Embark on a captivating 10-day self-drive adventure across Tasmania, blending breathtaking nature with rich history and delicious local fare. Your journey will take you from Hobart and Launceston to iconic sites like Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, Bay of Fires, and Bruny Island. Focus on scenic drives, short walks, and photography, while savouring the island's gourmet food, wine, and craft beverages.
Arrive at Hobart Airport (HBA), pick up your rental car, and drive to your accommodation in the city centre.
The drive from Hobart Airport to the city is approximately 20-30 minutes.
Check into your luxury accommodation at MACq 01 Hotel, located on the Hobart waterfront.
Enjoy the unique storytelling theme of the hotel.
Take an immersive 90-minute guided tour to explore one of Australia's most significant convict sites.
Learn about its grim history.
Booking advised as tours are guided and have limited capacity. A fascinating insight into Tasmania's past.
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the historic Sullivans Cove, admiring the boats and waterfront architecture.
Explore the area around Salamanca Place.
Dine at one of the many renowned restaurants in the vibrant Salamanca Place, offering a range of cuisines from fresh seafood to modern Australian.
Consider booking a table, especially on a Wednesday evening.
Drive your rental car south from Hobart to Kettering (approx.
40 minutes), then take the scenic vehicular ferry across to Bruny Island.
Ferries run regularly; check timetable online. It's recommended to arrive 20-30 minutes prior to departure. Cost for car + passengers.
Visit 'The Neck', an iconic narrow strip of land connecting North and South Bruny Island.
Climb the steps for panoramic 360-degree views and spot short-tailed shearwaters and little penguins.
Indulge in local delights: visit Bruny Island Cheese & Beer Co.
for artisan cheese tastings and local brews, and try fresh oysters from Get Shucked Oyster Bar.
Drive to the southern tip of Bruny Island to the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
Take a short walk around the lighthouse for incredible coastal views.
Guided tours of the lighthouse interior are often available for a small fee.
Catch the ferry back from Bruny Island to Kettering.
Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Hobart after a day of island exploration.
Perhaps try one of the restaurants along the waterfront or in the CBD.
Embark on a scenic drive from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula, leading to the historic Port Arthur site.
The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Take the A9 (Arthur Highway) south-east. Be aware of wildlife on rural roads, especially around dawn/dusk.
Spend a significant part of your day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Your entry ticket includes a guided walking tour and a harbour cruise.
Allow ample time to wander the grounds, visit the various buildings, and take in the powerful history. Wear comfortable shoes. Booking recommended.
Enjoy lunch at the Port Arthur Cafe or a local eatery in the surrounding area.
Explore the natural coastal rock formations of Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen, impressive geological wonders on the Tasman Peninsula.
Short walks are available at both sites.
Return drive from the Tasman Peninsula back to Hobart.
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice in Hobart, perhaps exploring a different neighbourhood.
Drive to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington for breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart, the Derwent River, and beyond. Take a short walk to fully appreciate the vistas.
Dress warmly as it can be significantly colder and windier at the summit. Check local conditions before heading up.
Visit Tasmania's most popular wildlife park, dedicated to injured and orphaned native animals.
Get up close with Tasmanian devils, wombats, kangaroos, and more. Daily feeding tours available.
Interactive experiences like hand-feeding kangaroos are a highlight. Book tickets online in advance.
Grab a quick lunch in Brighton after Bonorong, or drive a little further to the historic village of Richmond for lunch.
Take a leisurely stroll through the charming historic village of Richmond, home to Australia's oldest bridge and a well-preserved Georgian streetscape.
Explore the shops and galleries.
Begin your scenic drive north along the Great Eastern Drive towards the stunning Freycinet Peninsula and Coles Bay.
Enjoy the coastal views.
This drive offers many beautiful coastal lookout points.
Check into your chosen accommodation in or around Coles Bay, ready for exploring Freycinet National Park tomorrow.
For a luxury experience, consider Saffire Freycinet. Other options exist for various budgets.
Dine at one of the restaurants in Coles Bay, enjoying fresh local produce and views of the Hazards mountains.
Undertake the iconic short walk (approx.
1.5 hours return) to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, offering spectacular views of one of the world's most beautiful beaches. For more adventurous, consider descending to the beach.
National Parks Pass required for entry to Freycinet National Park. Wear good walking shoes.
Explore other beautiful, more secluded beaches within Freycinet National Park like Honeymoon Bay and Sleepy Bay, perfect for short strolls and photography.
Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the cafes in Coles Bay, or grab ingredients for a picnic to enjoy at a scenic spot.
Continue your drive north along the East Coast to the seaside town of Bicheno.
Visit the Bicheno Blowhole, a natural rock formation where waves force water high into the air.
Continue your scenic drive further north, heading towards the stunning Bay of Fires region, renowned for its white sands, clear waters, and orange-lichen-covered granite boulders.
Aim for St Helens or Binalong Bay.
