Terrific Tasmania 10-Day Road Trip Itinerary

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When planning a road trip around Australia, there are so many great options to choose from, but none quite compare to exploring Tasmania by motorhome. Tasmania, Australia's smallest and southernmost state, is a glorious wonderland of rugged mountains, alpine lakes, rainforests, white sandy beaches and rolling hills. If you've never been to Tasmania, then you're in for a treat. Though there are so many incredible things to do in Tasmania, we have narrowed it down to the very best things to do with this jam-packed 10-day road trip itinerary. Let’s dive in.

Travel

10 days


Route

Hobart to Hobart

1391km


Best Time of the Year

Any time

Highlights

  • Maria Island
  • Freycinet National Park
  • Binalong Bay
  • The Nut

The Journey

Days

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Day 1
Hobart to Port Arthur

Distance 93km - Driving Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Begin your trip by picking up your camper from maui Hobart. Hobart is Tasmania’s largest city, so there are plenty of shops to stock up your campervan kitchen for the trip. Once your camper is stocked, head south towards Tasman National Park to Devils Kitchen - an enormous rock formation carved over thousands of years by wind and water erosion.

Carry on a little further south towards Port Arthur – one of Australia's most significant historical sites. This is one of the best heritage destinations to learn about Australia’s convict past. Aside from its colourful history, this town is known for its stunning geological formations at Remarkable Cave and the fragrant fields of the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Both are a must-do on a Tasmania road trip.

Where to stay when you arrive: NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park.

Tourism Tasmania Visual Library

Day 2
Port Arthur to Maria Island

Distance 58km - Driving Time 2 hours

Begin the morning with the drive toward Maria Island. This island, just off the coast of Tasmania, is home to hundreds of species of native birds and a rich Aboriginal history. This is the perfect way to experience the beauty of Tasmania without the crowds.

To get to Maria Island, you’ll have to use the Encounter Maria Island ferry service. After parking your motorhome at the Triabunna wharf and making your way over, there are plenty of things to do on Maria Island. Here you can go diving, fishing or hiking through the lush forests. Some of the top hikes include the Reservoir Circuit or the Bishop and Clerk Trail.

Where to stay when you arrive: Camp behind the sand dunes at Darlington or book a room at the old penitentiary building at Darlington

Tourism Tasmania Visual Library

Day 3
Maria Island to Freycinet National Park

Distance 64km - Driving Time 2 hours

Enjoy a final morning of exploring this beautiful island by enjoying a final hike or swim, and then make your way back to the ferry. Once back on land with your campervan, it's time to continue driving north towards Freycinet National Park. This park is home to one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views - Wineglass Bay. This is one of New Zealand's most photographed beaches—and it's easy to see why! With white sand dunes cascading down onto crystal clear waters, this beach is perfect for swimming or simply marvelling from above. Some of the top things to do in this park include bushwalking and swimming at Wineglass Bay.

If you are looking for something a little more off the beaten path, go on a guided kayak tour with Freycinet Adventures to enjoy a unique vantage point of this iconic location.

Where to stay when you arrive: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park

Day 4
Freycinet National Park to Bay of Fires

Distance 141km - Driving Time 2 hours

Today’s drive is arguably one of the most scenic of the trip. Winding along the coastline, it would be a shame to miss a stop at Binalong Bay to go for a quick dip. The water is calm and the beach is beautiful. If you prefer a more active day on the water, drive a little further north up to Ansons Bay and kayak along the coast.

After that, take a short drive up to Eddystone Point Lighthouse, where you can get some amazing views of the Tasman Peninsula—one of Tasmania’s most iconic landscapes. Then, drive back down the coast to the campground in St Helens for the night.

Where to stay when you arrive: BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park.

Tourism Tasmania Visual Library

Day 5
Bay of Fires to Launceston

Distance 192km - Driving Time 2 hours 40 minutes

Start the morning with a trip to the ocean at the infamous Bay of Fires. Spend a few hours exploring its pristine beaches and curiously orange-speckled rocks. Then, when you have had your ocean fix, begin the winding journey inland toward Launceston.

Launceston is Tasmania’s second-largest city and home to a number of top Australian attractions. Your first stop in town is to visit Cataract Gorge and stroll through it on foot or take an exhilarating cable car ride over the river. Then, stop by the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery for a snapshot into Tasmanian art, history and natural science exhibits.

If you are a big golf fan, don’t miss the chance to take a detour to Barnbougle in Bridport - one of the top golf courses in Australia. Alternatively, if you want a fun and unique way to spend your evening, why not drive north and join a Low Head Penguin Colony Tour? Here you'll embark on a tour of this famous penguin colony before heading back to your campsite in Launceston.

