7-Day Tasmania road trip: Wombats, wildlife & epic hikes | Hobart–Stanley

"Once a week we talk about it — Tassie is like nowhere else in Australia."

Wombats that waddle right up to you. 50 Penguins emerging at nightfall by your campsite. And a sunrise so still on Mount Amos that the only sound is your own breathing.

This Tasmania road trip itinerary is built for hikers, wildlife obsessives, and anyone who'd rather wake up next to wombats than a hotel lobby.

Over 7 days, Adam and Clara grabbed a brand-new Camplify campervan, loaded up the Roady App, and drove from Hobart to Stanley — to find out why a road trip in Tasmania is unlike anything else in Australia. Freycinet, Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain, and Tasmania's wild northwest coast — all in one week. Along the way, they uncovered that Tassie's greatest moments aren't the ones you plan: they are the ones that find you — when you know where (and when) to go.

TL;DR: The essential info for your Tasmania road trip

• Route: Hobart → Freycinet → St Helens → Launceston → Cradle Mountain → Ulverstone → Stanley

• Duration: 7 days (easily stretched to 10-14 if you want to slow down — and you will)

• Distance: Approximately 650km

• Best for: Couples, nature lovers, first-time van lifers, wildlife enthusiasts

• Vehicle: Campervan with off-grid capability (fridge, kitchen, solar)

What you need to know:

• Tasmania is compact — drives between stops are short, so you spend more time exploring than sitting in a car

• Don't drive after dark. Seriously. The wildlife is everywhere and locals avoid night driving for good reason

• Pack a puffer jacket and rain jacket even in summer — the temperature drops fast after sunset, and Tassie weather can change in minutes

• Sunscreen is non-negotiable. The UV is brutal — Clara got blistered sitting outside for 90 minutes one morning

• Carry a basic first aid kit with a snake bandage on any hike. All three of Tasmania's snake species are venomous

• Tasmania caravan parks (especially BIG4) are dotted along this entire route and make an excellent base each night — hot showers, powered sites, and central locations

• Wombats, pademelons, penguins, echidnas, and Tasmanian devils are all on this route. You will see wildlife every single day

Bottom line: This 7-day Tasmania itinerary delivers world-class hiking, incredible wildlife encounters, and some of Australia's most pristine wilderness — all within easy driving distance of each other. Hire a custom RV through Camplify and experience what seasoned travellers call "the mecca" for nature lovers — even if you've never set foot in a van before.

Meet your guides: Adam and Clara from Roady Australia

Most people visit Tasmania once and fall in love. Adam's been six times. Clara three.

Full-time van lifers for over three years, they'll tell anyone who listens: Tasmania is "the mecca" for anyone who loves the outdoors. Wombats are just the beginning — coastal walks, alpine trails, multi-day treks through wilderness so untouched it genuinely feels prehistoric. "You go down to Tassie and the air is just so fresh and crisp," Clara says. "It's really special down there."

For this trip, they were joined by photographer Cam — who'd never been to Tasmania and had never seen a wombat. For Clara, whose love for wombats borders on spiritual ("I can't begin to express how much I love them — they're the Australian equivalent of a little bear"), this was unacceptable. Finding Cam a wombat became the unofficial mission of the entire road trip.

The places to visit in Tasmania are so varied, so tightly packed, that you could spend a year and still find new corners. Which is exactly why they loaded up the Roady App — Australia and New Zealand's go-to for hidden gems and road trip planning — jumped in a Camplify RV and hit the road to uncover Tassie's best.

Follow Adam and Clara on Instagram at @touristthebus to stay up to date with their travel adventures.

How Camplify changes everything for Tasmania road trips

"Everything was just set up so well. It would be perfect for someone that's never done anything like this before."

The delivery difference: Your van is waiting when you land

Perfect for interstate travellers: get a caravan delivered to BIG4 Hobart Airport Campground for night 1 of your Tasmanian adventures.

