tasmania travel times map

Tasmania Driving Times and Distances for Cars and Campervans

It’s a small island, but Tasmania driving times and distances can be deceptive. Use our ‘Driving Time Calculator’ to plan your Tasmanian road trip the right way!  

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When visiting a holiday destination for the first time it is easy to misjudge the time it takes to drive between towns.

To make your planning easy we’ve created easy-to-follow road trip itineraries that guide you from place to place, ensuring you never run short of time or miscalculate the distance.

But of course, whether it’s by hire car or by campervan , planning your own Tasmanian road trip itinerary is half the fun! 

To help you out, we’ve put this guide together to give you a good feel for how long it takes to drive between the major destination along the Lap of Tasmania road trip route, and to tell you more about the Tasmanian quirks that can cause unexpected delays on the road.

Before you start you might like to have a look at this Tasmania map. Distances are shown to give you a feel for how far you need to drive.

Tasmanian 'Driving Time Calculator'

The table below lists all the major destinations along the route of the Lap of Tasmania at which you might want to spend a night or two.

Simply type in the town you’re interested in and it will filter the results to show you all the different options To/From that town.

Note : The times quoted here assume non-stop driving. Don’t forget to allow for additional time for photo stops, meals and rest breaks.

Things to know about Tasmania driving times and distances

Mountainous terrain.

Tasmania is a small island, but sometimes you will need to allow extra travel time due to the mountainous terrain.

Slower speeds are often necessary to tackle steep and windy sections – both up and down – and you may get stuck behind slow moving vehicles like log trucks, caravans or campervans.

We have allowed for these mountainous sections in our custom itineraries and in the Driving Distance Calculator (above) – but if you’re creating your own road trip route then do keep this in mind. 

Parts of the ‘Lap of Tasmania’ route where there is more likely to occur include:

Derwent Valley [ more ] – The upper valley, between Wayatinah and Derwent Bridge on the Lyell Highway (A10).

West Coast [ more ] – The ’99 Bends’ on the Lyell Highway (A10) between Derwent Bridge and Queenstown, and then from Queenstown through to Strahan.

Cradle Coast [ more ]  – The Murchison Highway (A10) from Parrawe down into Hellyer Gorge and through to Oonah.

North East Tasmania [ more ] – The Tasman Highway (A3) from Derby up to Pyengana, over the pass and down to Goulds Country.

East Coast [ more ] – A short section of the Tasman Highway (A3) between Orford and Buckland, and another up near Bust Me Gall Creek (yes, that’s a real place!) between Buckland and Orielton.

Tasman Peninsula [ more ] – Nearly the entire length of the Arthur Highway (A9) beyond Forcett is slow going, to Dunalley and Eaglehawk Neck, and then through to Port Arthur.D

Tasmanian weather - Snow, ice, wind and fire

As you’ve probably heard, Tasmania’s weather is unpredictable and can change from bright sunshine to Antarctic storms in less than an hour.

There’s no need to worry though, as most  road trippers end up having the time of their life without any disruptions at all – but it’s best to be prepared.

>>   Find Out the Best Time to visit Tasmania   <<

Snow is most likely during winter but can occur at any time of the year – however road closures along the route aren’t common. If snow is forecast you can check alerts on the Tasmania Police website .

While unlikely, you may encounter short road closures at:

• Mt Wellington (near Hobart) – The road to the summit experiences a few closures every year.
• Mt Field (Derwent Valley) – Access to the Visitor Centre (and Russell Falls) is always open, but the gravel road up to Lake Dobson and Tarn Shelf occasionally experiences closures.
• King William Saddle (near Derwent Bridge) – The road between Derwent Bridge and Strahan is at 800m and occasionally gets a big dump of snow.
• Cradle Mountain Road – The main access road to Cradle Mountain Village does get closed occasionally, but it is also one of the highest priority roads to be cleared after snow falls.
• Belvoir Road (between Cradle Mountain and Waratah)
• Mt Murchison (West Coast) – The Murchison Highway experiences occasional closures in the vicinity of Mt Murchison.
• Great Lakes and Central Highlands – This region gets more snow than most other parts of Tasmania, but less travellers as well.

A hidden danger on some of Tasmania’s roads is black ice. During the day it is rare for temperatures to fall below 0 degrees Celsius, but in the early hours of the morning it can get cold enough for ice to form.

Ice can occur at any time of the year, but is most common during the cold, dry conditions often experienced in autumn and winter.

If you suspect there might be ice on the roads then either defer your driving until the sun has a chance to melt the ice, or drive a lot slower and with more care than usual.

Wind squalls are common across Tasmania – gusts can approach 100km/hr – and if you’re driving a campervan or caravan you’ll need to slow down.  Our best advice is to keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology website for storm warnings.

Bushfires occur every year in late spring, summer and early autumn and sometimes result in road closures. Check the Tasmania Fire Service Alerts Map for the latest information.

Wildlife after dark

Tasmania is covered in dense forests, making it a haven after dark for nocturnal wildlife like Tasmanian devils and possums. Wallabies and bandicoots also love to graze on the grasses by the side of the road at dawn and dusk.

>>   The Best Place to See Tasmanian Devils   <<

We recommend planning your road trip itinerary to avoid night driving, but if this is’t possible then slow down by 20km/hr – even more in thickly wooded areas or where there are blind corners – and use your high beam lights wherever it is sensible.

Campervans and caravans

We’ve noticed that other websites often only show travel times for cars. If you’re doing your Lap of Tasmania in a motorhome or caravan then we recommend adding 20% onto any ‘car’ driving times .

If you’re still looking for the best rental campervan or motorhome you’ll love our guide!

>> Read our Campervan Hire Guide <<

We often get questions from travellers wondering if a certain road is driveable with a 22ft or larger caravan in tow.

Some roads may need to be driven a little slower than usual, but all of Tasmania’s sealed roads are completely fine for caravanners or motorhome drivers.

Road works and road closures

Road closures are rare along the Lap of Tasmania route, but it’s worth a quick check of the   Tasmania Police website   before you leave each morning.

The Midlands Highway is a ‘special’ case. It doesn’t form part of the official Lap of Tasmania route, but it is the main road between Hobart and Launceston and it is in a constant state of upgrade or repair. If you find yourself at the pub, ask a local for their thoughts on the matter…

Delays normally aren’t too long, but expect to stop a few times along the way. Again, check the Tasmania Police site for more details.

Ferry schedules

If you are planning on visiting Bruny Island or   Corinna (from the southern side) t hen you will need to allow time in your itinerary to line up with the ferry schedule.

Click here to check the Bruny Island ferry schedule .

Click here to check the Corinna ‘Fatman’ barge schedule .

We see a lot of questions being asked online about travel times and driving times in Tasmania, so we thought we’d put them in one place so you’ve got all the information you need to plan your Tassie road trip.

How long does it take to drive around Tasmania?

We don’t recommend it, but you could drive around Tasmania in as little as 3 days. But you’d be an absolute wreck at the end, and probably more stressed than when you started!

Working out how long to drive around Tasmania depends on your road trip route, how long you’d like to spend in each destination, and how much driving you’d like to do each day.

The Lap of Tasmania route [ map ] is around 1,500km long, and we feel that you should allow at least 7 days ( this itinerary shows you how).

Ideally, we recommend 14 days or more to drive around Tasmania (especially if you are in a caravan). 

This lets you stay in iconic locations for at least a couple of nights, gives you enough time to see the ‘ Big 12 ‘, and opens up the option of extending down into the Huon Valley, exploring the Highlands, or doing day-trips to Bruny Island or Maria Island.

What is the distance from Launceston to Hobart?

The distance from Launceston to Hobart is 200km (124 miles) along the Midlands Highway.

We recommend allowing 2 hours 30 minutes by car, or 3 hours in a campervan or motorhome, to drive between the two cities.

As we mention above, road works are ongoing on the Midlands Highway and short delays are not uncommon.

How long does it take to drive from Hobart to Port Arthur?

It takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to drive from Hobart to Port Arthur by car, or a little more than 2 hours by campervan or motorhome .

The multi-lane Tasman Highway (A3) between Hobart and Sorell is in great condition and the only chance of delay is if you are leaving Hobart during the afternoon peak hour (after 4:30pm).

The Arthur Highway (A9) from Sorell to Port Arthur is also in good condition, however it is single-lane for much of the route. Work is currently underway to increase the number of overtaking lanes and ‘pull-over’ lanes for slow vehicles.

Important : Between 28 December and 1 January the Arthur highway gets extremely congested between Sorell and Copping due to the annual Falls Festival that is held at Marion Bay. It can even extend back to Hobart at its worst.

What is the Launceston to Cradle Mountain driving time and distance?

The Launceston to Cradle Mountain driving time is 2 hours by car (via Sheffield), and around 2 hours 30 minutes if you’re driving a campervan or motorhome.

The distance between Launceston and Cradle Mountain is 140km (87 miles).

The Bass Highway from Launceston to Christmas Hills is one of the best roads in Tasmania. The road between Christmas Hills and Cradle Mountain Village is rural and in decent condition, although some sections are narrow and winding, and overtaking opportunities can be limited, particularly around Cethana.

How long does it take to drive from Hobart to Freycinet Peninsula?

It takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to drive from Hobart to Freycinet (Coles Bay) by car, or 4 hours by campervan or motorhome.

There is a narrow winding section just before Orford, but otherwise the Tasman Highway (A3) from Hobart is in great condition all the way to the Coles Bay turn-off at the Pondering Frog (Apslawn). Coles Bay Road is single lane and also in good condition.

Important : They may look very close, but it is not possible to cross the water from Dolphin Sands to Coles Bay.

How long does it take to drive from Hobart to Bay of Fires?

It takes around 4 hours to drive from Hobart to Bay of Fires (Binalong Bay) by car, or 5 hours by campervan or motorhome.

There is a narrow winding section just before Orford, but the Tasman Highway (A3) from Hobart is in great condition all the way up the East Coast to St Helens. The last 10kms along Binalong Bay Road is narrow and winding, but still in good condition. 

Important : People often refer to the ‘Bay of Fires’ as though it is a town, but this isn’t correct and will give strange results when entered into a GPS navigator. The ‘Bay of Fires’ is a region and the closest town is Binalong Bay, with St Helens a further 10km away.

How long does it take to drive from Port Arthur to Swansea?

It takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to drive from Port Arthur to Swansea by car, or 3 hours 30 minutes by campervan or motorhome.

The Arthur Highway (A9) from Port Arthur to Sorell is in good condition, however it is single-lane for much of the route. Work is currently underway to increase the number of overtaking lanes and ‘pull-over’ lanes for slow vehicles.

From Sorell through to Swansea the Tasman Highway (A3) is in good condition.

Important #1 : Between 28 December and 1 January the Arthur highway gets extremely congested between Sorell and Copping due to the annual Falls Festival that is held at Marion Bay.

Important #2 : Don’t take Wielangta Road between Copping and Orford. It looks like a big shortcut, however the road is in very poor condition and is often impassable due to washouts.

How long does it take to drive from Hobart to Strahan

It takes around 4 hours 30 minutes to drive from Hobart to Strahan by car, or 6 hours or more by campervan or motorhome. This is a long drive, and for this reason we recommend breaking this section up and staying at either Mt Field or Derwent Bridge .

A short section of the Lyell Highway between Bridgewater and New Norfolk is known as ‘The Bumpy Bits’ for good reason. Beyond New Norfolk the Lyell Highway is in good condition and passes through open countryside all the way up to Wayatinah at the foot of the Highlands.

From Wayatinah to Tungatinah the road climbs and becomes very windy. The road is good, but larger vehicles will need to take it slow. The road from Tungatinah to Derwent Bridge is flatter, and it continues like this to King William Saddle where the long, winding descent to Queenstown begins. They don’t call it the ’99 Bends’ for nothing!

The road from Queenstown to Strahan is also narrow and windy and will take just under an hour to drive the 40km.

It’s a long journey between Hobart and Strahan, but the scenery is stunning and well worth the effort!

Start your Tasmania road trip

It only takes 4 simple steps to get your road trip started.

• Plan your itinerary
• Book your flight or ferry to Tasmania
• Book your hire car or campervan
• Book your accommodation

We’ve also got a fantastic little community  on Facebook who are super keen to help you with road trip inspiration and advice.  It’s the perfect place to ask questions and to plan an awesome itinerary that perfectly suits your style of travel – Click here to join our Facebook group.  

We hope this article has helped you plan your Tassie road trip. If you’ve got any questions at all please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

Happy road tripping!

Travel planning resources

Tasmania’s remote location means there are internet ‘black spots’ across the island. 

A hard copy travel guide or map is the perfect backup, and we love the range from Lonely Planet.

Guide to Tasmania

Map of tasmania, road trip guide, how to get to tasmania, car hire tips and advice.

Andrew Strikis

Subscribe for road trip tips and advice!

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional owners  and continuing custodians  of  this island lutruwita (Tasmania).

