14 Day Campervan Hire Tasmania Road Trip

1800km, approx 26.5 hours driving time total plus stops.

You can easily spend more time in all these locations, we recommend using this as a guide to plan your perfect road trip.  The best part of travelling by campervan is the ability to travel at your own pace, the freedom to stay in spots you love for longer periods, and pass through those you don’t.

Day 1 and 2

Hobart – Tasman Peninsula

110 km, 1 hour 30 mins driving time plus stops

The Tasman Peninsula is one of my favourite areas in Tasmania, and you can easily spend a few days exploring here alone. Discover Dolerite cliffs, historic sites, lookouts, local produce and epic coastline features.

Recommended stops;

Sorell, last chance to stock up at large supermarkets/shops, there are few options on the Peninsula.

Cape Hauy Walking Track, 4 hours return, 9.4 km and a lot of stairs, but well worth the effort.

Cape Raoul Walking Track, 5 hours return, 14km return, absolutely stunning views.

Eaglehawk Neck offers plenty of POI’s, check out the Tasman Bay National Park Lookout, Tessellated Pavement, The Dog Line, Blow Hole, Tasmans Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and Waterfall Bay Lookout.

Port Arthur Historic Site, dive back into history with this fun experience, our pick is the Ghost Tour.

Remarkable Cave, Crescent Bay and Mount Brown Lookout, scenic and unique walks from 10 mins to a couple hours.

Camping;

NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park, booking in advance required.

Fortescue Bay Camping Ground, booking in advance required.

Day 3

Tasman Peninsula – Triabunna via Sorell

130 km, 2 hours driving time plus stops

Allow yourself time to check out Maria Island, an absolute haven for wildlife where you can find wombats grazing along wallabies and forester kangaroos. Hire a bike or walk on this car free Island to explore historic sites, the Painted Cliffs or hike up to the Bishops and Clerk Peak for breath taking views.

Recommended stops;

Sorell, restock on supplies and take the main road North for the quickest route.

Richmond, Picturesque historic town with cafes, shops and POI’s.

Camping;

Triabunna Self Contained Camping/Spring Bay Hotel Camping.

Day 4

Triabunna – Freycinet National Park

110km, 1 hour 30 mins driving time plus stops

Freycinet National Park offers hikes, short and long to view the stunning Wineglass Bay.  Our pick is Mount Amos if you’re after a rewarding challenge (some scrambling, grippy shoes required), the Lighthouse Lookout Boardwalk, and Wineglass Bay to Hazards Beach circuit. Pop into the Freycinet National Park Visitors Centre to find your perfect walk, you can easily spend 2 days exploring the park.

Recommended stops;

Devil’s Corner Cellar Door, one of the most popular cellar doors with restaurant, lookout and vegan friendly wines.

Camping;

Freycinet National Park Campground, limited spots so book early.

Friendly Beached Campground, free camping, recommend getting in early for a spot during peak season.  Endless walking up and down the beach.

Freycinet Campground, booking recommended during peak seasons.

Day 5

Freycinet National Park – Bay of Fires

130km, 2 hours driving time plus stops

Bay of Fires has many free camping opportunities with one of the best beaches on your door step. We recommend getting into these spots as early as possible in peak season for the best sites.

Recommended stops;

Coles Bay offers another perspective of the Hazards, dining, kayaking, beaches and walking trails.

Bicheno has a lot of tourist activities including Little Penguin Tours, Devils in the Dark Tour, Glass Bottom Boat, Bicheno Blowhole, Whalers Lookout Reserve and plenty of eateries or take a swim and relax at the beach.

St Helens, stock up on groceries, top up the water tank, coin operated hot showers and laundry by the car wash. Cafes, shops and waterfront board walk.

Camping;

Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner South, and Cosy Corner North are our picks for free camping.

Tasman Holiday Parks St Helens, for a traditional campground with facilities, booking required.

Day 6

Bay of Fires – Derby

90km, 1 hour 30 mins driving time plus stops

Derby is an old mining town, now transformed with a World Class Mountain Bike trail network. Hire a bike to check out the Blue Derby trails, walk and swim at the Lake or visit the Derby Sauna (bookings recommended).  With plenty of eateries, a brewery and camp sites Derby is one of my favourite towns in Tasmania.