Adam and Clara flew in late from Western Australia — flight delayed, three-hour time difference, completely exhausted. But when they arrived at BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park — literally a two-minute drive from the terminal — their caravan was already there. Lights on. Ready to go. After-hours key left out. They stumbled in and crashed.

"Especially arriving quite late, it was so nice to come in and see everything all set up," Clara recalls. "You just kind of settle down. It's seamless."

This is what makes Camplify a game-changer for a Tasmania self drive holiday. You're not picking up a generic rental from a depot — you're choosing from thousands of RV's listed by local owners across Tasmania. And with delivery available on select vehicles, you can have your van set up and waiting at your campsite before you even land. For anyone flying into Hobart for a Tasmania self drive adventure, BIG4 Hobart Airport is the ideal first night — walking distance from the terminal, van ready to go.

Meet your home-on-wheels: Darlene by Biami Campers

The next morning, Prince from Biami Campers delivered their campervan — Darlene, a Toyota Commuter finished with beautiful Tasmanian oak interiors. Brand new. Literally completed the day before.

"Prince was incredible," Adam says. "He brought the van to us, showed us around the whole vehicle, went through everything. He was a legend."

Biami Campers was founded in 2024 with a simple philosophy: comfortable campervans designed specifically for exploring Tasmania's wild beauty. Based in Sandy Bay, just 3km from Hobart CBD, they're perfectly placed for visitors flying in.

Darlene delivered on everything this trip needed: an 85L fridge that kept food cold for the full six-day road trip. A pull-out kitchen with a two-burner cooktop. 300Ah lithium battery and 250W solar panel for days of off-grid capability. A built-in projector for rainy Tassie nights. And a layout so intuitive that even someone who'd never touched a campervan could figure it out in minutes.

"It was just really clearly laid out," Clara explains. "Not over-complicated. That's something that can quickly become confusing for someone not used to being in an off-grid vehicle."

Adam and Clara — who've spent three years living in vans and have seen "pretty unusual setups" — kept coming back to the same point: this van is perfect for a first-timer.

"The pull-out kitchen, the outdoor chairs and table, the awning — you have that indoor-outdoor space that makes it feel bigger. Easy to pack up, pack down. It had everything you needed."

That's the Camplify difference. Not a cookie-cutter depot rental — but a van custom built by a Hobart local specifically for Tassie's wilderness. Prince didn't just hand over keys — he walked them through every switch, every feature he'd personally designed, and sent them off with the confidence to explore Tassie's wildest corners in a van he'd built with his own hands.

The 7-day Hobart to Stanley Tasmania itinerary

Day 1: Hobart — Settle in and spot your first pademelon

You don't have to venture far from Hobart to find spectacular mountain sites (and cute animals). Find 360-degree views of Hobart & surrounds at Mount Wellington.

Where to stay: BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park — 2 minutes from the airport

With your van sorted (see above — if you're flying in, BIG4 Hobart Airport with delivery is the move), use the afternoon to tick off your first things to do in Tasmania by exploring the compact capital. The must-do? Drive 30 minutes up to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington for panoramic views over the city, the harbour, and the Tasmanian wilderness stretching south.

But it's what you'll spot on the mountain that sets the tone for the entire trip. Within minutes, the crew had their first wildlife encounter — and Cam completely lost it.

"The photographer spotted one at the top of the mountain and was losing his mind," Adam laughs. "He'd never seen a pademelon before. We're like, 'What are you doing up here? You're in a city on top of a mountain!'"

Pademelons — small, fluffy marsupials sometimes called rufous wallabies — are arguably the most commonly spotted animal in Tasmania. "They're kind of everywhere," Clara confirms. "Probably the most common animal you'll see." Get used to them. They'll be your constant companions for the next seven days. And if Cam's reaction to a pademelon was this big, the crew knew the wombat encounter was going to be something special.

Don't miss: If you arrive with daylight to spare, Salamanca Place and the Hobart waterfront are worth a wander. But don't over-schedule day one — you'll want energy for the Mount Amos sunrise tomorrow.

