Top Road Trip Destinations in Tasmania

Best Places to Visit in Tasmania

On the other side of the world – an island off an island – Tasmania is the slice of paradise you never knew you needed. Even among Aussies on ‘mainland’ Australia, Tasmania is seen as something a little bit quirky – a little bit different. Its colonial history and slow pace of life have been traditional attractions, but recent years have revealed its other, more exciting talents to curious travelers.

Tasmanian travel writer Andrew Strikis of Lap of Tasmania shares the best places to visit in Tasmania on a Tasmania road trip around the Australian island.

From the golden beaches of the sun-drenched East Coast to the raw, brooding energy of the West Coast Wilds, Tasmania is a nature lover and photographer’s idyll.

The best thing? The island is tiny, making road trips the perfect way to explore Tasmania’s rivers, valleys, and snow-dusted alpine peaks. From the effervescent vineyards of the Tamar Valley wine region to the vibrant festivals of Hobart city in the south, it is a foodie’s dream. These are the best places to visit in Tasmania while on a road trip around the island.

Two weeks on the island is ideal, and these are 11 of the most amazing places to visit while completing your very own Lap of Tasmania.

1. Sip and stroll up the Tamar Valley Wine Region

Launceston

On the banks of the Tamar River is the city of Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city and a fantastic place to base yourself for your first night or two on the island.

Cataract Gorge

One of the best places to visit in the Tamar Valley is Cataract Gorge. You could easily spend a half-day walking the trails of Cataract Gorge, soaking up the views from the world’s longest single-span chairlift. Or simply relax on the lush lawns by the riverside.

Tamar Valley Wine Route

A drive up the Tamar Valley Wine Route is a must. Dozens of wineries dot the western bank between Launceston and Beauty Point, and this is where you’ll find some of Tassie’s best cool-climate vino. Wines for Joanie is one of the prettiest options, while at Holm Oak Winery after a sip or two you can say g’day to Pinot d’Pig!

Food Recommendations

Foodies won’t be disappointed, as the region has experienced an explosion in gourmet options in recent years. Breakfast at Stillwater is a real treat, while Bryher has built a fierce reputation as one of the region’s best lunch options.

2. Soak up the Colours of Bay of Fires

One of the best things to see in Tasmania is The Bay of Fires. It is a very special corner of Tasmania, and you’ll never forget your first glimpse of its russet rocks, white sand, and turquoise water. The Bay of Fires is named so because of its kaleidoscope of colours that is very Instagram-friendly.

Binalong Bay is the best place to stay a night and experience this natural wonder. Binalong Bay is a tiny town full of holiday shacks, bobbing boats, and friendly faces. The short coastal drive to The Gardens is wonderful, and you can either continue through the dunes by foot to find your own secluded paradise or do a boat tour with Bay of Fires Eco Tours.

• Hot tip – Walk down to the Binalong Bay foreshore at sunrise to see its iconic ‘Lone Tree’!

3. Relax on world-class beaches at Freycinet National Park

You could easily spend a week slowly cruising down the gorgeous East Coast of Tasmania on your way to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. A seafood lunch at the seaside town of Bicheno is recommended before scrambling across the rocks to see its famous blowhole.

Coles Bay isn’t much further down the coast, and after a delicious oyster or two from Freycinet Marine Farm, you could either settle in at your accommodation or grab a few photos of the iconic ‘Hazards’ silhouetted against the sunset sky.

If there is one walk you must do in Tasmania, it is to explore the hiking trails to Wineglass Bay. This is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and to see it from above will take your breath away.

This beach inside Freycinet National Park has been voted among the world’s Top 10, and when you emerge from the eucalypt-scented forest, you’ll see why. It is simply stunning, with its pure, white sand curving perfectly towards the horizon.

If you’re not up for a 2-3hr return hike, you’ll be pleased to know you can also stop halfway at the Wineglass Bay lookout to get some fantastic photos.

4. Learn about convict history at Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur on the rugged Tasman Peninsula is one of Tasmania’s most popular destinations, and while it is beautiful, there are important lessons to be learned as you wander the jumbled ruins and impeccably manicured lawns of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.

Only 200 years ago, Tasmania was one of the British Empire’s harshest, most brutal penal colonies. It didn’t take much to be deported to ‘Van Dieman’s Land’, as it was known then, and Port Arthur was where the worst of the worst offenders would often see out their days. It’s a thought-provoking experience, so we recommend allowing at least a half-day at this world heritage listed site.

Plenty of other attractions are scattered across the Tasman Peninsula, such as Remarkable Cave, the Tessellated Pavement, the delicious treats of Federation Chocolate, and the iconic Three Capes hiking trail.

Three Capes Track

The Three Capes track is also one of the best places on the island to get up close and personal with a Tasmanian Devil! The Three Capes Track opened in 2015 and has quickly become one of the great Australian walks. The 46km track takes four days to trek along beautiful hiking trails along 300-meter high cliffs along the coast of Tasmania.