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The Best Tasmania Itinerary (+ Tasmania Road Trip Map)

This post may contain affiliate links, for which we earn a small commission at no additional expense to you. Click here to read our Disclosure.

Tasmania is an island state in Australia known for its rugged landscape, sparse population and of course Tasmanian devils. Affectionately called “Tassie” by Australians, it is rugged and wild and easy to fall for.   Outdoor enthusiasts will love the awesome hiking opportunities and city lovers will appreciate the rich foodie and art culture.

In this guide, we want to help you plan the best Tasmania itinerary with our tips for the best things to do in Tasmania and how to make the most of your Tasmania road trip.

• 1 When to Go to Tasmania
• 2.2 Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
• 2.3 Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay
• 2.4 Bay of Fires
• 2.5 Launceston
• 2.6 Cradle Mountain National Park
• 3 Getting to Tasmania
• 4 Getting Around Tasmania (+Renting a Car in Tasmania)
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When to Go to Tasmania

Tasmania’s weather is very different from what most people think of when they think of Australia.  Tasmania experiences four seasons and parts of the island see snow in winter.  Christmas through to early February is peak time on the island as it is school holidays and temperatures are the warmest – a comfortable low 20s (C).  If you are looking to avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons are a great time to travel (March-April and October-November).  Winter offers the best value, but will require lots of layers and winter clothing.

Weather in Tasmania can be very variable and change quickly regardless of which time of year you visit.  Pack lots of clothes to layer and be prepared for swift weather changes. We experienced 12 degree weather and lots of rain at Cradle Mountain, even in January.

Tasmania Itinerary + Map

Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state and with a maximum width and length of 300 km, it is manageable to explore many of the highlights on one visit.  You could race around and see the east coast sights in one week, but 10-14 days will give you a chance to slow down and explore a little bit deeper.  This 1 and 2 week itinerary includes the Tasmania must see highlights and the best places to visit in Tasmania.

1 Week Tasmania Itinerary: Hobart, Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay (Freycinet National Park)

2 Week Tasmania Itinerary: Hobart, Port Arthur, Wineglass Bay, Bay of Fires, Launceston, Cradle Mountain National Park

If you have more time, consider including Bruny Island, the wild west coast, the Huon Valley, the Tamar Valley, Bicheno or Penguin to your itinerary.

Hobart is the capital and largest city of Tasmania with a population of 220,000.  It’s walkable, has a relaxing vibe, a huge arts and culture scene and plenty of farm to table foodie restaurants.  It’s harbourside setting with mountains and valleys surrounding the city make it a great base to explore the outdoors.

Start your visit by wandering the city, climbing Kelly’s Steps to the Battery Point neighborhood with its quaint cottages and views.

Hobart is famous for being home to  MONA, the Museum of Old & New .  This Hobart attraction is a privately funded museum that the owner describes as a “subversive adult Disneyland” and for many, it is the highlight of their time in Hobart.   MONA is open from 10-6 in the summer, closed on Tuesdays and the entrance fee is $30/adult. It is located 11 km outside of Hobart.  You can take a ferry or arrive by road.

Mawson’s Hut Replica Museum is a recreation of the hunt that Sir Douglas Mawson’s team built for their Antarctica expedition in 1911-1914.   This is an interesting place to learn more about Antarctica, the polar explorers, and their scientific work. You only need an hour to visit the museum.  It is open daily from 9-5 in the summer and 10-4 in the winter months.  Entrance tickets are $15/adult, $5/child, $35/family.

Where to Stay Hobart

Salamanca Inn – situated right in Battery Park, this mid-range hotel is a great option.  With spacious apartments, an in-door pool, free parking and right in the centre of Hobart, this hotel consistently gets great reviews.  Click here to check the latest prices.

The Henry Jones Art Hotel – an uber cool hotel that looks more like a modern art gallery, this hotel is well situated in central Hobart and offers great service and a great atmosphere.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Camping – the  Discovery Park Hobart is convenient for accessing central Hobart, but is located alongside a busy highway.

Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

Port Arthur is the best preserved convict site in Australia and was actually a penal colony for the penal colony.  It is located 1.5 hours from Hobart, so you can visit on a day trip.  However, the Tasman Peninsula in which Port Arthur sits on is worth spending a night or two.

Port Arthur is a fascinating place due to its historical significance not just from the convict era, but in more recent times as well.  In 1996, 35 people lost their lives at the tourist site of Port Arthur as a  gunman went on a shooting spree.  Australia quickly took action and amended their gun control laws prohibiting semi-automatic weapons.  Twenty years on and the government’s action has proven successful with a decline in mass shootings and firearm deaths.

Practical Information: Port Arthur is open every day of the year, 9 am to dusk.  Tickets cost $40 AUD/adult, $18/child, $102/family (up to 6 children).  There is a canteen on site serving meals, drinks and snacks.

Learning, learning, lots of learning.

While most visitors come to the Tasman Peninsula to visit Port Arthur, there are many other interesting things to see on the Peninsula.  You can camp and hike at Tasman National Park at Fortescue Bay and visit many geological wonders including the Tesselated Pavement, Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, and Eaglehawk Neck.  You can also take a boat cruise, visit a lavender farm and enjoy delicious Tasmanian cuisine.

Tasman Arch

Where to Stay Port Arthur  

Stewarts Bay Lodge – within walking distance to Port Arthur Historic Site, this is the best accommodation if you want to be really close to Port Arthur.  The lodge is cozy and homey with its own private beach and spacious cabins.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Camping – We recommend staying at Fortescue Bay in Tasman National Park. The camp sites are located right near a beautiful beach and is a jumping off point for hikers doing multi-day hikes. Facilities are basic, but the wildlife opportunities are worth it.  Note that the campground is 12 km off the highway, down a rough unsealed road.   This is a popular campground, so booking are essential.  Sites are $13-16/night.  It is 17 km from the campground to the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay

Freycinet National Park surrounds Coles Bay on the east coast of Tasmania.  The National Park is best known for Wineglass Bay, a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach and turquoise waters dotted with pink granite cliffs.  It is one of the most popular things to see in Tasmania, so be prepared to share this special spot with other visitors.

The most common walk is to the Wineglass Bay Lookout, a 2.4 km return loop that takes 1-1.5 hours.  From the lookout you can continue your hike down to Wineglass Bay, which will add 3.5 km return and another 1.5 hours.  While Freycinet National Park is synonymous with Wineglass Bay, there are many other incredible places to explore in the National Park.

Where to Stay Freycinet National Park

You have a few choices of where to base yourself when visiting Freycinet National Park.  You can stay in Coles Bay , or nearby Bicheno or Swansea .

Edge of the Bay Resort – located 4 km outside of Coles Bay, the rooms have gorgeous views and you will have wildlife on your doorstep.  Located 5 minutes from town, but peaceful and tranquil, Edge of the Bay Resort is a great choice when visiting Freycinet.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Saffire Freycinet (Luxury) – this architectural gem is gorgeous with modern luxe suites, views from every room, an award winning restaurant and top notch hospitality.  Worth the splurge!  Click here to check the latest prices.

Big 4 Iluka Camping and Cabins – great location opposite Muir’s Beach with nice water views, an IGA down the street and good access to Freycinet National Park.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Bay of Fires

Bay of Fires has gained quite a bit of attention recently as one of the most beautiful places in Australia.  The unique orange covered boulders that litter the coast shine against the white sand beaches and turquoise waters, making for a photographer’s dream.  Best of all, it is still off-the-beaten path so you can find deserted bays.  While the water may look inviting, even in summer it never gets above 65 degrees, making for a very refreshing experience.

We spent hours climbing the big boulders, finding secret passages through the rocks, and exploring the tidal pools.  The sunsets are incredible .  The best way to experience the Bay of Fires is by camping, however you can stay in nearby Binalong Bay or St. Helens too.

Where to Stay Bay of Fires

Pelican Point Sanctuary – located just north of St. Helens, this quiet place really is a sanctuary.  Located near the sea with abundant birdlife, the clean rooms and friendly staff, make this a great choice.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Airbnb – there are a number of great airbnbs near the Bay of Fires.  Burgess Cottage is a great choice.

Camping – Cosy Corner South campground is a basic free camping area with stunning views right on the water.  It is first-come-first-serve and incredibly popular.  There are a couple of drop toilets, but you need to bring in your own water and take out your waste.

Launceston is Tasmania’s second largest city and is best known for the beautiful Cataract Gorge. In the late 1800s, someone had the foresight to create this beautiful park around this breathtaking Gorge with walking trails, a large swimming pool, restaurants and even a chairlift across the water.

A 3.4 km walking track will take you around the Gorge and over the long suspension bridge.  The free and chilly public swimming pool can be a great place to cool down or you can go for a swim in the river.  You can ride the First Basin Scenic Chairlift across the river for $13/adult and $8/child, one-way.  The chairlift is open everyday from 9 am.

Other ideas for things to do in Launceston include visiting the Saturday Harvest Market, City Park Launceston, Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery and of course the Tamar Valley wineries.

Where to Stay Launceston

Peppers Silo – this modern and comfortable hotel offers good value with great views of the city and river. Some of the rooms are located inside a renovated grain silo, making this a unique place to stay.    Click here to check the latest prices.

Camping – the Big 4  Lauceston campground is very kid friendly with a playground and jumping pillow for the kids.

Cradle Mountain National Park

Cradle Mountain National Park was one of the highlights of our time in Tasmania and we wish we had allocated more than just one night here.  The terrain is really unique – Lord of the Rings-like with wild alpine moorlands, glacial lakes and moss covered rainforest.  The higher altitude makes it cool even in summer and it is known for its misty and moody weather.  The hiking opportunities are fabulous with everything from short day hikes to multi-day epic trails.

To protect this fragile environment, the National Park provides mandatory shuttle service between the Visitor Centre and the most popular sights and hikes.  A 24 hour Cradle Mountain pass costs $16.50/adult, $8.25/child, $41.25/family (2+3).  Holiday passes for up to 8 weeks are also available.

The most popular hike is the Dove Lake circuit with gorgeous views of Cradle Mountain on a clear day.  The circuit is 6 km and takes 2 hours.  There are numerous other short hikes if you have time.  You can almost guarantee that you will see a wombat in the National Park.

We only wishes we could have spent more than one night there and that it didn’t rain most of the time we were there.

Tassie is well known for its fabulous produce and food.  On our 2.5 hour drive from Launceston to Cradle Mountain we did stop to sample some local foods highlighted in the  Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail .   We enjoyed the chocolates at  Anvers Chocolates , tasted delicious cheeses at  Ashgrove Cheese , sampled some yummy craft beer at  7 Sheds Brewery and visited enjoyed a lovely meal at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.

Where to Stay Cradle Mountain

Camping or Cabins –  Located right on the edge of the National Park, the Discovery Holidays Parks campground offers a wilderness experience right at your doorstep. The campground has a wonderful chalet building with a wood burning stove, a camp kitchen and travelers from all over the world to hang out with.  They also have comfortable cottages and cabins if you are looking for more comfort.  Click here to check the latest prices.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge –  a luxury experience in the wilderness, this lodge is picturesque and cozy with open fireplaces, postcard views and even a spa to soothe your sore muscles.  Did we mention the lodge is located right in the National Park?  Click here to check the latest prices.

Getting to Tasmania

Since Tasmania is an island, you have two choices of how to get here: you can fly or take a boat.

The main airports in Tasmania are in Hobart and Launceston which offer frequent directs flights to Melbourne and Sydney.  Flights are 1-2 hours and cost AUD $100-200/each way.

The  Spirit of Tasmania is a ferry that sails between Melbourne and Davenport in Tasmania.  We opted for the ferry since we were bringing our car and thought it would be an interesting way to get across the Bass Strait. The Bass Strait is known to be a rough passage as the warm waters of the Indian ocean meet the Pacific through this narrow and shallow strait. Read our Tips For Taking the Spirit of Tasmania here.    Spirit of Tasmania fares start at $89/person and $99/vehicle, but increase drastically during peak times.

Getting Around Tasmania (+Renting a Car in Tasmania)

The best way to explore Tasmania really is by car which gives you the most freedom.  Many of the most beautiful spots are in between popular Tasmania tourist attractions and with your own car you can stop to enjoy a deserted beach that beckons or buy some fresh cherries from the farm stand.

Most visitors will rent a car from Hobart or Launceston.  A 2WD is perfectly suitable for exploring the east coast of Tasmania.  You will have to be comfortable driving on the left, but the roads are quiet and small.  Similar to New Zealand, it does take longer to get around on the smaller roads.

Click here to check the latest prices of car rentals in Tasmania.

