Melbourne to Tasmania: The jaw-dropping route most tourists miss

Ready for a Melbourne to Tasmania road trip? Pick up a campervan in Melbourne, board the Spirit of Tasmania and wake up the next day in Devonport, ready to set off on your adventures! Lastest update: January 2025

Planning a Melbourne to Tasmania road trip? This wild island is just a ferry ride away from Victoria's capital city. Camplify is Australia's leading van-sharing platform, where you can hire campervans , motorhomes and caravans from local owners near you. Want to know more about how our platform works? Visit our How it Works page before getting into this incredible adventure.

Below, we've crafted the perfect itinerary to help you complete a loop of Tasmania and experience the best this incredible island has to offer. Here are seven destinations you can't miss along the way, taking you through some of Australia's most magnificent landscapes. Happy travels!

Best road trip from Melbourne to Tasmania: 7 places you can’t miss

Total distance: about 1,480km | Recommended days: from 9 to 12 days | Best time to do the route: between December and February | See route in Google Maps

1. Melbourne

Before setting off on your Tasmanian adventure, take time to explore this incredible city. Begin with a dose of culture at the Heide Museum of Modern Art , the Australian Music Vault , or the Melbourne Museum , where you can immerse yourself in modern history, music and art. For more Melbourne inspiration, check out our guide to top things to do in Melbourne City.

You don't want to miss the 30-minute ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel , which offers panoramic views of the city. For something more relaxing, head to the Royal Botanic Gardens and take a big breath of fresh air. Alternatively, explore the world-renowned coffee shops and vintage clothing markets for a true Melburnian experience.

Then it's time to board the Spirit of Tasmania for your journey across Bass Strait. The best part? Your campervan travels with you! Take an overnight trip and wake up in Tasmania the next morning, ready to begin your adventure.

Where to stay : Before boarding the Spirit of Tasmania, you can stay at the Melbourne BIG4 Holiday Park in Coburg or the Crystal Brook Tourist Park in East Doncaster. Both parks offer powered sites and full facilities for campervans and motorhomes, serving as perfect bases to explore Melbourne before your Tasmania journey.

2. Devonport

Devonport is your gateway to Tasmania, where your island journey begins. This vibrant waterfront city offers rich cultural experiences through its museums and galleries, including the Bass Strait Maritime Centre , the Devonport Regional Gallery , and the Tiagarra Culture Centre and Museum.

For outdoor enthusiasts, take the scenic bike ride along the coastal trail to The Bluff , where you'll discover incredible Aboriginal rock carvings. The waterfront offers excellent opportunities for sailing, kayaking, fishing, and rowing. Learn more about the region's attractions in our guide to North East Tasmania.

Don't miss the Saturday Farmer's Markets , where you can sample fresh Tasmanian produce direct from local farmers. This is your chance to stock up on supplies for your camping adventure!

Where to stay : Upon arrival in Devonport, you have several excellent camping options. The Discovery Parks - Devonport offers beachfront powered sites with full amenities, while the Mersey Bluff Caravan Park provides stunning coastal views and is within walking distance to the city center. Both parks have modern facilities including camp kitchens and laundry services.

3. Strahan

Next, journey to Strahan , a historic convict village rich in Tasmania's colonial heritage. Located on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park , this charming town offers unique experiences you won't find anywhere else in Australia.

Begin your exploration with a Gordon River Cruise , visiting salmon and trout farms while soaking up the pristine wilderness scenery. The national park is accessible only by boat or plane, offering an exclusive opportunity to experience Tasmania's ancient rainforest through guided walks.

History enthusiasts should visit Sarah Island for a self-guided tour of the former convict settlement. End your day with a walk along the Esplanade , where lucky visitors might spot the elusive platypus in its natural habitat. For more Tasmanian national park experiences, check out our guide to the Best Top 6 National Parks to Visit in Tasmania.

Where to stay : The Strahan Beach Tourist Park offers powered sites with ocean views and easy access to the Gordon River Cruises departure point. For a more secluded option, check out Lake Mackintosh Camping Ground, offering peaceful lakeside camping perfect for fishing enthusiasts. Check our guide to camping in Tasmania's West Coast for more options.

4. Hobart

Tasmania's charming capital is a must-visit destination on your road trip. Start with the world-famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), accessible by a short ferry ride from the city centre. This internationally renowned museum has put Hobart on the global cultural map.

