truly switch off. If you didn’t make it to the devil sanctuary last night, you could do it now. Otherwise, pour a glass of Tassie Pinot, grab a hearty feed at your lodge, and just soak up the peace and quiet. The mountains have a way of slowing time down.
Day 9 – Cradle Mountain to Hobart (via the Midlands)
Start: Cradle Mountain
End: Hobart
Driving: ~4.5 to 5 hours (with scenic stops)
Vibe: A long but scenic drive through history, countryside, and quiet towns.
Morning
After breakfast, hit the road south toward Hobart. It’s a full travel day, but the route is full of great little stops. First up, swing by Latrobe or Elizabeth Town—Ashgrove Cheese is a fun spot to taste your way through local cheeses (and the cow-themed shop is always a laugh).
Continue on to Campbell Town, a perfect place to stretch your legs with its sculpture walk and historic bridge.
Afternoon
If you’ve got time, detour to Ross—a beautifully preserved Georgian village with a famous bakery and one of Tasmania’s most photographed sandstone bridges. Another optional stop is Oatlands, home to the restored Callington Mill and a quaint main street lined with heritage buildings.
Evening
Roll into Hobart by late afternoon or early evening and settle back in. After a week on the road, a warm meal in a city pub or restaurant will hit the spot. If you’re staying in the centre, take a stroll along the docks or grab a drink at Preachers or The Den to toast your return.
Day 10 – Hobart Finale / Optional Bruny Island
Start/End: Hobart
Driving: Optional (Bruny Island or city exploring)
Vibe: Your final Tassie fix—food, markets, art, or one last wild escape.
Morning
If it’s a Sunday, head straight to Farm Gate Market in the city centre. It’s a local favourite where you can sample everything from artisan sourdough and fresh berries to smoked salmon and organic coffee. Not a market day? Take a peaceful walk through the Botanic Gardens, especially lovely in spring or autumn.
Alternatively, if you’re craving one last adventure, set your GPS for Bruny Island. It’s just a 40-minute drive to the ferry at Kettering, then a short crossing to the island. Spend the morning at the Neck Lookout, with views across the isthmus, or visit a local cheesery or oyster farm for a final taste of Tasmania.
Afternoon
Back in Hobart, this is your moment to wrap things up however you like—whether it’s shopping for last-minute gifts at Salamanca, visiting MONA if you haven’t yet, or taking a relaxed harbour cruise.
It’s time to say goodbye to the Apple Isle. Whether you’re heading home or off to your next adventure, you’re leaving with full camera rolls, a few windblown curls, and a heart full of Tassie stories.
What to Pack for a Tasmania Road Trip?
Packing for Tasmania itineraries can be a bit tricky—mainly because Tassie’s weather is famously unpredictable. One minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s sleeting (yes, even in summer). So, the key is layers, versatility, and being ready for anything. Here’s a handy breakdown of what to bring:
Clothing Essentials
Layers are your best friend: Pack a mix of t-shirts, long sleeves, and a warm jumper or fleece.
Rain jacket or waterproof shell: It can rain anywhere, anytime—especially in the west and mountains.
Comfortable walking shoes or boots: Trails like Wineglass Bay and Cradle Mountain need proper grip.
Casual clothes for town: Think smart-casual for dinners out in Hobart or Launceston.
Swimwear: Yes, the water’s cool, but Tasmania’s beaches are too good to miss.
Beanie and gloves: Even in summer, mornings can be cold—especially in alpine areas.
Tech, Power & Travel Gear
Phone charger and car charger – A no-brainer, but don’t forget the car adapter.
Offline maps or GPS – Download the best road map of Tasmania in advance in case you lose reception.
Camera or phone with extra storage – You’ll be snapping a lot of landscapes, trust us.
Power bank or portable power station– For those moments when you need backup power mid-hike or during a long day on the road.
Torch or headlamp – Great for campsites or late-night walks back from the beach.
Daypack – Something small and comfy for hikes and short adventures.
Thinking of going off-grid or camping? A portable power solution like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Portable Power Station can make all the difference. With a base capacity of 1024Wh (expandable to over 3,000Wh with extra batteries), it’s powerful enough to keep your road trip essentials going—whether that’s charging multiple phones or running a mini-fridge.
With AC output up to 1800W, the DELTA 2 can handle more than 90% of household appliances, and you can plug in up to 13 devices at once—perfect for families or groups on the move. The best part? It charges fast. You can go from 0 to 100% in just 80 minutes with wall power, or pair it with solar panels for off-grid recharging.
Even better, you can recharge while you drive thanks to the EcoFlow 800W Alternator Charger. This smart 3-in-1 device pulls excess energy from your vehicle while on the move, letting you top up 1kWh in just 1.3 hours—8x faster than standard vehicle chargers. It also acts as a battery maintainer and jump starter, so it earns its keep and saves precious space in your setup.
It’s ideal for longer trips or anyone wanting a hassle-free, powerful way to stay charged in Tasmania’s wilder corners. And with built-in safety features and long-lasting battery tech (LiFePO4 = 3000+ charge cycles), the DELTA 2 is a gear that’ll last well beyond this one trip.
Camping Add-Ons (if you're going off-grid)
Tent, sleeping bag + mat: Choose 3-season gear that handles chilly nights.
Cooking kit: Portable stove, utensils, and a cooler or esky.
Reusable water bottles and food containers: There are long stretches without shops.
Rubbish bags: Leave no trace, especially in national parks.
Insect repellent & sunscreen: Tassie’s mozzies are low-key, but the sun can bite.
Conclusion
Sure, the classic Perth to Esperance road tripor the Great Ocean Road have their charm—but a 10-day Tasmania road trip? That’s a whole different vibe. From the wild, windswept beaches on the east coast to the rugged alpine landscapes around Cradle Mountain, Tassie has a way of getting under your skin—in the best possible way. With this solid itinerary and a car packed with supplies, you’re all set to uncover hidden gems, meet some of the friendliest locals, and soak up nature at its rawest and most breathtaking!
FAQs
How long does it take to road trip around Tasmania?
You can comfortably road trip around Tasmania in 10 to 14 days, depending on how much you want to see and how fast you like to travel. Ten days is enough to cover the key highlights like Freycinet, Bay of Fires, and Cradle Mountain without feeling rushed. If you’ve got more time, stretching it to two weeks lets you slow down, explore a few hidden gems, and enjoy the journey at a more relaxed pace.
What’s the best time of year for a Tasmania road trip?
The best time of year for a Tasmania road trip is during Summer, which is around December to February. It is the most popular time, with long days and comfortable temperatures. It is also the ideal time for a summer motorhome culinary journey roadmap as regional farmers may have an overflowing produce.
Is Tasmania expensive to visit?
It will depend on how much you are willing to spend for the road trip. You can choose to follow a budget limit or dare to have a luxurious experience. For a budget-friendly experience, spend the night at camping sites or spots and be mindful of impulsive spending. If you want an expensive experience, you can stay at hotels, eat at local restaurants, and pay for popular outdoor activities.