A Stunning 14 Day Tasmania Itinerary

If you’re dreaming of an amazing solo getaway, this road trip to Tasmania is the perfect choice. I’m an Australian who has travelled solo all across the country, and after enjoying four incredible holidays in Tasmania, I’ve compiled this detailed 14 day Tasmania itinerary to help you plan a safe, successful, and unforgettable road trip.

With 2 weeks in Tasmania, you’ll explore some of Australia’s most dramatic landscapes, from mountain peaks and ancient rainforests to pristine beaches and stunning coastal drives. This road trip to Tasmania takes you through World Heritage-listed national parks, along the beautiful east coast, and to the island’s cities, Hobart and Launceston, which are rich in history, art, and culture.

You’ll have the chance to meet unique Australian wildlife found only in Tasmania, and enjoy locally made food and wine. Relax in quirky heritage hotels, stay in comfortable cabins or B&Bs or pitch a tent and sleep under the stars.

For this trip, I drove from Sydney, took the ferry from mainland Australia and spent 2 weeks in Tasmania exploring the island solo. It was an amazing experience, and this is the exact 14 day Tasmania itinerary I followed.

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How to Get to Tasmania

If you’re planning a 2 week Tasmania itinerary you’ll need to fly there or take the ferry across the Bass Strait. I’ve done both and whatever you choose you can enjoy this self-guided Tasmania road trip itinerary.

I began my Tasmania road trip in Devonport but you can also fly to Tasmania, hire a car, and start this itinerary in either Hobart or Launceston. Flying is much faster than the ferry and, with a hire car, you can still enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a self-guided road trip.

Taking the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport is a more adventurous start to your Tasmania 14 day itinerary. With this option you can bring your own vehicle from the mainland.

I suggest sailing overnight and booking a cabin for the most comfortable crossing. You’ll arrive rested and ready to begin your Tasmania road trip as soon as you arrive.

I found sailing during the day very long and tiring. My ferry was delayed by several hours and the 9 hour crossing became 13 hours with rough seas.

On a recent Tasmania road trip to the west coast, I used Discover Cars to book my hire car from Hobart airport and I found the perfect car for my solo adventure at an affordable price.

Getting Around Tasmania

Tasmania is connected by a network of buses but there are no trains on the island (other than heritage steam trains). The easiest and most flexible way to get around is to drive and it’s the best way to access Tasmania’s stunning wilderness areas and National Parks.

While you can base yourself in Hobart or Launceston, if you’re staying for longer than a week, I suggest hiring a car for greater independence and flexibility.  

Here’s my 2 week Tasmania itinerary.

My Stunning 14 day Tasmania Itinerary

Devonport -> Tamar Valley -> St. Helens (Bay of Fires) -> Great Eastern Drive -> Wineglass Bay -> Port Arthur -> Hobart -> Launceston -> Cradle Mountain -> Stanley -> Devonport

Day 1: Devonport to St Helens

Driving time: 4 hours

Highlights: Tamar Valley / Brady Lookout / Cataract Gorge / St Helens

I began my 2 week Tasmania itinerary in Devonport arriving on the ferry early in the morning.

From there, I took a scenic route to Launceston through the lovely Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania’s major wine-growing regions, past vineyards with open cellar doors. You can stop wherever you like for wine tasting and enjoy magical views across the river valley from Brady Lookout.

Stops included the impressive Cataract Gorge in Launceston where I enjoyed scenic views, bushwalking and a chairlift ride across the South Esk River. I spent an hour or 2 at Cataract Gorge  before heading to St. Helens on the east coast.

Lunch – Tamar bakery takeaway / Dinner – NRMA St Helens campsite restaurant

Where to Stay in St. Helens

Budget: I stayed at the  NRMA St. Helens Waterfront Holiday Park

The  Big 4 St Helens Holiday Park is another option.

Upper Mid-Range: For more comfortable accommodation, try the Queechy Motel, St Helens, or Sweetwater Villas. They both get great reviews.

