Nature is the source of all true knowledge
Leonardo da Vinci
After years of anticipation, my long-awaited road trip across Tasmania finally happened in 2024! Alongside a close friend, I embarked on a four-day adventure through Australia’s most stunning and diverse landscapes. And let me tell you—it was worth every moment of the wait.
Tasmania may be Australia’s smallest state, but it’s brimming with things to see and do. From misty mountains and tranquil lakes to windswept beaches and dense rainforests, this island packs in a world of beauty. My intense itinerary took us from the snow-capped peaks of Cradle Mountain to the sunlit sands of Coles Bay, with Tasmania’s unpredictable spring weather throwing in snow, rain, and brilliant sunshine along the way.
In just a few days, we managed to capture the essence of Tasmania’s wild charm, making this trip ideal for anyone seeking a condensed yet unforgettable exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature lover, Tasmania offers trails for every level, abundant wildlife, and a rich history waiting to be uncovered. So tag along and join me as I retrace our unforgettable journey!
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I visited in late October and experienced everything from a chilly snowfall at Cradle Mountain to clear, sunny skies at Coles Bay, and a little bit of rain between one destination to the other. Tasmania is known for its famously unpredictable weather—you can experience all four seasons in a single day—so packing layers is essential, even in summer!
If you’re more used to warmer climates, consider visiting between spring and early autumn (September to March) for milder conditions. For those visiting in winter (June to August), be ready for some serious cold, especially in the highlands where snow is common, like Cradle Mountain. While many attractions remain open, some trails and mountain roads may close due to weather conditions, so it’s important to check local forecasts and accessibility updates. If you’re prepared for the island’s changing moods, you’ll find something stunning in every season!
Getting There & Around
The most popular and cost-effective option to reach Tasmania is via flight to Hobart or Launceston from any major city in Australia. There are many airlines operating this route, such as Jetstar, Virgin and Qantas. Upon arrival, you will need transport to travel throughout the country. While long-distance buses are available, I highly recommend hiring your own car. Why? Because it gives you the ultimate freedom to travel at your own pace! Imagine pulling over to snap that perfect photo of a stunning landscape or taking a spontaneous detour to explore a hidden gem along the way. Trust me, those unplanned stops often turn out to be the highlights of your trip!
If you are coming for a longer road trip, you may want to consider bringing your own vehicle from the mainland. In this case, your only option is to hop on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, a scenic ride from Geelong (Victoria) to Devonport (Tasmania). You can also travel on the ferry as a passenger without a vehicle. The trip on board the ferry takes approximately 9-11 hours.
MPORTANT TIP: whether you’re bringing your own vehicle or renting one, ensure you’re covered by good, reliable insurance. Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! As you drive through Tasmania’s breathtaking landscapes, you will notice the unfortunate sight of many dead animals along the roadside, which is sad but also a warning to stay alert and be covered for the unexpected.
National Park Pass
If you’re eager to explore Tasmania’s stunning natural attractions, you’ll likely find yourself visiting several national parks. To gain access, you’ll need to purchase a national park pass. A daily pass is available granting you entry for a full 24 hours. However, if you plan to visit multiple parks, consider investing in a holiday parks pass. This option offers exceptional value, providing access to all national parks and is valid for 2 months. It’s particularly cost-effective if you’re traveling with at least one other person, as the pass covers vehicles with up to 8 passengers. Passes can be bought online or in any national park’s visitor centre.
What to Pack
Tasmania’s unpredictable weather and diverse landscapes make packing thoughtfully essential for an enjoyable trip. Whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or exploring historic towns, the right gear will keep you comfortable and prepared for any conditions. Here are my top recommendations for what to pack:
- Waterproof Jacket: A lightweight and packable jacket is a must to shield you from unexpected rain. Look for one that doubles as a windbreaker to keep you warm on breezy days. A breathable shell like this men’s jacket or this women’s jacket is perfect for keeping you dry and comfortable.
Layered Clothing: The weather can swing from chilly mornings to sunny afternoons. Bring breathable base layers, a warm fleece, and a thermal top for colder areas like Cradle Mountain.
Gloves and Beanie: Essential if you’re visiting high-altitude areas like Cradle Mountain, where gloves were surprisingly hard to find and expensive to buy at visitor centres.
Hiking Shoes or Boots: Opt for sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes or boots with good grip, perfect for tackling trails with frost or ice like in Cradle Mountain. This pair of gloves would do the job.
Hydration Bladder or Water Bottle: Stay hydrated on long hikes. A hydration bladder is particularly convenient as it allows you to sip water without stopping.
Daypack: A reliable daypack to carry essentials like snacks, water, and your camera during hikes.
Lip Balm with SPF: The wind and sun can dry out your lips quickly. This is one of the items I forgot to pack on my trip—and I definitely regret it! This is a good option.