Tasmania with Kids

There are so many wonderful activities that both kids and parents will love in Tasmania.  Here were our top things to do in Tasmania with kids:

• climbing the boulders and finding hidden caves at the Bay of Fires
• learning about Antarctic exploration at Mawson’s Hut Museum in Hobart
• testing out the chilly waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston
• savoring fresh fruit from roadside vendors
• spotting wombats at Cradle Mountain National Park
• learning about Australia’s convict history at Port Arthur
• seeing and learning about the geological formations on the Tasman peninsula
• shopping for treats at the Salamanca Markets
• spotting glow worms at Mole Creek
• riding the Scenic Chairlift at Cataract Gorge, Launceston
• climbing the boulders on the top of Mount Wellington

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Tasmania road trip (complete 10 day itinerary + tips & map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Are you planning a  Tasmania road trip?  In this article, you will find all the information you need to make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

We have recently returned from a 12-day road trip around Tasmania and in this post, I detail our Tasmania road trip itinerary as well as information about the top things to do and see and great places to stay.

Tasmania is often described as “an island of contrasts” and after our visit, I could not agree more. We experienced beautiful beaches, fantastic views of bays and mountains, amazing wildlife, great walks and incredible food and wine. The smallest state in Australia certainly packs a punch!

Tasmania has been named as one of the top destinations worldwide to visit by numerous travel magazines. About time I say!

10 reasons to visit Tasmania

How to travel to tasmania, how to travel around tasmania, tasmania road trip map, what to see in hobart and surrounding areas, things to know when visiting hobart, where to stay in hobart, richmond (day 3), tasman peninsula (days 3/4), things to do in freycinet national park, where to stay in freycinet national park, where to stay at the bay of fires, launceston (days 7/8), launceston to cradle mountain (day 8), things to do and see at cradle mountain, where to stay in cradle mountain, hobart (days 11/12), driving in tasmania, when is the best time of year to visit tasmania, tasmania national park pass, useful resources, read more about tasmania.

• National parks
• Stunning scenery
• Amazing wildlife – devils, wombats, echidnas!
• Wonderful food and wine
• An interesting history
• Hikes to suit everyone whatever their ability
• Beautiful beaches
• Quaint towns with great names – Melton Mowbray, Richmond, Sheffield and Derby!
• Art! MONA (more on that later)
• Stay in some of the most outstanding accommodation available anywhere in the world

We flew from Brisbane to Tasmania with Virgin Australia .  There are many flights a day from all the major cities in Australia to both Hobart and Launceston.

Flying from Melbourne to Hobart takes around an hour. The flight from Brisbane takes just over 2 hours.

If you want to take your own car/motorhome over to Tasmania there is the option of catching the Spirit of Tasmania ship. This departs from Melbourne and arrives in Devonport approximately 9-11 hours later.

For recent up-to-date costs check out the Spirit of Tasmania website.

Tasmania was made for road tripping!

Whether you decide to hire a car and stay in hotels along the way (as we did) or hire a camper van/motorhome and camp your way around the state you will have an amazing time.

We booked our car with Hertz and were able to pick it up at the airport on arrival. WE found collecting and dropping the car at the airport was a smooth, easy process.

There are lots of things to see and do in Tasmania and unless you have a month or more it is impossible to see everything.

I would suggest identifying the areas you would most like to visit and plan your Tasmania itinerary around that. That is exactly how I planned the trip and generally it worked out well.

Although Tasmania is small don’t rush it – take time to enjoy the different places as you travel around. We spent 3 nights in both Freycinet National Park and Cradle Mountain National Park which gave us some time to truly relax.

A 10 day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

Hobart (Days 1/2/3/ and 11/12)

We flew from Brisbane and arrived at Hobart International Airport in the early afternoon. After picking up our hire car at the airport we drove the 18 kms into the city of Hobart where we had booked a 2-night stay.

Hobart is the capital of Tasmania and Australia’s most southern city. With an estimated population of 220000 Hobart is making itself known on the international stage for 2 things – art and food.

We spent an afternoon on day 1 exploring the city itself. On day 2 we drove out of the city down to Dover and Southport for the day before returning to Hobart in the late afternoon.

To be honest we weren’t bowled over by Hobart and next time I would probably give it a skip and drive straight to the Tasman Peninsula. However, if you haven’t yet been I would recommend spending a day/evening there to go to the markets and explore the waterfront area.

Salamanca Markets

The Salamanca Markets are only on a Saturday so if you really want to go you need to book your trip accordingly. Apparently, they are excellent with about 300 stalls open for business from 8:30 am onwards.

Unfortunately, we missed them as we were in Hobart earlier in the week though we did enjoy a stroll around the waterfront area where the markets are held.

There are numerous restaurants and cafes as well as galleries and shops to explore in the area.

Good to know – arrive earlier rather than later as I hear they start to pack up around 1 pm.

Check out the Salamanca Market website for further details .

Mount Wellington

You can’t miss the 1271 metre high Mount Wellington as you drive into Hobart. We did have a great view from our hotel of the mountain but sadly didn’t get a chance to drive up to take photographs of Hobart as cloud covered it on the days we were in the city.

If you are luckier when you visit head up to Mt Wellington via Pinnacle Road for views of the city and harbour.

Check out the Mt Wellington website for further details.

MONA the Museum of Old and New Art

We made time at the end of our trip to visit MONA . I hated it. BUT I would still recommend visiting! It is meant to shock and there is clearly a load of irony in the way the collection has been put together by the somewhat eccentric millionaire owner.

From the moment you arrive and actually try to figure out how to get into the damn building (hint – cross the tennis court) to the intentional lack of labels and information on any of the art MONA gives you an experience like no other art gallery does. Confronting in capital letters.

So go. But don’t blame me if you think bleurghhhh what the hell was that!!

Bruny Island

We were able to spot Bruny Island during our day 2 trip south of Hobart. The island is becoming a very popular destination for day trips from Hobart though you can stay on the island too.

Take a  bushwalk in the South Bruny National Park or take an eco-cruise to explore its coastline. Look out for seals, penguins, and wallabies and other wildlife.

Bruny Island also has some excellent local produce too including wine, cheese, truffles, berries and fresh oysters.

If a trip to the island is something you would enjoy there are plenty of recommended tour options available including:

• Bruny Island: Full-Day Food and Wine Tour from Hobart
• Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
• Bruny Island Wilderness Coast Eco-Tour from Hobart

If you have time you could add a night or two staying on the island into your Tasmania itinerary.

• Although quite small Hobart does have a one-way system on many of the roads in the centre of town.
• Hobart is a great city to explore on foot.
• The main shopping area in the centre of Hobart is the Elizabeth Street Mall.
• There are lots of great cafes/bars and restaurants in the waterfront area of the town so head down there for a coffee or a bite to eat!
• Beware visiting when the cruise ships are in port. It is a favourite destination of the floating hotels and you could find it a little busier than anticipated if a million passengers disembark at once.

We found the hotels in Hobart relatively expensive.

Whatever your budget I would recommend finding something closer to the city centre within walking distance of the waterfront or actually on the waterfront itself.

There are AirBnb’s available in Hobart if you prefer.

We stayed at the RACV/RACT Hobart Apartment Hotel which was a 5-minute walk to the waterfront area. The room was clean, spacious, the bed was comfortable. Parking is available and is free to RACV/RACT members.

On day 3 we left Hobart to head to the Tasman Peninsula for a 2 night stay. The drive to the Peninsula only takes about an hour and a half and is 100 km from Hobart.

On the way we took a small detour to the town of Richmond which is 26 km (30 mins) from Hobart. The most famous landmark in Richmond is the bridge which was built in 1823. We parked on the main street and took a stroll down to the river and bridge.

There are lots of beautiful heritage buildings to admire in the town. With arts and craft centres, galleries and a choice of tea houses as well as a convict-era gaol (the oldest in Australia) Richmond is definitely worth a few hours to explore.

Richmond is also home to the Pooseum a place where “talking about poo is not taboo” This science museum is dedicated entirely to yes you’ve guessed it animal droppings.

Although we didn’t go the reviews on Trip Advisor for the museum are excellent so if you have an interest in finding out all about poo this is the place to visit!

After a few hours in Richmond we drove the 80 km onto the Tasman Peninsula itself.

If you are driving down towards Port Arthur you will be on the A9 Arthur Highway which passes the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo . I had read good report about the place so we stopped to explore further.

The Unzoo is built around the concept of inviting us into the natural habitat of the animal. Rather than animals being exhibited in cages as in a traditional zoo the park aims to immerse the visitors in the habitat. It is an interesting concept and in some areas they are definitely succeeding.

This is a great place to see devils and if you can time it do try to be there when they feed them! Watching a devil bite through bone like it was a piece of cheese was incredible!

Over the last 20 years over 95% of the devil population has been wiped out by a cancer that causes facial tumours and death within 6 months. At present there is no known cure and insurance populations of disease free devils have been created in an effort to prevent their extinction.

Unfortunately the only wild devil we saw in Tasmania was dead by the side of the road.

Information about visiting the Unzoo:

Location:  5990 Arthur Highway Taranna

Costs:  Adult $36 Child $20

Opening hours:  9 – 6 (summer) otherwise 9-5

After  couple of hours at the Unzoo we drove to Port Arthur itself where we had booked one night at Stewarts Bay Lodge . The Lodge is located in Port Arthur and was ideally located for our visit to the former prison colony the next day.

We spent the rest of the afternoon at the beach located about 5-minute walk from our cabin before having a lovely evening meal in the on-site restaurant.

If you are looking for accommodation in Port Arthur I would highly recommend the cabins at Stewarts Bay Lodge . They were clean, well equipped and perfectly located.

CLICK HERE for up-to-date prices and to book a stay at Stewarts Bay Lodge.

On day 4 we visited  Port Arthur Historical Site . The site is one of 11 places across Australia that make up the  UNESCO World Heritage-listed Australian Convict Sites.

We spent a few hours exploring the site and learnt so much about the history of both Port Arthur and the lives of the convicts who were sent there.

I would recommend attending the introductory talk when you first arrive and also taking the included boat trip around the bay. There are a number of tours available to book including the very popular Port Arthur Ghost Tour. I can only imagine how creepy the place is after dark!

Additional information coming in my post dedicated to visiting Port Arthur Historic Site soon.

Good to know – Check that there isn’t a cruise ship dropping a few thousand passengers off the day you plan to go!

Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay) (Days 4/5/6 )

After spending a few hours at Port Arthur Historic Site we drove 240 kms (just over 3 hours) to Freycinet National Park where we had booked accommodation for 3 nights.

I have to say this is one of the most spectacular places I have ever stayed anywhere in the world. We spent 3 nights at the beautiful and very luxurious Edge of the Bay resort which overlooks Coles Bay and the Hazards Mountain Range.

This is THE place to go to recharge your batteries and completely unwind. We ate breakfast every day with wallabies appearing from under the bushes to check out what we were eating (and if we would share – we didn’t!)

We had a very lazy few days and didn’t do any of the famous hikes (I know!) including the one to Wineglass Bay . If hiking is your thing head over to the information centre at the entrance to the park. There are entry fees for vehicles and individuals which you pay at the entrance to the park.

I would highly recommend a stay at the Edge of the Bay resort . Although pricy this is somewhere you will never forget. It is probably one of the best located places we have ever stayed anywhere in the world. It is very popular so book early to avoid disappointment!

Bay of Fires (Days 6/7)

On day 6 we reluctantly left Freycinet National Park and drove 88 kms to our next destination – the Bay of Fires .

The Bay of Fires is situated on the northeastern coast of Tasmania. It stretches from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point to the north. The bay was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux in 1773 when he sailed past and say the fires of Aboriginal people on the beaches.

Famous for crystal clear water, beautiful white sand and orange rocks it really is worth visiting. We booked one night in St Helens which is located at the southern end of the conservation area.

We took a drive as far as we could do through the area and stopped off for a few walks along the beaches. Watch out for echidna along the side of the roads when you are driving. We saw quite a few at the Bay of Fires.

As we were only spending one night in the area we booked in St Helens. Campsites are available in some parts of the conservation area and there are also numerous accommodation options near Binalong Bay including Airbnb.

We had the opportunity to catch up on washing too at this point of the trip as we were running out of clean clothes. We stayed at Pelican Point Sanctuary for the evening which was clean and spacious and we had access to a washing machine (laundry detergent provided) and a washing line.

On day 7 we drove from St Helens to Launceston which is approximately 160 kms (2 hours drive) There are 2 possible routes to Launceston from St Helens but as January is peak season for lavender we took the northern route and stopped off at Bridestowe Lavender Farm .

Just to take these photographs! It was really beautiful and if you are visiting Tasmania when the lavender is out I would recommend a visit (there is a small entry fee when the lavender is in bloom) There is a shop and a cafe too selling lots of lavender goodies including lavender ice cream!

We spent one evening in Launceston at a lovely B&B (Kurrajong House Bed and Breakfast) owned by a couple originally from the UK.

We found there wasn’t a great deal to do in the city and spent a few hours playing crazy golf at Grindelwald a Swiss-themed Tamar Valley Resort about 10 minutes from Launceston.

Having lived in Switzerland I was not entirely convinced of its true Swiss-ness but it did pass a few hours!

Next time I would probably skip Launceston altogether but if you do decide to spend a night there I would highly recommend the Kurrajong House Bed and Breakfast . (no children permitted)

On DAY 8 we drove from Launceston to Cradle Mountain where I had booked 3 nights at the world famous Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Cradle Mountain is 140 kms from Launceston and takes about 2 hours. However DO NOT drive straight there!! This drive takes you past some of the recommended producers on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. At some point I am going back to do the entire trail but for this part of the trip we incorporated 2 stops.

Our first stop was at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe . We loved it so much we also stopped there on our return drive to Hobart! If you like raspberries you will love this place! Buy some of the chocolate coated raspberries to take away! And enjoy!

Tasmania really excels in its produce. Wonderful fruit and vegetables, excellent wines and tasty cheese!

Our next stop before heading up to Cradle Mountain was at Ashgrove Cheese . There were plenty of samples to try and some very tasty cheese made its way into our provisions.

Cradle Mountain (Days 8/9/10/11)

After eating far too many raspberries and cheese products we made our way up to Cradle Mountain which was our base for the next 2 days/3 nights.

You will notice on the drive there are dead trees everywhere – in some places it looked like an alien landscape. When we asked in the park about this we were told that the damage is being caused due to climate change.

Scientists are studying the area and the effects of sustained heat/droughts which is having such a massive impact on the area. A real wake up call.

Take a tour of the park

We took a tour from our hotel of the park at dusk which was an amazing time to see the animals. Standing in a field surrounded by wombats was just amazing!

We saw pademelons, wombats, echidna, and possums out in the park. The guide was also really knowledgeable so we were able to learn a lot about the various wildlife too.

Take one of the many hikes around the park

There are lots of hikes to do in the park with the shorter walk around the Dove Lake Circuit one of the most popular. The Dove Lake Circuit is only 6 km and a fairly easy couple of hours.

Alternatively if you prefer something very short but very beautiful try the Enchanted Walk which takes about 20 minutes and starts at Cradle Mountain Lodge!

Visit the Devils @ Cradle

This is a wildlife conservation facility on Cradle Mountain dedicated primarily to the care of Tasmanian devils (though they do have quolls there too).

We paid $75 each for a joey encounter which enabled us to see some of the captive-born joeys that are being raised at the sanctuary. We found it very informative and loved meeting the animals.

My favourite was a young wombat named Pancake whose mother had been killed in a car park. Unfortunately, this is all too common as wombats have no sense of danger when it comes to cars and many people do not think to double-check before reversing.

How to get into the park

Cars are not allowed in the park during the hours of 8:30 – 4:30 pm in winter and 8:00 – 6:00 pm in summer.

If you want to go into the park catch a FREE shuttle bus which will drop you in a number of places along the way.

You need to purchase entry tickets for the park. See below for park ticket passes and information.

We booked 3 nights at the world-class Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge . From the moment we arrived at the Lodge we knew this was an incredibly special place to be.

Our room was perfect, our welcome hamper superb, the setting, the wombats wandering around the lodge, the spa, the restaurant everything just made for a wonderful experience.

If you enjoy spas I would highly recommend spending some time in “The Sanctuary” at the onsite Waldheim Alpine Spa . The private sanctuary has a sauna, steam room, large hot tub and a cool plunge pool as well as a lounge area and is available for 60/90/120 minutes for your exclusive use.

Overlooking the Pencil Pine River and surrounded by King Billy Pines this is the perfect place to relax.

We drove back to Hobart on day 11 from Cradle Mountain. The drive took approximately 4 hours so we had enough time to head to MONA before checking into our airport accommodation for the evening.

As I have already mentioned MONA I won’t go into it again but I think next time I would try to fly into Hobart and out from Launceston to avoid losing a day driving back down the island.

This would have perhaps enabled us to explore more of the west of the island particularly Strahan. Next time!

On day 12 we sadly left Tasmania and flew home (on one of the most turbulent flights ever – not sure if had something to do with the notorious roaring 40’s)

Good to know when planning your trip to Tasmania

In Tasmania, you drive on the left (as in all of Australia!) There are stickers on the windscreens of hire cars and as you drive away from the airport you will see road signs to remind visitors. You will also be given a leaflet when you pick up your hire car with important information about driving in Tasmania.

Apparently, it has been an issue for some visitors to Tasmania.

Be mindful of wild animals . I have been nowhere in the world that seems to have the number of animals wandering the roadsides! Wallabies, echidnas, possums, devils, wombats everywhere! And unfortunately, too many of them splattered. Be especially careful at dawn and dusk.

On a more positive note if you are there during the right seasons keep an eye out for fruit and veg being sold by the roadside. Pull over, help yourself (well pay first!) and then eat your body weight in cherries, raspberries, apples etc. Delicious!

If you are driving from the north back down to Hobart I would highly recommend you take the 1 motorway.

We decided to take the scenic route on the A5. Mistake. Gravel, no other humans for hours, smoke in the trees and a potential flat tyre (luckily it was something stuck on the tyre – not an animal!) made this a not altogether pleasant few hours. Forget the scenery and stick to the main route!!

Tasmania has a climate of 4 seasons . The warmest months are between December and March (summer) when temperatures range between 17 and 23 degrees celsius.

In winter temperatures can dip as low as 3 degrees with highs of only 11 degrees. If you are visiting Cradle Mountain you can expect even colder temperatures with ice and snow in the winter months.

Even in warmer months temperatures can vary greatly so it is best to be prepared for all weather conditions. We visited in January and experienced unusually hot weather with temperatures of 28 degrees on Cradle Mountain. The week before it had been 13 degrees!

One of the BEST things about Tasmania in the summer months are the lighter evenings ! In January it was daylight after 9 in the evening. A real treat for those of us from Queensland (aka the land of no daylight savings!!!)

If you are planning to visit more than one of the National Parks while in Tasmania it may be cost-effective to purchase a Tasmania National Parks Pass. There are a total of 17 parks so chances are you will!

The Holiday Pass pass covers entry into all of Tasmania’s national parks for up to two months and also provides free use of the Cradle Mt shuttle bus.

The Holiday Pass costs

• $56 per vehicle up to 8 seats; or
• $28 per person

Alternatively, you can buy a daily pass which costs

• $22 per vehicle up to 8 seats; or
• $11 per person

Click here to purchase your pass!

Parks and Wildlife Services – For information on the various parks, hikes, maps and up-to-date information on conditions.

Booking.com – For hotels around Tasmania I used booking dot com. I like the ability to have the option to choose free cancellation. They also have a wide range of properties to choose from to suit all budgets.

Enjoy your trip to Tasmania

We loved Tasmania! We have seen quite a lot of Australia since we moved here from Europe and it is easily one of the most beautiful places we have visited in the world.

Tasmania is made for road trips and we will definitely be returning to explore more of the country in the future.

Have a fantastic time!

I have lots of information on my blog about travel in Australia including more posts dedicated to Tasmania.

• Top tips to make the best of your Tasmania trip
• A guide to the wildlife of Tasmania
• Check out my comprehensive guide to Australia which includes links to all my articles

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Map of Tasmania

Explore Tasmania with our interactive map. Simply click on the Map below to visit each of the regions of Tasmania. We have included some of the popular destinations to give you give you an idea of where they are located in the state. If you want to see more maps use the navigation panel on the right hand side of this page to view the State and territory Maps of Australia. Australia is a big country so make sure you understand the the distances and travel time involved.

Discover Tasmania's Regions

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Tasmania Trip Planner

Top destinations in tasmania.

Top attractions in Tasmania

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

• Mount William National Park
• Mount Field National Park
• Montagu Bay
• Lindisfarne
• Opossum Bay
• Kingborough
• Bridgewater
• Mountain River
• Clifton Beach
• Dennes Point

All related maps of Tasmania

• Map of Tasmania
• Map of Mount William National Park
• Map of Mount Field National Park
• Map of Freycinet
• Map of Clarence
• Map of Hobart
• Map of Sandy Bay
• Map of Montagu Bay
• Map of Bellerive
• Map of Lindisfarne
• Map of Moonah
• Map of Howrah
• Map of Risdon
• Map of Glenorchy
• Map of Fern Tree
• Map of Berriedale
• Map of Cambridge
• Map of Kingston
• Map of Claremont
• Map of Lauderdale
• Map of Opossum Bay
• Map of Kingborough
• Map of Molesworth
• Map of Margate
• Map of Bridgewater
• Map of Richmond
• Map of Mountain River
• Map of Clifton Beach
• Map of Dennes Point
• Map of Brighton
• Map of Snug

Tasmania throughout the year

• Tasmania in January
• Tasmania in February
• Tasmania in March
• Tasmania in April
• Tasmania in May
• Tasmania in June
• Tasmania in July
• Tasmania in August
• Tasmania in September
• Tasmania in October
• Tasmania in November
• Tasmania in December

Q&A about Tasmania

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• Travel times

How long will you need for your east coast Tasmania holiday?

The Great Eastern Drive stretches along 220 kilometres of Tasmania’s eastern coastline and the valleys, forests and mountains of the east coast hinterland, from Orford in the south to St Helens in the north. You can easily access the Great Eastern Drive from Hobart or Launceston and spend anything from a couple of days to a week or more experiencing everything the region has to offer.

There’s far too much to see and do here to squeeze into a day trip, so make sure you give yourself time to explore, to adventure, to relax—to just stop and wander. Treat yourself to a weekend, a few days or longer to explore your favourite east coast moments—from visiting wineries and cellar doors, to tasting delicious local produce, visiting national parks, walking long white beaches, relaxing in the region’s fantastic accommodation and enjoying the Great Eastern Drive’s incredible range of visitor experiences. Or, take your time and embark on an unforgettable, extended Great Eastern Drive road trip, starting from the north or south.

To help plan your Great Eastern Drive experience, read our suggested itineraries, and check the following distances and driving times before you travel. Please note: the following driving times are approximate. Travel times can vary according to weather and road conditions and route selection.

DISTANCES AND DRIVING TIMES FROM HOBART

Distances and driving times from launceston, distances and driving times on the great eastern drive.

Distances and driving times sourced from: Discover Tasmania and Metric Conversions

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Tasmania Explorer

Driving in Tasmania🚗: Tips, Laws, Itineraries And More

With wonderful attractions spread all over the state, Tasmania is a fabulous place to explore by car. Not only is driving in Tasmania the best way to explore the state, but it’s also easy – roads are good and drivers are generally attentive and courteous of others. However Tasmania has its own laws and a unique driving culture, and there are some things to consider before getting behind the wheel.

I was born and raised in Tasmania and got my license there before moving to Melbourne. After living in Melbourne for 20 years and then moving back, it was easy to see the differences between driving here and there. My initial frustrations eventually lead to appreciation for the relaxed atmosphere, but there were still things to get my head around. This guide will be helpful for anyone who needs advice on driving holidays around Tasmania.

Below, you will find our full guide to driving in Tasmania from important road rules to our best tips for driving in Tasmania from experience – you won’t find these in any guide book. Plus, we share driving distances Tasmania has as well as approximate travel times to help you plan, and our best itineraries whether you are coming to Tasmania for a long weekend or much longer.

We also have special tips for driving in Hobart, information about car hire and what to do if you have an international license. Basically, everything you need to know so your Tasmania self drive tours are a success!

Click here to download your free Tasmania Road Trip Planner checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip! Wan t help with your itinerary? Find our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

Tasmania Road Rules To Remember

The rules for driving in Tasmania align with the rules for driving elsewhere in Australia. In case you need a refresher or come from another country, here are the basics you should remember:

• As with all Australian states and territories, Tasmanians drive on the left.
• You must have your drivers license with you while driving.
• Both drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times.
• Mobile phones can not be used at any time (unless connected to Bluetooth/handsfree).
• The default speed limit in the city is 50km/h unless a sign shows otherwise.
• Helmets are mandatory for motorcycle/bicycle riders.
• 100km/h is the maximum speed limit unless a sign shows otherwise (some highways are 110km/h).
• It is always recommended to be vigilant and drive to the conditions. This is especially important in Tasmania with many narrow, steep roads.

Beach Driving Tasmania

If you want to get off road and on the beach there are some fabulous places for beach driving tours Tasmania with sand dunes and long stretches of sand. Ocean Beach, Arthur River and Bruny Island all come to mind. As with any beach drive, you’ll need an appropriate 4WD vehicle.

There are some areas where you will need a permit and others where you can simply follow off road tracks. Tracks range from easy to difficult. You can read more about driving off road in Tasmania here .

Driving In Tasmania Tips

General condition of roads.

In general, the condition of the roads in Tasmania are good, and if you’re heading between major towns/cities and attractions, you should have few problems.

Tasmania is quite a mountainous state, however, and as such roads can have sharp bends, be quite narrow and winding, and you’ll find yourself shifting from the brake to the accelerator frequently. It’s not always possible (or adviseable) to stick to the maximum speed limit, and this can make it longer to reach places than you think it might.

There are also quite a lot of unsealed roads around. The condition of most of these are quite good but many can be particularly difficult to drive on after a heavy downfall of rain. Some of these in rough weather are more suitable to 4WD vehicles. Also note that many hire cars don’t allow you to drive on unsealed roads. For this reason, it’s always worth planning your route beforehand.

