Tasmania Road Trip Planner: Travel Like a Local
Sunrise on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Need help planning your trip to Tasmania? Then this is the video for you!
So you’ve decided to start planning your Tasmanian road trip? One thing we’d like to get out of the way first: a single trip to Tasmania is never enough. Countless tourists consider moving here after only spending a long weekend on the island! Tasmania is addictive.
How do you see it all? Unfortunately, you can't. Let us explain.
You'll have an unbelievable time - that we don't doubt. Ultimately, you have to find a few attractions you've been craving to see and embrace the time you have on the island.
For those with more travel time, you'll discover more than those on a single long weekend. And as much as we'd love for you to visit all the tourist attractions, half the fun is discovering the locations off the beaten path - places we don't even know about!
In this Road Trip Planner, you'll find snippets of information and countless links to other blogs we’ve written with more detailed and specific information about that experience. See this page as your home base for planning! A place you can come back to and navigate from if you ever get lost digging through all the content! Below is a table of contents you can use to navigate around the page and find what you need fast.
Don't want to plan and want an itinerary? We have those too.
Lastly, we have three ways to explore on our home page. You can do so by traveller type, region, or experience.
Say you love hiking, but also want to travel on a budget. The best way to explore our page would be through the traveller types 'Budgeter' and 'Adventurer'. These have been set up to help you sift through the content faster. You'll skip all the fancy hotels and restaurants you don't want to see and get to those budget options quickly. Alternatively, if you're travelling to a certain area in the state, say the East Coast, and want to know what’s on offer, search by 'Region'. You'll get a list of everything in that area! We're always adding more content, so it's worth returning and checking during your planning to see if anything else has been added. You can also reach out to us and we'd be happy to answer any questions you have.
Click here for a complete checklist to help plan your Tasmania holiday!
Disappearing Tarn - once a hidden gem, now a popular attraction in winter months
Table of Contents
- Planning Made Easy: Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip Like A Local
- How To Get To Tasmania
- Where to Go? The Highlights of Tasmania
- Need A Road Trip Itinerary?
- Booking Accommodation in Tasmania
- How To Get Around Tasmania (Hire A Car)
- Tasmanian Tours & Attractions
- What To Pack For Travel To Tasmania
- When Should I Be Booking My Trip to Tasmania?
- How Much Will I Spend?
- Conclusion
Decide When To Visit The State
Most people will decide when to visit a place based on the weather. So we'll give recommendations based on that first. Please note, that Tasmania is known to have all four seasons in one day. We love it.
If you're after warm weather, why are you even coming to Tasmania? Joking.. seriously though, it's not the warmest of places to visit. You can have days where it reaches 30 degrees Celsius, but they're rare. Expect temperatures in the comfortable mid-twenties most of the summer. It sometimes feels like there's a delay in each season, with the warmest days appearing towards the end of the summer season.
Based on this, most people will visit Tasmania between December and March (possibly even as early as September for Spring). However, we've recently become known for the Tassie OFF Season.
From March to November, the state cools down. It's an experience so many fall in love with. Temperatures can reach the mid-teens on warmer days and often settle in the higher end of single digits. This time of year is when a lot of tourists avoid the state and head overseas for their European summer (to be fair, it does sound nice).
If you decide to come to the state during this time, you're in for a treat. There's a lot on offer, with more events appearing every year.
The most popular is Dark Mofo, an event full of feasting, art, live music, performances and so much more. If you've been, you'll probably agree with us. If you haven't, try to fit this in at some point in your trip! It runs for a few weeks over the winter solstice. You'll also get a chance to see the Southern Lights if you visit during the winter months!
Aurora Australis from South Wellington Track
In summary, Tasmania has something for every time of year. We'd recommend deciding based on the type of road trip you'd like to experience. Think winter wonderland or a festive summer?
How Long Should You Stay?
Be warned, after arriving, you might never want to go home. But if you do intend to leave, you'll need a rough idea of how long you have to travel.
