Travel guide · Tasmania

The Ultimate 2 Week Tasmania Road Trip

Two weeks, one lap of the island, and every single stop worth pulling over for. Oysters straight off the farm, chairlifts, hikes and free camps we still talk about.

Tassie completely stole my heart. We did a full two week lap of the island in a mix of hotels, farm stays and free camps, and it might just be the best road trip we have ever done. Fresh oysters straight off the farm, chairlifts with views that do not feel real, cosy little towns and hikes that earn you the wine after. Here is our exact route, stop by stop, so you can copy it start to finish.

Hobart · 2 nights

Start with two nights in Hobart

Ease into island time with a couple of nights in Hobart. Wander Battery Point, all pretty cottages and harbour views, then take the time to visit the Cascades Female Factory. It is a moving, powerful look at Tasmania's history and it will stay with you long after you leave.

Where to start · Base yourself in Battery Point and explore on foot. It is the prettiest, most walkable little pocket of the city.

Tasman Peninsula

Drive out to Port Arthur

From Hobart, point the car towards Port Arthur and find yourself a free camp for the night, because Tassie does free camping so well. The Port Arthur Historic Site tour is an absolute must, beautiful, haunting and fascinating all at once.

Good to know · Book the Port Arthur tour ahead and give yourself a few hours. There is so much more to it than you expect.

Freycinet · Coles Bay

Freycinet, for oysters and kayaks

This was a highlight of the whole trip. Stay right at the national park, then get yourself to Freycinet Marine Farm at Coles Bay for oysters. Hands down the best tasting oysters we have ever had, and somehow the cheapest too. Then book the Coles Bay kayaking tour, easily one of the top three kayak tours we have ever done.

Tia's tip · Do the oysters and the kayak tour in one day. Paddling that coastline then eating oysters straight off the farm is perfection.

St Helens

The Bay of Fires

Make your way up to St Helens and do not miss the Bay of Fires. Think orange lichen covered boulders against the whitest sand and the bluest water you have ever seen. It is one of those places that somehow looks edited in real life.

The money shot · Go early for the light and the empty beaches. The colours here are unreal in the morning sun.

Launceston · 1 night

Launceston and the Tamar Valley

Spend a night in Launceston, potter around the shops and do the Cataract Gorge scenic chairlift before a lazy afternoon by the pool. From there, a night at Old Macs Caravan and Motorhome Farm Stay is pure joy, feed the animals and settle in for proper farm to table food. Then it is on to the Tamar Valley for a night in the Domescapes at Swinging Gate Winery, which is exactly as dreamy as it sounds.

For the girls · The winery domes are the treat yourself stop. Book ahead, they go fast, and they are so worth it.

Stanley

Stanley and the Nut

Tiny Stanley might be my favourite town on the island. Take the chairlift up the Nut for the views, then have dinner at the Lazy Lobster. And whatever you do, stick around past 10pm to watch the little penguins waddle back in. Absolute magic.

Do not miss · Stay up for the penguins after 10pm. It is the sweetest, most unexpected highlight of the whole trip.

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is Tasmania at its most jaw dropping. You have to do a hike here, whether it is the gentle Dove Lake loop or something more serious. Rug up, the weather turns on a dime, and soak in that wild alpine beauty.

Come prepared · Pack layers and a rain jacket no matter the forecast. The mountain makes its own weather.

Strahan · West Coast

Strahan and the west coast railway

Over on the wild west coast, Strahan is your base for the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a slow, scenic journey through rainforest and river gorges. Have dinner at Risbys after, then break up the drive with a chilled stop at the Lake St Clair Caravan Park.

Slow it down · Book the railway in advance and just let the scenery roll past. It is old school travel at its best.

Richmond

Richmond, then back to Hobart

Round out the loop in historic Richmond, all heritage charm, gorgeous shops and that laid back village vibe. Soak up the last of the island magic, then cruise back into Hobart to finish the trip exactly where it started, completely in love with Tassie.

Tia's tip · Leave a little room in Richmond to just wander and shop. It is the perfect gentle finish before you fly home.