14-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Your 'Ultimate' Self-Drive Holiday and Tasmania Road Trip

This self-drive 14-day Tasmania itinerary is what I like to call your ‘Ultimate’ Tasmania road trip.

No rush. No pressure. Just 14 days of pure driving pleasure as you experience the best natural wonders, gastronomic delights and historic sites Tasmania has to offer!

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A Tasmania road trip is full of sweeping bends
Enjoy the sweeping curves of the East Coast on your Tasmania 14-day road trip itinerary | 📷: Pete Harmsen

Self-drive Tasmania Itinerary (14 days)

Want to experience the very best Tasmania trip? 

14 days is the perfect amount of time, and a Tasmania road trip is the ultimate way to explore this amazing island.

But what should you see? Where to stay? And do you know the best places to eat?

To make things easy and stress-free I’ve used my extensive local knowledge to create this 14-day self-drive Tasmania itinerary.

Together with my wife I have called Tasmania home for more than 15 years now, so you can rest assured that all my recommendations come from personal experience and my passion to get out on the open road.

Camping at Bay of Fires - Tasmania Road Trip
Camping at the Bay of Fires | 📷: Sean Scott

When it comes to the structure of this 14-day Tasmania itinerary, I understand that everyone has different travel priorities, and that’s why I’ve provided multiple options on some days so you can choose the place or activity that suits you best.

For some travellers, family-friendly activities are essential. Or perhaps you want to focus on the outdoors over historic sites? Maybe you prefer to self-cater, rather than eat out. And of course many of us need to stretch our travel dollar as far as it can go, while others will want to experience the Lap of Tasmania in luxury.

It is so important to me that your Tasmania road trip is as special as possible, no matter what your style of travel – which is why I have tailored this Tasmania itinerary to be extremely flexible and adjustable.

You can follow this itinerary exactly, or adjust it to suit your own preferences. Clockwise or anti-clockwise doesn’t matter at all – it’s that easy!

If you have any questions at all, or need more advice, we would love to hear from you over in our Lap of Tasmania Facebook Group. It is a super-friendly community without any grumpy buggers or keyboard warriors to spoil your fun – come and say g’day 😊

I feel that 14 days is the ideal amount of time for a Tasmania driving holiday.

The distance covered per day in this itinerary varies from as little as 110km up to 250km at the most, and this means you can drive around at a leisurely pace while still making the most of your time in Tasmania.

To ensure you aren’t feeling too rushed I’ve also included 2-night stays in the 5 most popular locations.

That’s enough chat… let’s get this show on the road!

Day 1: Hobart to Derwent Bridge (via Mt Field)

Enjoy the still water of the Salmon Ponds on your Derwent Valley Road Trip in Tasmania
Spy platypus at the Salmon Ponds | 📷: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

🏁  225 km

🕓  3hr 30mins + Stops

📌  Derwent Valley

🍴 Breakfast – Pigeon Hole Cafe (Hobart)

🚘 Morning

  • New Norfolk – St Matthews church, Bush Inn and Drill Hall Emporium.
  • Pulpit Rock lookout

🍴 Lunch – Agrarian Kitchen (New Norfolk) -OR – Cheeky Little Place (New Norfolk)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Mt Field – Russell Falls short walk, Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery (souvenirs!)
  • Westerway – Westerway Raspberry Farm (Dec-Mar) – OR – Platypus spotting
  • Hamilton – Kingdom Gallery at Glen Clyde House
  • Tarraleah – Highland cows and Hydro history

🍴 Dinner – Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel (Derwent Bridge)

🏠 Accommodation

Read More: Best Places to Stay in the Derwent Valley

🗺️ Got a couple of extra days? Extend your road trip!

For me, the Derwent Valley is one of Tasmania’s most special places and you could easily spend 3 or 4 nights in the region.

If you have the time, I recommend basing yourself in New Norfolk at the stunning Explorers Lodge B&B (read my review here) and using it as a base to drive up to Mt Field, and out to Maydena, Lake Pedder and Strathgordon.

One other region that flies waaaay under the radar is the Central Highlands of Tasmania. Reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, you will love a couple of nights at the gorgeous Ratho Farm in Bothwell (read my review here) and doing day-trips into the surrounding region.

