The Best 14 Day Tasmania Itinerary: Seeing it all!
You've decided you want to travel to Tasmania, you have 14 days, and you want to get the most out of it.
After growing up in Tasmania, I'm sure this itinerary will lead you around the best of Tasmania. The itinerary is laid out for you step-by-step with recommendations for food, activities and accommodation.
There are a few options to choose from each day, so I'll admit, there's a little exploring to do on your end before you arrive in the state. Overall, everything you need to know is in this article.
Table of Contents
- A Crafted Self Drive 2 Week Travel Itinerary
- The Best Time to Visit Tasmania
- Road Trip Essentials for Two Weeks in Tasmania
- Getting to Tasmania
- Car Hire in Tasmania
- Day 1: Hobart (to Port Arthur)
- Day 2: Port Arthur
- Day 3: Coles Bay (to St Helens)
- Day 4: St Helens
- Day 5: Derby / St Helens
- Day 6: Launceston (to Penguin)
- Day 7 in Tasmania: Penguin (to Stanley)
- Day 8: Stanley (to Cradle Mountain)
- Day 9: Cradle Mountain
- Day 10: Cradle Mountain (to Strahan)
- Day 11: Strahan
- Day 12: Strahan (to Lake St Clair)
- Day 13: Lake St Clair / Derwent Bridge
- Day 14: Hobart
- To Remember Your Holiday
- FAQs
There's nothing worse than leaving your holiday disappointed. You didn't see what you planned. The places you did see were overrated. You're travelling back home in the hope that your next holiday will be better than this one.
Good news, your 14 days in Tasmania won't be like that.
I've lived here for over 25 years and will only recommend the best. Unfortunately, my list was too long, so I asked other travellers what their highlights were and narrowed the overwhelming list down to this. Below is an outline of my crafted 14 day Tasmania road trip itinerary that you will soon be embarking on:
Day 1: Hobart (Salamanca Market)
Day 2: Port Arthur (Historic Site)
Day 3: Coles Bay (Wineglass Bay)
Day 4: St Helens (Bay of Fires)
Day 5: Derby (World-Class Mountain Biking)
Day 6: Launceston (Tamar Valley)
Day 7: Penguin
Day 8: Stanley (The Nut)
Day 9 & 10: Cradle Mountain (Dove Lake)
Day 11 & 12: Strahan / Queenstown (Gordon River Cruise)
Day 13: Lake St Clair (The Wall)
Day 14: Hobart (Mona & Mount Wellington)
Every day follows the same layout, so it's easy to navigate through this Tasmanian road trip.
Is there more to explore outside of this list? Yes, so so much. Every reason to come back and spend more time in Tasmania.
I get asked this question so often: When is the best time for a self-drive Tasmania adventure? There's an easy answer:
The best time to visit Tasmania is when you have the time to visit.
No matter what season you choose for your 14-day Tasmania self-drive itinerary, there's something to do and experience. I'm constantly travelling the state to locations I've been to before so I can experience them in a new season! A crazy fact: I still haven't climbed the summit of Cradle Mountain because I only go in winter (it can be a little sketchy). That's one Tassie hike still on my list!
If you're heading to Tasmania and desire warm weather for your self-drive Tasmania itinerary, your best bet is December through to March.
If you're after snow or waterfalls in Tasmania, then winter sounds great. May through to early September will work for you.
Can you visit in the other months and add to your Tasmania itinerary? Of course. You could chase the fall colours, and watch the turning of the fagus. Instead, you might enjoy the warm days of spring.
Tasmania is going to be worth your time, no matter when you step foot in the state.
Everything you thought about Tasmania is wrong. Well, mostly. Let's clear out some myths to start with:
We have mobile reception in most of the state. It's worthwhile getting a SIM card if you're an international traveller. A Telstra SIM is our recommendation. You’ll need a passport to get this from an airport on Mainland Australia.
All tap water is drinkable. You won't need a water filter. Perhaps buy some bottled water to store water over your trip and fill up at your accommodation.
Our roads are quite windy, even if the distance looks or feels short, it will likely take longer than expected (travel times and distances are included at the beginning of each day).