Luckily, most of the main attractions are accessible via sealed roads, it’s just worth being aware that certain attractions are not.

Be Weary Of Google Maps

Be weary not to follow Google Maps blindly in Tasmania. I recommend taking a closer look at the route before proceeding. In general, Google Maps works well but this is not always the case, even in Hobart.

Google Maps has taken me on some shockingly bad, unsealed roads which may have been more direct to the destination but were not in good condition to drive, especially in a 2WD vehicle.

One time it even directed me to a one lane road with traffic in both direction made of rocks!

Even if the route appears to be more direct, just stick to the main roads, no matter what it tells you 🙂

It’s usually very easy to find parking in Tasmania, whether on the street or in a carpark. There can be a fee to park in the centre of the main cities but this is fairly small compared to big cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

On the streets of Hobart you’ll find the same ‘new’ parking meters all around which accept coins and payment by credit/debit card. I have seen tourists struggle to use these machines and I also struggled when I first used them.

An easier option is to pay for parking using the EasyPark app. This is available for both Apple and Android users and allows you to pay for parking from your phone instead of using the street meter. This app is used all over the state so it’s very handy to have installed.

Driving In Tasmania In Winter

As the southern most state of Australia, Tasmania gets cold in winter. Naturally, this changes the conditions of the road and how you should drive. Think icy roads, thick fog and snow.

The weather on the eastern side of the state isn’t too extreme. Hobart can be foggy and the surrounding roads icy. Places like Mt Wellington have limited road access and you may not make it up to the summit. However, keep in mind Mt Wellington can close due to bad weather even in summer.

When it comes to the centre and west of the state, weather is a different story. Snow generally blankets the centre and heavy rain and thick fog are common.

If you’re planning to drive on the A5 through the centre past Miena and the Great Lake, be warned. The scenery in winter can be absolutely stunning, but it does lead to a challenging drive.

Only when we started driving through did we see a sign that recommended all vehicles had snow chains! The area was absolutely covered in snow and although much of it had been cleared from the road, other parts were quite scary to drive through.

You will want to choose your routes carefully and be prepared for the weather.

Factor In Extra Time To Take In The Views

Many roads in Tasmania have fabulous views and there are often places you can stop so you can take them in. Make sure you do this! Tasmania is stunning so don’t get so caught up in driving you miss the views.

It is usually easy to find a place to stop and take a break, especially at lookout points. This is particularly important during family driving holidays Tasmania where frequently breaks are needed. You can often find facilities with toilets and picnic chairs too.

How Much Time To Factor In

Most people advise driving no more than 300km in a day, keeping in mind that 150km takes about 2 hours (without a break). Taking regular breaks will not only make the drive more enjoyable but it will make the journey just as important as the destination (which is definitely achievable in stunning Tasmania).

I would aim for a break of 15-30 minutes every hour and factor this in when planning driving times.

Tips For Driving In Hobart

Driving in Hobart is different to driving in the rest of the state, and my biggest tip is to just relax and enjoy it.

When I moved back to Hobart, I thought I would find driving here ultra easy after 20 years of dealing with inner city Melbourne traffic but I was very wrong. I actually found it more challenging than Melbourne as although I lost the traffic, I gained narrow, steep streets, frustrating one way streets with no right hand turns allowed and had to learn to relax in my driving or turn the drivers around me mad.

Some of the narrow streets on steep hills can be much harder than you might think especially if you come from a city like Melbourne with wide, flat streets. It took a bit of getting used to.

The city centre is renouned for it’s one way streets and this is where an app like Google Maps will help to navigate you through without wasting too much time. The no right hand turns can be more annoying and are an issue all around the inner city areas. It can mean getting between two points can be a much longer drive than you anticipate.

While I found drivers can be a bit crazy on rural roads, in Hobart, drivers are generally very relaxed. They don’t drive into an intersection as quickly as possible when a light turns green – they may even take seemingly forever to start driving at all.

If you are driving on narrow streets which are two way, even if it’s possible for cars to pass each other, other drivers may expect you to wait until they drive past before you drive in the opposite direction. We lived in Battery Point and basically every road was like this. We would get people worked up if we drove along any street while other drivers were driving towards us.

Cars often go slower than the speed limit, even when it’s safe to do it.

We had to learn to relax!

Initially my Melbourne brain rebelled (I need to get somewhere, people!), but over time I grew to love how relaxed it was and especially that drivers wave to each other often. If you wait for anyone at all or they wait for you, give a wave. If anyone lets you cross into a lane, wave. Really anything at all, wave. I love this part, and it is something I remember missing when I first moved to Melbourne.

Parking is generally easy to get unless you are in the city centre at peak times, like in the lead up to Christmas. Although going in first thing in the morning helped at any time of the year for parking.

The city has some great multi-level car parks and I recommend heading to them if you need to park in the CBD. The best part is the first hour is free! The main two that are useful are on Argyle Street between Collins Street and Liverpool Street and on Victoria Street just off Harrington Street.

If you are staying around Salamanca, do not park on Salamanca Place on a Friday night. The market starts early and your car will be towed.

Traffic And Peak Hour

You could be forgiven for thinking traffic isn’t really an issue in a small city like Hobart, and most of the time, this is true.

But during peak hour it’s a totally different story. Depending on where you’re coming from traffic in the centre can be just as hectic as any big city. There are only a few major access points to the centre and seemingly everyone pours into these at once.

The Southern Outlet and Tasman Highway are particularly notorious for heavy traffic during peak hour. One accident, break down or scheduled road works can create serious delays.

If you’re travelling anywhere, avoid peak hour if possible or factor in additional time. The good thing is that peak hour is generally short and runs Monday to Friday, from 8am to 9am in the morning to 5pm to 6pm in the evening (although I find it can start as early as 4pm, especially on Fridays).

Driving Distances And Driving Times Tasmania

Below are the driving distances in Tasmania between main points of interest as well as approximate driving times in Tasmania.

From Hobart

From launceston, from devonport.

Hiring A Car To Self Drive Tasmania

An essential part of driving around Tasmania is having a car to drive! If you’re not taking your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania, there are many hire car companies that operate in Tasmania from both Hobart and Launceston Airport and other towns.

The main players like Hertz, Budget, Avis, Europcar and more all operate in Tasmania and hire cars can be booked for in advance or hired once you arrive at the airport. Note that covid has pushed up hire car prices and resulted in a shortage, especially during peak season (December to Easter). If you’re planning to hire a car, I recommend you book one in advance as early as you.

There are two great car hire options I recommend that are both in Hobart and Launceston.

• Book through Bargain Car Rentals . This Tasmanian car rental company has some great deals and availability. Even better is if you use the code: TASEXPLORE you save 5%

Simply click here.

Then when you enter the dates and location, enter: TASEXPLORE for the “Discount Code”.

• Check out LeisureRent. They are a local company with a variety of cars as well as campervans and motorhomes for rent at competitive prices. The best part is that they also offer 5% off for Tasmania Explorer readers. Simply use the coupon code: explore .

Click here to see their latest prices and options.

You can also find other car hire options here .

Van hire is another popular choice for visitors wanting to make the most of their time outdoors. Capacities range from 2 to 6 and you can get good campervans with a kitchen, TV and sometimes even a toilet and bathroom. You will still need somewhere to stop at night and there are many camping grounds in national parks and caravan parks around the state.

Click here to find LeisureRent campervan options .

Driving Holiday Tasmania Itineraries

While this article is specifically about driving around Tasmania with lots of tips to help you, we do have many itineraries for driving holidays in Tasmania to help you plan your trip.

Click on any of the following articles for exact itineraries for your adventure.

Perfect Tasmania Itinerary 5 Days✅

Heading to Tasmania for 4 or 5 days and looking for the perfect itinerary? Fantastic! Tasmania is a fabulous place to explore. While 4 or 5 days isn’t long, you…

Tasmania Itinerary 7 Days✅: Perfect Tasmania Driving Holiday

Decided on a Tasmania driving holiday and now want to work out your Tasmania itinerary? Perfect! In this guide, we give you not one, but two detailed options for a…

Self Drive Tasmania: Perfect Tasmania Itinerary 10 days✅

Excited to self drive Tasmania and looking for the best Tasmania itinerary 10 days? Perfect! We are going to give you exactly that in this self drive Tasmania 10 days…

14 Day Tasmania Itinerary✅: Ultimate Tasmanian Road Trip

Heading to Tasmania and looking for a Tasmania road trip itinerary? Perfect! We have created exactly that – a 14 day Tasmania itinerary especially made for your next trip. Tasmania…

Driving Licenses

If you are planning on driving in Tasmania with a foreign licence you need to be aware what the rules are on this.

Tasmania allows overseas license holders to drive on their overseas license so long as it is current (and not suspended or cancelled), suitable for the vehicle and so long as you are a visitor or a temporary visa holder. If your license is not in English you will need to carry a translation of it.

If you are a permanent visa holder and it’s been over 6 months since your visa was issued, you can not drive in Tasmania and will need a Tasmanian or interstate license.

More information about getting a license in Tasmania can be found here .

Final Words

While I do want to be transparent and real about driving in Tasmania, I don’t want to understate this point – have fun! It’s a stunning state to explore and if you can keep these tips in the back of your mind, your visit will be all the more smooth and enjoyable.

We hope you found this guide to planning a driving holiday in Tasmania useful. Find all our itinerary guides above or click here for our detailed guide to planning a trip to Tasmania. You can also find everything else to help you plan a trip to Tasmania here or buy our full Tasmanian Road Trip Planner here.

Related posts:

By Shan Hutchinson

Shan grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

A Superb 14 day Tasmania Itinerary (Ultimate Explorer Guide)

Are you looking to undertake a trip around Tasmania in a couple of weeks? Well, here’s my ultimate 14 day Tasmania itinerary to help i nspire and plan your road trip holiday.

If connecting with nature and enjoying the great outdoors is your passion, Tasmania should be on your bucket list. With the opportunity to witness pristine beauty, World Heritage-listed natural wonders and fascinating history Tasmania allures more travellers each year.

Even though Tasmania’s the smallest state in Australia, there is a lot to discover, which is why choosing places to visit is often the most difficult part when planning a road trip.

Within this guide, you will find a suggested itinerary for Tasmania with places to stop, sights to see, activities you won’t want to miss and practical information. I have also included a FREE map to help plan your trip.

Throughout the post, you can find some additional suggestions on what to do and see in Tasmania if you have more time.

Continue reading to find my 2 week Tasmania itinerary below.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclaimer for more information.

Featured Image: Freycinet Adventures ©Tourism Australia

Table of Contents

What to Expect on Road Trips in Tasmania

Tasmania is a place of beauty and isolation, where the landscape is sculpted by nature. A road trip in Tasmania allows you to experience a diverse amount of scenery following pristine coastlines, driving through charming towns, pretty farmlands and exploring ancient World Heritage-listed wilderness and landmarks.

What amazed me and what makes this state appealing is the contrast from the east to the west coast. On a Tasmania driving holiday along the east coast , you’ll uncover striking orange rock formations, and white sandy beaches fringed with turquoise blue water. It’s an unapparelled difference on the west with tea-stained rivers and untamed subtropical rainforest.

Starting and finishing a road trip from Hobart is typically the ideal option for many travellers as this is where many people fly into Tasmania. In saying this, if you are flying into Launceston or travelling across the Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania this guide is versatile in the way you can also use Launceston or any destination listed as your starting base.

A Tasmanian road trip can be broken up into two main trips – east coast and west coast. If you have time to enjoy travelling Tasmania at a slower pace you can easily spend two weeks exploring each coast, which is why I have added optional detours and additional destinations in this guide. For the benefit of travellers who only have 14 days to see as much of the state as possible, I have created a realistic itinerary with many of the popular places to visit for this time frame. 

Note: There are traveller experiences in the cities and towns around Tasmania. To save you money and time I have included in this guide links to all the top-rated tours.

Getting Around Tasmania – Campervan or Car

Unless you are taking a form of transportation over on the Spirit of Tasmania you will need to hire a van, car or campervan for your trip. For car hire, Inspire Family Travel recommends Bargain Car Rentals . They are an Australian-owned and operated company (founded in Hobart, Tasmania) with 14 locations and a wide range of vehicles. 

Their focus is on exceeding customer expectations, value for money, and exceptional service.

Pro Tip: Always book your car in advance as this is the best way to avoid disappointment, and it will save you time and money. Bargain Car Rentals has kindly offered you a discount code. Simply use the code FAMTRAVEL when you make a booking and this will save you 5% on their best rates.

Tasmania Self Drive Itinerary Times

As a practical guide, I have mapped out the times and distances between each of the recommended places I have mentioned below. Please be advised this is a guide as the road conditions can make the travel time longer than predicted on Google Maps.

