12 Day Discover Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to Hobart, the capital of the Apple Isle!

Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. From the bustling waterfront of Salamanca Place to the historic houses of quaint Battery Point, Hobart is a gorgeous place to wander and get lost in.

Take a bus to the summit of Mount Wellington for panoramic views over the city, or board a ferry at Brooke Street Pier and sail upstream to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).

You won't be short of delicious dining options this evening: Hobart has fast become one of Australia's top gourmet hotspots, thanks to its amazing local produce.

Accommodation: Hobart - 2 nights (or similar)

Self Guided Day Tour of Bruny Island

Remote enough to make you think you’re hours into the countryside, but only 40 minutes (and a 20-minute ferry ride) from Hobart’s city streets, Bruny Island is a beautiful place to escape to without leaving civilisation behind. Bruny Island is a treasure trove of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, talented local producers, and captivating history. Bruny makes a special day trip. There are many ferries sailings, starting at 0630 and at peak times run every half hour.  

Things to do

• Indulge in good eats and spirits around the island.
• Explore the local shops and stock up on supplies for the day.
• Enjoy the views of the Derwent River and Storm Bay.
• Learn a bit of history at The Bruny Island Bligh Museum.
• Take in the view at Cloudy Bay Lagoon and Bruny Island Lighthouse.

Wildlife: Bruny Island is home to fur seals, fairy penguins, albatross, wedge-tailed eagles, white wallabies and many endemic species.

Approximate Distance Hobart to Kettering: 33 km | 21 miles   Total Driving Time: 40 minutes each way

If you thought Tasmania couldn't get any more beautiful, Freycinet National Park will prove you wrong. Against a backdrop of pink granite mountains, you'll discover secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife, and incredible walking trails.

Wineglass Bay is the jewel in Freycinet's crown. Nestled at the foot of the forest-covered mountains, you'll see a crescent of white sand bordering the emerald waters of the bay. Admire it from the Wineglass Bay lookout point or grab a picnic and hike down to one of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen (2.5hrs return).

Suggested Activity: Bicheno Penguin Tour (30 mins from Freycinet)

At night begins to fall, see Little Blue Penguins return to their burrows on a twilight guided penguin tour. This is a rare and thrilling chance to get very close to the world's smallest penguins in a private rookery. Watch as they emerge from the ocean after a hard day of fishing and head home for the night

Approximate Distance: 192 km | 119 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 32 mins

Accommodation: Freycinet National Park - 2 Nights (or similar)

Freycinet National Park consists of knuckles of granite mountains all but surrounded by azure bays and white sand beaches. The dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park. The National Park offers a wide variety of activities.

Take a walk to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay or try less strenuous activities like beach strolls, swimming, or wildlife spotting. Pink granite mountains, white sand beaches, grey-green casuarinas, seawater blue as sapphire - they're the colours of the Freycinet Peninsula, a premiere holiday destination with Abundant Tasmanian wildlife and pristine beaches including a rich colonial history with cool-climate Tasmanian wines and fine local produce; all yours to enjoy on your holiday at Freycinet.

Excursions available around Freycinet National Park:

Journey today in search of pristine white beaches in the beautiful Bay of Fires. The region gained its name in 1773 when Captain Tobias Furneaux spotted an abundance of Aboriginal fires along the shore, but it's also appropriate for the flame-coloured, orange lichen striped across the rocks.

Crowned as one of the hottest travel destinations in the world by Lonely Planet, the Bay stretches for 50km: you're guaranteed to find your own secluded piece of paradise here.

Approximate Distance: 130 km | 80 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 49 mins

Accommodation: St Helens - 1 Night (or similar)

Tasmania's second city is your next port of call. One of Australia's oldest cities, charm-filled Launceston is a boutique riverside town with Colonial and Victorian heritage buildings in abundance.

