Drive times and distances
Tasmania’s compact size and diverse landscapes make for superb road trips.
Though you can cross the island from Hobart to Launceston in two-and-a-half hours, one of the pleasures of driving in Tasmania is heading down country lanes and taking the time to explore.
With no major freeways and many tempting detours, allow plenty of time to drive between destinations. Tasmania looks like a small island state, but don’t be fooled. It’s about the size of Ireland. Some roads are unsealed, or long and winding and it will be hard to resist pulling over to capture the sweeping views.
There are five signposted drive journeys to follow – Great Eastern Drive, Western Wilds, Heartlands, Southern Edge and Northern Forage – and a raft of special interest trails covering wine, whisky, produce, convict history and more.
Plan your route and read our road safety tips before heading out on a road trip, Remember:
- Always drive on the left side of the road and wear a seatbelt
- Drive to the speed limit – speed cameras operate in Tasmania
- Slow down and look out for animals on the road between dusk and dawn
- Don't rush – especailly in poor weather, or on winding, gravely and icy roads
- Pull off the road if you're stopping to take photos or to read maps.
Here’s a guide to distances and drive times around Tasmania.
Devonport to…
| Burnie | 46km | 35min |
| Cradle Mountain (via Sheffield) | 79km | 1hr 20min |
| Hobart | 280km | 3hr 15min |
| Launceston | 100km | 1hr 10min |
| Queenstown (via Bass and Murchison hwys) | 197km | 2hr 30min |
| Smithton | 132km | 1hr 35min |
Launceston to…
| Bicheno (via Lake Leake Hwy) | 160km | 2hr |
| Burnie | 147km | 1hr 40min |
| Coles Bay (via Lake Leake Hwy) | 175km | 2hr 10min |
| Cradle Mountain | 141km | 2hr |
| Devonport | 100km | 1hr 10min |
| Hobart | 200km | 2hr 20min |
| Queenstown (via Sheffield) | 243km | 3hr 10min |
| St Helens (via Scottsdale) | 166km | 2hr 35min |
| Strahan (via Cradle Mountain) | 270km | 3hr 30min |
Hobart to…
| Bicheno (via Sorell) | 178km | 2hr 25min |
| Coles Bay | 193km | 2hr 35min |
| Cradle Mountain (via Midland and Bass hwys) | 320km | 4hr |
| Devonport | 280km | 3hr 15min |
| Geeveston (via Huon Hwy) | 60km | 55min |
| Kettering (via Channel Hwy) | 32km | 35min |
| Launceston | 200km | 2hr 20min |
| Port Arthur | 92km | 1hr 30min |
| Queenstown (via Lyell Hwy) | 255km | 3hr 45min |
| St Helens (via Tasman Hwy) | 255km | 3hr 30min |
| Strahan | 300km | 4hr 30min |
Burnie to…
| Devonport | 46km | 35min |
| Cradle Mountain (via Murchison Hwy) | 100km | 1hr 15min |
| Hobart | 325km | 3hr 40min |
| Launceston | 147km | 1hr 40min |
| Queenstown | 152km | 2hr |
| Smithton | 85km | 1hr 5min |
The Neck connects north and south Bruny Island
Plan ahead
A little planning before you head out will help you have a hassle-free road trip.
- Check Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) weather forecasts and warnings
- See the interactive map and list of current and planned roadworks around Tasmania
- Head to Tasmania Police for community alerts and emergency road closures
- Visit Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service for track, campsite and reserve closures to avoid disappointment
- View FuelCheck TAS for real-time fuel prices and service station locations
- For electric vehicle (EV) drivers, find charging stations on Tasmania's EV map
- Stay up to date with official emergency information including bushfires and floods via TasALERT.
Tip: Treading lightly in Tasmania
Take charge with your EV.
Travelling in an electric vehicle? There's an expanding network of charging sites available across the island.