• Hobart to Swansea: 135 km | 2 hr
• Swansea to Coles Bay: 59 km | 45 min
• Coles Bay to Bicheno: 38 km | 29 min
• Bicheno to Binalong Bay: 87 km | 1 hr 10 min
• Binalong Bay to Launceston: 177 km | 2 hr 13 min
• Launceston to Cradle Mountain: 150 km | 2 hr 11 min
• Cradle Mountain to Strahan: 146 km | 2 hr
• Strahan to Lake St Clair:  131 km | 2 hr
• Lake St Clair to Hobart:  179 km |2 hr 23 min

Tasmania Road Trip Map

Map out your adventure using the below resource that has been created if you are taking a driving holiday in Tasmania.

Click this link to download a quick road trip guide and interactive map . Included in the Google map are highlights of what not to miss at the destinations, along with optional detours and day trips along the way. 

If you have the flexibility to travel at a slower pace, you may choose to add more destinations to the itinerary. If you are short on time and 14 days is the maximum time you have, add the others to your bucket list for a future trip.  I guarantee once you have been to Tasmania you’ll want to return.

Tip: Always check the road conditions before embarking on your journey, particularly if you are travelling in winter where some roads can be closed due to snow and poor conditions.

14 day Tasmania Itinerary

Stop 1: hobart (4 nights).

This legendary loop starts – and ends – in Hobart. Hobart is the second oldest capital city after Sydney, dating back to 1804. Start your day with a trip up Kunanyi / Mount Wellington. At 1270 metres the summit lookout provides stunning views over Hobart and the surrounding areas.

You are in luck if you’ve worked up an appetite as Hobart has earned a reputation for world-class food and wine. If you plan to be in Hobart on a Saturday, you’ll discover many of the local culinary delights at the Salamanca Markets with over 220 stalls selling not only fresh local produce, but gift ideas and handmade products. Afterwards, stroll around Battery Point – Hobart’s prettiest neighbourhood and along the picturesque Salamanca waterfront.

Practical Information: Hobart’s Salamanca Markets are held every Saturday from 8.30 am to 3 pm.

For culture and history buffs there is the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery with a range of interactive exhibits and a diversity of collections on display. A bold and somewhat theatrical collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary art can be found at MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) which is a private collection owned by David Walsh.

For garden enthusiasts, somewhere to throw down your picnic rug or to reconnect with nature is at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. The 14 hectares of gardens established in 1818 boats several unique collections including the world’s only Subantarctic Plant House.

The longest timeframe for your road trip has been allocated to Tasmania’s capital city – for good reason! Hobart is rich in activities and attractions and is also the perfect hub to explore the surrounding areas on day trips . Take your time exploring and make the days your own.

Read More: The Best Place to Stay in Hobart

If you are wanting to know about the day trips from Hobart , see the list below.

Hobart to Bruny Island

Distance – 50 minutes

Hop on the ferry to Bruny Island, about 20 minutes offshore from Kettering. Sitting off the southeast coast of Tasmania, Bruny is two islands joined by a narrow isthmus known as The Neck, where you can marvel at the spectacular vistas from the top. There are many walking trails for all fitness levels making it a haven for those who love to explore on foot. Keep your eyes open as Bruny Island is teeming with wildlife both on and off-land. For a refreshing dip or beach walk, there are many quiet beaches dotted on South Bruny. With a thriving food and wine scene sample some of the local delicacies or stock up for your trip home.

Click here for popular tours to discover Bruny Island

Hobart to Port Arthur

Distance – 1 hr 26 min

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Tasmania’s colonial history. The World Heritage-listed Port Arthur site dates back to 1830 as a penal settlement and was known as the ‘inescapable prison’, housing over 12,500 convicts before it closed in 1877.

Over the 40-hectare site, there are more than 30 buildings, restored period homes and ruins. Visitors can spend their time exploring the grounds and listening to the local guides on the walking tour and harbour cruise who share detailed knowledge of life for the convicts in the settlement . Click here to buy entry tickets.

Related: Continue reading for more information on a day trip to Port Arthur

Hobart to Richmond

Distance – 25 min

Travel to the small town of Richmond where the streets are lined with Georgian buildings that have been perfectly restored into cafes, restaurants, and galleries. Drive over Richmond Bridge, which is known as the oldest existing stone arch bridge in Australia, opening in 1825.

Another piece of history in town is Richmond Gaol which predates the penal colony of Port Arthur and is the oldest intact gaol in Australia. Take a self-guided tour to learn about the stories of men and women who were imprisoned within the walls until it closed in 1928.  

Continuing with the historic theme you can’t visit Richmond without a trip to Sweets and Treats “lolly shop.” Based on the old-fashioned style candy shops and milk bars, chances are you’ll find your favourite treat from your childhood behind their doors.

Read More: Click here to find out more things to do in and around Hobart

Stop 2: Maria Island (0vernight Swansea) 

Today you will be parting ways with the city and meandering through farmlands until reaching Triabunna, the town sitting on the edge of Spring Bay on the East Coast of Tasmania.

It is here where you can take a short 30-minute ferry ride to spend a leisurely day exploring Maria Island.

Maria Island is a gem; it is rich in history and natural beauty. Even if you go in winter when the days are shorter, there’s still time to see its best attractions. Without a doubt, the cutest of these is the island’s wombats. They’re not hard to find, these adorable bundles of fur will shuffle past you soon after you leave the ferry.

A 45-minute walk along beautiful Hopground Beach takes you to the Painted Cliffs. The yellow, white and red striped rocks are an amazing sight, you’ll need to visit at low tide to get the best view. Kids will love also the Fossil Cliffs. The grey rock walls are packed with fossilised shells.

There are some great walks you can do in a day too. On your way back from the Painted cliffs take the Oast House track through the forest past historic buildings. The Fossil Cliffs Circuit has breathtaking clifftop views and you’ll walk through fields dotted with kangaroos, euros and wombats. Serious walkers can try the hike to the top of the Bishop and Clerk peak.

In a day you can see the Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs and do a couple of the shorter walks. There are also many historic buildings and ruins to look through in the islands only town Darlington. Whether you have a busy day walking or just relax at the beach amongst the wombats, Maria Island will be a highlight of your self drive Tasmania trip.

Thank you to Natalie from Curious Campers who contributed this information on Maria Island.

Stay: Your accommodation for the night is in the charming coastal town of Swansea 50 kilometres / 35 minutes away. Click here to find the best accommodation deals, including the popular Swansea Beach Chalets.

Stop 3: Coles Bay (Overnight Bicheno)

Continuing north up the East Coast of Tasmania your destination today is the beautiful Freycinet National Park.

Boasting powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, rugged coastline, and breathtaking scenery it is little surprise this location is one of the most visited within Tasmania.

With many walking tracks in the area, strap on your hiking shoes to witness the national park up close. Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk is an easy 600-metre circuit where you will be rewarded with coastal views of Freycinet National Park. It is, however, the aerial view of Wineglass Bay that many people seek when they are visiting Freycinet National Park. The steep 1.3 km climb up to the lookout is worth the effort for one of the most iconic views in Tasmania.

If time permits stop at Honeymoon Bay. The secluded beach is nestled between rocky headlands and the crystal-clear turquoise water is the perfect spot for a swim and snorkel.

Practical Information: You can buy a national park pass at the Freycinet National Park Centre with many options ranging from 1 day to 1-year passes.

If you have worked up an appetite and are searching for a seafood lunch before continuing on your way, then drop in at Freycinet Marine Farm , which serves up fresh seafood that can be eaten in an alfresco setting or taken with you.

Stay: Your accommodation for the two nights and a fabulous hub to explore the East Coast of Tasmania will be Bicheno. Click here to find the best places to stay in Bicheno.

If you fancy a close encounter with one of Tasmania’s cute locals – the fairy penguin, take a Bicheno Penguin Tour with an expert guide at dusk.

Related: Read more about the Bicheno Penguin Tour here.

Stop 4: Binalong Bay (Overnight Binalong Bay or St Helens )

Continuing with the blue theme and another one of Tasmania’s social media stars is your next stop – the stunning Bay of Fires in North East Tasmania.

Home to giant orange lichen-masked boulders, sapphire-coloured waters and powder white sand this area has been named a trending travel destination to visit by Lonely Planet. Stretching for over 50 kilometres the Bay of Fires conservation area extends from Binalong Bay in the south to Eddystone Point in the north.

If you are in the area for one night, you can easily spend the day in the township of Binalong Bay which is where you’ll find the main beach perfect for some swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing on the sand. For some land activities, there are scenic coastal walks and if you are an avid photographer seek out the views near Skeleton Bay Reserve.

Further north, take the short drive from Binalong Bay to the Gardens taking your time to stop at the secluded beaches and enjoy the picturesque views along the way, including from the lookout located at the end of Gardens Road.

Read More: Find More Beaches to Visit in Tasmania here.

Where to stay when visiting the Bay of Fires area

Camping – There are campsites located in the southern and northern sections of the Bay of Fires Conservation area.   

Binalong Bay – Even though Binalong Bay is a small township you will find many comfortable holiday homes in the area. Click here to find all the accommodation options in Binalong Bay.

St Helens – Only 10 kilometres from Binalong Bay is the coastal town of St Helens. As the largest town on the northeast coast, there are many dining options along with ample accommodation here. Click here to find all the accommodation options in St Helens.

Don’t miss out on grabbing the free interactive map of the best 14 day Tasmania road trip itineray

Stop 5: Launceston (2 nights)

In the morning head west with a choice of two different driving routes until you hit Launceston, the second-largest city in Tasmania.

Once you’re in Launceston, visit City Park where you can stroll around five hectares of beautifully manicured gardens, stopping at the Japanese macaque enclosure to visit the monkey’s and the John Hart Conservatory which is filled with a beautiful collection of seasonal blooms.

Within the city take a self-guided walking tour with a choice of three heritage trails where you can admire beautifully restored colonial and Victorian buildings and marvel at one of Australia’s most intact cityscapes.

A short drive north will see you exploring a unique ecosystem bursting with plant and animal life at the Tamar Island Wetlands. While another attraction not to be missed just outside of the city is Cataract Gorge, a natural formation home to walking trails, colourful gardens, a free outdoor swimming pool and the world’s longest single-span chairlift.

Related: Best things to do and where to stay in Launceston here.

Have More Time?

If you have an extra night to spare, you can choose a detour before continuing to Cradle Mountain. Meander through farmlands and historic towns until you reach the town of Stanley, located on the northwest coast of Tasmania. Home to a striking volcanic plug called “The Nut” – think a giant geological feature that rises 150 metres out of the water dominating the skyline of the small town. The Nut is one of the biggest attractions for visitors with the summit being reached by either a steep walk or by taking the chairlift that soars 95 metres above the ground. Don’t forget your camera as once at the top take in the 360-degree views.

The drive from Launceston to Stanley will take approximately three hours, which is why I had marked it as an extra stop.

Read More About Stanley: Tasmania with Kids Guide

Stop 6: Cradle Mountain (2 nights)

You’re past the halfway point of your 14 day Tasmania road trip adventure and you’re about to say farewell to the vineyards and farmlands for a while as you enter the rugged untamed west coast. With a landscape bathed in green, the West Coast of Tasmania will steal your heart with its pristine beauty and leave you in awe with the history it holds.

Today you’ll journey into the mighty Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. There are ancient pines within emerald green forests, dramatic mountains, majestic lakes, and tumbling waterfalls to be discovered.

One of the jewels in the park, in the northern end, is Dove Lake – a stunning reflective glacial lake. Spend a few hours walking the popular circuit around the lake or spending the day tackling some of the mountain hikes.

Discover more picturesque walks around Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge and keep your eyes open for wombats and wallabies that are often found in this area.

Stay: I highly recommend Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge for accommodation. The location is a great starting point for lots of short walks in the area and a great location to Dove Lake.

Optional Detour – Montezuma Falls

If you love chasing waterfalls you won’t want to miss this one. Take a detour on your way to Strahan to see Montezuma Falls, Tasmania’s highest waterfall, plunging 104 metres into a rainforest oasis and creek below. The 3- 3.5 hour return walk is relatively easy (though wet weather shoes are suggested as the track can be muddy and wet) and will take you through a rainforest of myrtle, sassafras, leatherwood, and giant tree ferns. If you don’t mind heights there is a suspension bridge at the base of the falls that links either side of the creek to give expansive views of Montezuma Falls and the surrounding valley.

Stop 7: Strahan (2 nights)

Your ultimate destination for today is Strahan, a quaint harbour-side village set on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Strahan is the gateway to Franklin-Gordon Rivers National Park, which boasts ancient Huon Pines, dramatic mountain peaks, densely forested river banks and tannin-stained rivers. It is also here where you will learn the fascinating history of the convict and pioneer days with the park containing historic sites.

Two of the best ways to experience Strahan is by taking either (or both) the boat cruise or train ride which provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the dramatic and untamed landscapes up close whilst learning of its history.

Read More: Find things to do and where to stay in Strahan by clicking here.

Stop 8: Lake St Clair (1 night)

From Strahan, the road winds around dramatic mountains and through towns known for their rich mining history, cool temperatures, and attractive farmland.

Surrounded by an impressive mountain-scape is Queenstown, the largest town in Tasmania’s west and another departure point for the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Evidence of the mining era can be seen ten minutes past Queenstown at the incredible Iron Blow Lookout. Walk along the skywalk for a magnificent bird’s eye view of an open-cut mine. On a sunny day, this is particularly beautiful when the rays capture the colours in the pit’s walls.