Recommended stops;

St Columba Falls, 20 – 30 min, 1.2 km return walk to one of Tasmania’s tallest waterfalls.

Weldborough Hotel for a feed, scenic beer garden and camping.

Camping;

There’s plenty of camping in Derby, if travelling through at peak season we recommend getting in early to get a spot.

Day 7

Derby – Launceston – Mole Creek

180km, 2 hours 30 mins driving time plus stops

Enjoy the beautiful drive across to Mole Creek, a small town with scenic walks, caves, and camping with the chance to spot a platypus.

Recommended stops;

Bridestowe Lavender Estate, best during the summer time for those classic Instagram shots, and find everything lavender.

Launceston, Cataract Gorge has plenty of walks to stretch your legs, take a ride on the chairlift or grab a hot drink at the café.

Tamar Valley wine region, with over 20 vineyards, an overnight stop exploring the Tamar Valley Wine Route for those lovers of Wine may be preferred.

Mole Creek Caves, enjoy guided tours of these limestone caves year-round.

Camping;

Mole Creek Hotel, camping behind the hotel, look out for the resident Platypus in the creek.

Honeycomb Caves Campsite, just South of Mole Creek, grassy areas with self-guided caves to explore.

Day 8

Mole Creek – Stanley

250km, 3 hours 30 mins driving time plus stops

For those wishing to head out to Stanley you can get a taste of what the North West has to offer, and enjoy another scenic drive.  You could easily spend weeks just exploring this corner of Tasmania alone, but we’ll keep this short with our top picks.

Recommended stops;

Sheffield, the Town of Murals, well worth a wonder through on foot to admire the many murals and cute shops.

Leven Canyon Lookout, get some steps in with the short 1.2km circuit viewing 2 unique lookouts over the canyon.

Penguin, A super cute seaside town that’s good for a lunch stop over and a stroll, if you’re there on a Sunday check out the market with over 200 vendors.

Table Cape Tulip Farm/Wynard, open year round, but best in Spring.

Stanley Nut, the short but steep walk at the Nut will certainly get the heart rate up, or relax on the chairlift to enjoy the loop around the top of the Nut. Enjoy local cafes and shops and take a stroll to see the Little Penguins at night.

Camping;

BIG4 Stanley, convenient location, close to town and the Penguins. Booking recommended in peak season.

Day 9

Stanley – Cradle Mountain

200km, 2 hours 30 mins driving time plus stops

If you’re low on supplies I’d recommend stocking up in Burnie for the last large shops for a few days.  Allow yourself plenty of time to experience Cradle Mountain with our favourite trails below. Once you arrive into Cradle Mountain National Park, pop into the Visitors Centre for bus tickets down to Dove Lake, and explore what walks you want to do.

Recommended;

Waratah, a gorgeous little quiet town with a waterfall in the middle. Camping available.

Cradle Mountain;

Dove Lake Circuit, 6 km, 2 hours, easy track around the lake.

Marions Lookout, I’d certainly recommend doing this lookout as part of the Dove Lake Circuit, the views are amazing (weather permitting) and well worth the effort.

Cradle Mountain Summit, allow around 6 hours to hike up to the Summit and back down around Dove Lake. This challenging but rewarding climb is something you’ll never forget. This hike can get busy so get the first bus down to avoid the crowds and ques up to the Summit.

Enchanted Walk, easy 1.1 km circuit along the river, best done at dusk to spot some Wombats.

Camping;

Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain, booking essential as this is the only camp ground at Cradle Mountain National Park. Can be cramped and expensive.

Cradle Mountain Fishery & Camping is our pick, 15 min drive from Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, lookout for a Platypus again, especially if you didn’t get to see one at Mole Creek.

Day 10

Cradle Mountain – Strahan/Queenstown

140km, 2 hours driving time plus stops

Yet another scenic drive through the Western Wilds, if you’re tight on time you may wish to keep passing through and head towards Lake St Clair.

Recommended stops;

Mount Murchison Track, 5.3 km allow 3 – 4 hours. If you have time, the weathers in your favour and you’re still feeling energetic, this challenging route offers exceptional scenic views over the Wild West of Tasmania, one of my favorite hikes in Tasmania, and a must do for any keen hikers.

