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Best 7 Days in Tasmania Itinerary for First Time Visitors

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 16/02/2024

This 7 days in Tasmania itinerary takes in the highlights of the beautiful island at the southern tip of Australia. It’s the perfect Tasmania itinerary for first-time visitors who are short of time. Visitors often overlook Tasmania because it’s not on mainland Australia, but it has a lot to offer with stunning scenery, unique wildlife and untouched wilderness areas that are unlike anywhere else on earth.

Tasmania has UNESCO World Heritage historical sites, National Parks to explore, and fresh local produce to enjoy along the way. It’s possible to spend a week in Tasmania and see many of the top attractions because the distances between destinations are manageable. It takes around 4 hours to drive the 350 kilometres across the island from north to south.

But this whirlwind itinerary moves quickly between the main sites and explores what can be done in a week, with the minimum amount of time needed to see the main attractions. It includes suggestions for the best things to do and for comfortable accommodations along the way.

I’ve had many great experiences solo travelling in Australia and can recommend Tasmania as one of the safest and most scenic destinations in the country for women travelling alone and for nature lovers.

How to get to Tasmania

Flying is the quickest and cheapest way to get to Tasmania and there are regular domestic flights to Hobart and Launceston from Australia’s major cities. This road trip itinerary begins in Hobart and ends in either Launceston or Hobart. If you’re flying to Tasmania, you can hire a car at the airport.

Another option is to take the ferry from Geelong in Victoria to Devonport in Tasmania. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry takes cars and passengers across the Bass Strait. It usually takes 10 hours to make the journey and the crossing can be rough in high seas.

If you’re travelling by ferry, I suggest booking a night passage with a cabin and taking your car with you on board. The cabins cost extra but they’re comfortable and you can sleep through the trip. If you do take the ferry, you can start and end this itinerary in Devonport at the ferry port.

TIP: If you don’t want to drive you can base yourself in Hobart, and see many of the main attractions on day trips from Hobart.

7 Days in Tasmania Itinerary Overview

This 7 days in Tasmania itinerary is best done as a road trip that begins in the capital Hobart and ends in Hobart, Launceston or Devonport, where onward transport is available.

Day 1. Hobart

Day 2. Port Arthur via Richmond

Day 3. Wineglass Bay

Day 4. Bay of Fires

Day 5. Launceston

Day 6. Cradle Mountain

Day 7 Launceston (Devonport) or Hobart

On Day 1 of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, arrive in Hobart by air and pick up a hire car at the airport. Hobart is Australia’s smallest capital city and it’s a short distance to the city centre, where there are lots of great things to do.

The best place to start is at the Hobart Waterfront.  It’s a scenic part of the city brimming with colonial history. Next to the waterfront, Salamanca Place is a colorful area with art galleries, coffee shops and heritage buildings, and if you’re there on a Saturday morning, the popular Salamanca Market takes over the street and it’s the perfect place to shop for gifts and souvenirs.

TIP:  It’s a great idea to time your trip so that you don’t miss the Salamanca Market held every Saturday morning from 08:30 am to 3:00 pm.

From Salamanca Place climb the convict-built Kelly’s Stairs and continue up the hill to Battery Point, one of Hobart’s oldest suburbs . Stroll past the rows of pretty Georgian cottages in this well-preserved colonial area. On Hampden Road, there are cafes, gift and antique shops and an artisan bakery.

If you enjoy art galleries, catch the ferry up the Derwent River to MONA, the Museum of New Art to see the controversial exhibits at one of Australia’s most popular art galleries or call in at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), located near the Hobart Waterfront.

Hobart’s convict history is a fascinating side of the city to explore at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Female factory and Cascade Brewery and, if time permits, drive up the steep winding road to the top of Mount Wellington to enjoy sweeping views over the city and coastline.

Where to Stay in Hobart

The H enry Jo nes Art Hotel is a favourite place to stay on the Hobart waterfront in the heart of the city. This hotel is a renovated warehouse that oozes character and is filled with artwork.

Or stay at the Moss Hotel , a quiet retreat in a superb location in busy Salamanca Place.

Day 2 – Port Arthur via Richmond

1.5 – 2 hours

On the second day of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, you’ll drive to Port Arthur, but the first stop is the pretty heritage town of Richmond, where the top attractions are the historic Richmond Gaol , the convict-built Richmond Bridge and the pretty Georgian cottages that line the main street. Many are now gift shops, galleries and coffee shops.  

After morning tea, continue driving to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur . On the way, stop off at the Tasman National Park to admire the impressive natural rock formations at the Tasman Arch, the Devil’s Kitchen , Blowhole, Tessellated Pavement and Eagle Hawk Neck.

Then continue on to Port Arthur, one of Australia’s most important convict settlements. UNESCO World heritage listed Port Arthur is where the worst of Australia’s convicts were sent, and it tells the stories of the people who lived and died there in the mid-19th century. The site is large, and the entry ticket includes a short harbour cruise.

After a few hours wandering the ruins at Port Arthur, drive to the Remarkable Cave on the rugged coastline. Enjoy the wild, coastal scenery and distant views of Cape Raoul . Watch the huge waves crashing against the majestic sea cliffs from Maingon Lookout.

If time permits stop off at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm , wander through the sweet-smelling lavender fields and stop again at the Unzoo to see Tasmanian Devils at feeding time.

Where to Stay in Port Arthur

The Fox & Hound Historic Hotel gets great reviews for its central location close to the Port Arthur historic site.

Stewarts Bay Lodge has gorgeous water views and offers self-contained chalets and villas with fully equipped kitchens a short distance from the Port Arthur Historic site.

Port Arthur Villas are just a short walk from the Port Arthur Historic Site. The villas offer comfortable accommodation with kitchen facilities for self-catering and a beautiful garden setting.

Or base yourself in Hobart and take a day trip to Port Arthur.

Planning a trip to Australia? Check out my Sydney Itinerary , Perth Itinerary , Gold Coast Itinerary and Where to Stay in Melbourne .

Day 3 Wineglass Bay & the Freycinet Peninsula

Today includes at least 3 hours of driving so make sure you get an early start for the scenic coastal drive from Port Arthur to the Freycinet Peninsula . Stop along the way to enjoy some wine tasting with stunning views at the Devil’s Corner Winery . 

In the afternoon call in at the Freycinet National Park visitors centre to buy a national parks pass and head to the start of the Wineglass Bay Lookout walking trail. It’s one of the most popular walks in the National Park and at the lookout, there are stunning views of the perfect crescent of Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Continue walking down the steep trail to Wineglass Bay Beach or return to the car park the same way you came. Nearby in the Freycinet National Park, there are more gorgeous coastal views from the Cape Tourville Lighthouse , and Honeymoon Bay but for panoramic views of Wineglass Bay, scramble up the steep trail to the top of Mount Amos .

Where to Stay

Freycinet Lodge is a great place to stay inside the Freycinet National Park, surrounded by native wildlife, close to the walking trails and lookouts with easy access to the beach.

Edge of the Bay Resort is located in a peaceful setting 5 minutes from the centre of Coles Bay with lovely views and wildlife on the doorstep.

The Freycinet Resort gets exceptional reviews for the private, well-appointed studio apartments with superb views.

Or base yourself in Hobart and visit the Freycinet Peninsula as a day trip.

Day 4 St Helens & the Bay of Fires

1.5 -2 hours

From the Freycinet Peninsula, drive along the stunning Great Eastern Drive enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery through the coastal towns of Bicheno and Swansea. If the weather is warm, stop for a swim at beautiful Redbill Beach in Bicheno then continue driving to St Helen’s, the Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay. The attraction here is the stunning coastal scenery with clear turquoise water, powder white sand and rocks covered in bright orange lichen.

If time permits drive into the National Park to the pristine Humbug Point and Dora Point to explore the stunning, secluded beaches.

Where to stay in St Helens

Stay at the Queechy Motel in St Helens and enjoy the exceptional location on the water with beautiful views and free parking.

Or book an entire apartment with a view at Sweetwater Villas in St Helens.

Day 5 Launceston

Day 5 of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary takes you to Launceston , Tasmania’s second largest city. Take a boat trip or drive to the beautiful Cataract Gorge in the center of Launceston. Enjoy a picnic by the river, and a chairlift ride across the gorge. Bushwalk along the trails through the gorge and enjoy the fresh air and the stunning scenery.

If you enjoy art galleries, head to the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) for the free exhibits. Another highlight of Launceston is visiting Tasmania Zoo where you can view Tasmanian Devils and other unique Australian wildlife.

Then take a drive through the lovely Tamar Valley just outside Launceston and stop off for wine tasting at the Jose Chromy winery or another of the many wineries in the area with an open cellar door.        

Summer in Tasmania is the lavender season from December through to February, and it’s the perfect time to visit the Bridestowe Lavender Farm to stroll through the photogenic lavender fields and stock up on lavender-themed gifts.

Where to Stay in Launceston

The Waratah on York Historic Hotel offers elegant, spacious rooms and a fabulous location.

The Art Hotel on York is a quirky boutique hotel with an excellent location.

Day 6 Cradle Mountain

On day 6 leave Launceston early and head to the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a delicious breakfast. Stock up on fresh berries and drive the winding mountain roads to Cradle Mountain. O ne of Tasmania’s best-known wilderness areas, Cradle Mountain is recognized by UNESCO for its exceptional natural beauty and glacier-carved landscapes.

Leave your car in the car park, register at the visitor’s centre and take the shuttle bus into the National Park. Spend the afternoon hiking the trails and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The Dove Lake trail is a popular circuit path that winds its way around beautiful Dove Lake and takes around 2 hours to complete. Look out for wombats and other wildlife at Ronny Creek and walk by the river through a wonderland of green moss-covered trees to Knyvet Falls or hike up the steep mountain path to Marion’s Lookout for fantastic views of the crater lakes.  

Choose a trail to suit your level of fitness and your time frame and visit the Devils@Cradle Wildlife Park to see Australia’s unique and endangered Tasmanian Devils and Quolls.

Stay inside the National Park at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge close to the walking trails and wildlife.

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village or Cradle Mountain Hotel are also a good choice for comfortable lodgings outside the National Park area at Cradle Mountain.

Or base yourself in Launceston and visit Cradle Mountain as a day trip.

Day 7. Hobart

On the final day of this 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, drive down the mountain and back to Launceston (2.5 hours) to meet your flight home or to Devonport (1.5 hours) to meet the Spirit of Tasmania ferry back to mainland Australia.

Alternatively head back to Hobart . It’s a solid 4 – 5 hour drive to the capital where you can connect with your flight home.

Other things to do in Tasmania

Tasmania is full of fun, adventurous activities and scenic places to visit. Here are some more suggestions if you would like to extend this 7-day itinerary in Tasmania.

Explore the wild and dramatic scenery of the Tasman Peninsula on the epic Three Capes walk. Hike through the Tasmanian wilderness while staying in comfortable private lodges along the way. This multi-day hike through the stunning Tasman National Park begins at the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Visit Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast, a pretty coastal fishing village and a former port located on Macquarie Harbour. Strahan is a popular tourist destination and is the gateway for the wild temperate rainforests of the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Reserve. A cruise on the pristine Gordon River is the best way to discover this untouched wilderness and one of the most popular things to do in Strahan.  

The quaint heritage village of Stanley on Tasmania’s north coast is a delightful place to visit. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and nestled beneath a huge rocky outcrop called “ The Nut ” Stanley offers a variety of fun things to do from a chairlift ride to the top of The Nut, relaxing on the beach or watching the little Fairy Penguins waddling up the beach to their nests at dusk during the summer months.

Maria Island

Maria Island on Tasmania’s east coast is a wonderful place to visit on a day trip and can be accessed by ferry from the coastal town of Triabunna . Maria island has the remains of a convict settlement, beautiful coastal scenery with beaches and walking trails. It’s also known for the abundance of native wildlife such as wombats and kangaroos on the island.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island lies off Tasmania’s south coast and is a popular day trip from Hobart. The short drive from Hobart to the ferry port at Kettering takes about half an hour. Bruny island has beautiful rugged coastal scenery and stunning beaches.  

Look out for white kangaroos on the island, visit the lighthouse and try the local produce. Fresh oysters, seafood, chocolates, cheese honey and fresh berries are on the menu. Wildlife cruises are a popular way to discover the wildlife and the rugged coastal scenery of Bruny Island.

Mount Field National Park

Mount Field is another beautiful National Park in Tasmania that can be visited on a day trip from Hobart. Mount Field is known for its beautiful waterfalls at Russel Falls, Twin Falls and Horseshoe Falls which can be accessed via walking trails through tall trees and lush green forest.

The drive to Mount Field takes 1.5 hours from Hobart and along the way, you can stop off at Salmon Farm to feed the fish and buy fresh berries directly from the farm near the National Park entrance.

When to Go to Tasmania

The most popular time to visit Tasmania is during the summer from December to February when the weather is warm and sunny and the days are longer. In the shoulder season months of March and April, the weather is still warm. October to November are also good times to go and there are fewer tourists in these months.

Easter, Christmas and school holiday periods are very busy in Tasmania so book your accommodation in advance if you’re travelling during the summer months or in peak holiday periods.