Day 2: Derwent Bridge to Strahan

West coast roads on your Tasmania itinerary 10 days
Your 'Essential' Tasmania Itinerary (10 days) | 📷: We are Explorers

🏁  130 km

🕓  2 hours + Stops

📌  West Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Hungry Wombat Cafe (Derwent Bridge)

🚘 Morning

  • Wall in the Wilderness wood carving – OR – Lake St Clair walking trails
  • Drive the ’99 Bends’
  • Franklin River Nature Trail
  • Nelson Falls Nature trail
  • Queenstown – Iron Blow Lookout

🍴 Lunch – Tracks Cafe (Queenstown)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Option 1: RoamWild Tour – OR – Mountain biking on Mt Owen
  • Option 2: Explore Queenstown by foot (Paragon Theatre, Soggy Brolly shared art space, Missing Tiger book store, historic Empire Hotel)
  • Drive to Strahan

🍴 Dinner – View 42 – OR – Hamers Bar & Bistro (Strahan)

🏠 Accommodation

🥂 Special Offer - Harrison House B&B

Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days – Tasmania’s Best Bed and Breakfast Trail – Harrison House

Book the ‘Bed, Breakfast & Boat’ package with Harrison House B&B, and when you mention the Lap of Tasmania you will also receive your choice of either:

  • FREE bottle of 9th Island Pinot Noir 🍷 – OR –
  • FREE glass of sparkling wine 🥂 and a ‘Button Grass Brewery’ craft beer 🍺

Valid for direct bookings only.

⚠️ Important

Strahan is a small town with limited late night dining options – especially on a Sunday.

View 42 (all week), Hamers Bar & Bistro (all week), and Risby Cove (Wed-Sun) are your three best options, but make sure you arrive before 8:30pm. Regatta Point Tavern is also a good option, however they are only open from 6-8pm for dinner (all week).

For other venues around town try to arrive before 6:30pm.

Day 3: Strahan

World Heritage Cruises on Macquarie Harbour - Tasmania Road Trip
Macquarie Harbour World Heritage Cruises | 📷: World Heritage Cruises

🏁  Free Day

🕓  Free Day

📌  West Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – The Coffee Shack (Strahan)

🚘 Morning

🍴 Lunch – Included in your cruise

🚘 Afternoon

🍴 Dinner – Risby Cove (Strahan)

🏠 Accommodation

🗺️ Want more time on the West Coast? Queenstown is fantastic!

Queenstown is one of the most fascinating towns you will find anywhere in Australia.

Stay an extra night or two on your way to/from Strahan and discover its emerging arts scene and stark landscapes with a couple of nights at historic Penghana B&B (read my review). 

Many road trippers tell me that the West Coast Wilderness Railway is at its best when you start from the Queenstown end as well! 

Day 4: Strahan to Cradle Mountain

Lap of Tasmania road trip
Rugged beauty on the West Coast Wilderness Railway | 📷: Tourism Tasmania & Nick Osborne

🏁  140 km

🕓  2 hours + Stops

📌  West Coast + Cradle Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – The Coffee Shack (Strahan)

🚘 Morning

  • ‘River and Rainforest’ Wilderness Railway Tour

🍴 Lunch – On the train (included in the ‘Wilderness Carriage’ carriage upgrade) – OR – Risby Cove after the tour (if you select the ‘Heritage Carriage’)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Zeehan – Spray Tunnel (if time allows)
  • Vale of Belvoir Lookout
  • Cradle Mountain Village – Explore short walks around the interpretation centre

🍴 Dinner – Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort Restaurant – OR – The Tavern Bar and Bistro (CM Lodge)

🏠 Accommodation

Read More: Cradle Mountain Accommodation – 6 Amazing Places to Stay

Day 5: Cradle Mountain

Snow on Cradle Mountain
Snow on Cradle Mountain | 📷: Pierre Destribats

🏁  Free Day

🕓  Free Day

📌  Cradle Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Cradle Mountain Hotel (non-guests are allowed)

🚘 Morning

🍴 Lunch – Picnic hamper – OR – The Wilderness Lounge (Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery
  • Waldheim Alpine Spa – Spa Treatment
  • Peppers Lodge – Wine and cheese tasting
  • ‘After Dark’ Tassie Devil feeding tour

🍴 Dinner – Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort Restaurant

🏠 Accommodation

😍 Special Offer - Cradle Mountain Accommodation

Luxury Cradle Mountain Accommodation - Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort
The 'Premium Luxury Spa Chalet' at CMWV Resort is perfect for couples!

Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort is my favourite accommodation at Cradle Mountain, and after reaching out to them I was so happy when Andy and the team became a Partner of the Lap of Tasmania, helping road trippers find the perfect place to stay and keeping your holiday costs as low as possible 😊

Use the LAPOFTAS code and SAVE 10% when you stay at Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village Resort!

Day 6: Cradle Mountain to Stanley

Looking across at the Nut at Stanley on your Lap of Tasmania road trip
The Nut at Stanley | 📷: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

🏁  170 km

🕓  2hrs 30mins + Stops

📌  Cradle Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Highland Restaurant (Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge)

🚘 Morning

  • Hellyer Gorge scenic drive
  • Table Cape – Lighthouse
  • Table Cape – Tulip Farm (Sep-Oct)
  • Boat Harbour Beach
  • Drive on to Stanley

🍴 Lunch – Touchwood (Stanley)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Highfield House – Self-guided tour
  • The ‘Nut’ – Chairlift to the top of the ‘Nut
  • The ‘Nut’ – Explore the walking trails on top

🍴 Dinner – Stanley Hotel and Bistro (Stanley)

🏠 Accommodation

🥂 Special Offer - The Ark Stanley

Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days – Tasmania’s Best Bed and Breakfast Trail – The Ark Stanley

Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your relaxing stay at The Ark Stanley and receive:

  • FREE cooked breakfast 🍳
  • Complimentary bottle of wine for stays of 2 or more nights 🍾
  • Late checkout to noon!
Valid for direct bookings only.
 

Check prices and availability

Day 7: Stanley to Launceston (via Devonport and Sheffield)

Taste the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe on your Lap of Tasmania road trip
Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe | 📷: Danielle Prowse

🏁  230 km

🕓  3 hours + Stops

📌  Cradle Coast

🍴 Breakfast – The Ark Stanley – OR – Moby Dick’s Breakfast Bar (Stanley)

🚘 Morning

  • Coastal drive
  • Burnie – Tastings at Hellyers Distillery
  • Turner’s Beach – The Berry Patch
  • Penguin – The ‘Big Penguin’
  • See Ulverstone and Devonport
  • Latrobe – Anvers Chocolates

🍴 Lunch – Blacksmith Gallery Cafe (Sheffield)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Sheffield – Explore the murals
  • Ashgrove Cheese / Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm / Van Diemens Land Creamery
  • Hagley – Hazelbrae Hazelnuts (enjoy a picnic in their beautiful orchard!)
  • See the historic towns of Deloraine, Westbury and Hadspen on your way to Launceston.

🍴 Dinner – Stelo at Pierre’s (Launceston)

🏠 Accommodation

Read More: Best Places to Stay in Launceston

Day 8: Launceston to Bay of Fires (via Tamar Valley)

See the colours at Bridestowe Lavender Estate on your Lap of Tasmania road trip
Bridestowe Lavender Estate | 📷: Brian Dullaghan

🏁  240 km

🕓   3hrs 15mins + Stops

📌  Tamar Valley + North East

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Stillwater (Launceston)

🚘 Morning

  • Launceston – Cataract Gorge – OR – Tamar Wetlands Walk
  • Tamar Valley Wineries (after 11am) – Moores Hill, Small Wonder

🍴 Lunch – Pipers Brook Vineyard Cafe (Pipers Brook)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Bridestowe Lavender Farm (allow an extra 40mins drive time)
  • ‘Tin Dragon’ Trail – See the historic towns of Branxholm, Derby and Weldborough
  • Pyengana – Pyengana Dairy Farm Gate Cafe, St Columba Falls, Pub in the Paddock
  • Mountain bikers will want at least half a day to ride the world-class trails of ‘Blue Derby’

🍴 Dinner – The Wharf Bar and Kitchen (St Helens) – OR – Parkside Bar and Kitchen (St Helens)

🏠 Accommodation

🎉 Special Offer - Beaumaris Beach Guest House

Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days – Tasmania’s Best Bed and Breakfast Trail – Beaumaris Beach Guest House

Use my LAPOFTAS code when booking your beach escape at Beaumaris Beach Guest House and receive 5% OFF all room rates!

