road trip to tasmania

Tasmania Explorer

14 Day Tasmania Itinerary✅: Ultimate Tasmanian Road Trip

Heading to Tasmania and looking for a Tasmania road trip itinerary? Perfect! We have created exactly that – a 14 day Tasmania itinerary especially made for your next trip.

Tasmania is Australia’s southernmost state and a fantastic place to visit. Around 40% of the state is designated national park land, offering visitors stunning natural beauty with a vast array of nature treks, mountains and beaches to explore.

In addition to natural beauty, Tasmania has interesting historical sites from early colonial days, as well as laid back towns and cities and a thriving cafe and culinary culture. You can’t plan a trip to Tasmania without planning to sample its world renowned wine and produce.

It is also one of the easiest states to explore by car, making driving tours Tasmania the best way to explore this state. Our 14 day suggested itinerary for Tasmania is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of all this state has to offer.

Below, you will find the best road trip Tasmania offers! We use our experience exploring the state to give you the perfect plan with all the details you need for a Tasmania 2 week itinerary. We walk you through exactly what to do each day of your Tasmanian road trip, give you suggestions on where to stay, tell you approximate driving times and show you your Tasmania itinerary 14 days on a map.

You can simply stop following our self drive Tasmania 14 days itinerary if your trip finishes in less time by removing stops that don’t appeal to you as much. If you have a few days longer, I recommend you spend more time at the stops that most appeal to you, as this Tasmania driving itinerary does not have much downtime. If you like lots of downtime on your trips then I recommend removing a place or two from the 2 week Tasmania itinerary.

If you are searching for ideas for a 3 week Tasmania itinerary, you will also find recommended ways to extend your best Tasmania road trip below.

Finally, if you have any questions, let us know in the comments below – we are happy to help you in this ultimate Tasmania trip planner.

Going for a shorter period? You can find our best 10 day itinerary here , 7 day itinerary here and 4-5 day itinerary here .

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip! Wan t help with your itinerary? Find our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

Perfect Tasmanian Road Trip Itinerary 2022

Remember, this is a full 14 day itinerary Tasmania. If you have fewer days, simply pick the days that most appeal – there are more tips for less and more days below.

Plans for the best road trips Tasmania are written to take advantage of every moment. This plan is fast moving and you will see a lot. Again, you can choose to remove some days to take it easier if you wish.

You can read more specifically about driving in Tasmania and how it differs to elsewhere here.

• Days 1-2 in Hobart
• Day 3 driving to Strahan stopping at the Lake St Clair part of the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
• Day 4 exploring the west coast from Strahan
• Days 5-6 driving to Cradle Mountain and exploring the Dove Lake area at Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
• Days 6-7 heading to Stanley and exploring
• Days 8-10 driving on to Launceston and Low Head and exploring the Tamar Valley
• Days 10-11 heading to the east coast and exploring the Bay of Fires region
• Day 12 hiking to famous Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park
• Day 13 exploring Tasmania’s convict heritage at Port Arthur Historic Site
• Day 14 finishing up in Hobart

The highlights of this road trip around Tasmania are:

• Walk the historic areas of Richmond and Battery Point
• Be amazed (and shocked) at the world renowned museum of MONA
• Sample some of the delicious seafood and produce the state is famed for
• See the West Coast’s ancient, cool temperate rainforest on either a train ride or boat cruise
• Take a chairlift to the Nut at Stanley and see the sites around town
• Explore the glacial lake and see the imposing mountains at Cradle Mountain
• Explore the Tamar Valley region to sample top produce at wineries, see local wildlife, museums and more
• Spend a day exploring the stunning Bay Of Fires
• Sample excellent seafood at Freycinet and climb the gentle track to see the wonders of Wineglass Bay
• Witness Tasmania’s convict past at both Richmond Gaol and Port Arthur Historic Site
• See the geological wonders of Eaglehawk Neck like the Blowhole and Tessellated Pavement

…and much much more!

This one of our best Tasmania road trips is detailed as starting and finishing in Hobart, but you can start and finish from any point.

If you are starting at the ferry and looking for a Tasmania itinerary 14 days from Devonport, I recommend you start on Day 6 and drive straight to Stanley when disembarking. Once you hit day 14, start over on day one finishing up at Cradle Mountain.

If you are looking for a Tasmania family holiday itinerary, this also works great for families but with younger kids, I definitely recommend slowing it down.

If you are catching the Spirit of Tasmania to Tasmania, read our full guide here.

Tasmania Road Trip Map: 14 Day Tasmania Itinerary

The following map shows you the route this road trip Tasmania takes around the state.

If you wish to go for more or less time, this map will also give you a good indication of what places you might be able to add or remove.

Day 1: Arriving in Hobart

Today, you arrive in Hobart. The start of your 2 weeks in Tasmania is all about enjoying Tasmania’s capital city.

This plan assumes you arrive first thing in the day, if you arrive later, consider dropping Richmond.

• Arrive in Hobart. I recommend you pick up your car hire at the airport so you are all set to go
• Head straight to Richmond. This small historic town is not far from the airport (approx driving time 20 minutes)
• Explore Richmond Gaol and Old Hobart Town Model Village
• Head to your hotel and check-in
• Explore the waterfront and Salamanca Place area in Hobart and Battery Point. You can do this on foot.
• Eat dinner in this area. We recommend Drunken Admirals for some fabulous seafood

Where To Stay In Hobart

• BEST – MACq 01 Hotel ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Somerset On The Pier ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Central Hotel Hobart  ( Click here for more details )

Read our full guide to Hobart accommodation here.

I recommend you book through Bargain Car Rentals . This Tasmanian car rental company has some great deals and availability. Even better is if you use the code: TASEXPLORE you save 5%

Simply click here.

Then when you enter the dates and location, enter: TASEXPLORE for the “Discount Code”.

They are located in both Hobart and Launceston.

You can also find other car hire options here .