5. Immerse yourself in Hobart’s exciting festivals

With the icy waters of the Derwent River lapping at its feet and the soaring cliffs of Mt Wellington for its pillow, Hobart is one of the prettiest cities in Australia. Its reputation as a sleepy backwater has well and truly been blown away in recent years. The city has undergone an amazing transformation and is now one of Australia’s hottest festival destinations.

6. Experience the holy duo – Mount Wellington and MONA

Ask a local about the two things they recommend that every visitor should experience in Hobart, and we guarantee Mount Wellington and MONA will be at the top of the list.

Mount Wellington

Mt Wellington is impossible to ignore, rising high above the city with its alpine cap, fluted columns, and lush, rainforest-clad slopes. A drive to the 1,200m summit is easy in your own vehicle or with a guided tour, or if you’re really keen, you can hike one of the many trails from its base all the way to the top.

On reaching the summit, your jaw will hit the floor. It’s got to be one of the best views in Australia – especially at sunrise – sweeping up the picturesque Derwent Valley, across Hobart and the Tasman Bridge, and down the d’Entrecasteaux Channel to Bruny Island and beyond.

Hobart – MONA

Upon returning to Hobart and enjoying a quick lunch at either Dandy Lane or Tom McHugo’s, hop over to Brooke Street Pier and catch the quirky ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art – more commonly known as MONA. This eclectic museum put Hobart and Tasmania on the map when it opened in 2011.

The exhibitions are world-class and downright bizarre. Thought-provoking, funny, smelly at times, artistically challenging, and very, very adult!

• Hot tip – For a little extra, upgrade to a ‘Posh Pit’ ferry ticket for complimentary drinks and canapes in their exclusive lounge as you cruise up the Derwent River!

Bruny Island

Bruny Island is located just off the coast of Tasmania from Hobart. It is a popular weekend getaway for beach lovers. The ferry takes 20 minutes to reach from Hobart. Foodies will love it here with vineyards and local cheese and berry farms.

7. See a platypus and explore the waterfalls of the Derwent Valley

As much as we love experiencing the most popular attractions around the world, there’s something special about taking the road less-traveled and discovering the local gems that fly under the radar.

The Derwent Valley is often treated as an afterthought for road trippers heading to the West Coast Wilds, but we recommend spending at least a couple of days in this lush valley, on the doorstep to the great South West Wilderness.

New Norfolk

In the lower valley is the pioneering town of New Norfolk – just 30 minutes from Hobart – where you can enjoy a cheeky drink at Australia’s oldest pub at The Bush Inn. As you slowly wind your way north along the broad banks of the Derwent, you’ll find hop fields, pick-your-own raspberry farms, and even a beautiful salmon pond where you can go platypus spotting!

Mount Field National Park

Russell Falls, at the foot of Mount Field National Park, is without doubt the biggest attraction in the area, and the short walk to this graceful waterfall is easily accessible no matter your level of fitness or mobility. Keep an eye out for the multi-coloured mushrooms during fall.

Tarraleah and Tungatinah

Continuing north, there are the hydro towns of Tarraleah and Tungatinah, shrouded in the ethereal mists of the Tassie highlands.

The Wall in the Wilderness is a must-see – more than 100m of hand-carved panels of Tasmanian timber telling stories of Tasmania’s colonial past – before reaching the glacial waters and magical hiking trails of Lake St. Clair.

Hot tip – For a room with a view, stay the night at Pumphouse Point, and you’ll feel like you’re floating on the lake!

8. Embrace your wild side on Tasmania’s West Coast

If you want to escape the rat race and experience nature at its most raw, then you’ll love Tasmania’s wild West Coast. Cold streams race and leap their way down craggy, misty ranges to be swallowed by dank, lush rainforests and mirror-still harbours. Pioneering railways sift through the gorges, whispering of fortunes built on gold, tin, and copper in one of earth’s toughest, most brutal landscapes imaginable.

Descend from Derwent Bridge down to the lunar landscape of Queenstown. As you drive along the winding road to harbour-side Strahan, it’s hard to imagine how challenging it must have been for the early settlers to forge a pathway through this ancient land. They not only survived but ultimately flourished.

The mining heyday is over, and tourism is now the main attraction. An overnight stay in Strahan is popular, but to make the most of the region, we suggest staying at least two nights.

Tassie’s West Coast is wild, so don’t forget your rain jacket!

Search for accommodation in Strahan and reviews on our go-to booking sites. TripAdvisor and Booking.com

Things to do near Strahan

A cruise on Macquarie Harbour to the Gordon River is a must. This fantastic Gordon River cruise will show you so much that remains hidden from the road, like Sarah Island penitentiary, the fury of Hell’s Gates, and the pristine waterways and ancient Huon pines of the Gordon River.

The other option we strongly recommend is either a half-day or full-day tour on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, departing from both Queenstown and Strahan. This gorgeously restored steam train is a lot of fun, taking you deep into the rainforest where you can learn more about the trials and tribulations of the hardy pioneers that settled the region.

