Tasmania Itinerary (5 Days) – Good things in small packages!

Thinking about a quick and relaxing self-drive Tasmania itinerary? 5 days is the perfect amount of time to see some of Tasmania’s best natural landscapes, taste its gourmet food, and immerse yourself in its rich colonial and convict history.

My handmade easy-to-follow 5 day itineraries take you to all the best activities, show you where to find the tastiest bites, and where to stay for the perfect night’s sleep!

Tasmania Itinerary (5 Days) – The perfect road trip!

A 5 day Tasmania road trip is fast becoming one of the most popular ways of seeing this incredible island that I call home.

There are so many beautiful and varied landscapes to be experienced, and all are within easy driving distance of either Hobart in the south, or Devonport and Launceston in the north.

From the rugged ranges and surging seas of the West Coast, to the postcard perfect beaches and gourmet wines of the sunny East Coast, to the rolling hills and rich colonial history to be found through central Tasmania… there is something for everyone and it is so easy to plan your road trip!

I’ve lived in Tasmania for 20 years now, and together with my wife we’ve explored nearly every highway, byway and dirt road you can find in Tassie. So you can be reassured I’ve got plenty of practical local knowledge to help you make the most of your limited time, and to avoid getting caught out by some of the quirks of Tasmania.

There are plenty of options for exploring Tasmania by road (you’ll find my recommendations on car hire at the bottom of this guide), but there is no need to feel overwhelmed, because if you want to see the very best of Tasmania then it all comes down to three simple itineraries:

• East Coast Explorer – Sun, beaches, history, wines, seafood
• West Coast Wanderer – Rainforests, alpine landscapes, river cruises, gourmet food
• Colonial Rambler – History, wildlife, delicious food and wine, whisky

I’ve designed each of these itineraries to start in Hobart and finish in either Launceston or Devonport, because this stops you from wasting any time backtracking – perfect for when you only have 5 days in Tasmania!

You could just as easily flip each of these itineraries on their head though as well. So if you arrive in Devonport on the ferry or fly into Launceston, you could follow each 5-day Tasmania itinerary in reverse on your way down to Hobart. Easy!

Maybe you are starting/finishing your Tasmania road trip in the same location?

Good news! I’ve got a handful of 5-day loop itineraries at the bottom of this article departing from either Hobart or Launceston/Devonport, and I plan on creating a creating a similar detailed guide to this one in the near future – just like my 7-Day ‘Whirlwind’, 10-Day ‘Essentials’, and 14-Day ‘Ultimate’ itineraries – so watch this space!

Before I take you through each of the itineraries, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help with the planning process:

• You will see that I recommend what I feel is the best way of spending your time in the morning and afternoon. You might like my recommendations, but you might also have other preferences, and that’s why you will see some activities labelled as ‘Alternative’. Just swap these in and you’re good to go!
• With that in mind, please don’t try and do all the activities I list, because there are simply too many to fit into a day – pick and choose the ones that appeal to you.
• The ‘Driving Times’ that I provide for each day assume no stopping at all for photos, meals or anything else. They also assume no roadworks and that traffic generally sticks to the speed limit and drives to the conditions. Regardless, I’ve designed every single day in each itinerary to ensure you aren’t racing around trying to fit things in – they are all very relaxed and allow heaps of time to get from ‘A’ to ‘B’.
• You will notice that some accommodation recommendations are for ‘partners’ of the Lap of Tasmania. I am very particular about who I partner with, because I only want to recommend the very best options to Lappers. Not only are they the best in Tasmania, but each are providing Lappers with an exclusive offer, including discounts, upgrades and other perks!

1. East Coast Explorer

Highlights: Richmond Bridge | Port Arthur Historic Site | Award-winning Wines | Freycinet and Wineglass Bay | Fresh Seafood | Bay of Fires | Lavender Fields

Shhhh… don’t tell anyone, but the sandy beaches and sparkling waters of Tasmania East Coast would have to be some of Australia’s best – but without the crowds!

It’s always a couple of degrees warmer on the East Coast, producing ideal conditions for delicious wines, the freshest berries and general lazing about on your own stretch of sand or a quick dip in its bracing waters.

It certainly is beautiful, but dig a little deeper and you will also unearth fascinating stories of our indigenous and colonial history. A visit to stunning Port Arthur is an essential experience – stepping back in time and opening your eyes to a painful, yet formative chapter in Tasmania’s rich history.

Day 1 – Hobart to Port Arthur (via Richmond Village)

110km | 1hr 45mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Taste gourmet cheese and chocolates at Coal River Farm
• Explore historic Richmond Village by foot – Richmond Bridge, Richmond Gaol, Richmond Tasting House, Amaze, and plenty more
• Vanilla slice or scallop pie from Richmond Bakery
• (Alternative) Wine tastings at Frogmore Creek, Pooley, Puddleduck and other wineries
• (Alternative) Wicked Cheese tastings

Lunch

• Czegs Cafe (Richmond) – OR – Larder & Vin (Richmond)

Afternoon Activities

• Bream Creek Market (1st Sunday of every month – 9am to 1pm)
• Pirate’s Bay Lookout
• Eaglehawk Neck / Tessellated Pavement / Devil’s Kitchen / Tasman Arch
• Remarkable Cave
• Port Arthur Ghost Tour

Where to Stay

• Families – Ruby’s Cottage Farm Stay
• Money Saver – Port Arthur Villas
• Quirky – Glamping at NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park
• Hosted B&B – Storm Bay B&B – Special Offer for Lappers!
• Luxe Treat – Stewarts Bay Lodge

Day 2 – Port Arthur to Freycinet NP

235km | 3hr 15mins driving | All sealed roads

CAUTION – Do not take the C320 road between Dunalley and Orford as it is unsealed and can be unpassable in a 2WD (Google often recommends this route – don’t trust it!)

Morning Activities

• Port Arthur Historic Site – I would allow at least 3 hours (buy your tickets here)
• (Alternative) Pennicotts Tasman Island Cruise
• (Alternative) Any activities on the Tasman Peninsula that you couldn’t fit in yesterday
• (Alternative) Coal Mines Historic Site – free entry
• (Alternative) Walk to Crescent Bay (3hrs – easy difficulty and Parks Pass required – if you include Mt Brown it will add 1 extra hour)

Lunch

• Port Arthur Lavender Farm – OR – The Cannery (Dunalley)

Afternoon Activities

• Walk the trails of the Tasmanian Bushland Garden (Buckland)
• Decipher the mystery of the convict-built ‘Spiky Bridge’
• Ice creams from the Pondering Frog
• Visit Freycinet Marine Farm (fantastic local oysters)
• Cape Tourville Lighthouse (you could also visit here tomorrow morning for a spectacular sunrise)
• Explore the coastline at Coles Bay and watch The Hazards light up at sunset
• (Alternative) Wine Tasting @ Milton Vineyard / Gala Estate / Craigie Knowe Vineyard / Devil’s Corner Winery

Where to Stay

• Families – BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet
• Couples – Freycinet Resort
• Quirky – Numie Glamping
• Luxe Treat – Freycinet Lodge

Day 3 – Freycinet NP to Bay of Fires

125km | 2hrs driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Walk to Wineglass Bay lookout (1-1.5hrs – excellent track but quite a few steps – Parks Pass required)
• Bicheno blowhole
• (Alternative) Swim at Douglas Apsley Waterhole
• (Alternative) Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Lunch

• Lobster Shack (Bicheno) – OR – Iron House Brewery and Distillery (Four Mile Creek)

Afternoon Activities

• Tastings at Iron House Brewery and Distillery
• Fresh oysters from Lease 65 (Binalong Bay)
• Explore Bay of Fires – Skeleton Bay Reserve, Honeymoon Beach, The Gardens
• Bay of Fires Eco Tour
• Soak up the sunset on one of the many beaches

Where to Stay

• Families – BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park
• Money Saver – Queechy Motel
• Hosted B&B – Beaumaris Beach Guest House – Special Offer for Lappers!
• Luxe Treat – Sea Eagle Cottage

Day 4 – Bay of Fires to the Tamar Valley (via Pyengana)