Just a 25 minute drive from Hobart is Richmond. This small town is popular with both tourists and locals with museums, galleries, cafes and gorgeous architecture, making this a lovely place to begin your driving tour of Tasmania.

Aside from just being a pretty town, Richmond showcases a lot of early colonial style architecture. Particularly impressive are some of the churches you’ll find dotted around town. Richmond is small and very easy to explore on foot, even with young kids, and you can easily spend a few hours here.

You’ll find Australia’s oldest stone span bridge, plenty of places to sample delicious food, parkland to relax and unwind, souvenir stores and interesting museums like the Pooseum, an interactive museum, best for kids, which showcases everything there is to know about poo!

Two of the must see sites in Richmond to add to your itinerary for Tasmania are mentioned below.

Richmond Gaol

One of the most interesting sites in Richmond is the Richmond Gaol. As a penal colony, Australia’s gaols were very important in its early history, and Richmond Gaol is Australia’s oldest gaol that still stands.

The gaol is relatively compact making it easy to explore, and there are information boards and sound effects to add context and atmosphere to the experience of visiting.

You can see the main building of the gaol including the cooks house with the original oven, women’s quarters, the flogging yard and chain gang holding rooms. You can also see a collection of historical relics.

One of the creepiest parts of the museum is the solitary confinement cells where you can get a sense of what this experience would have been like. The cells of the gaol remain exactly as they were in the past and you can lock yourself into one.

Address: 37 Bathurst St, Richmond TAS 7025

Click here to read our full review.

Old Hobart Town Model Village

Another interesting thing to see in Richmond is the Old Hobart Town Model Village. This village is like looking back in time and is the result of years of effort to recreate what Hobart was like in the 1820s.

The model village is quite large, with plenty of information boards, street names and detailed descriptions of what life in Hobart was like at this time. A few buildings in the model still stand today, and these and their history are given special attention.

The people in the town are interesting too, like convicts attempting an escape, a woman killing a snake, a boy falling from a tree and lots and lots of drunk people. This makes it enjoyable for kids as well who can get a list of things they need to try to find.

Address: 21a Bridge St, Richmond TAS 7025

Battery Point

Heading back to Hobart from Richmond, I suggest you park at Salamanca Place and explore Battery Point. This is a beautiful inner city suburb of Hobart, and it is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring it’s heritage trail and getting lost in it’s pretty and historic streets. It’s where we live and it’s gorgeous.

From Salamanca Place, you can climb the historic Kelly’s Steps which connects you to Battery Point via Kelly Street. These sandstone steps, built in 1840, are the perfect place to begin your walk. Must see spots include Arthurs Circus, Princes Park, Hampden Road and several of the numerous streets dotted with colonial style homes.

Hampden Road is the commercial heart of Battery Point, and here you’ll find restaurants, trendy cafes, shops and the Narryna Heritage Museum.

Salamanca Place and Hobart’s Waterfront

When you’re done exploring Battery Point, head back to Salamanca Place (simply called Salamanca by locals) and take a look at the imposing sandstone buildings complete with shops, restaurants and plenty of bars and pubs.

Salamanca has some of the best bars and pubs you’ll find in Hobart. These are all stretched along Salamanca place, and you’re quite literally spoilt for choice. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and take in everything you’ve seen.

The shops in Salamanca sell some of the goods Tasmania is known for like wine, fudge, wool and art, and every Saturday Salamanca hosts a vibrant market. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, this is definitely worth seeing.

When you’re finished with your drink, explore the nearby Parliament House Gardens, and then make your way to the waterfront.

Walking along the waterfront, some places to see include Brooke Street Pier, the converted warehouses near the MACq01 and some of the numerous fish and chip restaurants and boats (offering both dine in and takeaway).

When it comes to dinner, both Salamanca and Hobart’s waterfront have fantastic options to suit all budgets. For fine dining experiences I recommend one of the restaurants in Salamanca. For a budget friendly (and local approved meal), nothing beats fish and chips.

Day 2: Enjoying Hobart

Day 2 of this road trip in Tasmania is all about seeing more of Hobart.

• Start the day by heading up Mt Wellington for the best views of Hobart (driving time of about an hour return from the centre of Hobart)
• Eat lunch back at Salamanca Place. Machine Laundry Cafe is a good spot
• Head out to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art). Ideally, take the ferry from the waterfront return for great views and a great experience along the way

Read our full guide to Hobart here.

Mt Wellington

Mt Wellington, also known as Kunanyi or just “the mountain” by locals, is the imposing mountain which can be seen from all around Hobart. It is a must see destination on scenic drives Tasmania.

Driving to the top of Mt Wellington is very easy. Heading through the suburb of South Hobart, you’ll pass the historic Cascade Brewery and can make your way up the mountain from here.

While driving is easy, the roads can be quite narrow and there are usually plenty of other cars making the journey. Just go slow. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the top, and there are plenty of lookouts and stops along the way to take in the view. The Springs is a particularly nice spot to stop, take a walk and grab a hot drink (and use the toilet).

Continue making your way up to the top of the mountain. Once you reach the pinnacle you’ll find plenty of parking to stop and explore. There is a good observation shelter which includes a sign with landmarks to help grasp the layout of Hobart, as well as a brief history of the site.

There are also open air lookouts dotted around to get different views of the city, as well as rocks to climb and the tall telecommunications tower which can be seen from a distance.

There are also plenty of walks you can take from here. Note that it can be snowing during the winter months (and sometimes during summer as well!), and at times the pinnacle may be closed due to poor weather. It can also get very cold and windy, and warm clothes are essential.

It’s a great place to spend a short amount of time exploring (or longer if the nature trails interest you) to take in the views and the fresh, cool air.

Address: Wellington Park TAS 7054

If there’s one museum you’ll want to see while in Hobart, it’s MONA. This is a particularly impressive and world renowned museum, not only because of the impressiveness of the site, but also because of the weird and wonderful exhibitions.

