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Electric
Maria Island
Freycinet National Park
Devonport
Why Tasmania makes for an electrifying road trip
With jaw-dropping scenery at every turn, glorious winding roads, and a plethora of attractions, Tasmania is an idyllic state for a road trip. The perfect complement to a self-drive adventure across the Apple Isle - known for its greenery and sustainability - is to do it in an electric vehicle (EV). RACV Members receive discounts on daily car hire rates from Hertz, Thrifty, Europcar, Dollar Car Rental and SIXT, including popular electric vehicles such as MG ZS EV and BMW iX3 SUV.
We’ve selected two idyllic Tasmania itineraries to help with your EV road trip planning: choose one or combine them into one outstanding adventure!
Road Trip: Hobart to Freycinet National Park
Hobart
Heritage architecture, artisanal crafts, and a fabulous foodie scene make Hobart an enchanting destination. Wander and dine the iconic waterfront, tour the expansive vistas from Mount Wellington, and do not miss a visit to the award-winning MONA gallery. To experience seals, dolphins, and whales (in season), book a wilderness cruise to captivating Bruny Island.
Port Arthur
Switching the fusion vibes of Hobart for the heritage site of Port Arthur, drive 1.5 hours south along the Tasman Peninsula. Step back in time at Port Arthur, once home to Australia’s most notorious penal colony. As you explore the ruins and gardens, discover more about life here as a prisoner and cruise to the Isle of the Dead. For the brave, stay after dark for the ghost tour!
Visit Port Arthur, Australia’s most notorious penal colony. Image: Tourism Tasmania & Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority
Maria Island
The following day, drive another 1.5 hours to Triabunna where you can take a 30-minute ferry ride to Maria Island. Home to stunning beaches, craggy cliffs, and native wildlife, including wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, and even the elusive Tasmanian Devil! Walks around Maria Island are a popular way to explore; pack a snorkel if you’re a fan of colourful marine life.
Freycinet National Park
The last leg of your Hobart to Freycinet road trip is to stunning Freycinet National Park itself. This glorious slice of nature feels very away-from-it-all, despite being less than three hours from Hobart. Wineglass Bay and Coles Bay hold much allure, thanks to the 400-million-years-old pink granite mountains, delectable seafood, and free-roaming wildlife that you’ll meet as you explore. This region is home to 49 species only found in Tasmania, including the rare eastern quoll.
A Wineglass Bay cruise is a relaxing way to see the best of the area. For a more active exploration, take a hike around Wineglass Bay or trek over the Hazards, a stunning mountain range with expansive views.
If time permits, plan a multi-day Freycinet stay before returning to Hobart or driving on to Launceston (2.5 hours) following the itinerary below for the ultimate Tasmania itinerary.
Note: there is an abundance of EV charging stations across this road trip route. Check them out here.
Rent an MG ZS to explore Tasmania's most beautiful destinations. Image: Supplied.
Road Trip: Launceston, Devonport & Burnie
Launceston
A visit to one of Australia’s oldest cities is not just one steeped in history but also in art, nature, culture, food, and wine. Located riverside in northern Tasmania, Launceston has plenty on offer for road-trippers. An afternoon cruise to Cataract Gorge is highly recommended, as is a trip to the unusual Seahorse World.
With four wine trails covering an extensive region, a tour of at least one of the areas is a Launceston must-do. World-class produce accompanies the fine Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs that grow here. The Tamar Valley Wine Trail is a popular option, or you can book a discounted Josef Chromy wine-tasting tour with lunch.
Devonport
From Launceston, drive 80 minutes to the small coastal city of Devonport, where the Mersey River meets the Bass Strait. It’s no surprise that watersports are popular here, including kayaking, sailing, rowing, and fishing. The Bass Strait Maritime Centre provides a fascinating interactive display of Devonport’s maritime history.
To revel in the area’s natural beauty, walk to the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse or take one of the city’s extensive walking and biking tracks. The Tasmanian Arboretum is popular for its native flora and platypus sightings. Reward your efforts at the House of Anvers with delicious artisanal chocolates.
Burnie
Onwards to Burnie, 45 kilometres from Devonport. The art deco buildings, Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens, and nearby Guide Falls are reason enough to include Burnie in your Tasmanian road trip. However, it’s visiting Little Penguins that has the biggest appeal. From March to October, take a free dusk tour to see Burnie’s waddling residents at the Burnie Penguin Centre.
Got more holiday days? Why not detour back to Launceston or Hobart via Cradle Mountain? Marion’s Lookout is a well-loved hike for its breathtaking scenery, particularly in summer when the wildflowers bloom.
Discover the closest EV charging stations along this itinerary here, or download the ChargeFox app.
RACV Members save 10%* at participating Chargefox ultra-rapid RACV charging stations across Australia.
Take a break from driving and hike through Cradle Mountain. Image: Tourism Tasmania.
The perks of renting an EV in Tasmania
While electric vehicles are the rental vehicles of the future thanks to their unique features, they also offer many other benefits to travellers, including being economical to run, quiet as a mouse, and a smooth ride. Tasmania is compact enough to eliminate EV charging worries, particularly when connecting to SIXT’s numerous free charging stations across the state.
SIXT also offers three electric SUVs; the stylish BMW iX3 SUV, sporty Hyundai Kona, and sleek MG ZS. Electric vehicles book up quickly, especially in Tasmania, so don’t delay your booking.
Whatever the reason, a tour around Tasmania is one that connects you back to nature and yourself, thanks to its dramatic scenery, postcard-perfect towns, and activities and attractions that surprise and delight every day of your Tasmanian adventure. Renting an EV is the cherry on top of one very large and enjoyable sundae.