Wildlife spotlight: Pademelons on kunanyi/Mount Wellington. They tend to congregate in open grassy areas, particularly in the late afternoon. Keep your eyes on the ground — they're smaller than you expect and surprisingly well camouflaged.

Day 2: Freycinet National Park — The sunrise that will leave you speechless

BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet, backed by the Hazards mountain range and the iconic Mount Amos (which you'll summit - if you're feeling adventurous).

Where to stay: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet (Coles Bay area)

Set your alarm for darkness. Mount Amos at sunrise is the hero moment of this entire Tasmania east coast road trip stretch — and possibly one of the most iconic views in Australia.

"That's a place where, if you have an image of Tassie in your head, that's probably the one," Adam explains. "And unlike a lot of famous spots in the world, Amos delivers every single time. No matter what the conditions, it's always incredible."

The hike is roughly three hours return and it's no walk in the park. Mount Amos is notorious for its steepness, with sections of granite rock scrambling where you'll be on all fours. It's a definite no-go if it's wet — granite becomes dangerously slippery with any moisture.

"We know people who've turned around in tears," Clara adds. "It's been a lot scarier than they thought. So don't attempt it if you're not confident or surefooted."

But if conditions are right? "Watching the light just light up the whole bay, seeing the crazy blues come out… it's such an incredible area," Adam recalls. Photographer Cam, experiencing it for the first time, was speechless.

World-class hiking that will leave you breathless. Mount Amos at sunrise.

The afternoon before, conditions had been touch-and-go — winds so fierce Adam compared them to Western Australia. "We were like, 'Are we going to make it up that mountain tomorrow?' But it died down overnight. The sunrise ended up being just so calm and beautiful."

Don't miss: The previous afternoon was windy enough that the crew questioned whether they'd make the summit. Check conditions the night before using the Bureau of Meteorology app, and don't attempt the hike in rain or high wind. No path, no handrails — just trail markers on rock.

Van advantage: Hotels in Coles Bay require a drive to the trailhead in the dark. Staying at BIG4 puts you minutes away — you're on the trail before the first light hits the Hazards.

Day 3: Bay of Fires & St Helens — Fire pits, glamping, and orange boulders

Tasmania or the tropics? With white sand and water like this, sometimes it's hard to tell.

Where to stay: BIG4 St Helens

After a massive day two, ease into the coast. No road trip in Tasmania is complete without Bay of Fires — a place that needs no introduction — orange lichen-covered boulders against turquoise water and white sand. It's one of the most photographed stretches of coastline in Australia, and it absolutely lives up to the hype.

The drive from Freycinet to St Helens takes you along the stunning Tasmania east coast road trip route, with plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs.

But the real highlight of day three might be where you sleep. The BIG4 park in St Helens blew the crew away.

"We had a deluxe ensuite site with a fire pit," Adam describes. "We had the van set up, got Thai takeaway, and just sat outside with the fire going. Lots of beautiful bird sounds. It was just a very peaceful park."

When road tripping, sometimes it's the little things: like Thai takeaway & a beautiful park.

They also shot a glamping tent on-site — elevated camping with proper beds and hard walls, but immersed in nature. If you're travelling with someone who wants a break from sleeping in the van, St Helens BIG4 offers both.

Don't miss: Arrive at Bay of Fires early for the best light on those famous orange boulders. The colours shift dramatically depending on the time of day — golden hour is extraordinary.

Wildlife spotlight: Keep your eyes peeled along the coastal trails. Echidnas are common in this region, and the crew spotted several throughout the trip. They're slow-moving and wonderfully strange — like a hedgehog crossed with an anteater.

Day 4: Launceston — Cataract Gorge and recharging for Cradle Mountain

Although a great spot for refuelling & refreshing, Launceston also offers beautiful wilderness sites like Cataract Gorge.