MONA is located by a winery and the building is mostly below ground, etched into the sandstone. There really is something for everyone to enjoy here and you’ll notice interesting things at every turn.

The museum is like a labyrinth of exhibitions which are always changing, complete with tunnels, mazes, artwork, chambers, a library, bar and vending machines with beer. There are also restaurants and cafes for when you need a break.

An example of the strangeness of some of the exhibitions include the Poop Machine which kids certainly enjoy. There seems to be a large focus on the repulsiveness of the human body.

More sober exhibitions include an Egyptian sarcophagus and other ancient artifacts, as well as interesting artwork, short films and much more. Exploring the different floors is interesting in itself.

I love that they give you The O – this is a device which gives explanations on different art pieces. It’s like having your own guide and means you can learn more about the things which interest you.

Most of the museum is included in the ticket price, but there are certain exhibitions and shows which require an additional purchase. It is possible to buy tickets online. It’s definitely a must see.

Address: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011

Day 3: Lake St Clair And Strahan

Driving Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

It’s time to head out of Hobart on this option of the best road trips in Tasmania to explore the west coast.

• After breakfast, get in the car and drive to the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre (approx driving time 2 hours 20 minutes)
• Eat some lunch at the Lake St Clair Visitor Centre and then take a hike. There are a variety of options here depending on whether you would like an easy 30 minute option like to Watersmeet or something longer
• Drive on to Strahan (approx driving time about 2 hours)
• Head to the local museum, West Coast Reflections, on arrival if time
• Eat dinner at the Bushman’s Bar and Cafe. We recommend booking ahead for dinner in Strahan and note there can be a shortage of places to eat especially on a Sunday

Where To Stay In Strahan

• BEST – Aloft Boutique Accommodation ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Motel Strahan ( Click here for more details )

Click here for more Strahan accommodation options.

Lake St Clair

One of the top rated Tasmania scenic drives is a visit to Lake St Clair. This is a must see spot on our suggested itinerary Tasmania.

Lake St Clair is located in Lake St Clair National Park, which is also home to Cradle Mountain. On this visit, you will see the southern end of Lake St Clair and take one of three walks to get a taste of the stunning beauty of Lake St Clair (we will visit Cradle Mountain on day 5).

From Cynthia Bay, there are three walks you can take ranging from about 30 minutes to 2 hours. It’s easy to start one walk and then extend it if you’re ready for more. The Watersmeet Walk is just a short 30 minute circuit and easy with kids and you can easily extend it to reach Platypus Bay and lamairremener tabelti.

You will need a national park pass before you visit this national park, and you can buy a pass that gives you entry to all national parks for the duration of your trip. Get yours here.

West Coast Reflections

Upon entering Strahan on your Tasmania driving tour, it’s worth paying a visit to the West Coast Reflections museum located at the West Coast Visitor Information Centre.

This small museum offers a little background on the lives of the people on the West Coast, including Indigenous Australians and convicts, and the importance of the mining and forestry industry and the activism it gave rise to.

There’s also information on the local rainforests and caves, and if you have more time, you can see the play ‘The Ship That Never Was’ here – the longest running Tasmania play about 10 convicts hijacking the last ship built at Macquarie Harbour (a true story!).

Museum entry is cheap – only $2 for adults and $1 for children. If you have time, add it to your Tasmania holiday itinerary.

Address: The Esplanade, TAS, 7468

Day 4: Strahan

Today, you have your biggest decision of this 14 day Tasmania self drive itinerary – pick one of the first two options below (you don’t have time for both).

• Take the amazing West Coast Wilderness Railway starting in Strahan and either returning to Strahan or finishing in Queenstown
• Take a stunning Gordon River cruise

Read our full guide to Strahan here.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Originally built to carry materials mined in Queenstown to the port of Strahan, the West Coast Wilderness Railway is not only an engineering marvel but simply the best way to see the rugged and mountainous beauty of the west coast.

From Strahan, you’ll board an old steam train which departs from Regatta Point Station and travels through the rich rainforest.

You can choose to take either a full day or half day tour, and pick from two different tiers of carriages – heritage, which is comfortable and offers drinks and snacks available for purchase, and Wilderness, which is a fully catered service including drinks and offers use of an open balcony. Note that it’s recommended to dress warm as it can get quite cold.

The train makes multiple stops along the journey depending on which tour you choose to take, and there are activities at each station included in your ticket price where you do things like sample honey, mine for gold and go on short guided walks.

The full day tour stops at Queenstown where there is a cafe and a museum, and you can choose to do extra activities like river rafting if this interests you.

The Wilderness Railway is one of the most unique and interesting ways to appreciate the beauty, history and ruggedness of the west coast.

Address: 62 Esplanade, Strahan TAS 7468

Gordon River Cruise

The Gordon River is famous for its stunning beauty and runs through lush cold climate rainforest. The best way to see it is with a Gordon River Cruise.

There are two main cruise lines – World Heritage Cruises and Gordon River Cruises. We took the Gordon River Cruises cruise. This luxury river cruise departs Strahan and takes you on a 6 hour journey down the Gordon River aboard the Spirit of the Wild – a boat which uses technology which makes the cruise relatively quiet so that you can truly experience the peace and tranquility of Gordon River.

Our cruise started from Strahan and sailed past the historic Macquarie Harbour to Hell’s Gate (the entrance to Gordon River from the Southern Ocean). Sailing silently down the Gordon River, the cruise stops at Heritage Landing where you can take a walk through the rainforest and see Sarah Island which was a penal colony with some interesting monuments.

Along the way we were given plenty of information on the history of the area, the difficulty of navigating the harbour and the life of early settlers and convicts.

The Main Deck has two options – centre and window, and both include a lunch of Tasmanian produce. You can also choose to sit in the Premium Upper Deck, which also includes morning and afternoon tea, a viewing deck and an open bar.

