Planning a two-week adventure around Tasmania? This ultimate 14-day Tasmania itinerary will help inspire and plan your road trip.
If connecting with nature and experiencing the great outdoors is your passion, Tasmania should be at the top of your travel list. Home to pristine wilderness, World Heritage-listed sites, and fascinating history, Tasmania draws more travellers each year in search of adventure and beauty.
While Tasmania may be Australia’s smallest state, it offers a wealth of diverse destinations to explore. Choosing which places to visit can be the trickiest part of planning your road trip, and that’s where this guide will come in handy.
Below is a carefully curated itinerary for Tasmania with top locations, must-see sights, exciting activities, and practical travel tips. Plus, I’ve included a FREE map to help you navigate your way through this epic road trip.
Looking for even more to do in Tasmania? Be sure to check out extra recommendations for extended time in some of the key locations throughout the itinerary.
Read on for your perfect 2 week Tasmania itinerary!
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This article was updated in February 2025
Featured Image: Freycinet Adventures ©Tourism Australia
Table of Contents
What to Expect on Road Trips in Tasmania
Tasmania is a place of natural beauty and seclusion, where the landscape is shaped by the forces of nature. Embarking on a road trip in Tasmania allows you to experience a wide variety of scenery, from pristine coastlines and charming towns to picturesque farmlands and ancient World Heritage-listed wilderness.
What makes a Tasmania driving holiday unique is the striking contrast between the east and west coasts.
On a road trip along Tasmania’s east coast, you’ll encounter dramatic orange rock formations and stunning white sandy beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. On the west coast, you’ll find tea-stained rivers and untouched subtropical rainforests, creating an entirely different experience.
Starting and ending your Tasmania road trip in Hobart is a popular choice for many travellers, as it’s the main gateway to the island. However, this itinerary is flexible and can easily be adapted if you’re flying into Launceston or arriving via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
Whether you begin your journey in Hobart, Launceston, or any other destination, this guide can be tailored to suit your travel plans.
A Tasmanian road trip offers two distinct driving experiences: the east coast and the west coast. If you have the luxury of time, you could easily spend two weeks exploring each coast at a relaxed pace.
To help you make the most of your trip, I’ve included optional detours and additional destinations to enhance your adventure. For those with just 14 days to explore, this itinerary provides a practical plan to experience the state’s most popular destinations within that timeframe.
Note: To help you save time and money, I’ve included links to top-rated tours and experiences across Tasmania’s cities and towns.
Getting Around Tasmania – Campervan or Car
Unless you are taking a form of transportation over on the Spirit of Tasmania you will need to hire a van, car or campervan for your trip. For car hire, Inspire Family Travel recommends Bargain Car Rentals. They are an Australian-owned and operated company (founded in Hobart, Tasmania) with 14 locations and a wide range of vehicles.
Their focus is on exceeding customer expectations, value for money, and exceptional service.
Pro Tip: Always book your car in advance as this is the best way to avoid disappointment, and it will save you time and money. Bargain Car Rentals has kindly offered you a discount code. Simply use the code FAMTRAVEL when you make a booking and this will save you 5% on their best rates.
Tasmania Self Drive Itinerary Times
As a practical guide, I have mapped out the times and distances between each of the recommended places I have mentioned below. Please be advised this is a guide as the road conditions can make the travel time longer than predicted on Google Maps.
- Hobart to Swansea: 135 km | 2 hr
- Swansea to Coles Bay: 59 km | 45 min
- Coles Bay to Bicheno: 38 km | 29 min
- Bicheno to Binalong Bay: 87 km | 1 hr 10 min
- Binalong Bay to Launceston: 177 km | 2 hr 13 min
- Launceston to Cradle Mountain: 150 km | 2 hr 11 min
- Cradle Mountain to Strahan: 146 km | 2 hr
- Strahan to Lake St Clair: 131 km | 2 hr
- Lake St Clair to Hobart: 179 km |2 hr 23 min
Tasmania Road Trip Map
Map out your adventure using the below resource that has been created if you are taking a driving holiday in Tasmania.
