Tasmania | Hobart to Cradle Mountain Road Trip Itinerary

11 days of exploring breathtaking nature and beautiful coastlines

Day 1: Hobart

Start your Tasmanian adventure in Hobart and enjoy the contrasting blend of heritage, scenery and culture the city has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to be in Hobart on a Saturday, make sure you visit Australia’s most loved and vibrant outdoor markets - the Salamanca Markets.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks Hobart

Image: Instagram - @_letsescapetogether_

Day 2: Hobart to Strahan

Distance: 314 km
Travel time: 4 Hours 35 minutes

From Hobart, head northwest towards your first stop - the fishing village of Strahan. Strahan is full of stories from the days of convicts and pioneers. However, these days Strahan is an iconic travel destination with delicious local produce and artisan wares. 

Where to stay: Big 4 Strahan Holiday Retreat

Image: Tourism Tasmania

Day 3: Strahan

This harbourside village is teaming with things to do. Explore the Gordon River, uncover the history of Sarah Island, or go searching for Platypuses at Hogarth Falls before enjoying the sunset over the water.

Where to stay: Big 4 Strahan Holiday Retreat

Image: Instagram - @_letsescapetogether_

Day 4: Strahan to Cradle Mountain

Distance: 138km
Travel time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Get ready for your pinch me moments. A 2 hour drive from Strahan will find you at Cradle Mountain, one of the popular gems in Tasmania. Be sure to charge up your camera on your way, we have a feeling you’ll be using it a lot as you drive past the magnificent alpine scenery.

Where to stay: Cradle Mountain Discovery Park

Image: Jake Ward

Day 5: Cradle Mountain

Dust out your hiking boots, they’re going to put to good use today. Explore some of the most jaw‑dropping scenery you’ll see in Australia on the Cradle Mountain hike. If you’re not feeling so adventurous, set up the tripod and take some photos at the famous Dove Lake.

Where to stay: Cradle Mountain Discovery Park

Image: Jake Ward

Day 6: Cradle Mountain to Launceston

Distance: 141 km
Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Bade farewell to Cradle Mountain and continue your journey along to Launceston. Less than 2 hours later, arrive at one of the most populated cities in Tasmania. If you’re in the area between December and January, head north to Bridestowe Lavender Farm to spend the afternoon wrapped up in purple hues, sweet scent and endless photo opportunities.

Where to stay: Big 4 Launceston Holiday Park

Image: Nick H Visuals

Day 7: Launceston to Freycinet

Distance: 185 km
Travel Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

Prepared to be spell bound, because Freycinet really will stun you. About a 2.5 hour drive south‑west of Launceston, look forward to discovering the delights of Freycinet National Park.

Where to stay: Freycinet Campground

Image: Tourism Tasmania

Day 8: Freycinet

While the actual wine may be lacking, views of Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park certainly are not. If you would prefer to see the National Park at a more leisurely pace, board a cruise to see the park from the water. Spend day 8 of your Tasmania road trip exploring one of the must do attractions in Tasmania!

Where to stay: Freycinet Campground

Image: Tourism Tasmania

Day 9: Freycinet to Port Arthur

Distance: 189 km
Travel Time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Uncover Port Arthur, a town full of convict history and so much to see. And for those who want to extend your trip, the multi‑day Three Capes Track near Port Arthur is a must do hike in Tasmania.

Where to stay: NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park

Image: Tourism Tasmania

Day 10: Port Arthur to Hobart

Distance: 100 km
Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Head back to Hobart, but not before stopping at Richmond. Only 25 minutes out of Hobart, no trip to Tasmania is complete without a photo op under the Richmond Bridge.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks - Mornington Hobart

Image: Instagram - @andrewatsonphoto

Day 11: Hobart

Unfortunately, it's time to say farewell to your #ApolloCamper and start already planning your next trip back here! Before you leave Hobart, make sure you make a stop at The Museum of Old and New Art – Mona is Australia's largest private museum and one of the most controversial private collections of modern art and antiquities in the world. Described by its owner as a "subversive adult Disneyland", the collection includes everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world's most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art.