Expect frequent roadkill sightings in Tasmania, mainly due to the abundant population of small wallabies and possums. Exercise caution during dawn and dusk travel to avoid encounters with these animals.
Now they're out of the way, let's look at what you'll actually need for a Tasmania-specific holiday. We've kept it short and concise:
Google Maps (downloaded in offline mode)
Clothing for all seasons (we sometimes get snow on the mountain in summer... crazy right?)
Added to the point above, this usually means a down jacket.
A 2-month Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Pass (approximately $80). Much cheaper than individual day passes. You can purchase in advance as you don't need a number plate number for a hire car. Make sure to bring this with you and display it in your car when in National Parks.
For everything else, we've created a Tasmanian packing guide you can view.
How Far is this road trip?
Lastly, you might be asking how long will you be driving for, or how far you'll be travelling. Only including distances between accommodation:
The total travel distance for your Tasmania road trip is 1,504 kilometres.
The total travel time is approximately 19 hours and 18 minutes.
That's almost one and a half hours per day on average, not including driving time between attractions you choose to include in your holiday. For perspective, that’s averaging 80km/hr, which is likely the fastest you’ll be able to drive on most Tasmanian roads (other than highways).
This itinerary lets you choose if you fly into Hobart (the capital of Tasmania) or Launceston Airport, or take the ferry (Spirit of Tasmania) into Devonport from Melbourne.
There are several flights into Hobart Airport from other capital cities, and as of October 2023, new flights from Adelaide are about to begin running to Launceston. If you haven't booked either, use the links below to get the best prices - no need to Google anything else!
Hiring a car is not as expensive as it used to be. COVID caused a temporary spike in rental prices that has since subsided.
If you plan your lap of Tasmania in peak holiday times, you will still find high daily rates given the nature of hotels and car rental companies - they are seasonal.
That being said, travelling in the 'off' season will likely bring the best rates. Want the absolute cheapest? Book as far in advance as you can and use discount codes where possible.
We recommend booking with Bargain Car Rentals and using BOOKDIRECT for 5% off. They occasionally have larger promotions if you're signed up to their mailing list.
For this 14-day Tasmania itinerary, we recommend hiring a vehicle or using one you drive over on the ferry.
Travel Distance: 91 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 15 min
Breakfast
You’re off straight away after arriving at the airport! If you're able, have breakfast before flying over to Hobart, or alternatively, grab a bite to eat in Sorell on the way through to Port Arthur. Decided to take the ferry? You’ll want to stop at the House of Anvers at 7 a.m., a little after the Spirit of Tasmania arrives in the Mersey River of Devonport and start the self-drive itinerary from day 6!
For those landing in Hobart, I'd also recommend going to Cubed Espresso (if they're open) as you drive into Eaglehawk Neck. You won't regret it.
Morning Activities
Lunch
Afternoon Activities
Dinner
Where to Stay in Port Arthur
Travel Distance: 200 km
Travel Time: 2 hr 45 min
Breakfast
At your accommodation
Morning Activities
(anything you missed from yesterday!)
Lunch
Afternoon Activities
Enjoy the drive to Coles Bay! There are a few places we recommend stopping at:
Dinner
Where to Stay in Coles Bay
The Waterloo Hotel (In Swansea)
Piermont Retreat (In Swansea)
Travel Distance: 114 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 26 min
Breakfast
I've only got one place to recommend for breakfast today. I hope you like it.
Morning Activities
Lunch
Lobster Shack Tasmania (Bicheno. Highly rated as best seafood in Tasmania)
Afternoon Activities
A walk around Diamond Island Nature Reserve
Visit Bicheno Blow Hole
Dinner
Furneaux Restaurant & Comptoir (worth a try despite some higher prices)
Where to Stay in St Helens
Travel Distance: 66 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 2 min
Breakfast
Morning Activities
If you're planning to visit Derby for Mountain Biking, you may want to leave St Helens early and spend most of the day on the trails. Alternatively, you could follow a few of today's morning activities and head there for the evening, spending Day 5 on the trails instead.
