Tasmania 7-Day Itinerary | The Ultimate Road Trip For Adventurers

Tasmania is an adventurer’s paradise, filled from top to bottom with rugged mountain ranges and dense temperate rainforests worthy of a storybook. The compact island state is easily accessible on a self-drive road trip, but even though you can drive from one end to the other in half a day, spending 7 days in Tasmania will only scratch the surface!

With only a short amount of time to spend in such a magical destination, you don’t want to miss any of the best locations. Which is why we’ve compiled the ultimate Tasmania 7-day itinerary for adventurous travellers searching for a slightly off the beaten path experience.

In this detailed itinerary, you’ll discover all our favourite hiking destinations organised into an action-packed week-long road trip of Tasmania. Along with the epic hikes, you’ll find handy tips on where to stay and alternate activities for each destination.

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Things You Need To Know For Your 7 Day Tasmania Road Trip

Getting To Tasmania

Tasmania lies off the southern tip of Australia, separated from Victoria by the Bass Strait. The only way to reach the small island state is by ferry or plane.

The Spirit of Tasmania Ferry

The most cost-effective option for getting to Tasmania (especially if you have a camping set-up) is to take your car over on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. However, keep in mind that this will add a day to either side of your trip, resulting in a 5-day road trip or a total of 9 days.

The ferry departs from Geelong, 1 hour west of Melbourne, and arrives in Devonport on the northern tip of Tasmania. The crossing on the ferry takes between 9 – 12 hours and is subject to varying costs depending on the demand and time of year. We highly recommend booking as far in advance as possible to secure the best price and avoid missing out – the boat books out quickly during summer, especially for vehicles and trailers over 2.1 m tall.

For up-to-date information on ticket prices and cancellation policies, visit the Spirit of Tasmania website.

Flying To Tasmania

If spending 9 – 12 hours on a boat does not sound appealing – or you’re an international traveller – you can fly into either Hobart or Launceston, the two major cities in Tasmania. Launceston is a domestic airport and Hobart has an International airport, though its only flight out of Australia is to Auckland, New Zealand.

Flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane depart daily for both Hobart and Launceston, however, the remaining Australian capital cities are less frequent. There is very little difference between flying into Hobart or Launceston and this itinerary can easily be adjusted to suit both cities.

Hiring A Vehicle In Tasmania

Tasmania is sorely lacking in the public transport department, making renting a car essential if you plan to fly. Our top recommendation is to hire a campervan and utilise the multitude of free or cheap campsites in Tasmania.

If you’d rather hire a car, we recommend looking into Discover Cars who offer the best deals on well-renowned rental companies.

Accommodation

Tasmania is packed full of accommodation options to suit all travellers, even plenty of free or cheap campsites if you’d rather immerse yourself deeper in nature. Our top recommended site for accommodation is Booking.com.

They not only offer the best deals on many occasions, but once you sign up for free, you have all of your upcoming trips organised into one easy to use location.

Tasmania Tours For 7 Days

If planning your own accommodation and car rental is too time-consuming, there are various 7-day Tasmania tours that will give you a taste of the adventure available in Tasmania. However, you’ll be sticking to the well-known destinations and will see very little of the true wild Tasmania.

• 7-Day Tasmania Highlight Tour
• Tasmania 8-Day Circuit Tour
• Highlights Of Tasmania 7-Day Touring Package

The Best Tasmania 7-Day Itinerary For Outdoor Adventurers

Below you’ll find our ultimate 7-day lap of Tasmania for hikers and nature lovers. It’s an action-packed itinerary that will give you a taste of the dramatic coastlines and wild mountain ranges that Tassie is famous for.

We’ve described this circuit as a clockwise road trip beginning and ending in Hobart, however, you can complete this lap anti-clockwise and can easily begin in either Launceston or Devonport as well. You’ll also find some days have multiple options or alternative activities that are either shorter or easier – or both.

Day 1: Hobart to Maydena – Via Mount Field National Park

Catching the earliest flight possible and grabbing your rental car, head straight out of Hobart and make your way northwest, following signs to Mount Field National Park. If you’re a fan of fresh berries and are visiting between December and January, stop in at Westerway Raspberry Farm to pick your own mouth-watering fruit.