Click this link to download a quick road trip guide and interactive map. Included in the Google map are highlights of what not to miss at the destinations, along with optional detours and day trips along the way.
If you have the flexibility to travel at a slower pace, you may choose to add more destinations to the itinerary. If you are short on time and 14 days is the maximum time you have, add the others to your bucket list for a future trip. I guarantee once you have been to Tasmania you’ll want to return.
Tip: Always check the road conditions before embarking on your journey, particularly if you are travelling in winter where some roads can be closed due to snow and poor conditions.
14 Day Tasmania Itinerary
Stop 1: Hobart (4 nights)
This legendary loop begins and ends in Hobart, Australia’s second-oldest capital city, established in 1804. Start your day by taking a scenic drive up Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, where the summit lookout at 1,270 meters offers stunning views over Hobart and its surroundings.
After enjoying the view, satisfy your appetite with Hobart’s world-renowned food and wine scene. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, make sure to stop by the Salamanca Markets, where over 220 stalls offer fresh local produce, handmade goods, and unique gifts.
Afterwards, take a stroll through Battery Point, one of Hobart’s prettiest neighbourhoods, and along the picturesque Salamanca waterfront.
Practical Information: Salamanca Markets are held every Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
For culture and history lovers, Hobart offers rich experiences. The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery features a range of interactive exhibits, while the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a private collection owned by David Walsh, offers a bold selection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art.
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, established in 1818. Spanning 14 hectares, the gardens are home to unique collections, including the world’s only Subantarctic Plant House. It’s the perfect spot to spread out a picnic rug or simply reconnect with nature.
Hobart deserves plenty of time on your itinerary — and for good reason! Rich in activities, attractions, and history, it also serves as the perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas. Take your time, and make the most of every day.
Stay: Hobart has accommodation for every traveller. Click here for the best accommodation in Hobart and find the perfect place for your stay.
If you’re interested in exploring the best day trips from Hobart, check out the list below.
Hobart to Bruny Island
Distance – 50 minutes
Catch the ferry to Bruny Island, just 20 minutes off the coast from Kettering. Located on Tasmania’s southeast coast, Bruny Island is made up of two islands connected by a narrow isthmus called The Neck, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the top.
The island offers a variety of walking trails suitable for all fitness levels, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife both on land and in the surrounding waters. For a relaxing beach stroll or a refreshing swim, South Bruny boasts several secluded beaches. With its vibrant food and wine scene, don’t miss the chance to sample local specialties or pick up some treats to take home.
Hobart to Port Arthur
Distance – 1 hr 26 min
Step back in time and immerse yourself in Tasmania’s colonial past at the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur site, established in 1830 as a penal settlement. Known as the ‘inescapable prison,’ it housed over 12,500 convicts before closing in 1877. Spanning 40 hectares, the site features more than 30 buildings, including restored period homes and fascinating ruins.
Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, or join a walking tour and harbour cruise led by knowledgeable guides who provide insightful stories about the convict experience at the settlement. If you’re eager to delve deeper into Tasmania’s fascinating history, a day trip to Port Arthur is a must.
Hobart to Richmond
Distance – 25 min
Visit the charming town of Richmond, where streets are lined with beautifully restored Georgian buildings now home to cafes, restaurants, and galleries. Drive across Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest existing stone arch bridge, which opened in 1825.
Another historical highlight is Richmond Gaol, which predates the Port Arthur penal colony and is the oldest intact gaol in Australia. Take a self-guided tour to discover the stories of the men and women who were imprisoned within its walls until it closed in 1928.
No visit to Richmond is complete without a stop at Sweets and Treats, a nostalgic lolly shop inspired by old-fashioned candy stores and milk bars. You’ll likely find your childhood favourite among their selection of sweet treats.