Tasmania travel tips

• On a 7 day road trip itinerary in Tasmania you’ll be visiting many beautiful National Parks and it’s worth buying a Tasmanian National Parks Holiday Pass for convenience and cheaper entry to the many wilderness areas in Tasmania. The pass can be purchased online or at National Parks Visitors centres.  
• Take care on the roads and try to avoid driving at night and at dusk and dawn, especially in rural areas. The wildlife is more active at these times, and finding wildlife on the road can be dangerous for unwary motorists and fatal for the native animals.
• Tasmania is one of the safest destinations in Australia for solo travellers but always take care of your personal safety and your belongings and be extra careful if you’re out alone at night.
• Take a paper map. Internet is not always reliable in the less built-up areas of Tasmania. So it’s unwise to rely entirely on online maps and satellite navigation. Expect Wi-Fi to be patchy or non-existent in wilderness areas and National Parks.  
• Take the Skybus from Hobart airport into the city centre if you’re not driving or the shuttle bus from Launceston airport to the city centre.

Final Thoughts – 7 days in Tasmania itinerary

On a 7 days in Tasmania itinerary, you’ll spend a week on an epic road trip travelling by car visiting the top attractions, with opportunities to experience the island’s natural beauty, remote wilderness areas and unique wildlife. You’ll come across some of the most beautiful, rugged and untouched places in Australia, whilst staying in comfortable, luxury accommodation and enjoying great local food.

But there’s so much to see and do you’ll be spoilt for choice for activities and sights. With a week in Tasmania, you’ll only have time to scratch the surface. Allow an extra week or 2 if you have the time and you’ll be able to delve a bit deeper into the colonial history, spend some time hiking the National Park trails and relaxing on the stunning beaches.

Tasmania is one of my favourite places to visit in Australia and I think you’ll love it too.

This article was written by Linda from Muy Linda Travels

Linda is a travel blogger and teacher from Australia. She loves to travel solo and over the years she’s visited around 50 countries on 5 different continents. Linda’s recent trips include hiking the epic Three Capes Track in Tasmania, swimming with sea turtles on the stunning islands of the Great Barrier Reef and a jaunt to Java and Bali climbing volcanos, visiting ancient sacred places and zipping around on the back of a motorbike.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission.

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

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The Top 12 Things to Do in Tasmania

Tasmania (or Tassie, to the locals) is Australia's smallest and least populated state, with only around 500,000 people on the whole island. What it lacks in size, however, it makes up for in quirky museums, impressive landscapes, and incredible food.

In comparison to the rest of Australia, Tasmania's small distances make it a great spot to plan a laid-back road trip, stopping in at beaches, wineries, and charming country towns. Regular direct flights to Tasmania's capital city, Hobart, are available from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. The island can also be reached by ferry from Melbourne. Read on for our complete list of the top things to do in Tasmania.

Experience MONA

Courtesy of MONA

The Museum of Old and New Art, just a short ferry ride from Hobart, is Tasmania's most famous cultural institution. Known for annual festivals MONA FOMA and Dark MOFO , as well as its provocative collection of contemporary art that explores themes of sex and death, MONA is the brainchild of enigmatic billionaire David Walsh, who made his money as a professional gambler.

Since 2011, the museum has gained local and international infamy for works like Belgian artist Wim Delvoyea's "Cloaca Professional," a machine that performs the function of the human digestive system.

Tickets are AU$30, plus $22 for the return ferry trip. (Admission is free for Tasmanians and those under 18 years of age.) Though it was designed to be approached from the water, MONA can also be reached by road.

Hike the Overland Track

keiichihiki / Getty Images 

For experienced hikers, the Overland Track is Australia's top alpine walk, covering 40 miles over six days in the northwest of the island. From Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair, you'll trek through the valleys, rainforests, and pastures of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Aboriginal custodians of Lake St Clair were the Larmairremener of the Big River tribe, and Cradle Mountain was part of the traditional lands of the North tribe.

This trip requires booking ahead and careful planning; there are huts on the trail, but all walkers must also carry a tent, just in case. You will need a pass to walk the track during high season from October to May, which costs AU$200. (The fee is waived during winter.) If that all sounds a little strenuous, you can experience the Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair National Park through shorter hikes and lookouts, too.

Visit the Lavender Fields

Shu Yu Yang / EyeEm / Getty Images

Tasmania's cool temperate climate makes it the perfect place to grow lavender Down Under, and the flower has been flourishing here since the 1920s. It is mostly produced for perfume and culinary purposes, but is also gaining a reputation as one of the island's most photographed natural attractions.

These Instagram-famous fields are in full bloom in December and January, with Port Arthur Lavender near Hobart and Bridestowe Lavender Estate near Launceston drawing the biggest crowds.

Beach Hop in the Bay of Fires

John White Photos / Getty Images

The Bay of Fires Conservation Area on Tasmania's northeast coast is fringed by crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches that have to be seen to be believed. Orange-stained rocks dot the coastline, creating a stark contrast between the sea and sky as wallabies, kangaroos, dolphins, and Tasmanian Devils roam freely throughout the region.

The guided Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is a well-established luxury experience in this area, alongside plenty of shorter self-guided trails. Many visitors camp or stay at a secluded eco-lodge, with the nearby town of St Helens providing more accommodation and dining options. Don't miss the local oysters and mussels during your stay.

Cruise Wineglass Bay

tim phillips photos / Getty Images 

In Freycinet National Park, further down the east coast, the mountains meet the sea in dramatic pink-granite formations. Wineglass Bay is the area's most iconic landmark, forming a smooth curve along the coast. Hiking trails are plentiful, but the fastest way to see the park is on a cruise that stops in at all the highlights.

Honeymoon Bay and the Hazards mountain range are especially worth checking out. Camping and a range of other accommodation are available, with most visitors starting their journey in the village of Coles Bay.

See the Southern Lights

Chasing Light - Photography by James Stone james-stone.com / Getty Images 

Also known as the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights are created by solar winds and can be seen year-round over Tasmania, depending on the weather conditions. The full range of colors is rarely visible to the naked eye, but appear ethereal and impressive through a camera lens, so you will most likely see green, yellow, or white light dancing above the horizon.

They are most easily spotted when looking towards the south from a location away from artificial light. Mt Wellington and Mt Nelson near Hobart are good places to try your luck.

Go Wine Tasting

Andrey Chernev  / Getty Images 

Tasmania is packed with top-notch food and wine, and the climate is suitable for a variety of grapes, including pinot gris, riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon.

If you find yourself in Launceston, you can explore the Tamar Valley, while the Derwent, Coal River, and Huon Valleys are not far from Hobart. There are also some wineries along the east coast between Swansea and Bicheno.

Try Stefano Lubiana for biodynamic wines, Pooley Wines for sustainable viticulture, Devil's Corner for pizza and pinot, and Josef Chromy for sparkling wine by the lake.

Take in the Views from Mt Wellington

Southern Lightscapes-Australia / Getty Images 

No visit to Hobart is complete without a trip to Mt Wellington, which offers expansive views over the city and surrounding region from a gorgeous lookout 4,000 feet above sea level. The mountain, called kunanyi by the Indigenous Muwinina people, is surrounded by walking and biking trails, as well as a popular rock climbing area at the Organ Pipes.

While there's a small café at the Springs and bathroom facilities throughout the park, there's no visitors center, so we recommend planning your trip in advance. The summit (known as the Pinnacle) is a half-hour drive from Hobart, with shuttle buses and tours available. Wellington Park is free to enter and open around the clock.

Meet a Tasmanian Devil

Laurie Chamberlain / Getty Images

Often seen baring their teeth and growling, these small, angry animals were the inspiration for the Looney Tunes character Taz and are also the world's largest carnivorous marsupials. They once lived throughout Australia, but are now only found in Tasmania. Even here, their numbers are rapidly decreasing due to a rare contagious cancer.

Over the past two decades, the Tasmanian government has launched conservation efforts to make sure the Devils don't meet the same fate as their distant relative, the extinct Tasmanian Tiger. You'll see them in most zoos in the state, as well as at the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park , Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary , and Cradle Wildlife Park .

Take the Chairlift to the Nut

Posnov / Getty Images

In far northwest Tasmania, the Nut is a striking 450-foot high volcanic rock formation that provides spectacular views across the Bass Strait and the Rocky Cape National Park. Take the chairlift or follow the steep walking track to the top. (It'll take around an hour to complete the full circuit on foot.)

At the base of the Nut, the historic village of Stanley makes an ideal base for exploring this rural part of the coast. The chairlift costs AU$17 roundtrip and is closed over winter.

Escape to Bruny Island

Igor Titov / 500px / Getty Images 

Bruny Island, off the southwest coast of Tasmania, is a quintessential wilderness experience with hiking trails, wildlife encounters, water sports and delicious local food. The island is only around 30 miles long, and the north and south sections are divided by an isthmus locals call the Neck. Birdwatchers should keep an eye out for the endangered forty-spotted pardalote, while white wallabies, echidnas, little penguins, and seals can also be seen on the island.

Lunawanna Alonnah, as Bruny Island was originally named by its Aboriginal custodians, is also significant as the birthplace of Truganini, a Nuenonne woman who lived through the colonization of Tasmania in the 1800s.

You'll need to take a tour or rent a car in Hobart before boarding the ferry to Bruny, as there is no public transport or taxi service on the island. Accommodation offerings range from comfortable cabins to boutique eco-hotels.

Shop Salamanca Market

Jodie Griggs / Getty Images 

Every Saturday, Hobart's Salamanca Place is transformed into a bustling outdoor market, with stalls selling everything from fresh local produce to antiques, fashion, art, and homewares. Salamanca Market was established in 1972 and has grown to become a mainstay on the city's calendar.

Shoppers can enjoy live music and snack on wood-fired pizza, empanadas, local oysters, or a breakfast bun while they browse. The market takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday, except in extreme weather conditions. While you're shopping in Hobart, check out Art Mob, a commercial gallery that features emerging Indigenous artists from all over the country.

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, 5-day tasmania itinerary: road trip from hobart.

I have heard a lot about Tasmania – about the unique and beautiful nature down there, and how they have the cleanest air in the world because they are so far removed from everything else.

I’ve seen the rugged beauty of Tasmania in Lion , a true story made into an Oscar-nominated drama movie featuring Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel. Needless to say, I was very excited about this trip. It also helped that my Australian friends would gush about how food in Tasmania just tasted better and that their local produce is considered superior even among Australians.

In this post, you can find the details of planning a road trip in Tasmania and the East Coast itinerary I ended up with.

My 5 Days in Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

In my past Australia posts , I’ve talked about how surprised I was at the sheer size of the country-continent. Well, Tasmania is no exception – even though on the map it looks like a small portion of Australia, it’s still quite huge. If you want to hit everything Tasmania has to offer then I reckon you’ll need a good 10-14 days.

Now here comes the problem – I only have 5 days in Tasmania. So I knew I had to make some sacrifices. I narrowed down what my must-dos are: I want to see at least one national park, I want to eat Tasmanian oysters, and I want to still see some sights around Hobart. Keeping these in mind, I had to settle for the shorter option, which meant driving only halfway up the east coast to Freycinet National Park before driving back down again.

🗺 Save this map to your phone!  If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed.  Click here for instructions on how to view the map later . It will work from your phone too.

The final itinerary I went with was this:

• Day 1: Explore Hobart (Fly in the morning)
• Day 2: Drive up to Bicheno (3 hours)
• Day 3: Explore  Freycinet National Park
• Day 4: Drive down to Port Arthur and Tasman Island (3 hours)
• Day 5: Bruny Island Foodie Day trip

If you have more time – You can always opt to drive further up towards Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires, before ending up at Launceston, the second biggest city in Tasmania.

Cash Management in Australia

In Australia, you can use your credit card pretty much everywhere. I didn’t use cash for most of my trips there. However, if you prefer to transact in cash, then exchange your money before the trip. Do NOT exchange your money in Australia, especially at the Airport. They generally don’t give you a good exchange rate and sometimes apply a fee for the transaction – check out this article for horror stories .

My friend tried to exchange AUD for SGD at Sydney Airport and was given a rate of $1.43 when the going rate was $1.04. His A$163 became S$115 when it should have been S$155. I know as a general rule you are not supposed to change currency in airports, but to his defense, we’ve changed currencies in other airports and were not ripped off as badly as in Australia.

General Tips for Driving in Australia

• Rent a car and arrange to pick it up straight from the airport you’re flying into. Saves you tons of time!
• Have an International Driver’s License with at least a month’s validity.
• Keep to the speed limit! I have been told the Australian police is very strict on speeding.
• Fill up the tank before returning your car, or it’s going to cost you.
• Most businesses (except restaurants) are closed by 4-5 pm. Yes, even grocery stores, so plan ahead if you need to replenish resources.
• Bring an Adapter for USB Charging in the car. Something like this is perfect. You’ll be driving a lot, so you’ll want to use your phone for music, GPS and research and that stuff will eat into your battery.
• Bring a power bank. My favorite power bank is the Xiaomi 10,000 mAh. This stuff is super powerful. It can charge my iPhone 7+ more than twice.

My Itinerary of 5 Days in Tasmania

As you can imagine, there are lots to do in Tasmania so I’ve broken up the posts to guide you through the special highlights of the trip:

Day 1: Hobart & Surrounding Area

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania, and likely the starting point if you are an international traveler like us. In this Hobart City Guide post , you’ll find the low-down of this quaint city – what to eat, where to stay, and day trips you can take from Hobart.