Arriving in Mount Field National Park, stop in at the visitor centre and take the short walk to Russell Falls before continuing onto Maydena, quickly checking into your accommodation before climbing The Needles.

Russell Falls

The majestic Russell Falls is a short 20 – 25 minute return walk from the visitor centre located at the base of Mount Field National Park. The easy gravel path winds alongside a fern-laden creek before emerging on the iconic cascading waterfall, bordered by a magical temperate rainforest.

Hike The Needles

15 minutes past Maydena, you’ll come to a gravel car park and a sign stating you’ve arrived at the “highest point on road”. On the left-hand side of Gordon River Road, a pink tag indicates the beginning of the short but steep 2.4 km return hike to the summit of The Needles.

While the walk is short in distance, it will take roughly 1.5 – 2 hrs to complete and you will climb 341 m in elevation along a rutted and rocky trail that weaves between the grey granite outcrops. But the effort is well rewarded once you stand atop the summit and gaze upon Lake Gordon and the serrated ridgelines cutting across the horizon.

Alternative: Russell Falls And The Three Falls Circuit

If you’re short on time or would rather opt for a more mellow walk for your first day, a great alternative is the Three Falls Circuit at Mount Field. This beautiful and easy walk takes you on a 6 km loop around the foothill of the ancient mountain range and takes roughly 1.5 – 2.5 hrs to complete.

You’ll wander through thriving temperate rainforests, stopping at Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Baron Falls. This loop also allows you to include the short Tall Trees Circuit which meanders beneath the monstrous mountain ash.

Where To Stay Near Maydena

Camping

You have two options for camping near Maydena for your first night. You can choose to stay at the Mount Field Campground beside the visitor centre or alongside Lake Pedder at Edgar Dam Campground.

• Mount Field Campground – The campground beside the visitor centre at Mt Field is a good option if you’d like to eat out at the nearby pub and don’t mind paying a small fee for the shower facilities and power if need be. On top of the camping fee of $16 for two people for an unpowered site or $20 for a powered site, you will need a Tasmania Parks Pass for this campground.
• Edgar Dam Campground – Located on the banks of Lake Pedder, an hour west of Maydena, this is one of our favourite places to stay in Southwest Tasmania. Edgar Dam campground has no camping fees, other than a Tasmania Parks Pass, and is located near tomorrow’s walk. However, camping here will require you to cook your own dinner as there are no dining options nearby.

Accommodation

• Maydena Mountain Cabins – The quaint little self-contained cabins are located on the western border of Maydena and make for a great base to explore Mount Field or The Needles
• Giants Table and Cottages – Also located in Maydena, this accommodation is equipped with a kitchenette and is an affordable option for families

Where To Eat

Maydena is a traditional small Tasmanian town, meaning there is very little option for eating out. That said, the National Park Hotel, located between Mount Field and Maydena, has raving reviews for their delicious pub-style meals and the Waterfall Cafe at the visitor centre is a fantastic option for lunch.

Day 2: Maydena To Lake St Clair

Today will begin with an early morning drive out to Lake Pedder along Scotts Peak Dam Rd (if you didn’t stay at Edgar Dam Campground the night before) to hike the incredible Mt Eliza in Southwest National Park. 

The best part about this hike is that you’re gifted sensational views of Lake Pedder and the fiord-like landscape from the moment you begin the long staircase, meaning you can turn back at any stage if you’re running low on time and won’t miss out.

Afterwards, you’ll take the beautifully scenic drive to Lake St Clair – the southernmost tip of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – where you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset from the shores of the ancient glacially carved lake.

Mt Eliza

Leaving from the Condominium Creek car park – 52 minutes southwest of Maydena – you’ll wander through a fire-ravaged landscape along a newly built boardwalk to a never-ending staircase leading skyward up the bony ridgeline of Mt Eliza.

The scene that unravels from the moment you begin to gain elevation is worth every step and before you know it, you’ll have reached the seated lookout roughly a third of the way along the 10 km return trail.

