Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary: 9 Nights of Wild Landscapes, Good Food & Island Adventures

Tasmania is the kind of place where you can wake up in the mountains, spend the afternoon by the sea and finish the day with a glass of wine all in the same road trip. If you're planning your first trip to Tasmania and want to get that perfect, well-rounded taste of what the state has to offer, this is the route we'd recommend. We spent nine nights road-tripping around Tasmania in April, and loved how quickly the scenery changed — from misty mountain mornings to wet and wild coastlines. This isn't a guide to every corner of Tasmania but it sure will make you feel at home.

**9-night Tasmania road trip at a glance…**

Nights 1–2 → Hobart
Night 3 → Strahan
Nights 4–5 → Cradle Mountain
Night 6 → Bay of Fires
Nights 7–8 → Freycinet
Night 9 → Port Arthur

One of the things we liked about this route was the balance. There are some longer drives, particularly Hobart to Strahan, but they're balanced with days where you're barely in the car at all. The whole loop was around 16 hours of driving, spread across the trip, and it never felt like we were spending the entire holiday on the road.

Where you stay can also be flexible depending on your budget. We found that staying a little farther from the major national parks could make a huge difference to accommodation costs without taking away from the experience.

historic house richmond tasmania — **Who is this itinerary for?**

This is a great route for a first trip to Tasmania if you want to get a good feel for the island rather than focus on just one region.
It's particularly suited to anyone who loves **nature, wildlife, hiking, food, wine and history** — because over the course of nine nights, you get a pretty good dose of all of them.
You will have some driving days, and you'll need a car for this particular route, but there is enough variety that the trip never feels repetitive.

mount wellington hobart tasmania view — Nights 1 + 2 Hobart

It’s **DAY ONE,** and after landing, it’s was time to get straight into road-trip mode.
We picked up a car with **YesDrive**, which was considerably cheaper than some of the bigger airport rental brands we'd looked at. The whole process was incredibly easy, with a short shuttle from the airport and very little time spent on paperwork. For this itinerary, you absolutely don't need a 4WD. We had a 2WD automatic and had no issues at all.
The drive into Hobart sets the tone straight away. Low rolling hills, glimpses of the harbour and that slightly cooler air that feels distinct from the mainland. Hobart feels like a natural starting point — small enough to get your bearings quickly, but with plenty to keep you occupied for a couple of days.
After a flight, the first thing we wanted was food and **Westside Laundry** was exactly what we needed. The food was delicious, the staff were lovely and the whole place had a really welcoming feel. It's the sort of first stop that makes you feel like you've properly arrived somewhere rather than just passing through.

From there, head to the Museum of Old and New Art, better known as MONA. Now MONA isn't a traditional gallery. It's much more of an experience, with no obvious route through the building and plenty of pieces that are confronting, playful or somewhere in between. We spent around three to four hours there, including a short walk around the grounds, which felt like the perfect amount of time for us. Make sure you download the MONA app when you arrive. It adds another layer to the experience and gives you more context around the pieces.

Hobart has no shortage of great places to eat. We loved Lucinda's Wine Bar, a small and intimate spot where the focus is on good wine and simple, beautifully executed plates. The staff were great at encouraging us to try a mix of wines and dishes, which made it feel much more relaxed than a formal wine experience. If you're after something more casual, The Whaler is a good option for a drink and some pub food. It's tucked among some of Hobart's historic buildings and is just a short walk from Battery Point.

If the weather is clear on DAY TWO, get up early and head towards Mount Wellington.

We set off just after sunrise, leaving Battery Point behind and winding our way up towards the summit. The drive takes around 30 minutes, but the landscape changes quickly and it feels a world away from Hobart. On the way up or back down, stop at Lost Freight Cafe for something warm. A coffee or hot chocolate with marshmallows was exactly what we needed in the cold.

The views from the summit stretch right across Hobart and beyond. We visited in April, and it was very cold at the top, but the clear air made the landscape feel incredibly sharp and dramatic. And this is something you'll notice throughout Tasmania: the weather can change quickly. We had plenty of days where heavy rain gave way to bright sunshine, so flexibility is your friend.