Day 2-3: Bicheno and Freycinet National Park

When driving through the east coast of Tasmania, it’s pretty much a no-brainer that you have to stop by Freycinet National Park . This post will guide you through the planning of visiting the park: how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.

Day 4: Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur

The Tasman Peninsula is only a short 1-hour drive from Hobart and houses some of the most beautiful terrains Tasmania has to offer.

Hint: It’s one of the locations for the movie  Lions , which if you haven’t seen – you should. It’s both shot beautifully and the story is very unique.

While you are there, I recommend stopping by Port Arthur , a historic village that served as a convict settlement built in the mid-18th century!

Here are some tours to Port Arthur / Tasman Peninsula from Hobart you can consider:

• Port Arthur Day Tour from Hobart – In addition to the village, you’ll also get to see some of Tasman Peninsula’s popular sites, such as Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman Arch, and the Blowhole.
• Tasman Island Cruises  by Penicott Wilderness Journeys  – If you are the adventurous type, I highly recommend checking out this cruise. This is done by the same company I went to  Bruny Island  with. We got to see dolphins and other wildlife in this cruise!

Find more info about this in my Hobart Guide !

Day 5: Bruny Island

Bruny Island is a holiday island 45 minutes south of Hobart. The island is formed by two large land masses, separated only by a narrow stretch of sand called “The Neck”. More importantly, for me, the island is famous for its gourmet local produce!

You can read about my day of eating and drinking on Bruny Island here .

Getting a Car Rental/Hire

Here is a tip for road trip newbies like myself: You can arrange to rent/hire a car and pick it up straight from the airport you’re flying into. All car rental companies would have their own drop-off zone at the airport parking lot. This saves you time and money since you don’t have to worry about your airport transport anymore!

I booked a car hire through Cheaptickets , which connects you to local car rental companies. I recommend doing this a few weeks before your actual trip!

Tip: You can also book excess insurance with your booking, which covers you in case you get in an accident. If you get this insurance through Cheaptickets, it’s only $9.90 a day. However, if you buy the insurance at booking point, it would cost you $30-40 a day so I recommend to buy the insurance online.

Not a fan of booking ahead? You could just get a car when you get to the airport since all the car rental companies have an office in the airport. However, if you do it this way you might risk not having a car available for hire on the day of your arrival. Just an example, when I was in Hobart it so happened that a huge cruise ship was docking in the city for a few days. A bunch of its 3000-something passengers was looking to hire cars and explore the region and I heard most car rentals were fully booked until Monday when I arrived Saturday morning.

Booking Accommodations in Tasmania

I also booked all my accommodations through Cheaptickets . Cheaptickets’ hotel booking engine is powered by booking.com, so you can be assured you get the best deal and good cancellation policy – though I would still pay attention to each booking since the cancellation policy differs hotel to hotel.

I find the accommodations in Tasmania to be on the more expensive side, especially as you get into the smaller cities. The accommodations I booked ranges from AU$150-200 (US$115-155) per night. Here are the hotels I booked for my itinerary above:

• Shipwright Arms (Hobart) – This is a really small no-frills hotel & pub located in the historic Battery Point neighborhood of Hobart. Their rooms are very simple and there is no dedicated receptionist at the desk (the person checking us in was also tending to the bar, but this hotel was the cheapest I could find in Hobart that isn’t a hostel or with a shared bathroom.
• Bicheno by the Bay (Bicheno) – A beautiful lodge just minutes’ walk away from the beach and city center of Bicheno (which is a very small town). I loved this hotel as they have the best shower out of all the accommodations I had on this trip! The hot water heats up in seconds, has good water pressure and they have a heating lamp in the bathroom – something I truly missed on cold nights when I was stepping out of the shower.
• Rydges Hobart  (Hobart) – The hotel is a renovated heritage building, located conveniently close to the center of Hobart. I’m not sure if they upgraded us, but our Manor Twin room was huge! It has its own living room and a huge bathroom. It’s definitely the most spacious and modern out of all three accommodations.

Example of Cost of the trip

Since I was tracking my spending throughout the entire trip, I am sharing them here with you so you can get an idea of how much you’ll be spending in USD.

Hotel and transport were non-negotiable – I think no matter what you do, you’ll end up spending around that much per day/night. Perhaps you could spend a bit less on the hotel if you are going the backpacking route – shared bathrooms / rooms and all.

For Meals , it varied greatly since on some days we skipped lunch, and on some days we had expensive dinners. I think $45/person/day is a more accurate estimate if you eat a modest breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also save some money on meals if you choose to cook yourself or eat at a fast food restaurant.

Activities are also negotiable. The price above included a cruise and a full-day food tour which consist of about 70% of the amount above. The rest are the museum entrance, park entrance, etc.

What to expect from driving in Tasmania

Here are a few small things I noted during our road trip:

• Lots of roadkill along the Tasmanian roads! I’m not sure why since I didn’t see this when we drove in Queensland, but in Tasmania, you can expect to see road kills of varying sizes (from squirrels to wallabies) every time you drive out from the city.
• All businesses tend to close early, so try to check in to your hotel before 5 pm or be sure to notify the hotel if you are arriving at an off-house so that they can arrange an alternative check-in method and you won’t be left stranded!
• Yes, even grocery stores will close early so plan ahead if you need to replenish resources. I find this to be very true, especially in Tasmania.
• Weather changes fast, so bring various layers. Super strong sun – bring adequate sunscreen and layer up with extra clothing to shield yourself, even when you are driving in the car.
• 3G and 4G were widely available in the areas I went to, but I still downloaded offline maps on my Google Maps app just in case we go off the grid. I experienced low connectivity only at Freycinet National Park .

General Tips on Traveling in Australia

• A credit card works everywhere in Australia – even in small towns. We brought $200 Aussie Dollars with us and only ended up spending about $50 of it.
• Have an International Driver’s License that has at least a month of validity left.
• With rental cars, you should fill up the tank before returning your car, or it’s going to cost you extra.
• Bring an Adapter for USB Charging in the car in case your car doesn’t have a USB charging point, so you can still charge your  Something  like this  is perfect.
• Bring a power bank. My favorite power bank is  the Xiaomi 10,000 mAh . This stuff is super powerful. It can charge my iPhone 7+ more than twice.

And that’s all folks! I hope that was helpful to you.

• April 19, 2021

Tasmania has a lot to offer for travel enthusiasts and will surely not disappoint! There’s always food for the eyes (sceneries) and the tummy. Love this itinerary, so handy!

• July 20, 2020

Some good points about considerations for overseas travellers. Tasmania is a fabulous place to visit and the National Parks there are world class. Our favourite spots included Freycinet National Park and a summer beach stay in Bicheno.

• June 9, 2019

Hello Melissa, for the Bruny Island tour, did you do any hotel pick up or you drove somewhere to park your car before the shuttle bus picked you up? Where would you recommend parking the rented car? Thank you 🙂

Hey Joel, we walked to the pick up point since it was close to our hotel. There are plenty of parking around but you’ll have to pay since it’s in the central area.

• April 16, 2019

awesome post thanks for sharing

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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

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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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Tasmania Is Incredible And You Should Go There Now

Tasmania is probably my new favourite place in the world.

I fell for it harder than I have anywhere else. More than I did Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines or Slovenia. It is just so ridiculously gorgeous. 

Before I write about my time in Tasmania in detail, I’d first like to share a few of my favourite photos from my week spent on the island. Hopefully they’ll convince you to visit one day, it truly is a wonderful part of the world.

We began in Hobart, state capital of Tasmania and all-round wonderful city that provided a welcome relief from the major cities in Australia. I hadn’t warmed to either Sydney or Melbourne but fell in love with Hobart in seconds. There were no towering glass skyscrapers here. Instead the streets were lined with old Georgian buildings; former warehouses and port buildings converted into small restaurants, cafes and craft shops. The weather was fantastic, which, as I was told repeatedly, is a bit of a rarity for the city.

While the temperatures on the ground were soaring, breaking records and starting bushfires, at the top of Mount Wellington, 1200 metres high and overlooking Hobart, it couldn’t have been more different. Struggling to open the car door against the gale-force winds, I noticed the temperature gauge in the car reading 1 degree Celsius before taking a deep breath and running out to the viewpoint in shorts and a t-shirt. I managed to take just five photos before surrendering to the icy air, staggering back to the car in defeat.

The following morning, we left Hobart for Bicheno and found ourselves taking double the estimated two hour drive to arrive. The reason? The scenery was just so incredible. Every turn-off featured another deserted beach and I wanted to stop at all of them.

This was our first discovery.

Following a sign marked “beach” on the side of the road, we weren’t expecting much from our detour but ended up astounded with our find. This was one of the best beaches I’d ever seen and I couldn’t believe that Dave and I were the only two people on it.

We arrived in Bicheno and, after finding ourselves with not all that much to do, decided to check out Bicheno Blowhole. This was going to be my first blowhole experience…

Looking back, having now experienced several “blowholes” since Bicheno, I can now say that this one was by far the best I’ve been to. Human sized rocks surrounding the hole meant that I could spend a couple of hours sunbathing while watching occasional columns of water erupting over unsuspecting tourists. Fun.

The bush fires I mentioned previously had been ravaging through Tasmania for a week prior to our arrival and had almost convinced us to cancel our trip to the island. Parts of the island were closed off, including Freycinet National Park, the place I was most excited about visiting.

Amazingly, the weather decided to co-operate with our plans and cooled down significantly after we arrived. We couldn’t believe our luck when Freycinet National Park re-opened the day we arrived in Bicheno.

Shockingly, the walk ended up being more of a struggle than I’d anticipated but the views were more than worth it. Wineglass Bay was so, so beautiful.

After finishing up in Freycinet, it was time to head up the coast to St. Helens. Our drive took us past even more ridiculously gorgeous beaches, with us choosing to eat our breakfast of Vegemite sandwiches at this beach…

And our lunch here!

The spectacular scenery of Tasmania isn’t limited to the coastline. Driving inland on the way up to St Helens had us passing through rugged mountains, great expanses of green and yellow fields laced with tall forests and sparkling highland lakes– I was absolutely taken in by its beauty.

Even with us stopping and taking photos every 4 seconds, we arrived in St. Helens several hours too early for check-in. Knowing that Tasmania has never let us down with its beaches so far, we got back in the car and drove along the coast.

A few minutes later, we stumbled upon Binalong Bay.

And it had some of the whitest, cleanest sand I’ve ever seen…

I spent a week in Tasmania and I could have spent so much longer. In the future, I plan on returning and spending months there. I didn’t expect to fall so deeply in love. Tasmania was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited with incredible landscapes and yet most visitors to Australia choose to ignore it.

If you’re planning a trip to Australia don’t be one of them.

Go to Tasmania.

Where to Go in Tasmania

Tasmania is an incredible island, and it can be tough narrowing down where to visit. Here’s a rundown of my favourite places:

Hobart:  What an adorable city! Hobart is the perfect place to spend a few days visiting coffee shops and art galleries, and eating delicious food by the harbour.

Cradle Mountain:  Feel free to skip Cradle Mountain if you’re not a hiker, but it’s worth doing if you’re keen to do some walking. It’s easy hiking here, with a boardwalk for much of the route, but it’s still spectacular.

The East Coast:  Choose to drive the east coast rather than taking an inland route. The east coast is home to so many ridiculously beautiful beaches, and you won’t find a single person on them. Plan to spend three times as much time driving as your GPS predicts, and stop off at all of the beaches. Each one offers something special.

St Helens:  St Helens has some incredible beaches. Binalong Bay is the star of the show here, but drive a few minutes along the coast and you’ll be rewarded with some gorgeous beaches with far less people on them.

Freycinet National Park: Aim to spend at least two days here, exploring and hiking the area. Wineglass Bay is a must-visit, especially if you only have one day.

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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69 comments.

So beautiful! Nice white sand, blue beach, lovely mountains, wide road good for road trips. Wow :D

It was amazing for road tripping! And given that public transport is pretty much non-existent in Tasmania, it’s a good thing too! :-)

Wow, really incredible! I love following your journey. I think you’ve single-handedly made me want to go backpacking again, even after I “retired” in 2009, haha.

Aww, thank you so much for the lovely comment, Joey! You should go ;-)

Wow, amazing. And now I’m adding it to my list…

Yay! Glad to hear it :-)

Tasmania is by far my favourite state. I’m glad you had an incredible time there :)

Awesome! I’m glad to hear you love it too :-)

Wow, those are some amazing pictures. This definitely moves Tasmania up my list of places to travel.

Thanks Joshua! It should definitely be near the top of your list ;-)

I didn’t get the chance to visit Tasmania during my trip to Australia. Looking at your beautiful pictures, makes me want to hop on the next flight to Australia :p

Haha, next time you can visit, right? :-)

I’m going to Tasmania next week and after reading this post I’m even more excited! Amazing photos!

Glad to hear it! I hope you enjoy your time in Tasmania :-)

I spent a long weekend in Hobart in the fall and absolutely loved it–but I absolutely need to go back to Tasmania and do a proper road trip! Such a gorgeous, laid-back part of Australia.

Wow, now I’m wondering if I should extend my stay in Australia (planned for later this year) to take in Tasmania!

OMG, I’m in love! Thank you for this.

it’s gorgeous!

Tasmania is really, really gorgeous. Did you do the walk that takes you along the beach of Wineglass Bay? It’s a breathtaking lunch spot too :)

Incredible pictures. You’ve sure got me convinced to go!