Explore Launceston

One of Australia's oldest cities: charm-filled Launceston is a boutique riverside town with Colonial and Victorian heritage buildings in abundance. Located at the head of the picturesque Tamar Valley, Launceston's beautiful attractions include the spectacular Cataract Gorge Reserve and beautiful parks & gardens.

Settle in with a stroll along the waterfront, perhaps head out to the Tamar Valley region for a taste of Tasmania’s fine wines or take a short walk to the wild and beautiful Cataract Gorge, just 15 minutes from town.

Approximate Distance: 191 km | 118 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 33 mins

Accommodation: Launceston - 1 Night

After a leisurely morning in Launceston, enjoy the scenic drive to Cradle Mountain National Park.

Home to the world-famous Overland Track and iconic Cradle Mountain this pristine area is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park is one of the state's most special places, where ancient pines fringe glacial lakes and icy streams cascade down rugged mountains.

The vegetation is rich and diverse including grassland, rainforest, and many ancient plants such as the long-lived and endemic King Billy pine and the unusual native deciduous beech. The park also provides a rich habitat for wildlife, including tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, and several bird species.

Approximate Distance: 141 km | 90 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 55 mins

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 2 nights

Cradle Mountain National Park is arguably one of the prettiest National Parks in Australia. With alpine wilderness, abundant native wildlife and a huge variety of walking trails to choose from you'll love exploring this peaceful haven.

The gentle Dove Lake Circuit takes around 2 hours with amazing mountain views. Or you try the climb to Marion’s Lookout if you feel energetic. It's ridiculously steep but the lake & mountain views from the top are a worthy reward.

If hiking isn't your thing, there are endless ways to explore the area: try a scenic flight, horse treks, canyoning adventure, or a wildlife-spotting walk to name but a few!

Witness the breathtaking scenery and tranquillity of this World Heritage-listed wilderness on a premium Gordon River Cruise.

Gordon River Cruise

Your cruise begins by passing through notorious Hell's Gate and across Macquarie Harbour to the Gordon River. Stop for a taste of delicious fresh fish at a local salmon farm on the way.

Disembarking at Heritage Landing, you'll take a guided walk through the temperate rainforest on elevated boardwalks that thread their way between the magnificent rainforest species.

Explore the ruins of Sarah Island's dreaded penal colony and return to Strahan.

Approximate Distance: 138 km | 88 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Strahan - 1 Night (or similar)

Make your way back to Hobart to return your rental car and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Explore the city centre, visit the historic Cascade Brewery for lunch and a tasting paddle at the foot of Mount Wellington, stroll the charming old streets of Battery Point or catch up on any highlights you didn't fit in on Day One.

Sampling a drop of native Tasmanian whiskey is recommended: in 2014 it won the Best Single Malt In The World, which had never been awarded outside of Scotland or Japan!

Approximate Distance: 300 km | 186 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 21 mins

Accommodation: Hobart - 2 Nights (or similar)

Let someone do the driving for you today, with an early start from Hobart you'll head to the Tasman Peninsula, home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Enjoy panoramic views from Pirates Bay Lookout and the short but spectacular Waterfall Bay Clifftop Track.

Meet the Tasmanian Devils

Next stop is the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo to witness the startling sight of Tasmanian Devils feeding (table manners are not their strong point). Hand-feed the native wallabies and walk amongst the local fauna and flora in the charming “Unzoo” setting.

Port Arthur: The Inescapable Prison

Just a short drive down the road, we enter the Port Arthur Historic Site. Enjoy a Harbour Cruise around the Isle of the Dead, and discover the grim history of the early Australian Penal system, accompanied by Port Arthur's expert guides. As you tour the prison buildings you'll understand the isolation experienced by the convicts in this “inescapable prison”.

Approximate Distance: 109 km | 67 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 31 min Each Way

Say farewell to Hobart today as you board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Tassie experience. We know you will enjoy your 12 Day Discover Tasmania Road Trip. 

We hope to hear from you again soon to help with your next adventure!