Tasmania Road Trip: Complete 10-Day Itinerary

A 10-day Tasmania road trip covers the island’s best highlights: Hobart’s MONA and Salamanca Market, the turquoise crescent of Wineglass Bay, the orange-bouldered Bay of Fires, Launceston’s Cataract Gorge, and the dramatic dolerite peaks of Cradle Mountain. The total loop is roughly 1,200km, entirely on sealed roads, and best driven between February and April when highland foliage hits peak colour.

What You Need Before You Leave Hobart

Tasmania is compact but spread out. Fill your tank every time you see a servo — fuel stations disappear once you leave major centres, and unleaded can jump 30–40 cents per litre in remote areas. A standard 2WD hire car handles this entire itinerary without issue; you only need a 4WD if you’re venturing into places like the Tarkine or Southwest National Park.

Ferry travellers arrive at Devonport via the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne — the overnight crossing is about 10 hours. Fly-in travellers land at Hobart Airport, which puts you in the right place to start the loop clockwise (east coast first, Cradle Mountain last).

Pack layers regardless of season. Even in summer, Cradle Mountain sits at 934m and regularly drops to 4–6°C. A decent waterproof jacket and merino base layer are non-negotiable.

Days 1–2: Hobart

Give Hobart two full days — it earns them. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is worth the $35 adult entry; set aside at least three hours and visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crush. The Salamanca Market runs every Saturday morning and is one of the best produce and artisan markets in Australia — a great way to stock up on local cheese, King Island cream, and Tassie whisky.

Battery Point, the historic neighbourhood immediately south of Salamanca, is a 30-minute walk through Georgian terraces that feels like a different century. For dinner, Franklin on Argyle Street is the pick — wood-fired cooking using Tasmanian produce done with genuine skill.

Days 3–5: Freycinet Peninsula and Bay of Fires

The drive from Hobart to Freycinet via the Tasman Highway takes about 2.5 hours. The Wineglass Bay lookout is the required stop — a 45-minute return hike from the carpark — but continue all the way down to the beach itself if you have the legs (90 minutes return). Freycinet National Park entry costs around $30 per vehicle per day.

Push north on Day 5 to Bay of Fires. The distinctive orange colouring on the granite boulders is lichen, not fire — the name comes from the smoke European sailors observed rising from Aboriginal campfires along the coast. Binalong Bay township has good accommodation and cafe options; Swimcart Beach is the pick for camping if you’re self-sufficient.

Days 6–7: Launceston

Drive inland to Launceston on Day 6 — roughly 2 hours from Binalong Bay. Cataract Gorge is right in the city and genuinely spectacular: a 10-minute walk from the CBD drops you into a deep dolerite ravine with a suspension bridge, a free outdoor pool in summer, and peacocks wandering the lawns. It’s strange and brilliant in equal measure.

Use Day 7 to explore the Tamar Valley wine region, 20 minutes north of the city. The valley produces some of Australia’s finest Pinot Noir and sparkling wine — cellar doors at Jansz, Pipers Brook, and Clover Hill are all worth stopping at. Whisky enthusiasts should add Launceston Distillery in the city centre, where single malt tastings are available daily.

Days 8–10: Cradle Mountain and the Return South

The drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain takes about 2.5 hours. Private vehicles are banned on the main park road between 8am and 5pm — shuttle buses depart from the visitor centre every 10 minutes and actually make the experience smoother than driving yourself in.

The Dove Lake Circuit (6km, 2.5 hours) is the signature walk and one of the most photographed spots in Australia. Do it at first light for the best reflection on the lake and far fewer people. If conditions turn rough, the Enchanted Walk through ancient pencil pine forest is a gentler 20-minute alternative that still delivers.

From Cradle Mountain, take the Lyell Highway south back to Hobart (3.5 hours). The route passes Lake St Clair — Australia’s deepest freshwater lake at 167 metres — and the World Heritage-listed wilderness flanks the road the entire way. Stop for coffee in Derwent Bridge; it’s the only option on that stretch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a 4WD for a Tasmania road trip?

No. This 10-day itinerary runs entirely on sealed roads and is accessible in a standard hire car. You only need a 4WD if you plan to access remote areas like the Tarkine wilderness roads or Bruny Island’s rougher tracks.

When is the best time of year to drive around Tasmania?

February to April is the sweet spot. Post-summer crowds thin out after January, autumn foliage arrives at Cradle Mountain and the central highlands, and rainfall is lower than winter. Avoid school holiday weeks if flexibility in accommodation matters to you.

How much does a 10-day Tasmania road trip cost?

Budget roughly $2,500–$3,500 per person for 10 days, covering hire car ($60–$90/day), accommodation ($80–$200/night), national park passes ($30/vehicle/day), food, and fuel. Tasmania rewards mid-range travel over budget — the standout experiences here aren’t free, but they’re genuinely worth it.