The Ultimate 7 Day Road Trip around Tasmania

If you have a limited budget, some very energetic kids on school holidays or just enough annual leave to fly to Europe and come straight back again, Tasmania is the answer to all of your prayers.

Arrive in Devonport via the Spirit of Tasmania, or if you are flying in and renting out a car, then scroll down and start in Hobart.

The Journey

Duration: 12hr ferry from Melbourne plus 1 hour 15 minute drive (99 kilometres) from Devonport to Launceston.

Sights along the route: Your Tasmanian road trip begins in Devonport where the Spirit of Tasmania will dock in the early hours of the morning. From here you’ll drive the short distance to Launceston along the National Highway or if you'd prefer a brief stopover prior to starting your Tasmanian road trip, Novotel Devonport is the perfect hotel.

Once you Arrive

Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city and is packed full of local boutiques, weekend markets and hidden coffee spots. Be sure to visit the James Boag Brewery where you'll discover the history and taste behind the forge reputation of extraordinary beers, that could only be brewed in Tasmania.

If time permits, the local wineries in the Tamar Valley are a must. Stop by the Josef Chromy vineyard, Bridestowe Lavender Farm or the Hillwood Strawberry Farm. Just 10-minutes out of town, they’re the perfect place to sample local produce and snap some great photos.

The Journey

Duration: 2.5-hour drive (178 kilometres).

Sights along the route: For this portion of the road trip you have the option of taking the fast route along the highway (2.5 hours) or an off-the-beaten-path taking 3-hours. This scenic route will see you pass through the beautiful Fingal Valley, over the steep hairpin bend of Elephant Pass and along the rocky coast. It will definitely make for some envious Instagram shots.

Once you Arrive

There is no way you can visit Freycinet National Park without climbing the famous Mount Amos for the perfect lookout over Wineglass Bay. Granted this climb is pretty steep but it’s well worth the hike. 

While in the national park you are almost guaranteed to see some great local wildlife. Look out for waddling Wombats, furry wallabies and brushtail possums. Also keep your eyes peeled for the occasional echidna and Tasmanian devil.

If you’re lucky enough to get some nice weather, venture down to the Friendly Beaches as well as Honeymoon and Sleepy bay, with their dramatic rock formations and rugged beauty. 

‘Paddock to plate’ is a way of life in Tasmania and the Freycinet Peninsula is the perfect place to try out the delicious grass-fed beef, fresh seafood and game meats… you’ll be spoilt for choice. Visit the prestigious Saffire Freycinet, Palate Restaurant for a truly special experience and choose from their daily changing menu packed full of the finest local ingredients - yum!

If you’ve decided to fly into Tasmania and rent out a car (rather than catch the ferry) then your journey starts here. Regular flights depart from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and fly direct to Hobart.

The Journey

Duration: 2 hour 45-minute drive (200 kilometres).

Sights along the route: If have you haven’t yet visited the pretty coastal town of Coles Bay on your way to Freycinet National Park, be sure to carve out some time to do so. We recommend waking up early and going on a morning sea kayak along Great Oyster Bay before you begin your drive. There are plenty of places to hire gear and the covered bay means the water is especially glassy. 

Once you’re on the road and just 3 kilometres south of Swansea, you'll have to make a stop at Kate's Berry Farm. Kates Berry Farm is local oasis acclaimed for its oustanding cool climate berries, and unqiue range of mouth watering produce. Guaranteed you won't be able to leave without treating yourself to some of Kate's Handcrafted Chocolates, sumptuous jams, delightful sauces or fruit wines.

Once you Arrive

Rain or shine there is always something to do in Hobart. Everyone knows the typical Hobart itinerary that includes visiting MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), touring the Cascade Brewery and shopping at the Salamanca Markets on a Saturday. But did you know that North Hobart is a hotspot? Packed full of great bars and eateries, as well as live music venues and vintage cinemas, North Hobart is the pace to be. 

Finding somewhere great to eat in

Hobart is a breeze. In fact, you might struggle to choose between all the great places on offer. Luckily we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants showcasing top local produce in the city. 

After a few days driving you might need to stretch your legs. There are plenty of great cycle routes throughout and outside the city that are perfect for exploring. Or if you’d prefer to take a stroll, then venture down to Battery Point. It’s Hobart’s oldest suburb and is covered in quaint cottages with beautiful flower gardens. Sample goodies from the delicious bakeries and stop for refreshments at the local traditional pubs – it’s picturesque Tasmania at its best. 

If you're up for a short drive while in Hobart, just shy of 30-mintue west is the 21-km drive to the summit of Mt Wellington. On the way you'll pass through temperate rainforest to sub-alpine flora and glacial rock formations, ending in panoramic views of Hobart, Bruny Island, South Arm and the Tasman Peninsula - it really gives you a complete view of the stunning Hobart and beyond.

The Journey

Duration: 5-hour drive (301 kilometres).

Sights along the route: This section of the road trip passes through the rugged Tasmanian terrain to the south. Stop by the tiered Russell Falls, arguably Tasmania’s prettiest waterfall along the way. Or take a detour to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and get up and close to some local wildlife.

Once you Arrive

Uncover Strahan’s dark convict pass by taking a World Heritage Cruise to Hells Gates (the dangerous entrance to Macquarie Harbour). From here you can visit the notorious convict prison on Sarah Island, a powerful reminder of the brutal treatment of Tasmanian convicts.

The Journey

Duration: 2-hour drive (149 kilometres).

Sights along the route: Be sure to stop along the way at the old mining towns of Tullah and Rosebery. They’re the perfect road trip pit-stop for stretching your legs and learning about the towns’ mining history.

Once you Arrive

Cradle Mountain is the place to be if you want to reconnect with nature and see some truly magnificent landscapes. There are plenty of scenic walking tracks around this national park, but the two-hour Dove Lake Circuit is a must-do, you’ll feel as if you’re walking around Lord of the Rings set.

If the weather is good enough, try Marion’s Lookout Walk. It’s a hard slog but the views are worth it. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then take a guided tour through the Cradle Mountain Canyons where you’ll swim through, jump off and abseil down the canyons. 

Needing accommodation in Cradle Mountain? Check out out Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, located in the World Heritage Cradle Mountain National Park - nothing but secluded relaxation.

The Journey

Duration: 2 hour 10 minute drive (159 kilometres).

Sights along the route: There are plenty of great places to stop along this portion of the road trip. Visit Table Cape Tulip Farm which is packed-full of colourful fields of lilies, iris, and daffodils (visit in September to October to witness the stunning striped tulips and update that family photo at your bedside). 

If you’ve come all the way to Tasmania but not seen a Tasmanian Devil, that’s all about to change. Devils@Cradle is a devil sanctuary where you can get up-close to these little rascals and learn about the park’s conservation efforts. 

Once you Arrive

Stanley’s streets are lined with old colonial buildings, making a walk down this fishing village’s main streets a must-do. However, Stanley is really famous for ‘The Nut’. This large rock towering about the fishing village can be accessed by a chairlift and offers excellent sweeping views of the Bass Strait beaches and the village below, it’s a great activity for the whole family. 

The Journey

Duration: 1.5 hour drive (125 kilometres).

Sights along the route: This coastal route offers excellent views of the island’s pearly white beaches, perfect for a pit stop. Don’t miss the less-well-known Boat Harbour Beach for a secluded swim and sunbathe.

Once you Arrive

Once you arrive back in Devonport, you might like to stay the night before heading back to the mainland.

Then it’s time to board the ferry back to Melbourne. We guarantee you’ll go back with a phone full of photos and tons of stories for your jealous workmates.