What to See and Do on a Tasmania Driving Holiday

Take a Tasmania driving holiday this year, and you’ll be richly rewarded. Australia’s smallest state packs a punch when it comes to views, food, and historic sites.

And for those behind the wheel it’s driving paradise: easy and well-maintained roads which wind their way across the island, treating you to spectacular vistas and picture-perfect picnic spots.

Whether you’re holidaying solo, bringing the entire family along, or longing for a romantic escape, a Tasmania driving holiday could be just the ticket.

Why a Tasmania driving holiday is a great idea

So, it’s holiday time. Why exactly should you spend your hard-earned leave in Tassie, and why should it be in a car?

First off, its only 400km from the north of Tasmania to the South. You know what that means? Potential for some scenic, slow road trips without needing to spend hours in the car. Instead, you can break up the car-bound parts of your Tasmania driving holiday with beachfront stops, vineyard visits, and fresh seafood lunches.

Whether you’ve got a cheeky long weekend or two weeks to spare, Tasmania has something for everyone. And that’s not to mention some of the most scenic roads you’ll ever have the privilege of driving.

Convinced yet? Keep reading for what you should see and do on your Tasmania driving holiday.

Best road trips in Tasmania

There’s something about the roads in Tasmania which are different to elsewhere in the road. They gently wind their way into the heart of Tassie.

It’s slow, purposeful travel which will see you meandering through forests, mountains, and along deserted beaches, discovering local gems and hidey-holes along the way.

Here are some standout road trips you can do on a Tasmania driving holiday.

1. East Coast. The East Coast and Great Eastern Drive of Tassie is one of the most scenic beach routes in the world. Some even say it’s better than the Great Ocean Road drive – sorry Victorians! The Great Eastern Drive takes you from Orford to St Helens and features coastal views and quaint beachside towns galore. Plus there’s no shortage of vineyards either, as long as you’re not the designed driver. We suggest adding the Freycinet National Park on to your itinerary too.
2. Western Wilds. Locals have known that Tassie’s West Coast is home to some serious gems. Experience the wild side of Tasmania from Hobart right up to Launceston. Enjoy the best of Tasmanian folklore and history firsthand while taking in windswept rivers, craggy shores, and glacial valleys. One of the lesser-explored areas of the island, it’s a great option if you’ve got five or more days to spare.
3. Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. If travel and food are intrinsically linked for you, then this self-drive trail is a dream holiday. Sample the best cuisine that Tasmania’s north-west region has to offer, all set against a backdrop of glorious countryside and coastal panoramas.

Or, just take a week or two and drive wherever you fancy. But make sure you mark down a few must-sees and dos.

Must-sees on your Tasmania driving holiday

There’s so much to see and do in Tasmania that it can be hard to narrow down. For pure viewing delight though, pick and choose from these must-see spots.

Or, you know, just do them all.

• Mt Wellington

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by digiDirect (@digidirect)

• Wineglass Bay

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wineglass Bay (@travelwineglassbay)

• Lake St Clair National Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mooksey PM (@mookseypm)

• Bay of Fires

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bay of Fires, Tasmania (@bayoffirestasmania)

• Cradle Mountain

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AutoRent Tasmania (@autorentcampervans)

We could go on and on, but we think everyone will agree that these are a good starting point. And once you’re done drinking in views, if ever that time comes, what else can you do in good old Tassie?

Activities and other things you can’t miss in Tasmania

Aside from the glorious sites that you need to see to believe, what else should you do on your Tasmania driving holiday?

For a memorable trip, these are our top activities, food stops, and other gems which are just waiting to be discovered.

• Take an old-school steam train ride through rainforests and rivers with the West Coast Wilderness Railway
• Visit Port Arthur to see the open-air prison museum/convict site
• Visit MONA, one of the world’s quirkiest art museums
• Stop at Salamanca Market for a spot of shopping from one of over 200 stallholders specialising in artisan, locally-sourced, and handmade wares
• Wine tasting in the Tamar Valley (read about the region’s best wineries here)
• Cruise through Macquarie Harbour
• Go for a hike in one of the (many) National Parks
• Huon Valley for cider tasting and apple picking
• Spend an afternoon with the family at Cataract Gorge
• Dine at award-winning restaurants, sample artisan cheeses and deli products, and enjoy fresh local produce

If the road trip bug bites hard, here’s what we suggest for a West Coast Australia road trip and a winter getaway to South Australia.

What kind of car is right for a Tasmania driving holiday?

Not sure what car you should bring along on your roadtrip? Generally, you’ll want a vehicle with enough power to cruise around in comfort, including up the hilly parts. But if you’re roadtripping on a budget, you’ll also need stay low on petrol. Read our article on increasing fuel efficiency as well as our detailed fuel consumption comparison to see what might fit the bill.

Another major consideration is making sure that the boot is big enough for all your stuff; including hiking boots, camera equipment, and anything else you might be bringing along like snorkelling or diving gear.

Remember, if you’re bringing your own car along, then you’ll definitely want comprehensive car insurance. And hopefully it won’t happen, but we’ve even got you covered with advice on what to do if you experience a car breakdown on a driving holiday.

Tasmania driving holiday – over to you

Are you a Tassie local? Or do you know about an undiscovered gem we’ve missed? Tell us about the best Tasmanian driving holiday must-sees and must-dos in the comments.