Make your way back into Hobart and head to Salamanca Market. Held every Saturday, it's a good place to spend around an hour to an hour and a half wandering around, grabbing something to eat and enjoying the sunshine if you're lucky enough to get it. We picked our way through the stalls with coffee in hand and grabbed a few postcards. My lobster roll from Kray Kray didn't last long.

richmond tasmania portrait — After Salamanca, head out towards Richmond.
We spent around four hours here and loved every second of it. The town is small and easy to explore on foot, with sandstone buildings, quiet streets and the beautiful Richmond Bridge.
The bridge is the oldest stone arch bridge in Australia and is still standing after all these years. It's one of those places that doesn't require a huge amount of time, but is worth slowing down for.
We also wandered through the **model village**, a miniature version of Hobart that feels strangely nostalgic and stopped for drinks at the local pub. From Richmond, continue into the surrounding wine region.
We spent the afternoon visiting a few different vineyards rather than spending the entire afternoon at one. Around an hour at each stop felt like a good balance, and **Pooley Wines** was our favourite.

Pooley is particularly beautiful, but what we loved was how relaxed it felt. There's nothing intimidating about the experience — just good wine, a beautiful setting and somewhere to sit and enjoy it. Frogmore Creek and Puddleduck Vineyard are nearby options if you want to keep exploring.

For dinner, Sonny is a good option if you're after a similar atmosphere to Lucinda's. Salamanca Whisky Bar is another cosy option around Battery Point, particularly if you want to try some of Tasmania's whisky. We also had dinner at Suzie Luck’s Canteen, opting for the set menu after a full day. It was generous, full of flavour and exactly what we wanted.

Waterfront views in Strahan on Tasmania's west coast — Night 3 - Strahan

**DAY THREE** is when you leave Hobart behind and start heading towards Tasmania's wild west coast.
Start with brunch at **Bourne in Brunswick** before taking a short wander around the **Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens**. It's a nice way to stretch your legs before the longest drive of the trip.
The drive to Strahan takes around four to four and a half hours. It's the most tiring drive of the trip, with winding roads and long stretches of single-lane road, but it's also incredibly scenic. The landscape gradually becomes wilder as you leave Hobart behind, with dense forests, mountains and very little around you.
We stopped once along the way to stretch our legs, but we were travelling without kids, so we'd allow more time if you're travelling as a family. Eventually, you'll arrive in Strahan, a tiny town perched on Tasmania's rugged west coast.

The Captain’s Rest was easily our favourite accommodation of the whole trip. It had been somewhere we'd wanted to stay for years, and it absolutely lived up to expectations. Sitting right on the waterfront, it has that cosy, whimsical feeling that makes you want to stay in rather than head back out again.

There is a local pub nearby if you'd like to head out for a drink, but we'd actually recommend staying in for the evening. Cook dinner with your supermarket supplies, light the fire, pour yourself a glass of Tasmanian wine and enjoy a quiet night in. If you have the time, this is a place where staying an extra night wouldn’t go astray, especially if you want to experience the Gordon River cruise, a six-hour journey that’s incredibly popular for a reason.

The Captain's Rest waterfront accommodation in Strahan

Yes, for a first taste. You won't see the whole state, but this route gives you a great mix of nature, hiking, wildlife, food, wine and history. If you have 12–14 nights, we'd add more time in Strahan and Port Arthur and then look at areas we didn't visit, such as Bruny Island or Stanley.
Yes — 1000% for this itinerary.
We hired a 2WD automatic and found it perfect for the route. Most roads are easy to drive, although the Hobart–Strahan stretch is longer and windier than the rest.
We found it pretty standard for travelling in Australia. Food, petrol and supplies were readily available along our route, so nothing felt particularly remote or difficult to access.
Accommodation was where we noticed the biggest difference — staying closer to the national parks could get expensive, which is why we sometimes stayed farther away.
The full loop was around 16 hours of driving, but it's spread across the nine nights. Hobart to Strahan was the longest stretch at around four to four-and-a-half hours, while most other drives were much shorter. That balance meant the trip never felt like we were constantly in the car.

dove lake circuit tasmania — Night 4 + 5 - Cradle Moutain

**DAY FOUR** starts slowly. If you're staying at The Captain's Rest, get up early for sunrise. The light coming across the water was one of our favourite moments of the trip.
Make yourself breakfast, take your time and enjoy the morning before getting back on the road. The drive from Strahan towards Cradle Mountain takes around two hours, and it's beautiful — lush, green and dramatic.
Head to the **Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre** before entering the park. If you haven't sorted your national parks pass in advance, the information centres are really helpful and can tell you exactly what you need. We bought the two-week all-parks pass because it covered the different areas we were visiting on this road trip.
Once you're there, check the weather before deciding what to do. We originally planned to do the Dove Lake Circuit on our first afternoon, but after talking to one of the guides, we changed our plans because rain was forecast for the following day.