Where to stay: BIG4 Launceston

Every good road trip needs a breather — and Day 4 is yours. The drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain via the east coast is spectacular but relentless, so Launceston offers a shorter driving day and a chance to reset before the wilderness tomorrow.

But "rest day" doesn't mean boring. Cataract Gorge is the headline — a dramatic river gorge just minutes from the CBD that feels like it belongs in a national park, not a city. Walk the trails, take the world's longest single-span chairlift across the basin, or simply sit by the water and soak in the fact that this exists in the middle of an urban centre. Peacocks roam the grounds. The swimming pool sits at the base of sheer cliff faces. It's wonderfully unexpected.

Launceston is also your last major resupply before heading into the highlands. Stock up the fridge — having wraps, snacks, and drinks on hand means you won't need to plan around finding lunch spots during bigger exploration days ahead.

"Having everything with you all the time — that's always a luxury," Clara notes. "You don't have to plan your day fully in the morning. You can just get up and go."

This is one of those van life moments that doesn't make the highlight reel but makes the whole trip work: cooking dinner in the BIG4 camp kitchen, doing a load of laundry, sprawling out with a full fridge and clean clothes — recharged and ready for wombats.

Don't miss: Cataract Gorge is free to visit and worth at least a couple of hours. The South Esk Trail along the river is an easy, scenic walk that connects you to the gorge from the city centre. If you're a foodie, Launceston punches above its weight — the town has a growing reputation for local produce and craft beer.

Day 5: Cradle Mountain — Wombats, snow in summer, and a Jurassic Park moment

A highlight of any Tasmania road trip: Cradle Mountain is Tasmania's wilderness at it's most unspoiled.

Where to stay: Discovery Holiday Parks Cradle Mountain

This is the day the crew had been waiting for. Of all the things to do in Tasmania, Cradle Mountain National Park is the crown jewel — and it delivered everything they'd hoped for and more.

"It feels like Jurassic Park," Adam says simply. "Untouched. Pristine. Just one of the most amazing places in the country."

Start with the Dove Lake Circuit — a 6km loop that takes you around the base of Cradle Mountain through ancient rainforest, with the iconic peak reflected in the lake's still waters. On a clear day, Adam recommends the Cradle Mountain Summit Walk as "probably one of the most epic day walks you can do in Tassie."

But the real magic happens at Ronny Creek. This is the wombat spotting location in Tasmania — and possibly in all of Australia.

The wombat spotting capital of Australia didn't disappoint for Adam & Clara.

The Hobart to Cradle Mountain leg of this itinerary builds anticipation — but Ronny Creek is where it all pays off. "I rate Tasmania 10 out of 10 for wombat spotting," Clara says without hesitation. "And Ronny Creek in Cradle Mountain National Park is the best. We've seen wombats there even around 11am to midday — they hang around quite late."

The crew sat on the boardwalk for about 45 minutes, waiting. The wombats were distant at first. Then, slowly, they waddled closer.

"Eventually they came right up to our feet and went under the boardwalk we were sitting on," Clara beams. "They just weren't phased by us at all."

For photographer Cam — whose bucket list item was to see his first wombat — it was the moment of the trip. The mission that started on Day 1, delivered. Clara was beaming.

Oh, and it snowed. In summer. Classic Tassie.

"One day it'll be super warm and sunny, the next day it could be any of the other seasons," Adam laughs.

Before leaving the Cradle Mountain region, stop at Devils at Cradle — a Tasmanian devil sanctuary where you can see these misunderstood animals up close, watch feeding time, and learn about conservation efforts. The devils are surprisingly small (about the size of a cat), incredibly curious, and — despite their blood-curdling screams — often just playing.

"They're very cute," Clara insists. "One of them just laid down and started falling asleep right in front of us."

Don't miss: If you're keen to see wombats, don't expect results in five minutes. Sit down, be patient, and let them come to you. They prefer open, grassy spaces and are best spotted in the early morning or late afternoon — though Ronny Creek is the exception where midday sightings are common.