This might be enough for some, but if you have the time and the scrambling skills, we highly encourage you to continue climbing. What’s revealed once you’re standing on the sprawling bouldered peak is beyond explanation. The entire return hike takes approximately 4 – 6 hours, or you can opt to turn back at the High Memorial Hut that sits just below the rock scramble which takes roughly 3 – 4 hours.

Alternative 1: The Needles

If you chose to explore the Three Falls Circuit at Mount Field yesterday, then The Needles is a great short walking alternative for your second day in Tasmania’s southwest. This walk takes just 1.5 – 2.5 hours to complete, allowing you more time to sleep in and slowly make your way to Lake St Clair.

Alternative 2: Take The Scenic Drive To Gordon Dam

Another alternative if you don’t feel up for a steep ascent is to enjoy a drive through the otherworldly landscape of the southwest to Gordon Dam, which is situated at the end of Gordon River Rd. If it’s warm enough, stop off at Ted’s Beach on the way for a dip in Lake Pedder.

Where To Stay

Camping

There are limited free campgrounds near Lake St Clair, most of which don’t have a toilet or any other facilities. If you choose any of these campsites (which can be found on Wikicamps) please ensure you’re self-contained or use the public toilets opposite the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel.

• Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel – You can camp in the car park of the hotel for free with the purchase of a drink or dinner – and lucky, the food there is delicious!
• Lake St Clair Tourist Park – The paid caravan park found along Lake St Clair Road offers powered and unpowered sites starting from $40 per night and provides a basic kitchen, showers for $1 per 6 minutes and a toilet block. Plus you’ll find coin-operated laundry facilities onsite.
• Fergy’s Paddock Campground – Located to the north of the visitor centre, this free campsite lies on the banks of Lake St Clair and offers a more affordable alternative to the tourist park. However, it is for tents only as you need to leave your car at the visitor centre car park and walk for 6 minutes to reach the campsite.

Accommodation

• Lake St Clair Lodge – The beautiful cabins, studios or suites have views over Lake St Clair and some offer kitchenettes and fireplaces.
• Derwent Bridge Chalets and Studios – For a more affordable option, these chalets and studios are located a 6-minute drive from Lake St Clair and all offer a kitchen or kitchenette and a communal outdoor BBQ area.
• Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel – This is your cheapest option, where your stay includes a buffet breakfast and close access to Lake St Clair.

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Where To Eat

Stop in at the quirky Possum Shed Cafe in Westerway on your way to Lake St Clair for lunch, or if you’re running a little late then you can revisit the National Park Hotel. 

For dinner near Lake St Clair, you can either choose a delicious organic meal at the Lake St Clair Lodge Restaurant or visit the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel for a heart-warming pub meal or an incredibly delicious curry!

The Hungry Wombat Cafe or the Lake St Clair Lodge Cafe are equally great options for your morning coffee and a quick breakfast.

Day 3: Lake St Clair to Cradle Mountain

Get ready for another action-packed day, beginning with a sunrise walk around Lake St Clair, followed by a rugged hike to the summit of Mt Tyndall before arriving at Cradle Mountain in the late afternoon. 

Today’s drive is yet another beauty, winding through towering tree ferns before abruptly shifting to a barren landscape once you reach the brown and desolate hills surrounding Queenstown. Moving past Queenstown, you’ll enter one of our favourite regions of dramatic rugged peaks formed over time by glaciation. 

If you happen to sleep in and run out of time to hike either Mt Tyndall or Mt Farrell, you can opt to spend your day stopping off at the sights along the road which include Nelson Falls, Horsetail Falls and Iron Blow Lookout.

Walk Around Lake St Clair Via The Watersmeet Loop

Get up bright and early to catch the first light caressing the treetops and casting a soft yellow glow over Lake St Clair. Beginning from the visitor centre, walk along the path leading to the water’s edge and turn left onto Fergie’s Paddock Track, following the lakeside trail until it veers left to intersect the Watersmeet Track.

The Watersmeet Track wanders beneath enormous eucalypts as it leads you to the confluence of the Cuvier and Hugel rivers. From the confluence, continue onto the Platypus Bay Track, watching out for the elusive platypus playing in the shallows.

Finish the 5.5 km figure of 8 loop by returning to the visitor centre via the Larmairremener Tabelti Walk, which supplies insight into the lives of the Aboriginal people who called leeawuleena (Lake St Clair) home for thousands of years. 

