Best road trip around stunning East Coast Tasmania

You really can’t beat the stunning wilderness that comes with a Tasmania East Coast road trip. From delving into some incredible national parks that you can explore for hours on end, to cruising along the coastline and soaking up the endless ocean in front of you.

Starting in Hobart, you can pick up your campervan and make some memories to last a lifetime. By the time you reach the incredible Bay of Fires at the end of your trip, you’ll be well on your way to planning the next one - and who could blame you? Pack those bags and start planning your journey today. We’ve put together the perfect itinerary to help you get the most out of your road trip!

Best road trip around East Coast Tasmania: 7 places you can’t miss

Total distance: about 560km | Recommended days: from 7 days | Best time to do the route: between December and March | See route in Google Maps

1. Orford

This is the perfect first stop on any Tasmania road trip. Head straight to the coast and whip out those swimmers ready to make the most of this popular coastal town. As you might expect, there’s plenty of swimming, surfing and sunbaking opportunities here, with incredible crystal clear water for you to dive into.

While the town itself is home to less than 1,000 residents, it’s the go-to holiday destination, which comes alive in the Summer months. But if you’re after a break from the beach, there’s plenty more for you to see and do in the area. Take a trip to Old Convict Road, which was built by convicts and takes you on a 40-minute walk through history. It takes you to the ruins of the Paradise Probation Station.

You can also take a walk up to Three Thumbs Lookout. The walk lasts for about two hours and offers you a stunning view over Mercury Passage to Maria Island. If you prefer the beach scenery, then take an easy two-kilometre walk from East Shelly to Spring Beach, where there’s plenty of sights to soak up.

2. Maria Island

From Orford, the natural next stop is making the leap across to Maria Island. The entire island is a national park, which is managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. You can only make your way there by Ferry. The most interesting part? Maria Island is the most preserved and intact example of convict life there is today across Australia. That’s a lot of history to take in.

You can leave your campervan behind for this trip, since Maria Island has no cars (other than a few National Park vehicles) and no one actually lives there, except a few rangers. You can either choose to walk around the island or rent bikes for your stay. You still have the opportunity to camp for the night to make the most of your stay.

Head to Darlington where you can learn plenty more about the history of the town, then make sure you check out two highlights on the island. Start with the Fossil Cliffs, which is a former limestone quarry. There are some incredible creatures imprinted onto the rocks, with spectacular views to enjoy at the same time. Next, head to the Painted Cliffs, where you will find sandstone cliffs with traces of red iron oxide in them that create some amazing patterns.

There’s also plenty of wildlife on this island, including wombats, pademelons and wallabies.

3. Swansea

Another beachside wonder that will spoil you with amazing views and clear waters to dive your way through. Swansea is one of Tasmania’s oldest towns, where you can take yourself on a self-guided walking tour to discover the rich history. Simply pick up the Swansea Heritage Walk booklet from the information centre and set off. There’s plenty of colonial architecture for you to admire, before making a stop at the East Coast Heritage Museum.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, you can soak up even more history at The Bark Mill Tavern, or enjoy their famous oysters and nearby vineyards. It’s the perfect way to relax while enjoying some of the finer delicacies the town has to offer.

Head just out of town to discover the Spiky Bridge, which was built by convicts using stones without mortar or cement.

4. Freycinet National Park

Of course, your Tasmania East Coast road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping at Freycinet National Park. It’s got a little bit of everything, from secluded bays and sandy beaches to brimming birdlife and stunning views. One thing most tourists head here to see is the pink granite peaks of the Hazards Range.

There’s also plenty for you to explore on the island. Head over to the aptly named Wineglass Bay lookout, where you can take in the white beaches, green forests and gorgeous blue water. It’s also the perfect spot for a refreshing dip to cool off after your walk. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can keep trekking and make your way to Hazards Beach for a closer view of those granite peaks. There are so many different trails for you to explore during your stay, with plenty of wildlife to keep your eyes out for as you walk.

Looking for something a little different? One of the best ways to explore off-the-beaten tracks is on a Quad bike adventure. You can drive to many places, including Bluestone Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse and plenty of other beaches scattered along the way.

5. Bicheno

This gorgeous seaside town is the perfect stop on your road trip. Once again, there's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local wildlife and create some memories that will last a lifetime. Start by jumping on a glass-bottomed boat to explore beneath the sea, where you can experience covered reefs and some amazing sponge gardens. If you’re up for it, you can also choose to take off on a snorkelling tour to see it even closer.

You can also get up close to the fairy penguins with their famous walking tours to Rocking Rock, the Blowhole and along the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve at dusk. Take a drive to the Douglas Apsley National Park, where you can chase waterfalls and explore your way through the incredible forests.

6. St Helens

This is the largest of Tasmania’s northeast coastal towns, which overlooks Georges Bay. Start your visit at the Serpentarium Wildlife Park, where you get the chance of a lifetime to see some exotic reptiles, including the Green Anaconda, Indian Star Tortoises and the Reticulated Python.

Next on the exploration list is the St Helens History Room, where you have the opportunity to soak up a little of the town’s history as you plan the rest of your stay. You get a great introduction into the area and some of the best sights to check out while you’re there.

Pop on your walking shoes and head to St Helen's point, where you will find sand dunes that lead to some amazing views of St Helens and the surrounding area. It’s a 30-minute hike that’s easy enough for most walkers. The dunes are a great place for sandboarding, four-wheel driving, or sitting back and watching it all go by.

7. Bay Of Fires

This is the perfect spot to end your Tasmania East Coast road trip. Home to what’s considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the stunning coastline stretches for 50km with so much to see and do during your stay.

The main beach is Binalong Bay, where you can surf, explore marine life, snorkel, or simply relax back on the sand and take it all in. Take a stroll along the beaches from Musselroe Bay to Cosy Corner and you will find yourself completely transported by the views that greet you in your wanders.

Head up to Eddystone Lighthouse, which was built in 1889 to safeguard shipping routes. Make sure you also keep your eyes peeled for the local wildlife that might greet you along the way, such as wallabies, wombats, quokkas and echidnas.

Organise your Tasmanian road trip with Camplify

Once you sort out campervan hire in Tasmania, it’s time to hit the open road and explore. This amazing Tasmania East Coast road trip is one you’ll remember for years to come. Once you finish in the Bay of Fires, you can simply head straight back to Hobart to end your trip, or travel on and keep making your way along the coast to some more amazing destinations. You’re only limited by the time you have to explore.

While this trip can be done in seven days, we highly recommend taking your time and soaking up as much as possible. It’s certainly not an area you want to rush your way through. In fact, you’ll find yourself planning your next trip the moment you return. Once you get the Tasmanian travel bug, there’s no going back. Embrace it!

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