The Perfect Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Ready to explore one of Australia’s most breathtaking and underrated destinations? This 10 day Tasmania road trip itinerary takes you through wild coastlines, lush rainforests, charming towns, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, Tasmania offers the perfect mix of scenic drives and unique stops. From Hobart to Cradle Mountain and the Bay of Fires, this road trip covers all the must-see highlights—plus a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

So let’s go on this Tasmania Road Trip!

Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary- The Logistics

Before starting your Tasmania road trip itinerary, you’ll need to decide how to get to the island. There are two main options: take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry or fly directly into Hobart.

Starting your Tasmania road trip itinerary in Hobart gives you easy access to the island’s southern gems before heading north through its scenic heart.

The ferry departs from Melbourne and arrives in Devonport on Tasmania’s northern coast, making it ideal for those bringing their own car and camping gear. It’s a budget-friendly option that gives you the freedom to start your road trip right off the boat.

Tips for Travelling in Tasmania

• Travel with an eSim: Whenever I travel, I’m always able to stay connected as soon as I land with an e-Sim with Airalo.
• Compensation for delayed or canceled flights: If your flights get cancelled or delayed, AirHelp can help you get compensated!

• Book the cheapest Hotels: Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget stays, Trip.com has thousands of options with verified reviews and flexible cancellation policies. (They also do Flights and Rental Cars!)
  
  Top tip: Book early for the best rates, especially during peak seasons!
• Car Rental: Anytime I want the cheapest car rental rates I always use Rentalcars.com
• Trip Advisor: I love using Tripadvisor to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before.

The Best Way to Road Trip in Tasmania

Parks & Wildlife Entry Pass

No Tasmania road trip itinerary is complete without visiting at least a few of the island’s breathtaking national parks—after all, around 40% of Tasmania is protected land. With 19 national parks scattered across the state, most of them easily accessible and safe to explore, it’s important to plan ahead with a parks pass.

10 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Below you can find the map of the whole itinerary. If you click in the top left corner of the map you will find 2 separate layers marking the route and best photography spots along the Tasmania road trip itinerary.

Day 1- Bruny Island

Bruny Island is basically two islands connected by a small stretch of road called The Neck, which happens to be one of the best photography spots in Tassie. This is a great part of the Tasmania road trip.

Once on you find yourself on the island you’ll get the chance to eat your way around the island sampling the local cheeses, meats, whiskeys, seafood, wines, beers and much more. You won’t need to look far to find these as most of them are located just off the main road.

Don’t worry you can walk it off on the Cape Queen Elizabeth track and discover the beautiful Mars Bluff Arch. 

Top Tours on Bruny Island

Day 2- Hobart

Hobart is Tasmania’s beautiful capital city full of character and life.

If you happen to be in Hobart on a Saturday then you’re in luck because the Salamanca Markets are open every Saturday from 8:30am to 3pm. It is one of the most popular markets in Australia and boasts incredible food stalls, live music and all sorts of bits n bobs!

After some shopping and a coffee head over to MONA- the Museum of New and Old Art which is supposed to be interactive, entertaining, controversial, confronting and riveting- all in one.

And for the perfect end to the day, make your way to the summit of Mt Wellington to see the views that give you a perfect introduction to Tasmania’s breath taking landscape. However, be sure to check the live webcam first so you can make sure it’s a clear view before you make the commitment to go up there.

Top Tours in Hobart

---

---

Day 3- Richmond and Bicheno

It’s now time to really hit the road with your first stop being in the quaint town of Richmond. Heritage-listed buildings and features are found on almost every street, so that even a casual stroll offers insights into early settlement days. Grab a scallop pie (Tassie’s signature pie) from a local bakery and sit down on the grassy bank by the Old Richmond Bridge– Australia’s oldest standing bridge!

Once you’ve enjoyed your pie and have had a stroll across the bridge, it’s time to hit the road again and make your way to Bicheno.

There are 3 main things you want to see in Bicheno- and that’s the “Rocking Rock”, the Blowhole and the adorable fairy penguins. You will find the Rocking Rock and Blowhole side by side- just follow the signs from town it’s very easy to find.

Optional: If you have 2-3 days extra – before driving to Bicheno, you have the option to explore Port Arthur, Maria Island and Wineglass Bay in Freycinet NP. Check out my Tasmania Bucket List to find out more.

Top Tours in the area

Day 4- Bay Of Fires

Further north of the east coast of Tasmania is the ever popular Bay of Fires.

The name didn’t actually come from the bright orange, lichen covered boulders though. It was given its current name in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux as his ship HMS Adventure sailed along the coast and his imagination was captured by the sight of fires lit by Aboriginal people, burning bright on the beaches all along the bay.

The Bay of Fires is another pristine location on this Tasmania road trip itinerary. It’s relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding, hanging out, having a BBQ and then enjoying a cold beer (or wine) with a fire on the beach whilst watching the sun set. 

My top 3 recommended photo stops would be Binalong Bay, Cosy Corner and The Gardens.

Top Tours in Bay of Fires

Day 5 & 6- Launceston & Tamar Valley Wine Region via Bridestowe Lavender Estate

On your way through to Launceston there are 2 optional stops- the “Little Blue Lake” in South Mt Cameron and Bridestowe Lavender Estate.

The Little Blue Lake is an optional stop for those interested in checking it out and taking some insta worthy photos. It is a small detour in the road trip but is still technically on the way through to Bridestowe Lavender Estate from the Bay of Fires. It adds only about 15 minutes to the driving time on the trip.

