TESTED Tasmania Itinerary (7 Days) + FREE Map

Back when we didn’t have much time off work, we road-tripped Tasmania in just 7 days. And while it was tight, it was enough to completely win us over! We fell in love with Tassie right then. 

We’ve since come back and spent 2 months exploring properly. So this guide has the Tasmania itinerary we would do if we only had 7 days to explore. 

A week is the shortest amount of time we reckon you should spend here. Any less and you’ll have to stick to Hobart and its surroundings.

Now, this itinerary will take you around the island so you get a taste of Tasmania’s best coastal towns (Bicheno was a favourite), scenic hikes, historic sites, alpine lakes, and more.

But it’s not a “see it all” kind of itinerary. We rushed quite a bit the first time we went and it was not great. 

So we kept spots that are easy to fit into a week-long itinerary like Cradle Mountain, Bay of Fires, and Freycinet NP. 

But you’ll need to skip some iconic attractions like the Three Capes hike (2-3 days), Bruny Island (1-3 days), and Maria Island (1-3 days). Those are worth saving for next time!

We’ve laid out everything you need to make the most of your time, including where to stay each night, the stops worth pulling over for, and the hikes we’d do again in a heartbeat. 

There’s also a free downloadable map you can save to your Google Maps and use offline! It will be super handy, since signal drops out often.

We recognise the Traditional Owners of these lands, the Muwinina and Palawa peoples.

Day 1: Hobart to Port Arthur (1h 15m, 90km)

Leave Hobart early and stop by Sorell for supplies, there’s not much in the way of big supermarkets after this.

The scenery flips pretty quickly from city to wild coastline. It’s a good warm-up day, with plenty of epic views and nice hikes if you’re keen!

Here are some stops worth pulling over for:

• Port Arthur Historic Site. You can easily spend 2–3 hours there, it’s a beautiful waterfront spot with a painful past worth learning about. There are coffee shops and great views, too.
• Tessellated Pavement. Weird, tile-like rock patterns that look man-made but they’re not! You’ll see them at low tide. 
• Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen & Blowhole. All within a few minutes of each other. Short walks, big cliffs, and the kind of coastline that makes you feel tiny.
• Waterfall Bay Lookout. If you’re not up for a big hike, this one’s a breeze and the views are still top-notch. It’s 3.4km return, 1-1.5 hours.

We reckon everyone should see at least one cape while in Tassie (if you can of course), and the Cape Hauy Track is a solid pick if you’ve only got a day in the area. 

It’s about 4 hours return, 9.4km, and even though there are a lot of stairs, the views at the end are IN-CRE-DI-BLE! If you like hiking, you won’t regret it. 

Where to stay in Port Arthur

Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck both have a handful of good spots, but they book out fast in peak season, so don’t leave it too late! These are some we recommend:

• For camping, the site on Fortescue Bay is a top pick if you don’t mind basic facilities. It’s right in the thick of nature and next to the beach, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient.
• The NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park is another solid choice for cabins and powered sites. It’s clean, family-friendly, and close to the main attractions.
• The Port Arthur Motor Inn is a budget-friendly hotel right near the historic site. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s comfortable and you can walk to the ruins.
• The Lufra Beachside Hotel at Eaglehawk Neck is a bit pricier, but it’s right on the beach and the views are pretty hard to beat. Good spot if you want a bit more comfort.

Day 2: Port Arthur to Freycinet NP (3hr, 210km)

Today you’ll make your way to the iconic East Coast, starting with the beautiful Freycinet National Park. 

It’s mostly easy driving, but you’ll want to allow extra time for a few quick stops like:

• The Pirates Bay Lookout for a quick snap of the Tasman Peninsula. Takes five minutes and the view is unreal.
• Doo-Town for a laugh at all the punny house names (like “Doo Drop In” and “Doo Me”). It’s really silly but worth a stop!
• The Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is a solid stop if you’re travelling with kids. 

• Orford for lunch or a coffee break. It’s a chilled-out beachside spot, perfect for stretching your legs.
• Spiky Bridge, just before Swansea. It’s a weird old convict-built bridge with an epic coastline backdrop.

Aim to reach Freycinet by mid-arvo so you can do the short hike up to Wineglass Bay Lookout for sunset. 

