Tasmania In 5 Days | The Ultimate Itinerary For The Adventurous

Tasmania is a destination hot on everyone’s lips, especially outdoor enthusiasts. The tiny island state is packed full of adventure, covered from north to south in imposing mountain ranges that drop dramatically into temperate rainforests, fuelled by a labyrinth of coursing rivers running through the state like veins.

We’ve lived in Tasmania for over 2 years and have made it our mission to explore as much of the state as possible. While most 5-day Tasmania itineraries will suggest only the iconic destinations and encourage you to spend time in the cities, we believe you’ll gain so much more by occasionally wandering off the beaten track.

With just 5 days, you’ll only get a taste of what Tasmania has to offer as there are simply too many things to do and hikes to complete. However, we’ve come up with the ultimate adventurous Tasmania 5-day itinerary that will allow you the most diverse experience possible in such a short period of time. 

In this post, you’ll find our ideal itinerary if we were to experience Tasmania in 5 days, including where to stay, what not to miss and helpful information for planning your Tasmanian holiday.

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Things You Need To Know For Your Tasmanian Holiday

Getting To Tasmania

To reach the island state at the southern point of Australia, you can either catch the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong and disembark in Devonport, or fly into Launceston or Hobart – the two major cities located in the north and south respectively.

The Spirit of Tasmania Ferry

Although it’s a long 9 – 12 hour crossing, taking your car over on the Spirit of Tasmania is the most cost-effective way to explore the beautiful island state. The ferry leaves from Geelong, 1 hour west of Melbourne, and arrives in Devonport at the northern tip of Tasmania.

Fare prices vary considerably depending on demand and the time of year, but they do fill up extremely quickly – especially for vehicles over 2.1 m tall – so booking as far in advance as possible is ideal. For more information on ticket fares and cancellation policies, visit the Spirit of Tasmania website.

Flying To Tasmania

For international travellers and those who’d rather a quick transit, you can fly into Hobart or Launceston. Flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane leave daily while the remaining capital cities are less frequent.

There’s no real benefit in flying into Hobart or Launceston, it simply comes down to which is cheaper and offers the best departure times.

Hiring A Vehicle

If you’ve chosen to fly to Tasmania, hiring a car is essential for this road trip. Tasmania is severely lacking in public transport outside of the two main cities. The only destinations you can reach without a tour are Cradle Mountain from Launceston and Mt Field from Hobart.

There are plenty of rental car options within Tasmania, including campervans. If you’re travelling on a budget, we suggest choosing a campervan as there are plenty of cheap or free campsites all over Tasmania.

Accommodation

You’ll find an array of accommodation options throughout Tasmania, including luxury hotels, quaint Airbnb’s and the cutest farm stays. 

Booking.com is our favourite resource for finding great places to stay in Tasmania for an affordable price. They not only offer competitive prices but if you sign up for free, all your upcoming trips are organised in one easy location.

Tours

There are various tour companies within Tasmania that offer a taste of adventure. Below we’ll list the best options for outdoor enthusiasts, however, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any that will take you off the beaten track.

• 5-Day Tasmania West and East Coast Tour – eco-certified
• Tarkine Wilderness 5-Day Walking Tour
• 5-Day Best of Tasmania Tour

The Best Tasmania 5 Day Itinerary For Outdoor Enthusiasts

This 5-day Tasmanian itinerary is curated for those that are seeking an active holiday full of mountains, alpine lakes and dramatic coastlines. It includes some of our all-time favourite destinations in Tasmania and while it’s a lot to pack into 5 days, it will be an unforgettable trip.

We’ve described the express lap of Tasmania in a clockwise direction, beginning and ending in Hobart. But you can easily alter it to start from Launceston or Devonport. You’ll also find an alternative hike for each location that is easier and shorter in duration.

Day 1: Hobart to Mount Field

Arriving as early as possible in Hobart, pick up your rental car and head straight for Mount Field National Park. If you’re visiting between December and January, make a stop at Westerway Raspberry Farm along the way to pick your own delicious berries.

Once you’ve reached Mount Field and settled into your accommodation of choice, there are several activities you can choose from to fill the afternoon. Our top suggestion is the Tarn Shelf hike but if you’re limited on daylight hours, the Three Falls Circuit is a fantastic backup.

Tarn Shelf Hike

Beginning on the banks of Lake Dobson, 30 minutes beyond Mount Field Campground, the Tarn Shelf is a 2-3 hour return walk that allows you to experience the full force of Tasmania’s glacial history as you wander across the alpine shelf filled with multi-coloured lakes.

