Tasmania Itinerary (7 Days)
Your ‘Tassie Whirlwind’ Self-Drive Road Trip
This self drive Tasmania 7-day itinerary is what I like to call the ‘Tassie Whirlwind’.
It’s fast. It’s furious. It’s jam-packed full of things to see and do, and you’re going to have the time of your life!
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Self-drive Tasmania Itinerary (7 days)
First of all, don’t listen to the nay-sayers who reckon you need 4 months minimum to see Tasmania – they probably have a caravan, kitchen sink, and all the time in the world.
For an amazing Tasmania itinerary, 7 days is all the time you need to get a taste of this wonderful island and have the road trip of your life!
At the same time, with one week in Tasmania it is important to realise that every minute counts.
I’ve lived in Tasmania for more than 20 years, and using that local experience I have created this exciting Tasmania self-drive 7-day itinerary.
It’s fast and it’s furious, and it is absolutely guaranteed to be a road trip full of non-stop fun and amazing scenery!
Read More: Use my Tasmania Car Hire Comparison to choose the best rental vehicle for your fly-drive 7 day itinerary, and save yourself a packet!
Print your own paper copy
The 7-day itinerary you are viewing here is perfect for mobile phones, PCs and laptops, but I know a lot of road trippers like to have a paper copy so they can jot down notes and ideas during the planning process, and also while on the road.
That’s why I’ve created a printable version of the itinerary in *.doc format (Microsoft Word). Click here to download your FREE copy.
I hope you find it helpful!
Do you like to live life in the fast lane? Do you try to pack as much as possible into your holiday? Do you find the drive just as enjoyable as the destination?
If you answered ‘yes’ then this exciting Tassie Whirlwind is the itinerary you’ve been looking for, showing you the best bits of Tasmania in 7 days!
But, fair warning… one week is the absolute minimum amount of time I recommend for a full lap of Tasmania.
It might be a small island, but it is also jam-packed full of things to see and do.
For a more relaxed road trip…
If you are flexible with the amount of time you will have in Tasmania, then I definitely recommend stretching it out to 10 or even 14 days if possible.
Less driving per day, more time at each location, and less worry about staying on schedule – these itineraries are just what you need for a more relaxed self-drive road trip:
I also have three fantastic 5-Day itineraries connecting Hobart and Launceston, or vice versa.
The handy map I’ve provided above gives you a feel for the road trip route, showing you each of the places that you will stay the night and the different parts of Tasmania that you will get to experience.
I have written the itinerary with Hobart as the starting point, but as you can see it is very easy to start in Launceston (or nearby Devonport). If you can’t quite work out how to do this, or if you have any other questions, please feel free to get in touch either in our FB Group (here) or via email.
That’s enough intro. Let’s get this itinerary started!
Day 1: Hobart to Strahan (via Mt Field)
Note: This is a big day, so maximise your time and start as early as possible.
Breakfast – Pigeon Hole Cafe (Hobart)
Morning
- Explore New Norfolk – St Matthews church, Bush Inn and Drill Hall Emporium
- Salmon Ponds
- Russell Falls (Mt Field)
Lunch – Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery (souvenirs as well!)
Afternoon
- Wall in the Wilderness – OR – Lake St Clair
- Drive the ’99 Bends’ between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown
- Franklin River Nature Trail – OR – Nelson Falls Nature trail
- Iron Blow Lookout (Queenstown)
Dinner – View 42 (Strahan) – OR – Risby Cove (Strahan)
Accommodation
- Budget – Strahan Village (Strahan)
- Luxe – Wheelhouse Apartments (Strahan)
- Camping – Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat (Strahan)
Important ‘eating out’ information for Strahan
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 – ideally around 6-7pm. 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 2: Strahan to Cradle Mountain
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – The Coffee Shack (Strahan)
Morning
- Gordon River Cruise (Use the LAPOFTAS discount code for 10% OFF) – OR – ‘River and Rainforest’ Wilderness Railway Tour
Lunch – Included in your cruise – OR – Risby Cove after the railway tour
Afternoon
- Zeehan – Spray Tunnel (if time allows)
- Vale of Belvoir Lookout
- Cradle Mountain Village – Explore short walks around the interpretation centre
- ‘After Dark’ Tassie Devil feeding tour – book your tickets here
Dinner – Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain Village Restaurant – OR – Tavern Bar and Bistro (Peppers Lodge)
Accommodation
- Best of the Best – Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain Village – Use the LAPOFTAS code and SAVE 20%
- Cabins and Camping – Discovery Resorts – Cradle Mountain – Use the LAPOFTAS code and SAVE 20%
- Budget – Cradle Mountain Highlanders
- Luxe – Cradle Mountain Lodge
Read More: Click here to read my guide comparing all the Cradle Mountain accommodation options.
Day 3: Cradle Mountain to Launceston (via Stanley and Sheffield)
Note: This is a big day, so maximise your time and start as early as possible.