Stop 2: Maria Island (1 night Swansea)
Today you will be parting ways with the city and meandering through farmlands until reaching Triabunna, the town sitting on the edge of Spring Bay on the East Coast of Tasmania.
It is here where you can take a short 30-minute ferry ride to spend a leisurely day exploring Maria Island.
Maria Island is a gem; it is rich in history and natural beauty. Even if you go in winter when the days are shorter, there’s still time to see its best attractions. Without a doubt, the cutest of these is the island’s wombats. They’re not hard to find, these adorable bundles of fur will shuffle past you soon after you leave the ferry.
A 45-minute walk along beautiful Hopground Beach takes you to the Painted Cliffs. The yellow, white and red striped rocks are an amazing sight, you’ll need to visit at low tide to get the best view. Kids will love also the Fossil Cliffs. The grey rock walls are packed with fossilised shells.
There are some great walks you can do in a day too. On your way back from the Painted cliffs take the Oast House track through the forest past historic buildings. The Fossil Cliffs Circuit has breathtaking clifftop views and you’ll walk through fields dotted with kangaroos, euros and wombats. Serious walkers can try the hike to the top of Bishop and Clerk Peak.
In a day you can see the Painted Cliffs, and the Fossil Cliffs and do a couple of the shorter walks. There are also many historic buildings and ruins to look through in the island’s only town Darlington. Whether you have a busy day walking or just relaxing at the beach amongst the wombats, Maria Island will be a highlight of your self drive Tasmania trip.
Thank you to Natalie from Curious Campers who contributed this information on Maria Island.
Stay: Your accommodation for the night is in the charming coastal town of Swansea 50 kilometres / 35 minutes away. Click here to find the best accommodation deals, including the popular Swansea Beach Chalets.
Stop 3: Coles Bay (1 night Bicheno)
Continuing your journey north along Tasmania’s East Coast, your destination today is the stunning Freycinet National Park. With its powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder this area is one of Tasmania’s most popular spots.
The park offers numerous walking tracks, so lace up your hiking boots to explore its beauty up close. The Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk is an easy 600-metre loop that rewards you with coastal views of Freycinet National Park.
However, it’s the iconic aerial view of Wineglass Bay that draws most visitors. The steep 1.3-kilometre climb to the lookout is well worth the effort for one of the most iconic views in Tasmania.
If time allows, make a stop at Honeymoon Bay. Tucked between rocky headlands, the secluded beach and crystal-clear waters offer an idyllic spot for a swim or snorkel.
Practical Information: National park passes are available for purchase at the Freycinet National Park Centre, with options ranging from 1-day to 1-year passes.
If you’re in the mood for a seafood lunch before continuing your journey, head Freycinet Marine Farm, where you can enjoy fresh seafood in an alfresco setting or take it to go.
Stay: Your base will be Bicheno, a fantastic hub to explore the East Coast. Click here to find the best places to stay in Bicheno.
For a unique experience, consider a Bicheno Penguin Tour at dusk, where an expert guide will introduce you to Tasmania’s adorable fairy penguins.
Stop 4: Binalong Bay (1 night Binalong Bay or St Helens)
Continuing with the blue theme, your next stop—another of Tasmania’s social media stars—is the stunning Bay of Fires in North East Tasmania.
Known for its giant orange lichen-masked boulders, sapphire-coloured waters, and powder-white sand, this area has been named a trending travel destination by Lonely Planet. Stretching over 50 kilometres, the Bay of Fires conservation area spans from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north.
If you’re in the area for a night or just a day trip, Binalong Bay is the perfect base. The main beach here is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply unwinding in the sun.
For land-based activities, there are scenic coastal walks, and if you’re an avid photographer, don’t miss the iconic lone tree near Skeleton Bay Reserve.
Further north, make your way to The Gardens, taking the short drive from Binalong Bay. Along the way, you’ll find secluded beaches perfect for a quiet stop, with picturesque views from the lookout at the end of Gardens Road.
