Tasmania Road Trip Overview
This 5-day Tasmania road trip is designed to blend history, scenic drives, and unforgettable nature experiences across the island. You will begin in Hobart, where colonial charm, waterfront views, and modern culture create the perfect starting point. From there, the journey moves to Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Australia’s most important heritage landmarks, offering a powerful look into Tasmania’s convict past. The route then leads to Freycinet National Park, where pristine beaches, coastal walks, and the famous Wineglass Bay deliver some of the island’s most breathtaking scenery.
After enjoying the east coast, the itinerary continues toward the wild heart of Tasmania at Cradle Mountain. Here, alpine landscapes, ancient forests, and wildlife encounters make for an unforgettable mountain escape. The trip then finishes in Launceston, a relaxed city known for its heritage architecture, Cataract Gorge, and excellent food and wine. Together, these destinations create a well-balanced Tasmania adventure that showcases the island’s best highlights in just five days.
Recommended Activities
- 1
Hobart
Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and offers a beautiful combination of history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore the historic Salamanca Place, visit the famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), and take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront.
- 2
Port Arthur Historic Site
Port Arthur Historic Site is a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the dark history of Tasmania's convict past. You can explore the well-preserved buildings and ruins, take guided tours, and learn about the harsh conditions endured by the prisoners.
- 3
Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. You can hike to the breathtaking Wineglass Bay, with its pristine white sands and turquoise waters. The park also offers various walking trails, wildlife spotting opportunities, and panoramic views from the Cape Tourville Lighthouse.
- 4
Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain is a stunning wilderness area known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. You can embark on hikes that lead you to picturesque lakes, ancient rainforests, and the famous Cradle Mountain itself. The area offers breathtaking views, bird-watching opportunities, and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.
- 5
Launceston
Launceston is a charming city in Tasmania that offers a mix of historical attractions and modern amenities. You can explore the beautiful Cataract Gorge, visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, and indulge in the city's vibrant food and wine scene. Launceston also serves as a gateway to the Tamar Valley wine region, where you can enjoy wine tastings and scenic drives.
Restaurants
The Drunken Admiral
Located in Hobart, The Drunken Admiral is a unique seafood restaurant housed in an old waterfront warehouse. Its rustic ambiance, friendly service, and delicious seafood dishes make it a must-visit dining destination in Tasmania.The Rainforest Cafe
Situated in the heart of the Tasmanian rainforest near Cradle Mountain, The Rainforest Cafe offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by nature. Enjoy a meal among the towering trees and listen to the sounds of the wilderness.The Cat Cafe
Visit The Cat Cafe in Launceston for a unique combination of coffee and feline company. Relax in the cozy cafe setting while enjoying a beverage and interacting with adorable and adoptable cats.The Thylacine Bistro
Located in Port Arthur, The Thylacine Bistro offers a dining experience that transports you back in time to the era of the extinct Tasmanian tiger. Enjoy modern Australian cuisine with a touch of history in this beautifully themed restaurant.The Wineglass Bay View Restaurant
Situated in Freycinet National Park, The Wineglass Bay View Restaurant offers panoramic views of the iconic Wineglass Bay while you enjoy delicious gourmet meals. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park while dining in style.The Stackings at Peppers Silo Hotel
Located within a refurbished grain silo in Launceston, The Stackings offers a unique culinary experience. Enjoy modern Australian cuisine in an innovative dining space that retains the charm of the silo's industrial past.The Floating Sauna Bar
A truly unique dining experience, The Floating Sauna Bar offers a combination of relaxation, rejuvenation, and delicious food. Enjoy a sauna session followed by a meal on a floating platform in Hobart's Elizabeth Street Pier.The Barrel Room
Located in Tamar Valley, The Barrel Room offers a dining experience within a converted wine barrel. Enjoy a meal while surrounded by vineyards and taste exquisite wines from the renowned wine region.
Hotels
- Situated in Hobart, The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel offers a blend of history and modern comfort. Stay in beautifully converted warehouses that were once part of Hobart's wool industry, and enjoy convenient access to the city's attractions.
Local Events & Happenings
Dear Seattle • ‘idc’ Regional Tour
The event will take place at Republic Bar in North Hobart.
Hollow Coves Nothing to Lose Tour
The event will take place at Republic Bar in North Hobart.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
Running Times - Doors 7:00pm Start 7:30pm *Please note all times are approximate & subject to change. AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER COMEDY ROADSHOW IS COMING YOUR WAY! Australia's biggest and best comedy spectacular is setting off on its annual road trip aroun...