190km | 3hrs driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Drive up to Pyengana and walk to Halls Falls (1hr – easy/moderate difficulty)
• Cheese tastings at Pyengana Dairy Company
• See Priscilla the Pig at the Pub in the Paddock
• Walk to St Columba Falls (30mins – easy)

Lunch

• The Hub Derby – OR – Lot 40 Bar and Cafe (Derby)

Afternoon Activities

• Explore the Derby Tunnel
• See the Legerwood Carved Memorial Trees (created with a chainsaw)
• Tastings at Little Rivers Brewery (Scottsdale)
• Enjoy the colours of Bridestowe Lavender Estate (in bloom Dec/Jan)
• Sip on Tassie’s finest bubbles at Clover Hill, Pipers Brook, Jansz, Delamere, or House of Arras wineries
• See the fairy penguins at Low Head at dusk (book your tour here)

Where to Stay

• Families – Low Head Tourist Park
• Historic – Low Head Pilot Station
• Quirky – Low Head Chapel

Day 5 – Tamar Valley to Launceston or Devonport

To Launceston: 70km | 1hr driving | All sealed roads
To Devonport (via Launceston): 170km | 2hrs 15mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Learn about the history of Low Head Pilot Station
• (Children’s Alternative) Seahorse World
• (Children’s Alternative) Platypus House
• Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre
• Enjoy a beer flight at Miner’s Gold Brewery (Fri-Sun, Beaconsfield)
• (Alternative) Wine tastings at the many wineries dotted along the Tamar Valley

Lunch

• Tamar Valley Wine Centre (Exeter) – OR – Timbre Kitchen @ Velo Wines (Legana)

Afternoon Activities on your way to Launceston

• Enjoy the walking trails, chairlift, cafe and sprawling lawns at Cataract Gorge
• (Alternative) Explore the Tamar Wetlands
• (Children’s Alternative) Let the kids loose at Riverbend Park

Where to Stay in Launceston

• Families – Discovery Parks Hadspen – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Leisure Inn Penny Royal Apartments
• B&B – Kurrajong House
• Central Location – Hotel Verge
• Luxe Treat – Peppers Silo

Afternoon Activities between Launceston and Devonport

• Drive through Historic Hagley and stop at Hazelbrae Hazelnuts – Special offer for Lappers!
• Stop by Ashgrove Cheese, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Van Diemens Land Creamery
• Tastings at Anvers Chocolates
• (Alternative) Enjoy the serenity of the Tasmanian Arboretum

Where to Stay in Devonport

• Families – Discovery Parks Devonport – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Argosy Motor Inn
• Hosted B&B – The Grand on Macfie – Special Offer for Lappers!
• Quirky – The Cove Tasmania
• Modern Comfort – Waterfront Apartments

2. West Coast Wanderer

Highlights: Rainforests | Russell Falls | Gordon River Cruise | Waterfalls | West Coast Wilderness Railway | Cradle Mountain | Gourmet Food

If the East Coast is all rainbows and sunshine, Tasmania’s West Coast is its darkly seductive mirror image.

Impenetrable and lush World Heritage listed rainforests, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, tranquil rivers and rugged mining remnants greet you at every bend in the road, and the locals are full of fascinating stories of their pioneering ancestors who toiled against overwhelming odds to try and tame this unique and wild landscape.

This is one remarkable road trip you will never forget!

❄️ Snow in Tasmania

A common misconception about Tasmania is that it snows often and heavily in winter. This is definitely not the case due to the warming influence of the waters surrounding Tasmania.

While infrequent, snow falls can still occur at any time with June-September being more likely. However, when it does fall it is typically above 800m altitude (Cradle Mountain Village is at 900m) and the snow doesn’t normally settle long enough for you to have to worry about it on the roads. If you are concerned about a specific road or route, you can check for road closures here.

Snow chains are not required on any sealed roads in Tasmania. They are only needed if you plan on driving your 4WD vehicle on unsealed roads in National Parks (eg. Hartz Peak, upper-Mt Field, and Ben Lomond).

Click here to find all the best places to enjoy the snow in Tasmania!