Valid for direct bookings only, and not available in combination with other offers.

Day 9: Bay of Fires

Cool waters of Bay of Fires are a must on your Lap of Tasmania road trip
A rainbow of colour at the Bay of Fires | 📷: Sean Scott

🏁  Free Day

🕓  Free Day

📌  East Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Lifebuoy Cafe (St Helens)

🚘 Morning

🍴 Lunch – East Coast Village Providore (St Helens)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Lease 65 Oysters
  • Option 1: Explore the Bay of Fires beaches, dunes and coves north of Binalong Bay
  • Option 2: Visit Suncoast Gallery, The Shop in the Bush, and Priority Ridge Winery (Sep-May)
  • Sunset over the rocks of Binalong Bay (here)

🍴 Dinner –The Wharf Bar and Kitchen (St Helens) – OR – Parkside Bar and Kitchen (St Helens)

🏠 Accommodation

Day 10: Bay of Fires to Coles Bay (Freycinet)

Redbill Beach is easily reached by foot from Bicheno | Photo: Graham Freeman and Tourism Tasmania

🏁  120 km

🕓  1hr 40mins + Stops

📌  East Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Lifebuoy Cafe (St Helens)

🚘 Morning

  • Four Mile Creek – Tastings at Ironhouse Brewery
  • Douglas Apsley National Park – Apsley River Waterhole
  • Bicheno – The Bicheno blowhole

🍴 Lunch – The Lobster Shack (Bicheno)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Freycinet Marine Farm
  • Friendly Beaches
  • Cape Tourville Lighthouse

🍴 Dinner – The Bay Restaurant (Freycinet Lodge – Coles Bay)

🏠 Accommodation

Day 11: Coles Bay (Freycinet)

See a magnificent sunrise from Mt Amos on your Lap of Tasmania road trip
Sunrise over Wineglass Bay | 📷: Daniel Tran

🏁  Free Day

🕓  Free Day

📌  East Coast

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Geographe Restaurant (Coles Bay)

🚘 Morning

🍴 Lunch

  • Option 1: If you book the cruise then lunch is provided
  • Option 2: Enjoy lunch at The Bay Restaurant at Freycinet Lodge
  • Option 3: Enjoy a casual meal at Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar (Coles Bay)

🚘 Afternoon

🍴 Dinner – The Edge Restaurant (Edge of the Bay Resort)

🏠 Accommodation

Day 12: Coles Bay to Port Arthur

Port Arthur Ghost Tour
Nothing spookier than a Port Arthur Ghost Tour! | 📷: Hype TV

🏁  240 km

🕓  3 hours + Stops

📌  East Coast + Tasman Peninsula

🍴 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Geographe Restaurant (Coles Bay)

🚘 Morning

  • Apslawn Wineries – Devil’s Corner, Spring Vale and Milton vineyards
  • Swansea – Spiky Bridge and Spiky Beach

🍴 Lunch – Blue Seal Seafood Shack (Eaglehawk Neck) – OR – Port Arthur Lavender Farm (Port Arthur)

🌊 Maria Island Cruises - 10% OFF

Located halfway between Freycinet and the Tasman Peninsula, Maria Island is my favourite place in Tasmania, and it is an absolute ‘must’ if you can squeeze it into your itinerary!

Let the wonderful crew at Maria Island Cruises take care of you as you enjoy one of their two cruise/walk combo tours departing from Triabunna.

Both tours provide the opportunity to spend time on the island exploring by foot, but you also get the choice of either a full circumnavigation of the island, or a cruise to the stunning Ile des Phoques.

Use my LAPOFTAS code and receive 10% OFF your cruise!

Valid for direct bookings only.