It’s a 2.6km return walk with a bit of a climb (lots of steps), but the view is honestly one of the best we’ve seen in Australia! And if you’re feeling energetic, you can keep going down to the beach.

If you’ve got extra time, check out the Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk (easy 20-minute loop with big views). Or head to Friendly Beaches for a swim, no entry fee there and the sand is blindingly white.

Where to stay in Freycinet NP

You can stay in Coles Bay, a small but beautiful town with good cafés and shops. It’s the best spot to stay if you want to be close to everything, but it fills up quickly, especially in peak season.

Here are our recommendations:

• Wineglass Bay Campsite has the most amazing views! It’s for self-sufficient campers, there are only a couple of toilets. Last time we went it was first-come first-served, but looks like you can book through the visitor centre now. More info here. 
• Friendly Beaches camping is free and right by the water, but it’s first-come, first-served and gets busy in summer.  
• BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet is a handy option if you want powered sites or a cabin. It’s close to the shops and you can walk to the water in a few minutes.  
• Freycinet Lodge is inside the park and definitely a splurge, but you get comfy rooms and epic views. Good for a treat if you’re not on a tight budget.

Day 3: Freycinet NP to Bay of Fires (1h 45m, 125km)

Today’s drive isn’t long, but there’s heaps to see along the way, so don’t rush it! If you missed any of Freycinet’s beaches yesterday, squeeze in a quick swim or stroll before you hit the road.

Then head north and make your first stop in Bicheno. We always stop here for fish and chips and coffee! 

There’s heaps to do there too, like:

• Bicheno Blowhole. Just a quick walk from the centre of town. It’s especially impressive if the swell’s up, but you might get a bit wet if you stand too close.
• Redbill Beach. If you surf, this is your spot! And even if you don’t, it’s a nice place for a walk.
• Diamond Island. You can walk there at low tide, across the sandbar. It’s a really cool place but make sure to return before the high tide! We almost got stuck there LOL.
• Bicheno Penguin Tour. If you decide to stay overnight in Bicheno, you can book a guided tour to see the penguins up close! It’s a bit touristy, but the penguins are ridiculously cute.

If you don’t stay in Bicheno, keep heading north to Bay of Fires. 

The free camps there are some of the best not only in Tassie, but in Australia (in our opinion). But they fill up fast, so aim to arrive early arvo if you want a good spot.

Where to stay in the Bay of Fires

Definitely try camping there. The free campsites are right on the sand, and waking up to those views is unreal! Check out the official list of free sites here. 

They fill up fast in summer, so get in early if you want a spot!

If you want a few more creature comforts, these are some solid paid options nearby:

• BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park is a top pick for families, with all the usual facilities and just a short drive from the Bay of Fires.
• Bay of Fires Bush Retreat for stylish glamping close to the coast. Perfect if you want a bit of luxury but still want to feel close to nature.

Prefer a hotel? Head to Saint Helens, it’s the gateway to Bay of Fires. The Panorama Hotel is a solid choice if you want something a bit fancier, or go for Bayside Hotel if you’re watching your budget.

Day 4: Bay of Fires to Launceston (2h 15m, 180km)

Today you’re swapping the iconic east coast for Tassie’s countryside, heading inland to Launceston. It’s a big city, a bit smaller than Hobart, so you’ll be able to stock up. 

The drive winds through forests and farmland, so it’s a proper change of scenery.

Here are some epic places to stop on the way:

• St Columba Falls. It’s an easy walk through lush rainforest to one of Tassie’s tallest waterfalls. Bring a rain jacket, it’s usually misty.
• Bridestowe Lavender Estate if you’re there between December and early Feb. Beautiful photo spot! 

Derby is also on the way. It’s a small town that’s huge for mountain biking. 

We tried some of the MTB trails, Chris loved them and Bec was terrified LOL. But even if you’re not riding, the lakefront sauna is worth a look and the local cafés are surprisingly good!

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A post shared by Chris & Bec | Adventure Travel (@salt.and.charcoal)

If you’re into that, you might want to stay in Derby for a night before driving to Launceston. 

If not, then roll into Launceston and check out Cataract Gorge! It’s a public area with a pool and epic views over the lake. The chairlift is a bit pricey but fun, and the suspension bridge is a good spot for sunset.