The Tarn Shelf offers magical views over the Broad River Valley and into the boundless alpine range of Mount Field. You’ll undoubtedly get those travel legs moving with 400 m elevation, but the reward will be worth every step.

Alternative: Three Falls Circuit

The Three Falls Circuit is the best trail to experience the beauty within the foothills of the mighty Mount Field mountain range. The easy 6 km loop takes you on a 1.5-2.5 hr journey to the base of Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Baron Falls.

Beginning just beyond the visitor centre, you’ll wander through an ancient temperate rainforest filled with tree ferns and myrtles covered in a carpet of moss. A canopy of giant mountain ash (the tallest flowering plant in the world) keeps the understory glowing green and thriving with various fungi growing throughout.

Witness Glow Worms At Russell Falls

Come back to the visitor centre after dark and walk the easy wheelchair-accessible path to Russell Falls, a short 10 minutes away, and search the flanking forests for the millions of glow worms that call the decaying tree trunks home.

It’s truly a magical sight and if the moon is glowing above, you’ll hardly even need your torch. Keep walking past the glow worms to Russell Falls to view it in the moon’s glow, it’s even more impressive in this light than during the day.

Driving Time

Hobart Airport – Westerway Raspberry Farm: 1 hour 10 minutes
Westerway Raspberry Farm – Mount Field Visitor Centre: 10 minutes
Mount Field Visitor Centre – Lake Dobson (start of the Tarn Shelf walk): 30 minutes

Click here for directions.

Where To Stay

Camping

Mount Field National Park has a beautiful campground located right on the river’s edge at the base of the mountain range. While you’ll need to pay $16 for an unpowered site and $20 for a powered site for two people (on top of the Tasmania Parks Pass) it’s worth it for the showers and ease of access to the walking trails.

Accommodation

• Russell Falls Holiday Cottages – These quaint cottages have a full kitchen and are within walking distance of the Three Falls Circuit
• Hamlet Downs Country Accommodation – Although this accommodation option is 14 minutes away, you have the option to include a delicious dinner and/or breakfast to your stay
• Giants Table and Cottages – The most affordable option only 6 minute’s drive from the Mount Field visitor centre

Where To Eat

Although the choices for dining out are limited near Mount Field, there are a couple of places that will leave you pleasantly surprised. The National Park Hotel has raving reviews for its traditional pub-style menu and the coffee at the Waterfall Cafe in the visitor centre will keep the caffeine addicts happy.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Mount Field on a Saturday in January, indulge in The Summit experience – Tasmania’s highest dining venue that overlooks the rugged southwest.

Day 2: Mount Field to Tullah

Today, you’ll journey along one of the most scenic roads in Tasmania, the Lyell Hwy. This contrasting country road dips and weaves beneath ancient temperate rainforests, across stark and barren landscapes and passes deep blue lakes flanked by rugged mountains.

Because this road and region deserve to be sufficiently explored, there are no large hikes on the itinerary for day 2 but rather a full day of exploring the many wonderful attractions found within Tasmania’s wild west.

Your wild west road trip will include visiting the famous Lake St Clair, Nelson Falls, Iron Blow Lookout and Horsetail Falls before arriving at Tullah – the closest town to Mount Murchison, your hike for day 3. 

Lake St Clair

The first stop for day 2 of your Tasmania itinerary is Lake St Clair. Part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Lake St Clair sits at the southern tip of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Formed millions of years ago by glaciation, Lake St Clair is the deepest freshwater lake in Australia and provides a stunning foreground to the majestic mountains reaching for the horizon. You’ll find a number of walking trails extending from the visitor centre, but the best one for a short time frame is the Watersmeet Circuit.

Alternatively, you can simply stretch your legs and wander to the jetty at Cynthia Bay which offers a breathtaking view out to the Traveller Range.

Nelson Falls

Jump back into your car and begin to drive further west into Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. This stunning stretch of road meanders through a vibrant temperate rainforest, offering occasional glimpses of the iconic Frenchmans Cap to the south.

After an hour of driving through the magical west Tasmanian landscape, you’ll arrive at Nelson Falls’ car park. The wheelchair-accessible walk to Nelson Falls takes less than 10 minutes and delivers you to the base of the cascading waterfall.

Although most impressive after heavy rainfall, Nelson Falls is a sight to behold year-round and the walk itself will envelop you in a thick forest filled with dozens of fern species and moss-covered myrtles.