Instead, we tackled Marion's Lookout. It's more of a climb, but the views on the way up are beautiful. We unfortunately ended up in a cloud storm at the top, which is another good reminder that conditions can change quickly around Cradle Mountain. I'd allow around half a day for Marion's Lookout. There's no need to cram everything into one afternoon. Treat this as your warm-up for the full day tomorrow.

TOP TIP: Save on Cradle Mountain accommodation. You don't have to stay right beside the park. We stayed near Mount Roland, around 50 minutes away, where accommodation was much cheaper — and the scenery was just as beautiful.

View from Marion's Lookout in Cradle Mountain

marions-lookout-cradle-mountain — On **DAY FIVE** Head back into the park early and check the weather before setting off. We opted for the **Dove Lake Circuit**, the classic Cradle Mountain walk. Allow around half a day for it, and don't be put off if the weather isn't perfect. We visited during a particularly rainy period, but the mist and low cloud actually made the landscape incredibly atmospheric.
After the walk, have lunch and then head to **Devils@Cradle**. This was easily one of the highlights of the trip. The sanctuary is dedicated to protecting Tasmania's native carnivorous marsupials, and we'd strongly recommend booking one of the tours or feeding experiences rather than just doing general admission.
Allow around two hours, including the one-hour tour. The guides add so much to the experience, particularly when it comes to understanding the animals and the conservation work happening there. The quolls were our personal favourites, particularly because they were being fed while we were there and were incredibly active.

Orange lichen-covered rocks and white sand at the Bay of Fires — **What was Tasmania like in April?**

We loved Tasmania in April. Think **golden autumn days mixed with sudden rain, wind and sunshine**. We mostly lived in jeans, activewear, a hoodie and light rain jacket, with the mountain tops feeling properly cold.
We had some heavy showers, but the weather could change quickly, so layers and a rain jacket are essential. This is our experience of Tasmania in autumn, rather than a year-round weather guide.

The bright orange lichen-covered rocks, white sand and crystal-clear water are what make this stretch of coastline so special. We even went for a swim, although in April it was definitely a cold one. How long you spend here will really depend on when you visit. For us, two hours in autumn was enough for a scenic wander and a quick swim, but in summer I could easily imagine spending the entire day here — swimming, relaxing on the beaches and exploring more of the coastline.

oysters tasmania — Night 7 + 8 Freycient National Park

**DAY** **SEVEN** starts with one last east coast morning before continuing south towards Freycinet.
If the weather is looking good, you could squeeze in a morning swim before grabbing breakfast and getting back on the road. Continue towards the coastal town of Bicheno and take a quick detour to see the famous blowhole before stopping for lunch at the **Lobster Shack**. The lobster roll is the signature order, and if you're hungry, add a side of scampi too.
From here, continue towards **Freycinet National Park**. The afternoon is a little weather-dependent, and this is where we found it useful not to over-plan. We arrived during a spell of heavy rain, so rather than forcing ourselves out for a walk, we checked into our accommodation early and enjoyed a slower afternoon.

If the weather is better, you could head into Freycinet for one of the shorter walks, or make your way to Melshell Oyster Shack for something a little more relaxed. You'll know you've found it when you spot the huge piles of oyster shells outside. Grab a selection of fresh oysters, order a glass of Tasmanian wine and settle in overlooking the water. Tomorrow is your full day in Freycinet, so don't worry about trying to squeeze everything in today.