Day 1 – Hobart to Strahan (via Mt Field)

300km | 4hrs 45mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Take in the views from Pulpit Rock lookout (New Norfolk)
• Feed the fish and spot a platypus at the Salmon Ponds (Plenty)
• ‘Pick your own’ berries at Westerway Raspberry Farm in summer
• Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls – Tasmania’s best short walk!
• (Alternative) Railtrack Riders tour

Lunch

• Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery (Mt Field) – OR – Fika Time (Maydena)

Afternoon Activities

• Browse the local arts, crafts and handmade souvenirs at Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery (Mt Field) – Special offer for Lappers!
• Say g’day to shaggy Highland Coos (Tarraleah)
• See the breath-taking ‘Wall in the Wilderness’ (Derwent Bridge)
• Drive the iconic ’99 Bends’ between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown
• Stretch your legs on the Franklin River Nature Trail (30mins – easy) and Nelson Falls (20mins – easy)
• (Alternative) Explore one of the easy short walks at Lake St Clair

Where to Stay

• Families – Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat 
• Money Saver – Strahan Village 
• Hosted B&B – Harrison House B&B – Special Offer for Lappers! 
• Luxe Splurge – Wheelhouse Apartments 

Day 2 – Explore the West Coast

Morning Activities

• Enjoy a full-day cruise up the mighty Gordon River with World Heritage Cruises – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 10% OFF
• (Alternative) Retrace the steps of the old loggers on one of the train tours by West Coast Wilderness Railway
• (Alternative) Go off-road and learn more about the history of the region on a half or full-day 4WD tour with RoamWild

Lunch

• Provided on your Cruise – OR – Tracks Cafe (Strahan)

Afternoon Activities

• Laugh yourself silly at Australia’s longest-running play – The Ship That Never Was
• Drive to Queenstown and explore the town by foot (Paragon Theatre, Soggy Brolly shared art space, Missing Tiger book store, historic Empire Hotel, and more!)
• Platypus spotting at Hogarth Falls (45mins – easy)
• (Alternative) Drive to Macquarie Heads or Ocean Beach for great sunset photos

Where to Stay

• Families – Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat 
• Money Saver – Strahan Village 
• Hosted B&B – Harrison House B&B – Special Offer for Lappers! 
• Luxe Splurge – Wheelhouse Apartments

Day 3 – Strahan to Cradle Mountain Village

145km | 2hrs driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Have fun sliding down Henty Dunes
• See glow worms in the Zeehan Spray Tunnel
• Enjoy the automotive memorabilia at Pitstop Cafe (Zeehan)
• Step back in time at Wee Georgie Wood Steam Railway (Tullah)
• (Alternative) Walk to Montezuma Falls (3hrs – moderate)

Lunch

• Tullah Cottage Cafe – OR – Tullah Lakeside Bar & Grill

Afternoon Activities

• Soak up the views of the Vale of Belvoir (here)
• Spend the afternoon exploring the short walks in and around Cradle Mountain Village (Enchanted Walk, Pencil Pine and Knyvet Falls, Rainforest Walk, King Billy Walk) – all are short and very easy
• Spy a Tasmanian Devil on an ‘After Dark’ Tassie Devil Feeding Tour

Where to Stay

• Families – Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Cradle Mountain Highlanders 
• Best of the Best – Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 10% OFF
• Luxe Treat – Cradle Mountain Lodge

Day 4 – Explore Cradle Mountain

Morning Activities

• Ronny Creek -> Crater Lake -> Dove Lake walking trail (2hrs – moderate) with optional climb to Marions Lookout (45mins – difficult)
• (Alternative) Iconic Dove Lake loop walk (3hrs – easy/moderate)
• (Alternative) Cool off under the summer sun with a Cradle Canyons abseiling tour

Lunch

• Organise a lunch hamper through your hotel – OR – Wilderness Lounge (Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village) – OR – The Tavern (Cradle Mountain Lodge)

Afternoon Activities

• Spend a couple of hours viewing the beautiful artworks and photography on display at the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery – perfect for a souvenir (we’ve got one hanging on our wall at home!)
• Tick off any other short walks near Cradle Mountain Village that you couldn’t do yesterday
• Relax with a spa treatment at Waldheim Alpine Spa