The sites along the cruise are simply phenomenal and need to be experienced to be appreciated. Famous too, when conditions are right, is the reflection on the river due to the darker colour of the water. It’s an ideal way to spend a day.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

Address: 24 Esplanade, Strahan TAS 7468

Day 5: Cradle Mountain

Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Today, it’s time to explore the Cradle Mountain part of Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park on your Tasmania route.

• After breakfast, grab supplies for a picnic and drive to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre
• From here, take a shuttle bus to Dove Lake
• Explore this region, picking a hike that suits your taste and ability
• Check in to your accommodation
• Go on an after dark feeding tour at Devils@Cradle

Where To Stay At Cradle Mountain

• BEST – Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Cradle Mountain Highlanders ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain (Dorm Rooms Available) ( Click here for more details )

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in central Tasmania, and your drive around Tasmania itinerary should definitely include a stop here.

Driving into the Cradle Mountain Visitors Centre, you’ll already get a sense of the isolation of this spot and the vastness of the landscape. The Visitor Centre itself is a hive of activity where you can visit the cafe for a coffee, purchase souvenirs from the gift shop and then take the shuttle bus to Dove Lake or one of the stops on the way.

There are plenty of walks you can do from here. If you have the time, I recommend the Dove Lake walk where you’ll get excellent views of Cradle Mountain and the surrounding area around Dove Lake, as well view the local flora. It’s 6 kilometres long and takes about 2.5 hours at an easy pace. The track is mostly flat and very well surfaced.

If taking a long walk isn’t your thing, you can visit Dove Lake to get some amazing photos, and then go on a shorter walk closer to the visitors centre. Some good shorter walks include the Enchanted Walk (20 minutes) and the Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk (just 10 minutes return).

I recommend taking a look at the walks before you visit so you can plan one for your Tasmania trip itinerary that suits you. You can find all the walks here.

Devils@Cradle

Devils@Cradle is a wildlife sanctuary at Cradle Mountain that helps in the conservation of the threatened Tasmanian devil. You can visit the sanctuary both day and night and get up close to the Tasmanian devil, as well as the Spotted-tailed and Eastern quoll. Knowledgeable guides will give you interesting information about the lives of these animals.

The night feeding tour is really the showcase event. As Tasmanian devils are mostly nocturnal by nature, they are most active at night, and seeing a group feeding experience is a unique and fascinating experience for both kids and adults.

The night tours take about 1 hour and 15 minutes and operates between 5:30pm and 8:30pm daily.

Address: 3950 Cradle Mountain Rd, Cradle Mountain TAS 7306

Day 6: Wynyard, Boat Harbour And Stanley

Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

In this part of the Tasmania road trip planner, you’ll explore some of the beautiful North West coast of Tasmania.

• After breakfast, jump in the car and head for Fossil Bluff and Table Cape near Wynyard. Switch this with Tasmazia if you have kids (approx driving time about 1 hour 20 minutes)
• If it’s October, also visit Table Cape Tulip Farm
• Next, head to the stunning Boat Harbour beach, especially if it’s summer (approx driving time about 15 minutes)
• Drive on to Stanley and check into your accommodation
• Have dinner at the Stanley Hotel Bistro

If you are planning family driving holidays Tasmania, consider heading to Tasmazia instead of the Wynyard attractions in the morning.

Where To Stay In Stanley

• BEST – Horizon Deluxe Apartments ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Stanley Village Waterfront Accommodation ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park ( Click here for more details )

Click here for more Stanley accommodation options.

Fossil Bluff

Heading north from Cradle Mountain on your driving around Tasmania itinerary, the next place to visit is Fossil Bluff.

Fossil Bluff is a stunning beach with a backdrop of cliffs. These sandstone cliffs have fossils from millions of years ago. It’s great to explore alone or with kids, and to see the fossils in the rocks and shells. There’s also a short uphill walk where you can take in the view. However, it might be a little challenging for some.

The beach itself is small and suitable for swimming in the warmer months, and there are some picnic facilities nearby, making it a great place to stop and have a picnic lunch.

Address: 26/28 Freestone Cres, Wynyard TAS 7325

Read our full guide to Wynyard here.

A short drive from Fossil Bluff is Table Cape, the next stop on your Tasmania driving holiday itinerary. Table Cape is a stunning site positioned on top of a dormant volcano.

From the car park at the top, there is a lockout area where on clear days you can see to over 175 kilometres away. From the car park, a short walking track leads you to the lighthouse in the distance.

Following the track which lines the cliff face, it’s quite common to see wildlife along the way. At the end of the short walk, you’ll reach the impressive Table Cape Lighthouse. Here you can read about its interesting history, see the beautiful view and the tulip farm in the distance, and see remnants of long demolished buildings.

Address: 363 Table Cape Rd, Wynyard, Tasmania 7325

Read our full guide to Table Cape here.

Table Cape Tulip Farm

If you’re visiting Tasmania between September and October, you might be lucky enough to see the Table Cape Tulip Farm come to life. This is one of the most unique things to add to your itinerary planner Tasmania in Wynyard.

The Tulip Farm is positioned very close to the lighthouse and is open year round, but it is an absolute delight to see in spring. This is when the Tulips bloom and the annual Tulip Festival is held, a carnival-like atmosphere where people from all around the state come to see the tulips.

They are simply amazing to see with an array of colours which seemingly go on forever. The farm also has a cafe and art gallery too.

Click here for all the Wynyard accommodation options.

Boat Harbour

Tasmania has some beautiful beaches, and if you’re visiting in the warmer periods of late spring and summer, Boat Harbour is definitely one to add to the list.

This is a gorgeous white sand beach and, in fact, regularly rated among Australia’s top 10. It’s generally a quiet beach making it a great way to spend some time relaxing with rock pools and the frequent sighting of dolphins and seals in the distance adding to its charm.

Even if you’re not visiting during summer, it’s worth seeing the beauty of this beach and taking a quick look at the surrounding Boat Harbour area.

Read our full guide to Boat Harbour here.

