Day 1
Hobart to Eaglehawk Neck
Distance 76km - Driving Time 1 hour 4 minutes
First thing’s first, you can pick up your camper from our Hobart branch. Then, once you’re all set up, the first stop on your tour of Tasmania is MONA: the Museum of Old and New Art. Step into the weird and wonderful at this one-of-a-kind museum featuring incredible architecture, delicious eats, and thought-provoking art pieces.
Next up is a stop at Mount Wellington. This mountain towers at a staggering 1271 metres and is the perfect place to go mountain biking, hike, or simply enjoy the views of the city from the top. Finish up the tour of the city with a stop at Salamanca Market. These iconic markets run every Saturday from 8:30 am to 3 pm and are one of the best things to do in Hobart. Featuring anything from fresh produce, artesian goods and homemade products, it's the ideal place to stock up your camper pantry and fridge. After stocking up with food supplies, it’s time to venture out of the city.
On the drive towards Eaglehawk, stop off at Pirates Bay Lookout. From here, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Pirates Bay, Eaglehawk Nest and the wild Tassie coastline. Grab a coffee from Cubed Espresso Bar, a mobile solar-powered, eco espresso bar at the top of the lookout. Great coffee, breathtaking views – what more could you want!
Where to stay: NRMA Holiday Park
Day 2
Eaglehawk Neck
Distance 76km - Driving Time 1 hour 6 minutes
Begin the day by driving to check out Tasmans Arch & Devils Kitchen. After thousands of years of being eroded by the thundering waves of the Tasman sea, these natural bridges are what remain. Park in the car park and follow the 0.8 km track loop to see these impressive natural wonders.
Next, it’s time to explore more of the spectacular Tasmanian Peninsula coastline. What better way than a cruise with local tour guides Damo and Suzy and their Wild Oceans Cruise. Leaping dolphins, diving sea birds, jaw-dropping dolerite sea cliffs, rugged coastline and swimming playful fur seals are all waiting on this cruise to remember.
After a full day of adventures, head back to your camper and cook up a yummy campervan meal - tired and happy.
Where to stay: NRMA Holiday Park
Day 3
Eaglehawk Neck to Fortescue Bay
Distance 24.1km - Driving Time 28 minutes
Continue the adventure toward the beautiful Fortescue Camping Ground. Surrounded by a wild national park and on the edge of a stunning white sand beach, this has to be one of Tassie's best-kept secrets. Find yourself a powered site, and then grab your backpack for the day hike to Cape Hauy. This is a spectacular track on any day, but on a windless sunny day, it is simply breathtaking. The last section of the walk is reasonably steep, but the first vantage point reveals stunning panoramic views of the cape, the Devil’s Arch, Cape Pillar and Tasman Island. The sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula are the tallest in the world, a humbling and wonderful reminder of Mother Nature's grandeur!
Where to stay: Fortescue Bay Camping
Day 4
Fortescue Bay to Lake St Clair
Distance 280km - Driving Time 3 hours 43 minutes
Buckle up and settle in for the ever-changing scenery of forest, towering mountains, rugged wilderness and beautiful fields that backdrop the drive to Lake St Clair. The Lake St Clair Tourist Park is a great spot to park for the night. This campsite is walking distance to the Lake St Clair lodge – the starting and finishing point for the Overland Track hikers and a great spot for a wine and a pub meal.
Spend the afternoon trying one of the popular outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, or wandering over to Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to explore. The camping ground is also set on the edge of Lake St Clair - surrounded by dense ancient wild rainforests and rugged alpine heaths. It is as if you are stepping back in time to experience it at its most wild and untamed - this is wild Tasmania at its best.
If you want to treat yourself for one night, why not stay at the unique Lake St Clair Pumphouse Point hotel. The converted 1940 hydroelectric pump station 250m out on Lake St Clair could be the setting for a Stephen King novel: serene, isolated and mysterious. Nibble on gourmet food and sip on G&Ts overlooking this eerie and beautiful lake.