Day 2: St Helens & Bay of Fires

Highlights: Binalong Bay, Humbug Point, Dora Point, St. Helens

On day 2 of my 14 day Tasmania travel itinerary, I drove along the stunning coastline to gorgeous Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires known for its crystal clear water, powder white sand and rocks covered with bright orange lichen.

I spent the day exploring Humbug Point and Dora Point, where there’s a basic campsite inside the National Park. Access is via a dirt road and you’ll need a Tasmanian National Parks Pass to visit.

In the afternoon, I found a short walk around pretty St Helens Point.

Day 3: St Helens to Coles Bay – The Great Eastern Drive

Driving time: 1.5 hours

Highlights: Scamander / Bicheno / Freycinet National Park / Friendly Beaches / Honeymoon Bay / Muirs Beach

On day 3 of my Tasmania road trip, I followed one of Australia’s most scenic roads, The Great Eastern Drive to Coles Bay. The stunning coastal scenery was a highlight of my 2 weeks in Tasmania.

I drove past gorgeous Scamander Beach and stopped in Bicheno for a picnic lunch and a swim at Redbill Beach with views of beautiful Diamond Island. The scenery was stunning with powdery white sands, orange boulders and turquoise waters.

Bicheno is home to a colony of Fairy Penguins, and in the warmer months, you can watch the penguins coming ashore at dusk.

Continuing on towards Freycinet National Park, the drive is incredibly scenic. The road hugs the beautiful east coast, and distant mountains frame the gorgeous coastline.

After turning off the highway to Freycinet National Park, I took a detour to Friendly Beaches. There’s a lookout point, a free campsite with basic facilities and miles of beautiful, untouched white sand.

I continued driving to Coles Bay nestled beneath the Hazards Mountains. In the Freycinet National Park, I stopped at beautiful Honeymoon Bay and called in at the Visitor’s Centre for some local information.

Muirs Beach and Honeymoon Bay are lovely places to watch the sunset. From Muir’s Beach, you can paddle a kayak around the point at sunset and watch the sun disappear over the water.

Lunch: Picnic at Bicheno / Dinner: Coles Bay Bar & Bistro

Where to Stay in Coles Bay & Freycinet

Budget: I pitched my tent at the Big4 Iluka on Freycinet

Upper Mid-Range: Freycinet Lodge a popular option inside the National Park surrounded by wildlife.

Edge of the Bay Resort  a private resort with stunning beaches and views.

Luxury: Eagle Peaks at Freycinet, Coles Bay offers comfortable accommodation with epic views.

Day 4: Wineglass Bay & Freycinet National Park

Highlights: Cape Tourville Lighthouse / Wineglass Bay / Mount Amos

I got up at first light and drove to Cape Tourville Lighthouse to watch the sunrise. Enjoying such magnificent scenery in the golden early morning light was absolutely exhilarating.

From the lighthouse, it’s a short drive to the car park and the start of the Wineglass Bay Lookout trail. I walked up the mountain and enjoyed my first glimpse of picture-perfect Wineglass Bay, a highlight of my Tasmania road trip.

From the lookout, you can follow the track down to Wineglass Bay Beach, but I wanted to climb to the top of Mount Amos. The trail was very challenging and incredibly steep, but the panoramic 360° views from the top of the mountain were simply breathtaking!

Dinner: Takeaway Fish & Chips, Coles Bay

Day 5: Coles Bay to Port Arthur

Driving time: 3 hours

Highlights: Historic Richmond / Tasman Peninsula / Eagle Hawk Neck / Port Arthur

I enjoyed more lovely coastal scenery heading south towards the Tasman Peninsula on my 2 week Tasmania road trip itinerary.

It’s worth stopping off at the Devil’s Corner Winery to enjoy wine tasting, buy a coffee or a meal and climb the viewing tower. The winery is at the turnoff to the Tasman Highway and there are lovely views of Moulting Lagoon and the Freycinet Peninsula.

