Aussie Road Trip Adventures Part 3

Make sure you have checked out part 1 and part 2 of my Aussie Road Trip Adventures blog series to give you a deeper understanding of planning your road trip and some initial important points to consider. There's also an abundance of information on both Sydney and Melbourne which will serve as your gateway cities for travelling onwards to Tasmania. 

So we begin this one with a choice- Melbourne or Sydney?

I'm going to assume we are travelling from the UK for this road trip and most airlines will route to Hobart or Launceston via Melbourne or Sydney so it is worth considering a few nights stay in your preferred city. It's one of the longest flights you can consider taking, usually around taking between 26-29 hours. On my own trip, I flew from Manchester with British Airways via Paris and via Sydney (with a one night stop in Sydney either side- I was time restricted but I don't think I'd of enjoyed it as much without the layover!).  There's not much in the flight times onwards from either city with Melbourne to Hobart taking around 1 hour 20 minutes and Sydney to Hobart taking around 1 hour and 50 minutes. 

Days 1-3 Hobart

I recommend beginning and ending in Hobart for a few reasons...

Hobart serves as the perfect city for the start and end of your Tasmania road trip and from here we are effectively going to do a loop of the island. Hobart hosts a number of key attractions such as MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) and is a historically beautiful spot for a few nights of Tassie tasing and exploring. I would recommend spending 2-3 nights in Hobart, ideally on a weekend so that you are able to experience the iconic Salamanca Markets. A top tip I have is to rise early pre-sunrise and head up to Mount Wellington for incredible sweeping harbour views. A trip to MONA offers you a world class experience that needs to be experienced to be believed (trust me, it's not easily forgotten- please check to see if there are any R rated exhibitions before you go and prepare yourself for them!)

Days 3 &4 Tasman Peninsula & Port Arthur (Approx driving time 2-2.5 hours)

An early start to the day as we head on down to the historical site of Port Arthur which takes just under 2 hours. Along the way ensure that you stop at a number of quaint little town's such as Sorell and take in some key sights such as Pirates Bay, Tasmans Arch and the Devils Kitchen. If you are wildlife lover, you will find the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna which is a conservation-focussed wildlife experience and offers close-up Tasmanian devil encounters. Arrive in Port Arthur for early afternoon and allow yourself time to immerse yourself in the convict life. Make sure you take the harbour cruise for views over the entire settlement and the eerie Island of the Dead. Stay overnight in Port Arthur. If you are up for a bit of a spooky evening, regular ghost tour's take place at the Port Arthur site! The following morning, take a 10 minute drive to the Remarkable Cave and nearby Safety Cove for coastal views, for the more active, consider a walk along a section of the Tasman National Park coastal walk. 

Day 4 Afternoon (Approx driving time to Richmond: 1.5 hours, Approx driving time to Swansea from Richmond: 2 hours)

Another early start today to get in the drives and sights along the way...From the Tasman National Park we head north up the historical town of Richmond which is a beautifully preserved historic village and a must stop if you enjoy a small town vibe and it is close to a number of vineyards and wineries of the region that are worth swinging by to try the local tipples (I highly recommend Puddleduck Wines!). In the late afternoon head up on the coastal route to Swansea via Orford (if time allows)  for your evening stay and dinner in this charming small town on the Great Oyster Bay.

Day 5 : Swansea to Freycinet & Wineglass Bay  (Approx driving time: 1 hour)

Foodies, keep your eyes peeled for the many vineyards and farm shops that line the route today as there's an array to drop in to in the area. Today we are taking the Great Eastern drive to one of the most pictured and most loved destinations on the East Coast. Our stop for the evening will be Coles Bay which is a lively seaside village on the edge of the National Park. Staying here serves as our base for taking in some of the must sees in the area such as Wineglass Bay and Bicheno where many wildlife experiences await. You can book onto one of the nightly Bicheno Penguin tours or take one of the many walking trails through the park. For the more adventurous, book onto one of the harvesting oysters tours and wade out into the waters to capture your very own!

Day 6 : Bay Of Fires & The North East Coast (Approx driving time: 3-3.5 hours)

Today you will drive north from Frecycinet and head up to the Bay Of Fires. It's a bit of a longer drive today but you will pass through some breathtaking locations such as the surf beaches of Scamander and St Helens (we will come back and stay the night in St Helens after we have explored the Bay Of Fires). From here we will drive out towards Binalong Bay and The Gardens and an abundance of coastal scenery. White-sands and turquoise clear waters meet orange granite boulders create Tasmania's most striking coastal scenery at the Bay Of Fires. There are numerous lookout spots and short walks to take advantage of in the area.  For the evening, a stay in St Helens (the north coast's largest town) is recommended. Here there are lots of cafes, restaurants and a gorgeous waterfront to enjoy before you continue North.