🚘 Afternoon

  • Pirate’s Bay Lookout
  • Tessellated Pavement – OR – Officer’s Quarters Museum (Eaglehawk Neck)
  • Tasman Arch
  • Devil’s Kitchen
  • Remarkable Cave
  • Port Arthur Ghost Tour

🍴 Dinner – On the Bay Restaurant (Tue-Sat, Port Arthur) – OR – Fox & Hounds Hotel (Port Arthur)

🏠 Accommodation

🌞 Special Offer - Storm Bay B&B

Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days – Tasmania’s Best Bed and Breakfast Trail – Storm Bay

Use my LAPOFTAS code online, or mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your relaxing escape at Storm Bay B&B on the beautiful Tasman Peninsula and receive:

  • 10% OFF stays of 2-nights or longer
  • a FREE cooked breakfast 🍳
  • and early check-in from 2pm 🛎️

Valid for direct bookings only. Some blockout dates may apply. Not applicable to tours booked through Storm Bay B&B.

Day 13: Port Arthur to Richmond

Explore historic Richmond on your Lap of Tasmania road trip
Explore historic Richmond Village | Photo: Tourism Tasmania & Brian Dullaghan

🏁  90 km

🕓  1hr 20mins + Stops

📌  Tasman Peninsula + Coal River Valley

 Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Port Arthur General Store

🚘 Morning

🍴 Lunch – Fox & Hounds Hotel (Port Arthur) – OR – Doo-Lishus (Eaglehawk Neck)

🚘 Afternoon

  • Richmond Village – See St John’s Church, Richmond Bridge, historic Main Street, Richmond Gaol, and the Richmond Wine Wall
  • Wicked Cheese
  • Pooley Wines – OR – Coal River Farm

🍴 Dinner – Prospect Country House – OR – Richmond Arms Hotel

🏠 Accommodation

 💕 Looking for a romantic escape?

Stay 3-nights & Pay for 2 at gorgeous Prospect Country House. Just mention the Lap of Tasmania when making your booking over the phone! – Check Prices Here

Day 14: Richmond to Hobart

See the Historic Salamanca Waterfront by horse drawn carriage on your Lap of Tasmania road trip
Historic Salamanca Waterfront | 📷: Tanya Challice Photography

🏁  Free Day

🕓  Free Day

📌  Hobart

🍴 Breakfast – Ashmore on Bridge Street (Richmond) – OR – Prospect Country House (Richmond)

🚘 Morning

🍴 Lunch – Templo (Hobart) – OR New Sydney Hotel (Hobart)

🚘 Afternoon

  • MONA Ferry and Museum – Splurge and get a ‘Posh Pit’ ticket (my guide)
  • Sunset drinks at The Glass House

🍴 Dinner – Aloft (Hobart)

🏠 Accommodation

Read More: Best Places to Stay in Hobart

🌞 Special Offer - Waterview Gardens B&B

Tasmania Itinerary 21 Days – Tasmania’s Best Bed and Breakfast Trail – Waterview Gardens

Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your delightful Hobart getaway at Waterview Gardens B&B and receive:

  • 10% OFF your booking; and
  • FREE bottle of bubbles 🍾 – OR – cheese platter 🧀 upon arrival!

Valid for direct bookings only.

Plan your Tasmania road trip

I hope you have found my 14-day Tasmania road trip itinerary useful in planning your holiday!

To put it all together just takes 5 simple steps…

  1. Learn more about the Lap of Tasmania, the best time to visit and places to see
  2. Plan your road trip itinerary (right here!)
  3. Book your flight or ferry to Tasmania
  4. Book your hire car or campervan
  5. Book your accommodation

It’s that easy! 👍

Happy travels,
Andrew.

ps. If this is your first time visiting Tasmania, or you are a bit nervous about planning your road trip, then you will love my eBook – “How to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip“. It  takes you through the whole process in easy-to-follow steps and also includes a free Holiday Planner that you can use for Tasmania and any other holiday you take in the future!

Travel planning resources

Tasmania’s remote location means there are internet ‘black spots’ across the island. 

A hard copy travel guide or map is the perfect backup, and I love the range from Lonely Planet.

Picture of Andrew Strikis

Andrew Strikis

Andrew is an award-winning travel writer and photographer from Tasmania. Over the last 10 years he has been an advocate for Tasmanian tourism, working with and supporting many of Tasmania's prominent organisations such as Tourism Northern Tasmania, Hobart and Beyond, and MONA. Together with his wife he enjoys exploring Tasmania by road, and he looks forward to helping others plan and enjoy their own Lap of Tasmania road trip.

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