Where to Stay

• Families – Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Cradle Mountain Highlanders 
• Best of the Best – Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 10% OFF
• Luxe Treat – Cradle Mountain Lodge

Day 5 – Cradle Mountain Village to Launceston or Devonport

To Launceston: 145km | 2hrs driving | All sealed roads
To Devonport: 80km | 1hr 15mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Have a fun-filled morning at Tasmazia & the Village of Lower Crackpot (Promised Land)
• Walk the streets of Sheffield and see the artistic murals
• Stop by Ashgrove Cheese, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and Van Diemens Land Creamery
• (Alternative) Head underground and see the spectacular Mole Creek Caves

Lunch

• Bush Inn Brewhouse (Wed-Sat, Deloraine) – OR – Dixie Blue (Deloraine)

Afternoon Activities

• Follow the Sculpture Trail along the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine
• To Devonport – Enjoy the serenity of the Tasmanian Arboretum
• To Devonport – Tastings at Anvers Chocolates
• To Devonport – Head over to Lillico Beach and see the Fairy Penguins at dusk
• To Launceston – Historic Hagley and delicious Hazelbrae Hazelnuts
• To Launceston – Enjoy the walking trails, chairlift, cafe and sprawling lawns at Cataract Gorge
• (Children’s Alternative) To Launceston – Take the kids to Tassie’s best playground – Riverbend Park

Where to Stay in Launceston

• Families – Discovery Parks Hadspen – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Leisure Inn Penny Royal Apartments
• B&B – Kurrajong House
• Central Location – Hotel Verge
• Luxe Treat – Peppers Silo

Where to Stay in Devonport

• Families – Discovery Parks Devonport – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Argosy Motor Inn
• Hosted B&B – The Grand on Macfie – Special Offer for Lappers!
• Quirky – The Cove Tasmania
• Modern Comfort – Waterfront Apartments

3. Colonial Rambler

Highlights: Convict and Colonial History | Wines | Wildlife | Hydro Heritage | Golfing | Whisky

While the vast majority of travellers head up Tasmania’s east or west coasts, not so many realise just how much there is to see, do and experience on a road trip through central Tasmania.

There is so much convict history on this island, and this 5-day itinerary follows in the steps of some of Tasmania’s earliest convict and pioneer settlers as they pushed north from Hobart.

The Georgian architecture of Richmond, Oatlands, Ross and some of Tassie’s remote villages is a sight to behold – especially at sunset – and the Central Highlands is awash with both natural beauty and plenty of post-war stories revolving around the Hydro-Electric Commission and its role in bringing green power to the island decades before it became a buzzword.

If you appreciate history, beautiful scenery, and enjoy the quieter things in life, then you are going to love the Colonial Rambler 😊

Day 1 – Hobart to Richmond Village

30km | 30mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Taste gourmet cheese and chocolates at Coal River Farm
• Stroll the main street of Richmond Village and admire the beautiful Georgian architecture
• Enjoy a vanilla slice or scallop pie from Richmond Bakery
• Pick up a souvenir or antique from one of the many fantastic shops
• Walk across, and underneath Richmond Bridge – it’s Australia’s oldest!

Lunch

• Czegs Cafe – OR – Larder & Vin

Afternoon Activities

• Go behind bars and experience a tour of historic Richmond Gaol
• Get lost and have fun with the family among the hedgerows of Amaze
• Learn about the quirky side of life with a visit to Pooseum
• Stop by Every Man and His Dog Vineyard for delicious wines and handmade chocolates
• (Alternative) Enjoy wine tastings at Puddleduck, Pooley and Frogmore Creek wineries – or plenty of other wineries dotted along the valley
• (Alternative) Spend a few hours seeing Tassie Devils and other wildlife at Bonorong Sanctuary

Where to Stay

• Money Saver – Richmond Coachmans Rest
• Families – Tara’s Richmond Farmstay
• B&B – Mulberry Cottage 
• Luxury and Romance – Prospect House Private Hotel – Stay 3 Nights & Pay for 2 – Mention the Lap of Tasmania over the phone to claim!

