A 10 day Tasmania travel itinerary to un-tame your wild side

Here’s a 10 day Tasmania travel itinerary to ignite adventure and un-tame your wild side. And isn’t that what travel is about? Get the best routes, destinations and activities, as well as costs and our top tips for an unforgettable 10 day Tasmania road trip. There’s even a trip map (Google Maps), to get the itinerary and all of our recommendations in your pocket for a hassle free holiday. Booyah!

Highlights & attractions

Tasmania 10 day itinerary map

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Our Google Maps Locations for this 10 day itinerary is packed with value, including 11 major attractions, 13 nature experiences, 26 activity recommendations, 19 restaurant / cafe suggestions, and your backbone driving route from go to whoa.

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Your 10 day Tasmania travel itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hobart

Arrive into Hobart on the earliest morning flight you can to make the most of your first day. You’ll spend it exploring the Hobart’s charming and picturesque inner city, and the parallel universe of MONA. Pop on a jumper, pick up your airport hire car and head to the city.

Constitution Dock& Salamanca

We always recommend first-timers to Hobart check out the scene around Constitution Dock. There’s a list of things to do here as long my arm, but you’ve only got a few hours. So here’s a lineup of choices that’s sure to keep you entertained:

• Explore the charming boutiques and local artisans at Salamanca.
• Visit the Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery – it’s free!
• Get some insta worthy snaps of iconic Constitution Dock where the Sydney to Hobart comes in.
• Get your heart pumping with a climb up Kelly’s Steps (warning: steep!), then wander through Battery Point, admiring the quaint Georgian cottages and colonial homes.
• Discover the cool story of Tasmania’s Antarctic connection at Mawson’s Hut on Argyle Street – seriously fascinating!
• Hit up Lark (Whiskey) Distillery cellar door (next door) for a whiskey tasting flight.
• Visit the Hobart Convict Penitentiary for a taste of Tasmania’s penal colony history.

If you’re around on a Saturday, don’t miss the famous Salamanca Market. There’s always some tasty Tassie produce to try and gin and whiskey stalls to visit.

Most of these sites are within walking distance and centrally located, make it easy to maximise your time on Day 1.

You also don’t have to travel far to get transport to your next location. Head to Brooke St Pier (also a shopping mall and place to find Tasmania gifts) for the big ol’ boat to MONA.

MONApalooza

Brace yourselves for a surreal afternoon of Day !. If you don’t know what Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art – or MONA – is, their own website nails it better than I can….

Catch the ferry. Drink beer. Eat cheese. Talk crap about art. You’ll love it.

Mona

… and also sums up why you need to go.

Just like they say, kick the adventure off by hopping on the boat to MONA at Brooke St Pier. Let me tell you, cruising up the River Derwent feels straight-up bougie. With killer views of Hobart’s skyline and its rugged coast, you’ll be flexing on Instagram like there’s no tomorrow.

The real magic goes down when you hit MONA though. It’s like a parallel universe. It’s mind bending. Interactive. Thought provoking. Bang on controversial in parts.

And it’s never what you expected.

NoHo

When you’re done soaking in all that creative genius, it’s back on the boat to the CBD ready to level up your dining and drinking game at Hobart’s many restaurants, stills, brewpubs and cocktail bars. Tonight is all about the food, the whiskey and the gin (and even the wine).

For top quality restaurants offering tasty dishes made from first class Tasmanian produce there’s two spots to congregate.

1. Around the waterfont at Constitution Dock and Salamanca.
2. Or up Elizabeth St at NoHo (North Hobart,) where we think Hobart’s best eatin’ action is at. Yum yum.

Check out our expert tips below for our own favourite dinner and drinking haunts 👇🏽

Expert tips 🎒

• For a tipple or a’ cocktail head to Evolve Spirit Bar or Gold Bar. You can’t go wrong.
• If it’s a whiskey tasting flight you’re after, The Still near Mawsons Hut on the waterfront has everything you need and somethings you don’t.
• Brewski lovers will find heaven at Brewlab Craft Beer Cafe, Hobart Brewing Co and Cascade Brewery.
• Call in for cheap but mouth-wateringly tasty Vietnamese at Cyclo at NoHo. Hey, that rhymes … 😌
• Try Urban Greek, In the Hanging Garden or Bar Wa Izakaya for a more upmarket (but not fine dining) dinner while you’re in town.
• For the freshest Tasmanian seafood we recommend Stock Market Restaurant. Book beforehand! If it’s simple fish n chips you’re after, try Fish Frenzy at Constitution Dock. Blue Eye Seafood has oyster happy hour (Oyster Orgy) from 3pm to 5pm and the fish n chips ain’t half bad either.
• For next morning breakfast options you can’t go past Daci and Daci, Pigeon Whole Bakers (no seating tho!) and Ginger Brown in South Hobart.