My Tasmanian colleague always goes on about how gorgeous Tassie is, but I always thought he’d be biased. It does look stunning I have to say. Never considered it a travel destination to be honest, but seeing your photos really makes me want to go.

Tasmania is so clean and beautiful! The Beach photo (4th from top) is so inviting…

Looks absolutely stunning!

You’re right about people overlooking Tasmania as a place to visit! Most people seem to gravitate towards Sydney or Melbourne. I live in Australia and have never really considered visiting Tasmania but your pictures have pretty much changed my mind!

I want to go sooo much! xx

Stunning! Tasmania has always been a bit of a mystery to me, and somewhere that seems easy to forget or ignore. Not any more, thanks to these gorgeous pictures! It will definitely be on our itinerary for an antipodean tour!

Wow, this place looks incredible. I must go to Tasmania one day. Your photo’s are brilliant!

Wow, better than Cambodia?? It’s hard to believe, so I guess I’ll have to go there myself! Thanks for the inspiration :)

Holy cow! I am SOLD.

It looks amazing!!

All that blue, blue skies and blue seas, it really looks like Paradise.

awesome landscape! that’s is indeed gorgeous!

Those are some beautiful beaches. Uncrowded too! My kind of place.

Amazing photos–it looks so beautiful! Would love to go there one day–I will have to add it to my list :)

OH WOW!!!! How lovely that is! Now I have an excuse to visit my Uncle’s family who just immigrated to Tasmania a few months ago. They never said it was this beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Lauren! :)

You definitely should go visit your family there — Tasmania is wonderful!

As an Aussie should I be ashamed I’ve never been there! It does look beautiful. There are some really huge trees in the forests there my parents rave about.

Love your photos..I’ve lived in Tassie almost my whole 45yrs apart from 2yrs in the mainland,this place will always be home. 4 years ago I married a guy that is West Aust born,he loves & knows Tassie more than I do,when we get the chance we goto places around Tassie..little towns,dirt roads that don’t even show on a map,we’ve seen alot but still plenty more to explore,we’re looking forward to our next adventure :-)

Hi Heather, I think that’s fantastic that you’re still discovering new places after 45 years there! It just goes to show that I really did just scratch the surface. I can’t wait to return :-)

Hi Lauren Great write up of our beautiful Island State of Tasmania. I must thank you so much for wonderfully showcasing my home. I hope more people come and visit and discover the beauty Tasmania has to offer. I already know how great it is down here and I love nothing more than showing it off to Tourists who come and visit. Well done and thank you again. Cheers Michelle

Thanks, Michelle! I really hope I can encourage more people to visit Tasmania. It really is a spectacular place, and too many people forget to pay it a visit!

Hi Laurren, glad you enjoyed your trip to Tasmania, i am a local Tasmanian i was born and raised here and i wouldnt wanna live any where else, our weather motto here is 4 seasons in 1 day, if you o[en the door and dont like the weather close it and open it again in 10 mins. if visiting Tassie threw the colder months, may – sep bring a warm jacket, if travelling threw the warmer months Oct – April bring sun block and a big ass hat. ENJOY YOUR STAY IN TASMANIA

Ha, they say the same about London, Renee! I think I experience 4 seasons just on our drive up to Mount Wellington! There was a heat wave on the ground, and it was freezing at the top :-)

Lovely blog. Our family moved from Fremantle, Western Australia (one of Australia’s most desirable places) to live in Tasmania six years ago and haven’t regretted it for a second. It’s great to see other people love the place as much as we do.

Thank you, Brian! I’m glad you enjoyed it :-) I think I’d choose Tasmania over anywhere else in Australia.

I lived in Tasmania for eleven years.

You have let the secret out.

Ha! Sorry about that :-)

Thank you for sharing your experience in Tasmania! Next time I visit Australia, I will try to make time to get there. If you loved Tasmania, I promise you that you will love New Zealand as much or even more! (I live in the U.S.). Please take time to drive around NZ (and one week for both islands would be too much) and post your photos and story!

I flew to New Zealand straight after Tasmania and spent two months road tripping from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, and visited 40-odd places :-) I loved it! And I’ve posted dozens of photos and stories from New Zealand :-)

After I made the comment, I read more about you and found out that did go to NZ. I am really impressed with your focus and determination. I will look for your write up on NZ and other places. Your photos are amazing! What camera do you use?

Best wishes for the new year!

Thanks, Katy! I use a Canon 550D :-)

I’m going out to tasmania in march for 6 months to work. I’ve been looking online for information and pictures and unfortunately fell short, before stumbling upon this post. The pictures look amazing and reading your post has made me even more excited!!!

I’m glad to hear that, Roxy! I hope you have an amazing time :-)

I had a very similar road trip around Tassie last year and fell in love! I know exactly what you’re feeling, I spent 12 days and I wish I would’ve never boarded my return flight back into Sydney! I took so many photos I’m first going through and posting about my trip on my blog now, I think you’ll enjoy them ;)

Nice! I’m already trying to convince Dave to return to Tasmania and stay for months with me!

Going to Tassie with six of my family members at the end of this year for a two week road trip. SO excited. This post has just made me all the more excited. Although an Australian (from Perth) we’ve never been, so I can’t wait.

I’m so pleased to hear that, Carmen! I hope you have a wonderful trip! :-)

Beautiful photos. My grandparents are originally from Tasmania and I have such a longing to go and see all the beauty there and the history. It’s a special place. We live in North Queensland and the cost to get my family down there is the problem. I went when I was 6 and all I remember is fields of buttercups daffodils and visiting great aunts. One day I’ll get there!!!

Thanks, Charli! It’s definitely worth the visit :-)

Iam so glad you loved Tasmania because most people who have been to New Zealand tend to think that Tasmania isn’t as beautiful.Since you have been to both ,iam so happy that you still love Tasmania

Absolutely! I can’t wait to return :-)

Hi Lauren. Been tossing up whether to visit Tasmania or not. Not really expecting an answer I typed Shall I go to Tassie. Wow I’m glad I did cause I found your lovely informative blog, and amazing pics. Thank you for sharing. There are some very good deals at the moment, but I’m wondering is it best to go in November or Feb. Living in Qld I relish the chance to get away from the hot weather. Enjoyed reading about your travels. Cheers. Jennifer

I’d guess maybe November then? I went in January and there were wildfires everywhere! Well, in a lot of places.

I stumbled upon your blog while travelling in Laos & doing some research on Luang Prabang. I’m really enjoying reading your blog entries, some entertaining stories for sure! Being from Tasmania originally it’s great to read such positive reviews & also inspire me to get back there & explore more of my own home state. Travelled to 40 or so countries and still never been to cradle mountain or Binnalong Bay!

Yay! You’re lucky to be from there — it’s a beautiful place! :-)

What about the Tarkine Wilderness and Rainforest? I am planning a trip and that looks amazing – has anyone been?

I’m afraid I haven’t. It looks amazing, though!

Hey! What gorgeous photos! Could unjust check with you though, what’s driving in Tasmania like? The road conditions, weather, patience of other drivers etc. I’m planning to do a solo trip there end aug. Wasn’t planning to drive but I kept hearing about the public transport conditions and that I should drive. But I’m a little worried cos I’m a pretty inexperienced driver and I’ll be alone. So, :(. Thanks!

It was super easy to drive around. Not many people visit, so the roads were pretty empty most of the time. You don’t really need to worry about the patience of the others drivers, as you’ll hardly run into any outside of the cities. Roads were all paved and smooth and fine, like you’d get in any Western country. I don’t think you need to worry about it.

A great story highlighting the very best of Tasmania. I agree with the comment regarding driving. Everywhere is simple and easy to drive in Tassie but definitely allow plenty of extra time to get between points as there are so many scenic places to stop along the way.

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Meet Lauren Juliff

A 5 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary (For Outdoor Enthusiasts)

Located off the mainland of Australia to the south of Victoria is the fascinating island state of Tasmania . Tassie is famed for the cleanest air in the world, exclusive native wildlife and over 40% of land protected as national parks or reserves. And that’s to name just a few things!

A road trip is undoubtedly the best way to see Tasmania, and a 5 day Tasmania road trip is the perfect way to get an introduction into the different elements of this incredible state.

Surprisingly, Tasmania is often overlooked by people when planning a holiday Down Under. But for nature lovers, Tassie may well be the best place in Australia for a road trip  whether that’s in a car with overnight stops or a campervan.

Whether you’re after cities filled with delicious eateries and world class art, or would rather hike incredible mountains in the wilderness or relax on the best-looking beaches in Australia, Tasmania truly has something for everyone. 

This 5 day road trip itinerary for outdoor enthusiasts will take you on a small lap around central and eastern Tasmania, with a particular focus on the state’s natural wonders.

But before you head off, just make sure you read these 8 things to know before you go to help prepare you for your trip!

How to get to Tasmania:

To do a road trip in Tasmania, you have two options to access the state from mainland Australia:

1. Fly and hire a car

Flights from Melbourne to Hobart can often be found for as little as $50 per person for a return with Jetstar. The flight time is only about 1 hour and 15 minutes so it’s a great option to make the most of your short visit. Most major airports in Australia also fly to Tasmania. Compare flight prices on SkyScanner  for the cheapest rates.

Once you arrive, you can easily hire a car from the airport to do your road trip. Renting a car to travel around the state is common, so there are many car hire companies with competitive rates to choose from. Compare car rentals here .

2. Bring you Vehicle on the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry

The Spirit of Tasmania is either a day or overnight ferry from Port Melbourne to Devonport, taking just over 8 hours. If you only have 5 full days to do a road trip, I would recommend taking the overnight ferry the night before.

Be warned that the ferry is a painfully slow and often expensive journey though. You have to pay for a bed or private cabin as well as your ticket (unless you’re happy with a semi-reclined chair for free).

Every time I have looked at tickets they’ve been $500-$1,000AUD return for one person to take my small Econovan camper – and that’s with the free chair option.

Though the benefit of the ferry to Tasmania is that you have your own vehicle with you so do not have the expense and inconvenience of hiring one. If you have a campervan, it may be worthwhile paying for the ferry in order to save money on accommodation.

Either way, it’s best to do some research and some quick maths to work out ultimately which option is cheapest and most convenient for you.

How to spend a 5 day Tasmania road trip:

5 days is probably the bare minimum amount of time you’ll need to get a good insight into Tasmania. Having travelled there a few times alone and also staying with my partner’s family who lived there, here is my suggested 5 day itinerary for my favourite Australian state.

Day 1: Hobart to Mount Field National Park

Start off your 5 day Tassie road trip adventure with a touch of culture in the capital, Hobart. The lively harbour city brims with character from its beautiful heritage architecture and a thriving art and culture scene.

Hobart has some exciting things to offer visitors such as the thought-provoking MONA art museum. Accessed by a quirky ferry, this millionaires playground has some of the most outrageous and interesting art I’ve ever seen, sure to shock and intrigue you! 

If the museum doesn’t sound like your thing and you want to hit the outdoors right away, then instead drive up Mount Wellington to see stunning views across the whole city. 

There’s also Hobart’s famous Saturday markets such as Salamanca. Spend the morning browsing and getting your hands on some locally produced goods.

When you’re ready, head west to the first destination, Mount Field National Park!

The drive to Mount Field is just over 1 hour, where you can find all sorts of hikes and waterfalls, along with campgrounds to stay the night if you have a van or tent.

This National Park is the first of many to be seen over the course of the next few days, so I recommended purchasing a park pass here to gain access to all the National parks in Tasmania. This is something you’ll need to keep visible in the front of your car, and you’ll be set for the rest of the trip!

Spend the afternoon walking the 6km Three Falls Circuit to see some stunning waterfalls. It will take about 2-3 hours to complete. Keep an eye out for Swamp Gums, the world’s tallest flowering plant – just one of the many cool flora and fauna in Tassie! 

After the walk, continue driving and stay somewhere enroute to Cradle Mountain such as Mole Creek where I found a lovely B&B.

Where to stay – Mole Creek

This is an adorable heritage stone cabin with modern interior. Located on a secluded private working farm surrounded by manicured gardens and rolling hills, this accommodation is ideal for a couple.  View property

Day 2: Cradle Mountain to Launceston

One of the most popular ‘must-see’ destinations in Tasmania is the iconic Cradle Mountain, and for a good reason. Cradle Mountain is what sets Tasmania apart from the rest of Australia. 

Jagged prehistoric-like peaks protrude from ancient rainforest which reflect dramatically in the midnight blue of Dove Lake. It is clear why this area of outstanding natural beauty is the most popular outdoor attraction in Tasmania.

Depending on where you stayed the previous night, you should be about a 1-2 hours drive from Cradle Mountain. Plan to arrive here in the early morning. It can get quite busy with mini buses of tourists, so the earlier the better.

There are a variety of walks to choose from, but the Dove Lake Circuit is one of the most popular as it is the easiest. This is a 6km looped walk at the base of Cradle Mountain offering spectacular views, and should take about 2-3 hours to complete. 

Alternatively, if you’re up for getting the heart racing a little more, you can head up to the right of the lake to Marion’s Lookout. This walk offers probably one of the best views of Cradle Mountain and the lake. This short but steep out-and-back 3km walk will take roughly 2 hours to complete.