Strahan, Gordon River Cruise to enjoy the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area.

Queenstown, enjoy a stroll around the Murals of this old mining town, up to the lookout or just down the Main Street.

West Coast Wilderness Railway is a unique journey to Strahan through rainforest and the King River Gorge.

Camping;

Strahan Beach Tourist Park.

Queenstown Cabin & Tourist Park (Our Pick).

Day 11

Strahan/Queenstown – Lake St Clair

140km, 2 hours driving time plus stops

The stunning scenic drive through Queenstown’s iconic 99 bends, this drive will take you by waterfalls, lakes, lookouts and all with a beautiful Mountain backdrop.  There’s plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs so take your time and soak it all in.

Recommended stops;

Horsetail Falls, 20 min return walk.

Nelson Falls, 20 min return walk.

Donaghys Hill Lookout, 45 min return walk for spectacular views.

Franklin River Nature Trail, 25 min return rainforest walk.

The Wall, $18 entry ea, an impressive 3 metre high, 100 metre long sculpted Huon Pine wall. Bookings required.

Lake St Clair National Park, offering short walks to long hikes.  Visit the information centre to find your ideal walk.

Camping;

Lake St Clair National Park Campground, booking recommended. Restaurant onsite, booking recommended.

Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel, free overnight parking in the carpark, enjoy a hot meal and drinks in the Hotel.

Day 12

Lake St Clair – Mount Field National Park

140km, 2 hours driving time plus stops

We recommend driving through Tarraleah for the easiest drive, although still windy and scenic.

Recommended stops;

Tarraleah, stop off at the Tarraleah Power Station Lookout for a quick stretch of the legs.

Westerway Raspberry Farm, a must in Summer to pick your own berries, or pick up some local produce in the shop.

Mount Field National Park, Three Falls Circuit, 6 km, 2 hrs.  Discover 3 waterfalls, huge trees and a beautiful walk in this heavily forested area. Alternatively take the short walk to Russel Falls, or explore the longer hikes in this National Park.

Maydena Bike Park, for the keen Mountain Biker this gravity park is an absolute must. Bike hire and shuttles available, booking in advance recommended.

Camping;

Mount Field National Park, we recommend getting in early to reserve a spot, first come first served.

Left of Field Camping Gardens, unique paid campsite.

Day 13

Mount Field National Park – Richmond

90km, 1 hour 30 mins driving time plus stops

Take a relaxing drive towards the Coal River Valley wine region, and enjoy some historic towns.

Recommended stops;

New Norfolk, Shop antiques, fine dining experience at The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery and Rum Distillery tours.

Bonorong Wildlife Park, a sanctuary for animals and animal lovers alike, Bonorong do an amazing job in rescuing and rehabilitating our injured wildlife.  Night tours are our pick, when the animals are most active and allow an intimate encounter.

MONA – Musuem of Old and New Art, even those who aren’t a fan of art will appreciate MONA, this unique experience should not be missed, and best to let it all be a surprise. Confirm opening times before your visit.

Richmond, rich in history you can explore historic sites, museums, galleries and an abundance of local food and wine.

Camping;

Richmond Caravan & Cabin Park, (Our Pick).

Discover Parks Hobart, Risdon.

Hobart Showground.

Day 14

Hobart

The capital of Tasmania has a lot to see and do, we recommend at least a 1 night stay in the City, before or after your road trip to give you time to experience Hobart.

Recommended;

Mount Wellington, take a drive, hike or bus up to the summit of Kunanyi for surreal views across the area, just check weather first and take a jacket… It can be cold up there.

Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest brewery, enjoy tours, food and the gardens.

Salamanca Market, 8.30am – 3pm Saturdays, with over 300 stalls it’s the perfect place to find Tasmanian designed and handmade products, local food and eats.

Farm Gate farmers markets, Bathurst Street 08.30 – 13.00 Sundays, local eats and produce.

This is far from an exhaustive list, and only a handful of our favourite things to do when hiring visiting Tasmania.  We hope you enjoy your stay and don’t hesitate to reach out to us for any questions when planning your road trip.