Day 7 &8: Launceston & Tamar Valley Wine 2 Nights (Approx driving time 2.5 hours)

Today you will drive inland from St Helens and on to Launceston, allowing yourself time to enjoy stops along the way in north-east Tasmania's lush rural and forest landscapes. Travelling through the farming region of Pyengana you might want to once again stop in and taste the local fayres along the way. St Columba Falls is en-route which is one of Tasmania's highest waterfalls and well worth a selfie stop! Continue onwards via the rainforest of Weldborough Pass and stop at the country town of Scottsdale for a late lunch. Arrive in Launceston late afternoon for your 2 night stay in this quirky northern town and spend the evening exploring the heritage architecture and many bars and restaurants on offer. 

On day 2 start the morning by exploring the Cataract Gorge Reserve which is a short walk from the city centre. Follow one of the many walking routes available (take note of the ability level!) and take a few photos on the suspension bridge. For the afternoon, spend time exploring the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery or take in a tour of the Tamar Valley Wine region (or self drive it). If you are a food and wine lover, I would recommend adding in an additional night in the region to make the most of the vineyards on offer. 

Day 8 & 9: Cradle Mountain  2 Nights (Approx driving time: 3 hours) 

Today we leave Launceston and drive into the high country as we approach Cradle Mountain. En-route, take in stops at the rural towns of Deloraine and Sheffield for a late breakfast or early lunch and then travel through farmland into the National Park. I highly recommend booking a cabin or in an alpine style lodge to really make the most of your visit to this astonishing park. Throughout the park and accommodations there is a regular shuttle bus that connects Dove Lake with a number of trails that take in the rainforest and Cradle Mountain.  A walk to consider on your itinerary is the Dove Lake Circuit (moderate circuit, 2-3 hours)  which is the route we took as it passes through the peaks of the mountain and surrounding rainforest and beaches of the lake. We were lucky enough to see wombats on our walk who were friendly and wanted to join in the fun! 

Day 10 &11 : Cradle Mountain to Strahan for 2 Nights (Approx driving time: 4 hours)

Today we leave the alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain and drive out to the Wild West of Tasmania. Travel through forested hills and former historic mining towns before we arrive at the small harbour village of Strahan, which will be your base for exploring the rugged West. To make the most of the western wilderness, I recommend spending 2 nights in the region and to take in attractions such as a Gordon River cruise or a ride on the Wilderness Railway. For those more adventurous, you will have the option to join a guided white-water rafting trip which is what we did during our stay. The region is suitable for those who might be new to the sport with grade 2-3 rapids on most routes. We combined a white water rafting trip with a return trip on the Wilderness Railway from the nearby town of Queenstown. If you are feeling more wild west than staying on the coast, consider a stay in Queenstown for a raw, almost other worldly western feel of a stay. Just don't expect airs and graces in this nitty gritty town!

Day 12: Queenstown to New Norfolk (Approx driving time: 3.5 hours)

As you set off on your return back to Hobart, we enjoy a relaxed stay in New Norfolk, which is a historic riverfront town set on the banks of the Derwent River. Here we move into gentle country charm and explore an array of historic buildings and antique shops. An easier, peaceful stop as we wind down from a few days of adventure awaits! Enjoy a quiet dinner in a local pub or bistro and indulge in local produce and local wines and craft beers and take the time to regroup before the final leg of your Tasmanian road trip. 

Day 13: Back to Hobart for a stay in Sandy Bay (Approx driving time 1 hour)

Today's short drive will continue to wind us down at the end of our road trip as we follow the Derwent River towards Hobart, through the city and south to Sandy Bay. Here we will enjoy a relaxed final night in one of Hobart's most attractive harbourside neighbourhoods before your flight home. Enjoy an afternoon and evening along the waterfront or stroll along the river. You might like to take an evening stroll through to nearby Battery Point and then choose a local Bistro for a farewell dinner and indulge in the local Tasmanian seafood and wine. Allowing yourselves time to unwind in a calm spot before your flight home will ensure a relaxing and convenient final stop for your Tasmanian road trip. 

From Sandy Bay, it's a short drive back to Hobart airport for your flight home or your onward adventures in Australia. 

So that's 2 week's on the Tasmanian road trip loop, showcasing some of the finest places this small island has to offer. If you are lucky enough to have more than 2 week's to spare, there are a few spots you might want to consider heading inland or further north:

- Between your Coles Bay and St Helen's stops, consider heading inland to the rural town's of Campbelltown and Ross which are steeped in history and nestled on the banks of the Elizabeth River. We stayed at the quirky Ross Hotel and had dinner here before our onwards travels. 

- Between Launceston and Cradle Mountain, consider exploring the North Coast through coastal towns such as Penguin, Burnie and stay the evening in the charming coastal town of Burnie for a relaxing evening enjoying the local fayre and seafood (we had the best seafood chowder here I have ever had!).

Tasmania, I believe is still Australia's best kept secret but the word is getting out! Whilst it's still as unspoilt and relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, now is the time to really make the most of it by taking that off-the-beaten track road trip. It's one of the best things I have ever done travelling and it's a truly remarkable landscape just waiting for you to discover it. 

Ready to start planning your very own Tasmanian adventure? Get in touch today! As your certified Aussie Specialist I can help plan and craft your perfect itinerary. I have lived in and have family in Australia so there's no one better to trust with your next Aussie adventure.