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Tasmania Self-Drives
A combination of good roads, light traffic and
short travelling distances, makes Tasmania
a perfect destination for self-drive holidays.
Venture off the beaten track to discover
townships, spectacular scenery, cellar doors,
farm gates and talented artists at work. If you
plan to circle the entire island, a minimum
stay of 10 nights is recommended. However, if
you’re short for time, you will still be able to
enjoy specific regions of Tasmania in shorter
visits.
© Tourism Tasmania
© Tourism Tasmania
© Tourism Tasmania
Tasmania Adventure Tasmania Explorer
8 days/7 nights 11 days/10 nights
If time is not on your side, 7 nights offers the opportunity to get a taste
of Tasmania’s highlights. Base yourself in a region and take your time to
really get a taste of the Tasmanian way of life. This suggested itinerary
provides some ideas on what can be seen in 8 days. If you plan to circle the entire Island, a stay of 10 nights is
recommended. An 11 day itinerary gets you to all of the iconic areas with
time to stop along the way. This suggested itinerary provides some ideas
on what can be seen in 11 days.
Day 1: Launceston – Tamar Valley
Explore some of Tasmania’s finest wineries on the Tamar Valley Wine
Route, travel north towards Beauty Point and visit Seahorse World, Platypus
House and the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Day 1: Hobart
Check out the Museum of Old and New Art – MONA.
Day 2: Coles Bay – Swansea
Head to the state’s East Coast, discover the sheltered beaches of the
Freycinet National Park and take in the breathtaking views of Wineglass Bay. Day 2-4: Strahan – Stanley
Travel to Strahan, along the way walk to the impressive Russell Falls at
Mt Field National Park. Join the West Coast Wilderness Railway, taking
you through the stunning wilderness between Strahan and Queenstown.
Travel to Stanley via Cradle Mountain National Park.
Day 3-4: Hobart
Drive south to Hobart. En route check out the Spikey Bridge just south of
Swansea or take the ferry at Triabunna to Maria Island. Explore Hobart
from the water on a harbour cruise, or join a tour of the city or surrounding
winery region. Day 5-7: Stanley – Launceston – Coles Bay
Head for Launceston via The Tarkine – Australia’s largest temperate
rainforest. Explore Launceston or take a cruise on the Tamar River. Visit
the Freycinet National Park at Coles Bay. Walk into Wineglass Bay or
explore the spectacular coast line.
Day 5-6: Strahan
Depart Hobart for the West Coast town of Strahan. Stop at the historic town
of New Norfolk or at the Mt Field National Park. Take a cruise onboard a
luxury catamaran which will take you into the Gordon River. Day 8-9: Port Arthur
Drive from the East Coast to the Tasman Peninsula. Arrive at Port Arthur
in time for dinner and a memorable Ghost Tour.
Day 7-8: Cradle Mountain – Sheffield
Venture through the small towns of Rosberry and Tullah where the rugged
west coast gives way to the sub-alpine forests of Cradle Mountain. Head
North from Cradle Mountain to Sheffield ‘The Town of Murals’. Explore
more of Tasmania or catch a flight home from Launceston or Hobart. Day 10-11: Hobart
Travel south from Hobart to the Huon Valley and walk through the
treetops at Tahune Forest Airwalk. The next morning wander the
galleries at Richmond, one of Australia’s best preserved colonial villages.
Highlights worth seeing along the way Highlights worth seeing along the way
Wineglass Bay: Considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world -
dazzling white sand and sapphire coloured sea set against pink and grey
granite peaks. Cradle Mountain: Rising to 1,545 metres above sea level, a principal
tourist site.
Maria Island: Mountainous island off the east coast of Tasmania.
This is a suggested self-drive itinerary and is to be used in conjunction with a road map.
Port Arthur: A former convict settlement, one of Australia’s most
significant heritage areas and an open air museum.
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