This is a beautiful stretch of road with many opportunities for photos.
Check into your chosen accommodation in St Helens or Binalong Bay, the main towns servicing the Bay of Fires area.
Enjoy dinner featuring fresh local seafood in the Bay of Fires region.
Begin your day with a scenic drive from Tasmania's East Coast (assuming you ended Day 5 there) up to the Bay of Fires region.
Enjoy the coastal views along the way.
Stop at scenic viewpoints as desired.
Driving your rental car along the Tasman Highway (A3).
Explore the iconic orange-lichen covered granite boulders and pristine white sandy beaches of Binalong Bay, the southern gateway to the Bay of Fires.
Take a leisurely short walk along the coastline.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking on sand and rocks. Bring your camera for stunning photos.
Enjoy a casual lunch in St Helens, a major town in the Bay of Fires region, known for its fresh seafood.
Discover the vast white sand dunes and quiet beaches of the Peron Dunes area, offering another beautiful short walk opportunity.
Accessed via St Helens Point Road. This area is less crowded and offers a different perspective of the coastal beauty.
Check into your accommodation in St Helens, a convenient base for exploring the Bay of Fires region.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in St Helens, known as the 'Game Fishing Capital of Tasmania', offering fresh local seafood.
Embark on a scenic drive from St Helens inland towards Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city. The route will take you through diverse landscapes.
Consider stopping in Fingal for a coffee break if needed.
Approximately 160km (100 miles) via the A4 (Esk Highway) and A1 (Midland Highway).
Arrive in Launceston, check into your chosen hotel, and then find a spot for lunch in the city center.
Explore the unique Cataract Gorge Reserve, a natural oasis just minutes from the city center.
Enjoy easy walking trails, the world's longest single-span chairlift, and views of the South Esk River.
The chairlift offers fantastic views. Look out for peacocks and wallabies.
Take a stroll around the revitalized Old Launceston Seaport, now home to cafes, restaurants, and a pleasant waterfront atmosphere.
A great spot for an evening walk before dinner.
Dine at one of Launceston's acclaimed restaurants.
The city is known for its excellent food scene and local produce.
Visit Australia’s first truffle farm.
Learn about the history of truffles, how they are grown, and perhaps even participate in a truffle hunt (seasonal, confirm availability).
Enjoy lunch in the charming rural town of Deloraine, known for its arts and crafts.
Spend the afternoon exploring the picturesque Tamar Valley Wine Route, stopping at one or two wineries for tastings.
The region is renowned for its cool-climate wines, especially Riesling and Pinot Noir.
Popular wineries include Josef Chromy Wines, Holm Oak Vineyards, and Jansz Tasmania.
Drive back to Launceston from the Tamar Valley.
Driving your rental car.
Enjoy a relaxed evening and dinner in Launceston.
Perhaps explore a different part of the city for your meal.
Depart Launceston for the iconic Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
Enjoy the transition from urban to wilderness landscapes.
Ensure your rental car has adequate fuel before heading into the national park area.
Approximately 140km (87 miles) via the A1 and C132. Consider a brief stop in Sheffield, the 'Town of Murals', en route.
Arrive at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
Obtain your park pass, gather information, and board the shuttle bus to access the various walking tracks within the park.
Undertake the iconic Dove Lake Circuit walk, a relatively flat 6km track offering stunning views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake.
This is a must-do short walk.
The walk takes approximately 2-3 hours. The weather can change quickly, so dress in layers and carry a waterproof jacket.
Accessed via the park shuttle bus to Dove Lake.
Enjoy a late lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants near the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre or your accommodation.
Visit Ronny Creek, known for its high concentration of resident wombats.
Enjoy a short, easy walk on the boardwalk, keeping an eye out for these charismatic marsupials.
Best time to see wombats is often late afternoon. Remember to keep a respectful distance.
Accessed via the park shuttle bus.
Enjoy dinner at your accommodation or another lodge restaurant in the Cradle Mountain area, savoring the peaceful wilderness atmosphere.
Take one last short walk on the Enchanted Walk, an easy 20-minute loop near the Visitor Centre through a magical moss-filled forest, following the Pencil Pine River.
A beautiful and gentle way to experience the rainforest before departing.
Browse the local craft shops or galleries in the Cradle Mountain area for unique Tasmanian souvenirs.
Look for local woodcrafts, photography, and art inspired by the Tasmanian wilderness.
Begin your drive from Cradle Mountain back towards Launceston.
Head directly to Launceston Airport for your departure.
Approximately 150km (93 miles) via the C132 and A1. Allow extra time for any unforeseen delays.
Return your rental car at Launceston Airport (LST).
Ensure you have refuelled the car as per your rental agreement.
Check in for your departing flight and proceed through airport security.
Allow sufficient time, especially during peak travel periods.
Depart from Launceston Airport, concluding your fantastic 10-day Tasmanian adventure.
This 10-day itinerary for Tasmania, Australia 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.