6-day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Tasmania is one of the best destinations in Australia to organise a road trip because of its compactness. There is no other place in Australia where you can see so much beauty without driving hundreds of kilometres every day. It’s a destination you can’t miss if you’re travelling or living in Australia.

Noted for its hilly environment, attractive coastal region, and diverse animals, the most notable of which are Tasmanian devils and wombats.

If you’re traveling alone to Tasmania and looking for other solo independent excursions, GAFFL may be able to help you discover like-minded travel companions to split expenses and make the journey safer!

Hobart. Start of a 6-day Tasmania Road Trip
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Camping

Hobart to Strahan (DAY 1)

It takes four hours and 288 kilometres to drive from Hobart to Strahan without stopping. Depending on how many stops you take it could take up to 10 hours for you, but the time spent in between to see the attractions is more than worth it. The Lyell Highway is completely sealed. There are a few steep and twisting stretches, especially on the way down to Queenstown so be aware. This route is occasionally closed due to snow and ice. So, in winter you are better off avoiding this route.

Don’t make the mistake of spending the entire day in Hobart’s Salamanca Market before heading to Strahan in the late afternoon. Plan on making the trip a full day, with plenty of time to stop at points of interest along the way. The Wall in the Wilderness near Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair are two must-sees.

Other top attractions of the journey. Mount Field National Park, Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Tall Tree Circuit, Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park, Franklin River Nature Trail, Nelson Falls Nature Trail, Iron Blow Lookout

Best places to stay in Strahan. Strahan Village, Driftwood Strahan Villas, Sharonlee Strahan Villas, Kitty’s Place, Motel Strahan

Best places to eat in Strahan. Bushman’s Strahan, Molly’s Takeaway Cafe, Banjo’s Bakery Cafe, View 42 Restaurant and Cafe, Strahan Waterfront

Strahan Tasmania

Strahan to Cradle Mountains (Day 2)

Strahan is a lovely tiny town nestled in the Wilderness World Heritage Area of Tasmania, overlooking Macquarie Harbour. It’s time to go out from the settlement of Stahan to see the wonders of Tasmania’s wild West Coast. This is the kind of wilderness you can’t get to on a day tour from Hobart; you’ll need to go on a longer Tasmania tour with a guide to see it.

The region’s isolation adds to its uniqueness.

The journey from Strahan to Cradle Mountains will take about 4 hours depending on how many stops you take along the way.

In Strahan, Gordon River Cruise‘s breathtaking views of the surrounding area will take your breath away. On the cruise, salmon and trout farms are choices to consider, where you can learn about the complete process of preparing a salmon, from the harbor to the dish.

The voyage also allows you to visit two of the area’s most popular attractions that you wouldn’t be able to view otherwise: the convict historical sites on Sarah Island and the Gordon River.

Both trips begin early in the morning and end in the early afternoon, so be prepared to get up early for this vacation. Lunch is provided on board, so you don’t have to worry about it.

You may get an overhead perspective of Strahan by heading uphill on Esk Street from the Esplanade to Water Tower Hill.

After you’ve seen all the attractions, head to Cradle Mountain for a relaxing night in the wilderness.

Other top attractions of the journey. Henty Dunes, Tarkine Rainforest, Heritage Landing, Hogarth Falls.

Best places to stay in Cradle Mountain. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Cradle Mount Wilderness Village, Cradle Mountain Hotel, Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages, Waldheim Cabins

Best places to eat in Cradle Mountain. Highland Restaurant, Hellyers Restaurant, Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar, Tavern Bar and Bistro, Cradle Forest Inn

Lake St Clair National Park TAS

Cradle Mountain to Launceston (Day 3)

The Journey from Cradle Mountain to Launceston should take about 2 hour 30 minutes depending on the number of stops along the way.

Cradle Mountain is one of Tasmania’s most famous landmarks, and for good reason.

This region of Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clair National Park is prized for its distinctive mountain peaks and the numerous walking paths that allow visitors to view the park’s alpine beauty.

The amount of walking you want to accomplish as well as your fitness level will determine how you spend your time here. The Dove Lake Circuit is the most popular path for visitors to Cradle Mountain because it is not too demanding and allows you to see the mountain from across the lake. The Dove Lake Circuit is 6.5 kilometres long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete one circle. The path includes a built track, boardwalks, and some stairs.

Consider stopping at Sheffield, the “Town of Murals,” on your way to Launceston.

The annual street art festival has left colourful and innovative paintings all over this small provincial town. Stop off at the small town of Deloraine for a more direct route to Launceston.

There is a lovely river there, as well as a strange collection of statues.

Other top attractions of the journey. Dove River Conservation Area, Cradle Mountain Summit, Maggs Mountain Forest Reserve, Lake Saint Clair National Park, Marion’s Lookout, Pencil Pine Falls

Best places to stay in Launceston. Arthouse Hostel, Hideaway On George, Launceston Backpackers, The Cornwall Historic Hotel,  Launceston Holiday Park

Best places to eat in Launceston. Mudbar Restaurant, Cataract on Paterson, The Metz, Brisbane Street Bistro, Novaro’s Restaurant

Launceston Tasmania

Launceston to Bicheno (Day 4)

The scenic drive from Launceston to Bicheno takes about 2 hours, but it’s worth is only comparable to scenery on the road which is absolutely marvellous.

