WHY TASMANIA?

Summer is rapidly approaching, which means there is no better time to head south and beat the heat. And if you weren’t one of the 1.3 million tourists* to visit Tasmania last year, it’s time to plan a trip to the island that’s on everyone’s radar. (*A total of 1,305,400 people visited Tasmania on scheduled air and sea services during the year ending March 2023 - tourismtasmania.com.au)

Over the last few years, I have spent a lot of time in Tasmania, travelling around the state with my husband in both a caravan and a campervan. During this time, I have fallen in love with the Apple Isle and explored it thoroughly in all seasons - it is an outdoor paradise that keeps me coming back year after year. So why Tasmania? What is drawing so many visitors?

It seems that the secret is out when it comes to the dreamy landscapes - rugged and untouched mountains, expansive plains and coastlines that beckon the adventurous at heart. With a current estimated population of just 573,000 sharing 68,401km2, there is plenty of room left over for activities. In more recent years, Tasmania has also emerged as a top foodie destination. Restaurants, farms, cafés and wineries are making huge names for themselves, and are gaining popularity along with the arts scene - a perfect pairing!

Add all of this to a laid-back pace of life, and it’s easy to see why everyone is flocking to Tasmania. And while I love an untouched landscape, I also want others to appreciate my favourite Australian destination.

Being an island, Tasmania is also a perfect candidate for a lap - and boy, do we all love a good lap. So to help you navigate the state and plan the perfect trip, I have outlined a four-week road trip that covers a huge variety of what Tasmania has to offer.

This will take you through landscapes (and temperatures) so vastly different that you will wonder if you have changed continents, and hopefully leave you as utterly infatuated with Tasmania as I am.

HOW TO GET THERE

To start your road trip, you will need to get yourself and your vehicle to Tasmania. There is one way to do this - with a trip on the Spirit of Tasmania. This large ferry (there are actually  two running simultaneously) departs nightly from Geelong, with day sailing also available on some days of the week and increased frequency in the popular summer months. 

If you have never taken your vehicle on a ferry, it’s quite the experience. It takes a while to check in, as biosecurity measures are taken very seriously, and vehicles are checked carefully to make sure that they comply. Make sure to empty your vehicle of fresh produce, honey, and any other banned items. Once you clear these checks, it is time to drive up the ramps and into the belly of the ship. If the idea of this makes you feel uneasy, rest assured that plenty of staff are on hand to make sure you know exactly where to drive and where to position your vehicle. If you can park in a campsite, you’ll be able to park in the ship.

After this process is completed, you leave your vehicle and head into the ship itself, either to sleep through the journey or to relax however you see fit. Next stop, Tasmania!

WEEK ONE - CRADLE MOUNTAIN, LAUNCESTON

You will arrive in Devonport, in the north. After you have taken a moment to appreciate the sights, it’s time to stock up on groceries in town before heading off towards your first big adventure location. There’s nothing like Cradle Mountain National Park to start off your Tasmanian road trip. It is a stunning location whether you choose to challenge yourself on a hike, experience a short yet still scenic walk (I recommend the Dove Lake circuit), or experience nature at a more leisurely pace. Some free campsites can be found on the way there, or you can choose to book a few nights at the Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain caravan park to give you more time to experience Cradle Mountain in all of its splendour. 

All of that hiking, wombat-spotting and taking in stunning landscapes might leave you hungry for not just more Tasmania, but for some tasty  food. To satisfy this hunger, the best road to take on the way to your next main stop, Launceston, is via Deloraine, which takes you along a section of the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Berry farms, chocolate factories, ice creameries, and many more culinary delights can be found along this road. Stop off at your favourites and stock up on amazing local produce for the weeks to come.

This will bring you to Launceston, one of only two cities in Tasmania. I would recommend staying here for at least one night as there is plenty to see and do. Choose your own adventure when visiting Launceston, however, my top activity is always a visit to Cataract Gorge. There is a mix of easy and more difficult short hikes around the gorge, as well as a café and swimming spots. It’s all wonderfully scenic, and it’s all right in the middle of the city.

WEEK TWO - THE EAST COAST

In the second week of your journey, you will be visiting some of my favourite places in Tasmania. While the water is cold for most of the year, there are still plenty of swimming spots for those of you who are keen on having a dip, accompanied by a dramatic coastline. From Launceston, head east to St Helens, then make your way down the coast stopping at the plentiful free- and donation campsites. Bicheno is a worthwhile stop along the way and is also close to the turn-off to the Freycinet Peninsula, where your journey is headed.

The Freycinet Peninsula sees a dramatic transformation of landscape, which will unfold before you as you drive towards Coles Bay. Rocky mountains and pristine water meet in a tiny paradise where you can hike, swim, go on a boat tour, or just sit and eat seafood and ice cream. It is also the home of Wineglass Bay, which can be viewed via boat, plane, or a  short hike. If your tastes are anything like mine, you won’t want to leave Freycinet, but there are plenty of other amazing sights yet to come.

WEEK THREE - HOBART, HIGHLANDS AND HEADING WEST

If you have the time or are looking to see an even more stunning coastline, the end of your second week or the start of the third week can be a great place to add the Tasman Peninsula. Stay at Fortescue Bay campsite if your rig is up for some rough roads, or visit the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site.

Then it’s time for a visit to Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city. Eat at fabulous cafés and restaurants (Lizzie & Lefroy is a personal favourite), dive into the arts scene with a visit to MONA, or simply take a stroll along the harbour and get to know Hobart. From the lookout on Kunanyi/ Mount Wellington, you will have a view across the whole city, so I highly recommend taking the trip either in your own vehicle, via bus, or as a part of a big hike if you’re feeling adventurous.

Note - parking in Hobart can be very tricky, you have been warned! If you are in a motorhome, consider finding a parking spot out of the city centre and then either walking, riding or taking a taxi into the city.

Once you’ve had your city fill, stock up on any groceries, aim yourself at Derwent Bridge via Tarraleah and prepare to get a little off the grid. This drive will take you across highlands and to the rainforest, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views.

WEEK FOUR - THE WEST COAST

When visiting the West Coast of Tasmania, just remember their cheeky quote; “Welcome to the rainforest - don’t complain about the rain.” While Hobart is Australia’s second-driest capital city, Queenstown is one of the wettest places in the whole of Australia, experiencing about 150 days of rain per year. But don’t let that put you off exploring Queenstown, Strahan, Zeehan and Tullah, the main West Coast towns you will encounter on the last week of your trip.

Visit an information centre to pick up a tourist map as you head west, or find one online at westcoasttas.com.au - the West Coast map is your all-inclusive guide to the amazing sights and activities the region has to offer. From the map, you can choose your favourite activities, which start from Lyell Highway. Short but beautiful rainforest hikes like Nelson Falls and a cruise on the Gordon River are some popular favourites that I highly recommend, with campsite options at each town to choose from.

Once you have had your fill of wild west landscapes, it is time to head back towards Devonport via Burnie. This will finish your amazing lap on the northern coast when you can relax and reflect on the amazing month you’ve had as you prepare to once again board the Spirit of Tasmania.

Category: Destinations
Written: Wed 01 Nov 2023
Printed: November, 2023
Published By: