Tasmania: The perfect seven day road trip

Tasmania is built for road trips – rugged, compact, and filled with more wildlife, quirky locals, and scenic detours than you can poke a platypus at.

For families with teenagers, couples our solo travellers, it offers the perfect mix of nature, food, history, and just enough adrenaline to keep everyone engaged. From the hip vibe of Hobart to the alpine beauty of Cradle Mountain and the dreamy east coast beaches, this loop covers it all – without wasting time or patience in the car.

Day 1: Start in Hobart – street eats, history, and views

Pick up your hire car in Hobart and spend the first day exploring this small but vibrant city. Start with brunch at the Farm Gate Market (Sundays only), then head up kunanyi / Mount Wellington for sweeping views and fresh alpine air.

Spend the afternoon wandering the infamous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). It’s provocative, edgy, and not like any museum you’ve ever been to. Teens love it for exactly those reasons.

Where to stay:
Budget: Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
Upmarket: MACq 01 Hotel

Day 2: South to Bruny Island – seals, cheese, and climbing The Neck

Drive 45 minutes south to Kettering and take the car ferry to Bruny Island. Start with a walk up The Neck Lookout. Then head to Bruny Island Cheese Co. and Get Shucked Oysters for a late lunch. In the afternoon, take an EcoCruise around the southern cliffs.

Where to stay:
Budget: Captain Cook Holiday Park
Upmarket: Free Spirit Pods

Day 3: East coast highlights – Freycinet and the Bay of Fires

Drive northeast to Freycinet National Park, home to Wineglass Bay. The walk to the lookout is a must. Stop at Freycinet Marine Farm for seafood, then continue through Bicheno and up to Bay of Fires.

Where to stay (Freycinet area):
Budget: Iluka Holiday Centre
Upmarket: Freycinet Lodge

Day 4: Into the highlands – wildlife and adventure at Cradle Mountain

Head inland to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Hike the Dove Lake Circuit, visit Devils@Cradle, and join a night tour to spot wombats and wallabies.

Where to stay:
Budget: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain
Upmarket: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

Day 5: North to Launceston – culture, fun, and Cataract Gorge

In Launceston, visit Cataract Gorge, the Queen Victoria Museum, and City Park with its Japanese macaques. For food, try Burger Junkie or go gourmet at Stillwater.

Where to stay:
Budget: Launceston Backpackers
Upmarket: Hotel Verge Launceston

Day 6: Backroads and final stops – quirky towns and last-minute gems

On the return to Hobart, stop in Campbell Town, Ross, and Oatlands. Great pies, convict history, and a lovely windmill await.

Day 7: Return to Hobart or depart

Wrap up your trip with a stroll through Salamanca Market (if it’s Saturday) or a last coffee along the waterfront. Return your car and begin the journey home full of memories.

Practical information

  • Best time to visit: December to April
  • Car hire: Book early
  • Safety: Watch for wildlife on roads
  • Packing tips: Layers, sun protection, rain gear
  • Bruny ferry: SeaLink Bruny Island
  • Park passes: Buy online here

More information

Travel itinerary (summary table)

Day Destination Activities & Highlights Accommodation Est. Cost (Family)
1 Hobart Mt Wellington, MONA, city walk Montacute or MACq 01 $250–$520
2 Bruny Island Ferry, The Neck, Cheese Co., EcoCruise Captain Cook Park or Free Spirit $300–$600
3 Freycinet / Bay Fires Wineglass Bay, Bicheno, penguins Iluka Centre or Freycinet Lodge $280–$650
4 Cradle Mountain Dove Lake, Devils@Cradle, night tour Discovery Parks or Peppers Lodge $270–$680
5 Launceston Cataract Gorge, museum, City Park Backpackers or Hotel Verge $250–$540
6 Midlands route return Ross, Campbell Town, Oatlands On the road or Hobart $200–$500
7 Hobart or depart Markets, food, final drive N/A $100–$200