Embark on a captivating 10-day cultural and adventure journey through Tasmania, experiencing its diverse landscapes and rich history. Explore iconic national parks like Cradle Mountain, historical sites such as Port Arthur, and the stunning Bay of Fires, alongside vibrant cities like Hobart and Launceston. Enjoy a moderate pace with your rental car, savoring local food, wine, and craft beverages on Bruny Island and beyond, with plenty of opportunities for scenic short walks.
Upon arrival at Hobart Airport (HBA), collect your rental car and drive to your accommodation in Hobart.
Allow time for airport procedures and check-in.
Rental car pick-up at the airport. Drive approx. 20-30 minutes to Hobart city centre.
Enjoy a relaxing, informative guided tour among the most quiet, conservative and class conscious area of Tasmania which adjoins waterfront Salamanca and prestigious Battery Point.
See the elegant Georgian architecture and learn about the area's rich history.
Meet your guide near Salamanca Place. This is a great way to orient yourself and learn about Hobart's past.
Explore the vibrant Salamanca Place, known for its historic sandstone warehouses, art galleries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants.
Enjoy your first Tasmanian dinner here.
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Try local seafood or produce-focused restaurants.
Take a scenic drive to the summit of Mount Wellington (Kunanyi), offering panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and the surrounding wilderness.
Enjoy short walks along the viewing platforms.
Dress warmly, as temperatures at the summit can be significantly colder and windier than in the city. The road can be closed in winter due to snow.
Return to Hobart for a casual lunch.
Explore local cafes or eateries along the waterfront.
Participate in a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn new techniques in a fun and safe environment.
The class emphasizes local, seasonal, and organic produce, often from the instructor's own garden.
Enjoy a unique culinary experience, learning about Tasmanian ingredients. This class includes the meal you prepare.
Begin your scenic drive from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula, home to the historic Port Arthur site.
The drive itself offers stunning coastal views.
Approximately 1.5-hour drive via Arthur Hwy/A9.
Spend several hours at the Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed former penal settlement.
Explore the ruins, historic buildings, and beautiful grounds. The entry ticket includes a guided walking tour and a harbour cruise.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Allow ample time to explore the vast site. Consider the 'Ghost Tour' in the evening if you're feeling brave (requires separate booking and a longer stay).
After Port Arthur, explore some of the Tasman Peninsula's natural wonders.
Visit Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen, dramatic coastal rock formations created by powerful ocean erosion. Enjoy short walks along the viewing platforms.
These sites are a short drive from Port Arthur and offer breathtaking cliff scenery.
Drive back to Hobart after a day of history and natural beauty.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
Approximately 1.5-hour drive back to Hobart. Be mindful of wildlife on the roads, especially at dusk.
Drive south from Hobart to Kettering (approx.
40 minutes) to catch the vehicle ferry to Bruny Island. The ferry crossing offers lovely views of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.
Check ferry times and consider booking in advance during peak season to avoid long waits. The cost is per vehicle, not per person. There are no ATMs on Bruny Island.
Ferry takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Visit 'The Neck,' a narrow strip of land connecting North and South Bruny Island.
Climb the wooden steps to the lookout for iconic panoramic views. Enjoy a walk along the pristine beaches.
Indulge in Bruny Island's famous local produce.
Visit Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co. for tastings, Get Shucked Oysters for fresh seafood, and Bruny Island Berry Farm (seasonal).
Drive to the southern tip of Bruny Island to the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
Explore the lighthouse grounds and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. Take a short walk around the area.
The drive to the lighthouse is mostly unsealed but generally manageable for 2WD vehicles.
Take the ferry back to Kettering and drive back to Hobart.
Enjoy a well-deserved dinner after a full day of island exploration.
Check last ferry times. Drive back to Hobart approx. 40 minutes from Kettering.
Depart Hobart and take a short drive to the charming historic village of Richmond, one of Tasmania's most preserved Georgian towns.
Approximately a 30-minute drive from Hobart.
Wander through Richmond, visit the iconic Richmond Bridge (Australia's oldest working bridge), Richmond Gaol, and browse the quaint shops and galleries. Enjoy a coffee or morning tea.
Consider visiting the Zoodoo Wildlife Park nearby if interested in native animals.
Enjoy lunch at one of Richmond's many cafes or bakeries, offering local delights.
Continue your journey north-east along Tasmania's stunning East Coast.
Enjoy picturesque views, stopping at scenic lookouts and charming coastal towns like Orford, Triabunna, and Swansea. This sets you up for the Bay of Fires in the next chunk.
This drive can take longer if you stop frequently. Consider stops at local wineries or farm gates along the way.
Arrive at your chosen accommodation on the East Coast, perhaps in Swansea or Bicheno, to relax after the drive and prepare for further exploration.
Enjoy a picturesque drive along Tasmania's stunning East Coast, making your way north to the renowned Bay of Fires region.