Day 2: Derwent Valley

It’s Day 2 and time to hit the road for the next 8 days of this 10 day self-drive Tasmania itinerary. Today, you’re heading out of Hobart towards the town of New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley, known for stunning landscapes, colonial history, and rural charm. Wait a minute, tho.

That just about nails the whole damn island….

An early start (8am departure) will see you make the most of Day 2 because there’s adventures to be had.

The main reason you’re in the Derwent Valley is to hit the trails at Mount Field National Park. But there’s way more than hiking in store…

If you’re mad for a mid-morning coffee like me, head to The Quilted Teapot as you pass through New Norfolk to Mt Field. It’s the essence of quaint Tasmania, located in The Close of Tassie’s oldest churches. The coffee and sweets hit the spot too.

Mt Field National Park

The Derwent Valley kicks off the epic nature vibes that will be an enduring theme of this wild Tassie road trip.

After coffee, you’ll head straight to Mt Field National Park. And this where your Jurassic era nature experience begins…

Adventurers flock to Mt Field National Park for the towering ancient eucalypt forests, thumping waterfalls, and of course for the wildlife. You’ll spend your day here hiking the trails, checking out crystal-clear streams, and snapping pics of iconic Russell Falls (one of Tassie’s most spectacular waterfalls).

But there’s more than Russell Falls to see here.

We recommend hiking (walking) the 3 Falls Circuit at Mt Field.

It’s a 2 hour circular trail along Lady Baron Creek, linking together the Russel Falls Trail, Tall Trees Trail and Lady Baron Falls track. It’s a beautiful walk along well-marked track suitable for most people. As the name suggests, you’ll get to see 3 waterfalls – Russel Fallsm Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls – as well as lush fern gullies and giant eucalypts, sassafras and myrtle trees.

Lake Dobson

If you have time, take a 30 minute drive to Lake Dobson to do the Pandani Grove Trail. Fingers crossed you’ll even spot a platypus or two. This is where the more challenging, longer hikes are – like the one up to the Tarn Shelf – for real adventure seekers.

In winter, Lake Dobson and surrounds can be blanketed in snow, serving up stunning vistas. There’s even some skiing about, if the snow cover is deep enough. You’ll need 4WD or chains on your tires to access the area in this case.

You can either spend an entire day 2 exploring Mt Field, but we recommend heading back towards New Norfolk after the 3 Falls Circuit around lunchtime.

Explore the Derwent Valley

Here are some fabulous suggestions for the afternoon of Day 2, depending on how much time you spend at Mt Field:

• A lazy afternoon at one or two excellent breweries located in the Derwent Valley. The first, Two Meter Tall Brewery, has a cellar door and farm bar open from 12 noon to 4:30pm and some unique organically fermented brews. It’s BYO nibbles and dogs on lead are welcome. The second, Welcome Swallow Brewery, is in New Norfolk and has it’s own IPAs, stout and ales on tap. The brewhouse itself is fabulously decorated with hanging plants and a welcoming space to sink an ale or two.
• Wine tastings at 3 top wineries in the valley – Stefano Lubiano, Derwent Estate Vineyard, and Laurel Bank Vineyard. Derwent Estate has an in-house restaurant – The Shed – for a late, indulgent lunch option.
• Lunch in New Norfolk at The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery, housed in the confines of New Norfolk’s old insane asylum and offering farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local produce, much of which is home grown. If you’re an aspiring cook you can even book one of their famous cooking classes. Book ahead and be warned, the set menu price is eye watering!
• Explore more of the local area – stroll the Willow Court Precinct in New Norfolk, visit the Salmon Ponds (at Plenty), and shop the local antique stores.
• If you’re there on a Saturday, definitely make your way to Banjo’s New Norfolk Market on High St between 8am and 2pm. There’s local arts, craft, and produce stalls to explore.

