Immerse yourself in the stunning natural wonders of Southern Tasmania, from the pristine beaches of Bruny Island to the forests and waterways of the Huon Valley.
Road Trip
Maria Island to Freycinet National Park
Freycinet to Bay of Fires
Ben Lomond to Launceston
Hobart to Launceston road trip itinerary and map
This classic Tasmanian road trip itinerary between Hobart and Launceston will have you paddling in clear blue waters, exploring historic ruins, and making the most of small, lively towns. Here are the top road trip stops between Hobart and Launceston.
Airlines often run good flight deals to both Hobart and Launceston, meaning you can use this road trip guide in either direction. The Spirit of Tasmania ferry also transfers thousands of holidaymakers between Tasmania and mainland Australia each year, if you want to bring your own vehicle rather than hire one.
Remember to purchase a Parks Pass from Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service; you will need this to enter the national parks.
Before you embark on your adventure, stay road trip happy by packing your emergency roadside kit and updating your emergency roadside assistance plan. Electric car owners are advised to check EV charging availability along the route prior to leaving.
More: Why Tasmania makes for an electrifying road trip
This Hobart to Launceston road trip itinerary is full of beautiful nature and fun activities.
Best stops on a Hobart to Launceston road trip
Hobart to Port Arthur
- Distance: 101km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Because: It's full of natural beauty and historic sites
Hobart is a popular travel destination for Victorians, in part thanks to its relatively short distance from Melbourne. There's plenty to do in this small but vibrant city, from the controversial gallery MONA to the Cascades Female Factory, where thousands of female convicts transported to Tasmania were forced to labour. Staying at the RACV Hobart Hotel will keep you right in the action, being just a short stroll away from Salamanca Market and the harbour, where you’ll find art galleries, craft shops and trendy restaurants in renovated 1830s Georgian warehouses. Don't miss Mawson's Huts on the waterfront, where Mawson's polar expedition departed from in 1911 and where replica huts of his Antarctic mission stand today. The Mount Wellington Summit is worth a drive up for beautiful views over Hobart, with the promise of a better view of the Aurora Australis than in Melbourne.
More: Best free things to do and places to see for free in Hobart
Port Arthur is a relatively short drive from from Hobart: under 1.5 hours. On the way, stop at Tessellated Pavement near Eaglehawk Neck, a geological marvel found in only a few places on Earth. This rock formation looks like tiles along the water, with Tasmanian crabs and other wildlife living in their crevices. Less than a 10-minute drive south, you can further explore the coastline at the Blowhole (spurts water in fierce weather), Tasman Arch (a large natural sea bridge) and Devil's Kitchen (deep sea gorge).
Next up is the Tasmania Devil Unzoo, a cutting-edge cageless zoo working to save endangered Tasmanian devils. You can join the Devil Tracker Adventure in native forest via a guided 4WD tour to see first-hand how the Tassie devils are being tracked and monitored with special infrared night cameras.
Stop at Port Arthur Lavender for the lavender trail and enjoy fresh lavender-infused produce from the café.
This leg's highlight is the Port Arthur Historic Site, a harsh and high-security 19th-century convict settlement for those who persistently re-offended during their time in Australia. A site entry ticket includes two days to explore the massive site, with its historic buildings and walking trails, plus a 20-minute harbour cruise and entry to the Port Arthur Gallery. Guides give complimentary site talks at key locations throughout the day, and you can also pick up a complimentary self-guided audio experience. There are guided tours available at extra cost, such as a creepy ghost tour.
If you're up for another excursion, Remarkable Cave is only 10 minutes from Port Arthur and offers a 15-minute return walk to view the tunnel-shaped sandstone cave.
Port Arthur Lavender is a family friendly destination. Image: Tourism Australia
Port Arthur to Maria Island National Park
- Distance: 92km
- Time: 1.5 hour drive + 30 minute ferry
- Because: The entire island is a national park
Maria Island National Park is a beautiful island accessed by a 30-minute ferry from the wharf at Triabunna, which itself is a 1.5 hour drive from Port Arthur. It's rich in both Indigenous and European history, with abundant wildlife and amazing landscapes.
You'll land at Darlington Probation Station, a small township abandoned to time. From here, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore the island. On the walks, you're sure to see wildlife like wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, ringtail possums, pademelons, potoroos, lizards, frogs and snakes.
The Painted Cliffs Walk (4.3km return) is a particularly good option. You'll trek to see the amazing colours and swirling patterns on seaside sandstone cliffs before relaxing at Hopground Beach on your way back. The Reservoir Circuit (4km return) is an easy walk that is sheltered from the coastal winds and one of the best places to see the endangered forty-spotted pardalote.