Wildlife spotlight: Tasmania wildlife doesn't get better than this. Wombats at Ronny Creek, Tasmanian devils at the sanctuary, and keep your eyes open for the elusive spotted quoll — on a previous trip, Adam spotted one chasing a butterfly. They're rare to see in the wild and a genuine bucket-list moment.

Day 6: Leven Canyon & Ulverstone — Tasmania's most underrated view

The quaint town of Ulverstone: surrounded by Australia's best alpine country.

Where to stay: BIG4 Ulverstone

Before heading to the coast, take a short detour to a place most visitors have never heard of. Leven Canyon sits not far from Cradle Mountain, and the lookout at Cruickshank is reached via a short 15-minute walk through quiet bushland. What's waiting at the end genuinely caught the crew off guard.

"We'd never been here before and never really heard of it," Adam admits. "There were three of us on this trip and we just couldn't believe the view. It was sick."

Clara agrees: "That's a very underrated part of Tasmania. Definitely worth heading to if you're in the region."

The gorge drops away dramatically — sheer walls plunging into dense rainforest below. It's the kind of view that makes you stand in silence for a minute. And because it's off most tourists' radars, there's a good chance you'll have the platform to yourself.

Worth the detour: Leven Canyon sees some of Australia's most dramatic gorges.

From Leven Canyon, continue north to Ulverstone and begin making your way along Tasmania's north coast. The landscape shifts — rugged alpine wilderness gives way to rolling farmland, small coastal towns, and quiet beaches. This is a gentler side of Tassie, and a welcome contrast after the intensity of Cradle Mountain.

If you have extra days up your sleeve, this is also where you could detour west. The drive from Queenstown to Strahan is, according to Adam, "probably one of the best roads you can drive down in the world" — winding through ancient rainforest and mining towns that feel frozen in time. It's one of the most underrated places to visit in Tasmania — something for the 10-14 day itinerary.

Don't miss: Leven Canyon is one of those hidden gems that rewards a small detour with massive payoff. The walk is short and easy, making it perfect after a big Cradle Mountain day. Arrive in the morning for the best light into the gorge.

Van advantage: By Day 6, the rhythm of Tasmania van life is second nature. Pack up camp, drive an hour, stop at a canyon, drive another hour, set up camp by the coast. No checkout times, no luggage transfers, no hotel lobbies. Just the road and whatever catches your eye.

Day 7: Stanley — The Nut, penguins, and the perfect finale

One of Tasmania's most iconic sites: by the time you've reach the Stanley Nut, you know you've reached holiday-mode.

Where to stay: BIG4 Stanley

Stanley, Tasmania is a tiny fishing village at the foot of a dramatic volcanic formation called The Nut — a flat-topped promontory that rises sharply from the coastline and dominates the skyline. The walk to the top is steep but short (15-20 minutes), fully paved, and rewards you with sweeping 360-degree views across the northwest coast.

"The backdrops from the BIG4 in Stanley were amazing," Adam says. "You're looking right up at the Nut, right on the water. For vanning, visually — it's incredible."

But save your energy for after dark. Because Stanley delivers one of the most magical wildlife experiences in Tasmania — and it's completely free.

At the base of the Nut, a boardwalk and penguin viewing platform come alive after sunset. Red lights flick on once it's properly dark (white light disturbs the penguins), phones go on silent, and everyone goes quiet.

Then they start arriving.

"We probably saw 30 to 50 penguins just hobbling up the beach, making their way back to their burrows — which were right under the boardwalk," Adam recalls. "Hearing all the chicks calling for their parents, seeing some of them waiting outside their burrows… it was a pretty incredible free experience."

In a place like Stanley, you'll want to watch out for the locals.

The crew watched for about an hour, then walked back to their campsite at BIG4 Stanley. And even there — at the foot of their cabin — another boardwalk, more penguins, more tiny silhouettes waddling through the dark.

"We could hear them all just coming back," Clara adds. "We saw some of them walking around right at the campsite. It was epic."