Day 2 – Richmond Village to Bothwell (via Mt Field)

150km | 2hr 15mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Visit Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and see Tassie Devils, wombats and more (alternatively, you could do this on Day 1)
• Pulpit Rock lookout (New Norfolk)
• Explore New Norfolk by foot – Bush Inn (Australia’s oldest pub!), St Mathews Church, Willow Court and plenty of antique stores
• Feed the fish and spot a platypus at the Salmon Ponds (Plenty)
• (Alternative) Paddle the calm waters of the Derwent River and go platypus spotting with Tassie Bound Kayak Tours

Lunch

• Salmon Ponds (Plenty) – OR – Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery (Mt Field)

Afternoon Activities

• ‘Pick your own’ berries at Westerway Raspberry Farm in summer
• Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls (Mt Field) – Tasmania’s best short walk!
• Browse the local arts, crafts and handmade souvenirs at Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery (Mt Field) – Special offer for Lappers!
• Visit historic Lawrenny Estate and taste their award-winning range of whiskys
• Have a laugh and take a photo at Australia’s tiniest pub, “The Pub With No Beer” (here)

Where to Stay

• Camping – Bothwell Caravan Park
• Families –  White’s Corner
• Hosted B&B – Ratho Farm – Special Offer for Lappers!
• Heritage – Bothwell Hotel of the Highlands

Day 3 – Bothwell to Ross (via Central Highlands)

250km | 3hrs 30mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Visit the Australasian Golfing Museum in Bothwell
• Step back in time on the short walk to Pine Lake and see prehistoric trees and jaw-dropping scenery
• Drive up through the Central Highlands and past Great Lake before visiting the multi-tiered cascades of Liffey Falls – easily one of Tassie’s most beautiful
• (Alternative) Tour the self-guided Highlands Power Trail and see historic Waddamana Power Station
• (Alternative) Enjoy a round of golf at the oldest golf course outside Scotland – Ratho Farm Golf Links

Lunch

• Great Lake Hotel (Miena) – OR – Imbibers (Oatlands)

Afternoon Activities

• See the hidden ‘Steppes Sculptures‘ and historic homestead
• Stop at Oatlands and take a zillion photos of Callington Mill and surrounds before enjoying a whisky or gin tasting at the distillery
• Enjoy gourmet bites at Imbibers, or something sweet from The Pancake and Crepe Shop

Where to Stay

• Camping – Ross Caravan Park
• Money Saver – White Croft Cottage
• Families – Elm Trees of Ross Cottage
• Luxury – Old World Charm – Simplistic Luxury Cottage

Day 4 – Ross to Evandale

70km | 1hr driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Start your day with a world-famous vanilla slice from Ross Bakery (the one at the northern end of town)
• Walk the ruins and discover the stories behind the Ross Female Factory Historic Site
• Enjoy the antiquity and charm of Campbell Town – see the convict-built Red Bridge, Convict Brick Trail and quirky Book Cellar
• Visit Clarendon House on the banks of the Esk River, complete with elm avenue and sprawling parklands, one of Australia’s grandest country manors
• (Alternative) Head up Tasmania’s most iconic and photogenic road – Jacobs Ladder – and continue on to the ski-fields of Ben Lomond (Note: Jacob’s Ladder is an unsealed road and its steep and winding design mean caravans and motorhomes are prohibited – more info here)

Lunch

• No. 10 Cafe (Evandale) – OR – The Clarendon Arms (Evandale)

Afternoon Activities

• Drive across to Longford and experience a guided tour of World Heritage listed Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Estate – two of Australia’s best-preserved examples of our colonial farming heritage
• Walk the historic streets of Evandale – home of Australia’s most prestigious landscape art competition The Glover Prize (every March you can see the finalists’ paintings displayed in Falls Park Pavilion)
• Get yourself Falls Park on Sunday morning for the Evandale Market – locally grown fruit and veg, handmade clothing and knick-knacks, tasty treats to snack on, and pony rides for the children
• If you are visiting in late April you will love the Evandale Village Fair and National Penny Farthing Championships
• (Alternative) Sample the award-winning wines and wander the gardens of Josef Chromy Estate

