Lap of Tasmania Road Trip

Day 1: The Journey Begins

When you arrive in Devonport via the Spirit of Tasmania, your excitement is palpable. The ferry journey itself is an adventure, offering fantastic views and the anticipation of the trip ahead. From there, take a short drive to BIG4 Ulverstone. With an early check-in option, it’s an excellent spot to take a breath, unpack, grab some supplies and truly begin our Tasmanian journey.

Ulverstone is a picturesque coastal town, renowned for its beautiful beaches, parks, and a serene estuary. With its close proximity to other Tasmanian attractions, Ulverstone makes for a great base to explore the surrounding regions while offering its own set of unique experiences for tourists.

Day 2: Mystical Mountains

Take a day trip to one of the many attractions close to Ulverstone such as the iconic Cradle Mountain*, Leven River Cruise or Leven Canyon.

*If you’re taking the Rosebery route from Stanley to Strahan, you could visit Cradle Mountain on that route.

Day 3: Stanley and The Nut

Heading northwest, your next stop is Stanley, staying at BIG4 Stanley. Here, the challenge is to conquer The Nut, a sheer-sided bluff—all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug. The panoramic view at the top? Worth every step! In Stanley, visitors can delve into the past at the historic town centre, marvel at the elegance of Highfield House, embark on the captivating Tarkine Drive, and end the day with enchanting penguin viewing.

Days 4 & 5: Western Shores

Strahan is calling via one of 2 routes! A picturesque drive through the Tarkine Wilderness and Corinna is the slower version. Or head through Rosebery dependent on your vehicle. If you’re heading through Rosebery, you can take a side trip to Cradle Mountain. Tick that off the Must Do Tassie list! Arrive in Strahan, a quaint little west coast town on the shores of Macquarie Harbour. Staying at BIG4 Strahan, you cant’ miss the Gordon River cruise—an immersive experience into Tasmania's wilderness.

Days 6 & 7: From Central Serenity to Hobart's Hustle

Head inland to Mt Field, where the landscapes shift from wild coasts to lush forests. A further drive south leads you to Hobart. Staying at BIG4 Hobart near the airport made it easy to explore the city. Mount Wellington, the bustling Salamanca Market on a Saturday, MONA, and the historic Battery Point are just a few must-visit spots.

Day 8: Stepping Back in Time

A day at Port Arthur provides a humbling history lesson. It tells tales of Australia's convict past, making it a crucial part of the Tasmanian experience. Stay at NRMA Port Arthur, the perfect ending to this history-filled day.

Days 9, 10 & 11: Eastern Delights

The east coast is a visual treat! Coles Bay beckons, a trip to Tasmania would be incomplete without marvelling at the beauty of Freycinet Peninsula. Settle at BIG4 Iluka Freycinet, ensuring your proximity to nature’s wonders.

Your next stop is St Helens, with BIG4 St Helens as our base. The Bay Of Fires, with its orange-lichen-covered rocks and clear waters, is another highlight of Tasmania! Enjoy fishing, kayaking, bushwalking or mountain biking in the nearby St Helens Mountain Bike Trails.

Days 12 & 13: Launceston's Charms

Round your journey off with a few days in Launceston. Staying at BIG4 Launceston, this city is charmed with cultural activities, Cataract Gorge, and delightful day trips.

Day 14: Farewell, Tasmania!

The final leg is to head back to Devonport and hop aboard the Spirit of Tasmania to sail back to the mainland.

Google might say it's a 19-hour journey, but trust me, if you really want to experience Tasmania's charm, you'll want to take your time!

Whether you're doing a quick 1–2-week whirlwind tour or a leisurely two-month adventure, Tasmania guarantees memories that'll last a lifetime!

While this itinerary hits the main spots, Tasmania's real magic often lies in its lesser-known spots and hidden treasures. So, take it slow and let the island unveil its secrets to you!