Here are two scenarios that may help you to decide:
Long Weekend
It's mid-January, you've knocked off work early Friday afternoon in Victoria ready for the Australia day long weekend. You and your mates carpool to the airport and catch an early afternoon flight over to Hobart. You pre-booked a vehicle and are on the road within minutes of grabbing your bags. First stop, Bay of Fires. Your road trip starts with the Great Eastern Drive: a road worthy of those windows-down summer feelings. The next day you're mountain biking on world-class mountain bike trails at Derby, an hour and a half drive away. Day three, you decided to head back to the east coast and walk to Mt Amos for sunrise and Wineglass Bay for an afternoon swim in crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Day four, you wrap up in Hobart, visiting Mount Wellington / Kununyi and MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) before catching the last flight back to Melbourne.
You've seen a lot in a long weekend.
School Holidays (full two weeks)
You've done your research and found there are child-friendly activities across the whole state. To save some money, you're riding the Spirit of Tasmania and bringing your own car. You're pulling up in the Mersey River and see the golden arches across the river. MacDonalds has never felt so good. After your breakfast, you begin what's soon to be an action-packed two-week holiday, following an itinerary on Tasmania Unearthed (shameless plug). From exploring the tulips at Table Cape in Wynard, riding the chairlift at The Nut in Stanley, visiting the Cataract Gorge in Launceston, and tasting some of the freshest food in the Huon Valley, you'll wonder how soon you can travel to Tasmania again!
Ever read one of those 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books? Tassie's like that. Spend days or weeks in Tasmania and you'll still have a great time.
Flying To Tasmania
The primary airport is Hobart International Airport, strategically located to serve as the main entry point. Direct flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide make flying not only a swift but also a convenient choice. Depending on your departure city, flight durations vary: Sydney to Hobart takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, while from Melbourne, it's a brisk 1 hour 15 minutes.
When booking flights, it's advisable to do so a few months in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best prices and availability. However, keep an eye out for last-minute deals, as prices can fluctuate based on demand.
Besides Hobart, Launceston and Devonport Airport are other notable locations you can fly into, expanding your options. As your plane descends, don't miss the mesmerising aerial view of Tasmania's dramatic landscapes, a visual appetiser for the adventures that lie ahead.
Sailing with Spirit Of Tasmania
For those residing on the Australian mainland, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry presents a unique and scenic alternative to flying. This iconic ferry service operates between Melbourne and Devonport, turning the journey itself into a memorable part of your Tasmanian adventure. The voyage, spanning approximately 9 hours, offers travellers a chance to relax and soak in the panoramic views of the vast Tasman Sea.
The ferry runs daily, with both daytime and night-time crossings, but it's essential to check the schedule as it can vary seasonally. If you're considering this mode of travel, it's wise to book well in advance, particularly during holiday seasons or special events, as tickets can sell out quickly. Prices can vary based on cabin selection, vehicle transportation options, and seasonal demand.
If all you want to see are the most popular experiences and highlights of Tasmania, we have you sorted (in no particular order):
Freycinet National Park
Cradle Mountain / Lake St Clair National Park
Bay of Fires
Mount Field National Park
Hobart (Mt Wellington / Kununyi, Salamanca Market & MONA)
Cataract Gorge
The Nut Stanley
The Tamar Valley
For everyone else, we've segmented our website in three different ways, one of which is region. Naturally, we suggest exploring each and finding what tickles your fancy. Here are some overviews and a couple of images. If it sounds up your alley, click the link and check out what's in the area!
North West
North-West Tasmania boasts breathtaking natural landscapes and captivating coastal towns. Stanley, a picturesque fishing hamlet, is renowned for The Nut, a historic volcanic formation that stands tall over the town. Tourists can either trek or use a chairlift to reach its peak, enjoying sweeping views of the coast and observing native species like little penguins and fur seals.
Nearby, Rocky Cape National Park, located on Tasmania's north-western shoreline, presents a blend of cultural and natural wonders. It's home to ancient Aboriginal rock paintings and intriguing caves. The park's varied terrains, from untouched beaches and steep cliffs to coastal heaths, invite activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and observing wildlife.
