The Ultimate Tasmania Road Trip: The Lap of Tasmania
It’s important to make the most of your time in Tasmania, but we highly recommend that you don't just cover the urban centres—especially if you're road-tripping. Road trips across the Apple Isle are incredibly popular due to the state’s stunning and diverse natural beauty, its compact size, and an abundance of scenic winding routes perfect for a self-paced adventure.
The Lap of Tasmania is a super-flexible option—choose a 14-day express trip or circumnavigate the state over a few months to hidden gems and iconic landmarks. With 1500 kilometres to explore, it allows you to view twelve of the most amazing, jaw-dropping and memorable sights and attractions you'll find anywhere in the world.
How To Get To Tasmania With An RV
If you live off the mainland, the Spirit of Tasmania ferry accommodates visitors and vehicles of all kinds, including RVs. Departing from Geelong in Victoria to Devonport in northern Tasmania, you may want to start your journey in Launceston (about an hour from Devonport) and make your way clockwise along the east coast first, or go in the other direction. Choosing your own adventure is all part of the fun!
Tasmanian Road Trip: National Parks
Tasmania's National Parks are a must for your Tassie road trip, and a Parks Pass is essential. If you plan on visiting only one park (excluding Cradle Mountain), then buy a 'Daily' pass. Cradle Mountain is more expensive and is charged on a 'per person' basis. A shuttle ticket will also be required in addition to this. For most visitors, a 'Holiday' pass is the best option. It covers every park in Tasmania (including Cradle Mountain), and it lasts for two months. If you're a senior, an annual Parks Pass is even cheaper.
Road Trip Around Tasmania: Fast Facts & Travel Tips
Time: 14 days+
Distance: ~1500 km
Travel tips:
Pack layers as the weather changes quickly.
Book caravan parks early, especially in peak seasons.
Carry extra fuel and water for remote areas.
Plan kid-friendly stops—national parks and wildlife spots are great.
Regularly check your RV for maintenance on rough roads.
Respect wildlife and local communities.
Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary: Explore The Big 12
Highlight 1: Mt Wellington
Highlight 2: Mt Field National Park
Highlight 3: Strahan
Highlight 4: Cradle Mountain
Highlight 5: The Nut
Highlight 6: Cataract Gorge
Highlight 7: Tamar Valley Wine Route
Highlight 8: Bay of Fires
Highlight 9: Freycinet National Park
Highlight 10: Maria Island
Highlight 11: Port Arthur Historic Site
Highlight 12: Richmond Village
Road Trips in Tasmania: A Flexible, Design-Your-Own Adventure
Here's a guide to Tasmania's twelve mustn't-miss destinations, which includes approximate travel times, caravan park recommendations, and Bonus RV Tips to enhance your journey.
1. Mt Wellington: Marvel At Magical Lookout Views
Mt Wellington
Distance: ~18 km from Hobart
Allow: ~30 mins
Stay: Discovery Parks, Hobart
Bonus RV Tip: Mt. Wellington is significantly colder and windier than in Hobart—around 10°C colder—so remember to pack for the conditions.
Soaring above the city skyline, Mt Wellington's rocky peak and fluted columns are Insta-worthy, and walking trails criss-cross its slopes. One of the most popular routes is to depart from The Springs via the Zig-Zag Track, then walk up to the Pinnacle lookout. It's a steady ascent of around 3.5 kilometres, but it's well-marked and offers stunning views across to the Tasman Peninsula and to Bruny Island. If you're an early riser, plan to watch the sun rise from the lookout (allow up to 2 hours to ascend and around 1.5 hours to descend). It offers breathtaking 360-degree views!
2. Mt Field National Park: Take In Tumbling Waterfalls
Lake Dobson
Distance: ~80 km from Hobart
Allow: ~1.5 hrs
Stay: Land of the Giants Caravan Park, Mt Field National Park
Bonus RV Tip: The 3-hour loop walk links several waterfalls, including an easy circuit with fantastic views.