Where to stay: Lake St Clair Tourist Park
Day 5
Lake St Clair to Cradle Mountain
Distance 229km - Driving Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Next is the world-famous Cradle Mountain, filled with scenic hikes, rugged peaks and wildlife. If your mission is to photograph Dove Lake for sunrise, be aware that heavy vehicles/motorhomes can not drive into the park. As the first bus doesn’t depart till 8 am, you can alternatively make the 10 km trek into the park with a very early start of 4.30 am. This is the perfect way to start the day and to ensure you nab a great shot of Dove Lake and the famous Cradle Mountain in the background. You also may see some cheeky wombats on the walk back!
Once you have finished exploring the park, head to the Devils@Cradle Tasmanian devil sanctuary. This is one of the best places to see these unique threatened marsupials. Be sure to join the evening feeding tour to see them at their most lively.
Park up for the night at the Cradle Moutain Discovery Campgrounds. This is the perfect excuse to enjoy a home-cooked meal in the camper. This location is known for its typical tourist prices for food, campsites, etc., so expect costs to be higher than elsewhere in Tassie.
Where to stay: Cradle Mountain Holiday Park
Day 6
Cradle Mountain to Bay of Fires
Distance 318km - Driving Time 4 hours 28 minutes
After a stop-off en route at the unique ‘Little Blue Lake’, it's time to explore the Bay of Fires. This slice of coastal heaven is easily spotted by its aqua blue waters, white sandy beaches and, of course, the iconic bright orange lichen-covered boulders. Spend a few hours wandering across the rocks, taking a dip in the cool water of the Tasman Sea and relaxing on the beach. If you have time to stay another night, definitely try and grab one of the free camping spots. These are in prime position to catch the sunrise over the famous bay and will be rewarded with breathtaking colours. Otherwise, continue south towards St Helens for the evening.
Where to stay: Big4 St Helens Holiday Park
Day 7
Bay of Fires to Wineglass Bay
Distance 143km - Driving Time 2 hours 12 minutes
Begin with an early morning drive south into Freycinet National Park for the hike to the top of Mt Amos. It is worth getting to the Wineglass Bay car park early as there is limited parking and spaces fill up quickly! This hike is only 4 km but is practically vertical. As it is very steep in parts, prepare to be (literally) on your hands and knees crawling up rock faces. Despite the strenuous climb, the reward at the top is worth it as you soak up the stunning panoramic views of the gorgeous Wineglass Bay, turquoise water, bright white beach, and lush green wilderness – simply sensational. The perfect spot for a bite of lunch, a photo opportunity and a stretch of those hamstrings!
If hiking a near-vertical rock face is not your idea of a good time, why not jump aboard Wineglass Bay Cruises and experience this iconic bay from a different vantage point. For $145 per person, you can enjoy unforgettable views, air-conditioned lounges and a delicious spread of local cuisine.
Grab a powered camping site at Iluka Holiday Centre for the night. This camping spot is close to the beach, has great barbecue and campsite facilities and is within walking distance to the general store and local pub.
Where to stay: Big4 lluka on Freycinet Holiday Park
Day 8
Wineglass Bay to Seven Mile Beach
Distance 185km - Driving Time 2 hours 32 minutes
Before returning to Hobart, it's time to kick back and unwind by Seven Mile Beach. The Seven Mile Beach Holiday Park is a great spot directly across from the beach - rugged, beautiful and practically deserted. It's the perfect spot to relax and unwind before bringing this Tasmanian self-drive tour to a close the following day. The holiday park is close to the airport (only 2.5 km), but you still feel like you are off the beaten track and surrounded by nature.
Where to stay: Seven Mile Beach Caravan Park
Day 9
Seven Mile Beach to Hobart
Distance 20.8km - Driving Time 23 minutes
When you return to Hobart, take a stroll through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and any final Tasmanian attractions you may still have on your list. Then, drop off your camper from our Hobart branch and head home.
Ready to book your own Tasmanian adventure?
Tasmania is a compact little southern state bustling with beautiful scenery and epic adventures. If you are seeking beautiful white sandy beaches, culture, hikes, delicious food and wine, a driving holiday through Tasmania is for you!
Ready to rent a travel van for your own 9-day Tasmania adventure? Check out our range of campervans and book your motorhome today. Looking to travel for a different length of time? Check out our more compact 5-day Tasmania itinerary and our longer 15-day Tasmanian road trip itinerary for more inspiration for your upcoming Australian road trip.