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The Perfect 7-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
- Tasvanlife
- Oct 19
- 4 min read
Tasmania is a place where every bend in the road feels like a new discovery. Rugged mountains tumble into turquoise seas, sleepy country towns reveal some of Australia’s best local produce, and wildlife roams free in national parks that feel almost untouched. A week may not be enough to see it all, but it’s the perfect amount of time to capture the essence of the island and experience its wild beauty at a comfortable pace.
This 7-day road trip is designed as the perfect loop — starting and finishing in Hobart, weaving along Tasmania’s east coast, through its highlands, and back into the lush forests of the south. Each day balances adventure with time to unwind, giving you a true taste of what makes lutruwita/Tasmania unforgettable.
What to Pack for Your Road Trip
Exploring Tasmania in a campervan means travelling light but smart. Essentials to keep in mind:
Sturdy footwear for short walks and half-day hikes.
Sun protection — sunnies, hat, and sunscreen (the Tassie sun is strong).
Camera or phone with plenty of storage for those landscapes and wildlife encounters.
Reusable water bottle and keep cup — Tassie’s water is some of the cleanest in the world, and coffee is always worth stopping for.
National Parks Pass, a must for exploring multiple parks along the route.
What to Expect on the Road
Distance covered: ~1,300 km (full loop)
Daily drive: 2–3 hours on average
Fuel costs: $350–$400 depending on vehicle and route
Best season: December–April for warm weather and long days; winter for quiet wilderness and moody landscapes.
Tasmania’s roads wind through mountains, coastlines, and farmland. The scenery makes every drive rewarding, but also slower — so build in time for photo stops, detours, and unexpected encounters.
Day 1: Tasman Peninsula
Begin your journey on the dramatic Tasman Peninsula. Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, where stone ruins and stories of convict life sit against a backdrop of sea and forest. In the afternoon, hike the Cape Hauy Track (4 hours return) for sweeping views over sheer cliffs and sea stacks.
Stay: Camp at Fortescue Bay, right by the ocean.
Day 2: Marion Bay & Maria Island
Head north via Marion Bay, stopping for oysters and vineyard tastings. From Triabunna, take the ferry to Maria Island National Park — a wildlife haven where wombats, kangaroos, and even Tasmanian devils roam freely. The Painted Cliffs are a highlight at sunset.
Stay: Beachside camping at Mayfield Bay Conservation Area.
Day 3: Freycinet National Park
Spend the day at Freycinet, home to the world-renowned Wineglass Bay. For a challenge, hike Mount Amos for sweeping views, or opt for the shorter lookout walk. Cool off with a swim at Honeymoon Bay or wander the sands of Friendly Beaches. Evening brings penguin-spotting in Bicheno.
Stay: Lagoon Beach Campground or coastal camps around Bicheno.
Day 4: Bay of Fires
Drive north to the Bay of Fires, known for its white sands, turquoise waters, and striking orange-lichen boulders. Spend the day beach-hopping, snorkeling, or wandering The Gardens. This is pure east coast bliss.
Stay: Dora Point Campground, right on the water.
Day 5: St Helens & Derby
Enjoy a relaxed morning by the water before heading inland. Stop at Halls Falls, hidden in mossy rainforest, before reaching Derby, a quirky town reinvented as a hub for mountain biking and wellness. Book a session at the floating sauna on Lake Derby — sunset here is unforgettable.
Stay: Camp in Derby or riverside free camps nearby.
Day 6: Launceston & Cradle Mountain
Travel west into the rolling hills of northern Tasmania. Start your morning at Cataract Gorge in Launceston, just minutes from the city centre — walk the suspension bridge, grab a coffee at the kiosk, or take a quick swim if the weather’s warm.
Continue to Deloraine, a charming riverside town known for its artisan community and galleries. On your way, stop at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a sweet treat (the raspberry lattes and pancakes are a must).
From there, journey towards Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, one of Tasmania’s most iconic wilderness areas. Spend the afternoon exploring the alpine landscapes, short walks, and wildlife encounters — the Enchanted Walk and Dove Lake Circuit are two unmissable highlights. Keep an eye out for wombats near dusk!
If time allows, visit the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre to learn more about the park’s history and trails before settling into your campsite for a night under the stars.
Stay: Camp by the Mersey River or near Cradle Mountain Discovery Park, both offering easy access to the park’s trails and a chance to spot platypus at dusk.
Day 7: Highlands & Mount Field National Park
Spend the morning enjoying the majestic Cradle Mountain if you didn't have enough time over the previous afternoon. Once ready, cross the highlands, where lakes and windswept plains create a sense of wild isolation. Descend into the lush forests of Mount Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest reserves. Visit Russell Falls and wander the Tall Trees Walk, where giant swamp gums tower overhead.
From here, it’s a short drive back to Hobart, completing the perfect 7-day loop.
Final Tips
Book campsites early in summer, especially near Freycinet and Cradle Mountain.
Drive with care — wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk.
Support local by trying Tassie coffee, wine, and fresh produce along the way.
Slow down — the best moments often happen when the itinerary is left behind.
✨ Ready to explore? Your campervan is waiting — the perfect way to experience Tasmania’s wild beauty at your own pace
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