Tasmania feels like it’s from a different planet — an island where wild forests meet craggy coastlines, historic villages sit under snow-dusted peaks, and the air feels fresher than anywhere else on Earth. Compact yet wildly diverse, Tasmania is perfect for a looping road trip, with dramatic drives, wildlife encounters, and a food scene that punches way above its weight.

Expect to fall in love with empty beaches, convict-era history, and Pinot Noir vineyards. Bring your hiking boots, your appetite, and a full tank — this is Australia’s best kept secret.

Stops Along Your Tasmania Road Trip

Hobart – Culture & Coastline in the Capital

Hobart is a city where history and hipster cool collide. Nestled beneath the mighty kunanyi / Mount Wellington, this harbor town has reinvented itself with art, seafood, and small-batch spirits. Spend time exploring its heritage streets, modern galleries, and waterfront dining — all with stunning views of the River Derwent.

Recommended Stay: 2–3 days

Sights

• MONA (Museum of Old and New Art): A provocative underground art museum where installations range from ancient mummies to avant-garde sculptures. Take the ferry for dramatic arrival views.
• Salamanca Place & Market: Stroll the historic sandstone warehouses, then dive into Saturday’s market for local crafts, produce, and street eats.
• Mount Wellington Summit: Drive or hike to the peak for panoramic views of Hobart and beyond, with boardwalks across the alpine plateau.
• Battery Point: Wander through this charming 19th-century neighborhood, with cobblestone lanes, quaint cottages, and great coffee at Jackman & McRoss bakery.
• Cascade Brewery: Australia’s oldest brewery, set in a storybook Gothic building, offers tastings and tours, plus lush heritage gardens.

Freycinet Peninsula – Beaches & Pink Granite Peaks

Heading northeast, Freycinet National Park delivers dramatic coastlines, wineglass-shaped bays, and stunning pink granite mountains. It’s Tasmania’s most iconic landscape, and it feels even better in person than in photos.

Recommended Stay: 2 days

Sights

• Wineglass Bay Lookout: Hike up for unbeatable views of the white-sand curve and turquoise waters, framed by the Hazards mountains.
• Honeymoon Bay: A small, tranquil bay with crystal-clear water and pink granite boulders, perfect for a quiet picnic.
• Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk: A short, easy loop offering clifftop panoramas over the Freycinet coast and Schouten Island.
• Hazards Beach: Less crowded than Wineglass Bay, this peaceful beach boasts golden sands and rugged bush surroundings.
• Freycinet Marine Farm: Feast on freshly shucked oysters and mussels, harvested just meters away in pristine local waters.

Bay of Fires – Fiery Rocks & Untamed Beaches

Further up Tasmania’s east coast lies the Bay of Fires, named for the orange-hued lichen covering granite boulders along the beaches. Stretching 50 kilometers, it’s a wild and remote spot where turquoise water meets bone-white sand.

Recommended Stay: 1–2 days

Sights

• Binalong Bay: The gateway to Bay of Fires, this beach has calm waters for swimming and endless coastal views.
• The Gardens: Drive along this stretch for the most dramatic lichen-covered rocks and secluded coves. Stop for beachcombing or just soaking in the views.
• Eddystone Point Lighthouse: A rugged lighthouse built in 1889, standing tall over wave-lashed cliffs and sweeping beaches.
• Jeanneret Beach: A hidden, serene spot for an afternoon of reading, snorkeling, or beachcombing in solitude.
• Bay of Fires Eco Tours: Hop aboard for a sea safari to spot dolphins, seals, and sea birds along the dramatic coastline.

Launceston – Vineyards & Victorian Elegance

Tasmania’s second city, Launceston is a delightful blend of history, food culture, and river views. It's also your gateway to the Tamar Valley wine region, renowned for cool-climate varietals.

Recommended Stay: 1–2 days

Sights

• Cataract Gorge Reserve: Walk across the world’s longest single-span chairlift or hike the riverside trails past rock pools and bushland.
• Harvest Market: Every Saturday, this bustling market overflows with Tasmanian cheese, berries, sourdough, and fresh-caught seafood.
• Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery: A fascinating dual-site museum, with colonial artifacts, science exhibits, and rotating contemporary art.
• Josef Chromy Wines: Just outside the city, this award-winning winery offers tastings of their famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
• Penny Royal Adventures: A historic precinct turned adventure park, with boat rides, rock climbing, and ghost tours of convict history.