Joel Creasey
Running Times - Doors 6:30pm Start 7:00pm *Please note all times are approximate & subject to change. .
Wil Anderson - Wilegitimate
Running Times - Doors 7:00pm Start 7:30pm *Please note all times are approximate & subject to change. Wil Anderson returns with his brand-new show Wilegitimate. Host of Gruen, Question Everything and podcasts Wilosophy and TOFOP, Wil Anderson is a si...
Tom Gleeson - Gear
Doors: 6pm Start: 6:30pm Hard Quiz Overlord, Master of Tasks and Gold Logie Winner Tom Gleeson has taken the Brass Mug on the road for the past two years with Hard Quiz Live. Now he's giving audiences around the country an opportunity to see a master...
An Evening With Elizabeth Gilbert
Approximate Running Times: VIP Doors - 5:30pm VIP Experience - 6:00-7:00pm Doors - 7:00pm Start - 7:30pm Be prepared for a magical evening of love and mercy with the worldwide bestselling author of Eat Pray Love. By sharing tender and humorous storie...
Travel Gems from Reddit
Visiting Tasmania for the first time. Please give feedback on my 5-day itinerary.
(Maybe...unless you're going to wing it at the end of the day) Two hours to drive to cradle. Allow half our or more for scenic stops. So midday. Hike the track, (two hours is ...
5 days Tasmania
Cradle Mountain and surrounding areas are beautiful and unique flora and fauna if that's your thing (and if it isn't why go to Tasmania?) easy to get to from the north/west, N...
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A lot of Tassie roads are slow and wind along, and the ordinary map can be quite deceptive! ... You can't do that in 5 days. Remove Cradle Mt, possibly Bay of Fires, stay in H...
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Hey everyone! I'm planning a trip to Tasmania this winter (first time ever coming to TAS) and would love some advice or suggestions to improve my
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Jan 12: Arrive Hobart at 2:30 pm // -Mt Wellington, Cascade Beer Factory ... Freycinet National Park - The Blowhole/Tessellated Pavement/Tasman Arch/Devil's Kitchen/Remarkable...
Feedback on our first Tasmania trip itinerary
Stay in Hobart. Day 4: Drive to Port Arthur. Explore Port Arthur. Stay in Port Arthur. Day 5: Drive to Swansea/Coles Bay/Bicheno. Explore Freycinet, Wineglass Bay. Stay in Swa...
5 Day Tasmania Itinerary
I am currently planning a 5 days itinerary for Tasmania for 28th Feb to 3rd March. Current plan as below; 28th Feb: Fly in from Melbourne to
5-Day itinerary Advice
Yeah I think overnight at Cradle is a good idea. Have to check what's there at night other than the Devils. As for Port Arthur, I told my wife I think we're just going to come...
Five full days in Tasmania. How does this itinerary look?
Subreddit for Australia's most ... for travel/holiday advice, try r/TasmaniaTravel ... Hi r/Tasmania! I didn't take time off over the Easter holidays so I took some time off n...
First time in Tasmania. Tips appreciated :)
I'll be visiting Tasmania for around 5 days next month and would appreciate some guidance and tips if my itinerary is okay. Thank you! Sorry for the long post and questions >....
Would love some advice on this possible travel route please
Tips, advice and inspiration to ... in Tasmania. ... Coming to visit your wonderful state again very soon and just wondering what everyones thoughts on this itinerary is and i...
Itinerary Suggestions
Subreddit for Australia's most ... for travel/holiday advice, try r/TasmaniaTravel ... I'll be visiting soon and I am currently making an itinerary. So far I have booked the f...
Does this Itinerary look good?
Spend day exploring the area and driving down to wineglass bay lookout (140 km), with stops on the way. Stay in Swansea for the night (60 km drive). Day 3 - Drive 50 km to tak...
Hobart for 5 days or split it with Freycinet?
Although people say Maria island is better which is on the east coast. If you're going to Freycinet National Park then it's a good idea to try to visit Maria island aldo (bett...
Tasmania itinerary
Yeah so Hobart 2 nights. 2.5 hours drive to Freycinet. 2 nights there. 1.5hr drive to St Helens. One night there. Then around 3 hour drive to Launceston but it's split up thro...
Visiting Tasmania for the first time. Please give feedback on my 5-day-itinerary.
We have rented a car in Launceston and will be dropping it off at the airport in Hobart. Please let me know if you would make any changes to this 5-day itinerary: ... Drive to...