Whether you’re relaxing on the sand or exploring the coast, the Bay of Fires offers one of the most beautiful and tranquil stretches of Tasmania beaches.
Where to stay when visiting the Bay of Fires area
Camping – There are campsites located in the southern and northern sections of the Bay of Fires Conservation area.
Binalong Bay – Even though Binalong Bay is a small township you will find many comfortable holiday homes in the area. Click here to find all the accommodation options in Binalong Bay.
St Helens – Only 10 kilometres from Binalong Bay is the coastal town of St Helens. As the largest town on the northeast coast, there are many dining options along with ample accommodation here. Click here to find all the accommodation options in St Helens.
Don’t miss out on grabbing the free interactive map of the best 14 day Tasmania road trip itinerary
Stop 5: Launceston (2 nights)
In the morning, head west on one of two scenic driving routes that lead to Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city. Once you arrive, start your visit at City Park, a peaceful oasis spanning five hectares of beautifully manicured gardens.
Don’t miss the Japanese macaque enclosure, where you can visit the playful monkeys, or the John Hart Conservatory, home to a vibrant display of seasonal blooms.
While exploring the city, take a self-guided walking tour along one of three heritage trails, offering a chance to admire Launceston’s stunning colonial and Victorian architecture. It’s a perfect way to appreciate one of Australia’s most intact cityscapes.
Just a short drive north, you’ll find the Tamar Island Wetlands, a unique ecosystem teeming with diverse plant and animal life. Another must-see attraction just outside the city is Cataract Gorge, a natural wonder featuring walking trails, colourful gardens, a free outdoor swimming pool, and the world’s longest single-span chairlift.
Extending Your Journey: Add a Detour to Stanley
If you have an extra night to spare, consider taking a scenic detour before heading to Cradle Mountain. Travel through picturesque farmlands and charming historic towns until you reach Stanley, a coastal gem on Tasmania’s northwest coast.
The town is renowned for “The Nut”, a dramatic volcanic plug that rises 150 metres above the water, towering over the skyline. This iconic geological feature is a major draw for visitors. You can reach the summit either by hiking the steep trail or enjoying the ride up the chairlift, which soars 95 metres above the ground. At the top, be sure to have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking 360-degree views.
The drive from Launceston to Stanley takes about three hours, making it an ideal stop to break up your journey to Cradle Mountain.
Stop 6: Cradle Mountain (2 nights)
You’re past the halfway point of your 14 day Tasmania road trip adventure and you’re about to say farewell to the vineyards and farmlands for a while as you enter the rugged untamed west coast. With a landscape bathed in green, the West Coast of Tasmania will steal your heart with its pristine beauty and leave you in awe of its rich history.
Today, you’ll journey into the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, a stunning part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Within this ancient wilderness, you’ll find towering pines, dramatic mountains, serene lakes, and cascading waterfalls waiting to be explored.
One of the jewels in the park is Dove Lake – a glacial lake known for its breathtaking reflective waters. Take a few hours to walk the popular circuit around the lake, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, spend the day tackling some of the park’s renowned mountain hikes.
Be sure to explore the picturesque trails around Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, and keep an eye out for the resident wombats and wallabies that often roam the area.
Stay: For an unforgettable experience, I highly recommend Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge for accommodation. Its prime location makes it the perfect base for exploring the surrounding area, offering easy access to stunning short walks and being just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Dove Lake. The lodge combines comfort with convenience, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Optional Detour – Montezuma Falls
If you’re a waterfall enthusiast, Montezuma Falls is a must-see. On your way to Strahan, take a detour to witness Tasmania’s highest waterfall, plunging 104 metres into the lush rainforest below. The 3 to 3.5-hour return walk is relatively easy but be sure to wear wet weather shoes as the track can be muddy and damp.