If you want to add something different to your Tasmania travel route which kids will praticularly enjoy, a visit to Tasmazia is perfect.

This is a super unique experience for the whole family and a lot of thought has been put in to make the experience as fun and interesting as possible. There are eight different mazes to explore (among the largest complex in the world), a lavender farm, model villages with funny names, a shop and a cafe.

You can spend hours exploring all the site has to offer, with something different on every turn, making for a super fun day for the whole family. The cafe also specialises in pancakes to keep the kids impressed.

There are model embassies from many different countries complete with satirical humour, and there are surprisingly good jokes on every turn. This is a place to keep you entertained and laughing.

Address: 500 Staverton Rd, Promised Land TAS 7306

Read our full guide to Tasmazia here.

Day 7: Stanley

Today’s part of the Tasmania two week itinerary is enjoying what scenic Stanley has to offer.

• Have breakfast and then head to The Nut
• Take the chairlift to the top of The Nut (or walk) and go for a walk around it
• Next, head to Highfield Historic Site and explore the property
• Have lunch at a bakery in town then go on a 75-minute Stanley Seal Cruise

The showpiece of Stanley is the Nut, and it’s the main place to add to your Tasmania itinerary planner while here.

It’s impressiveness can be seen from all around Stanley and, with a captivatingly flat surface, it’s very easy to explore on foot.

There are two ways to reach the top of the Nut – either by walking or taking the chairlift. Note, the walk is difficult. It is very steep and will likely require a few stops along the way. However, it is free and rewarding.

The chairlift ride takes just 5 minutes and offers great views, but it doesn’t operate all the time and there is a fee (last time we checked it was $17 return for adults and $11 for kids).

Once you reach the top, you can take a circuit walk of the Nut, which takes about an hour. You can take in the views of Stanley and the sea. It really is a pretty site.

As the Nut is mostly flat, the walk is easy, but it can be cool and windy, so it’s advised to dress appropriately.

Address: Browns Road, Stanley, TAS 7331

Click here to read our full guide to visiting The Nut.

Highfield Historic Site

After walking around the Nut, head to Highfield Historic Site, which is only 3 kilometres away and offers a great chance to see an early restored Tasmanian farm house. The site has plenty of history to absorb as well as pretty manicured gardens.

The rooms and layout of the house are very well kept, and there’s some authentic and interesting furniture and paintings to see, as well as pretty views of Stanley and the water from the house.

The entrance price is $12, and it’s a great place to take in a bit of history about Stanley.

Address: Highfield, 143 Green Hills Rd, Stanley TAS 7331

Stanley Seal Cruises

Seals are relatively abundant around Tasmania, and one of the best ways to get a glimpse of them is with a Stanley Seal Cruise. These cruises leave twice a day – 10am and 2pm – and take about 75 minutes. They pretty much give you their guarantee that you will see an Australian Fur Seal on the cruise.

The trip is comfortable and the guides are informative, and there is usually an abundance of marine life to spot around the Nut and surrounding area. Bottle Nose Dolphins are also frequently sighted.

It’s a great way to get up close and see the seals in action. There’s also a nice cafe on the Dock, the Dockside Cafe, great for a late breakfast or lunch.

Address: 6 Wharf Rd, Stanley TAS 7331

Read our full guide to Stanley here.

Day 8: Launceston And Tamar Valley

Driving Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

In this part of the 14 day self drive Tasmania itinerary, you move on to Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city, and the Tamar Valley region.

• Get going early so you are all set for a delicious brunch at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm in Elizabeth Town (approx driving time about 2 hours)
• Drive to Tasmania Zoo to check out Tasmania’s wildlife  (approx driving time about 35 minutes)
• Next, head to Cataract Gorge in Launceston. Take the chairlift one way and walk around the Gorge over the suspension bridge in the other (approx driving time about 25 minutes)
• Take a tour of Boags Brewery
• Drive on to Low Head and check into your accommodation  (approx driving time about 40 minutes)

Where To Stay In Low Head

• BEST – Low Head Pilot Station ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – Low Head Tourist Park ( Click here for more details )

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm is a must visit to taste some of the fantastic produce and food Tasmania is prized for.

Of course, the main event here is the raspberries, and while these are seasonal, you can find raspberry dishes all year round. You can also sample Tasmanian wine or have a full three course meal.

The farm is a beautiful setting where you can walk by the lake, and there is also play equipment and a treasure hunt for kids. You can also see alpacas and wallabies on the property, and there is an excellent shop filled with raspberry products and some free tastings.

This is a very popular place to stop for brunch, so I recommend you book ahead.

Address: 9 Christmas Hills Rd, Elizabeth Town TAS 7304

Click here to read our full guide to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.

Tasmania Zoo

With over 100 different species to see, Tasmania Zoo is a great way to spend a couple of hours exploring. Here you can see some of the animals Tasmania and Australia are famous for, as well as rare species from all over the world.

Animals include the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the Tasmanian Devil, the African Lion and the Red Panda, just to name a few. This is also the only Australia zoo with the Black Crested Macaque.

In addition to plenty of interesting animals to see, there is a food machine where you can fill a cup and to feed some of the animals, there is a cafe, toilet facilities and a BBQ area which is great if you’d like to have a picnic lunch in the bushy surroundings.

Address: 1166 Ecclestone Rd, Riverside TAS 7250

Cataract Gorge

In the city of Launceston you’ll find Cataract Gorge, a gorgeous place to visit with walks, places to swim in the warmer months, a cafe and restaurant, peacocks and wallabies and a chair lift (the longest single span chairlift in the world!).

A ride on the chairlift is the best way to see the beauty of this area and the natural basin below, with a single chair fitting 2 passengers comfortably.

You can take a walk around the gardens and see the peacocks and wallabies, and you can also take a walk on the suspension bridge and ride The Inclinator – a free self operated people mover which takes you from the entrance to the lawn below.

This is a pretty sensational place sitting just outside of Launceston CBD, and you can spend as long as you like exploring the area.