Look out for the convict-built Spiky Bridge south of Swansea, and continue through Orford to historic Richmond, a quaint villagewith restored heritage buildings, pretty Georgian cottages, art galleries and antique shops.

I stopped at the Richmond Bakery for lunch and enjoyed live harp music in the sunny courtyard. You can taste the local Tasmanian whiskey, wine and gin, shop for souvenirs and visit the old colonial gaol, the oldest in Australia.

A highlight is crossing the river on the old Richmond Bridge, built by convicts.

Heading into the Tasman National Park there are many impressive natural rock formations, including the Tasman Arch and the Devil’s Kitchen.

Just outside Port Arthur, the Blowhole, the Tessellated Pavement, the Eagle Hawk Neck, and the infamous Dog Line are also worth seeing, along with sweeping views of Pirate Bay from the lookout point.

Lunch: Richmond Bakery / Dinner: Nubeena RSL Club

Where to Stay in Port Arthur

Budget: I stayed at the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park. I loved the wildlife here, and I had wallabies grazing around my tent at night.

Mid Range: Port Arthur Villas offers modern self-contained units, not far from the Port Arthur site.

Stuarts Bay Lodge – Stay in a log cabin and enjoy the peaceful location with stunning views.

Day 6: Port Arthur Historic Site & Tasman Peninsula

Highlights: Port Arthur Historic Site / Remarkable Cave / Maingon Lookout & Blowhole / Crescent Bay

The Historic site at Port Arthur is one of Australia’s most famous convict settlements and should not be missed on a Tasmania road trip. Along with The Rocks in Sydney, Port Arthur, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognised for its historical importance in colonial Australia.

I bought my Port Arthur entry ticket in advance online, and it included a short ferry ride around the harbour.

In the afternoon, I had time to drive to the Remarkable Cave on the wild, rugged coastline. I could see Cape Raoul from the Maingon Lookout, and there were huge waves crashing against the tall sea cliffs.

I finished the day with a scenic walk around the cliff tops to Crescent Bay past the impressive Maingon Blowhole.

Lunch: Port Arthur Historic Site café / Dinner: self-catering

Day 7: Port Arthur to Hobart

Driving time: 1.5 hours

Highlights: Port Arthur Lavender Farm / Unzoo / Tasmanian Devils / Hobart / Battery Point / Salamanca Place

Leaving Port Arthur, I stopped for breakfast at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm and took a stroll through the sweet-smelling fields. I also bought some souvenirs at the shop.

My next stop on the Tasman Peninsula, was the Unzoo on Arthur Road where I saw endangered Tasmanian Devils for the first time. It was a delightful experience and I also enjoyed hand-feeding wild kangaroos and wallabies, a highlight on my 2 week Tasmania itinerary.

After about 90 minutes on the road, I arrived in Hobart, the capital of Tasmania. I spent the afternoon exploring historic Hobart, Battery Point, Salamanca Place and the Salamanca Art Centre.

On Battery Point I walked past pretty restored Georgian cottages in Arthur’s Circus, climbed the convict-built Kelly’s Steps, and visited St. George’s Church and Princes Park. 

Breakfast: Port Arthur Lavender Farm / Dinner: Shipwrights Arms restaurant

Where to Stay in Hobart

Budget: Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse offers comfortable backpacker accommodation in a central location.

Budget & Mid Range: I stayed at the quaint, restored Shipwright’s Arms hotel. I loved the location on Battery Point, a 10 minute walk from the waterfront. The hotel has parking and a popular restaurant, with a delicious Sunday Roast!

Upper Mid Range: For a more upmarket stay on your Tasmania road trip, the Moss Hotel near the Hobart waterfront, gets great reviews.

Luxury: My sister and my cousin highly recommend the Henry Jones Art Hotel for an arty, luxury stay in Hobart.