Where to Stay

• Campers – Longford Riverside Caravan Park (Longford)
• Families – Queens Arms Hotel (Longford)
• Cosy Cottage – Peg Cottage
• Luxe Treat – Blackwood Tree Cottage

Day 5 – Evandale to Launceston or Devonport (via Deloraine)

To Launceston (via Deloraine): 110km | 1hr 30mins driving | All sealed roads
To Devonport (via Deloraine): 110km | 1hr 30mins driving | All sealed roads

Morning Activities

• Get off the highway and drive through the historic towns of Carrick, Hagley and Westbury (in autumn the leaves look amazing)
• Enjoy tastings and a farm tour of Hazelbrae Hazelnuts – Special offer for Lappers!
• Follow the Sculpture Trail and go for a stroll along the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine – platypus often make an appearance early and late in the day – and explore this fantastic country town

Lunch

• Bush Inn Brewhouse (Wed-Sat, Deloraine) – OR – Dixie Blue (Deloraine)

Afternoon Activities

• Enjoy a wee dram at Western Tiers Distillery
• Every March see the crop maze at Rupertswood Farm
• To Devonport – Tastings at Anvers Chocolates
• To Devonport – Enjoy the serenity of the Tasmanian Arboretum
• To Launceston – Enjoy the natural beauty and walking trails of Cataract Gorge (Launceston)
• (Children’s Alternative) To Launceston – Let the children run amok at the epic Riverbend Park
• (Alternative) To Launceston – Wander the boardwalks and see the wildlife of the Tamar Island Wetlands

Where to Stay in Launceston

• Families – Discovery Parks Hadspen – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Leisure Inn Penny Royal Apartments
• B&B – Kurrajong House
• Central Location – Hotel Verge
• Luxe Treat – Peppers Silo

Where to Stay in Devonport

• Families – Discovery Parks Devonport – Promo Code: LAPOFTAS for 20% OFF
• Money Saver – Argosy Motor Inn
• Hosted B&B – The Grand on Macfie – Special Offer for Lappers!
• Quirky – The Cove Tasmania
• Modern Comfort – Waterfront Apartments

BONUS: 5-day Loop Itineraries

The three itineraries I’ve shown you here are perfect for travellers who can plan their holiday in Tasmania to start at one end of the island, and to finish at the other.

However, there is a good chance you may not be able to do that because you are either:

• Flying in and out of the same airport (ie. Hobart or Launceston); or
• Catching the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to/from Devonport

If that sounds like you then you will find a 5-day ‘loop’ itinerary to be more useful.

I plan on creating another article (just like this one) where I present these in detail, but for now you’ll love these high-level overviews of suggested loop itineraries, departing from Hobart, and Launceston/Devonport.

If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch over in our Facebook Group (here).

From Hobart – 5-Day Loop Itineraries

East Coast

• Day 1 – Hobart to Port Arthur
• Day 2 – Port Arthur to Freycinet
• Day 3 – Freycinet to Bay of Fires
• Day 4 – Bay of Fires to Ross
• Day 5 – Ross to Hobart

From Launceston / Devonport – 5-Day Loop Itineraries

Final Thoughts

It’s been plenty of fun showing you these three fantastic 5-day itineraries, and I hope the information I’ve provided has given you some really good ideas for you Tassie road trip.

I’m guessing you might be looking for advice on other aspects of your holiday, so I thought I might provide a few links to some of the most popular articles here on the website:

• Choose the right vehicle – and save $$$ – with my Car Hire Comparison Guide and my Campervan/Motorhome Guide
• Review my accommodation guides for my personal selections and recommendations
• Check my list of special offers – exclusive to Lappers!
• Familiarise yourself with Tasmania’s roads with my Guide to Driving Times and Distances
• For even more help in the planning process, you will love my comprehensive eBook – “How to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip“

Thanks for taking the time to visit the Lap of Tasmania and I wish you all the best for your future travels – hopefully we’ll see you here real soon!

Cheers,
Andrew.