Mt Field is Tasmania's oldest national park and has something for everyone. The lower section is ideal for those with kids or if you prefer a shorter walk. It's filled with tumbling waterfalls at every turn, including Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls, which is an easy 15-minute walk from the visitor's centre. Recharge with a light meal at Waterfalls Cafe and Gallery, and pick up a souvenir or two for the folks at home. Then drive up to the alpine reaches near Lake Dobson, where, in autumn, the valleys are awash in red, gold and green.
3. Strahan: Soak Up Spectacular Sealife
Distance: ~260 km from Mt Field
Allow: ~4 hrs
Stay: Strahan Beach Tourist Park, Strahan
Bonus RV Tip: If you've got time, stay another day and view rugged landscapes by steam train on the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
On Macquarie Harbour's shores is the pretty village of Strahan. Here, you can visit local art galleries, take a stroll along the Strahan Foreshore, or visit Sarah Island Historic Penal Settlement. Another must-do is a harbour cruise for views of the coastline and the vast Tasmanian wilderness, accompanied by commentary that provides information and insights into the area's rich convict history, and opportunities to spot wildlife like dolphins and seals.
4. Cradle Mountain: Walk Amidst Diverse Wildlife
Cradle Mountain
Distance: ~145 km from Strahan
Allow: ~2 hrs
Stay: Discovery Parks, Cradle Mountain
Bonus RV Tip: Native Tasmanian wildlife is everywhere at Cradle Mountain. Keep your eyes peeled and you might glimpse pademelons, bandicoots and even furry wombats!
No round trip of Tasmania is complete without a visit to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Located high in the alpine reaches of the UNESCO Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the best way to get up close to this iconic mountain is to do the popular Dove Lake Circuit walk. This is a scenic 6 km loop with spectacular views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake. More wildlife spotting is on offer here, including echidnas, wombats, wallabies, and diverse bird species. Continue your animal-inspired adventures with a guided night tour to experience the park's nocturnal wildlife, including possums and Tasmanian devils.
5. 'The Nut': View A Volcanic Marvel
The Nut, Tasmania
Distance: ~170 km from Cradle Mountain
Allow: ~2.5 hrs
Stay: Stanley Cabin & Tourist Park, Stanley
Bonus RV Tip: Visit the Jimmy Lane Memorial Lookout for a photo. Jimmy was a local champion for the environment, inspiring visitors to appreciate and protect Tasmania's wilderness.
The Nut is a famous volcanic plug and iconic landmark that has a flat table-top sitting high above the shores of Bass Strait. A trail leads to the summit (and views from Fisherman's Wharf Lookout) and takes around 20 to 30 minutes. If you're not up for a walk, a shuttle bus also operates during peak tourist seasons to help visitors reach the top. On your return, stop at Godfrey's Beach for a stroll along its golden sands.
6. Cataract Gorge: Gaze Upon Striking Gorges
Cataract Gorge
Distance: ~235 km from Stanley
Allow: ~3 hrs
Stay: BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park, Launceston
Bonus RV Tip: For a different perspective on the gorge, book a leisurely cruise on the Lady Launceston for beautiful views of historic sites, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Launceston is a vibrant city, boasting a rich cultural heritage, including Australia's largest regional museum, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Love wine? Take a tour of the local Tamar Valley wineries to sample Tasmania's famous cool-climate wines. Or before that wine, consider a walk to Cataract Gorge Reserve. King's Bridge (15 minutes from Launceston) is one of the first of many walking trails that work their way up to Cataract Gorge Reserve. The Alexandra Suspension Bridge links the two sides, and trails extend to the park's further reaches. Or take the scenic route across the rushing waters on the longest single-span chairlift in the world! Thrilling!
7. Tamar Valley Wine Route: Wind Your Way Through Local Wineries
Distance: ~42 km
Allow: ~45 mins
Stay: Beauty Point Tourist Park, Beauty Point
Bonus RV Tip: You could draw straws for the pleasure of being the designated driver, but why not leave the car at camp and book a full-day wine tour?
