Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary: 3-Week Motorhome Route
Planning a Tasmania road trip? Tasmania might look small on the map, but once you start driving, you'll quickly realise just how much there is to see.
We travelled around Tassie in our Jayco Destiny motorhome and put together this 3-week Tasmania road trip itinerary to help you plan your own adventure; including where to stay, the best things to do, national parks, caravan parks, hikes and some of the places we think you shouldn't miss!
If you're travelling Tasmania by motorhome or campervan, this route gives you a great mix of mountains, wilderness, beaches, wildlife, history, food and wine.
Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary overview
Route: Devonport → Sheffield → Cradle Mountain → Queenstown → Strahan → Hobart → Freycinet → Bay of Fires → Low Head → Launceston → Beauty Point
Recommended time: 3 weeks+ (you can technically see Tassie in 2 weeks but you’ll be driving ALOT. If you want a slower paced road trip I recommend 3 - 4 weeks.
Best for: Motorhomes, campervans, caravans and road trips
Starting point: Devonport
Best time to visit: September – April for generally milder weather, although Tasmania is a year-round destination.
🗺️ Save our FREE interactive Tasmania road trip map BELOW:
Devonport, north tasmania
(~ 1 Day)
If you're bringing your own motorhome, caravan or car to Tasmania, your road trip will most likely begin in Devonport after arriving on the Spirit of Tasmania!
The overnight crossing makes it possible to arrive in the morning and start exploring straight away. We filmed our own experience onboard, including what it's actually like travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania with a motorhome, the facilities onboard, our cabin and what we got up to during the crossing, so make sure you watch the video here before you go.
One thing we'd definitely recommend is packing seasickness tablets. The Bass Strait can get rough and rocky, and we'd rather be prepared than spend the crossing feeling miserable!
Best Things to Do in Devonport
Mersey Bluff Lighthouse – One of the easiest stops, with coastal views and a short walk around the headland.
Mersey Bluff Coastal Reserve – Walk along the cliffs and coastline, particularly nice around sunset.
Bass Strait Maritime Centre – A good option if you want to learn more about Devonport's maritime history and Bass Strait.
Don River Railway – A heritage railway just outside Devonport, with historic steam and diesel trains.
Tasmanian Arboretum – About 20 minutes from Devonport, with beautiful gardens, walking trails and plenty of birdlife.
2. Sheffield, North West Tasmania
(~ 1 – 2 Days)
Our first stop was Sheffield, a small country town famous for its incredible outdoor murals and a very cute country town! Known as Tasmania's Town of Murals, Sheffield is a great place to start your road trip before heading into the mountains.
Where to Stay in sheffield
We stayed at Eagles Nest Retreat, which makes a beautiful base for exploring the area.
👉 Find accommodation in Sheffield
Our Tip: Give yourself at least a full day here. Sheffield is small, but the surrounding landscape is beautiful and it's a relaxing introduction to Tasmania.
Best Things to Do in Sheffield
Follow the Sheffield Mural Trail
Explore Mural Park
See Mount Roland
Ride the West Mersey Mountain Bike Trails
3. Cradle Mountain, north tasmania
(~ 3 – 4 Days)
Just 80 km from Sheffield (around 1 hr 15 mins by car), this is one of Tasmania's most spectacular regions and for good reason! With rugged mountains, ancient rainforest and the alpine landscapes it topped our entire Tasmanian road trip. If you love hiking and adventure, this is an absoluate must visit!
Where to Stay - Discovery parks cradle mountain
We stayed at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, and it was a fantastic base for exploring the national park. It's located just a short drive from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, so you're perfectly positioned for an early start on the hiking trails.
The park has spacious, private sites, which was a big plus for us travelling in our motorhome. There are also great amenities and facilities (heated floor in winter!!)
For us, it was the ideal combination of location, space and facilities, and we'd happily stay here again.
👉 Check availability at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain
Best Things to Do at Cradle Mountain
Dove Lake Circuit - 6 km | 2–3 hours
One of Tasmania's classic walks, circling Dove Lake beneath the dramatic Cradle Mountain and walk past Dove Lake Shed.Crater Lake Circuit – 5.7 km | around 2 hours
The circuit takes you past Crater Lake, Lake Lilla, Marions Lookout and Wombat Pool through beautiful alpine scenery.Cradle Mountain Summit - 12.8 km | around 8 hours
The big one! This is a challenging Grade 5 walk involving steep sections and boulder scrambling at the end, so it's best suited to experienced hikers and only in suitable weather. BUT don’t let this deter you because it is 100% worth it and a once in a lifetime experience!Enchanted Forest Walk - 1.1 km | 20 mins
An easy rainforest walk following Pencil Pine Creek, with mossy forest, cascading water and the chance to spot wildlife.Walheim Alpine Spa - After spending hours hiking through the mountains, head to Waldheim Alpine Spa for a well-earned soak! Highly recommened, literally the perfect way to end a LONG day.
