Road trip: Tasmania

Road Trip Tasmani Tasmania my nrma road trips
Road Trip Tasmania Tasmania my nrma road trips
Map
947km
Culture
Nature
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Take your time as you experience our southernmost state’s natural beauty, history, culture, shopping and art, its renowned food, wine and produce, and let your mainland worries fade away.

There's so much to see and do in Tasmania. This loop of the island takes in many of its biggest natural and cultural attractions as it meanders through lush farmland, ancient forests, awe inspiring mountain and lake scenery and rugged coast land in six easy gulps, stopping off at charming villages, serene coastal towns and Australia’s coolest city along the way.

Day 1: Devonport to Cradle Mountain

1 hr 35min | 97km

Stop 1: Shop and culture at Latrobe and Railton

Today’s drive is short, but there’s much to see. Just five minutes south of Devonport is Latrobe, with its eclectic shops, cafes and House of Anvers chocolate factory. A few minutes further south comes Railton, the Town of Topiary. Then the murals, galleries and other curiosities of Sheffield, where Blacksmith’s Gallery Cafe and food options ensure you won’t go hungry.

Stop 2: Hike at Cradle Mountain

The run into Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is breathtaking as it winds through alpine forests, grasslands and jagged mountain peaks. Take one of the several walks on offer at this spectacular destination, gaze at Dove Lake or just kick back with local food and wine at Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar or one of the area’s other dining establishments.

Cradle Mountain Tasmania my nrma road trips
Cradle Mountain (Photo credit: Michael Treloar)
Stop 3: Stay at Cradle Mountain

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge provides the closest accommodation to the spectacular Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Set in the wilderness are 86 private timber cabins, from contemporary Pencil Pine Cabins through to luxurious King Billy Suites, and family cabins. Cabins feature gas fireplaces, mini bars and day beds to cozy up on, while suites include spa baths and balconies for extra relaxation.

Cradle Mountain Hotel is located in an alpine woodland with options including Deluxe and Split Level King rooms overlooking the wilderness. The 60 rooms and award-winning Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar provide the perfect base from which to explore Cradle Mountain. While you’re there, don’t miss the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery. Located onsite, the Gallery includes 10 interconnected rooms of wilderness-inspired art and entry is complimentary for Hotel and restaurant guests.

Day 2: Cradle Mountain to Strahan

2hr | 147km

Stop 1: See a waterfall at Tullah

Today head south west to Tullah, a mountain village with an historic steam railway, and on to Rosebery to see Montezuma Falls, one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls.

Stop 3: Take a harbour cruise at Strahan

Finally, take the short run south to the harbour village of Strahan and explore this area on the edge of the World Heritage listed Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park with an afternoon river/harbour cruise from Gordon River Cruises or other local operators. End the day dining on fine local cuisine Hamer's Bar & Bistro or another of the town’s many eateries.

Strahan Tasmania my nrma road trips
Strahan (Photo credit: Tim Hester)

Day 3: Strahan to Derwent Bridge

2hr | 126km

Stop 1: Go on an underground mine tour at Queenstown

Take the short run east to the surreal mining scarred landscapes of Queenstown, where you can take an underground mine tour or just soak up the atmosphere while eating a Tasmanian delicacy – the curried scallop pie – from Cafe Serenade.

Queenstown Landscape Tasmania my nrma road trips
Queenstown landscape (Photo credit: Steve Lovegrove)
Stop 2: Take a stroll around Lake St Clair

Then head east on twisting roads and marvel at the ever more stunning mountain and lake vistas as you close in on Derwent Bridge. Here you can set off on walks around Lake St Clair – Australia’s deepest freshwater lake – or take a lake cruise to really appreciate its untouched beauty. Then head off for a drink and high class pub grub at the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel.

Day 4: Derwent Bridge to Hobart

2hr 25min | 175km

Stop 1: Eat at one of Australia's oldest pubs at New Norfolk

Today, drive out of the wilderness to the highland resort town of Tarraleah with its stunning Art Deco accommodation, friendly pub, day spas and outdoor activities. Further south in New Norfolk, brush up on your history and see Australia’s oldest Anglican church and one of the county’s oldest pubs, visit antique stores or satisfy your food lust at the Agrarian Kitchen Eatery & Store. But don’t hang around too long or you won’t do justice to Hobart.

Stop 2: Culture at Mount Wellington

Take in the thought provoking art of MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), experience astounding views of the city from Mount Wellington, visit the famed Salamanca Market or bliss out on the abundance on trend eating, drinking and shopping possibilities. If you can stay a couple of days, day trips to the Huon Valley and historic Port Arthur are musts.

Penitentiary near Mason Cove at Port Arthur Tasmania my nrma road trips
Penitentiary near Mason Cove at Port Arthur (Photo credit: Sasiwimol Koenig)

Day 5: Hobart to Coles Bay

2hr 30min | 185km

Stop 1: Take in the coastal views at Orford

Point the compass north and head for Orford, blessed with secluded beaches and coastal walks. Then onto to Triabunna and Swansea, where the granite peaks of the Freycinet Peninsula, home to Freycinet National Park, come into view.

Freycinet Peninsula near Coles Bay Tasmania my nrma road trips
Freycinet Peninsula near Coles Bay (Photo credit: Andrii Slonchak)
Stop 2: Explore the national park at Coles Bay

Coles Bay – located between sheer pink granite mountains and picturesque Oyster Bay – is the gateway to Freycinet National Park.

Take the walk up to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, or down to the beach if you’ve got a few hours up your sleeve, then dine in front of breathtaking views at The Edge Restaurant.

Stop 3: Stay at Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet is an upscale scenic resort in the Coles Bay Conservation Area.

Day 6: Coles Bay to Devonport

3hr | 247km

Stop 1: Eat and refuel at Bicheno

Start your journey with a detour north to Bicheno, another fetching seaside location with lots to see, do, and places to fuel up. Then head onto Campbell Town, the main stop off point between Launceston and Hobart, and the classic Georgian village of Westbury.

Mersey Bulff Devonport Tasmania my nrma road trips
Mersey Bluff, Devonport
Stop 2: History at Evandale and Deloraine

If time permits, explore historic towns such as Evandale and Deloraine. From Deloraine it’s a short run back to Devonport, where you can fill up at Valentino’s or one of the town’s other many eating options before resting up for your trip back to the mainland.

Stop 3: Stay at Edgewater

The Grand on Macfie is a B&B in charming historic surrounds. Edgewater offers clean comfortable digs close to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal.

NRMA members can also save on car hire in Hobart or Launceston at SIXT with 15% off daily car hire rates and a free upgrade.

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