The entire circuit will take roughly 1.5 hours to complete, however, you can shorten this by excluding the Platypus or Fergie’s Paddock Track – or both.

Hike Mt Tyndall

If you’re searching for a true Tasmanian hiking experience, Mt Tyndall is the trail for you! Beginning at an unnamed side road off Anthony Rd, even Google Maps won’t help you find the trailhead – you’ll need to use Alltrails or follow these directions.

After 600m along an old dusty road, you’ll arrive at the beginning of the official trailhead and step onto a mud-soaked track for the first 30 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll begin the steep ascent through thick shrubs and over pink-hued granite slabs before finally arriving at the summit 3.5 km and roughly 2 – 2.5 hours later.

The expansive summit allows you to wander across the boulder-strewn alpine fields (carefully avoiding the fragile plants) and admire the rambling landscape stretching out across the Cradle Mountain Valley to the east and to the headland of Macquarie Harbour in the west.

In total, the hike to Mt Tyndall’s summit is 7 km return and takes approximately 4 – 5 hrs, requiring you to climb 709 m in elevation through a rough track marked by the occasional pink tags and rock cairns. It’s suited to moderately experienced hikers with some navigation and rock scrambling experience.

Alternative: Mount Farrell

A shorter and easier – but no less impressive – alternative to Mt Tyndall is the beautiful 6.3 km return hike to Mount Farrell. While it is almost the same distance and still requires 560 m elevation gain, it generally takes an average of 2.5 – 3 hours to complete.

The hike to Mt Farrell begins on the northern fringe of Tullah, weaving through a messy forest for the first 1.5 km before emerging into a landscape dominated by buttongrass and rugged rocky outcrops.

The remaining 1.8 km to the summit follows a deeply rutted track to the bony ridgeline that leads to the peak. From the ridgeline, you’re gifted breathtaking vistas of Lake Mackintosh on one side and Lake Rosebery on the other. 

Mt Farrell surprised us, becoming one of our favourite short walks in the area and even though the summit is a low 670 m above sea level, the mountain range offers just as much magic as the larger peaks surrounding.

Where To Stay

Camping

Just like Lake St Clair, you’re limited on choices for free campgrounds, the only options available being nothing more than large clearings with no facilities. These can be found on Wikicamps and if you are self-contained, our top suggestion is Vale of Belvoir.

• Cradle Mountain Fishery & Camping – Rather than spending the ludicrous prices for a site at the Cradle Mountain Holiday Park, you can camp on this riverside private property just a 15-minute drive from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre.
• Cradle Mountain Holiday Park – Located opposite the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, the holiday park offers prime real estate for your visit, however, prices begin at $40 per night for 2 for a small tent site and rise to a whopping $70 for a powered gravel site.

Accommodation

• Cradle Mountain Waldheim Cabins – An affordable option for a group of 4 to 8 people travelling together is to rent a rustic cabin within the national park. Prices begin at $140 for 4 people in a bunk-style cabin, with a stove, basic cooking utensils and a shared bathroom onsite.
• Cradle Mountain Hotel – For a little more luxury, the Cradle Mountain Hotel – located a 4-minute drive north of the visitor centre – offers beautiful hotel rooms nestled into the peaceful eucalypt forest. We highly recommend including the buffet breakfast in your stay, which was absolutely delicious!
• Cradle Mountain Highlanders – Another quaint accommodation option close to the walking tracks is the Highlanders cabins. Each cosy cabin includes a fireplace and full kitchen facilities.

Where To Eat

After enjoying breakfast at either the Lake St Clair Lodge Cafe or the Hungry Wombat Cafe, you can grab a quick bite to eat in Queenstown at the IGA as you pass through or wait to enjoy a pizza or pub-style lunch at the Tullah Lakeside Lodge.

While there aren’t really any shops in Cradle Mountain, there are a number of dining options associated with the various hotels and lodges located in the village. Our favourite place to eat for its ambience and quality is the Tavern Bar and Bistro, which is open for lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Cradle Mountain to Ben Lomond National Park

It’s understandable if you’re ready for a sleep-in by the fourth day of your action-packed Tasmania road trip. Luckily, Cradle Mountain offers a wide variety of walks that can cater for all energy levels.