MORE TIME? ⏰
Mole Creek Karst National Park – Visit Marakoopa Cave for glow worms and underground streams, or King Solomons Cave for impressive limestone formations. A great day trip from Cradle Mountain.
Important Tips 💡
You need a Tasmanian Parks Pass to enter the National Park. If you're visiting multiple national parks, the 2-month Holiday Vehicle Pass is $98.35 and covers one vehicle with up to 7 people.
For Cradle Mountain, the shuttle bus is an additional cost, so keep that in mind when budgeting.During shuttle operating hours, you'll need to park at the Visitor Centre and take the shuttle bus towards Dove Lake rather than driving your vehicle along the road. Outside shuttle operating hours, you can drive in and out yourself, so you aren't restricted to the bus all day.
Stock up before you arrive! There are very limited/zero shops around. Discovery Parks has a small shop inside reception, but the nearest larger shops are an hour away.
4. Queenstown, west coast tasmania
(~ 1 day)
Queenstown is one of the most unusual towns on the Tasmania road trip route.
This former mining town is surrounded by a dramatic, almost lunar-looking landscape created by decades of mining and it’s definitely worth a short stop on the way to the western coastline.
Best Things to Do in queenstown
Iron Blow Lookout - Look down over the enormous open-cut mine and dramatic, scarred landscape surrounding Queenstown.
Queenstown sign - Stop for the classic photo overlooking the town and rugged West Coast landscape.
Drive the famous 99 Bends – One of Tasmania's most memorable stretches of road, with tight bends winding through the mountains. It's completely doable in a motorhome, just take your time and take the bends slowly — the views are worth it!
West Coast Wilderness Railway - Take a historic train journey through Tasmania's wild West Coast rainforest and mining country. We sadly didn’t get time to do this but I’ve heard great things!!!
👉 Book the West Coast Wilderness Railway
5. Strahan, West coast tas
(1 – 2 Days)
From Queenstown, continue west to Strahan, a beautiful harbour town surrounded by Tasmania’s rugged West Coast wilderness. It’s the perfect place to slow down for a couple of days and explore the waterways, rainforest and fascinating convict history.
Where to Stay in strahan
We stayed at Strahan Tourist Park, which was a great base for exploring the area. It’s conveniently located close to town and has spacious sites for motorhomes and caravans.
👉 Check availability at Strahan Tourist Park
Best Things to Do in strahan
Gordon River Cruise – Gordon River Cruise – The must-do experience in Strahan. Cruise across Macquarie Harbour and into the pristine Gordon River, stopping at Sarah Island to learn about its convict history and Heritage Landing to walk through the ancient rainforest.
Sarah Island – Explore the ruins of Tasmania’s former convict settlement and learn about its fascinating history.
West Coast Wilderness Railway – Take a historic train journey through the rainforest and former mining country.
Nelson Falls – A beautiful short rainforest walk and an easy stop if you're travelling through the West Coast.
👉 Book your Gordon River Cruise here!
Where to Eat in strahan
We were pleasantly surprised by the food in this small town. We ate at both of these places with my family, so they’re tried and tested and places we’d happily recommend. Just be aware that many restaurants in Strahan are closed Monday to Wednesday.
Hamers Hotel – A great local pub for a hearty meal after a day exploring the West Coast.
Ducks Bar & Restaurant – A relaxed option for dinner and drinks in Strahan.
6. Hobart, South East Tasmania
(~ 4 – 5 Days)
Around 300 km from Strahan (approximately 4 hrs 15 mins by car), Hobart is a complete change of pace after the wild West Coast. Tasmania’s capital has a much more relaxed feel, with historic streets, great food, markets and plenty of things to see both in the city and further afield.
Where to Stay in hobart
We stayed at Discovery Parks Hobart, which is outside the city centre but a practical base if you're travelling in a motorhome or caravan. You'll need to drive into Hobart for most of the main attractions. The city has lots of bridges, lanes and little roads, so allow yourself a bit of extra time getting through the city. That said, the park is a good option if you want somewhere easy to stay with your motorhome.
👉 Check availability at Discovery Parks Hobart
Best Things to Do in Hobart
Salamanca Market – One of Hobart's most popular attractions, held every Saturday with local produce, food stalls, crafts and live music. I'll be honest, we found it a little overhyped, but it's still worth checking out if you're in Hobart for the weekend, especially if you enjoy markets and local food.
Battery Point – A very cute historic neighbourhood just above Salamanca, filled with sandstone buildings, heritage cottages and beautiful little cafes. Make sure you walk up the Kelly Steps, one of the area's most recognisable landmarks.
Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – A beautiful place to spend a couple of hours exploring Tasmania's plant life and landscaped gardens. We loved the Gardens!
MONA – Tasmania's famous Museum of Old and New Art. Even if you're not usually a museum person, it's unlike any traditional gallery and is well worth experiencing.
kunanyi / Mount Wellington – Drive up to the summit for incredible views across Hobart and the surrounding landscape. It is safe to drive up in a motorhome, just keep an eye on the weather conditions, as they can change quickly at the top and conditions can be very different from down in the city.
MORE TIME? ⏰
Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula
Allow at least a full day, or two if you have time in each of these places. The Tasman Peninsula is only around 1 hour from Hobart, Bruny is around 40 - 45 mins and Maria is about 1 hr 30 mins.
Port Arthur Historic Site – One of Australia's most significant convict sites and one we highly recommend. You can also add extra tours to your visit.
👉 Book Port Arthur TicketsTasman Island Cruises – See the dramatic coastline, cliffs and sea caves from the water with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.
👉 Book Tasman Island Cruises
Bruny Island
Bruny Island makes a great day trip from Hobart if you have the time. It's known for beautiful beaches, wildlife, local produce and dramatic coastal scenery. Don't miss The Neck lookout, and leave some time to stop at the island's food producers.
You can spend the day exploring the island, stopping at local producers and taking in the scenery before returning to Hobart.
Maria Island
We missed Maria Island on this trip, but it's definitely on our list for next time. The island is known for its wildlife, historic ruins, beaches and walking trails, and would be another great addition if you have a few extra days around Hobart.
💡 road trip tips
If you're heading towards Tasmania's east coast, Kelvedon Beach and Swansea make a great stop between Hobart and Freycinet.
We stopped at The Boatshed for lunch and loved the location right by the water. It's a good place to break up the drive before continuing north towards Freycinet.
7. Freycinet, east coast tasmania
(~ 1–2 Days)
Around 200 km from Hobart (approximately 2 hrs 45 mins by car), Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania's must-visit destinations. The combination of turquoise water, white sand beaches and granite mountains makes it a standout stop on the east coast.
Where to Stay in freycinet
We stayed at Edge of the Bay and absolutely loved it! It's in a beautiful waterfront location, with direct access to the beach and views across Great Oyster Bay. It's a great option if you want somewhere a little more special while exploring Freycinet, and the location makes it easy to enjoy the coastline.
If you're travelling by motorhome, there are also campsites within Freycinet National Park if you'd prefer to stay closer to the walking tracks.
👉 Check availability at Edge of the Bay
Best Things to Do in freycinet
Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania
Wineglass Bay – The main attraction and one of Tasmania's most famous beaches in Freycinet National Park. Walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for the classic view, or continue down to the beach.
Mount Amos – A challenging hike with incredible views over Wineglass Bay. Check the weather conditions before setting out, as the granite can become slippery when wet.
Wineglass Bay & Hazards Beach Circuit – A longer walk combining Wineglass Bay with the spectacular Hazards coastline.
Honeymoon Bay – A beautiful little sheltered beach that's well worth a stop.
Freycinet Marine Farm – Stop for fresh Tasmanian seafood, including oysters and mussels! This place is 10/10. A great lunch stop after exploring the park.
8. Bay of Fires, North East Tasmania
(~ 1–2 Days)
Around 180 km from Freycinet (approximately 2 hrs 30 mins by car), the Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania's most beautiful coastal regions, known for crystal-clear water, white sand beaches and huge orange lichen-covered rocks and a MUST DO!
Where to Stay in bay of fires
We stayed at Scamander Caravan Park, which was a great base for exploring the Bay of Fires. We really loved the vibe here! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ it feels more like you're staying in the middle of the bush and national park than a traditional caravan park. There are spacious sites, great amenities and plenty of room to spread out, making it a really relaxing place to stay.
👉 Check availability at Scamander Tourist Park
If you're travelling by motorhome and want to be right on the coast, Swimcart Beach Campground is another great option for a free and remote camping experience.
Best Things to Do in bay of fires
The Gardens, Bay of Fires Conservation Area, Tasmania
Binalong Bay – The main gateway to the Bay of Fires and a beautiful spot for swimming and relaxing on the beach.
The Gardens – Explore the dramatic coastline, beaches and famous orange rocks.
Cosy Corner – One of the prettiest beaches in the area and a great spot for a swim or walk.
Little Blue Lake – Located near South Mount Cameron, about 30 minutes inland from the Bay of Fires. A quick detour if you’re exploring the area.
9. Low Head/georgetown, North Tasmania
(~ 1 Day)
Around 170 km from the Bay of Fires (approximately 2 hrs 30 mins by car), Low Head is a quieter stop on Tasmania's north coast and a great place to slow down for a night. With beautiful beaches, historic sites and a rugged coastline, it's a nice change of pace after exploring the Bay of Fires. The main highlight for us was the little penguin tour, which is well worth planning your stay around.