Stay overnight in one of the many charming local accommodation options and farm stays in the Derwent Valley.

Expert tips 🔐

• You’ll need a Parks Pass for your 10 day road trip through Tasmania. Best get one sorted before arriving at Mt Field National Park. You can buy a Parks Pass from the clunky old Parks and Wildlife website at that link.
• Do the 3 Falls Circuit anti-clockwise to avoid the stair climbs. Thank me later.
• Grab a picnic lunch at the shops at New Norfolk or eat lunch at Waterfalls Cafe in the Mt Field visitor centre before hitting the trails.
• Breweries, distilleries and wineries in Tassie only open until 5pm. And not every day of the week. Some require bookings for tastings and meals at in-house restaurants. Make sure you plan ahead! The Welcome Swallow is an exception and there’s even food trucks on a Saturday night.

Day 3: Central Highlands

Drive: 2h

The Central Highlands is an under-explored hidden gem of a region and one of our favourite places to go to see snow. It’s real rugged wilderness-type Tassie.

Great Lakes, mystical tarns, pristine creeks, peatlands, heathlands and sweeping open skies full of stars. It’s a magical place to batten down in front of a cosy fire, or to brave the wilds for one hell of an adventure.

And you’ll do both when you visit.

Before you reach the Great Lakes today, there are a few stops you’ll make on the way.

Bothwell

Standing proud on the banks of the River Clyde like a lone Scottish Bagpiper, the town of Bothwell is your first stop on Day 3.

A stroll around town tells the story of Bothwell’s establishment, and it’s colonial past. Dating back to the 1820s and 1830s, its gorgeous old Georgian buildings are still in use today.

Drop in to the Bothwell Post Office for a coffee (weird I know but it’s a cafe too) before hitting the road again

Option 1 The Steppes

If you ask any Tasmaniac whether they’ve heard of ‘The Steppes’, they’ll probably say no. But it was the hidden gem of our central highlands trip!

Why?

In short, the stunning landscape, heritage buildings, local art and photo-worthy walking trail. All in one surprise location.

So what exactly is ‘The Steppes’?

Its the site of an historic settlement and some outbuildings, supplemented nearby by a piece of modern outdoor art (The Steppes Sculptures), with a 800 meter walking trail in between.

The site was the first local police station in the Central Highlands dating back to 1864, serving later as a post office and telephone exchange. The current main building dates back to 1888 and although you can’t go inside, there’s enough around it to make for an intriguing visit.

Park at the main building, check out the homestead and then wander the 800 meters through some really unique landscape and vegetation to check out the sculptures.

Option 2 Highlands Power Trail (Gravel Road)

If Tasmania’s hydro power heritage is something that interests you, head off the A5 after Bothwell and along the self guided Highlands Power Trail, where this significant era of Tassie history began. Your next stop is Waddamana.

As Australia’s first large-scale hydroelectric power station, Waddamana is significant in Australia’s energy story.

So what’s there to see?

The heritage machinery, historic buildings, and once innovative technology that forged Tasmania’s path to becoming a powerhouse of the national energy grid. From its scenic location to its fascinating exhibits about the evolution of clean, green hydro power generation, Waddamana Power Station is a glimpse back in time, to the future of energy.

A powerful story…excuse the pun.

Central Plateau

Whether you’ve journey through Waddamana or The Steppes, you’ll arrive next at the Central Plateau, or Central Highlands. This is where you’ll spend the afternoon of Day 3 on your itinerary. The Central Plateau is vast in Tassie terms, with fair ground to cover between activities and attractions.

Grab lunch at the Central Highlands Lodge or the Great Lake Hotel when you roll into Miena, which is the main highlands settlement.

After lunch it’s time to get out and explore the alpine wilderness.

The Pine Lake Trail is a 15 minute boardwalk stroll out to Pine Lake and a nice way to soak up those wilderness vibes and marvel at the unique landscape up here. There’s signage along the way to explain the nature of surrounding environment and how it all evolved. Highly recommend this little walk.

Other local hikes in the area are the Quamby Bluff Trail (Hard) and Projection Bluff (Moderate).

