Tasmania Itinerary 10 days
When I first got to Tasmania, I was like: no way that 10 days is gonna be enough in Tasmania. Tasmania is the capital of adventure of the whole of Australia. Its mountainous landscape coincides harmoniously with stretches of serene beaches. This Tasmania itinerary for 10 days is carefully curated to bring you the best of Tasmania. To me, 10 days in Tasmania was not sufficient to fulfil my wanderlust. As I am based in Melbourne, it’s not hard at all for me to come back anytime! This 10 day itinerary Tasmania will definitely let you see the best of what this amazing island can offer!
Day 1 – Hobart
To start off your first day of your 10-day Tasmania Itinerary, you are most likely to land the state capital – Hobart. Depending on what time you arrive in Hobart, you probably will not have much time to move around. But don’t fret. You have 10 days in Tasmania! Pick up your car/campervan and then explore the town! There are so much to do in Hobart.
If you are in Hobart on a Saturday, check out Salamanca Market! Being the second smallest state in Australia, Salamanca Market, however, is actually the biggest open-air market in Australia!
Hobart has a population of around 300,000 but the evening vibe here isn’t lacklustre! Head to North Hobart to enjoy a myriad of bars and restaurants.
Call it a night early as you will still have time for Hobart at the end of the trip.
Budget
The Pickled Frog
This hostel is located just at the border of the CBD - it's really cheap for the location. Very sociable with large lounges and many travellers.
Comfortable
Alabama Hotel Hobart
With just 20AUD more as compared to Pickled Frog, get a private room at this strategically-located hotel in the centre of Hobart!
Splurge
RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel
If you have been flying for a long time to reach Hobart, pamper yourself well and stay in this supremely-rated apartment hotel.
Day 2 – Port Arthur
Estimated hours of driving: 1.5-2 hours
Time to start driving! To properly ease yourself into driving on the left side of the road, drive towards Tasman Peninsula. It’s an easy drive to test waters before you venture into windier roads in Tasmania.
On your way to Port Arthur, stop at Eaglehawk Neck and walk a little further to have a stunning view of two bays meeting together. You can hike up to the lookout point or go down to the beach all the way until the Tessellated Pavement. We did that and it was very worth the high effort: reward ratio.
Continue your drive to Port Arthur and learn about the history of the prison.
If you are not interested in learning the history of Port Arthur: Do one of the beautiful hikes in the Tasman Peninsula. I did Cape Raoul and that was a 4-hour return hike for me. This is the epicentre of the rugged cliffs in the Tasman Peninsula. It brings you to many jaw-dropping viewpoints so get your camera ready.
If you have a camper, you can drive down to White Beach Camping Ground
- White Beach Camping Ground
- 28 White Beach Rd, White Beach TAS 7184
- $35 for 2
- (03) 6250 2142
or Coal Mines Historic Site.
- Coal Mine Road Saltwater River via C341
- $13 per adult
- (03) 6250 3497
Budget
NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park
There are not many options in Port Arthur. This is the cheapest place I have seen so far.
Comfortable
Port Arthur Villas
You can rent a villa to yourself at this pristine part of the world with less than 200 AUD. Don’t miss out and book fast because there are only a few villas on site!
Day 3 – Freycinet National Park
Estimated hours of driving: 3 hours
Drive to Freycinet National Park. Turn right at Swansea toward Coles Bay – that would be the closest place you can drive to on the Freycinet Peninsula.
From here, there are a few hikes that you can do depending on your fitness level.
I ended up doing the Mt Amos, Wineglass Bay lookout and eventually walked down to Wineglass Bay. I have to say that from Mt Amos, the hawk-eyed view down to Wineglass Bay is much more impressive as compared to the lookout point. Remember the lookout point and Mt Amos are two different treks so if you don’t have too much time/ energy, do just one.
If you choose to walk the length of the beach of Wineglass Bay, make sure you allow an extra hour.
I ended up spending almost the whole day just hiking and be amazed by the view and sunbathed in the afternoon at the beach as I was exhausted.
If you already have a camper, you can camp at Friendly Beach. It was a fantastic place to surf too. The beach is located 19km away from Coles bay buy hey, it’s free camping.
Budget
Big4 Iluka on Freycinet
Big4 is a chain of holiday parks across Australia and they offer one of the cheapest rooms at many sites. Their rooms can fit as many as 5! There is also a huge park area and barbecue area.
Comfortable
Sunsets
Sunsets is a holiday home that caters to a party of 2. The whole design and architecture of the house is very chic and new. And spoiler alert – you will have the best private view of the sunset!