The last 20 years have seen the Tamar Valley emerge onto the international wine scene, offering boutique, cool-climate wines to suit all tastes. Dozens of little wineries are dotted along the valley's rolling banks, just waiting for you to sip on their delicious vintages. Make some time to dine at one of the cellar door restaurants where you can savour gourmet meals that perfectly pair with the local wines. A few wineries that offer the authentic taste of Tassie include Jansz Tasmania (premium sparkling wines), Velo Wines (cool-climate varietals), and Bay of Fires Wines (boutique aromatic whites and carefully crafted reds).
8. Bay of Fires: Feast On Ocean-Fresh Seafood
Bay of Fires
Distance: ~170 km from Launceston
Allow: ~2.5 hrs
Stay: Tasman Holiday Parks, St Helens
Bonus RV Tip: Don't miss exploring nearby coastal trails for unforgettable sunrise/sunset views right from your RV!
The Bay of Fires is a stunning coastal gem known for its pristine white sandy beaches and vibrant orange lichen-covered granite rocks. Enjoy scenic walks along the coastline, including the famous Bay of Fires Walk, which showcases amazing ocean views and diverse wildlife. Snorkel or swim in its turquoise waters, pack a picnic, or head to nearby towns like St Helens with its cafes and fresh seafood.
9. Freycinet National Park: Bask in Wineglass Bay's Beauty
Wineglass Bay
Distance: ~155 km from Bay of Fires
Allow: ~3 hrs
Stay: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park
Bonus RV Tip: Explore Wineglass Bay in the early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy stunning sunrise views from your RV base!
Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania's most popular gems, and exquisite views of Wineglass Bay's curved, pristine beach are only 40 minutes away from the lookout. Another hour's walk will have you on the beach itself, where you can relax with a picnic or take a chilly dip (yes, it's cold even in summer). You only live once, right? The town of Coles Bay is on Freycinet's doorstep, and a coastal walk reveals outstanding views of the granite peaks of The Hazards. Or take a short drive to Tourville Lighthouse for more fabulous views back across Freycinet.
10. Maria Island: Discover An Unexplored Natural Gem
Painted Cliffs
Distance: ~110 km from Freycinet National Park
Driving Time: ~1.5 hrs
Stay: Triabunna Cabin & Caravan Park, Triabunna
Bonus RV Tip: Hire a bike when you book your ferry tickets—it's the best way to get around the island!
With no cars or shops, a day trip to Maria Island is both tranquil and beautiful. Here, you can view the Painted Cliffs, discover ancient fossils at Fossil Bay, and learn about the fascinating colonial history of the township of Darlington. There are also lots of hiking trails to be had—the Mt Maria hike has incredible views. The ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island departs several times throughout the day and only takes 30 minutes. It's one of Tasmania's most amazing hidden gems, but keep it quiet, OK?
1. Port Arthur Historic Site
Distance: ~130 km from Triabunna
Allow: ~1.5 hrs
Stay: Port Arthur Caravan Park
Bonus RV Tip: Book your Port Arthur caravan park in advance, especially during peak season. Carry extra water and fuel, as facilities are limited.
It is hard to understand how a place of such beauty (with its stunning harbour and Georgian architecture) could have been Australia's harshest and most brutal penal settlement. There's lots to do here and it's one of the best-value experiences in Tasmania. Your ticket includes a two-day entry, a 25-minute harbour cruise, and a 40-minute guided walking tour.
12. Richmond Village: Roam Through Richmond's Historical Treasures
Distance: ~80 km from Port Arthur Historic Site
Allow: ~1.5 hrs
Stay: Richmond Caravan & Cabin Park
Bonus RV Tip: Visit the weekend Richmond Village Markets to support local artists, browse for knick-knacks, and taste some of the local produce.
A visit to Richmond Village, just 25 minutes from Hobart, is like stepping back in time. After being settled way back in 1824, it quickly became a thriving regional centre. The best way to explore it is on foot. Visit Richmond's old gaol, St John's Church, and the Richmond Bridge. Stroll by the banks of the Coal River, and marvel at the lovingly restored Georgian buildings, before stopping for lunch at one of the many idyllic cafes. Then make your way back to Hobart, where you can take your time unwinding while you scroll through your memory-making pics of an epic road trip!