Chosen Itinerary
I decided to focus on the following destinations considering the available time:
- Hobart (arrival flight)
- Mt Wellington
- Russell Falls
- Cradle Mountain
- Coles Bay
- Hobart (departure flight)
The above route is achievable in 4 days and is a perfect balance of sightseeing, hiking, and nature exploration.
Day 1
After an early start for our flight to Tasmania, we touched down in Hobart, ready for adventure. We picked up our rental car at the airport and made a quick pit stop for brekkie in Hobart’s CBD before hitting the road to start our exploration. We had decided to tackle half of our driving on Day 1 so we could travel at a more relaxed pace later in the trip.
Hobart Botanic Gardens
For those arriving in Hobart, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is an excellent first stop to immerse yourself in Tasmania’s unique flora and landscapes. Spanning 14 hectares, this cool climate garden boasts a stunning collection of native and exotic plants, beautifully arranged landscapes, and serene walking paths. Conveniently located just 2 km north of Hobart CBD, the Gardens are open daily all year round, inviting you to wander and take in the natural beauty.
Mount Wellington
Next, we headed to Mount Wellington (or kunanyi), Hobart’s towering peak, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hobart, the River Derwent, and Tasmania’s wild landscape beyond and a variety of hiking trails. Rising 1,271 metres above the city, this iconic mountain is just a 25-30 minute drive from the CBD. And if you’re exploring without a car, the kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus makes reaching the summit easy. Bus tickets can be purchased online.
As we wound our way up, I quickly learned that Mount Wellington has a personality of its own—the temperature dropped sharply, and our partially sunny day in Hobart turned into a swirling mix of snow, rain, and mist at the summit! This is classic Tasmania: weather that shifts on a dime. Though the clouds obscured the view I’d hoped for, the unexpected snowfall was a beautiful surprise, especially for spring.
With free access year-round (barring any emergency closures), Mount Wellington is a must-see. Beyond its stunning views, the mountain offers fantastic trails for every type of hiker, including the popular Zig Zag track, Organ Pipes and Pinnacle track.
Russell Falls
After some exploring in Hobart, we set off northwest to Russell Falls, our first destination outside the city and probably the most iconic waterfall in Tasmania. Just a little over an hour’s drive from Hobart, Russell Falls is located within Mount Field National Park, Tasmania’s oldest national park, dating back to 1916. It’s also part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area—a testament to its natural beauty and importance.
Arriving at the falls felt like stepping into a lush, green oasis. Russell Falls is incredibly picturesque, featuring tiered cascades that create a stunning “veil” effect as water tumbles into a fern-lined pool. The walk to the base of the falls is a breeze, —an easy, 25-minute return trail from the visitor centre that’s both sealed and accessible. Here, we purchased our national park pass, which offers access to all of Tasmania’s parks for two months, providing great value, although one-day passes are also available.
This trail, one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks, leads you through towering mountain ash trees and thick temperate rainforest, setting the stage perfectly for the waterfall reveal.
Sleep: Cradle Mountain
To wrap up Day 1, we decided to stay overnight at Cradle Mountain, knowing there was much to explore with our limited time. This was our longest drive, taking just under four hours from Russell Falls. Along the way, we encountered intense rain and snowfall but arrived just as the last light of the day faded.
We stayed at Discovery Parks, conveniently located across from the Cradle Mountain visitor centre. Our cabin was comfortable, with good showers, several shared kitchens, and great amenities. Given the limited accommodation options and high prices in this region, it was excellent value for money.
Day 2
Cradle Mountain
Located in Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, this is one of the island’s most breathtaking natural icons. Known for its rugged alpine peaks, pristine lakes, diverse wildlife and amazing hikes, it’s no wonder many consider Cradle Mountain the ultimate destination for adventure and exploration in Australia, let alone Tasmania.
Cradle Mountain offers travellers an unforgettable blend of dramatic landscapes and immersive experiences, with a wide range of hikes and walks suitable for everyone—from beginners and families to seasoned adventurers.
To access Cradle Mountain, you’ll need the required national park pass, as well as a $15 AUD return bus ticket, which is purchased at the visitor centre. This ticket allows you to hop between three different stops within the park: Snake Hill, Ronny Creek, and Dove Lake.
For hikers and nature lovers, Cradle Mountain is paradise. If you’re after a great introductory walk to the park, start with Dove Lake Circuit, which begins at the Dove Lake carpark (last bus stop). This 6 km track is a must do, taking 2-3 hours to complete the circuit and the hike is classified as Grade 3, with some bushwalking experience recommended. Make sure you bring adequate gear as we’ve encountered a bit of snow, rocky terrain and some steep sections, although I wouldn’t classify this as a difficult hike. This gentle trail winds around the shores of Dove Lake with incredible views of Cradle Mountain’s jagged summit and lush rainforest, ending at the famous and picturesque boatshed.
Other famous and iconic hiking options include the Enchanted Walk (Grade 2, 1.1 km – 20 min circuit), Cradle Summit (Grade 5, 12.8 km, 8-hour circuit), and the Overland Track (Grade 4, 65 km one-way hike).