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Highland Restaurant (Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge)
Morning
- Dove Lake loop walk (3 hrs)
- Hellyer Gorge scenic drive
- The ‘Nut’ – Chairlift to the top of the ‘Nut and explore
Lunch – Touchwood
Afternoon
- Coastal drive through Burnie, Penguin and Devonport
- Anvers Chocolates (Latrobe)
- See the murals at Sheffield (if time permits)
- Ashgrove Cheese – OR – Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm – OR – Van Diemens Land Creamery
- Hagley – Hazelbrae Hazelnuts (enjoy a picnic in the beautiful orchard)
- Drive through the historic towns of Deloraine, Westbury and Hadspen
Dinner – Stelo at Pierres (Launceston)
Accommodation
- Cabins and Camping – Discovery Parks Hadspen – Use the LAPOFTAS code for 20% OFF
- Budget – Leisure Inn Penny Royal Apartments
- Mid-Range – Kurrajong House
- Modern – Hotel Verge
- Indulgence – Peppers Silo
Read More: Click here to see my favourite places to stay in Launceston.
Optional alternative
The itinerary I’ve described above is a big day. By staying in Sheffield or Devonport (instead of Launceston) you can free up a little bit more time in either Cradle Mountain or Stanley.
The only downside of this approach is that Day 4 will be a little bit longer, and you won’t stop in Launceston – pushing through to Bay of Fires instead.
Day 4: Launceston to Bay of Fires (via the Tamar Valley)
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Stillwater (Launceston)
Morning
- Launceston – Cataract Gorge
- 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’ – 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
- Camping – Big4 St Helens Holiday Park (St Helens)
- Budget – Queechy Motel (St Helens)
- Relaxing B&B – Beaumaris Beach Guest House (Beaumaris Beach)
- Indulgence – Sea Eagle Cottage (Binalong Bay)
Special Offer – 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 5: Bay of Fires to Coles Bay (Freycinet)
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Lifebuoy Cafe (St Helens)
Morning
- Explore the Bay of Fires beaches, dunes and coves north of Binalong Bay
- Four Mile Creek – Tastings at Ironhouse Brewery -OR – Apsley River Waterhole
- Bicheno – The Bicheno blowhole
Lunch – Lobster Shack (Bicheno)
Afternoon
- Freycinet Marine Farm
- Friendly Beaches
- Cape Tourville Lighthouse
Dinner – The Bay Restaurant (Freycinet Lodge – Coles Bay)
Accommodation
- Camping and Cabins – Big4 Iluka on Freycinet
- Family Value – Waterline Holiday Home
- Quirky Couples – Numie Glamping
- Indulgence – Freycinet Lodge
- Ultimate Luxury – Picnic Island
Day 6: Coles Bay (Freycinet) to Port Arthur
Breakfast – Your accommodation – OR – Geographe Restaurant (Coles Bay)
Morning
- Walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout
- East Coast Wineries – Devil’s Corner, Spring Vale and Milton vineyards
- Swansea – Spiky Bridge
Lunch – Blue Seal Seafood Shack (Eaglehawk Neck) – OR – Port Arthur Lavender Farm (Port Arthur)
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 – Fox & Hounds Hotel (Port Arthur) – OR – On the Bay Restaurant (Tue-Sat, Port Arthur)
Accommodation
- Camping – NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park (Port Arthur)
- Budget – Port Arthur Villas (Port Arthur)
- Relaxing – Stewarts Bay Lodge (Port Arthur)
Hot Tip – Day Trip to Maria Island
For something truly special, 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.
If you are keen for DIY day trip, 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.
Alternatively, let the wonderful crew at Maria Island Cruises take care of you as you enjoy a cruise/walk combo. Both of their 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!
Day 7: Port Arthur to Hobart (via Richmond)
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 – Landscape Restaurant and Grill (Hobart)
Accommodation
- Budget – Bay Hotel Apartments
- Mid-Range – RACV/RACT Hotel Apartments
- Indulgence – MACq 01 – OR – MONA Pavilions
- Relaxing B&B – Waterview Gardens B&B (Margate)
- Cabins and Camping – Discovery Parks Hobart – Use the LAPOFTAS code for 20% OFF
Read More: Click here to see my favourite places to stay in Hobart.
Special Offer – Waterview Gardens B&B
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.
Next steps for your Tassie holiday…
I hope you have found my 7-day Tasmania road trip itinerary helpful in planning your holiday!
Here are some more guides and articles to put the finishing touches on your Tassie trip:
- Choose the best vehicle for your road trip:
- Book your accommodation
- Decide on all the exciting tours you want to experience
If you have any questions at all about the planning process, please come and join us over in our Facebook Group (here). It is a very friendly community and I have no tolerance for keyboard warriors – we’d love to say g’day.
Good luck with all the travel planning and 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!