The Ultimate 10 Day Tasmania Itinerary
When we planned our trip to Tasmania, we expected it to be beautiful, but we didn’t expect to be completely blown away by how incredible it really was! I would go as far as saying its one of Australia’s best states.
With stunning mountains and national parks, completely unique coastlines, cute towns with great food and some of the most incredible accommodations we’ve ever stayed in, Tasmania should not be forgotten! I am already planning my trip back this year.
If you want to see all the highlights that Tasmania has to offer, our 10 day Tasmania itinerary will help you plan the perfect Tasmania road trip! For more Tasmania travel inspo, don’t miss our posts on Instagrammable places in Tasmania and our Hobart Tasmania travel guide.
DAY 1: HOBART
We kicked off our Tasmania itinerary when we landed in Hobart and picked up our hire car from Drive Car Rental, a smaller company we found that was much cheaper than the big car rental companies.
Hobart is a great starting point for your trip, but make sure to spend some time exploring the state capital as well. There is so much to see and do in Hobart, as well as some really cool places to eat and drink in the area. If we had to pin point a stand out, it would be the food! We were pleasantly surprised at how much we loved Hobart. It truly does have this special charm.
The Salamanca area and Battery Point were definitely our favourite areas of the city. Check out the famous markets in Salamanca Square and the historical trail around Battery Point to learn more about Hobart’s history.
Where to stay in Hobart
We loved the beautiful Captain’s Cottage in Hobart built in the 1800s. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, check out Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse.
For a more in-depth guide to Hobart, don’t miss our Hobart travel guide.
DAY 2: STRAHAN
Strahan is a small town on the west coast and about a 4-hour drive from Hobart.
We came here to experience the west coast and this cute fishing village which is a perfect stopover on your way to Cradle Mountain.
Strahan is also home to the most magical Airbnb we have ever stayed in. If you saw my Instagram Stories from Captains Rest in Strahan, you’ll know how much I fell in love with this cute beach shack. Our stay here was like walking into a real life romance novel. A perfect setting for a Nicholas Sparks love story!
Where to stay in Strahan
You can book here to stay at Captains Rest, or if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out Strahan Beach Holiday Park.
DAY 3: CRADLE MOUNTAIN
After our amazing stay at Captains Rest, we drove to Cradle Mountain. From Strahan, it’s about 2 hours drive to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. There are so many hikes and beautiful places to see at Cradle Mountain that you could easily spend a few more days here. It was a highlight of our trip.
We set out early to see the sunrise at Dove Lake where there’s an incredible view of the mountain and also a quaint boatshed perched up on the shores of the lake. It was so magical and peaceful to see golden hour here. It’s also the perfect spot if you’re looking for Instagrammable places to visit in Tasmania!
To get to the lake for sunrise you can park at a carpark inside the National Park situation about 2km from the Lake. Dove Lake carpark is currently closed due to construction. If you are visiting in the day time, you have to park at the front gates and catch the shuttle bus which runs between 9am - 5pm in the winter, and 8am - 6pm in the summer. You can check out all the parking and shuttle bus information here.
During our visit we decided to do a sunset hike to Hansons Peak, which gives incredible views over the lake and Mountain peaks. Also, check the park opening times as you can’t park close to the trailhead between 8 am-7.30 pm. You can only take the shuttle bus in and out, but the last shuttle is at 7.30 pm so you’ll need to hike back to your car if you miss this. I’d recommend leaving your car inside the park before 8 am so you can get back to it easily!
The Hansons Peak hike is around 4km (2.5 miles) return and takes roughly 3 hours round trip. It is pretty easy but also steep so I definitely recommend good footwear and a good coat because it gets windy up there!
Where to stay near Cradle Mountain
The stunning Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is amazing in summer and winter. For a cheaper option in the park or a more adventurous wilderness experience, check out the park’s Waldheim Cabins or camping options.
DAY 4: MOUNT ROLAND
Mount Roland is around an hour north of Cradle Mountain, and is home to the incredible property Eagles Nest Retreat. Places like this are why I highly recommend hiring a car and planning a self-drive Tasmania itinerary, so you don’t miss out on epic stopovers like this.
If you’re looking for luxury accommodation, ultimate relaxation and incredible views, Eagles Nest Retreat is for you.
The floor to ceiling windows and outdoor baths all have stunning views of the mountain ranges, and the outdoor fire pit is perfect for keeping warm and cozy with a glass of wine while you watch the sunset.
The retreat has 3 different properties on-site which can sleep 2-8 people, so this is also a great option if you’re planning a couples getaway, a girls trip or a family group vacation and want somewhere unique to stay. We spent a night in Eagles Nest iii and a night in Eagles Nest I. We preferred Nest iii but both were extraordinary.
Book Eagles Nest Retreat properties here. Or for alternative options nearby, check out the cute Station House accommodation.
DAY 5: BRIDESTOWE LAVENDER FIELDS AND LAUNCESTON
Halfway through our 10 day Tasmania road trip, we reached Launceston in the north of Tasmania.
Launceston also gets super popular in the summer because the lavender fields are in full bloom. We visited the nearby Bridestowe Lavender estate and spent the morning wondering the purple fields and eating the delicious lavender ice cream. Highly recommend, the ice cream was a 10/10.
The lavender only blooms for a few weeks each summer, so you’ll need to plan your trip around the lavender season if you want to see this incredible location in full bloom. Their website is great for keeping you up to date on when the flowers are in bloom.