Beyond the trails, Cradle Mountain is a wildlife hotspot. If you’re keen to spot wombats, head over to Ronny Creek. Take a stroll along the boardwalks, and you’re likely to see a few munching away (they won’t even mind your presence—it’s as if they know they’re the stars here!). The wildlife is remarkably laid-back, and you might even encounter wallabies or echidnas just going about their day.
Sleep: Launceston
I would’ve loved to stay longer in Cradle Mountain, but with our limited time, we had to make our way to our next destination, Coles Bay. We decided to stop halfway in Launceston to refuel, stock up on groceries, and get some sleep after a tiring day. The drive from Cradle Mountain to Launceston took us about 1 hour and 50 minutes (140 km), and we arrived just before dusk, giving us some time to explore the city on foot.
We stayed at the Star Bar Cafe & Hotel, a centrally located option featuring a restaurant and a bar with live performers. We were a bit concerned about potential noise before our arrival, but it turned out not to be an issue, as our rooms were pleasantly secluded.
Day 3
Coles Bay - Freycinet National Park
The drive from Launceston to Coles Bay took us just over two hours, and it was like flipping through a photo album of Tasmania’s best landscapes. You’ll cruise past charming farmlands dotted with sheep, endless green pastures, and vineyards that make the rolling hills look like they’re straight out of a painting.
Coles Bay itself is a charming coastal town nestled at the edge of Freycinet National Park, a gem on Tasmania’s east coast. This park is famed for its rugged coastlines, secluded beaches, and dramatic pink granite peaks. It’s a place where wild landscapes meet crystal-clear waters, and every view feels like something from a postcard.
Given our limited time available, we set out to explore it all by tackling the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit, the most popular hike in the park. This Grade 4 trail is 11 km long, typically taking 3-4 hours to complete. Since it’s a loop, you can start either way—toward Hazards Beach or Wineglass Bay Lookout. We went with Hazards Beach first, saving the lookout for last as the icing on the cake.
Starting from the car park, the trail quickly opened up with a mix of bushland and coastal views, with just enough uphill stretches to keep things exciting. Hazards Beach rewarded us with soft, white sand and water that shifted from deep blue to vibrant turquoise, looking almost surreal in the sunlight. We took a quick snack break here, soaking in the peaceful beauty before moving on.
From Hazards Beach, there’s a unique section where you walk directly on the sand to reach Wineglass Bay Beach. On a sunny day, the water looked impossibly clear and the colours almost too vibrant to believe—who knew Tasmania had beaches this gorgeous?
Wineglass Bay was just as stunning, although the weather decided to remind us we were in Tassie as the wind suddenly picked up and brought a chill. We took a few photos of the beach’s striking red-orange rocks, a result of lichen that adds an otherworldly splash of colour to the shore.
With the chill in the air, we pushed on toward the lookout, tackling what felt like a million steps along the way. Halfway up, we were starting to doubt our decision to save the lookout for last! But the moment we reached the platform, all those steps faded away. This view is without a doubt one of the most iconic in Tasmania. The contrast of the white sand, brilliant blue water, and rugged cliffs takes your breath away—absolutely worth every step.
From the viewing platform to the carpark it was a 20 minute walk, we decided to get going to our next destination before dusk.
Sleep: Swansea
Swansea is a quiet seaside town, which has only one main road, a few interesting old buildings and a few accommodation and eating options. It’s a 60 km drive from Freycinet National Park, and took us around 50 minutes to get there. It’s also situated on the east coast of Tasmania, offering lovely views over Great Oyster Bay. After a full day in Coles Bay, Swansea made for an ideal stop to unwind—it’s quiet, scenic, and has just the right touch of coastal charm. It was the right stop before heading back the following day to our first and also final destination, Hobart, where our flight back home awaited us.
We stayed at The Waterloo Hotel and it was a really good choice, the room was big, with great sea views, and a private bathroom with good showers. The staff was super friendly. It was overall a really good value for money.
Day 4
Hobart
Our final day in Tasmania started with a touch of sadness—it was hard to believe the trip was coming to an end. Determined to make the most of it, though, we set off early, knowing we had until the evening to explore. The drive from Swansea to Hobart took about an hour and 45 minutes, with a few stops along the way to capture some last shots of the coast and soak up the scenery.
Once in Hobart, we headed straight into the CBD to wander through its charming mix of historic buildings and bustling eateries. Sampling fresh Tasmanian fish at Mures Lower Deck was a must for me (I’m a bit of a fish lover!), and it didn’t disappoint. Fueled by seafood and coffee, we spent the afternoon snapping street photos and taking in the lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
To wrap up our adventure, we drove to Rosny Hill Lookout for a final panoramic view of Hobart. From up there, we had sweeping vistas of the Derwent River, Tasman Bridge, and the city sprawled below, with Rosny Bay and the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens adding to the scene. It was a perfect way to say goodbye, capturing one last unforgettable memory before heading to the airport.
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