Depending on the hour at which you begin your day, we have two of our top suggested walks for you to choose from before making your way to Tasmania’s Northeast. Along your drive, you can stop in at Deloraine to stock up on groceries from the Woolworths in town.

Cradle Mountain Summit Circuit

For the ultra-keen adventurers, get up bright and early to experience the best day walk in Cradle Mountain. The Cradle Mountain Summit Circuit encompasses a vast majority of the mountain range, allowing you to explore the enchanting temperate rainforests, the glacially carved lakes hidden in deep cirques and offers the chance to summit the bouldered peak of Cradle Mountain.

The entire circuit is 12.4 km and takes roughly 5.5 – 7 hours to complete. You’ll begin the hike at Ronny Creek, cross the buttongrass fields we have dubbed the ‘wombat highway’, weave through thriving rainforests to Crater Lake, climb to Marions Lookout for the best view of Dove Lake, ascend the challenging scramble of boulders to Cradle Mountain’s Summit and return via Hansons Peak to the banks of Dove Lake.

This is a long and moderately challenging walk with 747 m of elevation gain – most of which is in the final kilometre to the summit. The most difficult section is the ascent to the peak of Cradle Mountain, which can be cut out of the circuit if you’re low on time or feel uneasy on such an exposed trail.

If you choose to leave Cradle Mountain’s summit out of the circuit, you can expect to take approximately 4 – 5.5 hours on the 10 km circuit.

Note: If you want to complete the entire Crater Lake Circuit, including Cradle Mountain Summit, it’s best to drive to the Ronny Creek Car Park. This can only be done before the shuttle busses begin, which is from 8 am in summer (1st October – 31st March) and 9 am in winter (1st April – 30th September).

Alternative: Dove Lake Circuit

If you’d rather enjoy a lazy morning, you can wait until the free shuttle busses begin, park at the visitor centre and catch the bus to Dove Lake. From the drop-off point, meander along the beautiful 6 km Dove Lake Circuit that begins and ends at the shuttle drop-off.

The easy track weaves between warped king billy pine and eucalypts as it follows the banks of the stunning lake, sitting in a magnificent amphitheatre-like cirque beneath Cradle Mountain. The walk takes approximately 1.5 – 2.5 hours to complete and allows you to experience one of the most magical rainforests we have seen, named ‘The Ballroom Forest’.

You’ll also end at the iconic Dove Lake Boatshed which creates the perfect foreground for a breathtaking view of the lake and Cradle Mountain piercing the horizon above.

Where To Stay

Camping

Nestled within the colourful snow gums covering the foothills of Ben Lomond National Park, you’ll find a beautiful campsite that is free save for a Tasmania Parks Pass – which you will already have. The Ben Lomond Campground offers a toilet block, drinking water and 6 sites suitable for tents, caravans or campervans.

Accommodation

There is little in the way of towns near Ben Lomond National Park and barely any accommodation options at the base of the mountain range. Our suggestion is to stay in the beautiful historic town of Evandale, located 45 minutes west of Ben Lomond Village.

• Cute As A Button in Charming Evandale – A stunning little cottage-style accommodation just outside of Evandale that can sleep up to four guests, equipped with a full kitchen and laundry facilities.
• Arendon Cottage – A fully self-sufficient apartment in town, perfect for a couple wanting to be within walking distance of restaurants and cafes.

Where To Eat

The visitor centre is your only option for coffee and a light takeaway breakfast – unless you’ve chosen to stay at one of the lodges or hotels in Cradle Mountain. If you’ve chosen to wander the village and visit Dove Lake, we recommend the Tavern Bar and Bistro for lunch before making your way to Evandale.

In Evandale, you have a choice of two pubs for dinner, the Clarendon Arms Hotel or the Prince of Wales Hotel. Our top choice is the Clarendon Arms Hotel, which has a large and inviting courtyard and a cosy rustic feel inside. They also use local suppliers for their delicious seasonal menu.