If you’ve got extra time (or just love a wine), detour through the Tamar Valley for a tasting or two before settling in for the night.

Where to stay in Launceston

Launceston has plenty of options no matter what you’re working with budget-wise. Here are a few we reckon are worth a look:

• BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park is a good pick if you’re camping or want a cabin. It’s family-friendly and only a short drive from the city centre.  
• Leisure Inn Penny Royal is a solid mid-range choice. It’s central, has a bit of character, and you can walk to most things.  
• Peppers Silo Hotel is the splurge option. It’s literally built inside old grain silos! It’s perfect if you’re after something special.  
• The Dragonfly Inn is a quirky spot with a cosy vibe, especially for Gilmore Girls fans!

Day 5: Launceston to Cradle Mountain (2h 10m, 170km)

Today we recommend getting an early start as you’ll go to one of the most iconic attractions in Tasmania – Cradle Mountain. 

You’ll need to pay the National Park fee at the bottom (or grab a Tassie Parks Holiday Pass, which covers entry but not the shuttle). And pack layers, the weather here changes in a flash!

Here’s what we reckon you should do once you’re in the park to make the most of your limited time:

• Dove Lake Circuit. This is an easy-moderate 2-3 hour loop (6km) with epic views over the lake and the mountain. It’s absolutely gorgeous. 
• Marion’s Lookout. If you’re up for a half-day hike, this one’s our top pick. You get an epic view of Cradle Mountain! It’s ~7km (3 hours) and you can combine it with Dove Lake for a longer hike. 

A few things to know about Cradle Mountain before you go:

• The full summit hike is a full-day thing (8-10 hours long and very challenging) so we don’t recommend doing it on the same day you’re driving to or from Cradle Mountain
• If you’re keen on the summit, stay another night and do it on Day 6. Then drive back to Hobart on Day 7, skipping the west coast. 

• You can’t drive to the walking tracks during the day, you must take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre. It runs several times each day (not included in your parks pass).
• The shuttle stops at all the main walking tracks and takes about 20 minutes one way.
• You can only drive your car up before 7am or after 5pm, but parking is tiny (9 spots plus one for disability). Motorhomes can’t drive up at all.

Where to stay in Cradle Mountain

Accommodation around Cradle Mountain is limited and fills up fast, so you’ll want to book early. 

Most places are either inside the park or just outside the entrance, and prices are a bit steeper than your average Tassie stop. You’re paying for the location after all:

• Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain has decent mid-range cabins and powered sites. It’s handy for self-catering and you’re close to the park entrance.  
• Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is the splurge option, with a spa, restaurant, and cosy lounges. It’s right on the edge of the park, so you can roll out of bed and hit the trails.  
• Waldheim Cabins are run by the park and are pretty basic, but perfect if you’re here to hike and don’t mind basic accommodation. You’ll need to bring your own bedding and food, but you’re right in the thick of it.

Day 6: Cradle Mountain to Strahan (3h, 150km)

Today, you’ll head to Tassie’s wild west coast, with its thick rainforests, wild beaches, and windy roads.

The drive today might not look long, but it’s full of bends and narrow bits. So don’t believe Google Maps if it says you’ll be in Strahan in 2 hours! Add an extra hour or two. 

Here are some stops worth pulling over for:

• Zeehan. This old mining town is a bit faded but the heritage centre is worth a look if you’re into history or need a break from the car.
• Henty Dunes. Massive sand dunes a short drive from Strahan. You can hire a sandboard or just climb up for the views (prepare for sand everywhere!).
• Ocean Beach. Tassie’s longest beach, wild and windy. It’s a good spot for a walk, driving on the beach, or to catch sunset, but swimming’s not really on the cards (rough surf).

Once in Strahan, you’ll see it’s a tiny harbour town with a lot of charm. It’s got a few good bakeries and is the jumping-off point for river cruises!

Here are some cool things to do while in Strahan:

• Hogarth Falls. An easy, 40-minute (2.4 km) return rainforest track starting from People’s Park. Good one for stretching your legs after the drive and seeing some beautiful sights.
• Gordon River Cruise. This is one of the best things to do on Tassie’s west coast. The cruises take you along the river and stop at Sarah Island, a former penal colony. The cruises run half or full day, book ahead if you can, and bring a jacket, it gets chilly on deck! Check here for availability and costs. 