After spending the morning in the Lake St Clair National Park, it’s time to hit the road and head to Launceston, the second biggest city in Tasmania. 

Charming Launceston lies in the heart of a wine growing region and is surrounded by rows of vines and lavender fields. 

The drive here from Cradle Mountain is around 2.5 hours, and will be the next stop for the night.

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One of the highlights of Launceston is the Cataract Gorge, home to the longest single span chairlift in the world! It’s hard to believe the gorge is just 2 minutes from the centre of the city considering the abundant wildlife (such as the famous peacocks!).

If you want to splash out somewhere nice for dinner in Launceston, I would highly recommend a visit to the waterfront fine dining restaurant of Stillwater with its menu embodying the best of fresh Tasmanian produce.

Where to stay – Launceston 

You won’t struggle to find great options in Launnie. For one of the top rated hotels in the city, try Peppers Silo . For a reasonably priced modern hotel, try The Cornwall . If you’re on a budget, I’ve also stayed at  Art Hostel and had a great time (and surprisingly a good sleep!).

Day 3: Launceston to Bay of Fires

This is the day where things start to change, where the winding roads through the hills aren’t so windy anymore and the mountainous views turn to stunning sandy beaches. 

Start off the morning grabbing a coffee and breakfast from one of Launceston’s quaint cafes before making your way to today’s destination, which will be the Bay of Fires. 

The drive from Launceston to the Bay of Fires is about 2.5 hours long, but there’s some great places worth stopping along the way! 

The first stop is Bridestowe Lavender Estate, the world’s largest privately owned lavender farm. The farm only blooms in summertime, but it’s still a nice place to visit year round. There’s a gift shop and cafe full of all things lavender, along with a distillery onsite. Whether the fields are awash in purple or not, it’s still an iconic spot to visit on your Tasmanian road trip.

The next stop after the lavender is Little Blue Lake near South Mount Cameron. This is only a quick stop, as there’s not much to see other than the crazy milk-turquoise color of this old mining hole.

From here there’s only 1 hour of driving to reach the Bay of Fires.

The Bay of Fires is a stretch of incredibly white sandy beaches accompanied by a clear blue ocean. The rocks here are covered in orange lichen. People often think this is how the Bay of Fires got its name. In fact, it was because the bay glowed orange from all the fires lit by the First Nations People when the colonists sailed past on ships.

On this 5 day Tasmania road trip there’s only enough time to get a quick taste of everything, and the absolute best time to take in the beauty of these beaches is at sunrise and sunset.

I highly recommend camping for the night at the Bay of Fires if you can, however there are plenty of accommodations nearby in Bicheno as well. 

Where to stay – Bicheno or Bay of Fires

There are plenty of stunning beaches to choose from when camping at the Bay of Fires , and they’re all completely free! Make sure to get there early enough to claim a spot. They have traditional drop toilets and often fire pits.

If camping isn’t for you and you would prefer a little more comfort then check out the reasonably priced Beachfront Bicheno with a private patio to enjoy seafront or pool views. 

Day 4: Bay of Fires/Bicheno to Freycinet

Perhaps after an inspiring sunrise on the beach to start the day, it’s time to drive down to the famous Freycinet National Park. This will be the 3rd (and final) national park visited on your 5 day Tasmania road trip!

Freycinet is another iconic destination in Tasmania, where many people go to see the stunning birds eye views from Wineglass Bay Lookout. This walk is 3km and takes around 1.5 hours.

If you love a good beach, make sure you continue to head down to Hazards Beach to make the walk a bit longer to experience its dusty white squeaky sand, clear water and gorgeous little sheltered lagoons.

Before you leave make sure you head to Freycinet Marine Farm for some of the best oysters in the world! Tasmania is known for its seafood, and these fresh local oysters just around the corner will not disappoint. However keep in mind the oyster farm does close at 5pm, so make sure to get there in time! 

The next stop on the 5 day Tasmania road trip will be heading south, so anywhere along the coast this way will be a convenient place to stay. I recommend looking at the town of Swansea.

Where to stay – Swansea

This motel was a good budget friendly accommodation right on the water. Perfect for a short, comfortable stay with a great sunset (or sunrise) admired from the balcony.   View property

Day 5: Maria Island to Hobart

At this point I am sure it will feel like the days have gone by all too fast. It is the last full day of the road trip and also time to explore one of Tasmania’s islands! 

The destination for the day is Maria Island, which can be accessed by booking a ferry from Triabunna. Triabunna is about a 1.5 hours drive from Freycinet, and about 40 minutes drive from Swansea.

Before heading to the ferry, stop at Kate’s Berry Farm for some of the most delicious jams in all Australia! There are several to taste and try, as well as a full cafe menu to sit down and have a nice brekky. The farm is in a beautiful location and will be the perfect way to start today’s adventures just right.

The ferry to Maria Island takes about 45 minutes. When you arrive you’ll find yourself in one of the more remote, untouched parts of this state. With no cars, shops (or in fact predators), it’s a true wildlife haven. So much so, it’s often referred to as Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark! 

That being said, Maria island is one of the best places to observe wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and the Tasmanian Devil. When it comes to birdlife there are over 150 species here alone!

The most enjoyable way to explore the rural island is by renting or bringing your own bike.

After your active day of sightseeing around Maria Island, it’s just over an hour drive from Triabunna to Hobart, bringing everything full circle to end your trip! 

Where to stay – Hobart

It’s your last night of your road trip, so why not make the most of it and splash out for Islington Hotel . If funds are a bit low, stay in a beautifully renovated 19th Century mansion at Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse .

This 5 day Tasmania road trip is designed for those who want to make the most of their time in this beautiful Australian state. It is packed with all the highlights, from incredible views and delicious foods, to beautiful nature walks. 

Tasmania’s truly unlike any other state in Australia. It’s beauty will leave you in absolute awe, feeling relaxed and recharged, and inspired for an even longer road trip next time!

Heading to Australia soon? Don’t forget these essentials!

Flights : compare and search using Skyscanner

Accommodation : hotels to hostels, glamping to apartments I always use Booking.com

Tours: to search and compare the best group tours and activities worldwide (with up to 20% off), use Viator

Visa : don’t forget to  check the entry requirements for Australia on the government website for the passport you are travelling with

Inspiration : Lonely Planet’s guide to Australia or for your next trip, how about Lonely Planet’s Guide to the World ?

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14 thoughts on “A 5 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary (For Outdoor Enthusiasts)”

What an incredible road trip! Mountains, waterfalls, beaches…it’s got a bit of everything! It definitely sounds like my kind of trip! Thanks for the awesome guide!

It sure does! And not forgetting wineries, lavender fields, forests and more haha! Thanks for your comment!

Tasmania has just about everything. It’s been on my bucket list for ages and I can’t wait until this part of the world opens up for tourism. I’ll definitely come back to your guide before my visit 🙂

Yay thanks Kitti! I am so excited for you and I hope you don’t have to wait for too much longer!

This looks like a fantastic area to go on a road trip! I love the different landscapes that you come across – thanks for the helpful tips!

It really is! There’s so much variety, it is not boring at all!

When we planned our long trip to Australia for 2020, we did not even have Tasmania on our plans. When we finally get to re-book this trip, I can see we may need to carve out time for a road trip in Tasmania and to see the great National Parks there. Starting with a view of the stunning Mount Field waterfalls would certainly spur the excitment. We would love the drive thru winding roads but would not want to miss the sandy beaches. Sure hope we get this back on the planning board soon.

I’d absolutely recommend to! And for as long as you can manage too. It’s my favourite places in Australia and does not disappoint on a road trip if you love nature and the outdoors!

What an amazing itinerary. You had me sold with the first picture, and it got better with all the mountain views, waterfall etc… I’m not familiar with Tasmania, so it was great discovering the island with you. Thanks for sharing.

I know – it’s one of those places where you just cant believe the scenery is real! That’s why a road trip is just so special 🙂

I have been wanting to visit Tasmania for quite some time but wasn’t sure where to go and what to see. Your itinerary makes it easy. The map makes the route very clear.

Thanks Rhonda! Spend as much time in Tassie as you can. It’s amazing!

I can’t believe so much of Tasmania is National Parks and reserves, that’s amazing! Those outdoor views are just stunning, what a great place to spend a few day, a road trip seems like a great way to see a lot more of it, although I prefer your idea of flying and renting a car rather than taking the expensive ferry. Maria Island is one place I’d love to go – to have the chance to see that much unique wildlife would be incredible

I know! If only more places were like Tasmania in terms of their conservation efforts. You really notice the positive effects such as the clean air and abundant flora and fauna! It’s such a magical place. I’m still keeping and eye out for cheap ferry tickets though to bring my van over next time.. surely one day!!

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How To Spend 5 Days in Tasmania

For a small state, there is so much to see and do in such high concentration, that you won’t be bored. In fact, you'll probably run out of time trying to fit it all in. Here’s how I spent 5 days in Tasmania!

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My dad’s side of my family has its roots in Australia. I took my first trip to visit when I was in high school, and I liked Australia, but I wasn’t totally mesmerized by it yet. I was 15, and not many things about the world really impressed me yet (you remember those days, right?). A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Australia again, and I knew I wanted this time to be different. This time, I wanted to find different experiences and climates and atmospheres to build a better understanding of the country that half of my family calls home. So, along with visiting Sydney, I spent time in the Gold Coast and Byron Bay , and took a detour (along with my first long solo trip) down – like way down – to Tasmania.

While less visited and a bit more off the beaten path than some of Australia’s other, more famous destinations, I was drawn to Tasmania’s remote location and promise of rugged landscape, abundant wildlife, and impressive culinary scene. Tasmania is one of 6 states in Australia, and the only one that’s disconnected from the country’s mainland. But, with all that said, the island is actually only a short and cheap flight from the mainland continent, so it’s easily accessible, making it perfect for a quick trip! Because this was a solo trip for me, I spent months doing research and plotting out my itinerary, making sure that I could see as much of east coast Tasmania as possible with 5 days, a limited budget, and somewhat limited mobility.

For an introduction to Tasmania over a short amount of time, you’ll want to fly in and out of Hobart, and focus your itinerary on exploring the sights in and around the capital city. But, don’t think for a second that you’d be missing out on anything! For a small state, there is so much to see and do in such high concentration, that you won’t be bored. In fact, you’ll probably run out of time trying to fit it all in. Here’s how I spent 5 days in Tasmania, in and around Hobart. 

Tip: You will need to rent (‘hire’) a car for this itinerary. I got mine for around $40-$50 USD per day, and I only hired mine for 3 out of the 5 days of my trip, in order to visit the Tasman Peninsula and Freycinet National Park. Days 1 and 2 I was able to do without using a car.

How to Spend 5 Days in Tasmania

Day 1: explore hobart  .

Hobart is one of those places where on the surface, it seems like a pretty straightforward little city. But once you’re there, everything changes, and suddenly, Hobart feels like a discovery waiting to happen around every corner. As the second-oldest city in Australia, Hobart is rife with old-era Gregorian architecture and nods to the city’s place in the country’s fascinating convict history. But it’s so much more than that, too. This small but sprawling city situated on both sides of the massive Derwent River packs a huge punch of history, cultural immersion, and hip, modern places to hang out. Because Tasmania’s still somewhat up-and-coming from a tourism perspective, most every place you’ll visit in Hobart is in good odds of being uncrowded and inviting – perfect for exploring everything at your own pace. With my limited time in Hobart, here are some places I went that I highly recommend: 

To Do: 

MONA ( Museum of Old and New Art) : How do I even begin to describe this place? It’s thought-provoking, intriguing, and entirely bizarre, and people who visit can’t stop raving about it, so you’ll have to see it for yourself. With no car, you can take the museum’s ferry from Hobart CBD (central business district), which will bring you right to the museum’s entrance.

Salamanca Market : If you happen to be in Tassie on a Saturday, the Salamanca outdoor market is non-negotiable.

Walk around Battery Point : Battery Point is one of Hobart’s oldest and most stunning neighborhoods. This area used to be the site of a battery of guns that protected Hobart, and is worth a stroll to check out the cute cafes and historic buildings.

Head to the Waterfront : The Waterfront in Hobart is stunning. Walk down by the docks to see the Derwent River up close and personal. The Waterfront is also home to a bunch of good restaurants, bars, and breweries that are all worth a visit, too.

Visit Mount Wellington : No trip to Hobart is complete without a visit to Mount Wellington. Head up to the car park at the mountain’s summit for a ridiculous view of Hobart, Bruny Island, the Tasman Peninsula, and beyond on a clear day. Bring an extra jacket, because it gets chilly!

To Eat: 

Frank Restaurant : a waterfront South American-inspired restaurant, and perfect if you’re a solo traveler because of the window-facing tables! Don’t overlook the sopaipillas. Arguably the simplest thing on the menu, but one of the tastiest.

Mezethes Greek Taverna : located at Salamanca Square, the building this restaurant is housed in is old, with cobblestoned sidewalks leading up to it. It’s charming and super cool, even just looking at it. It gets even better once you taste the food.

Ti Ama : Search ‘pizza in Hobart’ on Google, and for whatever reason, Ti Ama won’t come up. But, the pizza is GOOD, and it’s cooked up in a disco ball pizza oven, so what else do I need to say, really? This place was recommended to me by an employee of the hotel I was staying at, and it was delicious.