Walking the Rocky Cape National Park circuit
North
North Tasmania is a haven of untouched splendor, encompassing immaculate beaches, dramatic coastlines, and verdant backdrops. A standout is the Tamar Valley, situated north of Launceston. This fertile expanse is celebrated for its premium cool-climate wines and scenic vistas. Travellers can meander through its quaint historic settlements, indulge in top-tier wines, and immerse themselves in serene pastoral views. Additionally, the north of Tasmania is a gateway to diverse experiences, from its rich indigenous heritage to artisanal markets and local festivals. Its unique blend of nature and culture makes it an unmissable destination for those seeking authentic Tasmanian adventures.
Cataract Gorge, Launceston
East Coast
The East Coast of Tasmania is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting unparalleled coastal beauty and untouched national parks. Freycinet National Park, with its iconic Wineglass Bay, promises pristine beaches, clear waters, and granite peaks, making it a paradise for hiking and wildlife enthusiasts. Nearby, Maria Island offers a mix of natural splendor and historical richness, with landscapes varying from serene beaches and cliffs to lush forests. The Bay of Fires, recognised for its distinctive orange-lichen adorned boulders, provides a coastal sanctuary for activities like snorkeling, surfing, and beach walks. Together, these destinations encapsulate the mesmerising allure of Tasmania's Eastern Coastline.
Catching sunrise at Mt Amos
Central
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, located in Central Tasmania, boasts some of the state's most spectacular landscapes. The park is home to the iconic Cradle Mountain, Dove Lake, and a diverse range of native flora and fauna. Hiking enthusiasts can tackle the famous Overland Track, a challenging six-day journey through ancient rainforests, alpine heaths, and rugged mountain terrain, while day visitors can enjoy shorter walks and stunning vistas. For those visiting in autumn, around late April, make time for the ‘Turning of the Fagus’, a truly unique experience found here in Tasmania.
About to venture off on the Overland track
West Coast
Tasmania's West Coast is a realm of raw allure, marked by lush rainforests, imposing mountains, and mighty rivers. Strahan, a scenic harbor village, is the entry point to this wilderness. Here, visitors can delve into the region's rich past via the West Coast Wilderness Railway and captivating Gordon River cruises. Not far from Strahan, a mere one hour drive away, the majestic Montezuma Falls, one of Tasmania's tallest waterfalls, beckons nature lovers. A trek to these falls offers a mesmerising experience, with the cascade's misty spray and surrounding verdant foliage creating a serene ambiance.
Montezuma Falls in all its glory
South
Southern Tasmania melds exquisite culinary journeys with awe-inspiring natural terrains. The Huon Valley, south of Hobart, is a tapestry of verdant farmlands, artisanal delights, and scenic vistas. Here, travellers can venture through vineyards, and relish authentic farm-to-table meals. For the adventurous, the Hartz Mountains National Park and the exhilarating Tahune AirWalk offer elevated walkways and sweeping forest views. Nearby, Bruny Island, accessible via a brief ferry from Kettering, is a location you can’t miss. With its pristine beaches, diverse fauna like fairy penguins and white wallabies, and a culinary scene featuring fresh oysters, handcrafted cheeses, and local wines, it epitomizes the essence of Southern Tasmania.
Cape Queen Elizabeth, Bruny Island
Not a planner? Save the headache of planning out a trip and follow along one of our step-by-step itineraries. It's the easiest way to plan. Unfortunately, we can't do all the planning for you and tell you which one to choose, so you'll need to browse and see what works best for you. They vary in length and region. We'll always be adding more and announcing these over our newsletter if you'd like to stay up to date!
View one of our itineraries here. It only offers the best things to do in Tasmania.
Accommodation can either be an experience in itself, or just a place to lay your head at night. Once you decide which you'd prefer it to be, you'll have your options narrows down by a significant amount.
Are you after an all-inclusive experience, where you have breakfast and dinner, a pool, a gym, etc.. if so, a luxurious trip sounds right up your alley.