Iron Blow Lookout

It’s difficult to explain the sheer contrast that you’ll witness as you drive out of the dense rainforest and into a barren landscape stripped of almost all vegetation. But as you cross Lake Burbury, you’ll notice the shift immediately.

Queenstown and the surrounding mountain ranges have undergone over 100 years of mining and as a result of the smelter fumes, heavy rainfall and extensive tree removal, what you see today is a dramatic landscape often referred to as a ‘moonscape’.

As you drive over the pass between Mount Lyell and Mount Owen, you’ll find a sign for the Iron Blow Lookout and a car park just off the highway. A very short walk leads you to a platform overlooking the unnaturally teal-coloured water that fills the inactive mine site.

Horsetail Falls

2 minutes west of Iron Blow Lookout, you’ll come across the car park for Horsetail Falls. Dropping 50m into Moore Creek at the base of Mt Owen, Horsetail Falls is an impressive seasonal waterfall that offers the best experience through the winter months.

The 1 km walk to the top of Horsetail Falls is predominantly on an elevated boardwalk that clings to the barren mountainside. Even when the waterfall isn’t flowing, it’s an otherworldly experience to wander amongst the dramatic landscape.

Driving Time

Mount Field Visitor Centre – Lake St Clair Visitor Centre: 1 hour 45 minutes
Lake St Clair Visitor Centre – Nelson Falls: 1 hour
Nelson Falls – Iron Blow Lookout: 20 minutes
Iron Blow Lookout – Horsetail Falls: 2 minutes
Horsetail Falls – Tullah: 50 minutes

Click here for directions.

Where To Stay

Camping

Unfortunately, there are no free camping options near Tullah unless you’re fully self-contained. However, there are powered sites available at the Tullah Lakeside Lodge which overlook the peaceful Lake Rosebery.

If you’re travelling in a self-contained campervan, you can free camp at the Lake Rosebery Foreshore near the bridge.

Accommodation

• Holiday House On Sale – A lovely home within Tullah that is equipped with a full kitchen and a little outdoor patio
• Tullah Lakeside Lodge – Affordable rooms with a restaurant onsite for breakfast and dinner
• The Wombat Cottage – Another affordable option with a full kitchen and a cosy bush cabin feel

Where To Eat

You’ll find a tasty cafe at the Lake St Clair Lodge, located adjacent to the visitor centre, that is perfect to grab a snack before stopping in Queenstown for a late lunch. In Queenstown, you’ll find plenty of options from bakeries to cafes, including a small IGA. Or you can visit our favourite cafe in Linda, 10 minutes east of Queenstown.

The Tullah Lakeside Lodge is the best, and basically the only, option for dining out near Tullah. There is also a tavern but we would highly recommend the Lakeside Lodge as the food is hearty and the view is beautiful.

Day 3: Tullah to Cradle Mountain

After a big day of driving for day 2, you’ll be pleased that today only requires an hour in the car. Instead, you’ll spend most of your time surrounded by imposing mountain peaks that are more akin to New Zealand’s landscape than Australia’s.

Your hiking choices for today are either Mount Murchison or Mount Farrell (or both if you’re a super-fast hiker). Mount Murchison is a grade 4 and requires some scrambling skills to reach the peak, while Mount Farrell is an easier grade 3 with no surprises other than a little elevation.

And once you’re finished exploring the majestic mountain ranges near Tullah, a stunning 40-minute drive through the highland plains will deliver you to the iconic Cradle Mountain.

Mount Murchison

There is no doubt that Mount Murchison is the best day hike in Tasmania and you’ll understand why as soon as you step foot into the enchanted forest flanking Anthony Rd. 

The 7.3 km return hike takes you on a wild adventure, beginning in a gnarled temperate rainforest drenched in moss before funnelling you into an ancient landscape of plunging glacial lakes and precipitous ridgelines. 

But it’s not until you enter the inner world of Mt Murchison that you truly experience the full force of nature that carved this magnificent landscape into an amphitheatre-like glacial cirque.

The Mt Murchison hike takes approximately 4 – 5 hours to complete, climbs 786 m in elevation and requires a good dose of scrambling to reach the slanted peak. It’s certainly not a hike for the faint of heart but if you’re up for the challenge, we can guarantee you’ll fall in love with this mountain just as much as we did.

Alternative: Mount Farrell

We were blown away by Mount Farrell, a hike we hadn’t even considered for a long while until a friend told us of its beauty. But this smaller mountain packs a punch and provides you with breathtaking views of Lake Mackintosh and the distant peaks of Mount Murchison.