Day 5: Ben Lomond National Park To Freycinet Peninsula

Your fifth morning will begin with a beautiful drive through the northeast countryside and up the winding mountain road to the Car Villa Trailhead. Or you’ll wake to the sound of native birds and wildlife chattering away and enjoy a breathtaking sunrise from the lookout on the edge of the alpine campground before making the quick 6-minute drive to the trailhead.

Spend the day walking through dolerite columns and over alpine herb fields to the peak of Legges Tor – the second-highest mountain in Tasmania – before ending at northeast Tasmania’s only ski field and village.

In the afternoon, take the scenic drive through the northeast countryside to the east coast and make your way along the coastal road through Bicheno to the Iconic Freycinet Peninsula.

Carr Villa Track Via Legges Tor

The Car Villa Track begins at the old Car Villa Hut, just beneath the towering columns of dolerite that dominate the landscape. You’ll follow a worn track over broken columns, wandering into pockets of alpine shrub and snow gum, as you gently ascend to the sprawling plateau above.

Once you reach the plateau, you’ll wander across a boulder-strewn alpine herb field to an abandoned collection of ski huts. The peak of Legges Tor lies just beyond this point, requiring a short scramble to reach the summit.

The return walk to Legges Tor via the Carr Villa Track is 8 km and takes approximately 2.5 – 4 hours to complete. With only 350 m elevation, this is a relatively easy walk in comparison to the first few days. If you’d like to extend the walk, you can also wander down into Ben Lomond Alpine Village, which will add an extra 3.5 km to your walk.

Alternative: Walk To Legges Tor From The Village

If you’d rather split your adventure between walking and driving one of the most exciting roads in Tasmania, you can begin your walk from Ben Lomond Alpine Village and take on Jacobs Ladder.

Jacobs Ladder is a section of the drive that consists of tight switchbacks that zig-zag up the steep mountainside. But what makes this road even more exhilarating is the fact that it’s a dirt road!

Once you arrive in the village, after stopping at the lookout to admire the exhilarating road, you can enjoy the shorter 3.5 km return walk to the peak of Legges Tor which takes roughly 1 – 2 hours to complete.

Note: In winter, this is an operational ski village. But other than a toilet block, there are no facilities in the village during the summer season.

Where To Stay

Camping

You’ll be pleased to hear that there are plenty of options for camping on the east coast of Tasmania and some of the best spots are even free! Of course, if you want to camp in Freycinet National Park, there is a small fee but it’s worth it for the view!

• Richardsons Beach, Honeymoon Bay and Ranger Creek Camping (Freycinet National Park Campground) – These three campgrounds line the coastline between The Hazards and Coles Bay and are the closest option. Fees start at $13 per couple per night for an unpowered site.
• River and Rocks Campground – Usually much quieter during the summer months compared to the campground above, River and Rocks is located on the banks of Swanwick Bay, just north of Coles Bay.
• Friendly Beaches Campground – This is our favourite of the campgrounds near Freycinet National Park, it’s free (with a Tasmania Parks Pass) and you have sensational views of the peninsula to the south. The only downside is that it’s a 20-minute drive from Coles Bay and 30 minutes from the walking tracks.

Accommodation

Coles Bay and the surrounds are teeming with accommodation options, which you can find loads of information about in our extensive guide to the best places to stay in Freycinet National Park. But for one night only, these are our top suggestions.

• Freycinet Lodge – Located within Freycinet National Park, the lodge is the perfect place for one night. The bar and restaurant offer the best sunset and you’re within walking distance to the trails.
• BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet – For a more affordable option, the BIG4 caravan park has everything you need. Conveniently situated in the town centre of Coles Bay, you can choose from a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
• The Hazards Beach Escape – This holiday home is perfect for two couples or a family of 4. The house is located at the southern edge of Coles Bay, close to the walking trails in Freycinet National Park.

Where To Eat

The Evandale Cafe opens at 7 am on weekdays, allowing you to grab a bite to eat and a coffee before heading out to Ben Lomond. If you’re hungry after your hike, stop off at Bicheno on your way and indulge in the best seafood on the East Coast at The Lobster Shack – open until 7 pm every day.

