Discover Tasmania: An Epic 8-Day Road Trip Adventure Through Australia’s Untamed Island State

If you’re a traveler seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, Tasmania should be at the top of your list. Australia’s smallest state boasts a rich tapestry of experiences, from untamed nature to vibrant culture, fine dining, and artisanal drinks. Join us on an 8-day road trip through this island paradise and explore the best Tasmania has to offer.

Day 1: Hobart and the South

Your journey begins in Hobart, the charming capital of Tasmania. Direct flights from major Australian cities will whisk you to this waterfront city in just a few hours. Upon arrival at Hobart Airport, pick up a campervan or car rental and embark on your ultimate road trip.

In Hobart, you’ll encounter a thriving culinary scene, with restaurants and cafes showcasing the finest Tasmanian produce. For seafood lovers, a visit to Aloft on the waterfront is a must, while Templo offers Italian-inspired dishes crafted from seasonal ingredients. Don’t forget to explore the remarkable Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), where unconventional and thought-provoking artworks await.

Hobart is also home to Australia’s oldest brewery, Cascade Brewery, established in 1824. Take a brewery tour and sample their renowned beers at the brewery bar. For an adventurous end to your day, head to kunanyi / Mount Wellington or the Mount Nelson Signal Station to witness the mesmerizing Southern Lights (Aurora Australis). Consider timing your visit with one of Hobart’s lively festivals, like the Winter Feast or Mona Foma.

Day 2: East Coast

Tasmania’s East Coast offers simple luxuries and pristine natural beauty. Stroll along sandy dunes to the beach, savor fresh seafood, slurp oysters, and take leisurely walks surrounded by nature. Don’t miss the iconic Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay during the quieter autumn or winter months. Keep an eye out for passing whales and the local wildlife, including wallabies, possums, and quolls.

Venture to Maria Island National Park, where wombats, Tasmanian devils, and Cape Barren geese roam. Taste the best of Tasmanian seafood, including freshly harvested oysters, mussels, and scallops, at Freycinet Marine Farm. Don’t forget to grab some pure Tasmanian Sea Salt Flakes from Tasman Sea Salt.

Day 3: Launceston and the North

As you head to Launceston and the North, prepare for a vibrant food scene, vineyards, distilleries, and fresh produce. On Saturdays, visit the Harvest Market Launceston, showcasing top local produce and handmade food since 2012. In autumn or winter, indulge in the Tasmanian Scallop Fiesta in Bridport or the Chocolate Winterfest in Latrobe. The summer brings events like the Effervescence Tasmania sparkling wine festival and Festivale, a celebration of the arts.

Explore Tasmania’s largest wine region, the Tamar Valley Wine Region, and enjoy tastings at vineyard cellar doors. In Deloraine, the Truffle Farm Tasmania is where you can learn about truffle history, embark on a truffle hunt, and savor fresh truffle pizza. Don’t leave without experiencing Australia’s only floating wood-fired sauna at the Floating Sauna Lake Derby.

Day 4: North West and West

Tasmania’s north-west region is your gateway to nature and wildlife, bordering the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Cradle Mountain, a must-see destination, offers a winter wonderland with snow-dusted trails and autumn hues when the fagus tree leaves turn rusty red and deep yellow.

While at Cradle Mountain, visit Devils@Cradle, a Tasmanian Devil wildlife sanctuary and breeding facility. Take a behind-the-scenes tour for a close encounter with these incredible animals. As you journey along the rugged west coast, explore one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks at Hogarth Falls, an easy hike through tall forests leading to a picturesque waterfall.

Before looping back to Hobart, make a stop in Strahan and embark on a cruise with Gordon River Cruises. Your boat ride will take you across vast Macquarie Harbour to the mouth of the Gordon River, offering an immersive experience in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Tasmania is a land of untamed beauty, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Join this 8-day road trip and explore the best of the island at your own pace. From the thriving cities to the pristine wilderness, Tasmania is an adventure waiting to be discovered.