Take in the coastal views as you approach your destination.
Stop at various lookouts along the way for photos.
Self-drive via Tasman Highway (A3).
Explore the pristine white sands and iconic orange-lichen-covered granite boulders of Binalong Bay.
Enjoy a leisurely walk, dip your toes in the clear turquoise waters, and take plenty of photos.
The contrast of the white sand, orange rocks, and blue water is truly spectacular. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Visit various lookouts along the Bay of Fires coastline, such as The Gardens.
Find a scenic spot for a packed lunch amidst the stunning scenery.
Pack a picnic or grab some local treats from St Helens before heading out.
Discover St Helens, the largest town on Tasmania's northeast coast and a hub for the Bay of Fires region.
Explore its fishing port, local shops, and maybe grab an afternoon coffee.
Known as the 'Game Fishing Capital' of Tasmania.
Enjoy a delicious dinner in St Helens, perhaps sampling some fresh local seafood.
Depart the Bay of Fires region and embark on a scenic drive west towards Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city. The journey takes you through charming rural landscapes.
Consider a brief stop in Scottsdale for a coffee break.
Self-drive via Tasman Highway (A3) and then the A8/A7.
Check into your accommodation in Launceston and then find a local cafe for lunch.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Cataract Gorge, a unique natural formation just minutes from the city centre.
Enjoy scenic walks, cross the suspension bridge, and ride the world's longest single-span chairlift.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking. The chairlift offers great views (optional, additional cost).
Dine at one of Launceston's many excellent restaurants, from fine dining to casual eateries.
Launceston is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offering diverse culinary experiences.
Explore the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG), with its two main sites: the Art Gallery at Royal Park and the Museum at Inveresk.
Discover Tasmanian history, natural sciences, and colonial art.
The Inveresk site focuses on natural history and industry, while Royal Park houses art and decorative arts. Free entry to most exhibitions.
Take a self-guided walk through Launceston's historic city centre, admiring the Victorian and Georgian architecture, including beautiful parks and unique streetscapes.
Don't miss the Quadrant Mall and Civic Square areas.
Enjoy lunch at one of Launceston's charming cafes or restaurants before heading out to the Tamar Valley.
Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque Tamar Valley Wine Region, known for its cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling varieties. Visit a winery for a tasting.
Popular wineries include Josef Chromy Wines, Tamar Ridge Cellar Door, and Pipers Brook Vineyard. Remember to have a designated driver.
Enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner back in Launceston, reflecting on your Tamar Valley discoveries.
Depart Launceston and drive west to the iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Enjoy the changing landscapes as you head into Tasmania's wilderness heartland.
Consider a stop in Sheffield, the 'Town of Murals', for a coffee and a look at the outdoor art.
Self-drive via Bass Highway (A1) and C132. Be aware of wildlife on the roads, especially at dawn/dusk.
Arrive at the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park Visitor Centre.
Collect your park pass, gather information about walks and the shuttle bus, and explore the interpretive displays.
Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants near the Cradle Mountain visitor centre or your accommodation.
Undertake the iconic Dove Lake Circuit walk (approx.
6km, 2-3 hours). This relatively flat walk takes you around the stunning Dove Lake with spectacular views of Cradle Mountain, ancient rainforests, and diverse wildlife.
The shuttle bus (included with park pass) will take you to Dove Lake. Wear sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Take the free shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to the Dove Lake car park. Runs frequently.
As dusk settles, keep an eye out for Tasmania's unique nocturnal wildlife, such as wombats, pademelons, and wallabies, which are often seen grazing around the accommodation areas.
Drive slowly and be cautious of wildlife on roads during dusk and dawn.
Enjoy a shorter, tranquil walk through the rainforest on the Enchanted Walk (20 min loop) or to Pencil Pine Falls (30 min return).
These provide a beautiful final taste of Cradle Mountain's unique flora and fauna.
Both walks start near the Visitor Centre. Easy and rewarding.
Visit the Wilderness Gallery near the Cradle Mountain Lodge, showcasing stunning photography and art inspired by Tasmania's wilderness.
It's a great indoor option before your drive.
Provides a deeper appreciation for the region's natural beauty. Entry fees may apply for specific exhibitions.
Enjoy a final lunch in the Cradle Mountain area before beginning your journey back towards Hobart.
Embark on the journey back to Hobart.
This is a longer driving day, taking you through the heart of Tasmania. Plan for comfort stops along the way.
Ensure you have plenty of fuel, snacks, and water for the drive. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs.
Self-drive via Lyell Highway (A10) or Midlands Highway (A1) from Launceston. The Lyell Highway is very scenic but can be winding; the Midlands Highway is faster. Choose based on your preference for speed vs. scenery.
Enjoy a final dinner in Hobart, perhaps revisiting a favorite spot or trying a new restaurant to celebrate your incredible Tasmanian adventure.
This 10-day itinerary for Tasmania can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.