Continuing on the Tasmanian road trip to Hobart the road leads through valleys and more mountains till you reach Lake St Clair, located at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake (167 metres).

Break your journey with a self-guided walk around Lake St Clair:  there are three varied short walks to give you a taste of the area. Another way to gain an appreciation for the beauty of this area is to take a ferry from Cynthia Bay . 

Upon leaving Lake St Clair, drop into Derwent Bridge to visit The Wall in the Wilderness , a 100 metre Huon Pine art sculpture that pays homage to the history of the highlands. If you are feeling hungry by now, stop for a meal at the Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel, or the Hungry Wombat Café.

You can easily spend a full day driving from Strahan to Hobart with many places to stop and detours to take, which is why I have added a night near Derwent Bridge to break up the last leg of the road trip.

Where to stay at Lake St Clair

Pumphouse Point – If you are travelling without kids finish your road trip in style with a night at the Pumphouse Point – a boutique adults-only style accommodation.

An alternative option in the area is Lake St Clair Lodge .  

Your great driving holiday in Tasmania is almost over! There’s only 175km left (unless you take the below detour) on this epic road trip as you make your way back towards where it all began, Hobart.

Optional Detour – Mount Field National Park

After leaving Lake St Clair, en route to Hobart you have the option of a detour to Mount Field National Park, or continuing to the city via the historic town of Hamilton on the A10.

Mount Field National Park is a haven for nature lovers with a range of walks suitable for all fitness levels, and some enchanting waterfalls to admire. It is here where you will find one of the prettiest and possibly most photographed waterfalls in Tasmania – Russell Falls. Given Russell Falls is accessible to all abilities (including wheelchairs) and only a 20-minute return walk through the scenic Tasmanian rainforest it is one of the highlights for all visitors.

Practical Information: The road conditions and the mountainous terrain can make travelling through some areas in Tasmania slow. This may be the case when driving from Strahan to Hobart, so allow plenty of time if you need to board a flight.

Do you have any questions about Tasmania? Let me know the places you plan to visit in the comments below.

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I hope Inspire Family Travel fuels your wanderlust for new destinations, makes you return to old ones you love, and, ultimately, acts as a practical guide for your next getaway.

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Great article! It has reminded me of so many beautiful parts of Tassie that I visited as a child, having been born there – I took it for granted as a child but this article has inspired me to return with my family! Beautifully written Sharee!

Thank you very much Emily for your kind words! Tasmania is such a beautiful part of Australia and we feel fortunate to have been able to experience it on a couple of occasions. What an incredible trip to take with your family to show them where you lived as a child. I hope you have the opportunity to do that one day.

Thank you for sharing your Itinerary, we plan to travel to Tasmania, and maybe we will follow your itinerary. it looks great and worth it.

I am pleased to hear that you found the itinerary useful while researching your trip to Tasmania. It is a magical place and well worth visiting.

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Guide To Tasmania, Australia: Time, Weather, Maps, And More

Tasmania, Australia, is one of the world's most unique and captivating destinations. Located off the southern coast of mainland Australia, Tasmania is an island state that offers visitors an incredible array of attractions, activities, and experiences. Despite being one of the smallest states in Australia, Tasmania is packed with natural beauty and cultural significance. Home to rugged coastlines, rolling hills, dense forests, and pristine beaches, Tasmania is a nature lover's paradise. The island is also steeped in history, with a rich Aboriginal heritage and a colonial past still evident in many of its cities and towns.

From hiking in stunning national parks and spotting rare wildlife to exploring fascinating museums and enjoying delicious local food and wine, there's no shortage of things to do and see in Tasmania . And with its friendly locals, relaxed atmosphere, and unique charm, it's no wonder that Tasmania is considered a must-visit destination for tourists worldwide. So whether you're an adventure seeker, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Tasmania has something to offer everyone. Explore this incredible island state for yourself and discover what Tasmania, Australia, offers.

Time In Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), 10 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+10). It's important to note that Tasmania is one of the few places in Australia that doesn't observe Daylight Saving Time, so during the summer months, the time difference between Tasmania and the rest of the country will be one hour less.

The Best Time to Visit Tasmania

The best time to visit Tasmania depends on your preferences and interests. Generally speaking, Tasmania's peak tourist season is during the summer months of December to February, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) can also be great times to visit, with milder weather and fewer crowds.

It's also worth noting that Tasmania hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Taste of Tasmania food festival in December and the Dark Mofo winter festival in June, which can be great reasons to plan your visit around.

How To Adjust to the Time Difference

If you're traveling to Tasmania from overseas or from another part of Australia, adjusting to the time difference is essential to avoid jet lag. One way to do this is to gradually shift your sleep schedule a few days before your trip to better align with Tasmania's time zone. It's also important to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can disrupt your sleep.

Weather in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania's climate is generally cooler and wetter than mainland Australia, with four seasons. In Hobart, Tasmania's capital city, summers are mild to warm, with temperatures averaging around 22C (72F), while winters are cool to cold, with temperatures averaging around 12C (54F).

The Best Time to Visit Hobart

The best time to visit Hobart depends on what you want to do and see. Summer is the peak tourist season, with warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities and events. However, autumn can be a great time to visit for stunning foliage and harvest festivals. At the same time, winter is perfect for cozying up with a warm drink and enjoying the Dark Mofo festival.

Tasmania Australia Map

A comprehensive map of Tasmania is essential for planning your trip and exploring the island's natural wonders. The map should include major cities, landmarks, national parks, and beaches. With so much to see and do in Tasmania, it's essential to understand the island's layout and transportation options clearly.

Exploring Tasmania's Natural Wonders

Tasmania is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, including national parks, beaches, and forests. Some of the most popular natural attractions include:  

• Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park: This park offers stunning views of Cradle Mountain and surrounding lakes, as well as opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
• Freycinet National Park: Home to the famous Wineglass Bay, this park is known for its beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and sea kayaking opportunities.
• Mount Field National Park: An excellent spot for nature walks and birdwatching, this park is home to Russell Falls and other picturesque waterfalls.
• Bay of Fires: This scenic coastal area offers beautiful beaches, clear swimming waters, and fishing and kayaking opportunities.
• Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area: Covering over 20% of Tasmania's land area, this protected wilderness area is a must-visit for nature lovers. It features unique flora, fauna, and stunning natural landscapes such as mountains, lakes, and forests.

Exploring these natural wonders in Tasmania is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the island's natural beauty.

Navigating Tasmania's Roads and Transportation Options

While Tasmania is relatively small, having a plan for navigating its roads and transportation options is essential. Several car rental companies and public transportation options, including buses and ferries, are available. It's also worth considering taking a guided tour to get the most out of your visit and learn about Tasmania's history and culture from a local perspective.

Essential Tips To Keep In Mind When Traveling To Tasmania

• Plan: Tasmania is a popular destination, especially during peak tourist season, so it's best to plan your trip. Book your accommodations, tours, and activities early to ensure availability.
• Dress for the weather: Tasmania's climate is highly variable, so it's essential to pack clothing appropriate for different weather conditions. The island is generally cooler than the rest of Australia, so pack warm layers, even in the summer.
• Rent a car: Tasmania is best explored by car, as many of the most scenic areas are only accessible by road. Renting a car will also allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Respect the wildlife: Tasmania is home to many unique and endangered species, so respecting their habitats and keeping a safe distance is essential. Don't feed or approach animals; always dispose of your rubbish correctly.
• Try the local cuisine: Tasmania is known for its fresh seafood, gourmet cheese, and excellent wine. Be sure to try the local delicacies and support the island's thriving food and beverage industry.
• Carry cash: While most places in Tasmania accept credit cards, carrying some money is always a good idea, especially if you plan on visiting more remote areas.
• Take out travel insurance: As with any trip, it's essential to take out travel insurance to cover any unexpected events or emergencies that may occur during your visit.

Remembering these tips will prepare you for a memorable and enjoyable trip to Tasmania.

Tasmania, Australia, is an incredible destination that has much to offer travelers from all over the world. From its stunning natural beauty to its rich history and culture, Tasmania is a must-visit location for anyone looking to explore Australia's best. Whether you're interested in hiking through lush rainforests, sampling delicious locally produced food and drink, or simply relaxing on a beautiful beach, Tasmania has something to suit your interests and tastes.

Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Tasmania has plenty of activities and experiences to keep you entertained and engaged throughout your stay. And with friendly locals, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere, you will surely leave Tasmania feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and inspired. If you're interested in learning more about Tasmania and planning your unforgettable trip to this fantastic destination, be sure to visit Leisure and find a wealth of information and resources to help you make the most of your time in Tasmania, including travel guides, recommendations for top attractions and activities, and much more.

Is Tasmania part of Australia?

Yes, Tasmania is a state of Australia located south of the mainland.

How do I get to Tasmania?

Tasmania can be reached by plane, with direct flights from major cities in Australia and Auckland, New Zealand. Ferries also operate from Melbourne to Devonport.

What are some unique experiences to have in Tasmania?

Tasmania offers many unique experiences, including wildlife encounters like seeing the Tasmanian devil or spotting whales and dolphins along the coast. You can also explore the island's rich history through its museums and historic sites or indulge in locally-produced wine, cheese, and seafood.

What are the must-try foods in Tasmania?

Some must-try foods in Tasmania include fresh seafood, such as oysters, scallops, and abalone, and locally-grown produce, including berries, apples, and truffles. Tasmania is known for its artisanal cheeses, boutique chocolates, craft beers, and ciders.

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Remote, wild and devilishly subversive: Here's why Americans are coming back to Tasmania

If you want to escape it all, there's remote, and then there's Tasmania.

The island off the southeastern coast of Australia is more than 10,000 miles and 15 time zones from New York and an 11-hour ferry ride from Melbourne, the nearest major city.

There were only 3,300 American trips to Tasmania last year , according to tourism officials. But more are on the way in 2023, predicted Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania . "We've seen more interest in Tasmania from North America than we have in years," she said.

One of them is Alissa Musto. She made the one-day trek from Boston to Hobart, the capital city, in December. That's midsummer in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the best times of the year to explore the city's vibrant culture and restaurant scene.

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"One of the highlights was a wilderness boat tour, where I got an amazing view of the rugged coastline, cliffs, caves, penguins, seals and other wildlife," said Musto, a musician from Boston.

It's the year of the far-cation, with more Americans taking international trips than ever since the start of the pandemic.

"We've seen an uptick in interest in travelers wanting to get out into nature, and Australia's remote island of Tasmania is a perfect choice," said Travis Pittman, CEO of TourRadar .

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What to do in Tasmania

• Outdoor activities. Roughly half of Tasmania's land area is protected as national parks and reserves. Tasman National Park , with its towering dolerite cliffs, and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park , with its diverse hiking paths and mercurial weather, are standouts. 
• Beaches. Tasmania's rugged coastline is filled with surprises – painted cliffs, powdery white sand, and green seas. There's world-class surfing at Shipstern Bluff, but you can find people surfing at almost all the local beaches. Boat tours, such as Pennicott Wilderness Journeys' Iron Pot Cruise , will get you close to abundant wildlife, including penguins.
• Cultural attractions. Hobart is the cultural center of what locals call "Tassie." But its heart is the Museum of Old and New Art , a mostly subterranean art museum built on a winery just outside of town. It's home to entrepreneur David Walsh's $110 million private collection and has been described as a subversive "adult Disneyland."

Why are Americans visiting Tasmania?

"Tasmania's size holds immense appeal," explained Rachel Cooper, an Australia specialist with Red Savannah , a tour operator. "There's very little traffic, and it's easy to get around, making it easy to see so much – even for those with limited time."

So while it takes a while to get there – about 24 hours of flying between the U.S. and Tasmania – once you've arrived, you're close to everything. Tasmania is Australia's smallest state, slightly bigger than Switzerland.

Cooper said there's so much to do it's sometimes overwhelming. Her favorites include rafting, kayaking, biking, caving, diving and rock climbing. She's also a fan of the five-star accommodations, including the Saffire Freycinet, the Henry Jones Art Hotel, and Freycinet Lodge.

You don't have to go far to find hiking trails through ancient fern forests to the mountain peaks where you can be completely alone with your thoughts. One of the most popular day tours in Hobart is Mount Wellington.

An operator like Walk on Kunanyi can take you to the famous Organ Pipes rock formation in a few hours, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the city and River Derwent.

"To experience the same diversity in mainland Australia you would need to spend money on flights to get around, and you would need more time," said Cooper.

Although some visitors will plan an independent trip, as Beelen did, it is not for everyone. Driving on the left side of the road can be a little intimidating for Americans coming to Australia, and some of the roads in the national parks can be rough.

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Daniel Schoedler, managing director of Premier Travel Tasmania , said many Americans prefer to leave the driving to someone else.