Beginning on the northern border of town, this 6.3 km return walk takes you through vast buttongrass plains before dropping you onto a bony ridgeline overlooking Lake Mackintosh. The views from the rocky ridge are nothing short of magical and if time allows, you can add an extra 2.4 km to visit Lake Herbert and go for a swim.

Mount Farrell takes approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to complete the return walk and if you’re super keen, you can add this hike on as a sunrise mission before summiting Mount Murchison afterwards.

Driving Time

Tullah – Mount Murchison Track Head: 11 minutes
Tullah – Mount Farrell: 3 minutes
Tullah – Cradle Mountain: 42 minutes

Click here for directions.

Note: Mount Murchison is located back along Anthony Rd, approximately 10 minutes south of Tullah. The car park is simply a clearing on the opposite side of the road with a small sign. If you’re searching for the trailhead in Google Maps, ensure you type in ‘Mount Murchison Track Head’ for the correct directions.

Where To Stay

Camping

Free camping near Cradle Mountain is limited, the only option being the Vale of Belvoir which is accessible for self-contained campervans only. While there are two other camping options, we’d recommend renting a cabin within the national park (more on this below).

• Cradle Mountain Fishery and Camping – For $15 a night per person, it’s not overly cheap but it is cheaper than staying at the Cradle Mountain Discovery Park and you get to experience the quirkiness of Tasmania.
• Cradle Mountain Discovery Park – The holiday park allows access to showers and is closer to the Cradle Mountain walks, however, you will be paying exorbitant prices for camping – beginning at $65 per night during summer!

Accommodation

• Cradle Mountain Waldheim Cabins – The Waldheim Cabins are our top suggestion for places to stay in Cradle Mountain. They’re affordable (especially for a group of 4 or more) and allow you to be as close to Cradle Mountain as possible.
• Cradle Mountain Hotel – For a little more luxury, the Cradle Mountain Hotel is a beautiful place to stay the night – where you can include a delicious buffet breakfast.
• Cradle Mountain Discovery Park – While the camping is way overpriced at the Discovery Park, the cabins are actually quite reasonable and cosy.

Where To Eat

Cradle Mountain has an array of restaurant options located within the Cradle Mountain Village, just past the visitor centre. Our favourite place to eat is the Tavern Bar and Bistro, which is open for lunch and dinner.

Each hotel has its own buffet-style breakfast, or you can grab a quick bite from the visitor centre as you wait for the shuttle bus. Unfortunately, there are no cafes within Cradle Mountain Village.

Day 4: Cradle Mountain to Freycinet Peninsula

Get ready for another day of monstrous mountains and alluring alpine lakes because today, you’ll experience the most iconic mountain range in Tasmania – Cradle Mountain. Today’s agenda is tight but with only two days left on your 5-Day Tasmania road trip, you’ll be glad to soak in as much nature time as possible.

It’s best to start today as early as possible so you can drive into Ronny Creek rather than use the shuttle service which leaves from the visitor centre. Once the shuttle service begins (8 am in summer and 9 am in winter) you’re unable to drive into the national park and are required to use the free shuttle busses. Find more information on the shuttle service here.

Of course, this doesn’t apply if you’re staying at the Waldheim Cabins as you’ll already be at the trailhead.

Once you’ve finished exploring the majestic Cradle Mountain range, you’ll begin your 4-hour drive to the east coast of Tasmania, where you’ll stay the night at Coles Bay before exploring Freycinet National Park tomorrow.

Crater Lake Circuit Via Marions Lookout

When there is limited time to explore the depths of Cradle Mountain, the Crater Lake Circuit is our favourite hike to experience the vast diversity this range offers. 

You’ll begin at Ronny Creek and walk across Cradle Valley – which we’ve renamed the wombat highway – before ascending through dense rainforest to Crater Lake. From the ice-blue glacial lake, you’ll climb deeper into the alpine and emerge onto the rocky ridgeline beneath Marions Lookout.

A little rock scrambling – aided by a chain – is required to reach the lookout and from this vantage point, you’re gifted the absolute best view of Cradle Mountain.

You can return the way you came or drop down the thrilling Marions Lookout Link Track to Dove Lake, catching the free shuttle bus back to your car. The circuit is 7 km (give or take a little depending on the route you choose) and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. 

If you’re an advanced hiker and managed to begin at the crack of dawn, you may have just enough time to add the Cradle Mountain summit into this hike – but it does add on another 2 – 3 hours.

Alternative: Dove Lake Circuit

The Dove Lake Circuit is the most popular day walk in Cradle Mountain, allowing close access to the mighty dolerite peaks without having to endure any technical trails.