Coles Bay offers several options for dinner, if you’re a fan of woodfire pizzas then we highly suggest dining at the Geographe Restaurant. But our favourite for both food and scenery is the Freycinet Lodge. Alternatively, the Iluka Tavern offers quality pub-style meals for an affordable price.

Day 6: Freycinet Peninsula To Tasman Peninsula

Wake up in one of the most stunning coastal landscapes you’ll find in Australia and take a walk along the beach or bay for sunrise. Once you’ve got yourself sorted for another day of hiking, drive south to the Wineglass Bay Car Park and get ready to scramble to the summit of Mt Amos.

If you’ve got time to spare on your return, you can also visit Wineglass Bay Lookout or drive 10 minutes northeast to Cape Tourville to view the Lighthouse and search for whales. Then it’s time to say goodbye to the Freycinet Peninsula and continue south towards the Tasman Peninsula.

Stop at the Devil’s Corner Winery on your way to sample some local Tasmanian wine. The winery sits atop a hill overlooking Freycinet National Park and the iconic Hazards mountain range. You’ll also find a range of delicious food options, including woodfire pizzas and fresh local seafood.

Finally, arrive at the Tasman Peninsula and head towards your preferred accommodation. If you happen to arrive in the late afternoon, we suggest taking a short detour to witness the fascinating rock formations starting at Eaglehawk Neck. These include the Tesselated Pavement, Devils Kitchen, the Tasman Arch, and the blow hole (although we don’t consider the blow hole to be a must-see if time is limited).

Mt Amos

Challenge scrambling skills and conquer your fear of heights as you embark on the thrilling ascent to the summit of Mt Amos. This 4 km return hike may be short in distance, but it packs a punch with its predominantly vertical pink granite slabs.

Be prepared to dedicate 2-4 hours to complete this climb, with sections that will literally have you crawling on all fours. But let me assure you, the effort is a thousand times worth it when you find yourself perched on the bouldered peak, taking in the breathtaking view of Wineglass Bay and the sprawling peninsula.

While we must warn you that this hike is not for the faint of heart, with proper grippy shoes and some scrambling experience, you’ll absolutely fall in love with the challenge. The exposed nature of the trail grants you continuous glimpses of sensational views over Coles Bay and the majestic neighbouring mountain peaks. So even if you decide to turn back early, trust us, it’s still an experience that’s worth every step. Don’t miss out!

Alternative 1: Wineglass Bay And Hazards Beach Circuit

Mt Amos is certainly not everybody’s cup of tea, but we’ve got the perfect alternative if you still wish to take on a longer walk. The Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit is our second favourite walk in Freycinet National Park and offers a taste of everything.

Begin the 11.6 km circuit at Wineglass Bay Car Park and walk in an anti-clockwise direction, starting with the undulating forest trail that leads to Hazards Beach. You’ll wander along the coarse yellow sand for a little while before turning left and crossing the Isthmus.

The isthmus delivers you to the fine white sanded Wineglass Bay, a stark contrast to Hazards Beach. Admire the translucent turquoise water before beginning the climb up a long set of stairs to Wineglass Bay Lookout.

This walk is quite mellow, with only 351 m of elevation, and can generally be completed within 3 – 5 hours depending on your fitness level – and the amount of secluded coves you stop at for a swim!

Alternative 2: Wineglass Bay Lookout

If you prefer to spend the day exploring the breathtaking beaches and bays along the Freycinet Peninsula, you can choose the shorter Wineglass Bay Lookout walk. This scenic 2.9 km trail can be completed in just 1-2 hours and rewards you with the second-best view of Wineglass Bay – the best being at the peak of Mt Amos!

Where To Stay

Camping

Unfortunately, there is no free camping on the Tasman Peninsula. However, you will find a couple of private campsites that range in price from $15 to $40 per night.

• Fortescue Bay Campground – This is our favourite place to stay on the Tasman Peninsula, located on the water and right beside the trailhead for Cape Hauy. Prices start at $13 per couple per night for an unpowered site and you’ll even find token-operated showers!
• Eaglehawk Dive Centre – Located at Eaglehawk Neck, the dive centre is a great alternative if you don’t want to drive as far south. Camping costs $15 per night, per person and provides access to hot showers, toilets and a camp kitchen.