The chic Peppers Silo Hotel is a great spot to explore Launceston from. For a more affordable hotel option, check out the Nightcap at Riverside Hotel.
DAY 6: BAY OF FIRES
We spent the next 4 days driving down Tasmania’s famous east coast.
No Tasmania road trip would be complete without visiting the Bay of Fires! The stunning red rocks contrast with the turquoise blue of the water, and it’s just insane - I’ve never seen anywhere like it in Australia.
We arrived at sunrise and spent most of the morning exploring the fiery red rocks and clear water rock pools along the bay.
One of our favourite spots at Bay of Fires was Binalong Bay for incredible sunsets and powder white sand. And my top tip is to head to the right of Suicide Beach where you’ll find the most epic, secluded spot to enjoy the afternoon.
Where to stay at Bay of Fires
The Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is an epic stay in the Aussie bush with bungalows, rooms and glamping options just a short drive from Binalong Bay. Or check out all the amazing budget options further along the coast near the beaches, such as Scamander Tourist Park, Station House
DAY 7: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK: WINEGLASS BAY HIKE
From the Bay of Fires, it’s a 2-hour drive south to the Freycinet National Park peninsula.
You could easily spend a few days at the park, hiking, camping and enjoying the white sandy beaches and lush nature all around you.
After arriving and getting settled in, we headed out on an afternoon hike at Wineglass Bay.
During our visit, we attempted the famous Mt Amos hike to witness high panoramic views of Wineglass Bay. This hike isn’t for the faint hearted. Although its short, its incredibly steep and slippery, so wear proper hiking shoes!
If you have longer here, you could easily do their full day or overnight walks which take you to more secluded areas and beach campsites.
Where to stay at Freycinet National Park
Unless you’re camping in the park or doing one of the overnight walks, the accommodations nearest to the National Park are all in Coles Bay. The stunning Freycinet Lodge is right at the park’s entrance and the location to the park as well as the luxury accommodation options are well worth the extra money.
Budget accommodation options in the area are a bit tricky unless you’re camping, but this backpacker lodge is a great option if you’re on a budget.
DAY 8: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK: SCENIC FLIGHT AND WINERY TOUR
On our second day in Freycinet, we had an unforgettable experience with a morning scenic flight over the National Park area. We flew with Freycinet Air who were absolutely amazing and treated us to unreal views over some of the best beaches and landscapes we’ve ever seen in Australia.
Although scenic flights aren’t cheap, if you’re looking for something totally unforgettable, seeing Mt Amos, Wineglass Bay and the peninsula from above is so special.
After our morning flight, we started to make our way further south towards Port Arthur. The drive from Freycinet National Park to Port Arthur is around 2.5 hours.
But first, we stopped at Devil’s Corner Cellar Door for a winery tour, which is just outside of the national park area on the Tasman Highway. There are quite a few vineyards and wineries to stop at on this drive so I highly recommend checking out some of the awesome local Tassie wines.
We arrived at Port Arthur in the late afternoon. It’s one of the most historic areas in Australia, built and used as a convict settlement in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s also a popular place for tourists to visit, and I’d recommend booking your accommodation and plans here in advance.
Where to stay in Port Arthur
These log cabin chalets at Stewarts Bay Lodge are perfect if you’re looking for a unique stay. Or the Port Arthur Holiday Park is a great affordable option.
DAY 9: PORT ARTHUR: MORNING HIKE
We started our day in Port Arthur with a morning hike on the Tasman Peninsula.
The Crescent Bay and Mount Brown walking trails are epic, and you can do the whole 8km trail or just sections of it from the Remarkable Caves car park.
Port Arthur is also an alternative place for a scenic morning flight as the flights operate daily here too with amazing views of the Tasman peninsula from above.
If you’re visiting the Port Arthur historic site, tickets are valid for two days and include entry to the historical areas, a guided walking tour, museum access, dockyards entry and a harbour cruise. It’s great value if you’re planning to stay in the area for a few days longer.
DAY 10: BRUNY ISLAND
We headed back to Hobart on our last day in Tasmania. Hobart is a 1.5-hour drive from Port Arthur.
However, we didn’t want to miss Bruny Island on our Tasmania road trip, which is 2 hours drive south of Hobart. We decided to take a day trip to Bruny Island from Hobart, and we’re so glad we did!
There are absolutely pristine beaches and crazy rock formations along the coastline and on the beaches here. We did a super easy hike on the Cape Queen Elizabeth track which leads to an epic white sand beach. This is also where you’ll find the unique The Arch rock formation!
The Bruny Island Neck Lookout is also where you’ll find the famous view of the Bruny Island peninsula with the sea on either side of the road.
We also stopped at the Bruny Island Cheese Company for a yummy beer and cheese board to refuel - definitely recommend!
After our drive to Bruny Island, we headed back to Hobart for the last night of our 10 day Tasmania road trip, before flying home the next day.
Where to stay on Bruny Island
These dreamy holiday chalets are a perfect base for exploring Bruny Island, or these alternative holiday cottages are a bit more budget-friendly.
*****
Tasmania has an amazing mix of nature, scenic hikes, pristine beaches, unique coastlines and cool towns. We loved the vibe and Tasmania is completely different from anywhere else in Australia. If that sounds like your kind of destination, use this 10 day Tasmania itinerary to plan your Tassie road trip!
For more Tassie travel inspiration, make sure to check out our Hobart travel guide and our top Tasmania Instagram photo spots.
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