Tasmania Circle Road Trip: The Ultimate Island Adventure

Introduction

Tasmania, Australia's island state, offers one of the world's most spectacular compact road trips. The Tasmania Circle takes you through pristine wilderness, rugged coastlines, charming towns, and some of the planet's cleanest air. This 8-day journey showcases everything from the cosmopolitan charm of Hobart to the raw beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the mysterious Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), and the dramatic landscapes of the Bay of Fires.

What makes this road trip truly special is the incredible diversity packed into a relatively small area. You'll experience world-class food and wine, encounter unique wildlife like Tasmanian devils and wombats, explore ancient rainforests, and witness landscapes that range from alpine peaks to pristine beaches. Tasmania's compact size means you're never more than a few hours from your next adventure, making it perfect for travelers who want maximum variety with minimal driving time.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Hobart Exploration and Departure

Base: Hobart

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Start at Salamanca Market (Salamanca Place, -42.8826°S, 147.3343°E) - Tasmania's famous Saturday market (if starting on Saturday)
• Explore Battery Point Historic Village - charming 19th-century neighborhood
• Visit Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) (-42.8559°S, 147.2616°E) via ferry from Brooke Street Pier

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

• Lunch at Peacock & Jones (Hunter Street) - waterfront dining with local seafood
• Drive to Mount Wellington/kunanyi (-42.8969°S, 147.2388°E) for panoramic city views
• Driving: 30 minutes from city center

Evening (6:00 PM onwards)

• Dinner at The Source Restaurant (MONA) - fine dining with river views
• Stay: The Henry Jones Art Hotel (Hunter Street) - luxury waterfront accommodation in converted jam factory

Day 2: Hobart to Launceston via East Coast

Route: Hobart → Richmond → Bicheno → Launceston Total Driving: 280km, approximately 4 hours

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Early departure to Richmond (-42.7364°S, 147.4381°E)
• Visit Richmond Bridge (Australia's oldest stone bridge, 1825)
• Explore Richmond Gaol and historic village
• Driving time: 30 minutes from Hobart

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

• Continue to Bicheno (-41.8716°S, 148.3031°E)
• Lunch at Pasini's Cafe (Burgess Street) - famous for fresh seafood
• Visit Bicheno Blowhole and Diamond Island
• Driving time: 2 hours from Richmond

Evening (6:00 PM onwards)

• Drive to Launceston (-41.4332°S, 147.1441°E)
• Dinner at Black Cow Bistro (George Street) - premium Tasmanian beef
• Driving time: 1.5 hours from Bicheno
• Stay: Peppers Seaport Hotel (Seaport Boulevard) - modern hotel in revitalized dock area

Day 3: Launceston to Cradle Mountain

Route: Launceston → Cataract Gorge → Sheffield → Cradle Mountain Total Driving: 150km, approximately 2.5 hours

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Explore Cataract Gorge Reserve (-41.4453°S, 147.1578°E)
• Take the chairlift across the gorge
• Walk the First Basin trail
• Coffee at Gorge Restaurant (Cataract Gorge)

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

• Drive through Sheffield (-41.3881°S, 146.3203°E) - "Town of Murals"
• Lunch at Sheffield Country Motor Inn Restaurant
• Arrive at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park (-41.6848°S, 145.9624°E)
• Easy walk around Dove Lake Circuit (6km, 2-3 hours)

Evening (6:00 PM onwards)

• Dinner at Highland Restaurant (Cradle Mountain Lodge)
• Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge - luxury eco-lodge with spa treatments

Day 4: Cradle Mountain Exploration

Base: Cradle Mountain

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Cradle Mountain Summit Hike (12km return, 6-8 hours) OR
• Enchanted Walk (20 minutes) for easier option
• Pack lunch from lodge

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

• Lake St Clair visit (if doing shorter walks)
• Devils@Cradle wildlife sanctuary - see Tasmanian devils, quolls, and wombats
• Relax at Waldheim Chalet historic site

Evening (6:00 PM onwards)

• Dinner at Tavern Bar & Bistro (Cradle Mountain Lodge)
• Stay: Cradle Mountain Lodge (second night)

Day 5: Cradle Mountain to Devonport/Ulverstone

Route: Cradle Mountain → Deloraine → Devonport → Ulverstone Total Driving: 120km, approximately 2 hours

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Depart Cradle Mountain
• Stop in Deloraine (-41.5256°S, 146.6572°E) - craft shops and galleries
• Coffee at Deloraine Deli (Emu Bay Road)

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

• Arrive in Devonport (-41.1889°S, 146.3619°E)
• Visit Mersey Bluff and lighthouse
• Lunch at Mrs Jones Restaurant (Best Street)
• Drive to Ulverstone (-41.1581°S, 146.1689°E)
• Explore Ulverstone History Museum

Evening (6:00 PM onwards)

• Dinner at Furners Hotel (Reibey Street, Ulverstone) - historic pub with local cuisine
• Stay: Beachway Motel (Ulverstone) - beachfront location

