Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Hobart to Hobart in Tasmania, Australia.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is November to March: book ahead in January.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip, Coastal.

Tasmania Road Circuit: East Coast, Cradle Mountain and the Wild West

Q: How long is the Tasmania Road Circuit: East Coast, Cradle Mountain and the Wild West route?

This route takes 10 days taking in 7 stops.

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The route · 7 stops

6 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Hobart

1 night

The island's capital and a welcoming start. Salamanca Place and Battery Point make for an easy arrival afternoon; if it's a Saturday, the Salamanca Market fills the precinct with local food and craft. MONA, reached by ferry from Sullivan's Cove, is worth a dedicated morning.The island's capital and a welcoming start. Salamanca Place and Battery Point make for an easy arrival afternoon; if it's a Saturday, the Salamanca Market fills the precinct with local food and craft. MONA, reached by ferry from Sullivan's Cove, is worth a dedicated morning.

Recommendations

2h 2m · 146 km drive to Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park

2 nights

Tasmania's showpiece national park, centred on the perfect arc of Wineglass Bay. The 90-minute return hike to the lookout is the must-do; walkers can continue down to the beach, adding two hours. A second day rewards sea kayaking through sheltered inlets and a sunrise from Cape Tourville Lighthouse.Tasmania's showpiece national park, centred on the perfect arc of Wineglass Bay. The 90-minute return hike to the lookout is the must-do; walkers can continue down to the beach, adding two hours. A second day rewards sea kayaking through sheltered inlets and a sunrise from Cape Tourville Lighthouse.

Recommendations

1h 50m · 132 km drive to Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires

2 nights

One of Australia's most photogenic coastlines: white sand beaches edged with granite boulders blazing orange with lichen. Based at Binalong Bay, two nights give time for slow walks north along the coast and the Blue Derby mountain bike trails near St Helens.One of Australia's most photogenic coastlines: white sand beaches edged with granite boulders blazing orange with lichen. Based at Binalong Bay, two nights give time for slow walks north along the coast and the Blue Derby mountain bike trails near St Helens.

Recommendations

1h 48m · 130 km drive to Launceston

Launceston

1 night

Tasmania's second city rewards a full afternoon at Cataract Gorge, a dramatic rocky chasm five minutes from the CBD. The Tamar Valley cellar doors make a good detour on the drive in. Stillwater and Black Cow Bistro are among the best restaurants on the route.Tasmania's second city rewards a full afternoon at Cataract Gorge, a dramatic rocky chasm five minutes from the CBD. The Tamar Valley cellar doors make a good detour on the drive in. Stillwater and Black Cow Bistro are among the best restaurants on the route.

Recommendations

1h 51m · 133 km drive to Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

2 nights

The route's alpine centrepiece, rising above buttongrass moorland and ancient rainforest. The Dove Lake Circuit (6 km, 2-3 hours) is the definitive walk, with the mountain reflected in still water. Platypus-spotting at Ronny Creek at dusk rarely disappoints.The route's alpine centrepiece, rising above buttongrass moorland and ancient rainforest. The Dove Lake Circuit (6 km, 2-3 hours) is the definitive walk, with the mountain reflected in still water. Platypus-spotting at Ronny Creek at dusk rarely disappoints.

Recommendations

1h 22m · 98 km drive to Strahan

Strahan

2 nights

The wild west coast's only real town, set on Macquarie Harbour. The full-day Gordon River cruise through untouched rainforest and the historic Sarah Island penal colony is reason enough to come west. Ocean Beach, vast and windswept, is worth the short drive.The wild west coast's only real town, set on Macquarie Harbour. The full-day Gordon River cruise through untouched rainforest and the historic Sarah Island penal colony is reason enough to come west. Ocean Beach, vast and windswept, is worth the short drive.

Recommendations

On the way

Hobart
3h 18m · 237 km
Close the loop with the drive southwest through Queenstown, whose eroded copper mine hills paint the landscape in vivid reds and purples. The 4.5-hour return from Strahan gives time for a coffee stop before arriving back in the capital.Close the loop with the drive southwest through Queenstown, whose eroded copper mine hills paint the landscape in vivid reds and purples. The 4.5-hour return from Strahan gives time for a coffee stop before arriving back in the capital.
Recommendations

Tasmania Road Circuit: East Coast, Cradle Mountain and the Wild West