Just outside Launceston, you will first encounter Cataract Gorge and then along the coast. Cataract Gorge Reserve is located in the Launceston suburbs, yet you wouldn’t know it by looking at it. The gorge’s rugged cliffs, which border the South Esk River, create scenery that you wouldn’t expect to see so near to the city. Take a stroll to the gardens and lookouts across the suspension bridge, or swim in the First Basin below.

Then it’s off to Tasmania’s east coast and the breathtaking Bay of Fires.

The bay’s distinctive name comes from the brilliant orange lichen that covers pebbles along its coast. The protected area runs from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, with plenty of places to halt. 

As you travel from the Bay of Fires to Bicheno, you will be treated to one of Tasmania’s most spectacular journeys. The two wildlife experiences waiting for you in Bicheno are what make it such a terrific stay.

The first is East Coast Natureworld, which features a variety of Australian animals, including some pretty adorable Tasmanian devils. Then, in the evening, walk down to the beach to observe the Bicheno’s Little Penguin colony as they migrate up the beach.

Other top attractions of the journey. Bicheno Blowhole, Douglas-Apsley National Park, Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park, Freycinet National Park

Best places to stay in Bicheno. Freycinet Resort, Blu-Sea 365, The Hub Bicheno, Belmont Homestead, Bicheno Beach Stay

Best places to eat in Bicheno. The Pondering Frog, Blue Edge Bakery Bicheno, The Gulch, The Lobster Shack Tasmania, Salty Splash

Bicheno Tasmania

Bicheno to Freycinet National Park (Day 5)

People usually do not keep a whole day to explore Freycinet National Park, but it’s so worth it. The zigzagging Freycinet Peninsula, with its sandy beaches, pink granite mountains, and breathtaking views, is part of this national park.

Wineglass Bay and the spectacular vista from Wineglass Bay Lookout, which is accessible by a rather steep walk from near the end of the road, are the focal points of Freycinet National Park.

Looking out from there, you can view Wineglass Bay Beach and Hazards Beach on either side of the peninsula, as well as the Hazards Mountains, which have a subtle pink hue.

Drive over to Honeymoon Bay once you’ve returned to your car to view the crystal clear water and dramatic mountain backdrop. Cape Tourville Lighthouse, with its gorgeous walkway and spectacular coastline views, is another terrific site to visit on the peninsula’s far side.

Stay at least one night around this spectacular National Park.

Other top attractions of the journey. Wineglass Bay Cruises, Oyster Bay Tours, Freycinet Marine Farm, Freycinet Experience Walk, Coles Bay

Best places to stay in Freycinet National Park. Eagles Peak At Freycinet, Freycinet Lodge, Saffire Freycinet, Piermont Retreat, Swansea Ocean Villas

Best places to eat in Freycinet National Park. Devil’s Corner, The Edge Restaurant, Tellers Gallery, lluka Tavern, Melshell Oyster Shack 

A Tasmania Road Trip would not be complete without visiting Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park to Hobart (Day 6)

This drive will probably take around 2 hours 30 minutes. But some interesting stops on the journey might take a bit more time like Avalon Rocky Hill Retreat, Saffire Freycinet etc.

Hobart, Tasmania’s capital, is a vibrant metropolis. What was once a prison colony is now a popular tourist destination that draws tourists from all over the world to learn about its fascinating history and culture.

Convict-built architecture, museums, and galleries contribute to the city’s appeal.

At the foot of Mount Wellington, near the Derwent River’s estuary, is this vibrant city with wonderful seafood and a picturesque harbor.

Start the journey to Mount Wellington to see the beautiful panorama from the Kunanyi / Mount Wellington Summit. The city, Bruny Island, the Tasman Peninsula, kilometres of lush flora, mountain ranges, and an aerial perspective of the Derwent River can all be seen from the summit of the mountain, which is reached through a narrow 21 kilometre route (approximately a 30-minute drive).

You can also begin your day with a stroll down Hobart’s waterfront, stopping in Salamanca Place to see the various galleries, boutiques, theatres, and eateries.

Other attractions of the journey. Royal Tasmanian Gardens, St David’s Park, Salamanca Market, Cascades Female Factory Historic Site

Best places to stay in Hobart. Backpackers Imperial Hotel, Hobart Central YHA, The Brunswick Hotel, The Pickled Frog, Welcome Stranger Hotel

Best places to eat in Hobart. Templo, Peacock and Jones, Fico, Devil’s Kitchen Cafe, Syra

Hobart an essential city to visit during a Tasmania Road Trip

Last Words on Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

The Beauty Of Tasmania cannot be truly appreciated on a 6 day road trip. But this itinerary touched on the most important places to see in Tasmania in a short time. If you have extra time, this itinerary can take you across Tasmania in 12 days. A land of unimaginable beauty, Tasmania will never fail to capture your imagination, it will only exceed your wildest dreams. If you are backpacking Australia and looking for work for your second-year visa, this post will help you find fruit picking work in Tasmania.

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Driving from Hobart to Launceston

Author Bio: This article was written by GAFFL, an app that helps you find a travel buddy online with similar itineraries to explore destinations together. Whether you are backpacking in Asia, road tripping in Australia, or exploring national parks in the US, simply type the destination you are travelling to, find travellers who are going there at the same time as you, connect with them, plan trips, meet, and travel together.

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