Where to stay in Strahan

Strahan’s a small spot, so you won’t be overwhelmed with choices, but what’s there is pretty good. Most places are close to the harbour, which is handy for walks and grabbing a meal.

These are our recommendations:

• Strahan Beach Tourist Park is a solid pick if you’re camping or in a van. It’s got roomy sites and you can stroll to the water in a couple of minutes.  
• BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat is another camping option, with cabins if you want a bit more comfort. The park’s leafy and quiet, and there’s a creek running through it.  
• Strahan Backpackers is your best bet if you’re watching your wallet. It’s basic but clean, and you’ll meet plenty of other travellers in the hostel kitchen!
• Strahan Village is the fancy one in town. The rooms are modern, some have cracking harbour views, and the restaurant does a decent dinner if you don’t feel like cooking.

Day 7: Strahan to Hobart (5h, 300km)

This is the longest drive of the trip, and it’s a winding one so plan a few breaks. The roads twist through the mountains, so pack snacks and don’t rush it.

Here’s where we reckon you should stop along the way:

• Queenstown, grab a coffee and prepare for the wild “99 Bends” road. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but the views are unreal especially if you have a drone!
• Nelson Falls, a quick rainforest walk, only about 20 minutes return (1.4 km). Lush, green, and worth stretching your legs for.  
• Lake St Clair, the deepest lake in the country, and a top spot for a picnic or just to chill by the water.  
• Mount Field National Park, we LOVED it but it will add 2-3 hours to your drive back, so keep that in mind. If you go, don’t skip Russell Falls and the Tall Trees Walk! We did it as a day-trip from Hobart. 

If the drive feels too much, you can always break it up with an overnight near Mount Field. It’s a good way to dodge the fatigue and squeeze in more nature!

Once in Hobart, here are some things you can do there and around if you’re keen:

• MONA. The Museum of Old and New Art is wild, weird, and worth it in our opinion. Give yourself a few hours, here’s a cool tour that includes entry ticket and ferry ride.   
• Mount Wellington. Head up for sunrise or sunset! You can drive or hike, but it gets freezing up top even in summer, so bring a jacket.  
• Cockle Creek. An excellent day trip from Hobart! We loved camping there so definitely add that to your Tassie bucket list. It’s the southernmost point you can reach in Australia, great camping and the best spot to see the aurora australis.
• Bruny Island. We love Bruny, it’s a beautiful place with the BEST oysters we’ve ever had. It’s best done as a 2-3 day road trip, but a full day can be enough for a taste. If you don’t want to drive, there are full-day tours to Bruny Island from Hobart, like this one. 

Cool tours of Tassie if you’re keen:

Planning your Tasmania road trip (7 days)

How to get to Tasmania

Most people either fly into Hobart or Launceston, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport to bring their own car or caravan.

Once in Tassie, a car is pretty much essential. Public transport is very limited and doesn’t get you to the good spots. 

A regular car is fine as most places are on sealed roads. So, unless you’re chasing a remote campsite or off-grid adventure, you don’t need a 4WD.

Now, if you’re hiring a car, double-check the rental company’s rules. Some don’t let you take their vehicles on the ferry!

We like to check in Booking’s car rental and Discover Cars to find the best car rentals for our dates. We check on both and grab the one with the best deals.

Moving around Tassie

You’ll need a park pass to enter any national park in Tassie. 

The best value for this road trip is the Holiday Pass, it covers all the parks including Cradle Mountain. The only exclusion is the Cradle Mountain shuttle. More info here!

Don’t leave it till the last minute to fill up your tank. Plan your fuel stops, some stations can shut as early as 5pm! There are some in big towns that are 24 hours, but it’s not the norm.

And remember that things run a bit slower here. Most shops shut by 7 or 7:30pm, so plan your food stops as well.

Keep in mind that Tasmanian roads can be narrow, winding, and steep, especially on the west coast. So don’t trust Google’s drive times, always add a bit extra. 

In winter (and sometimes spring), highland roads can get icy or even snowed in, so check conditions before you head out.