Day 8: Hobart

Highlights: Hobart Waterfront / Mount Wellington / Salamanca Market / MONA

Hobart is full of history and was a highlight of my Tasmania 14 day itinerary. I watched the sunrise at the Hobart Waterfront and there was snow on Mount Wellington behind the city.

I planned my Tasmania itinerary to be in Hobart on a Saturday morning for the famous Salamanca Market and spent a lovely morning shopping and enjoying the stalls filled with gifts and souvenirs, local crafts, produce and lots of street food.

In the afternoon, I drove to the popular MONA (Museum of New Art). I enjoyed the weird and wonderful modern art exhibits and the lovely location on the banks of the Derwent River.

To get there you can catch the Mona Roma ferry from the Brooke St Pier on Hobart’s waterfront if you don’t want to drive.

The beautiful Hobart Botanical Gardens are on the way to MONA, and the Morilla Estate Winery is also nearby and worth visiting if you have time.

Lunch: Salamanca Market / Dinner: Shipwright’s Arms

Day 9: Mount Field National Park

Driving time: 1.5 hours (one-way)

Highlights: Mount Field National Park / Russel Falls / Salmon Ponds / Royal Botanical Gardens

The lovely Mount Field National Park is an easy drive and a perfect day trip from Hobart. It takes around 90 minutes to drive there. I hoped to camp at Mount Field, but with freezing temperatures, snow and pouring rain, I decided a day trip from Hobart was a better option.

I stopped along the way to buy fresh berries at the Westerway Raspberry Farm, just before the entrance to the National Park.

Highlights are the short walks to the lovely Russel Falls, the Tall Trees and the Three Falls circuit trail. Unfortunately, snowy weather meant the roads were closed, and I was unable to drive further into the National Park.

Driving back to Hobart, I stopped at the Salmon Ponds and explored the heritage buildings and fed the fish in the huge ponds in the lovely garden.

You’ll pass the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens again, and it’s worth stopping to stroll through the lovely grounds if you have time.

Lunch: The Salmon Ponds cafe / Dinner: The Shamrock Hotel, Hobart

Day 10: Hobart to Deloraine via Launceston

Driving time: 3 hours

Highlights: Launceston / QVMAG / Deloraine

The next stop on my 14 day Tasmania itinerary is Launceston, the island’s second-largest city. Driving from Hobart to Launceston is an easy and unexciting 3-hour drive on a freeway.

 In Launceston, I enjoyed the free exhibits at the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery and bought food supplies for the next leg of my Tasmania road trip to Cradle Mountain.

I spent the night in the tiny town of Deloraine, about half an hour outside Launceston on the way to Cradle Mountain.

Visiting Tasmania Zoo in Launceston is also worthwhile.

Lunch: Picnic in Launceston / Dinner: The Empire Hotel Deloraine

Where to Stay in Deloraine

Budget: The Deloraine Hotel has single rooms in a recently renovated heritage building that are perfect for solo travellers on a budget.

Mid-Range: The Empire Hotel is another good option in Deloraine with a popular restaurant.

Luxury: The Chapel is a luxurious heritage property that gets excellent reviews.

Day: 11: Deloraine to Cradle Mountain

Driving time: 2 hours

Highlights: Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm / Cradle Mountain National Park / Dove Lake

Leaving Deloraine early, I went to the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for a delicious raspberry-themed breakfast, and I bought fresh berries for the drive to Cradle Mountain.

My next stop was at Mole Creek to fill the fuel tank. It’s the last petrol stop before the National Park, and there’s a limestone cave system here if you have time to explore.  

Driving carefully along the narrow, windy roads, I made my way around the switchbacks and hairpin bends to Cradle Mountain. I arrived around midday and spent the afternoon exploring the walking trails around peaceful Dove Lake.

Breakfast: Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm / Lunch: Cradle Mountain National Park Centre Café / Dinner – self-catered

Day 12: Cradle Mountain

Highlights: Cradle Mountain National Park / Marion’s Lookout / Knyvet Falls / Ronny Creek

Visiting Cradle Mountain is one of the highlights of my Tasmania travel itinerary. My day on Cradle Mountain in the Tasmanian wilderness was very wet but still very special.