As you journey through a rainforest filled with myrtle, sassafras, leatherwood, and towering tree ferns, you’ll be immersed in the tranquil surroundings. For those who don’t mind heights, a suspension bridge at the base of the falls offers stunning panoramic views of the waterfall and the surrounding valley.
Stop 7: Strahan (2 nights)
Your ultimate destination today is Strahan, a quaint harbour-side village nestled on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Strahan is known as the gateway to Franklin-Gordon Rivers National Park, which boasts ancient Huon Pines, dramatic mountain peaks, densely forested river banks and tannin-stained rivers. It is also here where you will learn the fascinating history of the convict and pioneer days with the park containing historic sites.
To fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Strahan, consider taking one (or both) of its signature experiences: a scenic boat cruise or a historic train ride. Both options provide the chance to get up close to the dramatic, untamed landscapes while learning about the area’s fascinating past.
Stop 8: Lake St Clair (1 night)
From Strahan, the road winds around dramatic mountains and through towns known for their rich mining history, cool temperatures, and attractive farmland.
Surrounded by an impressive mountain scene, Queenstown, the largest town on Tasmania’s west coast, is also a starting point for the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
A short drive past Queenstown leads you to the Iron Blow Lookout, where you can walk along a skywalk to enjoy a stunning bird’s-eye view of an open-cut mine. On a sunny day, the colours of the pit’s walls are beautifully highlighted by the sun’s rays.
Continuing on the Tasmanian road trip to Hobart the road leads through valleys and more mountains till you reach Lake St Clair, located at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake (167 metres). Take a self-guided walk around the lake with three short trails to explore, or experience the area from a different perspective by taking a ferry from Cynthia Bay.
As you leave Lake St Clair, make sure to stop by Derwent Bridge to visit The Wall in the Wilderness, a 100-metre Huon Pine art sculpture that pays homage to the history of the highlands. If hunger strikes, enjoy a meal at the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel or the Hungry Wombat Café.
With so much to see and explore along the way, consider spending the night near Derwent Bridge to break up the final leg of your road trip from Strahan to Hobart.
Where to stay at Lake St Clair
Pumphouse Point – If you are travelling without kids finish your road trip in style with a night at the Pumphouse Point – a boutique adults-only style accommodation.
An alternative option in the area is Lake St Clair Lodge.
Your unforgettable Tasmania road trip is nearly complete! With just 175km remaining (unless you choose to take the detour below), you’ll be heading back to where it all started—Hobart.
Optional Detour – Mount Field National Park
After leaving Lake St Clair, en route to Hobart you have the option of a detour to Mount Field National Park, or continuing to the city via the historic town of Hamilton on the A10.
Mount Field National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, offering a variety of walks for all fitness levels and picturesque waterfalls to explore. One of the park’s highlights is Russell Falls, one of Tasmania’s most photographed waterfalls.
Accessible to all abilities (including wheelchairs), this stunning waterfall is just a 20-minute return walk through lush Tasmanian rainforest, making it an unmissable stop.
Practical Information: Due to the mountainous terrain and winding roads, travel through certain areas of Tasmania can be slow. This is especially true when driving from Strahan to Hobart, so be sure to allow ample time if you have a flight to catch.
Do you have any questions about Tasmania? Let me know the places you plan to visit in the comments below.
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4 comments
Great article! It has reminded me of so many beautiful parts of Tassie that I visited as a child, having been born there – I took it for granted as a child but this article has inspired me to return with my family! Beautifully written Sharee!
Thank you very much Emily for your kind words! Tasmania is such a beautiful part of Australia and we feel fortunate to have been able to experience it on a couple of occasions. What an incredible trip to take with your family to show them where you lived as a child. I hope you have the opportunity to do that one day.
Thank you for sharing your Itinerary, we plan to travel to Tasmania, and maybe we will follow your itinerary. it looks great and worth it.
I am pleased to hear that you found the itinerary useful while researching your trip to Tasmania. It is a magical place and well worth visiting.