Splurge
Containment Accommodation
This accommodation is designed and built with Sea Containers. Perfect for guests wanting to spoil themselves. You’ll have a hot tub and a large swimming spa all to yourself! What are you waiting for?
Day 4 – The Gardens/Bay of Fires
Estimated hours of driving: 2 hours
After going to many, MANY beaches, I have to say that Binalong Bay is my favourite beach in Australia! There’s literally not a single soul here and you have kilometres of white, sandy beach all to yourself! I might or might not have skinny dipped here.
The reason why this place is called the Bay of Fires is because of the colour of the rocks. It’s not literally on fire.
There’s not much to do here apart from enjoying the beach and (hopefully) the sun! You can head up to Cosy Corner and Sloop Reef on the way to The Gardens, which is the furthest interest point.
Accommodation wise, you can stay near St. Helens as they have the most accommodation options to choose from and it is close to amenities.
Budget
Anchor Wheel Motel
Strategically situated within St Helens, you will have everything that you need within a stone’s throw away. The staff were REALLY friendly during my stay here! Will definitely come back again when I’m back at Bay of Fires.
Comfortable
Burgess Cottage
if you wanna stay away from the world and connect to the nature, stay at Burgess Cottage at Binalong Bay. That way, you don’t have to drive all the way to St. Helens when you want to head back from the beach.
Day 5 – Bridestowe Lavender Farm/ Launceston
Estimated hours of driving: 3 hours
Start your drive early in the morning via Tasman Highway/A3 towards Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city.
If you are travelling in Tasmania during summer, head to Bridestowe Lavender Farm. The entry is merely 10 dollars at the time of writing. Try their lavender ice-cream and tea!
Continue your drive to Launceston after you are done enjoying the lavender-scented air.
There are many things to do in Launceston but the most important thing – stock up well before you continue your drive towards Cradle Mountain! There’s nothing but overpriced convenience stores, bars and cafes at Cradle Mountain.
Go for a cruisy drive at Tamar Valley if you have some time to spare in the afternoon. It is one of the best wineries in Australia and you will be spoilt with many wine selection.
If you have a campervan already, Myrtle Park Camping and recreation ground
- Myrtle Park Camping
- $10 per night
- 38250 Tasman Hwy, Targa, Tasmania, Australia 7259
- (03) 6399 3368
Budget
Arthouse Hostel
This is probably the cheapest hostel that I have stayed at when I was travelling in Tasmania. Clean, cheap and central - all the C's that you need.
Comfortable
CBD Apartment Launceston
If you want to stay within the CBD, stay at CBD Apartment Launceston! It makes everything more convenient for yourself. After all, it’s only 90AUD for 2 people.
Splurge
Mantra Charles Hotel
If you have some extra money to spare, put it on this hotel and let it pamper you after many hours of driving. There'll be a view overlooking the city from your bathtub.
Day 6 – Cradle Mountain
Estimated hours of driving: 2 hours
Start Day 6 early because this is probably the longest day (also most worthwhile I think) during your 10 days in Tasmania. The drive is around 2-2.5 hours.
There are numerous walks and hikes that you can do in Cradle Mountain including the world-famous 6-day Overland Trek.
I did the Cradle Mountain-Lake Sinclair circuit. It’s a 12.8km loop hike and takes around 8 hours to finish. There will be a shuttle bus that takes you to the trailhead. The hike was pretty steep at times – there are ropes for you to hold onto in case you have to slide down. Hence, you would definitely need to finish this circuit before sundown.
Warning: If you are not doing this during summer, chances are you might not have enough daylight to finish the loop track especially during winter. If you insist, stay a night at Cradle Mountain so you can save yourself the 2-hour drive from Launceston and start the hike straight away.
You will need to stay a night here if you do any of the long treks. Please book early as the rooms tend to get booked out way in advance.
Budget
Discovery Parks
For less than 100 dollars per night, you can stay at Discovery Parks to avoid the long drive that you have to do after you have done some tiring trek.
Comfortable
Cradle Mountain Highlanders
A little far from the trail head but you will be able to experience the tranquillity that the lake and the forest has to offer.
Splurge
Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat
Stay in this retreat for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Located further in Moina but will shorten the distance that you have to drive the day after.
Day 7 – Mount Field National Park
Estimated hours of driving: 4-5 hours
Head towards the next national park – Mount Field. The drive is 4-5 hours so make sure you get enough petrol before driving.
As you had a huge day at Cradle Mountain, let’s not do another huge trek. Russell Falls has a high effort: Instagram-worthiness ratio so I highly recommend doing it. It’s a 30-minute short walk.