There was snow on the mountain and heavy rain and unfortunately, I didn’t actually see Cradle Mountain as there was so much cloud. I started the climb to Marion’s Lookout through snow and mist and enjoyed the moody atmosphere at Dove Lake.

The rivers were full of fresh rain and snowmelt and Knyvet Falls was powering down. I saw wild wombats near Ronny Creek and the Fagus was starting to turn to autumn colours on the mountain.

I left my car in the car park at the National Park Centre and took the shuttle bus into the park, to the start of the walking trails.

I suggest rugging up for your visit. Take waterproof clothes and thermals for hiking, and sleep in a warm cabin rather than camping.

Lunch/ Dinner: Restaurant & Bar at Cradle Mountain Lodge / National Parks Centre Café / self-catering

Where to Stay on Cradle Mountain

Budget: Travelling alone, I stayed in a female 4-bed dormitory at Discovery Parks, Cradle Mountain. It was warm and dry and I enjoyed meeting other hikers.

Mid-Range: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village or Cradle Mountain Hotel offer comfortable accommodation for a Tasmania road trip.

Luxury: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is a lovely place to stay inside the National Park with walking trails and wildlife on the doorstep.

Day 13: Cradle Mountain to Stanley

Driving time: 2.5 hours

Highlights: Stanley / The Nut / Fairy Penguins

The next stop on my 14 day Tasmania itinerary is Stanley. From Cradle Mountain, it’s a pleasant drive to the quaint coastal village nestled beneath a huge rocky outcrop known as The Nut.

From Stanley, I drove around the cliff tops and enjoyed the stunning coastal scenery. There’s a cable car to the top of The Nut, but it was closed, so I climbed to the top. The path is very steep, and pademelons were grazing near the path.

In the evening, I went to the Fairy Penguin viewing platform to see little penguins swimming ashore at dusk and waddling up the beach to their nests. Penguin season is from September to March, and I caught the tail end of the season in April.

It was freezing cold, and I put on every bit of warm clothing I had with me. Most of the colony had swum out to sea, but there were a few stragglers who were malting and still in their nests.

Lunch: Bruce’s café near the beach at Wynyard / Dinner: Hursey Seafood / Stanley Hotel **Book ahead

Where to Stay in Stanley

Budget: I camped by the beach at the Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park

Mid-Range: Bayview Guesthouse or Stanley Hotel & Apartments offer comfortable accommodation and get great reviews.

Luxury: Noah’s Luxury Bed & Breakfast offers more luxury with a personal touch.

Day 14: Stanley to Devonport via Arthur River

Driving time: 3.5 hours

Highlights: The Edge of the World Lookout / Boat Harbour Beach / Fairy Penguins / Lillico Beach Devonport

On the last day of my Tasmania 14 day itinerary, I drove out to Arthur River and The Edge of the World Lookout where the river meets the Southern Ocean. There’s wild, white water as far as the eye can see and piles of driftwood, from fallen trees wash up on the shore.  

On the way to Devonport, I drove through the Tarkine wilderness and stopped at Burney, Penguin and stunning Boat Harbour Beach, one of the prettiest little beaches in the world (it’s number 8 in the world according to the café owner).

Arriving in Devonport, my 2 week Tasmania adventure came to an end. Catching the night ferry back to mainland Australia is an option but I chose a day crossing this time and spent the night very comfortably in Ulverstone at the Lighthouse Hotel.

At dusk, I went to see the delightful Fairy Penguins from the viewing platform at the Lillico Beach conservation area near Devonport.

The next day, it was a short 20 minute drive to the ferry and the end of a wonderful 2 weeks in Tasmania.

Lunch: Boat Harbour Beach Cafe / Dinner: Lighthouse Hotel

Where to stay in Devonport / Ulverstone

Budget: For camping, Discovery Parks Devonport is a good option.

