5 Best Camping Spots in Tasmania

Immersing yourself in the wilderness and getting away from the humdrum of everyday life is easy in Tasmania, Australia’s least populated state. It’s a place so wild that there’s reason to believe that Tasmanian tigers (thylacines) may still roam in the most remote areas. That’s only a rumour, but what’s certain is that Tasmania’s mountain peaks, whitewater rivers and stunning green valleys make for camping unlike anywhere else in Australia. Here you can set up your tent on a vineyard, dive deep into rich history at bush camps in former penal sites, or stay up late outside your campervan in hopes of spotting wildlife. For its size, Tassie packs a surprising punch in terms of diversity of landscapes, with many camping sites only a short drive from Launceston or Hobart. In partnership with our friends at Hipcamp, here are five Tasmanian campsites worth checking out.

Captain Matthew’s Hideaway, Flinders Bay/Price from $100 per night

Once home to a 19th-century convict probation site, this Australian slice of paradise is now a privately owned conservation area. Set on the Forestier Peninsula near a freshwater creek that empties into Norfolk Bay, the property provides easy access for swimming, boating and fishing. In addition to eight permanent dwellings, one private campsite sits just 50 metres from the beach. Visitors can find more seclusion on a bushwalk through the adjoining native bushland, or head a bit further south on the adjoining Tasman Peninsula to see the Port Arthur historic site for more history. Highlights

• Campfires permitted

• Private beach nearby

• Suitable for self-contained campers only (no on-site toilet)

• Suitable for caravans under 9 meters long

• Generators allowed

The Farm Cradle Country, Staverton/Price from $10 per night

This is the Promised Land—literally. (That’s what the local municipality in northwest Tasmania is called.) Set high in the mountains at an elevation of 530 metres, this 85-acre family-friendly farm was named the best Hipcamp in Tasmania in 2022 and lives up to its accolades. Guests have 11 campsites to choose from, and can spend time on their trip feeding goats and chickens, tackling Cradle Mountain (only a 35-minute drive away), or hitting nearby Lake Barrington for swimming and power boating. Or, just kick back at your large campsite to take in views of Mt. Roland, Mt. Claude and the valley below. Highlights

• Campfires permitted in designated property areas

• Firewood available

• Suitable for self-contained campers only (no on-site toilet)

• Some sites require four-wheel drive

Hilltop Farm Meander, Meander/Price from $22 per night

It only takes a 45-minute drive southwest of Launceston to arrive at Hilltop Farm Meander, a cattle farm boasting views of Huntsman Lake and the surrounding mountains. The sprawling property offers 15 campsites to choose from (most accommodating both tents and caravans), plus one lodge space complete with a queen-sized bed and barbecue. Countless nearby walking trails run to areas such as Meander Falls and Smoko Falls, while kayakers and fly fishers love the waters of Huntsman Lake. For something different, the Hipcamp Hosts also offer horse and cart rides down by the lake, sure to please little and big kids alike. Highlights

• Pet-friendly camping

• Campfires permitted

• Generators allowed

• Various sites accommodate caravans up to 13 meters

• Suitable for self-contained campers only (no on-site toilet if not staying in lodge)

• Some sites require four-wheel drive

Ryelands Farm & Vineyard, Macquarie Plains/Price from $20 per night

Looking for true privacy near Hobart? You’ll find it at Ryelands Farm & Vineyard, where the sole campsite is set directly on the River Derwent and can accommodate 20+ campers. This freshwater river is a playground for platypus, sea eagles and black swans—but humans love it, too, especially large groups. You can fish for brown trout and rainbow trout (with a license), laze in a hammock on the river’s edge, or head out on the river in a kayak to attempt the grade one and two rapids. Oh, and did we mention you can buy wine and farm-fresh vegetables directly from the vineyard? Highlights

• Dog- and horse-friendly camping

• Campfires permitted

• Riverside picnic table

• Suitable for self-contained campers only (no on-site toilet)

• Ideal for groups

• Children under 5 camp for free and ages 6 to 12 are half price

• Suitable for 3+ caravans at a time

• Firewood included

Kanyini Camp, Little Swanport/Price from $10 per night

When you look at Kanyini Camp on a map, it’s immediately clear that its location provides easy access to Maria Island, Freycinet National Park, the Bay of Fires and Wineglass Bay. What you can’t see? One of the most beautiful beaches—truly a local secret—is only a 10-minute drive from camp. With sweeping country views and no-through road on the working farm, this is one of the most peaceful places on Tasmania’s East Coast. Ten unpowered sites are available for self-contained vehicles, which helped the camp rank as one of Hipcamp’s best spots for caravan camping in Tasmania in 2022. Highlights

• Dog-friendly camping

• Campfires permitted

• Suitable for self-contained campers only (no on-site toilet)

• Suitable for groups

• Accessible for 2WD

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