14 Day Top Tasmania Getaway Itinerary

Welcome to Launceston.

One of Australia's oldest cities: charm-filled Launceston is a boutique riverside town with Colonial and Victorian heritage buildings in abundance.

Located at the head of the picturesque Tamar Valley, Launceston's beautiful attractions include the spectacular Cataract Gorge Reserve and beautiful parks & gardens.

Settle in with a stroll along the waterfront, perhaps head out to the Tamar Valley region for a taste of Tasmania’s fine wines or take a short walk to the wild and beautiful Cataract Gorge, just 15 minutes from town.

Accommodation: Launceston - 2 Nights

Today embark on a 50 minute round trip and explore the old and new facets of Launceston's Seaport precinct today. Departing from Home Point, learn about the history of Launceston's Seaport, Kings Wharf, heritage properties and of course the spectacular Cataract Gorge. See the gorge from the perspective of the water and enjoy a unique experience on-board the 1890's replica Lady Launceston. A popular option for those who would like a quick taste of what the Tamar River and the Cataract Gorge have to offer.

Journey to the East Coast today in search of pristine white beaches in the beautiful Bay of Fires. The region gained its name in 1773 when Captain Tobias Furneaux spotted an abundance of Aboriginal fires along the shore, but it's also appropriate for the flame-coloured, orange lichen striped across the rocks.

Crowned as one of the hottest travel destinations in the world by Lonely Planet, the Bay stretches for 50km: you're guaranteed to find your own secluded piece of paradise here.

Approximate Distance: 195 km | 121 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 

Accommodation: St Helens - 1 Night

When you've had your fill of basking on white sandy beaches and relaxing in the Bay of Fires, make your way along the coast to Freycinet National Park.

Freycinet National Park

If you thought Tasmania couldn't get any more beautiful, Freycinet will prove you wrong. Against a backdrop of pink granite mountains, you'll discover secluded bays, pristine waters, white sandy beaches, local wildlife and incredible walking trails.

The beautiful beaches and pristine waters that surround the park can be enjoyed with swimming, kayaking or just lazing on the perfect white sand, while diving and snorkeling are rewarded with underwater views of abundant marine life.

Approximate Distance: 120 km | 75 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Freycinet - 2 Nights

A 3 hour Freycinet Sea Kayak Tour lets you experience the stunning National Park from on the water

On this relaxed guided tour of the Freycinet coastline, you’ll glide beneath pink mountains, past pristine beaches, and across waters so clear you feel you can touch the marine life below. Discover Freycinet’s abundant wildlife as you weave along the coastline. While you paddle, your local guides will share little known stories of the area. Refreshments are provided halfway through the tour - you'll pause at a secluded sandy beach for a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a tasty snack.

Today drive to Hobart, the capital of the Apple Isle!

Nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington, Hobart is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle. From the bustling waterfront of Salamanca Place to the historic houses of quaint Battery Point, Hobart is a gorgeous place to wander and get lost in.

You won't be short of delicious dining options this evening: Hobart has fast become one of Australia's top gourmet hotspots, thanks to its amazing local produce.

Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins

Accommodation: Hobart - 2 Nights

Mona (The Museum of Old and New Art) is Australia's largest private museum and one of the most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities in the world. Described by its owner as a "subversive adult Disneyland", the collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world's most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art. With around 300 artworks on display, the collection takes up three floors within a subterranean architectural masterpiece and is guaranteed to impress.

The 3.5 ha site includes a function centre, Moorilla winery and vineyard, a cellar door, and wine bar. There's also the Source restaurant, a 63-seat cinema, the Mona Library and Gallery, and eight stylish accommodation pavilions.

Today head up Tasmania's beautifully remote west coast to the waterfront town of Strahan

Strahan is a pretty Tasmanian waterfront town that lies at the northern edge of the wild and unspoiled Macquarie Harbour. It is the last town on Tasmania's west coast and retains the sense of purity that led a US newspaper to dub it ‘the best little town in the world’. Nestled between Macquarie Harbour and the rainforest, it combines top-drawer tourist attractions – Gordon River cruises and the West Coast Wilderness Railway – with beach life and the lingering feel of a time-forgotten fishing town.

Approximate Distance: 305 km | 190 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Strahan - 2 Nights

Take a heritage steam train journey through remote rainforest to the incredible King River Gorge. As you travel through the west coast's cool temperate rainforest, you will climb one of the Southern Hemisphere's steepest train tracks. Stop at historic stations, traverse the deep chasm of the King River Gorge, and see the places where early west coast pioneers lived and worked to create this extraordinary railway.

Smithton is the gateway to the rugged lands of far northwest Tasmania. It makes for a picturesque base camp for nature lovers venturing off into the wilderness Smithton is the last stop before Arthur River - and the beginning of the Tarkine wilderness region. 
 
Smithton sits in the shadow of The Nut, a volcanic plug rising almost 200 meters out of the ocean on a nearby peninsula. On a clear day, you might be lucky enough to see Perkins and Robbins Islands off in the Bass Strait.

Approximate Distance: 260 km | 162 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Strahan - 2 Nights

The Tarkine Drive introduces you to unique flora and fauna, globally significant rainforests, wild river landscapes, and dramatic coastlines.

Small Group 4WD Tarkine Wilderness Adventure

The Tarkine is the largest tract of protected wilderness in “The Edge of the World” region. It is an expansive 447,000-hectare wilderness area of recognised World Heritage significance in Tasmania’s North West corner. The Tarkine is the largest expanse of temperate rainforest in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the last remaining and most significant in the world.

A mixture of rainforest and eucalypt forest, wild rivers, mountains, cave systems, and extensive coastal heathlands await. There are large sand dune areas, with some containing ancient Aboriginal sacred sites. Here you will find well-maintained walking tracks, lookouts, picnic places, and memorable photo opportunities.

You will experience your adventure in our luxury 4WD through the breathtaking Tarkine Wilderness with the region’s most experienced guides. Enjoy fresh Tasmanian produce and a glass of wine for lunch while you experience the area’s unique flora and fauna.

After a leisurely morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Cradle Mountain National Park.

Home to the world-famous Overland Track and iconic Cradle Mountain this pristine area is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the park is one of the state's most special places, where ancient pines fringe glacial lakes and icy streams cascade down rugged mountains.

The vegetation is rich and diverse including grassland, rainforest,, and many ancient plants such as the long-lived and endemic King Billy pine and the unusual native deciduous beech. The park also provides a rich habitat for wildlife, including tasmanian devils, quolls, platypus, echidna, and several bird species.

Approximate Distance: 190 km | 118 miles   Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain - 2 Nights

Cradle Mountain National Park is arguably one of the prettiest National Parks in Australia. With alpine wilderness, abundant native wildlife and a huge variety of walking trails to choose from you'll love exploring this peaceful haven.

The gentle Dove Lake Circuit takes around 2 hours with amazing mountain views. Or you try the climb to Marion’s Lookout if you feel energetic. It's ridiculously steep but the lake & mountain views from the top are a worthy reward.

If hiking isn't your thing, there are endless ways to explore the area: try a scenic flight, horse treks, canyoning adventure, or a wildlife-spotting walk to name but a few!

Say farewell to Tasmania today as you drive and drop off your rental car and board your onward flight from Hobart.

We know you will enjoy your Tasmanian Self-Drive Tour, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent. 

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins