Tasmania packs white-sand beaches, granite peaks, ancient rainforest and fresh local produce into a compact island, which makes it perfect for a campervan road trip. This 7–10 day loop starts and ends in Hobart and takes in the east coast, Launceston, Cradle Mountain and the wild west coast.
Distances are short compared with the mainland, so you can spend more time exploring on foot. Below you will find a day-by-day route, where to stay, what to book and how to travel safely.
You can bring your campervan across on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne, or fly into Hobart or Launceston and collect one there.
Quick Overview
| Route | Distance | Recommended Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart → Launceston → Cradle Mountain → Hobart | ~1,100 km | 7–10 days | Hiking, wildlife, beaches and food |
Tasmania Loop Route Map
Tap a stop to see the distance and driving time from the previous stop.
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Route Overview
This anti-clockwise loop heads up the sunny east coast first, then crosses to Launceston and the north before finishing through the wilderness of the west and the Lyell Highway back to Hobart.
Day-by-Day Tasmania Itinerary
Collect your campervan in Hobart and spend a morning at Salamanca Market (Saturdays) or MONA before heading north. On the way, stop at Triabunna or Orford for a coastal walk.
Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania's highlights. Walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout and, if you have time, down to the beach.
- Salamanca Place and Battery Point in Hobart
- Wineglass Bay lookout walk
- Cape Tourville lighthouse circuit
- Fresh oysters and seafood at Coles Bay
- Freycinet campgrounds (book well ahead)
- Holiday parks in Coles Bay and Swansea
The Bay of Fires is known for its orange lichen-covered boulders and clear water. Base yourself near St Helens and drive out to The Gardens or Binalong Bay for beaches and photo stops.
- Binalong Bay beach
- The Gardens coastline
- St Helens seafood and cafés
- Bay of Fires free camping areas (self-sufficient vans only)
- St Helens holiday parks
Cross the island to Launceston. Walk through Cataract Gorge, a short stroll from the city centre, then explore the Tamar Valley wine region if you have time.
- Cataract Gorge
- Tamar Valley cellar doors
- Harvest Launceston Farmers' Market (Saturdays)
- Launceston holiday parks and caravan parks
Drive west to Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park. Walk around Dove Lake and, for a longer hike, try Marions Lookout. Wombats and pademelons are common near dusk.
- Dove Lake circuit
- Marions Lookout
- Ronny Creek wombat spotting at dusk
- Cradle Mountain area campgrounds and caravan parks
Continue to the west coast. Strahan sits on Macquarie Harbour and is the gateway to the Gordon River cruise. Walk to Hogarth Falls or watch the sunset at Ocean Beach.
- Gordon River cruise
- Hogarth Falls walk
- Ocean Beach sunset
- Strahan holiday parks
Drive the Lyell Highway through Queenstown and the dramatic landscapes around Derwent Bridge and Lake St Clair, then continue to Hobart. If you have an extra day, add a trip to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur.
- Queenstown mining landscapes
- Nelson Falls walk
- Lake St Clair
- Port Arthur Historic Site (optional)
How Many Days Do You Need?
7 days (fast-paced)
Enough for the main highlights, but you will drive most days.
10 days (recommended)
Allows time for Port Arthur, a Gordon River cruise and slower mornings in national parks.
14 days
Adds Bruny Island, Maria Island or longer multi-day walks.
Best Time to Visit Tasmania
Summer (December to February) is the warmest and busiest period. Autumn brings changing colours and fewer crowds, while spring is good for wildflowers. Winter can be cold, with snow in the highlands.
Cost Overview
Read our budget guide for more planning tips.
Campervan Tips for Tasmania
Buy a parks pass
A Tasmanian Parks Pass is required in most national parks, including Freycinet and Cradle Mountain.
Avoid driving at night
Wombats, wallabies and Tasmanian devils are most active at dusk and after dark. Roadkill is a real risk.
Check fire bans
Seasonal campfire bans apply in many areas. Carry a fuel stove for cooking.
Book popular campsites
Freycinet and Cradle Mountain campgrounds fill up well in advance in summer.
Where to Stay in Tasmania
Tasmania has a well-developed network of holiday parks, national park campgrounds and low-cost sites. In Hobart and Launceston, powered sites in holiday parks are the easiest option. At Freycinet, Richardsons Beach campground sits inside the national park, but sites are allocated by ballot in peak periods and sell out far in advance, so have a holiday park in Coles Bay as plan B.
Along the east coast, the Bay of Fires has several free or low-cost campgrounds, including Cosy Corner, which suit self-contained vans. On the west coast, Strahan and the Cradle Mountain area have both holiday parks and national park campgrounds.
- Book Freycinet, Cradle Mountain and Strahan first.
- Check van length limits at national park campgrounds.
- Carry a gas stove, as fire bans are common in summer.
Top Things to Do in Tasmania
Hiking
Wineglass Bay, Dove Lake, Cataract Gorge and the short walks around Strahan suit all fitness levels. For multi-day hikes, consider the Overland Track, which requires advance booking.