If you are can afford to do a slightly longer walk, do the circuit where it covers Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Lady Barron Falls and a forest called Tall Tree Circuit. I did this the day after we did the 8-hour hike in Cradle Mountain and it was fine. However, you are the best judge of your stamina.
The accommodation around Mount Field area is pretty scattered out and they are REALLY SCARCE. As Mount Field is a common stopping point before people drive back from Cradle Mountain to Hobart, make sure you secure a room quick before it runs out! You can cancel it anyways if you don’t need it.
Budget
Scout Hall
This is located in an area that is actually called “National Park” – how confusing right. Enjoying this cosy little place for a little under 100 AUD. As it's located really close to the national park, you don't have to drive far to and fro the national park area.
Comfortable
Duffy’s Country Accommodation
This is the perfect embodiment of an Australian cottage house life. Dry bushes, cosy cottage and A LOT of wildlife. I loved my stay here. Annette and Devis (the hosts) are super friendly and helpful. If you have any questions about the area, ask away!
Day 8 – Bruny Island
Estimated hours of driving: 3.5 hours
Okay, I promise no more walking.
Drive down to Bruny Island. It’s a 3-hour drive through Hobart so you can restock if you need to.
You will need to take a ferry from Kettering which the timetable can be found here http://brunyislandferry.com.au/bruny-island-ferry-timetable/.
There is a lot to do on Bruny Island. It’s a common hotspot for residents of Hobart to come for a weekend trip. Go see the penguins at dusk if you are travelling between September and February. There are so many things to eat in Bruny Island – it’s the epicentre of indulgence in all Tasmania. Bruny Island Berry Farm, Bruny Island Cheese Company, Bruny Island Providore, Get Shucked Oyster Farm… It’s as fresh as it can get as all the produce are from the island! If you are an animal lover, go search for a white wallaby! They are native to Bruny Island.
I recommend staying at Adventure Bay because there are more things to do there. Unfortunately, budget accommodation is simply not present at Adventure with the cheapest option setting off at around 160AUD.
If you prefer to stay in a holiday house (because that’s what everyone does so they can get the best insta-worthy photos, stay at Bruny Beachfront Eco Lodge so you have the whole stretch of the beach presented in front of you day and night!
Day 9 – Hobart
Estimated hours of driving: 2 hours
Getting close to the end of your 10-day itinerary in Tasmania. You are finally back to civilisation again! If you missed the Salamanca market, hopefully, today or tomorrow is a Saturday for you because it’s really a must see to me!
The historical Battery Point has recently become one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Hobart. There are many historic houses here so wandering around will grant you many nice photo points.
Walk along Sullivan’s Cove in the evening and admire the resplendent rays of sunshine as the sun set across the horizon. Cherish it as much as you can as this would probably be your last night here after spending 10 days in Tasmania.
Budget
The Pickled Frog
This hostel is located just at the border of the CBD - it's really cheap for the location. Very sociable with large lounges and many travellers.
Comfortable
Alabama Hotel Hobart
With just 20AUD more as compared to Pickled Frog, get a private room at this strategically-located hotel in the centre of Hobart!
Splurge
RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel
If you have been flying for a long time to reach Hobart, pamper yourself well and stay in this supremely-rated apartment hotel.
Day 10 – Hobart
Visit MONA which stands for Museum of Old and New Art. It has revitalised Hobart culturally and artistically and has been on one of the must-see destinations in Tasmania, just like the Cradle Mountain.
Depending on how much time you have, I could have easily stayed in the museum for the whole day. If you fly out at night, you are in luck.
And it’s time to fly to the next destination!
Here goes your 10-day Tasmania Itinerary!
I hope that this 10-day itinerary in Tasmania has helped you tremendously in planning for your ultimate road-trip in Tasmania. It’s best to travel on this stunning island during summer. The only problem would be due to the high influx of travellers, it’s highly recommended to book your accommodation way in advance (especially in Cradle Mountain).
Spending 10 days in Tasmania is ideal but obviously you can do a little longer or shorter depending on your schedule. This Tasmania Itinerary for 10 days can be modified along the way as you drive.
Happy planning and happy roadtripping!
Like it? Pin it!
Born and raised in Malaysia, Aaron is a medical student who desperately preaches about “Travelling doesn’t have to be expensive” – well, he has a full-on blog about it. When he is free, he checks for the cheapest airfare that would get him out of Australia. Aaron indulges in local cuisine so much that he has to lose some weight before and after he goes travelling. Read more about him here!
This post contains affiliate link(s). An affiliate link means I may earn advertising/ referral fees if you make a purchase through my link, without any extra cost to you. It helps to keep this little website afloat. Thank you for your support! Hugs and kisses from Melbourne!