To Stay: 

Alabama Hotel: For a cheap place to stay, the Alabama Hotel is probably one of the cheapest in the city. Just know that you will be getting what you pay for (shared restrooms, simple rooms, thin walls). The hotel makes up for this because of its central location (5-10 minute walk to the Waterfront), great conversation, and even better beer and cider selection.

To Drink: 

Hobart Brewing Company : Tasmania makes some great beer. This is one place to try if you’re into beer, and it’s only a quick stroll from the Waterfront.

Gold Bar : Low key, semi-hidden speakeasy with good cocktails. Ask the bartender to create something for you based on your taste preferences.

Institut Polaire : One of many nods you’ll find here to Tasmania’s close proximity to the Antarctic. This Antarctica-inspired bar has cool, minimal decor and delicious gin-based cocktails.

Shambles Brewery : Another tasty brewery with tons of space, but a bit of a younger (college? high school?) crowd.

Day 2: Take a Day Trip to Bruny Island  

Initially, Bruny Island stuck out to me as a must-see because of the unique geography that can be found here: a narrow, long isthmus connecting two parts of this island together. In other words, a photographer’s DREAM destination! But as my luck had it, the parking structure to the isthmus was closed for construction, and I didn’t get to see it at all. Fortunately, Bruny Island has a lot of other things going for it too. Specifically, the island, which is only about an hour outside of Hobart, is a treasure trove of drool-worthy culinary magic. To get there, I took a day tour with Bruny Island Safaris , and as part of the tour, we spent the entire day sampling oysters, fudge, cheese, honey, cider, and more. I don’t like oysters, but I tried my very first one here. I still don’t like them, but the rest of my tour group was in heaven, and many of them went back to buy a bag of oysters by the dozen after the tour, so I guess this is the place to get them! In addition to all the food, we also visited some seriously stunning spots all over the island, including the Bruny Lighthouse and Adventure Bay. Along the way, we ran into dolphins, wallabies, and even a seal. I may not have gotten my isthmus, but Bruny Island overall was sensational, and I don’t think a trip to Tasmania would be complete without giving this place at least one day to explore.

Where I Went*:

(*in case you want to drive it yourself, though I recommend hopping on a tour as you need to take a vehicle ferry to get there, and many of the roads on the island are gravely)

Get Shucked 

Artisan Cheese, Beer, and Bread Cafe

Bruny Island Fudge

Bruny Island Honey

Bruny Hotel

Bruny Lighthouse 

Day 3: Rent a Car to Drive the Tasman Peninsula 

The Tasman Peninsula is a prime example of what I said earlier about there being such a high concentration of things to do and see in Tasmania. Rent a car to drive the Tasman Peninsula , and you’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes to jump out and see something new and epic. Leave early and plan to spend the full day driving around. Some stops only require a few minutes to check out, but others, like Port Arthur, will have you wanting to spend a few hours exploring at minimum. 

Where I Went: 

Pirate’s Bay Drive

Eaglehawk Neck 

Tessellated Pavement

Tasman Arch

Devil’s Kitchen 

Waterfall Bay

Port Arthur

Day 4: Take The Great Eastern Drive up to Freycinet National Park

The Great Eastern Drive is an experience in itself, and worthwhile to check out if you have an extra day (for more info on this, here’s a great driving tour resource ). But, I simply used the drive as a means to an end, to get to the Freycinet National Park. Freycinet is known for its lush, emerald green bush, round, other-worldly orange and red rock formations, wildlife, and beaches. It’s also home to one of the most famous and widely photographed beaches in the world, Wineglass Bay. 

On the way to Freycinet, I stopped for coffee at Arkitect Coffee in Swansea, and for a casual wine tasting at the Craigie Knowe Vineyard . Most cellar doors like Craigie Knowe offer free wine tasting, which was a surprise to me!

Once at Freycinet, here are some stops I highly recommend: 

Wineglass Bay

Cape Tourville Lighthouse

Since the drive up to Freycinet is pretty long (2.5 – 3 hours without stops), you’ll want to stay here for the night. There are a handful of accommodations in Coles Bay near Freycinet, but the only one located inside the Park itself is the Freycinet Lodge , which is where I stayed.

For more info on my stay and why I cannot recommend this hotel enough, check out my full review here . 

Day 5: Drive Back to Hobart to Catch Your Flight 

Day 5, for me, was a travel day. If you stay at the Freycinet Lodge, enjoy a lazy morning in your hotel room eating breakfast in bed and admiring the view of the gorgeous surroundings, because I promise there is nothing else like it in the world. Stroll along the beach or grab a quick coffee in Coles Bay if you have time. I left Freycinet around 9 am in order to catch my 1:15 pm flight to Sydney. 

I know that it’s possible to fall in love with a place in a short amount of time , and Tasmania was no exception. I think it’s safe to say that anyone who visits will be just as obsessed as I was with Tassie’s insane wildlife, other-worldly geography, rich history, and rugged beaches, too. 

Have you been to Tasmania? What was your favorite thing that you did while you were there? If you haven’t been yet, I hope this post has secured Tasmania a spot on your bucket list. 

Read This Next:

Where to Stay in Tasmania: The Freycinet Lodge

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Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

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The Perfect 2-Week Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

• Last Updated: January 12, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Driving Comfort

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

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

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

Be warned though, Tasmania is not like mainland Australia.

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

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

How to Get Around – Car vs Campervan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-Week Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Where We Stayed: Bluegum Guesthouse

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Where we stayed: Triabunna Holiday Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It was here we encountered wombats, wallabies and pademelons.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Book your accommodation for Bicheno ahead of time here .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Where we stayed: Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Where we stayed : Cradle Mountain Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Where we stayed : Empire Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How to make the most of a trip to Tasmania – 10 essential travel tips you need to know

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Are you planning a trip to the beautiful island of Tasmania ? With fantastic scenery, beautiful beaches, a huge wilderness to explore and delicious food and wine Tasmania has loads to offer visitors. But what Tasmania travel tips do you need to know to make the most of your visit?

Tasmania is the world’s 26th largest island and has over 2000 km of walking tracks and 18 national parks. In fact over 20% of the island is designated as a world heritage area . With so many amazing places to visit and things to do you it is important to plan your trip so you don’t miss out.

In this article you will discover my top top 10 Tasmania travel tips to help you plan your trip. There are also helpful links to my other articles about Tasmania including our 2 week road trip itinerary throughout the post.

Quick pics – Best Tasmania tours

1. planning your itinerary, 2. tips for driving around tasmania.

• 3. Don't spend too much time in the main cities of Hobart and Launceston

4. Take time to smell the…lavender in January and tulips in October

5. sample some of the best food and drink available in australia.

• 6. Don't miss the native Tasmanian wildlife

7. Tasmania travel tips – Take a hike!

8. pack carefully, 9. read about tasmania, 10. book some tours before you go, accommodation options in tasmania, enjoy your trip to tasmania, 10 essential tasmania travel tips.

If you are considering a tour here are our picks of the best.

The first thing I would say when organising your Tasmania itinerary is not to try to cram too much in.  Although the island is small and the drives are relatively short especially if you are used to driving in mainland Australia it is still better to travel slowly and enjoy the sights.

Also decide what your main interests are – markets, food and drink, hiking, nature, history and plan around that. For example the famous Salamanca markets in Hobart are held only on Saturday mornings.

Tasmania was made for road trips with some absolutely fantastic self-drive itineraries including the Great Eastern Drive a 180 km stretch along the eastern coast.

If you are flying into Tasmania rather than taking the ferry from Melbourne organise to pick up your hire car from the airport and you are all set!

We hired our car through Hertz and found the prices competitive and we were very happy with the service we received.

My top driving tips for Tasmania

• Drive on the left (obvious for Australians but not for visitors from countries who drive on the right!)
• Don’t race around the island – stop off and enjoy the sights along the way.
• Check you have enough petrol to get you to your destination (and where there are petrol stations on route) – there can be some distances between petrol stations.
• Be careful of the wildlife on the roads. I have never seen so many dead animals on the roads as I did in Tasmania (pademelons, echidnas, possums and even a Tasmanian Devil). If there is a live echidna on the road and if it is safe to do so drive round it as many cars are low enough to clip them.
• If you are hiring a car check if you want to go to Bruny Island as some of the rental companies do not allow it.
• If you are visiting in winter ice and snow may make driving more difficult particularly if you are not used to it. Some areas such as Cradle Mountain can be cut off due to the weather so do consider this when making plans to visit in winter.

Learn more – A complete road trip itinerary for Tasmania

3. Don’t spend too much time in the main cities of Hobart and Launceston

I would include a short stay in Hobart if markets and/or art interests you otherwise I would skip it (and Launceston) and head out to see what makes Tasmania so special.

There are many small towns that are definitely worth more of your time including the following:

Richmond – walk over the oldest stone span bridge in Australia

Coles Bay – the main entrance point to Freycinet National Park.

Port Arthur – the location of the first penal colony established in Australia.

Binalong Bay – located at the southern point of the Bay of Fires

Strahan – small port and fishing village on the west coast

Penguin – take a photo with the big thing (and yes its a penguin!)

Evandale – very picturesque  and one of the best preserved historical towns in Australia

We also had great fun ticking off the towns named after places in England – we found Derby, Sheffield and Melton Mowbray to be rather more attractive then their namesakes!!

In the summer months head to Bridestowe Lavender Farm and enjoy the vision of fields of purple and of course the scent of the lavender.

In October head to the the Table Cape Tulip Farm for fields of brightly coloured tulips. Tulip growing is so successful in the volcanic rich soils of north west Tasmania that bulbs are exported to Holland!

During the three-week annual Bloomin’ Tulips Festival thousands descend on the coastal town of Wynyard to enjoy the flowers and activities which culminate in Festival Day.

Tasmania has the best food and drink we have had since we moved to Australia.

If you are in Tasmania during the right seasons you can find cherries, apples, apricots, potatoes and other fruit and vegetables for sale by the side of the road.

In some instances you help yourself and put money in a box. How refreshing that there are still places in the world where this works and though I am sure some people take advantage the fact that this trust system is used suggestions that the majority don’t.

Take the Cradle to Coast tasting trail in Tasmania’s north and north-west and feast on raspberries, cheeses, cherries, walnuts,chocolate, honey. olives, oysters and of course world class wines and cider.

The Tamar Valley 60 kms north of Launceston boasts of numerous wineries offering wine tasting and superb views.

6. Don’t miss the native Tasmanian wildlife

Tasmania has an abundance of wildlife and you can expect to see lots of is when you are traveling round the island.

As in mainland Australia most of the mammals on Tasmania are marsupials (pouched mammals) though the monotremes (egg laying mammals) of echidna and platypus can also be seen on the island.

The Tasmanian wilderness has protected numerous species which can no longer be found on mainland Australia.

Tasmanian Devils

See them at – Tasmania Devil Unzoo

Devils@Cradle on Cradle Mountain

See them at – Cradle Mountain- Lake St Clair National Park (they emerge from their burrows in the early evening.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – wandering the grounds and even the car park!  Narawntapu National Park

Tasmanian Pademelon

See them everywhere!

Spotted tail Quoll and Eastern Quoll

See them at –  Devils@Cradle on Cradle Mountain,

Mt Field National Park 

Thylacnine or Tasmanian Tiger

See them at – Good question! Officially declared extinct in 1986. It took only 183 years after the arrival of European settlers to wipe out the entire population.

Short-beaked Echidna

See them everywhere! We spotted echidna at the Bay of Fires, Freycinet National Park and on Cradle Mountain.

See them at – Lakes of the Central Highlands, rivers and streams on south, south-west and north-west coasts. (You can also find platypus in Queensland at Broken River)

Geeveston Circuit Platypus walk.

Cradle Mountain – Dove Lake.

Whales 

Humpback whales can be seen on the East Coast between May- July and September – November as they travel to and from the warmer waters of Queensland to give birth. There are many whale watching tours available.

Southern right whales from June to late October when many give birth in Tasmanian waters.

Fairy penguins

See them at – Penguin (obviously!) Bicheno and Bruny Island

Learn more – Guide to Tasmanian animals and where to find them

Test yourself with my Australian animals quiz – “Do you know your quokka from your quoll?”

If you enjoy hiking then Tasmania will be the perfect destination. With walking tracks totalling 2000 km your main issue will be deciding which ones to do!

Top hikes include the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit in Freycinet National Park , hikes in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park , the Wukalina Walk (a Tasmanian Aboriginal owned and operated walk in the Bay of Fires Region), the Three Capes Walk on the Tasman Peninsula and the Tasmanian Trail (the only long distance – 480 km – multi use trail in Tasmania.

If a shorter walk is more your thing try the Enchanted Walk on Cradle Mountain.

Tasmania has a climate of four seasons and can be bitterly cold during the winter months.

Even in summer the weather can change very quickly. For example the week before we arrived Cradle Mountain was averaging around 13 degrees during the day. The week we were there temperatures were in the late 20’s!

It is worth taking clothes that can be layered to keep you warm but then removed as the temperature changes.

Tasmania has an interesting and troubled history. There are a selection of books worth reading before you go (pus some recommended guidebooks)

• A History of Tasmania
• Van Diemen’s Women: A History Of Transportation To Tasmania
• In Tasmania
• Tasmania in Photos
• Lonely Planet Tasmania Road Trips

If there are specific things you want to do I would recommend booking tours before you go. Trips can be fully booked very quickly especially during the summer months.