Mid Range: I stayed in a comfortable room at The Lighthouse Hotel in Ulverstone just outside Devonport.  

The Argosy Motor Inn Devonport is another comfortable mid-range option closer to the ferry port.

Luxury: Views Forever Devonport gets excellent reviews and has a view to die for!

Essential Driving Tips for Your Tasmania Road Trip:

A road trip to Tasmania is a fantastic way for solo travellers to experience the peace and rugged beauty of Australia’s island state.  

Exploring by car gives you access to scenic coastal drives, wilderness areas and stunning National parks but, remote areas and unpredictable weather mean it’s essential to be well-prepared, especially if you’re travelling solo.

Here are my tips for a safe and comfortable road trip to Tasmania.

• Avoid driving after dark: Wildlife is a major cause of road accidents in Tasmania. Wallabies, wombats, and possums are most active at night and can unexpectedly cross the road.

• Drive carefully on winding, narrow roads: Many country and mountain roads in Tasmania are steep or remote. Take your time, especially in areas like the West Coast or Central Highlands.

• Pack for all weather: Include warm clothing and thermal layers in your Tasmania packing list. Even in summer, it can snow in the higher regions like Cradle Mountain.

• Plan for shorter daylight hours: If you’re travelling in autumn or winter, remember that days are shorter. Adjust your driving schedule to ensure you’re off the road before nightfall.

• Don’t rely solely on GPS or mobile data: Internet coverage can be limited in rural and wilderness areas. Download offline maps or carry a paper map for backup.

• Refuel before remote areas: Petrol stations are few and far between in some parts of Tasmania, especially in national parks and along the West Coast. Keep your tank topped up.

• Bring snacks, water, and essentials: For long stretches between towns, especially in the wilderness, stock up on food and supplies in advance.

• Buy a Tasmanian National Park Pass: This is required for most park entries. You can purchase it online, at visitor centres, or on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

• Look for discounts – If you’re a member of NRMA, RACV, or hold a Seniors Card, you may be eligible for discounts on accommodation, attractions, and park passes.

Whether you bring your own car on the ferry or enjoy a fly drive Tasmania holiday, a road trip around Tasmania gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and enjoy wilderness areas and hard to get to places.  

When to Visit Tasmania?

The best time of year to visit Tasmania is in the summer (December to February) when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. It’s also the most popular time and you’ll need to book ahead if you’re travelling at peak times, around Christmas, New Year, Easter and during school holidays.

Autumn and spring are also lovely times to visit when the bush is in flower and Fagus covers the mountains with autumn colours but the weather can be changeable in the shoulder seasons.

Winters are cold but they have a charm of their own with the mountain tops covered in snow. Visit midwinter for the dark MOFO music and art festival.

Autumn in Tasmania: My Experience

I travelled to Tasmania solo in autumn, spring and summer and I travelled this 14 day Tasmania itinerary in April.

The east coast was warm and sunny for the first week but in the second week I experienced a cold snap with heavy rain and snow on the mountains. I decided to skip the wilderness of the west coast and instead, drove to northern Tasmania and Cradle Mountain and via the freeway to Launceston.

Unfortunately, I didn’t see Lake St Clair, Queenstown and Strahan on this trip but I did return and recently spent a wonderful week exploring the wild west coast on separate adventure.

I also came back on a different trip and spent 4 days hiking the scenic Three Capes Track on the spectacular Tasman Peninsula and it’s the perfect multi day walk for solo female hikers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts: My Tasmania Itinerary 14 Days

Spending 2 weeks in Tasmania was one of my most rewarding solo travel experiences in Australia. This 14 day Tasmania itinerary gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace, connect with nature, and discover the island’s unique charm.

If you’re planning a road trip to Tasmania, this itinerary offers both adventure and relaxation with many unforgettable moments. I hope it helps you plan your own incredible holiday.

I love visiting Tasmania and I think you will too!

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