6 best Tasmania road trips

No matter which direction you choose to travel, Tasmania is the perfect place to take off in your campervan on a road trip. This stunning part of Australia was made for slow, leisurely drives, soaking up the sites and we’ve narrowed it down to the six best Tasmania road trips - all mapped out and ready for driving.

Each route you take is a new adventure just waiting to unfold, taking you through natural wonders, rugged mountains, untouched beaches and waterfront towns. From North East Tasmania to the West Coast, explore your options below!

The best Tasmania road trips: 6 routes you can’t miss

1. The best route through North East Tasmania

Total distance: 473km | Recommended days: 7 to 10 days | Best time to do the route: between December and February | Route Map

If you’ve got the time, then this trip will take you through some of the top sites through North East Tasmania. Start in Launceston before making your way through Bicheno, St Helens, Bay of Fires, Scottsdale and then ending in Lilydale (or venturing back to Launceston).

Launceston is the place to be to check out the Cataract Gorge, which is the world’s longest single-span chairlift, and definitely one for the bucket list. Drop everything and head to the beautiful beaches and crystal waters in Bicheno, where you can work on that tan while feasting on delicious seafood. Make sure you check out the Bicheno Blowhole while you’re there.

Next stop, St Helens where you can settle into their laid-back vibe and enjoy a spot of people watching, or head over to Serpentarium Wildlife Park to enjoy some of the native wildlife. You’ll want to take some time with the Bay of Fires - a true gem in Tasmania. Sweeping stretches of gorgeous beaches, with plenty of coastal walks waiting to be discovered.

Scottsdale is the perfect place to check out some of the old buildings and heritage in Tasmania, before ending your trip in Lilydale and enjoying some of the amazing vineyards in the area.

Want to learn more about this route? Check out our guide to the ultimate North East Tasmania road trip.

2. The best route from East Coast Tasmania

Total distance: 560km | Recommended days: from 7 days | Best time to do the route: between December and March | Route Map

You really can’t beat the breathtaking wilderness that comes with a road trip around the East Coast of Tasmania. Start the trip in Hobart, then make your way through Orford, Maria Island, Swansea, Freycinet National Park, Bicheno, St Helens and finish up in the remarkable Bay of Fires!

Head straight to the coast in Orford, and get yourself into full holiday mode in this popular coastal town. You can mix it up with a walk up to Three Thumbs Lookout if you’re after some spectacular views over Mercury Passage to Maria Island. Next stop, go and see Maria Island up close. The entire island is a national park and has plenty of history for you to take in.

From here, go visit another seaside town, Swansea. You will be treated to clear waters and stunning views, with a great heritage walk that will literally walk you through history. At Freycinet National Park there’s a bit of everything, from secluded bays to sandy beaches and birds galore. Check out their many trails and really immerse yourself in nature.

Bicheno is the perfect chance to jump on a glass-bottom boat and go explore beneath the sea. You can even splash in the water for a snorkel. Stop in St Helen’s for a trip to Serpentarium Wildlife Park and a ride on the sand dunes, before ending with the beautiful beaches of the Bay of Fires, where you can sit back, relax and unwind at the end of your trip.

Want to learn more about this route? Check out our guide to the ultimate East Coast Tasmania.

3. The best route through West Coast Tasmania

Total distance: 515km | Recommended days: 7 to 10 days | Best time to do the route: between December and February | Route Map

A West Coast Tasmania trip is the perfect opportunity to discover incredible heritage sites and beautiful national parks. Start your trip in Queenstown before heading to Strahan, Zeehan, Rosebery, Cradle Mountain, Launceston and ending in Devonport.

Queenstown is a great place to stop for a few nights and really check out everything on offer. It’s known as the gateway to the West Coast of Tasmania, with mine tours, rainforests to trek through, river rafting and more.

Strahan is the home of the West Coast Wilderness Railway where you can brush up on a little history before heading on to the West Coast Reflections Exhibition for more heritage. Zeehan has one of the finest collections of minerals in the world at The West Coast Heritage Centre. You can also head over to Henty Dunes for some sandboarding adventures!

One of the best things to do in Rosebery is head to Montezuma Falls and see one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls. Next stop is Cradle Mountain, where you won't actually find a town. Instead, it’s part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, with abundant rainforests for you to venture into.

Afterwards, Launceston is worth spending a few nights checking out beautiful views, walking trails, gardens and much more. Don’t miss the Cataract Gorge, which is the world’s longest single-span chairlift.

