Tasmania is compact enough to loop in a week but varied enough to fill a month. In seven days you can see convict history at Port Arthur, the pink granite of Freycinet, the white beaches of the Bay of Fires, the alpine lakes of Cradle Mountain and the wild west coast.
Distances look short on the map, but Tasmanian roads are hilly and winding, so driving times are longer than you expect.
At a glance
1Getting There and Choosing a Car
Most visitors fly into Hobart or Launceston and rent there. Hobart had the largest seasonal price swing in 2025 data, from about A$64 a day in August to A$171 in January, so book summer trips early.
You can also drive a mainland rental onto the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport, but only if the supplier allows it, and the car is usually not insured during the crossing. Renting in Tasmania is often simpler.
A compact SUV is ideal: good on steep, winding roads, with space for walking gear. The whole loop is sealed.
2Seven-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Hobart to Port Arthur
Drive the Tasman Peninsula to the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement, stopping at Eaglehawk Neck’s Tessellated Pavement and Tasman Arch.
- Port Arthur Historic Site
- Tessellated Pavement
- Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen
Day 2: Port Arthur to Freycinet
Head north up the east coast to Coles Bay and walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout in Freycinet National Park.
- Wineglass Bay lookout
- Cape Tourville
- Oysters at Freycinet Marine Farm
Day 3: Freycinet to the Bay of Fires
Continue through Bicheno, where little penguins come ashore at dusk, to St Helens and the orange-lichen boulders of the Bay of Fires.
- Bicheno blowhole
- Binalong Bay
- Bay of Fires beaches
Day 4: Bay of Fires to Launceston
Cross the north-east through forest and farmland to Launceston, and walk the Cataract Gorge in the afternoon.
- Cataract Gorge
- Tamar Valley wineries
- Launceston’s historic centre
Day 5: Launceston to Cradle Mountain
Drive to Cradle Mountain and walk around Dove Lake. The shuttle bus from the visitor centre is the usual way in.
- Dove Lake circuit
- Wombats at Ronny Creek
- Enchanted Walk
Day 6: Cradle Mountain to Strahan
Wind south-west through mining towns to Strahan on Macquarie Harbour, starting point for Gordon River cruises.
- Gordon River cruise
- Henty Dunes
- Ocean Beach sunset
Day 7: Strahan to Hobart
Cross the World Heritage wilderness via Queenstown and Lake St Clair, then return to Hobart.
- Iron Blow lookout at Queenstown
- Lake St Clair
- Mount Field waterfalls on the way
3Driving Times Around the Loop
| Leg | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Hobart to Port Arthur | About 95 km | 1 h 30 min |
| Port Arthur to Coles Bay | About 200 km | 3 h |
| Coles Bay to St Helens | About 120 km | 1 h 45 min |
| St Helens to Launceston | About 165 km | 2 h 30 min |
| Launceston to Cradle Mountain | About 140 km | 2 h |
| Cradle Mountain to Strahan | About 140 km | 2 h 30 min |
| Strahan to Hobart | About 300 km | 4 h 30 min |
Tasmanian roads take longer than their distance suggests. Plan to arrive before dusk each day.
4Costs to Plan For
- National parks pass: required for Freycinet, Cradle Mountain and other parks; a holiday pass covers a road trip.
- Ferries and cruises: Gordon River cruises and Bruny Island ferry are paid extras.
- Fuel: Hobart averaged about 250c a litre for unleaded in October 2026, the highest of the capitals.
- Car hire: summer is the most expensive time, with January the peak month in 2025 data.
5Driving in Tasmania
- Roads are narrow and winding, often with no shoulder. Average speeds are lower than on the mainland.
- Wildlife is everywhere at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving at night outside towns.
- Fuel stations are sparse on the west coast. Fill up in Queenstown and Strahan.
- Check whether your rental allows the Bruny Island ferry before planning a detour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough for Tasmania?
Seven days is enough for a full loop with highlights in each region. Ten to fourteen days is more relaxed.
Can I take a rental car on the Spirit of Tasmania?
Only if the supplier permits it. The car is usually not insured during the crossing, so many travellers rent in Tasmania instead.
Do I need a 4WD in Tasmania?
No. The main touring roads are sealed. A compact SUV is comfortable on hilly, winding roads.
When is the best time for a Tasmania road trip?
November to April for warm weather; winter brings snow to Cradle Mountain and fewer crowds.
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