Don't miss: Arrive at the penguin viewing platform about 30 minutes before sunset to secure your spot. The penguins begin emerging 15-30 minutes after the sun goes down and continue arriving until around 10pm. Dress warm — Stanley's coastal winds pick up at twilight. And keep quiet. Everyone does. It's part of the magic.

Van advantage: Staying at BIG4 Stanley means you don't need to drive anywhere after watching the penguins. You walk back to your van in the dark, penguins still calling around you, and crawl into bed. No hotel shuttle. No midnight drive on wildlife-heavy roads. Just you, the sounds of the coast, and proof that no road trip in Tasmania ends quite like this one.

Your Tasmania road trip questions, answered

Consider this your Tasmania travel guide for the most common questions we hear.

How long does it take to drive around Tasmania?

The full lap is roughly 1,500km. At a comfortable pace with stops, most people take 10-14 days. This Hobart to Stanley itinerary covers approximately 650km over 7 days — and can easily stretch to 10 days if you want more time at each stop. "You could easily go back and spend a year there," Adam says. "But even with a week, you'll see a lot."

Is 7 days enough for Tasmania?

Absolutely — if you plan your route. This Tasmania itinerary hits the east coast, the alpine centre, and the northwest coast, giving you a genuine cross-section of landscapes without feeling rushed. If you're wondering what to see in Tasmania or where to go in Tasmania, this route covers the essentials — and then some. If you have 10-14 days, the places to visit in Tasmania expand dramatically — consider adding the west coast (the drive from Queenstown to Strahan is, according to Adam, "probably one of the best roads you can drive down in the world") or Maria Island for next-level wombat encounters.

Is Tasmania good for first-time van lifers?

It's possibly the best place in Australia for it. Distances between stops are short, so you're never driving for hours on end. Caravan parks and free camps are everywhere. And the vans available through Camplify — like Darlene from Biami Campers — are specifically designed for ease of use. "Everything in Tassie's fairly close," Clara notes. "And with the van we had, it would have been perfect for someone who's never done anything like this before."

What should I pack for a Tasmania road trip?

No Tasmania travel guide would be complete without a packing list. Even in summer: a puffer jacket, rain jacket, and enclosed shoes for evenings. Sunscreen — the UV is significantly stronger than the mainland due to the proximity to the ozone hole. A basic first aid kit with a snake bandage for any hikes. And patience for wildlife encounters — the best ones happen when you sit still and wait.

Can you see wombats in Tasmania?

Yes — and Tasmania is the best place in Australia to see them. Ronny Creek in Cradle Mountain National Park is the prime spot, with sightings common even at midday. For the ultimate experience, Maria Island is "wombat heaven" according to Clara — no predators, no cars, and the biggest, most relaxed wombats you'll ever see. For penguin encounters, Stanley Tasmania offers the best free viewing experience on the island. Tips for wombats: look in open, grassy spaces, be patient, and maintain at least 2 metres distance.

Ready to plan your Tasmania road trip?

Darlene from Biami Campers — the brand-new campervan with Tasmanian oak interiors, a built-in projector, and off-grid solar — is available to book on Camplify: View Darlene

Or browse hundreds of locally-owned campervans, motorhomes and caravans across Tasmania — from couples' adventure rigs to family-friendly setups that turn a Tasmania driving holiday into the comfiest trip you've ever taken.

Wombats at Ronny Creek are waiting. So is that Mount Amos sunrise, those Stanley penguins hobbling up the beach, and a canyon view that'll stop you in your tracks.

You don't find these moments. They find you — when you know where (and when) to go.

More Tasmania road trip inspiration

Planning a bigger Tassie adventure? Dive deeper with our Tasmania travel guide collection:

• 6 Best Tasmania Road Trips

• Best Road Trip Around East Coast Tasmania

• Tasmania West Coast Road Trip

• Melbourne to Tasmania Road Trip (Spirit of Tasmania + 7-Stop Itinerary)

• Best Road Trip Around Tasmania: 10-Day Itinerary