If you're feeling energetic, the Bishop and Clerk Walk (11km return) is a challenging but rewarding hike that takes you up to a summit marked by towering dolerite columns, which were named after their resemblance to a bishop wearing a mitre being followed by a clergyman.
Just don't miss the ferry back to the mainland!
Maria Island National Park is full of stunning walking and cycling trails. Image: Tourism Australia
Maria Island to Freycinet National Park
- Distance: 108km
- Time: 1.5 hours
- Because: It's the perfect blend of bush and sea
Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania's most beautiful national parks. The relaxed seaside town of Coles Bay is a great place to stay thanks to its location at the entrance to the park.
Don't miss the gorgeous walk to picture-perfect Wineglass Bay, or experience its beauty from the water with Wineglass Bay Cruises. Honeymoon Bay and Friendly Beaches are two other stunning beachside locations, and these can be accessed by car.
Follow up with a hands-on oyster farming experience with Oyster Bay Tours, where you'll strap on waders to harvest and shuck fresh oysters in the Swanport estuary, then enjoy them with a local wine pairing right on the riverbank.
If you're keen on adventure activities, join The Freycinet Paddle: a three-hour guided kayaking tour along the Freycinet coastline departing morning and twilight year-round. Rather stay on land? ALL4 Freycinet provides two-hour or half-day ATV tours through the park to beautiful beaches.
You have a good chance of spotting native wildlife in Freycinet National Park. Image: Tourism Australia
Freycinet to Bay of Fires
- Distance: 139km
- Time: 2 hours
- Because: The reddish rocks are a wonder to behold (and make for great pictures!)
On your drive today, pause at the Bicheno Blowhole to witness impressive geysers of water spouting out of a granite sea cave. Bicheno township is also a great place for coffee and brunch.
Take a slight detour to the Apsley River Waterhole: a gentle woodland stroll out to a clear, swimmable waterhole. The endangered native Australian Grayling fish can be spotted in these waters.
Next, take a tour at East Coast Natureworld, where you can take a self-guided tour around the wildlife park, add on animal encounters with sugar gliders, echidnas, wombats or baby Tasmanian Devils (baby Tassies are available from September to February), or join a Devils in the Dark tour to watch Tassie Devils devour a carcass from within a spacious hide, while enjoying local wine and cheese platters.
Finally, make your way to the Bay of Fires. This dramatic coastline is named for its orange lichen-splashed rocks by its white beaches and blue oceans. Explore the beaches - Binalong Bay and The Gardens are fantastic at your leisure and take lots of photos.
The Bay of Fires is famous for its orange lichen-covered granite boulders. Image: Tourism Australia
Bay of Fires to Ben Lomond
- Distance: 155km
- Time: 2.5 hours
- Because: It's a great example of alpine wilderness
On your way from the Bay of Fires to Lauceston, make your way into Ben Lomond National Park to tackle a unique alpine walk.
From the Ben Lomond Car Park, follow the Alpine Village to Little Hell walking track: a 5.5km return journey that follows the route of the wintertime cross-country ski trail across small boulder fields. View colourful wildflowers along the gradual ascent to Little Hell, where you'll be treated to superb views at the summit plateau.
If you dare, Jacob's Ladder is one of Australia’s most unique roads, full of hairpin turns up the mountain to an incredible viewing platform with views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The east coast of Tasmania makes for a beautiful road trip. Image: Tourism Australia
Ben Lomond to Launceston
- Distance: 53km
- Time: 1 hour
- Because: It's home to Cataract Gorge, one of Tasmania's most popular destinations
Welcomet to Launceston, the end of your road trip!
The best place to go here is Cataract Gorge: a forested river reserve in a dramatic gorge, walkable from Launceston's city centre. At First Basin, there’s a public swimming pool surrounded by lawn - or you can try the cold waters of the gorge. Hop aboard the Gorge Scenic Chairlift to view the gorge from above and refuel at the nearby Basin Cafe before tackling your choice of walking trails. Book a Cataract Gorge Cruise to explore the Old Launceston Seaport, Kings Wharf historic vessels, Launceston's riverfront precinct and Cataract Gorge from aboard a silent electric boat.
Your other don't-miss hotspot is Penny Royal, an adventure park for the whole family. There's a rope bridge cliff walk, outdoor rock climbing, zip lines, a gold and gemstone mine experience, and the opportunity to sail the lagoon aboard a brig, meet the ghosts of Sarah Island, or take a dark and watery ride in a barge to explore notorious bushranger Matthew Brady’s 1825 escapades in Van Diemen’s Land.
Just a 15-minute drive from Launceston is a relaxing 4km return walk at Tamar Island. There's a boardwalk through the wildlife-filled wetlands. Pause at the bird hide with your camera to snap some excellent shots.
Cataract Gorge is arguably Launceston's most popular destination. Image: Tourism Australia