Accommodation

• NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park – Situated just north of the Port Arthur Historic Site, this is an affordable option that’s perfect if you plan to visit the old gaol.
• Pirates Retreat – A cute little tiny home located at Eaglehawk Neck, with a beautiful coastal forest setting.
• Lufra Hotel and Apartments – Overlooking Pirates Bay, this is another affordable option with breakfast available on-site.

Where To Eat

There are two options for breakfast in Coles Bay, the Geographe Restaurant or Granite Freycinet near the Iluka Tavern. If you’d like to sit in, we recommend the Geographe Restaurant, but if you prefer a quick take-away coffee and a small brekky then Granite Freycinet is your best choice.

A late lunch at Devils Corner Winery is our top choice, but if you can’t wait that long, you can try some of the best oysters and mussels in Australia at the Freycinet Marine Farm.

The best town for dinner on the Tasman Peninsula is Port Arthur. Here, you have a choice of the top-rated On The Bay restaurant which boasts waterfront views, or the Fox and Hounds Historic Hotel. On The Bay specialises in fresh local seafood and the Fox and Hounds offers quality pub-style meals using local Tasmanian produce.

Day 7: Tasman Peninsula To Hobart

Sadly, you’ve made it to your last day in Tasmania! But before you drive the short hour back to Hobart Airport, there’s hopefully time for one more adventure!

Take the beautiful forest drive south to Fortescue Bay (if you weren’t camping there already) and stretch those legs on a final hike to Cape Hauy. Return and enjoy a quick swim in the bay before beginning your journey to the airport.

If you happen to have a late flight, stop in at the Port Arthur Historic Site on your way back for a tour of one of the best-preserved convict sites in Australia.

Cape Hauy

For your last walk, you’ll get to experience a vastly unique landscape dominated by monstrous dolerite sea cliffs that plunge nearly 300 m into the wild ocean below. The 9.5 km return walk to Cape Hauy is our favourite on the Tasman Peninsula for its stunning coastal woodlands teeming with wildlife and the beautiful rugged headland that’s home to the Totem Pole – a world-renowned rock climbing route.

You’ll begin this walk from Fortescue Bay and tackle over 2,000 stone steps as you make your way to the edge of Cape Hauy. The track takes roughly 3.5 – 4 hours to complete and is best in the early morning light. It’s also one of the busiest tracks on the peninsula so the earlier you start, the quieter your walk will be.

Alternative: Port Arthur Historic Site

If you’ve had enough walking for one holiday – or have more time to kill – take a visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur is a UNESCO world heritage site with a dark history beginning back in 1830.

The grounds have been well preserved to give you insight into what life might have been like for the convicts throughout those hard years. The only downside to visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site is the price of the admission ticket – it’s not cheap! But if you have an interest in history and want to learn more about the convicts’ lives, then it’s worth the price.

Where To Eat

There are limited places for breakfast near Eaglehawk Neck or Port Arthur. The best options are in or near Nubeena, a 20-minute drive west of Eaglehawk Neck and 11 minutes northwest of Port Arthur. If you have the time, we recommend The Pickers Pantry in White Beach (7 minutes south of Nubeena). But if you want a quick coffee to go, stop at the Cubed Espresso Bar in Eaglehawk Neck.

If you want to stop for lunch before your flight, we recommend The Cannery in Dunally – located just north of the Tasman Peninsula. This seafood restaurant is a favourite among locals and is open for lunch 7 days a week. 

Final Thoughts

We hope you’re ready for an action-packed adventure! We understand that fitting all of this into 7 days is a mighty task, but we would rather give you more options than less! We hope that this comprehensive 7-day Tasmania Itinerary helps you make the most of your time and allows you to experience the absolute best of Tassie.

Remember, you can customize this itinerary to suit your preferences, whether you fly into Launceston or catch the boat into Devonport. If you choose the latter, booking the night sail will ensure you have a full 7 days in Tasmania.

Once you’ve completed your unforgettable journey around Tasmania, we’d love to hear all about it! Share your adventure and the route you took in the comments below. And of course, feel free to ask us any questions you may have – we’re here to help.

Happy Adventuring 🙂