If you don’t fancy a hike, there’s water sports type activities to be had – kayaking and trout fishing tours run from Miena. Or take a drive around the lakes, do some bird watching, or snap some breathtaking photos – there’s rugged beauty everywhere.

Or…you may just want to chill at the sweet little shack you’ve booked and that are so prevalent in the area. Either Miena or Breona are great spots to look for accommodation around the Great Lake. Start a fire, pour a whiskey, gaze out at the views or open a book, enjoy the peace. If you’re there in clear weather, brave the chill and venture outside late at night for some incredible stargazing. You won’t regret it.

Expert tips 🔐

• Dining options are limited up on the Plateau. The Great Lakes Hotel, with open fires inside and on the patio, is the best option for dinner. Make a booking in peak season. The Central Highlands Lodge has similar pub fare and located nearby but the interior is dated and beers on tap lack variety.
• Pick up provisions at the General Store in Miena to prepare yourself breakfast at your accommodation or book some with breakfast included.
• The winds up in the highlands can be ghastly and temperatures much colder (you’re at 1000m above sea level). Take a a padded or wind proof jacket / raincoat no matter the season.
• A lot of shack accommodation up in the highlands is off-grid. You may be asked to preserve electricity and water and need to know how to make yourself a wood fire or stove to keep warm.

Day 4: Cradle Country via Mole Creek

Drive: 2h 20m

Day 3 is a massive day of wildlife, nature and great food in some under-explored parts of North West Tasmania.

Liffey Falls

Depart from the Central Highlands and drive north to Liffey Falls for a rainforest hike into some of the most well known falls in the Tasmania’s North West. And for good reason too.

There’s two tracks into Liffey Falls – the upper and the lower. The upper track is an easy 40 minute round trip through lush, mossy, fern-filled rainforest into the falls. The lower track is 1.5 hours of mostly flat hiking, but factor in longer because you can’t help but stand and marvel at nature’s creation.

Both tracks are moderate with a few stairs, but suitable for most walkers.

There’s picnic spots as well, to rest, relax and have a snack.

Mole Creek

The action ain’t over yet. Next, you’ll drive down to Mole Creek to do some spelunking at the Mole Creek Caves.

Stop in at Melita Honey Farm on the way for a scrumptious honey ice cream and pick up of jar of their golden liquid goodness for later. My all-time favourite is their Creamed Leatherwood Honey. Lip smacking on sourdough toast on a cold Tassie morning.

Our favourite of the Mole Creek Caves is King Solomon cave. The idea of a cave tour might seem tedious but it teaches you all about how the caves came to be formed – a interactive science lesson underground, with some impressive stalactite and stalagmite props. Plus you can’t get in without a tour. So there’s that…

You’ll be starving hungry by now and the good news is, there are two exceptional local options for a bite of lunch.

Cafe Amanita is a great stop nearby for a coffee fix and yummy fresh panini. Their cakes are lip-smackingly good too.

If an indulgent platter is more your style, it’s well worth experiencing one served up by 41 Degrees South and Georgie’s Cafe.

After refuelling, you’ll visit Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, to get up close and personal with resident Tasmanian devils, wombats, and other native wildlife. This place is not like any zoo. It’s a haven for wildlife on 85 acres of wild Tasmanian bushland. They provide a safe place of animals rehabilitating or that can’t fend for themselves in the wild. They also have a release program. We don’t do zoos, but Trowunna is different.

Mole Creek is full of outdoor activities and you could stay more than a day, but it’s time to move on to Cradle Mountain. Make sure you stop at the Bush Inn Brewery for a cold ale as you drive through Deloraine on the way to Cradle Country. It’s there you’ll spend the night tonight.

Expert tips 🎒

• Park at the Upper Liffey Falls Picnic Area for the Upper track. The Lower track starts from the Lower Liffey Reserve campgrounds.
• You can’t just rock up to the caves in Mole Creek and wander through. You have to book a cave tour in advance. We’ve tried to book on the day several times and all time slots have been full.
• You’ll need the right gear for the hikes on this road trip. Destinations like Liffey Falls, Dobson Lake and Cradle Mountain can be unforgiving if you don’t prepare. Waterproof hiking boots, a warm jacket, and a quality rain slick are high on the list and you’ll need them all here.