Finally, end your trip in the busy coastal city of Devonport, checking out their many beaches and outdoor activities, including sailing, kayaking, fishing and more.

Want to learn more about this route? Check out our guide to the ultimate Tasmania West Coast road trip.

4. The best route from Melbourne to Tasmania

Total distance: 1,480km | Recommended days: 9 to 12 days | Best time to do the route: December and February | Route Map

One of the best Tasmania road trips starts in Victoria. Come from Melbourne and do the perfect loop of Tasmania before making the return journey! Check out Devonport, Strahan, Hobart, Freycinet National Park, Launceston and Bay of Fires along the way.

Start your trip taking in as much of Melbourne as possible, visiting one of their many museums, heading for a ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, or relaxing in the Botanical Gardens. Next stop, Devonport! Hop on the Spirit of Tasmania, departing from Station Pier at Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne. Your ticket price will depend on whether or not you're bringing a vehicle, plus your passenger fare and then you pay for accommodation. You can check out prices here. End your trip in Devonport. This is where you can hop off the ferry and start your trip in Tasmania. Learn a little about the history and culture in the area and visit the coastal trail.

Head onto Strahan where you will discover a convict village with a rich history. It’s also a gateway to the World Heritage Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, where you can jump on a cruise or walk your way around.

Hobart is the quirky capital of Tasmania, known for its creative scene and farm-to-table food. Pop the Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery on your to-do list and add a little culture at the Theatre Royal. You can also head up to Mount Wellington to get the best vistas of the surrounding area.

Chuck on those hiking boots before heading to Freycinet National Park, and enjoy one of the many trails on offer. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise at Mount Amos and get treated to some incredible views!

Launceston is a gorgeous riverside city right next to the Tamar Valley Wine Trail, where you can sample some of the delicious produce. Finally, end your trip by checking out kilometre after kilometre of sandy white beaches, bright blue waters and vibrant red rocks at the Bay of Fires.

Want to learn more about this route? Check out our guide to the ultimate Melbourne to Tasmania road trip.

5. The best route around Hobart to Port Arthur

Total distance: 106km | Recommended days: 3-5 days | Best time to do the route: between December and February| Route Map

Start this trip in the busy capital of Tasmania, Hobart, then make your way through Richmond before ending at Port Arthur. There’s plenty of rich heritage for you to soak up along the way.

Hobart has it all for you to explore with amazing art through incredible valleys. Make time for a stroll along the waterfront, where you will find galleries, theatres, restaurants and gorgeous boutiques. Plan a trick to Mona (Museum of Old and New Art), then trek Mount Wellington for some gorgeous views.

Head onto Richmond where you will discover Australia’s oldest bridge and Catholic Church, before sampling some of the delicious grapes in the area at the vineyards and digging into some local cheese and olives. Make sure you add Richmond Lolly Shop to your to-do list!

The drive to Port Arthur is just as exciting as the destination. Wind down through Eaglehawk Neck, where you will find some incredible views across Pirate’s Bay. In Port Arthur, you can check out the famous blowhole, and even explore the UNESCO World heritage-listed convict site there.

6. The best route from Devonport to Arthur River

Total distance: 208km | Recommended days: 3 to 5 days | Best time to do the route: between October and March | Route Map

This route starts in Devonport, then brings you to Burnie and Stanley before wrapping up in Arthur River.

Devonport has so many sites for you to see starting at Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, making your way to the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, then jumping on the Don River Railway, which travels a three-kilometre trip between Don Junction and Don Township. Make a stop at Southern Wild Distillery, where you can enjoy their speciality, gin!

Head onto Burnie, where you have to be sure not to miss the Little Penguin Observation Centre - one of the top drawcards to the area. Between October and March, you’ll be treated to some cute baby penguins! You can also head to Burnie Regional Museum for a local culture fix, then onto Hellyers Road Distillery for some top malt whiskey.

Next, onto Stanley where you can walk (or jump onto a chairlift) to The Nut, which is a sheer-sided bluff, and all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug.

End your trip in Arthur River and the stunning surrounding rainforests, or set up camp to enjoy a spot of stargazing!

Organise one of the best Tasmania road trips with Camplify

After sorting out campervan hire in Tasmania, you’re ready to hit the open road and take in the many wonders awaiting you along the way. We have sorted you with the 6 best Tasmania road trips packed full of jaw-dropping views, beachfront towns, turquoise waters and plenty of activities to break up the drive. All you have to do is load up that campervan and open yourself to adventure!

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