Just wanting a place to spend the night and relax? Or maybe you want to experience the lifestyle of a Tasmanian? AirBnbs and budget accommodation would be your thing.
We'll continue updating our list of accommodation. See a few options here.
The last thing you want on your holiday is to be stranded or waiting for public transport. That's why we only suggest hiring a vehicle (or bringing your own on the Spirit of Tasmania). If you choose to book a tour, transport is often included, but not always. Plan ahead and save yourself the headache later.
Hire A Vehicle (Or Drive Over)
You need a car. It's the best way to get around Tasmania. Public transport is great in Australia’s larger cities, but on the island state of Tasmania, a self-drive adventure is the way to go. Our go-to car rental recommendation is Bargain Car Rentals, which we’re able to offer a generous 7.5% discount on! Read more on other car rental options here.
If you're going anywhere outside of Hobart, you'll thank yourself for hiring a vehicle. Especially if you have a full day of travel or decide to do a spontaneous day trip. You save time travelling between attractions, possibly on money (if the alternative is Uber) and have the flexibility to change your plans at any time if you choose to do so.
Tasmanians often joke about the road works on the highway between Hobart and Devonport (consider this your heads up) as these have been in place for years. What this says though, is the roads are well maintained. You'll be fine driving practically anywhere in the state. Traffic you ask? What is traffic? We haven't heard of that in Tasmania.
Booking directly through Bargain will give you the ability to have direct communication with the company. It's more convenient than dealing with third-party agents too. Save 7.5% off with the code TASUNEARTHckup at Hobart Airport, Hobart City, Launceston Airport, or Devonport (just outside the Spirit - yes it’s possible to catch the ferry and pick up a car on the other side too!). Hit the road whenever you choose.
Alternatively, hire a campervan, save on accommodation, and go travel Tasmania!
Public Transport
If you decide to save some cash and not rent a vehicle for your Tasmanian holiday, you still have a few options. The public transport in Tasmania is plentiful, including buses, tours, and ride-sharing (such as Uber). Timetables for buses (Metro in Hobart) are running fairly often and get you around most of Hobart, but travelling around the state will take a lot longer (Redline bus service).
Organised tours offer the luxury of experience without the hassle of planning. If you're into that sort of thing, our go-to platform is Viator. There are so many experiences on offer, and although they may cost more than doing it individually, they take out all the hassle of planning.
Make sure you know if the tour comes with pick-up & drop-off from your hotel and food. You may need your own transport to a designated start destination. Keep this in mind!
Efficient packing begins with understanding your travel needs. Here's a breakdown:
Trip Duration: The length of your stay influences the quantity of items you pack. Naturally, a weekend trip requires less than a fortnight's vacation.
Destination: Pack according to the climate and culture of your destination. Beach vacations call for swimwear and light attire, while winter trips need warm clothing.
Activities: Your planned activities dictate specific gear. Whether it's hiking gear for mountain treks or formal wear for special events, pack accordingly.
Accommodation: The amenities of your stay matter. A luxury hotel might offer toiletries, whereas camping or budget hostels might not.
Essential Documentation: Always carry:
Passport: Ensure it's valid for at least six months post your return.
Visa: Confirm if it's needed and apply beforehand.
Driver’s Licence: Essential if you're driving, with an International Driving Permit if necessary.
Travel Insurance: A must-have for unforeseen events. Check out our deep dive here.
Reservation Confirmations: Includes flight, hotel, car rentals, and pre-booked activities.
Document Copies: Keep separate copies of all vital documents and consider having digital versions on your devices.
Most of the time, the later you book, the more you'll be paying. Therefore we recommend the opposite. Start planning now! Book in advance. By being prepared, you can save yourself hundreds, maybe even thousands depending on the length of your stay. As discussed, the peak season of December to March is likely to have inflated prices for car rentals, hotels and flights. School holidays and long weekends can often be more expensive too. You'll want to book as early as you can.