Day 5: Cradle Mountain

Breathtaking Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is on every Tasmanian itinerary we can squeeze it into. It’s a standout destination that we love to visit. We live down the road, and go often. If you want to know what’s to love, here’s some inspo on the adventures to be had up at Cradle Mountain:

• A complete guide to Cradle Mountain
• The Ultimate Guide to Visitng Breathtaking Cradle Mountain in Winter
• 3 Best Cradle Mountain Walks for an Iconic Cradle Experience.

You’ll find everything you need in these 3 pages to plan an unforgettable day.

Cradle Mt is a full day experience. Make the most of it. Enjoy both the World Heritage Area and the village. After all that hiking, grab a mulled wine and warm your weary bones by the giant open fire in Peppers Lodge.

Then head back to your Cradle Mt accommodation (hopefully at our Tiny House!) for a fire pit and a glass of port under the milky way, followed by a good night’s rest.

Day 6: Stanley via Boat Harbour

if you stayed with us you’ll be setting off to Stanley after a breakfast made from the best local produce in Tassie’s North West. And that’s a big call because the quality of food here is top notch.

The drive to Stanley on Day 6 is a super scenic one. Rolling green hills dotted with Fresians and Angus cows. Turquoise blue waters of Bass Strait lapping beach after sparkling beach. Craggy rock formations standing proud along the distant coastline.

Our trip map takes you on the coastal route between Ulverstone and Penguin to maximise those stunning sea views. There are too many beach stops for you to fit in along the way so we’ve picked the stand out best.

The north west is a magical place. To make the most of it, follow the road trip route in our 10 Day Tasmanian Itinerary map (on Google).

Boat Harbour Beach

A sleepy cover just off the Bass Highway on the way to Stanley, Boat Harbour Beach is a standout stop over along the north coast. Surrounded by verdant green rolling pasture, the white sandy beach itself is exquisite, the views of Bass Strait sublime. There’s a little walk around the point to stretch your legs and a beautiful park once you drive in.

Call in to Seekers Bar and Cafe to grab a coffee or lunch while you’re there. It’s right on the beach and perfect to soak up those relaxing holiday vibes.

Stanley

Everyone goes to Stanley to visit The Nut.

What’s not to love about an ancient volcanic plug offering panoramic views of striking coastline called, of all things, ‘The Nut’?

The Nut will indeed be the centrepiece of your Day 6 program. The chair lift up is fun. Or walk up the painfully steep path, if you’re counting steps like me. The views for days are as stunning as they say. It’s categorically worth the visit.

But Stanley is more than just The Nut. It’s a charming seaside hamlet, with beautiful beaches and one of Tassie’s most famous seafood restaurants, Hursey’s Seafood.

There’s tonnes of options for an afternoon of exploring:

• Take in Highfield Historic Site and learn about the area’s colonial history.
• Do the heritage walk around town and get acquainted with it’s layout and locals.
• Take a long walk along the even longer Stanley beach.
• Swan through the boutique shops – don’t miss Providore 24.
  

Whatever you get up to, as the sun hits the horizon at the end of Day 6 you’ll be waiting keenly at Godfrey’s Beach Penguin Viewing Platform for the little fairy dudes to make their way out of the waters of Bass Strait and up the beach to their burrows. It’s an experience to put a smile on your dial and best of all, it’s free!

After penguin spotting, head to dinner at Hursey’s Seafood. You’ll be dining right next to the waters the fish on your plate was pulled from. You can’t get fresher than that. I always get the chowder on any seafood menu and this one doesn’t disappoint. The Lobster is the star of the show but you’ll need deep pockets to order it.

Spend the night at a charming bnb or inn in Stanley.

Expert tips 🎒

• Before Boat Harbour Beach you’ll hit Burnie. If it’s not too early, stop in at award winning Helleyers Road Distillery for a distillery tour and whiskey tasting. Take a home a bottle of their coffee liqueur. It’s one of few on the market made from fresh milk and a staple in our fridge.

Day 7: Tarkine

Drive: 3h 10m

Day 7 is all about the magic of the Tarkine.

When Tasmaniacs get a bee in their bonnet about losing forests to industry, it’s usually here that they’re talking about.

And we think rightfully so.