Where to Stay in low head
We stayed at East Beach Tourist Park, which is right on the beach and a convenient base, huge grass sites and lots of wildlife! Highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
👉 Check availability at East Beach Tourist Park
Best Things to Do in low head
Low Head Penguin Tour – The highlight of our stay. Head out after dark to watch little penguins returning from the ocean.
👉 Book the Low Head Penguin TourLow Head Lighthouse – Visit the historic lighthouse and explore the surrounding coastline.
East Beach – A beautiful stretch of beach right near the tourist park.
Historic Low Head – Explore the area's maritime and convict history.
10. Launceston, North Tasmania
(~ 2 Days)
Around 50 km from Low Head (approximately 45 minutes by car), Launceston is a great place to finish your Tasmania road trip. It's a relaxed city with historic streets, good food and easy access to the Tamar Valley wine trail!
Where to Stay in launceston
We stayed at Discovery Parks Hadspen, just outside Launceston. It was a convenient base for exploring the city and surrounding area, particularly if you're travelling by motorhome or caravan.
👉 Check availability at Discovery Parks Hadspen
Best Things to Do in launceston
Cataract Gorge – One of Launceston's must-see attractions, just minutes from the city centre. Walk the trails, see the gorge and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
City Park – A lovely spot for a relaxed walk and a break from sightseeing.
Tamar Valley Wine Route – Spend a day exploring the wineries and cellar doors around the Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania's best wine regions!
👉 Explore Tamar Valley wine experiences
11. Beauty Point & Beaconsfield, North Tasmania
(~ 1–2 Days)
Around 45 km from Launceston (approximately 45 minutes by car), Beauty Point and nearby Beaconsfield make a great final stop before heading back towards Devonport and the Spirit of Tasmania.
Where to Stay in beauty point
We stayed at Beauty Point Tourist Park, which was a great base for exploring the area. It's right near the waterfront and has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a nice place to slow down for a couple of days.
👉 Check availability at Beauty Point Tourist Park via G’Day Parks
Best Things to Do in beaconsfield
Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre – Explore the history of the old gold-mining town and learn about the famous 2006 Beaconsfield Mine rescue, when miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell were trapped underground for 14 days. We actually met Brant Webb during our visit, which made seeing the museum and learning about the rescue even more special. It's a fascinating stop and one we definitely recommend.
Miners Gold Brewery – Stop in for a local beer and something to eat. It's a relaxed spot to unwind after exploring the mine and a great way to experience some of the local produce.
Beauty Point – Wander around the waterfront, explore the local area and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Tasmania Road Trip
1. How many days do you need for a Tasmania road trip? We recommend at least 3 weeks. Two weeks is possible, but you'll need to reduce the number of stops or spend less time in each destination.
2. What is the best Tasmania road trip route? Our route takes you from Devonport → Sheffield → Cradle Mountain → Queenstown → Strahan → Hobart → Freycinet → Bay of Fires → Low Head → Launceston → Beauty Point.
It gives you a mix of Tasmania's mountains, west coast wilderness, historic sites, beaches and northern towns.
3. Can you travel around Tasmania in a motorhome? Yes. Tasmania is extremely well suited to motorhome and campervan travel, with plenty of caravan parks and camping options. Just be prepared for some narrow, winding and remote roads, particularly on the west coast and around national parks.
4. What is the best time of year to visit Tasmania? Spring, summer and autumn generally offer the best conditions for road trips and hiking, although Tasmania can be beautiful year-round. We travelled through the whole of September and it was perfect! Always check local weather conditions before hiking, in alpine areas.
6. Do you need to book caravan parks in Tasmania? During busy periods, particularly summer and school holidays, booking ahead is recommended. Popular destinations such as Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and the east coast can fill quickly!
Ready to Plan Your Tasmania Road Trip?
Tasmania is one of those places where the journey really is just as important as the destination.
From rolling off the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport to hiking through Cradle Mountain, exploring the wild west coast, eating fresh seafood at Freycinet and watching penguins return to shore at Low Head, this is a road trip you'll remember.
🗺️ Save our FREE Tasmania road trip map
🏕️ Find accommodation & caravan parks
Hannah & Sam
Australia Travel Creators & Jayco RV Correspondents
Australian travel content creators and bloggers sharing road trips, destination guides, and real travel experiences across Australia.
As Jayco RV Correspondents, we travel full-time, exploring life on the road and documenting detailed itineraries, hidden gems, and practical tips through our social channels & blog to help you plan your own adventure!
These are all our honest recommendations and tips, all based on real first-hand experience. We’re here to make planning your next trip easier, more enjoyable, and full of experiences for those chasing adventure and freedom on the road!
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