Day 6: Ulverstone to St Helens (Bay of Fires)

Route: Ulverstone → Scottsdale → St Helens Total Driving: 260km, approximately 3.5 hours

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Early departure via inland route through Scottsdale (-41.1581°S, 147.5169°E)
• Coffee break in Scottsdale - visit Forest EcoCentre

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

• Arrive at St Helens (-41.3086°S, 148.2197°E)
• Lunch at Captain's Catch (Cecilia Street) - fresh local seafood
• Explore Bay of Fires (-41.2447°S, 148.2689°E) - iconic orange-lichen covered granite boulders
• Walk at Binalong Bay beach

Evening (6:00 PM onwards)

• Dinner at The Pier Hotel (Cecilia Street, St Helens) - waterfront dining
• Stay: Tidal Waters Resort - luxury beachfront accommodation

Day 7: St Helens to Hobart via East Coast

Route: St Helens → Freycinet National Park → Swansea → Hobart Total Driving: 350km, approximately 4.5 hours

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Early departure to Freycinet National Park (-42.1569°S, 148.3089°E)
• Wineglass Bay Lookout hike (3km return, 1.5 hours)
• Most photographed beach in Tasmania

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

• Lunch at Freycinet Marine Farm - fresh oysters and mussels
• Continue to Swansea (-42.1569°S, 148.0729°E)
• Brief stop at Spiky Bridge and Spiky Beach

Evening (6:00 PM onwards)

• Arrive back in Hobart
• Farewell dinner at Faro Bar & Restaurant (Sandy Bay) - contemporary Australian cuisine
• Stay: MACq 01 Hotel (Hunter Street) - storytelling hotel on the waterfront

Day 8: Final Hobart Exploration

Base: Hobart

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

• Visit Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens (-42.8628°S, 147.3086°E)
• Explore Cascade Brewery (-42.9089°S, 147.3147°E) - Australia's oldest brewery with tours

Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

• Final lunch at Fish Frenzy (Elizabeth Street Pier) - award-winning fish and chips
• Last-minute shopping at Salamanca Arts Centre
• Departure preparations

Practical Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Warmest weather, busiest tourist season, long daylight hours
• Autumn (Mar-May): Ideal weather, fewer crowds, beautiful autumn colors
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cooler, possible snow on mountains, fewer tourists, cozy atmosphere
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflowers, moderate weather, good value accommodation

What to Pack

• Layered clothing (weather can change quickly)
• Rain jacket (essential year-round)
• Comfortable hiking boots
• Warm jacket for mountain areas
• Sunscreen and hat
• Camera with extra batteries
• Reusable water bottle

Budget Estimate (per person, 8 days)

• Budget: AUD $1,500-2,000 (hostels, self-catering, basic activities)
• Mid-range: AUD $2,500-3,500 (3-4 star hotels, restaurant meals, most activities)
• Luxury: AUD $4,000-6,000+ (luxury lodges, fine dining, premium experiences)

Note: Rental car costs approximately AUD $400-600 for 8 days, plus fuel (~AUD $300)

Road Conditions and Driving Tips

• Roads: Generally excellent condition, well-maintained highways
• Fuel: Stations available in all major towns; fill up before remote areas
• Wildlife: Driving at dawn/dusk increases animal encounter risk - reduce speed
• Weather: Mountain roads can be affected by fog and ice in winter
• Distances: Shorter than they appear - maximum 4-5 hours driving per day
• Speed limits: Typically 100km/h on highways, 50km/h in towns

Must-See Highlights

1. MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) - Provocative contemporary art
2. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair - Pristine wilderness and hiking
3. Bay of Fires - Stunning coastal scenery with orange granite rocks
4. Wineglass Bay - Iconic crescent beach in Freycinet National Park
5. Salamanca Market - Local produce, crafts, and Tasmanian specialties
6. Devils@Cradle - See Tasmanian devils and unique wildlife
7. Richmond Historic Village - Australia's finest Georgian architecture

What Makes This Trip Special

The Tasmania Circle represents the perfect balance of adventure and comfort, wilderness and culture, accessibility and remoteness. Unlike many road trips that focus on a single theme, this journey offers incredible diversity within a manageable timeframe. You'll experience some of the world's cleanest air, encounter wildlife found nowhere else on Earth, and taste some of Australia's finest produce and wine.

Tasmania's isolation has preserved both its natural environment and its unique character. The island's compact size means you can experience alpine mountains, pristine beaches, temperate rainforests, and sophisticated cities all within a few hours' drive. The local produce is exceptional - from fresh seafood and premium beef to world-class whisky and cool-climate wines.

Perhaps most importantly, Tasmania offers an authentic Australian experience without the crowds and commercialization found in many mainland destinations. The locals are genuinely welcoming, the pace is relaxed, and there's a real sense of discovery around every corner. This is a road trip that will leave you planning your return visit before you've even finished the circuit.