Tasmania is growing in popularity with international visitors due to its inclusion on many top destination lists in recent years.

These are some tours through Get Your Guide that are worth considering when you visit Tasmania.

Bruny Island

• Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
• Bruny Island: Full-Day Food, Lighthouse & Sightseeing Tour

Wineglass Bay

• Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch from Coles Bay
• Wineglass Bay & Maria Island Scenic Flight Experience
• Hobart City Sightseeing Tour including MONA Ticket
• Hobart: 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Additional information to help plan your Tasmania travel

There are multitude of accommodation options in Tasmania. We mixed luxury accommodation (Cradle Mountain and Freycinet) with more budget friendly stays Airbnb’s etc) in other places.

I book my hotel accommodation through booking.com as they offer free cancellation on many of their hotels and their range of available accommodation options is excellent. Click here for hotel options in Tasmania.

With fabulous scenery, natural landscapes, beautiful beaches , markets, fantastic food and wine, unique native animals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites , hiking trails and a cosmopolitan capital city home to one of the most famous art museums in the world Tasmania really does have it all!

If you are planning a visit to the “Apple Isle” you are sure to have the trip of a lifetime!

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Solo Travel in Tasmania

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Food & Wine GatG , Nature GatG , Wildlife GatG

If you are planning a trip to Tasmania in Australia , below is our Tasmania travel guide including the best places to visit in Tasmania, where to stay in Tasmania, travelling in Tasmania, where to go in Tasmania as a solo, and which tour company to use. Find out how to get from the airports and what to do in Tasmania.

All companies included have been recommended by solo female travellers and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Just choose the relevant section or read the full article for your solo Tasmania trip.

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Tasmania.

N.b. By booking through this page for your trips to Tasmania, you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping. 

About Tasmania

Accommodation in tasmania, tasmania tours.

• How Long Do I Need?
• Travelling Around Tasmania

From the Airport

How to get to tasmania, conscious travel in tasmania.

• Map of Tasmania

Plan a Trip To Tasmania

Lavender fields in Tasmania

If you're wondering “Is Tasmania Safe?” This island has the country’s friendliest locals and solo travel in Tasmania is incredibly safe for women to travel around Tasmania even at night. That's why we've given it 5 out of 5 stars. There isn’t a specific travelling trail and it doesn’t have the party scene that you find on the mainland Oz so it’s ideal for the quieter traveller.

For those backpacking Tasmania , Hobart has a number of hostels making it easy to meet other travelling here alone. The hostels can help arrange any Tasmania backpacking tours that you want to do, or just arrange day trips Tasmania style if you're only on the island for a short while. If you are planning on getting around Tasmania by renting a car, it is safe to camp alone within one of the territory’s National Parks.

Tasmania Australia has a great road network so it’s perfect for a self drive but watch out for the nocturnal wildlife. As on the mainland make sure to log any walks in the visitors books at national parks if walking alone. Discover all the best things to do in Tasmania below. 

The East Coast of Tassie (photo @ Petrina Wong)

Tasmania is one of the states of Australia and is believed to have once been part of the mainland. Today it is an island 150 miles south of the continent and being Australia’s largest island we feel it deserves its very own destination page.

‘Tassie’ as known to the locals is a World Heritage Area and nearly half of the island is full of national parks and reserves with ancient rainforest and untouched landscapes. The island has five unique regions and the South-West is home to the world’s only temperate rainforest eco system.

If you’re into partying then this isn’t really the place for you but if it’s the great outdoors, convict history and wildlife that you’re into, Tassie is the place to come. Many miss it off their list but we think it’s worth a visit (and where else can you see a Tasmanian devil?)

If you only do one thing when you visit Tasmania, make sure it’s a visit to   Port Arthur (a must do in Tasmania and one of the Tasmania attractions for history lovers). This old convict settlement holds the key to life back in the nineteenth-century. Its hidden past lays within haunted ruins and desolate buildings of the Port Arthur historic site. 

To be scared silly on your Tasmania travels, join the nightly ghost tour (but it is not for the faint hearted). Visit the historical site of the nearby Coal Mines for more convict history and free entry to the ruins.

* Click here to discover all activities and things to do in Tasmania

Tasmanian devil park.

A Tasmanian Devil

Travel to Tasmania for the Tasmanian Devil Park to see the native animal unique to Tassie. You may be surprised to see these critters up close as the Tasmania devil actually isn’t that devil-like, and was named so because of their blood curdling screams and ability to eat through bones. They are more like small pigs than devils. You can see more of these little devils feeding at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton.

Places To Visit in Hobart

View of Hobart from Rosny Hill

Entry onto the island is either from Devonport, Launceston or Hobart.   Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and sits in the south. Walk around Hobart waterfront with Mount Wellington in view as you sample the restaurants and bars of the capital or get arty at the modern art museum, one of the Hobart attractions. Each Saturday, Hobart holds a market at Salamanca Place where you can buy arts, crafts and handmade jewellery from all over the island. If you're here on a weekend, it's one of the things to do in Hobart. Other things to do in Hobart include seeing the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. 

A 10 minute drive from Hobart (Take buses 446, 447 or 449), is The Cascades Female Factory. This former workhouse tells the tales of Australia’s convict women who were forced to work here.

Port Arthur (photo @ Catharina Stam)

Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city in the north of the island with a seaport and vibrant cafes. Things to do in Launceston include visiting the nearby Cataract Gorge (one of the Launceston tourist attractions), a canyon landscape just a fifteen minute walk away via the boardwalk. This area of wilderness has great walking trails, panoramic views and is well worth a visit, and is close enough to the city to explore. Join one of the Launceston excursions to Cataract Gorge, Cradle Mountain or Wineglass Bay. 

North of Launceston is the arrival point of  Devonport  and  Nabowla , home to the islands' acres of lavender farms. If you’re in need of an inspirational boost, this is one of the things to see in Tasmania for a calming display of purple hues. It's also one of the free things to do in Tasmania but make sure to time your visit right as they aren't year round.

Devonport may not be as popular as Hobart but it’s worth a stay for a night or two especially if it’s your first port of call onto the island. Art lovers can see Tasmanian crafts and artwork at the Devonport Regional Gallery, or sail on a 20th century steamer (on a simulation), at the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. Other things to do in Devonport include experiencing the sea for real on a 2.5 hour sailing trip on The Julie Burgess.

Cradle Mountain

Tasmania is a place for reflection and rejuvenation. Cradle Mountain National Park is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It's located in the north and  is one of the island's (or possibly even Australia’s) most beautiful areas. There are a variety of walks around spectacular scenery, past rivers or around the top of the Cradle’s summit. Plus log cabins set within the wilderness for some pampering and relaxation in green rolling landscapes, lavender fields and mountains.

Dove Lake is nearby and also lies in St Clair National Park. This gorgeous dark blue lake has a 6km walking track that takes you around the lake and offers views of Cradle Mountain. Take your walking boots for this one as the 3 hour circuit has some steep areas. 

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay (photo @ Catharina Stam)

Tasmania has one of the most photographed beaches in the world,  Wineglass Bay , aptly named after its curved shape. The bay lies in the coastal wilderness of  Freycinet National Park   on the East coast peninsula and is the best place in Tasmania to visit as it is so picturesque. Admire from the lookout point or walk the five hour circuit around Mount Mayson. Coles Bay is a great town to base yourself in to see Freycinet Park. 

History, Adventure & Nature

Sailing boats in Hobart

There is plenty for those who like adventure too; try white-water rafting, surfing, abseiling, caving or off-road touring at  Huon Valley , South of Hobart. For a slower pace of life, cruise along the Gordon river or relax at the thermal pool at  Hastings Cave , the largest tourism cave in Oz. For wildlife spotters, visit the historical village of  Stanley  to see the island’s penguins and seals.

For mountain peaks, gorges and rivers on your Tasmania travels, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is one for the fitness solo with spectacular gorges and rugged wilderness. There is also an easy walk where you can stroll along the Franklin Nature Trail, a 30 minute walk through its mossy rainforest that takes you past the banks of the Franklin River. The park is an hour’s drive from Strahan and is named after the two rivers that run within the park.

One of the islands’ oldest national parks and a Tasmania must see is Mount Field National Park with constant changing views and some of the tallest eucalyptus forests in the world. It markets itself as being ‘the park for all seasons,’ from the autumn colours on the hillsides, to the snowy slopes on Mount Mawson. It has a large network of walking trails and you can also stay overnight. Tasman National Park is another Tasmania tourist attraction. 

For a coastal village where you can meet friendly locals, Binalong Bay is near St Helens on the north east coast of Tasmania. From here you can easily reach the Bay of Fires, a conservation area of coastal wilderness where vibrant orange-coloured granite builders meet the blue sea. You can hike here, kayak, surf or dive, or just enjoy some seafood at one of the restaurants after relaxing on a white sand beach. This area is perfect for pitching your tent and seeing the sun as it rises at Humbug Point reserve.

For one of the unique things to do in Tasmania, hop aboard a steam train on the West Coast Wilderness Railway and journey through an ancient rainforest hearing stories of the locals that live along the routes. You also have the chance to take a walk through the rainforest and pan for gold.

Tasmanian Cuisine

One of the things to do in Tasmania is enjoy its fresh produce. You cannot beat the food and wine here (even the food on the Tasmania ferry crossing is divine). The champagne rivals that of French regions and fresh oysters can be sampled at the island’s oyster farm – try Tasmanian Blue Mussels at Freycinet  Marine Farm. You won’t need to go without your five a day here as fruit sellers sell freshly picked fruit at the roadsides, just remember to carry some change.

The Tamar Valley Wine region in the north of the island has a long history of wine production. Thanks to its cool climate it produces Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir amongst others, and it’s even been classed ‘one of the top 10 wine routes in the world’ by Essential Travel magazine. It’s an ideal place to visit a winery or two.

Islands in Tasmania

Tasmania even has its own islands,   Maria Island , a small island which can be reached by plane or a 40 minute ferry ride and  Flinders Island  with pink granite cliffs and green pastures (also accessible by ferry or plane).

If you are on a self drive, the roadhouses will remind you that you’re still in Oz but Tasmania really does have a different feel from the rest of the mainland so don’t be surprised if all the gorgeous scenery and fresh air inspires you to stay longer.

Cradle Mountain (photo @ Petrina Wong)

There are so many options for Tasmania accommodation whether you prefer apartments, country retreats, motels, or cosy cabin accommodation Tasmania. Booking.com   has an extensive choice of Tasmania accommodation for all budgets including hostels. Airbnb Tasmania has rooms in local’s homes and many of them offer the entire home or flat to stay in. 

For the best places to stay in Tasmania for women travelling alone, all  of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with a Solo Female Friendly endorsement.   For all other accommodation in Tasmania, click on the link below.  * Check rates and availability for all Tasmania accommodation

Balmoral On York, Launceston – $$

In a good location near the shops and waterfront, you won’t be short of places to eat here. This hotel Tasmania offers great customer service and each room has a comfy bed with your own sofa to chill out after a day of sightseeing in Launceston. Choose from a deluxe double room or a premier double room with a city view. *  Check rates and availability: Balmoral On York

Peppers Seaport Hotel – $$

If you're feeling flush, treat yourself to one of the top places to stay in Tasmania. Peppers Seaport Hotel is one of the 4.5-star stylish hotels in Tasmania on the waterfront of L aunceston (I loved this place!) The hotel has views of the river or the city and is only 20 minutes from Cataract Gorge (they also have a Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge too). I personally stayed here and loved it! Choose from a standard double or twin studio with a city or river view, a suite with a city or river view or a luxury suite with a marina view. *  Check rates and availability: Peppers Seaport Hotel

Lake St. Clair Lodge, Cradle Mountain – $$$ 

In one of the stunning locations in Tasmania, this Cradle Mountain accommodation near the lake at Cradle Mountain is cosy and warm with friendly, helpful staff. Meet others whilst sat at the fireplace in the Lodge Bar. Choose from a double or twin wilderness room or lakeside room, a studio lakeside with a spa bath or a suite with views. *  Check rates and availability: Lake St. Clair Lodge

The Tasman Peninsula (photo @ Catharina Stam)

G Adventures

With Australia being such a sociable country, you’ll never be short of company travelling Australia alone. But if you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers and offers tours around Tasmania and Australia. 

Most tours have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit. Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there. I  have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. * Check rates and availability for Australia tours

Intrepid Tasmania  

If you’re looking for some company on all or part of your tour of Tasmania, consider taking a Tasmania tour.  Intrepid Travel is a responsible tour company and over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use Tasmania hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation and offer a 6 day Taste of Tasmania tour including hiking at Cradle mountain. Read our  Intrepid Travel Reviews . Or check rates and availability for Intrepid Australia tours

Tasmanian Expeditions – Tasmanian Expeditions are a Tasmania travel company who offer  small group active tours Tasmania such as  Tasmania hiking tours and rafting tours.

World Expeditions – If you're looking for Tasmania adventure holidays, World Expeditions offers Tasmania wilderness tours. Join a group of other women on the Women’s Overland Track including the Three Capes Track, one of the finest walks in Australia over 6 days.

Experience Tasmania –  Tasmania bus tours offering Tasmania tours from Hobart to the popular Tasmania tourist attractions. They can be a bit touristy but they are a good way to meet others and see Tasmania on half and full day trips.