Where to stay when you arrive: BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park.

Day 6
Launceston to Stanley

Distance 214km - Driving Time 2 hours 50 minutes

Stanley is a picturesque and historic seaside town best known for its museums and galleries and jutting volcano plug – The Nut. There is no better way to begin a day in Stanley than to kick things off with a walk up the remains of the ancient volcanic plug referred to as ‘The Nut’. If you can handle the climb and want to get really close to nature, you can choose to hike to the summit. Alternatively, you can take a chairlift up the steep 143-metre climb to the summit, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll circumnavigating The Nut, all while soaking up the spectacular panoramic views of Bass Strait.

Afterwards, head to the visitor centre to get your guide for the Stanley Heritage Walk, and spend the afternoon exploring the historical past of this seaside village. After a long day of exploring, head down towards Godfrey’s Beach. Here you can quietly watch penguins congregate in their hundreds every day —and even more so during breeding season from September to March. Just be sure to avoid using flashlights so the fairy penguins don't become disorientated.

Where to stay when you arrive: Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park.

Day 7
Stanley to Cradle Mountain

Distance 183km - Driving Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Today you will trade the scenic ocean views of Stanley for the rugged beauty of the Cradle-Mountain- Lake St. Clair National Park. Exploring this area is easy with the Lake St Clair World Heritage Cruise. Stopping off at places like Echo Point, Mt. Ida, and the Narcissus Wetlands is truly the best way to experience these sleeping waters. After a big day of exploring, you can choose to relax at the Waldheim Alpine Spa or visit the wildlife sanctuary at Devils@Cradle. Here you will have the opportunity to learn more about Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies and other native animals that call this sanctuary home.

Where to stay when you arrive: Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain

Tourism Tasmania Visual Library

Day 8
Cradle Mountain to Strahan

Distance 145km - Driving Time 2 hours

Today it's time to put on your best hiking shoes and explore Cradle Mountain National Park—a land filled with endless mountains, rainforests, rivers and stunning lakes to explore. Once you’re done, drive south towards the wild coastal town of Strahan.

The first stop when you arrive in Strahan is to join a Gordon River Cruise. This tour guides you through the Gordon River, which runs through one of Australia's most pristine wilderness areas. On your trip downriver, you can take in views of golden eucalyptus trees and waterfalls tumbling over moss-covered granite boulders and get a taste of the wild side of Tasmania. When you’re back on land, you can choose to take an easy walk through the rainforest and stand on top of a waterfall at Hogarth Falls or simply kick back and relax on Ocean Beach before returning to your motorhome for dinner.

Where to stay when you arrive: BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat.

Tourism Tasmania Visual Library

Day 9
Strahan to Hobart

Distance 301km - Driving Time 4 hours 20 minutes

Today you begin the journey back towards Hobart, but not without a stop at Mount Field National Park. Here you can check out Russell Falls – Tasmania’s favourite waterfall. From there, it's time to make your way south towards the final destination on this epic 10-day itinerary: Hobart. Dive into the culture of this southern city with a visit to the unique museum MONA. If you want something different, this museum is definitely worth checking out—it has multiple exhibitions on display at any given time – each an eclectic and out-of-the-box experience.

Then, end the day with an authentic Italian meal from Ti Ama Pizza Bar & Ristorante! They've got great pizzas here with all sorts of traditional toppings and an inviting cocktail menu.

Where to stay when you arrive: BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park.

Tourism Tasmania Visual Library

Day 10
Hobart

Welcome to your final day in Hobart! Spend your time exploring the rest of what Hobart has to offer. Start the morning by kicking back at Cascades Brewery and grabbing a pint or two of their famous beer. Next, head over to the highest point in Hobart: Mt Wellington. This iconic lookout point is the perfect place to get an aerial view of the city and its surrounding areas.

Once you’re done checking out the views from up high, head south towards Coal River Farm for lunch. This eatery serves farm-to-table cuisine that showcases Tasmanian produce with a modern twist. After eating your fill, take a relaxing walk through town and then drop your motorhome off at maui Hobart.

Ready for an incredible road trip around Tasmania?

There are plenty of reasons to travel Australia by motorhome, and even more for travelling the wild southern state of Tasmania. From Hobart city centre to Cradle Mountain national park – there are so many places to explore that you could easily spend weeks here without running out of things to do!

Ready for an incredible road trip around Tasmania? Book your maui campervan online and then pick it up from your nearest maui branch to begin your adventure. For more tips for a campervan trip in Australia, gourmet routes through Tasmania, as well as what is included in your motorhome, what to pack, as well as our top tips on where to stay during your campervan trip, check out the maui blog.