Beginning at the northern point of Dove Lake, the 6 km trail weaves in and out of the flanking forest as it follows the shoreline in a clockwise direction. As you wander past ancient king billy pine and giant myrtle beech trees, you’re gifted intermittent glimpses of Cradle Mountain’s summit soaring above the glacial cirque.

The best part of the Dove Lake Circuit is the ‘Ballroom Rainforest’ which is located on the western side of the lake. You’ll feel as if you’ve entered an enchanted world as you wander over a labyrinth of bubbling brooks on wooden bridges and boardwalks.

The Dove Lake Circuit takes an average of 1.5 – 2.5 hours to complete and if you’re still wanting a little more, you can walk the 3 km Lake Lilla track back to Ronny Creek.

Driving Time

Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre – Ronny Creek: 15 minutes
Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre – Coles Bay: 3 hours 55 minutes

Click here for directions.

Where To Stay

Camping

Unlike the west, there are countless free campsites on Tasmania’s east coast, including the Freycinet Peninsula. Our favourite free campsite for exploring Freycinet National Park is River and Rocks, located just 10 minutes north of the park.

Other alternatives nearby include:

• Friendly Beaches – Another free campsite located 20 minutes north of the Freycinet National Park car park
• Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek campgrounds – These three campgrounds are located within the national park and cost $13 per vehicle per night for an unpowered site, however, they are the closest option

Accommodation

• Sunsets – A beautiful beachfront house that is affordable and close to all the action
• Freycinet Eco Luxe – This stunning modern home is the closest accommodation option to the walking trails
• Freycinet Resort – Splurge a little on a stunning cabin overlooking the ocean, with breakfast included
• Big4 Iluka on Freycinet – The most affordable option with a prime location in Coles Bay

Where To Eat

Coles Bay has an array of restaurants and cafes to choose from, but our favourite place for a hearty meal is the Iluka Tavern. However, if you’re after a fine dining experience for your final night, you can’t miss The Bay Restaurant located within the Freycinet Lodge.

For breakfast and delicious coffee, make a stop at Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar found on the main street of Coles Bay.

Day 5: Freycinet Peninsula to Hobart

Your final day in Tasmania will be spent exploring Freycinet National Park before setting off for an ideally late flight out of Hobart. The Freycinet Peninsula is a stunning area that can keep you captivated for days on end, however, with only half a day you can either spend time swimming and walking along the many secluded coves or embark on one last hike.

If time allows, we highly recommend summiting Mount Amos – our favourite hike on the Freycinet Peninsula. However, if you’re short on time, a quick walk out to Wineglass Bay lookout will allow you to view the world-famous beach.

Mount Amos

If you love clambering up almost vertical rock slabs, then Mount Amos is the hike for you! This 4 km return track will leave you breathless in more ways than one as you scale the pink granite boulders that rise above the appealing peninsula.

Once you’ve reached the summit of Mount Amos, your efforts are rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Wineglass Bay and Hazards beach –  separated by a thin slice of vegetation that leads to the dominating peaks of Mount Freycinet and Mount Graham.

While the distance is short, Mount Amos can take anywhere between 2.5 and 4 hours to complete due to its steep and technical nature.

Alternative: Wineglass Bay

No visit to the Freycinet Peninsula is complete without viewing the iconic Wineglass Bay. And luckily, there are multiple options that include experiencing the strikingly white sanded beach.

The quickest way to view Wineglass Bay is by simply visiting the lookout, an easy 2.9 km return walk that takes roughly 1 hour. But if you have the time, continue past the lookout and walk down the endless amount of stairs to the sandy shore.

You’ll likely be met by the resident wallabies that call the bay home and if time allows, enjoy a swim in the translucent turquoise water. The return walk to Wineglass Bay is 6 km and takes approximately 2 – 3.5 hrs.

Driving Time

Freycinet Peninsula – Hobart Airport: 2 hours 25 minutes

Final Thoughts

What a whirlwind adventure! We know this is a lot to fit into 5 days but if you want to make the most of your time in Tasmania, this 5-day itinerary will allow you to experience the best bits and help you plan your next holiday.

Remember, you can alter this itinerary to suit flying into Launceston or catching the boat into Devonport. We recommend booking the night sail if you choose to boat across to ensure you get the full 5 days in Tasmania.

Have you completed an express lap of Tasmania? We’d love to hear about your adventure and which route you took in the comments below. And as always, please feel free to ask us any questions you may have and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

Happy Adventuring 🙂