"It takes some time to get used to driving on the other side of the road, and who wants to do that on vacation?" he said. Many visitors also prefer a guided tour, which you can book through a site like TourRadar. It has 58 organized adventures in Tasmania, all of which allow you to avoid driving.

Story continues below.

Tasmania is a wild place

But let's be honest: Tasmania is all about animals. Musto, the musician from Boston, saw them everywhere.

"I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, where you get up close and personal with many of Australia's native species, like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats," she said. 

One of the highlights of a Cradle Mountain tour is a visit to the Devils @ Cradle Tasmanian devil sanctuary . It's a breeding and conservation facility for three of Tasmania's threatened carnivorous marsupials; the Tasmanian devil, the Spotted-tail quoll, and the Eastern quoll. The famous devils are particularly threatened because of a transmissible parasitic cancer. 

Devils are not at all what you expect if you grew up watching Bugs Bunny cartoons and remember the completely unhinged character named Taz. They're about the size of a small dog, solitary and nocturnal. They love to spar with one another in captivity, but they're also shy around people.

Is Tassie worth the trip?

So is it worth spending two full days in the air to get to Tasmania? Even if you just rent a home in Hobart and never leave town, it probably is. The capital has the vibe of a Western U.S. city like Grand Junction, Colorado, or Boise, Idaho.

People in Tasmania are also friendlier than in Australia's big cities (although they drive the same way – but that's a topic for another time). But there is also the feeling of being on the world's edge as you look south into the Tasman Sea, knowing you could sail to the Antarctic in two days. Now that's remote.

There's also the promise that you will return from a Tasmanian adventure with a tale to tell. Maybe it will be seeing monster waves at Shipstern Bluff on the south end of Tassie. Maybe it will be a chance encounter with a wombat in Strzelecki National Park. Or maybe, if you're lucky, on a moonless night at a campsite in Corinna, you will meet a devil.

"Tasmania," said Matt Casey, general manager of Federal Group Tourism , "is all about the stories."

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

Follow a mile-by-mile map of the total solar eclipse

On April 8, the sun, moon and Earth will enter the precise alignment of a total solar eclipse. The moon will block the sun, casting a shadow across a strip of North America from the Pacific Ocean west of Mexico, through 15 U.S. states, to the Atlantic off Canada.

This strip, roughly 4,000 miles long and 115 miles wide, is called the path of totality. For a short while, everyone and everything in this path will experience midday darkness.

The beginning

2:07-2:11 p.m.

Total time eclipsed

Historic cloud coverage

The moon’s shadow makes landfall in Mexico at 2:07 p.m. Eastern time, casting the first region into darkness. Here, darkness lasts for about four minutes near the center of the path, but decreases in time toward the edges.

A populous path

Nearly 32 million people live in the path of totality this year. The eclipse crosses the homes of more people in Texas alone than the 2017 eclipse crossed nationally.

Eagle Pass, Tex.

2:27-2:31 p.m.

The eclipse crosses into the United States in Eagle Pass, Tex. The border town will be dark for 4 minutes and 23 seconds — over a minute longer than the 2017 eclipse lasted anywhere.

2:35-2:39 p.m.

A 195-mile stretch of Interstate 35 between Austin and Dallas is in the path. Texas officials are already warning drivers not to stop on roadways during the eclipse. You'd have to drive 1,950 miles an hour to keep up with the moon's shadow.

2:40-2:44 p.m.

The nation’s second busiest airport, Dallas Fort Worth International, lies in the path of totality. The airport said flights will not be affected. Some airlines are even offering special flights timed to the eclipse to extend your time in totality.

Hot Springs National Park

2:48-2:53 p.m.

In Arkansas lies Hot Springs National Park, one of two national parks in the path of totality. Parks across the country, even those not in totality, are planning livestreams, shows and talks for the eclipse.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

2:55-2:59 p.m.

Just like many humans, Smokey Bear is also traveling into the path of totality. A 97-foot-tall hot air balloon bearing Smokey’s face is traveling from New Mexico to the Ozarks to remind visitors how to prevent wildfires.

Carbondale, Ill.

2:59-3:03 p.m.

Just past the Mississippi River is Carbondale, Ill., which has billed itself the “Eclipse Crossroads of America” because it sat in the path of the 2017 eclipse.

Check the forecast

At this point in the path, the weather forecast becomes critical for eclipse seekers. The areas from here on are typically cloudier in April than the previous areas, according to an analysis of cloud cover data.

3:13-3:17 p.m.

The eclipse crosses the Cleveland Guardians’s baseball stadium on the team's home opener at about 3:15 p.m. But rather than be interrupted by nearly four minutes of darkness, the game will start two hours after the moon’s shadow passes by.

An influential eclipse

The eclipse next passes over land historically populated by the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois. Researchers disagree on when the Iroquois Confederacy was established. But tribal oral history indicates the Seneca joined the alliance shortly after witnessing a solar eclipse, which researchers suggest occurred in this area in 1142.

Burlington, Vt.

3:25-3:28 p.m.

About 13,000 schools are in the path of totality, including more than 300 in Vermont. Some plan to incorporate experiencing the eclipse into their lessons, but others plan to let kids out of school early to help avoid traffic bottlenecks.

Piscataquis County, Maine

3:30-3:34 p.m.

The final 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail lie in the path of totality, including Mount Katahdin, the highest point in Maine.

Gulf of St. Lawrence

3:32-3:35 p.m.

The eclipse finally passes over Prince Edward Island before its last hurrah over Newfoundland in Canada, completing its North American journey in a bit more than two hours.

Totality at 2:07 p.m. EDT

About this story

Population calculated by summing 2020 population estimates in 30 arc-second grid cells within the path of totality. Distance covered calculated from the centerline of the path.

Sources: NASA, European Space Agency, U.S. Geological Survey, Natural Earth Data, Census Bureau, OpenStreetMap, GOES imagery analysis by University of Wisconsin at Madison Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, Center for International Earth Science Information Network

Szu Yu Chen and Lauren Tierney contributed to this report. Editing by Emily M. Eng, Tim Meko and Victoria Jaggard. Copy editing by Angela Mecca.

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Following Measles Outbreaks, Officials Grow Wary of Renewed Threat

Cases this year have already topped the total in 2023. Unvaccinated travelers account for most infections.

By Apoorva Mandavilli

Measles, a highly contagious but preventable disease, is resurging in pockets of the United States, a warning of the dangers of the strengthening anti-vaccine movement.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded more cases this year than the 58 tallied in all of 2023, although the agency is not expected to release exact numbers until Friday. On Monday, the agency advised health care providers to ensure that unvaccinated patients, especially those traveling internationally, stay updated on their immunizations.

The number of cases is likely to keep rising because of a sharp spike in measles worldwide, along with spring travel to some regions with outbreaks, including Britain, said Dr. Manisha Patel, chief medical officer at the C.D.C.’s respiratory disease division.

Nearly all the cases in the United States so far are related to unvaccinated travelers. “We’re not going to see widespread measles cases going throughout the country,” Dr. Patel said. “But we do expect additional cases and outbreaks to happen.”

Measles is among the most contagious of diseases; each infected person can spread the virus to as many as 18 others. The virus is airborne and can stay aloft up to two hours after an infected person has left the room, spreading rapidly through homes, schools and child care facilities.

In Chicago, one case of measles at a migrant shelter has grown to 13 , prompting the C.D.C. to send a team to help contain the outbreak. (Two additional cases in the city appear to be unrelated.)

In Florida, seven students at an elementary school contracted measles even as the state’s surgeon general, Dr. Joseph Ladapo, left it to parents to decide whether unvaccinated children should attend school.

In southwest Washington, officials identified measles in six unvaccinated adult members of a family living in two counties. And in Arizona, an international traveler infected with measles dined at a restaurant and transmitted the virus to at least two others .

Measles was eliminated in the United States in 2000, and American children generally must be immunized to attend school. Yet sporadic cases lead to larger outbreaks every few years. But now a drop in vaccination rates, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, has experts worried about a resurgence.

When vaccinations lag, “the first disease to appear is measles, because it’s highly infectious,” said Dr. Saad Omer, dean of the O’Donnell School of Public Health at U.T. Southwestern in Dallas.

Nine of 10 unvaccinated people in close contact with a measles patient will become infected, according to the C.D.C.

Measles is far less deadly in countries with high immunization rates and good medical care. Fewer than three of every 1,000 American children with measles will die as a result of severe complications like pneumonia or encephalitis, the swelling of the brain.

Still, about one in five people with measles may end up in a hospital.

Because widespread measles outbreaks have been rare, most Americans, including doctors, may not recognize the vibrant red rash that accompanies respiratory symptoms in a measles infection. They may have forgotten the impact of the disease on individuals and communities.

“Most of our local health department folks have never seen a measles outbreak,” said Dr. Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist of Idaho, which contained a small cluster of cases last year.

“It’s going to be a big challenge to us to respond if and when we get our next outbreak,” she said.

Before the first measles vaccine was introduced in the 1960s, the disease killed an estimated 2.6 million people worldwide each year. But its full impact may have been much greater.

Measles cripples the immune system, allowing other pathogens easier entry into the body. A 2015 study estimated that measles may have accounted for as many as half of all infectious disease deaths in children.

For about a month after the acute illness, measles can stun the body’s first response to other bacteria and viruses, said Dr. Michael Mina, chief science officer of the digital health company eMed and formerly an epidemiologist at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

That leaves patients “massively susceptible to bacterial pneumonias and other things,” said Dr. Mina, who was the lead author on the 2015 study.

“It’s very risky for people in those first few weeks post measles,” he added.

The virus also induces a sort of immune-system amnesia. Normally the body “remembers” the bacteria and viruses it has fought before. Dr. Mina and his colleagues showed in 2019 that people who have measles lose between 11 and 73 percent of their hard-won immune repertoire, a loss that can last for years.

That does not mean the body no longer recognizes those pathogens at all, but it does shrink the arsenal of weapons available to fight them.

“People should be aware that if they’re choosing not to vaccinate, that’s the position they’re putting themselves and their family in,” Dr. Mina said.

The C.D.C. recommends receiving the first dose of the measles vaccine after 12 months of age, and a second between ages 4 and 6. Even a single dose of the vaccine is 93 percent effective. Measles vaccination averted 56 million deaths between 2000 and 2021, according to the World Health Organization.

Vaccination rates in the United States have shown a distinct, if small, dip to 93 percent in the 2022-23 school year from 95 percent in 2019-20 — the level required to protect everyone in the community. Rates of vaccination exemptions increased in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

In a survey last year , just over half of Republicans said that public schools should require measles vaccinations, compared with about 80 percent before the pandemic. (Support for vaccines among Democrats held steady.)

While national or state-level vaccination rates may be high, there may be pockets of low immunization that provide tinder for the measles virus, Dr. Omer said.

If there are enough unvaccinated cases to sustain an outbreak, even those who are vaccinated but whose immunity may have waned are vulnerable, he said.

In Idaho, 12 percent of kindergarten-age children do not have a record of vaccination. Some of the gap results from parents unable or unwilling to share records with the schools, and not because their children are not immunized, Dr. Hahn said.

Still, online schools, which proliferated through the pandemic and remain popular in the state, have some of the highest rates of vaccine exemptions, she said.

In September, a young Idaho man brought measles back after international travel and became ill enough to be hospitalized . Along the way, he exposed fellow passengers on two flights, dozens of health care workers and patients, and nine unvaccinated family members. All nine developed measles.

Idaho got “very lucky” with the outbreak because the family lived in a remote area, Dr. Hahn said. But there are most likely many other areas in the state where an outbreak would be difficult to contain.

“We’ve got plenty of tinder, if you will,” she added.

Some large outbreaks in recent years exploded among huge clusters of unvaccinated people, including the Amish in Ohio and the Orthodox Jewish community in New York City.

In September 2018, one unvaccinated child returned to New York City from Israel, ferrying measles virus picked up during an outbreak in that country.

Even though the city maintains high vaccination rates, that single case set off an outbreak that raged for nearly 10 months, the largest in the country in decades. The city declared a public health emergency for the first time in more than 100 years.

“We had more than 100 chains of transmission,” said Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the city’s health commissioner at the time, and now the president and chief executive of United Hospital Fund.

“Keeping all of that straight was a challenge,” she recalled. “And to have to investigate over 20,000 exposures like that, that was huge.”

Working with community leaders, city officials hurriedly administered about 200,000 doses of vaccine. More than 550 city staff members were involved in the response, and the final cost to the city’s health department topped $8 million.

The C.D.C. is working with state and local health departments to identify pockets of low vaccination and prepare them for outbreaks, Dr. Patel said. The agency is also training health care providers to recognize measles symptoms, particularly in patients with a history of international travel.

Measles is a slippery adversary, but public health is intimately familiar with the tools needed to contain it: screening, tracing contacts and vaccinating the susceptible.

“We’re not helpless bystanders,” Dr. Omer said. “The focus needs to be on meat-and-potatoes public health.”

Audio produced by Tally Abecassis .

Apoorva Mandavilli is a reporter focused on science and global health. She was a part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the pandemic. More about Apoorva Mandavilli