Address: 69 Basin Road, Launceston, TAS 7250

Boag’s Brewery

Tasmania’s breweries are a significant part of its history, and the Boag’s Brewery in Launceston is worth seeing if this interests you with this particular brewery operated since 1881.

The tour gives you an introduction to the beer making process, a behind the scenes look at the factory and the chance to sample different Tasmanian beers.

The tours are known for being entertaining and fun, take about 90 minutes and run most days.

Address: 39 William St, Launceston TAS 7250

Read our full guide to Launceston here.

Day 9: Tamar Valley

Our favourite part of this two weeks in Tasmania is exploring the Tamar Valley. Today, you will hopefully feel the same.

• Start at the Low Head Maritime Museum at the Low Head Pilot Station
• Head to the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre (approx driving time about 30 minutes)
• Pick a winery for lunch. We recommend Iron Pot Bay Vineyard (approx driving time about 15 minutes)
• Visit Seahorse World and Platypus House (or stop at some more wineries for tastings)  (approx driving time about 20 minutes)
• In the evening, take a Low Head penguin tour

Low Head Maritime Museum

The Low Head Maritime Museum is an interesting museum where you can learn about the history of sailing in the Tamar Valley and see some relics from the past.

The museum is located among pretty cottages and positioned in the convict built Pilots’ Row – a row of four cottages – and is the oldest pilot station in Australia still operating.

The museum is quite expensive with 13 different rooms focusing on things like shipwrecks, telegraphs and communications, navigation, whaling history and more. They also have a few interactive pieces like a ship’s helm and morse code telegraph key, which makes it enjoyable for kids and adults.

Address: 399 Low Head Rd, Low Head TAS 7253

Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre

Many people in Tasmania and around Australia are familiar with the Beaconsfield Mine as this is the site where in 2006 two miners became stuck for two weeks

The site is no longer an active mine, and it’s been transformed into an interesting heritage centre providing an insight into mining, Beaconsfield and the dramatic incident and rescue in 2006.

You can also walk around the original site and appreciate the interesting and complex work done here. They’ve also been quite mindful to make this attraction interesting for kids with tunnels to crawl through, levers to pull and activities like panning for gold.

Our kids were also given a list of animals to try to locate (however although we tried hard, we failed!). There’s plenty to see here and I highly recommend taking the short drive to check it out.

Address: West St, Beaconsfield TAS 7270

Seahorse World

Located in Beauty Point is Seahorse World, an awesome place where you can learn about and see a surprising array of seahorses.

A visit to Seahorse World is conducted by tour, where you are taken around the facility and introduced to the world of seahorses. We were surprised with just how small they can be. You also learn about how seahorses breed and how the male is actually the one who carries the babies!

The facility is also a breeding centre, and there are several areas in the facility where the seahorses are housed, varying on their age.

You can also see other species of marine life (like endangered fish), and are given the opportunity to touch some seahorses, crabs and starfish. Tours are run hourly and I highly recommend booking ahead. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Address: 200 Flinders St, Beauty Point TAS 7270

Click here for the latest prices or read our full review here .

Platypus House

Right next to Seahorse World in Beauty Point is Platypus House. This is the place to learn about platypus’ and echidnas and see them up close.

Platypus House is similar to Seahorse World in that you visit by guided tour, with tours running every hour at least. Again, I recommend booking ahead to get your preferred time.

Both echidnas and platypus’ come from the same group – Monotremes – and the guides give plenty of information on them. You’re introduced to the 14 year old male platypus, as well as a few females. We were then taken to a room with three echidnas, and sat in a circle while they fed (unphased by us!). This was very unique and interesting to see the animals so close up.

Tours take about 45 minutes and it’s a great place for families to visit for memorable close encounters with echidnas and platypus’, and one you won’t soon forget.

Low Head Penguin Tour

If there’s one thing you must do in Low Head, it’s a Low Head Penguin Tour. These amazing tours take place every evening after sunset, when the penguins return from sea and are an incredible way to see the fairy penguins.

Tours take place at the Low Head Coast Reserve. You can only access the reserve by tour in the evening, and I highly recommend this tour for the best up close encounter we have experienced with penguins. The guides are knowledgeable and experienced. I also recommend you dress warm and call up in advance to see when tours are run (it’ll be at sunset).

The group can be split into smaller groups, each with their own guide, who directs you to the beach and will likely point out other wildlife (like wallabies, bandicoots and possibly penguins) on the way.

The beach is where the majority of the penguins gather for the night. It’s an amazing thing to see. When we visited, the penguins were with babies, and the guide provided some fascinating information about the penguins.

The tour finishes up in the shop, where our kids were given stickers. It really is an incredible experience for all ages.

Address: 485 Low Head Rd, Low Head TAS 7253

Day 10: North East Tasmania

Driving Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

It’s time for a change of scenery with your Tasmanian road trips heading to the east coast.

• Drive to Pipers Brook Vineyard to start the day with a tasting (approx driving time about 35 minutes)
• Head to Little Blue Lake for a quick photo (approx driving time about 1 hour 5 minutes)
• Drive into Pyengana and have lunch at the famous Pub in the Paddock (approx driving time about 50 minutes)
• Drive on to St Columba Falls and take the short walk to these big falls (approx driving time about 10 minutes)
• Stop for some Pyengana cheese on your way to Binalong Bay/St Helens

Read our full guide to North East Tasmania here.

Where To Stay At Binalong Bay/St Helens

Binalong Bay is the closest point to the Bay of Fires which you will be exploring tomorrow. Another option is the town of St Helens nearby which has more options.

• BEST – Pelican Point Sanctuary ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – NRMA St Helens ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park ( Click here for more details )

Read our full guide to St Helens accommodation here.

Little Blue Lake

For a quick photo opportunity, I recommend stopping at Little Blue Lake. This pretty blue lake (with a less pretty history) is blue regardless of the weather.

