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Tasmania may be compact in size, but it’s big on stunning natural landscapes, cosmopolitan cultural experiences, and intriguing historic attractions.
This is the ideal destination for a road-based holiday for a couple of reasons. First, the close proximity of towns and attractions means you’ll spend just as much time out of the car as you will in it. And second, the roads in Tasmania are excellent and generally fairly quiet, which makes self-driving a breeze — even for international visitors.
East Coast Tasmania Road Trip: Launceston to Hobart – Google My Maps
Tasmania may be compact in size, but it’s cup runneth over with natural beauty, cosmopolitan cultural experiences, and a rich history to explore. This is the ideal destination for a road-based holiday for a couple of reasons. First, the close proximity of towns and attractions means you’ll spend just as much time out of the car as you will in it.
There are plenty of memorable routes to choose from, but the trip from Launceston to Hobart via the island’s glorious east coast is something really special. We’ve put together a suggested itinerary that will take you eight or nine days in total — starting up north in Launceston and finishing down south in Hobart — Tassie’s buzzing capital. It includes some recommended activities along the way, but there are plenty of others — so take your time and enjoy the journey!
If you need a set of wheels, Redspot car hire offers competitive rates, the convenience of airport pick-up and drop-off, and a wide selection of vehicle types.
So, without further ado, let’s hit the road! Here’s our ultimate East Coast Tasmania road trip itinerary.
Watch our video of ten great things to do on an East Coast Tasmania road trip:
Ten Top Things do Do on an East Coast Tasmania Road Trip, Australia, 2025 with AAT Kings
Support our channel and save on travel by joining our new Top Traveller Club! 😄 Member benefits include a branded travel water bottle delivered to your door, and 10% off day and multi-day tour bookings worldwide! Browse day tours: https://topoztours.partner.viator.com Browse multi-day tours: https://topoztours.trips.tourradar.com Join the Club: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIWPeSl1aL72F1NCuS4ePTQ/join ************************** A road trip is the perfect way to explore Tasmania’s stunning East Coast.
Day 1: Launceston
Spend your first full day exploring everything Launceston has to offer. Tasmania’s second largest city is packed with architecture from yesteryear and a guided tour of the CBD with Launceston By Foot will give you the backstory on key period buildings. It’s time well spent. Afterwards, head over to the superb Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, which is the largest regional cultural facility in the country. Leave enough time to head out to Cataract Gorge Reserve to ride the famous Scenic Chairlift.
Day 2: Launceston to George Town
Distance: 51 kilometres
Today you have a relatively short drive from Launceston to George Town — one of Australia’s oldest settlements. Take a slight detour en route across the Tamar River to visit Beaconsfield — a heritage mining town. The name might sound familiar. In 2006, an earthquake struck the region causing a mine collapse and trapping miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell underground for two weeks. Webb and Russell survived, but their colleague Larry Knight was killed in the accident. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre has a compelling exhibition on the disaster.
Once you reach George Town, swing by the Watch House — the town’s former gaol (which dates back to 1843) — and the Bass and Flinders Maritime Centre, which brings the town’s shipping history to life. Book a spot on the evening Low Head Penguin Tour and meet the region’s plucky little penguins as they return to their rookery after a day of fishing in blustery Bass Strait (bring a jacket!).
Day 3: George Town to St Helens
Distance: 170 kilometres
Today’s drive across the north-eastern corner of Tasmania will take you through picturesque countryside. Stop and breathe in the scent of thousands of blooms at the world famous Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm (the plants flower in December and January), before moving on to the town of Legerwood to see the poignant Memorial Carvings. Tree saplings were planted as an enduring memorial to local men who lost their lives in WWI, but by the end of the 20th century the ageing trees were in danger of having to be removed. The residents engaged chainsaw carver Eddie Freeman to fashion the broad trunks into sculptures, which portray the men in the moments of bravery that defined them.
Once you reach the relaxed coastal hamlet of St Helens, head for the excellent Visitor Information Centre and History Room. There’s a small fee to enter the museum, but it’s worth the investment. Learn the history of tin mining in the region and the town’s shipbuilding industry. St Helens is the gateway to the Bay of Fires, which boasts a photogenic collage of pristine white sand, sparkling blue water, and rocky granite outcrops splashed with patches of orange lichen. If you have some extra time, it will make a wonderful side trip.
Day 4: St Helens to Coles Bay
Distance: 114 kilometres
Follow the coast down to Bicheno — a relaxed holiday town with yet more gorgeous beaches. One of the main attractions here is East Coast Natureworld — a sprawling wildlife sanctuary that boasts among its menagerie of resident native critters a sizeable population of Tasmanian devils. Decimated by devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) in the wild, healthy groups like this are vital to the long-term survival of the species. The communal devil feeding replicates what would take place in the wild around a fresh carcass. Be warned: it’s not for the squeamish visitor!
An easy half hour’s drive from Bicheno, Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s most scenic spots and is home to the Insta-famous Wineglass Bay. This perfectly curved bay of white sand and turquoise water is a breathtaking sight. The uphill trek to Wineglass Bay Lookout (where you’ll get one of the best views of the bay) takes about 45 minutes each way and is doable for anyone of a reasonable fitness level. Alternatively, consider doing the Cape Tourville Lighthouse and Lookout walk. It’s a 20-minute round trip and offers fabulous ocean vistas.
Day 5: Coles Bay to Tasman Peninsula
Distance: 199 kilometres
Continuing south, you’ll eventually reach the Tasman Peninsula — home to the emotive Port Arthur Historic Site. More than 12,000 convicts were incarcerated at the Port Arthur penal settlement over the course of 50 years and today there are around 30 surviving buildings to explore. The site is extensive, and if you’re a history lover, you’ll want to maximise your time here. Your entry ticket is valid for two consecutive days.
Day 6: Tasman Peninsula to Hobart
Distance: 91 kilometres
As you head for your final destination on this roadie, there are a couple of memorable stops to make along the way. The first is the Georgian-era village of Richmond, which is still making use of a convict-built stone bridge to cross the Coal River. The bridge is framed by parklands and is a lovely spot to hop out of your vehicle and stretch those legs. Spend some time exploring the township itself, which harbours a host of tea shops, galleries, and heritage landmarks (including the just-turned-200-years-old Richmond Gaol).
If you’re up for another encounter with Tasmania’s furry and feathered locals, set your GPS for Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Brighton. Otherwise, next stop, Hobart!
Day 7 & 8: Hobart
Set aside at least two full days to discover everything that makes Hobart such a popular tourist destination. This is the second oldest capital city in Australia and is packed with architecture from yesteryear, amazing restaurants and cafes, and fascinating cultural attractions. Must-sees and dos include Mona (the Museum of Old and New Art), the Salamanca Market (held on Saturdays) and the historic Cascade Brewery. The city’s hop on hop off bus tour with Red Decker has 19 stops at points of interest and provides comprehensive commentary in between. Hop off at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery to see a moving exhibition dedicated to the now extinct thylacine (Tasmanian tiger).
Red Decker also operates a bus service up to the summit of Mount Wellington, which delivers (on a clear day!) sweeping views of the city, River Derwent, and surrounding landscape.
This post was published thanks to Redspot Car Rentals.
Browse our range of Tasmania tours and experiences here.
Do you have any tips to add to our ultimate East Coast Tasmania road trip itinerary? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
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