The Tarkine is globally ecologically significant, and a rare remnant of expansive temperate rainforest. And we’re talking ancient forest that you don’t see any other place in the world. Its also home to endangered species – devils, eagles, crayfish – making it a biodiversity hotspot of global importance.

And that’s just scratching the surface.

It is also rich in Indigenous heritage, dating back over 40,000 years. Its remote. Unspoiled. Truly a world untouched by time. And some brave Tasmanian’s have fought long and hard on our kids’ behalf to conserve it.

So here’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about.

Day 7 is time to get out your explorer hat and those hiking boots. You’re in for a treat in the Tarkine.

Before you get there, you’ll fuel up with a sensational breakfast (with ocean views) at Hugo’s Brew and Chew in Smithton.

There’s two driving routes that form part of the Tarkine drive. You’ll be doing the smaller of them starting at Trowutta. The Trowutta loop takes about 1h40m to drive once you get there, and there’s a lot of adventure to be had along the way. Prepare to see, visit and experience:

• Trowutta Arch
• Sumac Lookout over the Arthur River
• The sinkhole
• Lake Chisolm
• Julius Creek Rainforest Walk

If you’re up in this region you simply have to make the most of the exceptional fresh seafood. So dinner on Day 7 takes you to Tarkine Oysters at Smithton before returning to your bnb at Stanley for the night.

Day 8: Strahan

You depart Stanley on Day 8. Today, you’re headed to Strahan via Guildford and Tullah.

Before you head to the interior, call in to Wynyard for breakfast at The Vault. The meals are satisfying, the coffee is the best in the far north west and make sure you go to the loo while you’re there to find out why it’s called ‘The Vault’. Thank me later.

There’s a slight detour en-route as you veer of the beaten path at Guildford heading towards Waratah and ultimately, Philosopher Falls. It’s an almighty waterfall at the right time of year and the fungi along the track in is flat out amazing and not to be missed.

Once you get to Strahan, check in to your accommodation and then spend time exploring Ocean Beach and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pristine coastline.

Or hire a sandboard in Strahan and drive over to Henty Dunes just 10 minutes away for a rip snorting afternoon of sandboarding fun.

Or head over to Queenstown and check out the township and mining moonscapes that make it so surreal amongst the western wilds. In summer, the West Coast Wilderness Railway offers journeys into the wild and along The Franklin / Gordon River departing around 2pm.

Optional Gordon River Cruise

If you’d prefer a luxury boat trip along UNESCO world heritage listed Gordon River, you can skip the day at the Tarkine.

Instead, you’ll arrive in Strahan a day early and board the cruise the following morning.

The Gordon River is a right of passage Tassie experience. It’s spectacular and wild. Iconic because of the fight to save the Franklin Gordon wilderness areas.

For all it’s beauty, the experience itself is where the magic is. Electric boats, gliding through tannin black waters as though hovering above them. Not a splash. Not a sound. Not a ripple.

It’s a unique thing that fellow passengers seems to appreciate. Everyone falls into silence as the electric motors are switched on at the most stunning part of the river. You round the bend and this eerie majesty unfolds. 👇🏽

We took the cruise in March and it was an exceptional experience all around. The boat is classy. The food tasty. And the river pristine. You’ll have a really enjoyable experience.

The sleeper of the tour was our stopover at Sarah Island, once a brutal penal colony. Tour guides meet you at the dock and guide you through the remnants of historical sites, all the while sharing the engrossing story of life on the island as though you are living it. A 5 star tour.

Gordon River Dinner Cruise (Summer only)

If you’re going in summer, you can do the Gordon River Dinner Cruise and still see the Tarkine.

The cruise starts at $160 per person ($195 for window seats), boarding in Strahan from 3pm. Plenty of time to drive from Stanley, stopping off at Waratah.

Either way, it’s totally worth it.

Expert tips 🎒

• Head outside to the front of the boat when the captain announces the electric motors are being switched on. You’ll thank me later.
• It can be really hard to get in anywhere for dinner in Strahan, because of the ratio of tourists to eating establishments. Book well ahead if you want to eat out.

Day 9: Hobart via The Wall

Drive:4h 22m

You’re up early on Day9 as there’s a drive ahead from Strahan back to Hobart. Today is one of the biggest days in your 10 day Tasmania itinerary.