The lake gets its gorgeous aqua blue hues from the high mineral content in the water that was left from the pioneering days in the surrounding area. Important: You cannot swim in this water as it is highly contaminated with toxic heavy metals.

If you are travelling on this Tasmania road trip between December/January- continue on to Bridestowe Lavender Estate to admire the beautiful purple rolling hills. The entry fee during high season is only $10. If you do make it here, be sure to try out their delicious Lavender ice-cream!

Your day should end in Launceston where you can explore the small city and if you have time take a stroll through Cataract Gorge which is located right in the centre of the CBD.

Spend the next day, touring the scenic Tamar Valley wine region and sample some great aromatic wines with a smorgasbord of delicious, organic delicacies that come fresh from farm to plate. My top 2 recommended wineries in Tamar Valley is: Josef Chromy– be sure to have lunch here, you will not regret it! And the second recommendation is Goaty Hill.

Day 7- Penguin

Penguin is a picturesque seaside town with a pretty esplanade, scenic walking trails, great coastal drives and a quirky collection of penguins on the street.

This town takes its name from a nearby penguin rookery and it’s obvious this town dearly loves its little feathered friends. There’s a 10-foot penguin that makes a quirky photo opportunity, while the real thing can be seen each night at Penguin Point.

If you don’t spot any Penguins in Penguin, there is also another spot located 15 minutes further north of the coast in a town called Burnie. Knowledgeable volunteer guides talk to you about the penguins, answer questions and help you view and photograph (without flashes!) the penguins as they go about their normal activities.

You will find the guides for the evening at the Burnie Penguin Observation Centre at dusk, nightly from October 1st until March 31st, regardless of the weather. And it is completely free- although a small donation is nice to help the volunteers continue the great work they are doing.

On Sundays, Penguin hosts Tasmania’s largest undercover market with more than 200 stalls selling food and wine, woodcraft and second-hand goods.

The coastal road between Ulverstone and Wynyard is a beautiful scenic drive with sweeping ocean views, great picnics spots and clean beaches for seaside walks and fun.

Optional: If you have an extra day to spare, make your way further Tasmania’s northwest coast to another small township called Stanley. It is remarkable for its incredibly well-preserved colonial buildings and its massive volcanic plug called “The Nut”. It is a strenuous hike that takes you 150 meters above the sea where you can marvel at Tasmania’s beautiful and rugged northwest coastline. Or you can opt to take the chairlift if the steep hike is too much.

Find out more on my post The Ultimate Tasmania Bucket List.

Day 8 & 9- Cradle Mountain National Park

Cradle Mountain National Park is best experienced for 2 days minimum. Hiking and photography go hand in hand here, so if you are after some awesome shots from your travels be prepared to break the sweat. The trails in the park are very well maintained and most of the walks start from Dove Lake car park. One of the easiest and most accessible walks is the Dove Lake Circuit.

I would also highly recommend the beautiful Enchanted Walk which is actually located right next to the Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge. (This should be before you jump on the shuttle bus to the Dove Lake carpark)

It’s a very easy 20 min circuit that takes you through a magical, mossy forest, along a cascading creek. I can see why they call it “Enchanted.”

The Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Transit Terminal is the departure point for the Dove Lake shuttle bus. A valid shuttle bus service ticket is required prior ​​to boarding the Dove Lake shuttle bus which you can obtain by presenting your valid National Parks Pass in the Visitor Centre. 

The shuttle service operates seven days a week, free of charge. Keep in mind that private vehicle access between the visitor centre and Dove Lake is not permitted during the shuttle bus operating ​times.​ 

Places to stay in Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain National Park is very limited when it comes to accommodation and also sits in the moderate to luxury range when it comes to the price.

My top 2 recommendations for Cradle Mountain is:

1. Cradle Mountain Highlanders Cottages

2. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (which is also where I had lunch and the place looked absolutely fantastic!)

Day 10- Time to go home

And just like that, your Tasmania road trip itinerary comes to an end.

If you have the time, drive back to Hobart from Cradle Mountain via Queenstown to take in the scenic views of Tasmania’s West Coast. 

If you have a spare few hours, squeeze in a final coffee at a local cafe, stroll through a weekend market or visit a lookout you haven’t been to yet.

Have you got any questions about this Tasmania road trip itinerary? Post them in the comments! I always answer. 

***
As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post includes affiliate links and any purchases made through these links will earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep this site going!
***

More on Australia:

• The Top Honeymoon Destinations in Australia
• How to Spend the Ultimate Blue Mountains Weekend Getaway
• 10 Places For The Best Views in Sydney
• The Ultimate (7 Day) Sydney Itinerary
• A Delicious Guide to Sydney’s Best Bars & Restaurants
• 7 Things You Need to Know About Visiting Sydney Taronga Zoo
• A Beautiful Day Trip to Leura in the Blue Mountains
• A Delicious Guide to Sydney’s Best Bars & Restaurants
• Hiking the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track to find the Bruny Island Arch
• What to do on Bruny Island: The Best Day Trip from Hobart
• The Perfect Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
• The Ultimate Tasmania Bucket List
• A Taste of Africa at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo
• The 5 Best Things To Do in Dubbo (2020 Update)
• Tips on Visiting the 12 Apostles
• These Photos Prove Why You Should Visit the Yarra Valley
• Sydney Fine Dining; Bentley Restaurant & Bar
• Restaurant Review: Rockpool, Melbourne
• Checking In; Staying at Crown Melbourne