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities and Tasmanian day tours. Choose from a Port Arthur ghost tour, a World Heritage cruise on Gordon River or a Bruny Island day trip from Hobart. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are several day tours in Tasmania to book as a solo and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check rates and availability for all day tours

How long do I need? 

How many days to visit Tasmania? For a Tasmania itinerary, realistically you'll need at least five days to a week. Fly into Hobart then depart from Devonport to make your way from the south to the north.

Travelling Around Tasmania

(photo @ Hanna Tiensuu)

For Tasmania travel, travelling around Tasmania by car is the best way to travel around Tasmania. If you're wondering how long does it take to drive around Tasmania? The island isn’t that small so driving in Tasmania only takes approximately seven hours to drive from East to West. Driving around Tasmania is easy with road signs and good infrastructure but because of nocturnal animals, it's safer not to drive at night. Make sure you carry your driving licence with you.

How to get around Tasmania without a car – If you’re unsure how to travel Tasmania independently, the bus network is great for Tasmania solo travel. You can travel from Devonport to Cradle Mountain in 6.5 hours, and Port Arthur Historic Site to Coles Bay will take you 4.5 hours by bus. The timetables can change for Tasmania public transport depending on which season you visit. Find out more here

* To hire a car for your Tasmania trip we recommend pre-booking car rental with Avis for your road trips so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.

• Hobart  – A  bus shuttle departs outside the terminal after every flight. If you’re travelling to Tasmania outside of office hours it’s better to pre-arrange a transfer for the 15 minute drive to the city.
• Devonport  –  NorthWest Shuttles offer on demand services from the airport and ferry terminal to the city which is 7 miles from the airport.
• Launceston  – The  airport shuttle meets all daily flights for the 9 mile journey.

*  Feel more confident traveling in Tasmania with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa , a reliable and safe service for solo females.

Where can I go from here?

• Sydney 2 hrs
• New Zealand 3 hrs
• Melbourne 1 hr

How to get to Tasmania from Sydney – There aren’t any ferries from Sydney to Tasmania but you can either fly from Sydney to Hobart, or into Launceston or Devonport, depending on where you want to start your Tasmania trip.

How To Travel to Tasmania From Melbourne – To reach Tasmania, you can either fly from Melbourne to Devonport, Launceston or Hobart or take The Spirit of Tasmania, an overnight journey which sails from Melbourne to Devonport. You can take a hire car with you on this 11 hour trip but make sure you book early. Check the ferry times and pre-book before you travel from Tasmania.

Social Impact Projects

Hamlet Hobart Café – Hamlet is an adorable café filled with fun vibes and a mission! Their mission is to provide work experience for Tasmanians and empower people in their local community. Enjoy a tasty dish, order their scrumptious jams online, or donate a meal to someone in need!  

Stay Eco in Tasmania

Hobart Hideaway Pods  

These eco-friendly pods were built with a focus on low-impact design. The two pods offer gorgeous views of the lush Tasmanian landscape and are only located 20 minutes from Hobart. The accommodation provides the perfect getaway for the eco-conscious solo traveler.

Additionally, to being equipped with luxurious (who knew they could be luxurious!) composting toilets and a self-sufficient water supply, every night that you stay at Hobart Hideaway Pods means 1$ is donated to Wildcare Tasmania!

• Prices from £91 / AUS $170 p/n for a deluxe double/twin with ocean view
• Check prices, dates and availability: Hobart Hideaway Pods

Forest Walks Lodge  

This hotel oozes charm and comfortability. Surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, located in a World Heritage Area, and managed by a husband-and-wife team who are passionate about the local scenery and food, Forest Walks Lodge offers an extraordinary stay filled with fresh, local Tasmanian produce (the dishes are prepared by Sean, the husband!) and plenty of activities. Go on walks, attend environmental workshops, and enjoy the splendid scenery. This is definitely a memorable stay.  

• Prices from £106 / AUS $198 p/n for a deluxe queen room
• Check prices, dates and availability: Forest Walks Lodge

Issues affecting v ulnerable Girls in Tasmania

• Migrant children and aboriginal children’s rights go often unrecognized. They are often the targets of discrimination, physical and sexual abuse, as well as lack of access to education and health care. Read more…  
• –   Australia still struggles with establishing true gender equality in areas such as pay and female political empowerment. Furthermore, 1 in 3 women are said to have experienced physical or sexual violence since the age of 15, according to the Australian Human Rights Commission. Read more…  
• Can I drink the water?  Of course!
• Is tipping expected?  No.
• Fixed price or barter?  Fixed price.
• Any ATMs?  Yes.
• Which side of the road do they drive? When you're travelling Tasmania, make sure to drive on the left-hand side. 
• Good for vegetarians?  Yes if you like fish. Hobart has more for vegetarians.
• Any Seven Wonders of the World ? No.
• Is it safe to travel to Tasmania? Yes, it's completely safe. The only thing you need to watch out for is driving at night with the nocturnal animals. 

Tasmania Map

If you are ready to solo travel Tasmania here are some useful links to help you to plan your Tasmania trips including airlines which fly there, vaccinations required and events and festivals.

Budget – £50 a day (if you are exploring Tasmania on a budget and staying in hostels)

Capital – Hobart Tasmania

Population – 512,000

Official Language of Tasmania – English

Local Currency – Australian Dollar

Do I Need a Visa?

Vaccinations Required

Flying Time to Tasmania – 22 hrs 

Useful Info

Airlines to Tasmania

Best Time To Travel To Tasmania – The best time to visit Tasmania Australia is December to February

What Plugs Do I Need?

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tasmania

Events and Festivals in Tasmania

Living Cost in Tasmania

Local Customs & Etiquette

Driving Distances

Did you know? More than 20% of Tasmania is World Heritage listed .

Freycinet Eco Retreat

Rainbow Retreat Eco Cabins

Volunteering

Save the Tasmania Devil

Mind Body & Soul

Stay At a Yoga Retreat at Thousand Lakes Lodge

Stay At a Meditation Retreat

Stay At a Health Retreat

Spa Treatments at Hidden Cove Day Spa

Weather in Tasmania – Below is the annual weather for Tasmania from January to December

12 thoughts on “ Solo Travel in Tasmania ”

Hey hey, I’m planning to do a 1.5 to 2 week solo trip to Tasmania, but many people advised me that the public transport network there is pretty poor and it would be difficult to get around if I don’t drive. However, I saw that you mentioned – “The bus network is great for solo travellers and there’s an unlimited pass for up to a months stay.” Could you advice me which bus network/pass do I look out for? Thanks!

Hi Alia, I drove around Tassie but Tassielink have good bus routes. Here’s a link to their timetables and services. Have a great time x http://www.tassielink.com.au

Just a clarification – Wineglass Bay is named after it’s shape AND the fact that a hundred or so years ago it was a whaling station. At those times you could look down into the bay & see a full glass of red. Whales are fully protected now of course & there is no trace of that old industry in the area.

Thanks Mike. I didn’t know that. I’m so glad that that doesn’t happen anymore. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Hey. I have heard that in the summer the sun is super harsh there, and you can get sun burnt easily.

Is it so? And would you recommend not visiting there at summer time for hiking?

I have heard that the sun can be more intense in Tasmania too. I think applying a high factor sunblock applies to Australia in general as well as Tasmania. The summer in Tassie can be not as warm as Australia though (even though the sun is intense). This article may help for hiking. Have an amazing time there. https://www.tasmanianexpeditions.com.au/Blog/overland-track-weather-climate

Do you have an itinerary anywhere for the best way to travel around the places that you mentioned? Am looking to do a 9day solo trip and looking for a guide of sorts that I can follow as I drive around to make it easier

Hi Madison, that’s great that you’re going to Tasmania. Are you a member of our Girls about the Globe Facebook community as I recommend asking the same question in there. I only visited a few places in Tasmania so I suggest looking at this site for more detailed itineraries especially for road trips x https://www.discovertasmania.com.au/things-to-do/road-trips/

Hi, I’m looking to do a solo trip early next year and planning to drive around. The one thing I’m nervous about is doing the walks by myself. I have read that they’re well looked after and it’s pretty safe to do some of these walks by yourself but I was wondering if you had any tips for this or would recommend going on walking tours?

Hi Jasmine, that’s great that you’re planning on doing a solo trip to Tasmania next year. I was there solo and loved it. I found it easy to drive around. The walks are well signposted so it’s not that easy to get lost. They had sign in books when I was there so you sign in and out which makes it safer. Maybe you could look at a short walk and see how you feel then book a walking tour for others walks afterwards if you don’t feel comfortable? Are you part of our Girls about the Globe Facebook group? I recommend joining our community and asking the same question too. Here’s the link to join: https://www.girlabouttheglobe.com/GatGFacebookCommunity

Hi Just wondering if you stayed in any of the backpackers accommodation, just seeing if it is safe for a solo female to stay by themselves. Thank you

Hi Karen, I think it was the Pickled Frog where I stayed. All of these hostels are recommended for solo travellers and are safe. Have a look at the reviews to see which one you prefer to stay at. Tasmania is an fantastic island and I felt really safe being there solo. https://www.hostelworld.com/st/hostels/oceania/australia/a/tasmania/ You could also join our Facebook community too! Here’s the link to join https://www.girlabouttheglobe.com/GatGFacebookCommunity . Lisa x

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World’s top climate scientists expect global heating to blast past 1.5C target

Exclusive: Planet is headed for at least 2.5C of heating with disastrous results for humanity, poll of hundreds of scientists finds

• ‘Hopeless and broken’: why the world’s top climate scientists are in despair

Hundreds of the world’s leading climate scientists expect global temperatures to rise to at least 2.5C (4.5F) above preindustrial levels this century, blasting past internationally agreed targets and causing catastrophic consequences for humanity and the planet, an exclusive Guardian survey has revealed.

Almost 80% of the respondents, all from the authoritative Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), foresee at least 2.5C of global heating, while almost half anticipate at least 3C (5.4F). Only 6% thought the internationally agreed 1.5C (2.7F) limit would be met.

Many of the scientists envisage a “semi-dystopian” future, with famines, conflicts and mass migration, driven by heatwaves, wildfires, floods and storms of an intensity and frequency far beyond those that have already struck.

Numerous experts said they had been left feeling hopeless, infuriated and scared by the failure of governments to act despite the clear scientific evidence provided.

“I think we are headed for major societal disruption within the next five years,” said Gretta Pecl, at the University of Tasmania. “[Authorities] will be overwhelmed by extreme event after extreme event, food production will be disrupted. I could not feel greater despair over the future.”

But many said the climate fight must continue, however high global temperature rose, because every fraction of a degree avoided would reduce human suffering.

Peter Cox, at the University of Exeter, UK, said: “Climate change will not suddenly become dangerous at 1.5C – it already is. And it will not be ‘game over’ if we pass 2C, which we might well do.”

The Guardian approached every contactable lead author or review editor of IPCC reports since 2018. Almost half replied, 380 of 843. The IPCC’s reports are the gold standard assessments of climate change, approved by all governments and produced by experts in physical and social sciences. The results show that many of the most knowledgeable people on the planet expect climate havoc to unfold in the coming decades.

The climate crisis is already causing profound damage to lives and livelihoods across the world, with only 1.2C (2.16F) of global heating on average over the past four years. Jesse Keenan, at Tulane University in the US, said: “This is just the beginning: buckle up.”

Nathalie Hilmi, at the Monaco Scientific Centre, who expects a rise of 3C, agreed: “We cannot stay below 1.5C.”

The experts said massive preparations to protect people from the worst of the coming climate disasters were now critical. Leticia Cotrim da Cunha, at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, said: “I am extremely worried about the costs in human lives.”

The 1.5C target was chosen to prevent the worst of the climate crisis and has been seen as an important guiding star for international negotiations. Current climate policies mean the world is on track for about 2.7C , and the Guardian survey shows few IPCC experts expect the world to deliver the huge action required to reduce that.

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Younger scientists were more pessimistic, with 52% of respondents under 50 expecting a rise of at least 3C, compared with 38% of those over 50. Female scientists were also more downbeat than male scientists, with 49% thinking global temperature would rise at least 3C, compared with 38%. There was little difference between scientists from different continents.

Dipak Dasgupta, at the Energy and Resources Institute in New Delhi, said: “If the world, unbelievably wealthy as it is, stands by and does little to address the plight of the poor, we will all lose eventually.”

The experts were clear on why the world is failing to tackle the climate crisis. A lack of political will was cited by almost three-quarters of the respondents, while 60% also blamed vested corporate interests, such as the fossil fuel industry.

Many also mentioned inequality and a failure of the rich world to help the poor, who suffer most from climate impacts. “I expect a semi-dystopian future with substantial pain and suffering for the people of the global south,” said a South African scientist, who chose not to be named. “The world’s response to date is reprehensible – we live in an age of fools.”

About a quarter of the IPCC experts who responded thought global temperature rise would be kept to 2C or below but even they tempered their hopes.

“I am convinced that we have all the solutions needed for a 1.5C path and that we will implement them in the coming 20 years,” said Henry Neufeldt, at the UN’s Copenhagen Climate Centre. “But I fear that our actions might come too late and we cross one or several tipping points .”

Lisa Schipper, at University of Bonn in Germany, said: “My only source of hope is the fact that, as an educator, I can see the next generation being so smart and understanding the politics.”

• Climate crisis
• Climate science
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Extreme heat
• Extreme weather

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