What order should you book in? We always start with our flights, then accommodation, and then a rental car and attractions. Why do we do this? Say you booked accommodation and then never booked your flights, you'll never be able to stay in the accommodation you booked! However, if you book flights and forget about accommodation, you'll likely find somewhere on the day (just prepare yourself to empty your pockets on a walk-in booking). The same goes for attractions and car rentals.
Be mindful of mini-peak periods in the year, such as Easter and school holidays. Last-minute spontaneous holidays are fun but be prepared to pay a little more than if you had planned ahead.
Now that's out of the way, here's a rough guide on what to book:
As soon as possible:
Book your transport to Tasmania (flights or the Spirit of Tasmania).
Book accommodation.
Book your rental car (if choosing this option).
Book any tours you've decided on.
Around 3 months out:
Purchase a National park pass (if you're planning to visit a National park).
Book tickets for any experiences/attractions that require them.
Confirm where you want to eat and grab their phone numbers (this will help for later)
One month out:
Book restaurants. Maybe even earlier if we recommend it!
If you're not hiring a car, consider getting to the CBD via the SkyBus. Book here.
Purchase any essential items you still need (see our packing list here).
One week before:
Pack what you can now. Don't do a last-minute scramble.
Print out physical copies of all documents (bookings and passes). Save digital copies as well.
The Day before / Day off:
Get the rest of your suitcase packed.
Grab some snacks for the trip.
Ahhhh, you're off to Tasmania!!!
Do you need to follow this step by step? Not particularly. What we do suggest is making sure you don't leave things too late. Set reminders and stick to them. You'll be saving yourself money and the worry of missing out by booking too late.
So you're wondering how much you might spend. Great question.
This is so dependent on the time of year, how you like to travel, and how much sightseeing you do compared to paid activities. To give yourself a rough estimation, we would suggest finding an approximate 'per day' cost. It's only a few Google searches away:
Head to Booking.com to find your accommodation per night
Assume you’ll spend $75 for three meals acrosss a day
Multiple this by the length of your stay, add on flights, and there you have it, a rough estimation of your holiday.
Spending just five minutes planning this out gives you a better estimation than we could ever provide!
From experience, we've seen car rental rates rise as high as $400 / day during peak season (if you book late), and similar prices for accommodation. This may bring your daily spending to approximately $1000 / day. On the flip side, a hire car could be $25 / day if you plan and book in advance (make sure to grab insurance/ liability reduction on top of this).
If you're on a budget, here are a few quick and easy ways to cut down on what you plan to spend:
Stay at a hostel or Airbnb instead of a hotel. If you're on the road most of the time, cut down on 'extras' you won't use at the accommodation.
Bring a packed lunch, or even make your breakfast or dinner. You're on holiday though, so please enjoy yourself.
Skip the tours, experience it yourself. You won't be under time pressure and save on costs this way.
We don't recommend it, but if you want to, just walk everywhere. If you're only in Hobart, it's certainly possible.
Phew. That was a lot. If you've made it this far, congrats. You're now a pro at planning out your own Tasmanian adventure (or you decided to just pick an itinerary and follow it). Regardless, we'd love to make sure your adventure to Tasmania is unforgettable. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at hello@tasmaniaunearthed.com.au! We read and answer every email.
Ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime? Let's go and unearth Tasmania.
What's the best time of year to visit Tasmania?
While Tasmania is a year-round destination, spring and summer (September to March) are ideal for outdoor activities.
Is it better to fly or catch the Spirit of Tasmania?
Both offer unique experiences. Flying is quicker, but sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania is an adventure in itself.
How many days are ideal for a Tasmanian road trip?
While even a week can give you a taste of Tasmania, a 14-day trip offers a comprehensive experience.
Is Tasmania kid-friendly?
Tasmania is absolutely kid-friendly, with numerous attractions tailored for kids, it's a family-friendly destination.
Do I need a special driving permit for Tasmania?
No, if you have a valid Australian or international driving license, you're good to go! You will need a National Park pass if you intend on visiting National Parks though!
Discover more for your Tasmanian adventure below!
Save 10% off East Coast Car Rentals with our exclusive discount to have more to spend on your Tasmanian holiday.