Tasmania Lap: Hobart to Hobart Circuit (7–14 Days)

Discover the ultimate Tasmania campervan road trip on a 7–14 day itinerary, taking in the pink granite peaks of Freycinet, the white sands of the Bay of Fires, and the alpine beauty of Cradle Mountain. This complete circuit from Hobart offers stunning coastal drives, wilderness adventures, and tips for the best campsites along the way.

Tasmania Road Trip

Circle the island on a 7–14 day Hobart road trip loop and discover pink-granite peaks, sugar-white beaches, alpine wilderness and foodie towns. This Tasmania campervan itinerary gives you a practical, day-by-day plan from Hobart to Freycinet, the Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain — plus driving times, distances, and smart tips for campsites, park passes and seasons.

Estimated trip length: 7–14 days • Total distance: ~900–1,100 km • Best time: November–April (longer days, milder weather)

Planning the ultimate Tasmania road trip campervan itinerary? This scenic Hobart road trip loop showcases the island’s greatest hits — Freycinet National Park, the Bay of Fires, and Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park — with practical travel tips and camping suggestions to help you craft an unforgettable self-drive adventure.

Tasmania Road Trip Highlights

  • Freycinet National Park: Wineglass Bay Lookout, Hazards Range & Friendly Beaches
  • Bay of Fires: blinding white sands, orange-lichened boulders & clear turquoise coves
  • Cradle Mountain: Dove Lake Circuit, alpine boardwalks & wombat spotting
  • East Coast towns: Bicheno blowhole, Swansea vineyards & seafood shacks
  • Optional day trips: Maria Island (wildlife & convict history) or Bruny Island (beaches & produce)
  • Hobart: Salamanca Market (Sat), waterfront dining & kunanyi / Mount Wellington views

Tasmania Road Trip Route Overview

Direction: Clockwise loop from Hobart via the East Coast to Freycinet and the Bay of Fires, then inland to Cradle Mountain and back to Hobart (via Midlands or optional West Coast detour). Expect a mix of short coastal hops and one longer mountain leg.

Approximate segment distances & driving times:

  • Hobart → Freycinet (Coles Bay): ~195 km / 2.5–3 hrs
  • Freycinet → Bay of Fires (Binalong Bay/St Helens): ~175 km / 2.5–3 hrs
  • Bay of Fires → Cradle Mountain: ~300 km / 4–4.5 hrs (via Launceston)
  • Cradle Mountain → Hobart (via Midlands Hwy): ~325 km / 4.5–5 hrs
  • Optional: Hobart ↔ Bruny Island day trip: ferry + ~80–120 km local driving

10-Day Tasmania Lap Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Hobart → Freycinet (East Coast)

Roll out via Richmond’s historic bridge and the coastal sweep past Swansea. Settle in at Coles Bay. Sunset at Honeymoon Bay is a classic.

Day 2: Freycinet National Park

Hike Wineglass Bay Lookout (extend to the beach if keen), stroll Cape Tourville, and explore Friendly Beaches. Overnight near Coles Bay.

Day 3: Freycinet → Bay of Fires (Bicheno stop)

Cruise north with a coffee in Bicheno (check the blowhole). Arrive to Binalong Bay’s white sands. Camp at Cosy Corner or nearby holiday parks.

Day 4: Bay of Fires Beach Day

Slow down: beach walks, rock-pool dips, snorkelling on calm days. Golden hour photography among the orange-lichened boulders.

Day 5: Bay of Fires → Launceston or Tamar Valley (optional)

Detour inland for city comforts and produce (markets, Cataract Gorge) or a Tamar Valley tasting loop. Overnight Launceston/Grindelwald area.

Day 6: Launceston → Cradle Mountain

Climb to alpine country. Check in near the park. Pre-book the shuttle for Dove Lake. Short leg stretch on Enchanted Walk or King Billy Track.