The blue colour is the result of alluvial tin mining in the past which has left the lake a perpetual blue (and rendered it unswimmable due to heavy metal contamination).

It’s worth a quick visit and photo being located on the way to your next stop.

Address: 1753 Gladstone Rd, South Mount Cameron TAS 7264

Pub In The Paddock

A well known and traditional pub to stop for lunch is the Pub In The Paddock located in Pyengana. This pub has a colourful history, being first licensed in 1880 and once had an active dance hall and picture theatre.

It’s now mostly frequented by a steady stream of tourists. However as one of the oldest pubs in Tasmania, it’s still an interesting place to have lunch.

One of the main attractions of this pub is Priscilla II, a pig that feeds on special beer which you can buy from the bar. True to its name, you can get a nice traditional pub meal here and it’s a nice, interesting place to have lunch.

Address: 250 St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana TAS 7216

St Columba Falls

For more of Tasmania’s best natural beauty, a visit to St Columba Falls is a must. At 90 metres tall, the falls are one of Tasmania’s highest and a stunning sight to see (and hear).

The walk to the base of the falls is easy enough on a good path and takes about 7 minutes (our 4 year old was able to do it), although it can be slippery. It’s a beautiful walk through tall trees with man ferns, sassafras and myrtle rainforest trees.

The area features a 4,200 hectare mountainous catchment area, and during times of higher rainfall, the falls become huge and thunderously loud. However, at any time, they are an incredible sight.

There is a viewing platform at the base of the falls where you can appreciate their magnificence and the power of nature, and there are walks nearby (like Halls Falls walking track) if you so wish.

Address: 395 Saint Columba Falls Road, Pyengana, Tasmania, 7216

Pyengana Dairy

Tasmania is well known as a destination of great cheese, and Pyengana Dairy is the place to sample the famous Pyengana cheese.

The dairy company is a place where you can get a little insight into the cheese making process. There are two windows where you can see cheese making in action and you can see cheese maturing in their cellar.

Of course, you can also sample some of their fabulous cheeses and purchase some that you enjoy. Pyengana Dairy also has a nice cafe where you can spend some time taking in the views and relaxing over a coffee or cheese platter.

Address: St Columba Falls Rd, Pyengana TAS 7216

Read our full guide to Pyengana here.

Day 11: Bay Of Fires

Today is the easiest day in this itinerary for 2 weeks in Tasmania with a beach day!

• Explore Bay of Fires

If you are looking for a Tasmania winter itinerary, I would still keep this day. You won’t want to swim but this area is still pretty to explore and by this point of this driving itinerary Tasmania, you deserve an easier day.

Bay Of Fires

A short drive from St Helens is Bay Of Fire and this is a must see on your Tasmania road trip.

This conservation area is famed for its magnificent beaches with white sand and crystal clear water, as well as its striking orange coloured boulders. The area is complete with walks with wildlife and beautiful nature sights, and it’s an area you can easily spend a day exploring.

Binalong Bay is one of the best known spots on the Bay Of Fires. Located at the southern end of Bay Of Fires, this is a small town where many people camp, and there are also a few nice cafes to stop for lunch.

The long beach here is a great place to swim on warmer days, or to take a walk and see the many native birds on the beach. You’ll also find the orange boulders to explore that the area is famous for.

Half way between Binalong Bay and Ansons Bay is The Gardens. This stretch contains fabulous beaches, as well as a car park and boardwalk where you can stop and take a short walk to a lookout for fabulous photos.

Other spots to see include Skeleton Bay, Policemans Point and Ansons Bay. There is a wealth of beaches and scenery to explore, and the area is likely to have you constantly stopping to see something new.

Of course, if you want to swim, it’s best to visit this area in the warmer months of the year. However, even without swimming, it’s a stunning place to explore.

Address: 280 Ansons Bay Road St Helens Tasmania 7216

Day 12: Freycinet National Park

Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

The next stop on your travel itinerary Tasmania is Freycinet National Park and the stunning Wineglass Bay.

• Drive to Freycinet National Park stopping at Freycinet Marine Farm on the way
• Hike to Wineglass Bay

Where To Stay In Coles Bay

Coles Bay is the town at the entry to Freycinet National Park

• BEST – Freycinet Lodge ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Swansea Backpacker Lodge ( Click here for more details )

Freycinet Marine Farm

The first place I recommend you visit in Coles Bay is Freycinet Marine Farm. Tasmania has some fantastic seafood, and Freycinet Marine Farm is the place to sample some of it straight from the sea.

This small collection of buildings is a place where you sit down for a meal or get take away. There’s plenty of seating and most of it is undercover. I highly recommend stopping here for lunch.

There isn’t a huge range of options on the menu but everything is delicious – particularly the mussels and oysters which are farmed here. They also serve chips and other seafood, and you can wash down your meal with a nice glass of wine.

Prices aren’t overly cheap but if you love seafood, it’s worth every penny. They also offer tours where they take you to their farm and you can catch and shuck your own oysters – you can’t get fresher than that!

Address: 1784 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215

Wineglass Bay

One of the most spectacular and iconic spots in Tasmania is Wineglass Bay. The beach here is considered among the top 10 beaches in the world.

This is a very popular place to visit, and for most people it’s the main reason to visit Freycinet. You have several options here. Firstly, you can walk the uphill track to the lookout. This is a well made track and usually highly trafficked with people of all ages.

There are plenty of spots to stop along the way, and depending on your fitness level and whether or not you have kids with you, one way can take between 30 minutes to an hour.

At the top, you’re rewarded with a view from above of the gorgeous beach and coast. The lookout has plenty of room to take photos. It really is a beautiful spot.

From the lookout you can choose to hike down to the beach. However, this isn’t for everyone and most people don’t do it. It can take about 3-4 hours return and can be quite steep. However, it’s the only way to make it down to the beach.

Alternatively, you can take the Hazards Beach Circuit which starts at the car park, but this is longer and more suitable for experienced hikers. There are other walks you can do too.

