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!
Last Updated – February 2022
This page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read my full disclosure policy here.
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.
Unlike many bloggers who fly-in and fly-out a week later, I have taken the time to establish long-lasting relationships with many of Tasmania’s finest accommodation and tour providers all around the island – and this means I have a huge range of special deals and discounts that you won’t find anywhere else online.
Keep reading to learn more, or you can click here for the full list!
Day 1 – Hobart to Derwent Bridge
Day 2 – Derwent Bridge to Strahan
Day 4 – Strahan to Cradle Mountain
Day 6 – Cradle Mountain to Stanley
Day 7 – Stanley to Launceston (via Devonport and Sheffield)
Day 8 – Launceston to Bay of Fires (via Tamar Valley)
Day 10 – Bay of FIres to Coles Bay (Freycinet)
Day 12 – Coles Bay to Port Arthur
When it comes to the way this itinerary is structured, 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!
225 km
3hr 30mins + Stops
📌 Derwent Valley
Breakfast – Pigeon Hole Cafe (Hobart)
Morning
Lunch – Agrarian Kitchen (New Norfolk) -OR – Cheeky Little Place (New Norfolk)
Afternoon
Dinner – Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel (Derwent Bridge)
Accommodation
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.
130 km
2 hours + Stops
West Coast
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Hungry Wombat Cafe (Derwent Bridge)
Morning
Lunch – Tracks Cafe (Queenstown)
Afternoon
Dinner – View 42 – OR – Hamers Bar & Bistro (Strahan)
Accommodation
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:
– OR –
and a ‘Button Grass Brewery’ craft beer 
Valid for direct bookings only.
ImportantStrahan 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.
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
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!
140 km
2 hours + Stops
West Coast + Cradle Coast
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – The Coffee Shack (Strahan)
Morning
Lunch – On the train (included in the ‘Wilderness Carriage’ carriage upgrade) – OR – Risby Cove after the tour (if you select the ‘Heritage Carriage’)
Afternoon
Dinner – Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (Tavern Bar and Bistro – OR – Highland Restaurant)
Accommodation
Free Day
Free Day
Cradle Coast
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Cradle Mountain Hotel (non-guests are allowed)
Morning
Lunch – Picnic hamper (if staying at Peppers Lodge) – OR – Cradle Mountain Hotel
Afternoon
Dinner – Hellyers Restaurant (Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village)
Accommodation
170 km
2hrs 30mins + Stops
Cradle Coast
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Highland Restaurant (Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge)
Morning
Lunch – Touchwood (Stanley)
Afternoon
Dinner – Stanley Hotel and Bistro (Stanley)
Accommodation
Special Offer!Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your relaxing stay at The Ark Stanley and receive:
230 km
3 hours + Stops
Cradle Coast
Breakfast – The Ark Stanley – OR – Moby Dick’s Breakfast Bar (Stanley)
Morning
Lunch – Blacksmith Gallery Cafe (Sheffield)
Afternoon
Dinner – Stelo at Pierre’s (Launceston)
Accommodation
240 km
3hrs 15mins + Stops
Tamar Valley + North East
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Stillwater (Launceston)
Morning
Lunch – Pipers Brook Vineyard Cafe (Pipers Brook)
Afternoon
Dinner – Meresta Eatery (Binalong Bay)
Accommodation
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.
Free Day
Free Day
East Coast
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Lifebuoy Cafe (St Helens)
Morning
Lunch – The Bays Kitchen (St Helens)
Afternoon
Dinner – Raida (St Helens) – OR – Naturaliste (St Helens)
Accommodation
120 km
1hr 40mins + Stops
East Coast
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Lifebuoy Cafe (St Helens)
Morning
Lunch – The Lobster Shack (Bicheno)
Afternoon
Dinner – The Bay Restaurant (Freycinet Lodge – Coles Bay)
Accommodation
Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your cosy seaside retreat at Freycinet Waters and receive:
Valid for direct bookings only.
Free Day
Free Day
East Coast
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Geographe Restaurant (Coles Bay)
Morning
Lunch
Afternoon
Dinner – The Edge Restaurant (Edge of the Bay Resort)
Accommodation
240 km
3 hours + Stops
East Coast + Tasman Peninsula
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Geographe Restaurant (Coles Bay)
Morning
Lunch – Bangor Vineyard (Dunalley)
Afternoon
Dinner – 1830 Restaurant and Bar (Port Arthur)
Accommodation
Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your relaxing escape at Storm Bay B&B on the beautiful Tasman Peninsula and receive:
Valid for direct bookings only.
For something truly special, if you have an extra day available why not consider a day trip to Maria Island?
This island is pure magic, getting you close to nature without the crowds. Wombats are everywhere, the walks are stunning, and there is plenty of history as well.
You will need to allow a full day, as you can’t drive onto the island. The ferry takes 30 minutes each way from Triabunna Wharf. Don’t forget to take a packed lunch as well, as there are no shops on the island either.
Hot Tip – Hire a bike to make the most of your time on the island! For photos and more information about Maria Island click here.
90 km
1hr 20mins + Stops
Tasman Peninsula + Coal River Valley
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Port Arthur General Store
Morning
Lunch – On the Bay (Port Arthur) – OR – Doo-Lishus (Eaglehawk Neck)
Afternoon
Dinner – Prospect House Private Hotel – OR – Richmond Arms Hotel
Accommodation
Looking for a romantic getaway?Save 15% on the ‘Room + Breakfast’ rate at gorgeous Prospect House Private Hotel when you use my LAPOFTAS promo code! – Check Prices Here
Free Day
Free Day
Hobart
Breakfast – Ashmore on Bridge Street (Richmond) – OR – Prospect House Private Hotel (Richmond)
Morning
Lunch – Templo (Hobart) – OR New Sydney Hotel (Hobart)
Afternoon
Dinner – Aloft (Hobart)
Accommodation
Mention the Lap of Tasmania when booking your delightful Hobart getaway at Waterview Gardens B&B and receive:
Valid for direct bookings only.
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…
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!
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.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional owners and continuing custodians of this island lutruwita (Tasmania).
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
© Lap of Tasmania – 2021
Subscribe to our newsletter and receive your Tasmania road trip packing list absolutely FREE!