Today’s road trip to Hobart will take you around 6 to 7 hours, with stops included.

We’ve got some alluring escapades for you on your last road tripping day…

The first, is Nelson Falls.

Nelson Falls

Nestled deep within Tasmania’s untamed wilderness, Nelson Falls is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Lace up your waterproof boots and face the ancient rainforest of towering trees and cascading ferns on the way to the falls. It’s an easy walk for all levels and a great chance to soak up the serenity without breaking a sweat. Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer power and beauty of the falls, especially if you visit it winter. Something about the cool mist of a Tassie waterfall hitting your face makes you feel alive again.

Franklin River Nature Trail

30 minutes down the road and it’s time to stretch your legs again at the Franklin River Nature Trail.

We all know the significance of the Franklin River to Tasmania and Australia’s environmental protection laws. And that’s reason enough to want to lock eyes on this thing of natural beauty and pay homage to its many gifts.

A quick 25 minutes return, the walk is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks and a must do on your 10 day Tasmania road trip.

The Wall in the Wilderness

The amazing continues with your stopover at The Wall in the Wilderness. Get ready to have your mind blown.

‘The Wall’ is a seriously epic piece of art by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. It’s a mammoth wooden masterpiece sculpture carved out of pure genius. And it’s straight-up jaw-dropping.

Make sure you read up on how it came to be and trust me, The Wall in the Wilderness isn’t just a stop on your 10 day road trip – it’s a question that’ll live rent free in your head for nights to come.

Lake St Clair

Just a hop, skip and jump from the Wall, you’ll come across Lake St Clair and famous Pumphouse Point lodgings.

Lake St Clair is a beautiful, peaceful, pristine piece of national park and of course the ‘other end’ of the Overland Track from Cradle Mountain.

We did the Watersmeet Loop Trail around Lake St Clair last we were there. It’s an hour and a half of moderate walking along the banks of the lake and a magical way to get to know the area. It’s a easy walk to stretch your legs. But with everything else you’ve packed into today day, there may be little time left to tackle it!

If this is the case just wander the grounds around the Information Centre and survey this iconically Tasmanian lake scene at the island’s rugged heart.

Lawrenny Estate

Near the town of Ouse, Lawrenny Estate is a premier Tasmanian whiskey and gin distillery and well worth the stop. The estate dates back to the 1800s and is grand by any measure, surrounded by gardens manicured to the last blade of grass. The gin and whiskey match the setting, and a tasting at Lawrenny is a real Tasmanian experience.

Expert tips 🎒

• Pack a picnic lunch for the roadtrip from Strahan to Hobart.
• Leave Strahan early enough and you may make it to Hobart before dusk. If so, head straight up Kunanyi for some incredible views of Hobart, the River Derwent and surrounding coves and islands. Those views, bathed in the pink and orange hues of golden hour, are pure magic.

Spend the night in Hobart.

Day 10: Sayonara Hobart

If you didn’t get there last night, make your way up to Kunanyi after breakfast this morning for awe-inspiring views of Hobart and its breathtaking surrounds.

What a fitting way to wrap up a phenomenal adventure.

10 day Tasmania road trip tips

Driving – Tasmania’s most adventurous places are often reached by unsealed roads. Make sure your hire car company lets you drive on gravel. You don’t need a 4WD for this trip, but you can visit more under-explored places – particularly around the West Coast – if you do hire one.

Timing – A lot of businesses are closed on Monday an some Tuesday. Having Day 9 fall on a Monday is a good way to get the most out of your trip. Because you’re on the road and mostly visiting free attractions that are open 7 days a week. Day 2 will also be Monday, which works well too because you’ll be heading to Mt Field National Park that day.

Winter – This is a wonderful winter itinerary if you want to see snow. There’s a good chance of snowfall at Mt Field National Park, on the Central Plateau, or Cradle Mountain. But, you will need a 4WD. You may also need chains in some locations. And some roads may be flat out closed due to heavy snowfall. Come prepared, and you’ll have a rollicking good winter adventure.

Season – We don’t recommend the west coast in winter. It’s just too wet to really enjoy. So that leaves September for the possibility of snow in the Central Highlands while also avoiding too much rain in the west.

Tasmania 10 day road trip costs

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