9. See iconic Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park

Probably the natural attraction for which Tasmania is most famous is Cradle Mountain. Located at the northern end of the UNESCO listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in Lake St. Clair national park.

The jewel of the north is only a couple of hours drive from Strahan or Launceston, or a 5-hour drive from Hobart. This is one of the best things you can do on a Tasmanian road trip.

Its unique profile is instantly recognisable, and if the conditions are right, you can even see it with the southern lights dancing in the background!

There are countless activities here, and you will want to spend at least a couple of days.

Things to do at Cradle Mountain

• Adrenaline junkies will have a blast abseiling down its canyons and floating along its cool streams in summer.
• Nature lovers could spend hours wandering the many trails that criss-cross the park – the Dove Lake circuit is easy but rewarding – spying furry wombats or Tasmanian devils after dark.
• The famous multi-night Overland Track starts nearby (you can do it in luxury if you like!)
• If you love the arts, you can chill out with some of the world’s best short films at the annual Cradle Mountain Adventure Film Festival.
• You can also enjoy a different perspective on Tasmania’s outback through the lens of Tasmania’s best landscape photographers at the Wilderness Gallery.

Accommodation options are plentiful in the nearby village, or for a lower rate, you could stay in the pretty ‘Mural Town’ of Sheffield.

• Hot tip – Don’t forget to buy a Tasmanian Parks Pass online or from the Visitor Centre.
• If you plan on visiting a few parks during your Tasmania road trip (e.g., Freycinet, Mt Field, or Cradle Mountain) then the ‘Holiday Pass’ is the best value.

10. Climb ‘The Nut’ and wander the Tarkine Rainforest

Speaking to other travellers, it seems many people drive straight through to Launceston after their visit to Cradle Mountain. However, they miss two of the best places to visit in Tasmania. What many don’t realise is that two of Tasmania’s best natural attractions are located along this route, the ‘Nut’ at Stanley Village and the nearby Tarkine Drive.

Stanley Village

As you drive into the pretty village of Stanley, it’s impossible not to notice the enormous volcanic ‘plug’ of rock on which it sits. There’s a thigh-busting trail you can take to the top, but for the best 360-degree views, you can take the chairlift instead.

After a light lunch in one of Stanley’s cafes, you’ll be fueled up and ready for your half-day mini road trip through the Tarkine – home to the world’s second-largest cool temperate rainforest.

Tarkine Drive

The Tarkine Drive takes you on a 70km loop from the graceful rock arch of Trowutta through the tall trees of the Milkshake Hills. You’ll pass the cool temperate rainforest of the Julius River Forest Reserve and enjoy sweeping views from Sumac Lookout. There are plenty of walking trails scattered along the route, providing fantastic opportunities to get close to the Myrtle forests and flooded sinkholes of this ancient relic of Gondwanaland.

11. Taste Tasmania’s gourmet delights along the Cradle Coast

Tasmania’s north is lush and green, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia. Many call Tasmania the breadbasket of Australia. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven as you drive from Stanley back to Launceston.

There are countless places to stop and have a nibble, so much so that they’ve even created a road trip route called the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.

Top Foodie Picks

If we had to narrow it down to our favourite eats, it would be:

• The gourmet chocolates from House of Anvers (near Latrobe),
• The cheese from Ashgrove Cheese,
• And something sweet from Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.
• Stop for lunch at Tuckshop at Barringwood, which is also a great option.

For delicious wine or two, you’ll love Barrington Vineyard and Ghost Rock Vineyard – but don’t forget to nominate a designated driver for the day.

Whether you’re catching the ferry back to the mainland from Devonport or flying out from Launceston, a lazy day of gazing at the Cradle Coast is the perfect way to finish up your perfect Tasmania road trip.

Places to Visit in Tasmania in Winter

Visiting Tasmania in winter? That’s when things really heat up!

Tasmania is famous for its fresh food and delicious wines, and the best place to try it all in one place is the annual Taste of Tasmania foodie festival held between Christmas and New Years Day. With a glass of bubbles and a tasting plate in hand, there’s no better place to watch the finish of the Sydney-to-Hobart sailing race or to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

The Dark MOFO festival is a crazy mix of bizarre art, wacky theatre, and great food and drink. You can even join 20,000+ other enthusiasts in a winter solstice swim!

Despite these incredibly exciting festivals, Hobart is a quiet place for much of the year, making it the perfect base for a few days while taking day trips to the Huon Valley, Bruny Island, and the Coal River Valley.

Getting to Tasmania

Tasmania is among the world’s most remote and exciting adventure destinations.

Flights depart from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Hobart and Launceston.

You can rent a car in Tasmania upon arrival. You can search for car rentals in Hobart and Launceston, and look for rental car comparisons here.

You can also take a ferry from Melbourne to Devonport. The Spirit of Tasmania is a car ferry from the mainland starting at $99 AUD.