What to pack?

Tassie’s weather is famous for being all over the place, you can have four seasons in one day! Even in summer, you can have hail, wild winds, sideways rain, and mud.

So if you’re hiking (especially big ones like Cradle Mountain), pack:

• A waterproof jacket with a hood and storm front
• Waterproof over trousers
• Sturdy walking boots
• Warm layers, i.e. fleece or wool jumper, thermal base layers
• Hat and gloves (yes, even in summer)

For non-hikers, you’ll still want:

• A decent rain jacket
• Layers you can add or peel off
• Comfy shoes for wandering around towns or short walks

But don’t stress if you forget something. Tassie’s full of outdoor shops, so you can grab any gear you missed! 

Just don’t underestimate how quickly the weather can turn, especially up in the mountains.

Camping in Tasmania

Camping in Tassie is honestly a treat. It’s one of the easiest places to roll up and spend the night without blowing your budget.

Plus, there’s loads of pubs that let you camp in their car park if you grab a meal or a drink! Some rec clubs even open up their grounds (including golf courses) for campers, and you’ll find a few spots for as little as $5 a night.

If you’re travelling with a van or tent, you’ll find Tassie is super welcoming. Just check the rules at each spot and always leave it tidy for the next lot.

Best time to visit Tasmania

Honestly, there’s no bad time to visit Tassie. It just depends on what you’re chasing.

Summer (December to February) is the peak season. The beaches are at their best, the lavender fields are going off, but it can get crowded, so book ahead and expect prices to jump.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are top picks for hiking. Spring brings tulips in bloom, while autumn puts on the “turning of the fagus”, where whole hillsides light up in gold and orange.

Winter (June to August) is underrated in our opinion. It’s prime oyster season, and it’s the best time to see the aurora australis! Just be ready for snow on the roads and take it slow, Tassie’s bends aren’t forgiving.

Top Tips

Sundays are quiet. Some servos don’t open till 10 AM, and some stores take the day off. So it’s best to plan your food and fuel before the weekend.

Also, roads may look short on a map but they’re very twisty. A 200 km drive can take +3 hours easily, so always assume it’s going to take longer than what Google Maps tells you.

Fill up often, too. Rural servos sometimes shut early or run out of fuel on long weekends. If you hit half a tank, just top up (especially on the west coast).

You’ll lose reception in big chunks of the island. There’s no signal at Cradle Mountain, Cockle Creek, or half the west coast. Download offline maps before leaving Hobart or Launceston.

And don’t underestimate how wild Tassie weather can be. You can start the day in a T-shirt and end it in a rain jacket and beanie. Even in summer, pack warm layers, dry socks, and a proper waterproof jacket.

Did you know?

• Tasmania’s Aboriginal people have called this island home for at least 40,000 years, long before the Bass Strait turned it into an island.
• The air here isn’t just fresh, it’s officially some of the cleanest you’ll find anywhere on the planet.
• Huon Pines have been quietly growing for over 2,000 years down in southwest Tasmania. Some of these ancient trees were already old when the Romans were building roads!

FAQs

Ready to spend a week in Tassie?

Now that you’ve got your Tassie itinerary sorted, it’s time to lock in the practical stuff! Here are the road trip essentials for this particular itinerary, so you can keep things smooth and affordable:

• Car rentals: Booking’s car rental and Discover Cars both let you pick up in Hobart or Launceston. Compare both for your dates and grab the best one, prices can jump around.
• Accommodation: Free camping is honestly the best value and there’s heaps of options. But if you want a hotel or holiday park, we recommend checking in Booking.com as it has the most variety. Airbnb’s got some nice stays too.
• Tours: There are some pretty cool tours all over Tassie to mix things up! We like to check in Viator, love the variety and their reviews from other travellers. Check them out here! 
• Ferry Booking: Book your Spirit of Tasmania ferry early, car spots go quick, especially in peak season.
• National Park Entry: You need one for all the National Parks in Tassie. We recommend the holiday pass, grab it here. Just remember, Cradle Mountain’s shuttle isn’t included, you’ll pay for that when you get there.
• Aurora App: Download the Aurora Map app for the best chances to see the southern lights while you’re there!