Accommodation gets noticeably more expensive the closer you stay to Freycinet National Park. We based ourselves in Swansea, around 50 minutes away, because it was much cheaper. It worked well for us, but if budget isn't an issue, we'd definitely consider spending the extra to stay closer to the park. Compared to accommodation close to Cradle Mountain hotels here offer views over the national park so in my opinion worth the spend.

Devil's Corner winery overlooking the Freycinet region — **DAY** **EIGHT** is your full day in Freycinet National Park, so lace up your walking shoes and get an early start.
There are a few different walks to choose from depending on how much of a challenge you're after. The most popular option is the **Wineglass Bay Lookout**, which rewards you with that iconic view of the perfectly curved white-sand beach. If you're keen to keep walking, you can continue down to Wineglass Bay itself for a longer hike.
We decided to tackle **Mount Amos**, and despite the incredible views, it was honestly one of the most intimidating hikes we've ever done. It's less of a traditional walk and more of a rock scramble, with steep, exposed sections that had us questioning our decisions more than once.
While the views from the top are spectacular, **we personally wouldn't do it again**. If you're looking for the classic Freycinet experience, we'd stick to the Wineglass Bay walks unless you're a very confident and experienced hiker.

After a morning in the national park, slow things right down with an afternoon exploring the region's vineyards. We spent around an hour at each stop, and Devil's Corner quickly became one of our favourites. The interiors have a relaxed, Scandinavian feel, and the views back towards the Hazards and Freycinet National Park are beautiful.

If you have more time, there are plenty of other wineries nearby, including Spring Vale, Milton Vineyard and Scarlet Estate. A leisurely afternoon with a glass of Tasmanian wine in hand is the perfect way to round off your time in Freycinet.

For us: golden, sunny, wild, wet and windy.
The weather changed quickly, but that's part of what made the trip interesting. We had autumn colours, rain, sunshine and some very cold mountain tops all within the same trip.
Not really — we'd just slow it down.
We'd add a night in Strahan for the Gordon River cruise, another around Port Arthur for the historic site and surrounding hikes, and potentially an extra night at the Bay of Fires if visiting in summer.
+1 Strahan — Gordon River cruise
+1 Port Arthur — more time for the historic site + hikes
+1 Bay of Fires — especially in summer
You don't necessarily need to stay right beside the park.
We stayed around Mount Roland because the accommodation was cheaper and the scenery was just as beautiful. It was around 50 minutes from Cradle Mountain.
If you want the full breakdown of where we stayed and what we did, we've got a separate Cradle Mountain guide.
We bought the two-week all-parks pass because it covered the parks we visited on this trip.
The information centres were also incredibly helpful and could tell us what we needed once we arrived, so this is one thing we'd recommend checking before your trip as pass requirements can change.

Historic buildings at Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania — Night 9 Port Arther

**DAY** **NINE** is your final full day in Tasmania, and it's a memorable one.
You'll need an early start to make your way from Freycinet down to the Tasman Peninsula, but today's first activity is worth the drive. Head to Port Arthur for the **Cape Raoul Cruise**, one of the most incredible wildlife and coastal experiences we've done anywhere in the world. Tours depart at 10am, with check-in at 9:15am, so give yourself plenty of time to get there.
Over the next few hours, you'll cruise beneath some of the most dramatic sea cliffs we've ever seen. The coastline is breathtaking, with towering rock formations, sea caves and those incredible hexagonal cliffs that reminded us of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too. We were lucky enough to have dolphins swimming alongside the boat, as well as plenty of seals lounging on the rocks and diving into the water. You're given thick waterproof jackets, but don't underestimate the conditions. Even on a sunny day, it can be incredibly windy out on the water, so pack a hat, gloves and a few extra layers.

After the cruise, spend the afternoon exploring the Port Arthur Historic Site, just a few minutes down the road. If you enjoy history, this is an absolute must. The beautifully preserved buildings, sweeping grounds and stories of the people who lived here give you a fascinating insight into Tasmania's colonial past.

If we did this trip again, we'd add another night here. There's more to explore around the Tasman Peninsula, plenty of hikes we didn't get to, and we'd happily give the Port Arthur Historic Site a full day rather than squeezing it into an afternoon. To round off your final evening in Tasmania, head to On the Bay for dinner. With beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere, it's the perfect place to slow down and reflect on the nine nights you've just spent exploring Tasmania.