Coast to capital

Start your road trip with breakfast at Drift, overlooking Bass Strait in the coastal city of Devonport – the first port of call for the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Victoria.

Take a scenic 30min drive through bucolic farmland to Sheffield, tucked in the foothills of Mount Roland. This historic town is known for the impressive murals lining its streets and Mural Park. Those with a sweet tooth will love Sheffield Honey Farm where you can taste award-winning leatherwood honey.

A further 30min south you’ll reach Mole Creek Karst National Park, home to some of the most magical caves in Australia. Join a tour to view the dazzling decorations and limestone formations in King Solomons Cave or spot glow worms in Marakoopa Cave. You’ll need a parks pass to access the area.

After lunch at the caves, head up the road to the Alum Cliffs within Tulampanga / Gog Range. The 40min return walk to the lookout is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. Suitable for most ages, it offers dramatic views of the rugged cliffs and gorge, while sculptures and signage share the area’s rich Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) heritage.

Pick up supplies or dine at Deloraine Deli as you drive 40min east from Mole Creek to Quamby Brook, then set up camp at Quamby Corner Caravan Park.

Fresh from your first night's sleep, head east for 50min to Launceston, nestled on the banks of Kanamaluka / River Tamar. Get your daily dose of coffee as you take in views of the famed Cataract Gorge.

Tasmania’s second-largest city is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, so make sure to taste some of the local cuisine. Tuck into a seasonal lunch at Rupert and Hound, where minimal waste meets maximum flavour.

From Launceston, continue east for 2hr to the seaside town of St Helens to stock up on camp food. Just 15min north, Binalong Bay is your gateway to the Larapuna / Bay of Fires area, a realm of snow-white beaches, crystal-clear water and orange rocks.

Order a tasty takeaway pizza from the Hub – Seaside and retreat to Cosy Corner Beach. Close out the day with a barefoot beach walk before bedding down at Cosy Corner South Campground under a star-filled sky.

Watch the sunrise on the eastern horizon as you breakfast at your coastal campsite.

Follow the picturesque Great Eastern Drive along the coast for about 90min to Bicheno: a chilled-out seaside town lined with beachy boutique shops and cafes.

Feel the salty spray at Bicheno Blowhole before boarding the island’s only Glass Bottom Boat Tour (subject to weather) to learn more about the local marine life.

Stop in at the Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre to savour a tasting flight of fine Tasmanian wine, gin or whisky. Small-batch beer is the drink of choice at Bicheno Beer Co. Feeling hungry? Make a beeline for Bicheno institution the Lobster Shack to sample ocean-fresh seafood straight off the boat.

Then, it’s time to meet the charismatic creatures of East Coast Natureworld including adorable wombats, pademelons and quolls. Don’t miss the Tasmanian devils feeding. For an extra special encounter book the Devils in the Dark experience.

Tonight’s beachside campsite, Chain of Lagoons Beach Free Campground, is 20min north of Natureworld – it’s a secluded spot perfect for snorkelling, hiking and fishing.

Pack up camp after breakfast to continue journeying south along the sparkling coastline.

A 1hr drive brings you to Freycinet National Park (parks pass required). Pristine beaches, pink-hued granite peaks of the Hazards, azure sea and abundant wildlife: this picturesque peninsula is a magical place.

Stop by secluded Honeymoon Bay before taking a 60–90min return walk to Wineglass Bay lookout for dramatic views of Tasmania’s most famous beach.

Not tackling the 2.5–3.5hr hike down to Wineglass Bay and back? The family-owned Freycinet Charters in Coles Bay can take you on a tour around the Freycinet Peninsula to the beach. Keep an eye out for sea caves, dolphins, seals and whales (May–October).

Return to Coles Bay to mix views with velvety ice cream at Ice Creamery and Co – there are 24 flavours to choose from. Then head 10min out of town for a feed at Freycinet Marine Farm where freshly harvested mussels, oysters, scallops and fish and chips await.

With a full stomach, self-contained campers can set up camp nearby at River and Rocks Swan River Camping.

Rise bright and early from your Freycinet basecamp to watch the sun paint the Hazards mountain range pink and orange.

Back on the road, head 3hr south to Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula. Swing by Felicity’s Antiques and Tea Room in Swansea enroute for a quirky coffee break as you look across Great Oyster Bay and farewell the Freycinet Peninsula. 

Arrive at Port Arthur in time for a mid-morning Cape Raoul Cruise departing from the Port Arthur Jetty. This Southern Ocean adventure will give you close-up views of the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere and monumental rock formations along the Tasman National Park coastline. (Port Arthur ticket required. Early afternoon cruise also available.) 

After a cafe lunch at Port Arthur Historic Site, wander through Australia’s most intact convict settlement. Every building in this open-air museum has a poignant story to tell.

Spend the night at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park and take advantage of the wood-fired pizza oven (BYO ingredients), camp kitchen, barbecue areas and kiosk for dinner.

Heading north from the Holiday Park to Teralina / Eaglehawk Neck you’ll find Lufra Cafe, a relaxed stop overlooking Pirates Bay. If the tide’s out it’s a short stroll to view the tessellated pavement.

Leaving Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, drive 50min to the charming town of Richmond, home to Australia’s oldest stone bridge. Nestled amongst the farmland and vineyards of the Coal River Valley, there’s plenty to tempt the tastebuds. Pooley Wines cellar door offers pinot and pizza in the scenic garden, while Coal River Farm is a hub of cheese and chocolate.

Push on to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital. Brimming with cultural history and shaped by nature, this city has something for everyone. Enjoy an early lunch and pique your curiosity with a provocative exhibition at Mona.

Experience the city's dynamic food scene with dinner overlooking the historic waterfront at Mures Upper Deck or the downstairs bistro.

Kick back and relax by the beach on your final night at Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park, 30min south of the CBD.

Pack up camp then fuel up with fluffy pancakes or a fry-up breakfast in a railway carriage at nearby Margate Train.

Before leaving Hobart, pay a visit to the summit of Kunanyi / Mount Wellington for magnificent views of the city nestled around the River Derwent, and beyond to Bruny Island and Storm Bay (road not suitable for caravans or camper trailers).

The 3hr drive back to Devonport offers plenty of delightful diversions to make the most of the final day of your road trip. The historic town of Oatlands is an easy detour off the highway. Here, you’ll find Australia’s largest collection of sandstone Georgian buildings and the award-winning Callington Mill Distillery.

A lip-smacking lunch awaits at Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door. Try a cheese toastie, truffle fondue or a cheesy flight. For a last chance to tuck into tasty Tasmanian produce and find a take-home gift, enjoy devilishly decadent sweet treats at Anvers Chocolate Factory on the outskirts of Devonport.