The trek to the lookout is rewarding enough for most people and allows you to appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of this area.

Address: Freycinet National Park, Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay TAS 7215

Day 13: Port Arthur

Driving Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

The next stop on this driving tour Tasmania is Port Arthur to learn about Tasmania’s convict past.

• Drive to Port Arthur Historic Site and explore the site taking the included walking and boat tours
• Return to the site at night for the ghost tour

Where To Stay In Port Arthur

• BEST – Port Arthur Villas ( Click here for more details )
• MIDRANGE – NRMA Port Arthur ( Click here for more details )
• BUDGET – Fox and Hounds Inn ( Click here for more details )

Want more options? Find our full Port Arthur accommodation guide here .

Port Arthur Historic Site

The Port Arthur Historic Site is a UNESCO world heritage site and known as one of the best relics from Australia’s convict past.

Port Arthur was the most important convict gaol in Tasmania and, from the 19th century, over 12,000 convicts were sent here and not just any convict. Port Arthur was only for the worst crimes, and, over the years, it became known as one of the most brutal gaols in Australia.

Presumably, it wasn’t a nice place. However now it is an extremely popular tourist attraction and a must see destination while in Tasmania.

A ticket to Port Arthur includes full entry to the site, a 40 minute guided walking tour of the site providing some background and broad history and a 25 minute boat cruise. When you pay for your ticket, you can select your walking tour time. For this reason, I recommend booking ahead, however you can buy tickets on the day and there’s also a gift shop, restaurant and cafe.

You can then explore the prison by yourself. It is very extensive with buildings (both restored and in ruins), gardens, walks and other interesting relics from the past. The separate restored prison is also a must see and gives you a feeling of what life must of been like for these convicts. We also really enjoyed exploring the old houses.

The included cruise sails the harbour past the Isle of the Dead – a burial spot for convicts – and you can also purchase an additional tour to explore this island.

There’s also after dark tours you can do, the most well known being the Port Arthur Ghost Tour. There’s been many reported paranormal events at Port Arthur which has resulted in this very popular 90 minute tour with an entertaining guide where you’re told both funny and creepy ghost stories and asked to judge for yourself whether ghosts exist!

It really is a fabulous place to visit.

Address: Historic Site, Visitor Centre, Port Arthur TAS 7182

Read our full guide to Port Arthur here.

Day 14: Back To Hobart

Driving Time: 1 hours 45 minutes

It’s time for the final day of your Tasmania travel itinerary 🙁 Head back to Hobart ready to fly out. If you started with this itinerary at another point, head back to the top for day one.

• Drive to Doo Town and check out the funny house names (approx driving time 30 minutes)
• Discover the Blow Hole and Tessellated Pavement
• Head back to Hobart visiting Richmond if you haven’t already (see day one)

In the pretty location of Eaglehawk Neck is the quirky town of Doo Town.

Doo Town is a place where the majority of the homes are named using the word “doo”. This is a trend that started in 1935 and continues today, and it’s an entertaining place to drive around and spot all the different names.

Some are quite funny to see and it’s clever how many names they’ve created. There’s even a cafe nearby, aptly named Doo-lishus. The town is positioned adjacent to water on the Tasman peninsula – a beautiful spot to see in its own right.

Address: 301 C338, Eaglehawk Neck, TAS 7179

Read our full guide to Doo Town here.

Blow Hole And Tessellated Pavement

Eaglehawk Neck has several fascinating geological sites, and one particularly famous is the Blow Hole. From the car park, it’s just a short walk to the Blow Hole, a very interesting site to see set in a beautifully scenic location.

Once a small cave, the water has patiently eroded the rock which has resulted in the blowhole effect seen today. To see the Blow Hole in action, you need to visit during a time of high tide. However at any time it’s still an impressive site to see.

A short 10 minute drive from the Blow Hole is the Tessellated Pavement. This is one of the most photographed spots in Tasmania, and is a natural phenomenon of tiled rock due to a combination of erosion and salt crystals of the Tasman sea.

You can get right up close to the pavement but I recommend wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Note also the tide can come in! It’s an impressive site to see and an extremely rare phenomenon which is just another example of the uniqueness of Tasmania’s wilderness.

Address: Eaglehawk Neck, TAS 7179

Tasmania Itinerary 12 Days

If you are looking for a 12 day Tasmania self drive itinerary, I recommend dropping one of the following stops:

• Tamar Valley
• Bay of Fires

Pick whichever seems the least interesting to you.

Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days

3 weeks in Tasmania? Lucky you! With some extra time, I recommend you take the above a bit slower and add an extra night to:

• Strahan – if you would like to do both the Gordon River cruise and West Coast Wilderness Railway
• Cradle Mountain – if you like hiking
• Low Head – if you like wineries
• Coles Bay – if you like beach towns
• Hobart – if you want to visit more museums and attractions

I also recommend you add a couple of days at the end of your Tasmania trip plan on Bruny Island. Read more about Bruny Island here .

If you are looking for adults-only Tasmania itinerary ideas, consider a couple of nights at Pumphouse Point on Lake St Clair. Read more about this here .

There’s also many other national parks to explore. One of the most visited from Hobart is Mt Field National Park. It’s about a one hour drive from Hobart, and from here you can do an easy 15 minute walk to see the stunning and iconic Russell Falls.

Final Words About Your Road Trip Tasmania Adventure!

With so many natural wonders, excellent food, history, museums and sites, Tasmania is a fantastic place to visit with a wealth of experiences waiting to be had.

This 14 day itinerary has focused on the top things to do in the state and, by following it, you’ll be sure to have an action packed, exciting yet still relaxing holiday.

We hope you enjoyed this best Tasmania itinerary, perfect for your Tasmanian road trip. You can find more information to plan your perfect trip to Tasmania  here , read our 4-5 day itinerary here , 7 day here , or 10 day here . For more planning guides, click here . You can also buy our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

By Shan Hutchinson

Shan grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.