Tasmanian East Coast Self-Drive Itinerary

DOWNLOAD: HOBART TO LAUNCESTON SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

Explore Tasmania’s stunning East coast with this 7-day itinerary from Hobart to Launceston and step back in time with historical Port Arthur.

  • Hobart
  • Hobart to Port Arthur
  • Port Arthur to Triabunna (Maria Island)
  • Triabunna to Bicheno
  • Bicheno to St Helens
  • St Helens to Scottsdale
  • Scottsdale to Launceston

Distance: 582km

Day 1. Hobart

Pick up your car or campervan in Hobart today. if collecting a campervan rental then we recommend allowing at least an hours to become familiar with the vehicle before you leave the depot.

Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, which means that there is a wide variety of activities and attractions suited to everyone. Mount Wellington is about a 30-minute drive west of Hobart, and is a must-see when you visit Hobart. Journey to the summit of the mountain, and if it’s a clear day, you can sometimes see all the way to the Tasman Sea. For something a little more active, you can trek along one of the many paths or even bring your bike. The natural environment is perfect for adventurous explorers.

Stay: Discovery Holiday Parks, Hobart.

Day 2. Hobart to Port Arthur

Depart this morning and take the A3 towards Bellerive. Turn right and follow Cole St/ A9 until you reach Port Arthur.

Travel back to colonial Australia and visit the Port Arthur Historic Site, a World Heritage-listed attraction. Port Arthur was a penal settlement established in the 1830s, and was the home for many of the convicts that arrived from Britain. Walking around Port Arthur feels like you have travelled back to the 1800s, with the shell of the buildings remaining as a sinister reminder of events that unfolded hundreds of years ago.

There are many tours available in order to learn about Port Arthur, including the very popular ghost tours held at night, where you can learn about the strange happenings and unexplained events in Port Arthur.

Distance: 95km, 1 hour 20 minutes

Stay: Port Arthur Holiday Park

Day 3. Port Arthur to Triabunna via Marion Bay

Depart this morning and follow the A9 towards Kruvale Road. Stop off in Marion Bay for lunch, by taking a right at Marion Bay Road. Marion Bay is popular for its expansive beaches with crystal clear waters, so why not have a picnic on the beach or try one of the waterfront restaurants.

Once you’re ready to get back on the road, head north on Bream Creek Road and take the A3 until you reach Triabunna.

Triabunna is a gateway to Maria Island, so take a ferry and spend the afternoon on the island. Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary, with historic ruins from the time when it was a convict probation station. The island has plenty of walks and cycling trails where you can discover details ranging from its convict history in the ghost towns, or seeing some of the local wildlife in their natural habitats.

Distance: 105km, 2 hours

Stay: Triabunna Cabin & Caravan Park

Day 4. Triabunna to Bicheno via Coles Bay

Depart this morning and head north on the A3 towards Victoria. Turn right onto Coles Bay Road.

Coles Bay is the best place to explore the Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. The area is full of activities for everyone of any age. Whether you want to spend your afternoon on a cruise with lunch, trying a kayaking tour, having a hit of golf or just exploring on your feet. However, you simply must try some of the world-class oysters, as Coles Bay is a part of the Great Oyster Bay.

Return to the A3, and follow it towards St. Helens. Take a slight right onto Burgess Street and arrive in Bicheno.

While in Bicheno, visit many of the natural attractions including whale watching and penguin tours. The Bicheno Blowhole is a natural wonder, where you can see the salt water blasted from the ocean due to the pressure beneath the surface.

Distance: 146km, 1 hour 50 minutes

Stay: Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park

Day 5. Bicheno to St Helens

Depart this morning and head north along the A3 until you reach St. Helens.

St. Helens is the perfect place to access the world-renowned Binalong Bay and Bay of Fires. The Bay of Fires combines the wilderness with long stretches of beach, meaning that you can really become one with nature. Take an eco-tour or go snorkelling in the crystal waters, as the reefs are vibrant and full of life. There are also many bush walks and opportunities for bird watching in the area.

Distance: 76km, 1 hour

Stay: BIG4 St. Helens Holiday Park

Day 6. St Helens to Scottsdale

Depart this morning and head north on the A3 towards Quail Street until you reach Scottsdale.

Scottsdale is a vivacious agricultural town, full of colours and great local produce. Visit the Bridestowe Lavender Estate and witness the spectacular rolling hills of lavender. The estate is open all year round to visitors, as its 260 acres of land is always full of life and colour. The accompanying Woodcroft Café is also the perfect way to finish your day by trying some lavender infused treats with your afternoon tea.

Distance: 98 km, 1 hour 30 minutes

Stay: Scottsdale Caravan Park

Day 7. Scottsdale to Launceston

Depart this morning and follow the A3 to David Street in Newstead.

You have now arrived in Launceston, the second biggest city in Tasmania. While in Launceston, visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and check out their local exhibitions. With a collection showcasing both local and international works, there is always something for everyone in the family, and an opportunity to learn something new.

If you have time, also visit the Launceston Cataract Gorge & First Basin, which is a nature park with the world’s longest single span chairlift. Enjoy a relaxing meal at the restaurant or explore the beautiful gardens and surrounds to top off a great week in Launceston.

Continue to discover more of Tasmania, or return your campervan to the depot. Allow up to 60 minutes to return your campervan.

Distance: 62 km, 1 hour

Stay: BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park


Disclaimer

DriveNow's suggested itineraries are made available to assist travellers create and build personalised journey plans.

DriveNow does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of these itineraries and they are provided as is and as advisory only.

Special caution and planning should be taken when travelling in remote areas to ensure sufficient provisions, fuel and prescribed medicines are carried.

Weather conditions can make sealed roads impassable particularly during the northern Wet season. All rental vendors in Australia have restrictions on where their vehicles can be taken, therefore it is recommended that you consult with your vehicle provider on your intended journey when collecting your vehicle. Travelling where restrictions are imposed voids all insurance cover.

You acknowledge that any reliance on or use of any itinerary shall be at your sole risk.