Cradle Mountain – Alpine Wilderness & Wildlife

Drive west into Tasmania’s most famous national park, home to rugged peaks, glacial lakes, and a good chance of seeing wombats and Tasmanian devils in the wild.

Recommended Stay: 2 days

Sights

• Dove Lake Circuit: A stunning 2-hour loop around a glacial lake, beneath the dramatic spires of Cradle Mountain.
• Enchanted Walk: An easy trail through mossy rainforest and along bubbling creeks, perfect for spotting wombats.
• Cradle Mountain Canyons: For adrenaline junkies, try abseiling and canyoning through hidden gorges and waterfalls.
• Devils@Cradle: Visit this conservation sanctuary to see Tasmanian devils up close, and learn about species recovery efforts.
• Waldheim Chalet: Explore the historic hut of Gustav Weindorfer, one of the park’s founding conservationists.

Strahan – Gateway to the Wild West Coast

Strahan, on Tasmania’s remote west coast, feels like a frontier town set against a backdrop of forests and wild rivers. It's a launching point for exploring the Gordon River wilderness and the rugged coast.

Recommended Stay: 1–2 days

Sights

• Gordon River Cruise: Drift through mirror-still waters, flanked by ancient Huon pines and temperate rainforest.
• Ocean Beach: Stand on the edge of the world, with roaring Southern Ocean waves and windswept sands stretching to the horizon.
• Henty Dunes: Climb these massive dunes for panoramic views over the coastline and forests, or try sandboarding!
• Sarah Island: Take a guided tour of Tasmania’s oldest convict settlement, full of dark stories and dramatic scenery.
• West Coast Wilderness Railway: Ride a historic steam train through steep gorges and rainforest, reliving the era of wild west mining.

Getting There

• By Air: Fly into Hobart or Launceston from mainland Australia. Both airports have car rental facilities for your road trip.
• By Ferry: The Spirit of Tasmania ferry sails from Melbourne to Devonport (northern Tasmania), great if you want to bring your own car.
• By Car: Essential! Tasmania’s best spots are connected by scenic drives. Distances are short, but winding—allow time to enjoy.
• By Tour: Guided tours are available, but self-driving gives you the freedom to explore Tasmania at your own pace.

Good to Know

• Weather: Tasmania’s weather changes fast! Layer up, pack rain gear, and expect all seasons in one day.
• Wildlife: Wallabies and wombats often cross roads at dawn and dusk—drive carefully.
• Park Pass: Tasmania’s national parks require a visitor pass, available online or at park entrances.
• Fuel: Fuel stations can be sparse in remote areas. Fill up whenever you can.
• Connectivity: Expect patchy mobile signal in national parks and remote coastal areas. Download offline maps.

Best Time to Travel

Tasmania shines in all seasons, but your trip’s vibe depends on timing:

• Summer (December–February): Peak travel season, warmer weather, long days, and buzzing beach towns.
• Autumn (March–May): Stunning fall foliage in national parks and perfect weather for hiking and wine tasting.
• Winter (June–August): Snow-dusted peaks, quiet trails, and cozy evenings by roaring fires.
• Spring (September–November): Wildflowers bloom, wildlife is active, and fewer tourists make it a great shoulder season choice.

For Foodies

• Barilla Bay Oysters (near Hobart): Slurp some of Tasmania’s freshest oysters with water views.
• Stillwater (Launceston): A riverside fine-dining spot in a converted flour mill, serving local produce-driven menus.
• Devils Corner Cellar Door (East Coast): Wine and wood-fired pizzas with a coastal vineyard backdrop.
• Daci & Daci Bakers (Hobart): Treat yourself to French-inspired pastries and pies, perfect for a road trip snack stash.
• Strahan Village Seafood Buffet: Feast on fresh Tasmanian seafood overlooking the harbour. Don’t miss the local crayfish!

Tasmania is like Australia’s wild little sibling: untamed, underrated, and absolutely unforgettable. With its perfect road trip size, winding coastal routes, and scenery that flips between alpine wilderness and sun-drenched shores, every day feels like a new adventure. Whether you’re tasting cool-climate wines, hiking to remote lookouts, or watching wombats waddle past your campsite, Tasmania has a way of getting under your skin—in the very best way.

So fill the tank, cue the playlist, and set off on one of the greatest island road trips you’ll ever take. 🚙🌿🌊