A Perfect Tasmania Itinerary 10 Days – Roadtrip

I've spent 13 days backpacking Tasmania and designed this Tasmania self drive road trip itinerary based on my personal favorite places around the island. Tasmania is a small island just south of the main island of Australia. It is known for its breathtaking landscape, beautiful coastlines. I would say that it personally is one of my favourite states in Australia and compared to the rest of the country it's pretty easy to travel around.

If you want to see most of Tassies highlights, I personally think 10 days +/- a couple of days is a perfect time. Best season to visit is during summer between December and March. Here's all the information you need for your Tasmania Roadtrip 10 Days Itinerary to help you plan your holiday!

Getting There & Around Tasmania

There are two ways of getting to Tasmania. You can either go on an overnight ferry departing from Melbourne or taking a flight from any airport on Australia's Mainland.

Once you're on the island, the best way to get around Tasmania is by car. If you did not bring your car over by ferry, you need to rent one. Check out Wicked Campers for budget backpacker cars, Motorhome Republic for camper vans, or east-coast rentals for cars. 

I personally prefer camper as they give you a lot of freedom when it comes down to accommodation and there are a lot of free campsites around Tasmania! It was super easy to explore Tasmania by campervan. I highly recommend downloading the CamperMate App as it gives you a great overview of all (free) camps and highlights for your road trip around Tasmania! 

Waterfall

Parks & Wildlife Pass Tasmania

You will have to buy a parks pass to enter national parks in Tasmania. The best option is to purchase the 8 week pass for AUD 60 including 8 people as purchasing separate day passes already cost AUD 16,50 per person/day. 

Tasmania itinerary 10 days - Roadtrip

My Tasmania Roadtrip began and finished in Hobart. You can pick up you rental car right at the airport if you want to start your trip right away! If you start in a different city, you can simply adapt the roadtrip.

It is up to you if you want to go clockwise or counterclockwise. I wold suggest having a look at the weather forecast and making your decision based on it. I travelled counterclockwise, but either direction will lead you through the most scenic spots on the island and highlights of Tasmania.

Mountain Lookout

Day 1-2 Hobart

Drive up Mount Wellington

Mount Wellington is Hobart's local mountain. It is about a half an hour drive west of the city centre. Several hiking trails lead directly to the summit but you can also drive there by car. 

Salamanca Market/Farmers Market

Salamanca Market is a lovely outdoor market operating every Saturday. If you're lucky and visit Hobart on a weekend make sure to stop by! 

On Sunday's operates the Farmers Market where you can get fresh fruit and veggies. I picked up some food for my trip. 

Where to stay: YHA Backpackers Central 
Lookout

Day 2-3 Tasman National Park

Cape Raoul

The hike to Cape Raoul takes about 5-6 hours, but is absolutely worth it. You are rewarded with stunning coastal seascapes that include rock platforms and towering cliffs. There’s also a beautiful campsite at the trail head but it was already fully booked when I was there. 

Where to stay: Fortescue Bay Camping Ground; Alternative: Freecamp Dunalley Hotel (210 Arthur Highway Dunalley)
Cape Raoul Cliffs Ocean Blue Sky

Day 3-4 Freycinet National Park

The Freycinet Peninsula is one of the most stunning pieces of land in all of Australia and it's also one of the oldest national parks too. No question it is a must see in Tasmania.

The famous viewpoint here of Wineglass Bay can be seen best from the top of Mount Amos which is relatively steep, 3 hour uphill, 4km return walk.

The Tessellated Pavement is near the small town of Eaglehawk Neck and a beautiful natural rock formation.

Where to stay: Freecamp Friendly Beaches Camping Area (next to the Beach + wallabies come very close)
Lookout Mountains Ocean Green Blue

Day 4-5 Bay of Fires

Binalong Bay

Enjoy the beach at the Binalong Bay located at the southern tip of Bay of Fires. The fiery red stones on the white sandy beach with azure blue water create a wonderful overall picture with some remote beaches around.

The Gardens 

A wonderful impression of the fascination and overwhelming beauty of nature can be gained on a hike along the coast in the gardens. It’s only a short walk from the parking lot but I’ve spent quite a while watching the waves crash against the beautiful rock formations.

Where to stay: Gowrie Park Wilderness Village
Rocks Tree Red

Day 5-7 Cradle Mountain National Park

Marion's Lookout & Dove Lake Circuit

Marion's Lookout is one of the most popular hikes in the park and definitely not to miss. I suggest starting the walk from the Ronny Creek carpark via Crater Falls, this is also where the famous Overland Track starts.

If you have enough time walk from Marion's Lookout via Wombat Pool to the Dove Lake Carpark and do the circuit afterwards as well. 

In my opinion, the Marion's Lookout is the best place in Tasmania to visit! The view is absolutely breathtaking. 

Nelson Falls

The Nelson Falls, a cascading waterfall, are located in the UNESCO World Heritage on the West Coast of Tasmania.

Donaghys Lookout

An easy 40 minutes return walk leads to the Donaghys Lookout platform for truly stunning views over the Franklin River Valley and Frenchman's Cap.

Lake St. Clair - Platypus Bay 

The easy 90 minutes walk begins from the Visitor's Centre at Lake St Clair National Park. If you're lucky you may be able to spot a platypus in the wild there (during twilight hours). 

Where to stay: Bronte Lagoon Park Camping Area

Day 7-8 Mount Field National Park

Russel & Horseshoe Falls

The Russell Falls are one of the most famous waterfalls in Tasmania. They can be visited in only 20 - 25 minutes (return) from the Visitor Center of Mt. Field National Park. The trail first leads to the Russell Falls, then a little further up to the Horseshoe Falls, past huge tree ferns through wild bushland. The Horseshoe Falls are much smaller than the Russell Falls but still beautiful to look at. 

Where to stay: the Lea Bush Camping
Waterfall Lush Green Forest

Day 8-9 Bruny Island

The Neck Lookout

A visit to Bruny Island makes the perfect day trip from Hobart. The only way onto the island is by ferry. I first wasn't sure if I really want to pay the ferry to get there but I definitely recommend going there!

For full details on ferry timetables and ticket prices, click here.

Go up to Truganini Lookout there's lots of stairs to climb up to top but it's well worth the beautiful 360 degree views. The Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. This is one of the most scenic points on the entire island!

The beach on the eastern side of The Neck is home to penguins. If you're lucky you may see some walking there during dawn. 

Where to stay: Hotel Bruny (contribute what you want and stay next to the hotel; Toilets available - No Shower)
Bridge Ocean

Day 10 Fly out of Hobart

Time to return your camper and fly out of Hobart 🙁 

Rocks

Conclusion:

The Roadtirp around Tasmania was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Lovely people, breathtaking views, and incredible landscape. I wish I had spent more time in Tasmania which became my favorite part of Australia real quick.

All together, driving in Tasmania was not a problem for me and I hope I have inspired you to plan your own Tasmania self drive itinerary.  


If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write them in the comment section below. ⇣

xx

Nina


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Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary 10 days