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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

Mollie.

Claire Taylor

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.

ClaireEnnisTaylor.com

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