Take a 20-minute drive to Mount Wellington for spectacular views over Hobart and beyond. Choose from numerous bushwalking trails or take the bus to the summit. Nature lovers should visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens , featuring over 40 diverse attractions.

Explore Salamanca Place , Hobart's cultural heart, where you'll find a perfect blend of food, culture, and history. Visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and Australia's oldest working theatre, the historic Theatre Royal. For winter visitors, check out our guide to Winter Camping in Tasmania for seasonal activities.

Where to stay : The Discovery Parks - Hobart in Risdon Vale provides excellent facilities for campervans and motorhomes, including powered sites and modern amenities. Alternatively, the Barilla Holiday Park in Cambridge offers scenic bay views and is just 15 minutes from Hobart's CBD. Both locations provide perfect bases for exploring the city and surrounding attractions.

5. Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park showcases Tasmania's east coast beauty at its finest. Make Wineglass Bay your first stop - this iconic beach consistently ranks among Australia's best. Hike to the lookout for stunning views, then descend the 100 steps to experience the crystal-clear waters firsthand. For more hiking adventures, explore our guide to top day hikes in Tasmania.

Early risers shouldn't miss sunrise from Mount Amos. While challenging, this hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Freycinet Peninsula. Complete your visit with an easy walk to Cape Tourville Lighthouse , offering spectacular views over the Tasman Sea.

Where to stay : Within the national park, Freycinet National Park Campground offers sites suitable for campervans (advance booking essential through the Parks & Wildlife Service). For powered sites, the nearby BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet provides full facilities and stunning views of the Hazards mountains. The Freycinet Waters in Coles Bay is another excellent option with beach access.

6. Launceston

Launceston , Tasmania's riverside gem, combines natural beauty with rich history. The city is famous for its location near the Tamar Valley Wine Trail , where you can sample premium cool-climate wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir.

Don't miss the Cataract Gorge Reserve , featuring the world's longest single-span chairlift (308 metres). The First Basin area is perfect for swimming, hiking, and picnicking. For history buffs, explore three distinct walking trails from Civic Square , showcasing historic churches, the Queen Victoria Museum , Art Gallery, and railway workshops.

Where to stay : The BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park offers excellent facilities including powered sites and modern amenities blocks, located just minutes from the city center.

7. Bay of Fires

Conclude your Melbourne to Tasmania road trip at the stunning Bay of Fires. Learn more about this region in our East Coast Tasmania road trip guide. This coastline stretches for kilometres, featuring pristine white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and distinctive orange-hued granite rocks.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot native species including wallabies , wombats , quokkas , pademelons , and echidnas. Climb Mount William for 360-degree views and abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. After soaking in Tasmania's natural beauty, board the Spirit of Tasmania for your return journey to Melbourne.

Where to stay : The St Helens Waterfront Holiday Park provides an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Fires, with powered sites and modern facilities. For a more remote experience, the Swimcart Beach camping area offers beachfront camping (unpowered) within the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. Note that some locations require self-contained vehicles.

Organise your Melbourne to Tasmania road trip with Camplify

Once you sort out campervan hire in Melbourne, it’s time to travel the seas across to Tasmania, where you can explore until your heart’s content. From Devonport to the Bay of Fires, we’ve mapped out the perfect itinerary to take you around this incredible island. And what better way to adventure than in a unique van with all the features you could want?

Here are some more tips for the perfect travel experience:

• Advance bookings : During peak season (December-February), we strongly recommend booking campsites in advance, especially in popular locations like Freycinet National Park.

• National Park Passes : Purchase a Parks Pass before visiting Tasmania's national parks. Available online through the Parks & Wildlife Service.

• Self-sufficiency : Some remote camping areas require self-contained vehicles with their own toilet and shower facilities.

• Seasonal considerations : Tasmania's weather can be unpredictable. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, but some remote sites may have limited access during winter.

• Power options : While powered sites are readily available in major locations, having a dual battery system or solar setup will give you more freedom to explore remote camping spots.

For more detailed information about camping in Tasmania, check out our comprehensive guide to the 5 Best Camping Spots in Tasmania.

Start your Tasmania road trip adventure today

Ready to explore Tasmania's breathtaking landscapes? Start your journey by browsing our range of campervans in Melbourne. From compact campervans to fully-equipped motorhomes, you'll find the perfect vehicle for your Tasmania road trip adventure.

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Want to learn more about how Camplify works? Visit our How it Works page for detailed information about our booking process, insurance coverage, and everything you need to know for a smooth hiring experience.