Day 7: Cradle Mountain Alpine Trails

Classic Dove Lake Circuit, or tackle Marion’s Lookout if weather allows. Look for wombats at Ronny Creek near dusk.

Day 8: Cradle → Lake St Clair or Mount Field (waterfalls)

Choose wilderness: Lake St Clair walks and lake views, or Mount Field’s Russell & Horseshoe Falls plus giant tree ferns. Overnight Maydena/New Norfolk.

Day 9: Return to Hobart (food & viewpoints)

Roll back to the capital via the Derwent Valley. Optional stops: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Coal River wineries. Sunset atop kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

Day 10: Hobart or Bruny Island Day Trip

Browse Salamanca Market (Sat), MONA (check hours), or ferry to Bruny for beaches, lighthouse views and local cheeses before trip’s end.

7-Day Express Tasmania Road Trip Option

  • Day 1: Hobart → Freycinet
  • Day 2: Freycinet (Wineglass Bay & lookouts)
  • Day 3: Freycinet → Bay of Fires (via Bicheno)
  • Day 4: Bay of Fires beaches & coves
  • Day 5: Bay of Fires → Cradle Mountain
  • Day 6: Cradle Mountain hikes (Dove Lake, boardwalks)
  • Day 7: Cradle → Hobart (Mount Field or Bonorong en route)

Tip: With fewer days, keep coastal time focused (one full day each at Freycinet & Bay of Fires) and prioritise the Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle.

Camping, Parks & Facilities

  • Holiday parks: Available in Coles Bay, St Helens/Binalong Bay area, Launceston & near Cradle. Expect powered sites, hot showers and laundries.
  • National park campgrounds: Basic but scenic options near beaches and forests; some require self-sufficiency (water/waste).
  • Bookings & passes: A Tasmania Parks Pass is required for national parks; buy online or at visitor centres. Peak seasons (summer/holidays) sell out — pre-book.
  • Powered vs unpowered: If your batteries are limited, choose powered sites for multi-night stays to keep fridges/devices happy.

When to Go & Safety Notes

  • Best weather: November–April offers longer daylight and warmer temps on the East Coast. Winter brings snow/ice in the highlands.
  • Rapid weather changes: In alpine areas (Cradle), conditions shift fast — carry layers, waterproofs and check park alerts.
  • Wildlife on roads: Avoid driving at dusk/dawn where possible; reduce speed on rural roads.
  • Road surfaces: Many scenic detours are sealed; some are narrow or partially unsealed — drive cautiously in a 2WD campervan.
  • Fires & alerts: Check current park and fire updates; heed closures and seasonal restrictions.

What to Pack for a Tasmania Road Trip

  • Warm layers year-round (fleece, beanie, gloves) and a waterproof jacket
  • Sturdy walking shoes/boots; quick-dry clothing
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+
  • Insect repellent, compact first-aid kit, personal meds
  • Reusable water bottles; thermos; basic pantry staples
  • Head torch, power bank, spare charging cables
  • National Parks Pass (or purchase on arrival) and offline maps

Quick FAQs

How many days do I need for the Hobart loop?

7–14 days keeps driving reasonable and leaves time for Freycinet, Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain. Add days for Bruny, Maria Island or the West Coast.

Do I need a Tasmania Parks Pass?

Yes. A Parks Pass is required for entry to national parks like Freycinet and Cradle Mountain. Purchase online or at visitor centres.

Is a 2WD campervan suitable?

Yes. Major routes are sealed. Avoid rough unsealed tracks and always follow park signage and road advisories.

Do I need to prebook campsites?

Highly recommended in summer and school holidays, especially for Freycinet and near Cradle Mountain. National parks often require advance bookings.

Plan & Book Your Campervan

Ready to roll? Use our Campervan Finder to compare campervans, motorhomes and 4WD campers from 100+ brands across Australia. Check availability for your Hobart road trip loop dates and lock in the best price today.