Wildlife
Wombats and pademelons at Cradle Mountain, Tasmanian devils at sanctuaries, and little penguins at several coastal towns in spring and summer.
Food and drink
Fresh oysters at Coles Bay, cool-climate wines in the Tamar Valley and Coal River, cheese, berries and whisky distilleries across the island.
History
Port Arthur Historic Site, Hobart's Battery Point and MONA are the island's best-known cultural stops.
Driving in Tasmania
Roads are generally sealed and well maintained, but they are winding and hilly. Allow more time than the distance suggests, and avoid driving at dusk or after dark because wildlife is active and roadkill is common. Mobile coverage is limited in the west and on the Lyell Highway, so download offline maps. Our best campervan travel apps guide has recommendations.
Fuel is available in all major towns, but stations can be 100 km apart in the west.
What to Pack
- Warm clothing and a waterproof jacket for every season
- Hiking boots and daypack
- Insect repellent for summer
- Parks pass, ID and booking confirmations
- Gas stove and spare gas
Getting to Tasmania
You can fly into Hobart or Launceston and collect a campervan locally, which is simpler and often cheaper than shipping a vehicle. Check our campervan rental bond and how much campervan hire costs pages when budgeting. If you are under 25, see our hiring under 21 guide.
Named Campsites and Holiday Parks in Tasmania
Tasmania is well set up for campervans, but popular parks sell out over summer and Easter. Check current fees, park passes and booking rules before you arrive.
East coast and Hobart
- Hobart: holiday parks around the city suit one or two nights before you set out.
- Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula: a holiday park near the historic site and several smaller stops towards Eaglehawk Neck.
- Orford, Triabunna and Swansea: coastal parks that work as bases for Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.
- Freycinet: Richardsons Beach campground in the national park, and holiday parks at Coles Bay.
- Bicheno: holiday parks close to the blowhole and penguin tours.
- St Helens and the Bay of Fires: holiday parks at St Helens and Binalong Bay, plus beachside camping at Cosy Corner.
North, west and the Midlands
- Launceston: holiday parks near the city, handy for Cataract Gorge.
- Tamar Valley: small parks around Beauty Point and Beaconsfield for winery days.
- Cradle Mountain: a national park campground and nearby holiday park options.
- Strahan: harbour-side parks close to the Gordon River cruise.
- Lake St Clair and the Derwent Bridge area: simple camping on the Lyell Highway.
More Ideas for Your Tasmania Loop
Hobart and around
- Salamanca Market on Saturdays and the waterfront at Constitution Dock
- MONA, Tasmania's famous museum of art
- A drive up kunanyi / Mount Wellington for views over the Derwent River
- A day trip to Bruny Island for oysters, cheese and the Neck lookout
Tasman Peninsula and east coast
- Tasman Arch, the Devil's Kitchen and the Remarkable Cave
- Maria Island ferry from Triabunna for wombats and painted cliffs
- Wineglass Bay Lookout and the Hazards Beach circuit
- Snorkelling at Binalong Bay and photography along the Bay of Fires
North and west
- Cataract Gorge, Boag's Brewery and the Tamar Valley wine trail
- The Sheffield murals and Cradle Mountain's Dove Lake circuit
- The Nut at Stanley and a drive through the Tarkine
- Gordon River cruise and the West Coast Wilderness Railway
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for a Tasmania road trip?
Seven days covers the highlights, but ten days is more relaxed and lets you add Port Arthur and a Gordon River cruise.
Can you take a campervan on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Yes, but you need to check your rental operator's rules. Many travellers fly in and pick up a campervan in Hobart or Launceston instead.
Is Tasmania good for campervans?
Yes. Distances are short, roads are generally good and there are many national parks and campgrounds.
What is the best time to visit Tasmania?
November to April offers the best weather, with February and March often being the driest and calmest months.
Can you free camp in Tasmania?
Yes, in designated areas such as parts of the Bay of Fires. Always check local rules and bring your own water.
How much does a Tasmanian campervan trip cost?
Plan on roughly $150–$300 per day for two people including hire, fuel, camping, food and activities.
Do I need to book Tasmanian campsites?
Yes for Freycinet, Cradle Mountain and Strahan in summer. Many other sites are first-come, first-served.
Is Tasmania safe to drive at night?
It is best avoided. Wildlife is most active at dusk and after dark.
Which direction should I drive the Tasmania loop?
Either works. Anti-clockwise puts the east coast first and finishes with the dramatic west coast.
Where can you camp in Tasmania in a campervan?
Holiday parks in Hobart, Freycinet, Bicheno, St Helens, Launceston, Cradle Mountain and Strahan cover most routes, and several national park and council campgrounds offer lower-cost options.
Do I need a parks pass in Tasmania?
Yes. National park entry requires a pass, and a holiday pass covers multiple parks for the duration of your trip.
Is Tasmania good for campervan travel in winter?
Yes, but expect cold nights and snow near Cradle Mountain. Carry warm bedding and check road conditions on the alpine routes.
Do I need to book the Bruny Island ferry?
It is wise to book in summer. Cars and campervans can be queued for hours on busy days.
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