Lunch
The Grapevine Eatery and Pizzeria (if staying at St Helens)
Derby has several options for lunch if you're planning on heading there today
Afternoon Activities
For the afternoon, we recommend taking it easy. The East Coast of Tasmania is a beautiful region and you won't encounter many beaches like it again in the remainder of your self-drive Tasmania itinerary. If you'd like to continue exploring, here are a few locations you could venture to:
Dinner
St Helens: An alternative from yesterday
Derby: LOT 40
Where to Stay in Derby
From St Helens
Travel Distance: 166 km
Travel Time: 2 hr 26 min
From Derby
Travel Distance: 101 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 22 min
For this section of the 2 week Tasmania itinerary, we take you on a road through Scottsdale, passing through Derby. The alternative is back tracking along the main highway. Although this is faster, it's not as an enjoyable of a drive. We'll leave the option in your hands though!
Breakfast
St Helens: The Bays Kitchen
Derby: Main Street Derby
Morning Activities
If you're in Derby already, then you'll likely be on the trails for the morning! If you've already had your fix of mountain biking and want to hit the road, you'll find a few options below that you might be able to squeeze into your morning before travelling to Launceston.
Lunch
We've had quite a packed morning, so it would be worthwhile stopping in at Scottsdale for a break at this point.
Afternoon Activities
Treetops Adventures Hollybank (great for the family)
Dinner
Black Cow Bistro (finest steak in the city)
Where to Stay in Launceston
Travel Distance: 131 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 23 min
Breakfast
Find a breakfast at or nearby your accommodation! It's always fun to go for a walk, explore, and see what you find!
Morning Activities
Lunch
After visiting the Cataract Gorge, you'll be in one of three positions: still at the gorge, wanting to go back to the city, excited to drive straight to the North West Coast of Tasmania. We have a lunch option for each:
Gorge Restaurant (only open for a few short hours)
If you're back in the city: Earthy Eats
Excited to drive back? Grab macca's on the way (can't miss it on the left of the highway as you leave the city)
Afternoon Activities
It's time to head to the North West of Tasmania!
Coastal drive from Devonport to Penguin (Goat Island on the way)
Dinner
Ulverstone: RISE 88 ASIAN FUSION FOOD
Ulverstone: River Arms Hotel
Where to Stay in Penguin
Travel Distance: 96 km
Travel Time: 1 hr 14 min
Breakfast
Morning Activities
The road to Stanley has a lot to explore! As you travel here from Penguin, pick and choose from these as you wish!
Packed Lunch from the Penguin Pantry or Supermarket
Table Cape Tulip Farm (Late September/October only)
Sister's Beach (you can access Rocky Cape here. There are also two small caves you can explore on the Banksia Grove and Caves circuit!)
Lunch
A packed lunch from the Penguin Pantry
Afternoon Activities
The Nut, Stanley (ride the chairlift!)
Dinner
Where to Stay in Stanley
Travel Distance: 183 km
Travel Time: 2 hr 23 min
Breakfast
Morning Activities
Guide Falls (a little walk from the car)
Dip Falls (can drive right up to them)
Lunch
Afternoon Activities
Relaxation at your accommodation
Dinner
Where to Stay in Cradle Mountain
Breakfast
Morning Activities
You have two options for the morning (or day if your hike carries through that long). Either head to Dove Lake via the shuttle to hike, or to go canyoning with Cradle Mountain Canyons. This is seasonal so plan ahead! There is also a Dove Lake kayaking and pack rafting option available.
If you've chosen to hike, you'll want to catch the shuttle to Dove Lake after breakfast to do your choice of walk and spend the day exploring:
Lunch
A packed lunch will be your friend here.
Afternoon Activities
Dinner
See the options from the end of day 8 or anywhere else you've seen!
Travel Distance: 146 km
Travel Time: 2 hr
Breakfast
Same options as yesterday!
Morning Activities
You'll only be driving for the morning. Take it easy and plan to arrive around lunchtime! But, if you're craving more than just driving, we recommend venturing to the largest single-drop waterfall in the state: Montezuma Falls.
Lunch
With so many lunch options on offer at the waterfront, we encourage you to pull up and have a walk around! Almost every location will be worthwhile visiting.
Afternoon Activities
Hogarth Falls (A short and peaceful walk)
The Ship That Never Was (Theatre Production)
Dinner
Where to Stay in Strahan
Today is all about the Gordon River Cruise. Each cruise goes for a different length of time, so you may need some activities in the afternoon. Up to you!
Breakfast
Morning Activities
Lunch
Check to see if lunch is included in your choice of cruise!
If you’re back in Strahan already, visit:
Afternoon Activities
Ocean Beach (often explored by 4WD and ATV)
Dinner
Choose an option you missed from yesterday!
Travel Distance: 131 km
Travel Time: 2 hr 2 min
Breakfast
Morning Activities
Take it easy in the morning and enjoy the drive through to Queenstown! We'll only be spending a little time here today. As of October 18th, 2023, the Wilderness Railway is under repair. Check in advance and if this is the case, we recommend to still complete the morning activities and spend this gained time at Lake St Clair.
Lunch
Afternoon Activities
With only one planned stop along this stretch of road, feel free to pull over as you desire to take in the Western Wilds of Tasmania.
Dinner
Pumphouse Point (fire feasting or wine and dining)
Where to Stay in Lake St Clair / Derwent Bridge
Travel Distance: 180 km
Travel Time: 2 hr 22 min
Breakfast
Morning Activities
The Wall in the Wilderness (highly recommend)
Lake St Clair Scenic Cruise (just a ferry trip across the lake and back)
Lunch
Afternoon Activities
There’s been a lot of driving over the whole trip, so rather than place a few activities throughout this drive, you can settle at your accommodation and explore Hobart!
Dinner
Where to Stay in Hobart
We've reached the final day of your Tasmania self drive itinerary. Enjoy the last moments, starting off with some of the best breakfast in Hobart. My personal recommendation is Born in Brunswick. The iced chocolate with natural chocolate and coconut milk served on the side is to die for. I get it every time.
Breakfast
Breakfast at accommodation
Morning Activities
MONA: Museum of New and Old Art
Lunch
Options at MONA
Lost Freight Cafe on Mount Wellington
Afternoon Activities
You're likely flying out or needing to drive back to Devonport to jump on the Spirit of Tasmania. Either way, as you finish your 14-day Tasmania road trip, spend the rest of the afternoon packing and exploring anything that has piqued your interest in the surrounding area.
You've been told, "take a photo, it will last longer". Well... I went out and did exactly that. Every time I take a Tassie road trip, I've photographed my travels and have a variety of these images available for you to remember your journey. This is fairly new, so I'm continuing to add to this collection over time.
As your 14 day Tasmanian Road Trip comes to an end, I would love to offer you a discounted price on all my Tasmanian prints with shipping available Australia-wide. Simply use the code TASSIESAVE to receive 10% off. A few of my prints are shown below and can be purchased online here.
Until the next time you travel to Tasmania, farewell.
Can I travel Tasmania by public transport?
While you can see parts of the state via public transport, you'll miss out on the flexibility and convenience a hire car offers. Would we recommend travelling via public transport? No, not unless you plan to spend your whole holiday in the city of Hobart. Is it possible? Yes, but you'll need to be willing to work around particularly inconvenient schedules.
What is the best attraction Tasmania has to offer?
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", so I can only offer my personal favourites. A few of these include the Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet National Park, Cradle Mountain and Bruny Island.
Is it worth doing a road trip around Tasmania?
Absolutely, a 14 day Tasmania self-drive itinerary is a fantastic way to explore many of Tasmania's top attractions. Tasmania, often referred to as "Tassie," is Australia's hidden gem, boasting an abundance of unique sights. A self-drive trip around Tasmania allows you to create your own Tasmania trip at your own pace. Whether you're planning a one-week Tasmania road trip or an extended 14-day Tasmania self-drive itinerary like this, there are numerous must-see attractions in Tasmania awaiting your discovery. So, if you're considering a trip to Tasmania, rest assured that driving around Tasmania is an experience well worth your time. Follow our road trip guide for the best road trip showcasing Tasmania's best.
Discover more for your Tasmanian adventure below!
Kelvedon Boast Shed is a famous boat shed on the East Coast of Tasmania. This is heritage listed and nearby Kelvedon Estate. Absolutely gorgeous.