Header Image Credit: Tourism Australia

Boasting scenery to rival anything you’ll find internationally – after all, it’s technically ‘over seas’ – Tasmania is packed with natural treasures. I’m eagerly planning a road trip to the apple isle, especially since some of G’day Parks’ premium experiences are located there.

Got a long weekend coming up or a couple of annual leave dates to spare? If you’re driving your own car and taking the ferry, this itinerary includes eight nights on the island, enjoying all the best things to see and do in Tasmania. If you’d prefer to fly into Launceston, hire a car, then fly out of Hobart, simply pick up the trip from Day 2 to Day 5!

Day 1: Arriving in Devonport

Image Credit: Tourism Australia

The Spirit of Tasmania ferry travels between Devonport, TAS and Geelong, VIC. This journey takes approximately 11 hours, so I’m hoping for a smooth crossing to fully immerse myself in the scenery of the Bass Strait and cliff faces. The ferry also has loads of entertainment on board—for just $10, catch the latest flicks at one of the boat’s cinemas (you can even buy a choc top) or pop into the café for Tasmanian-inspired meals. When you want to snooze, nap in a recliner or pay for a twin-bed, four-bed, or deluxe cabin.

If I take the 8.30am ferry, I’ll arrive in the evening—so it’s handy that my first check in is less than five minutes away at Discovery Parks - Devonport. I’ll stay in a Superior Oceanview Cottage, overlooking the Bass Strait from my front deck. These cabins sleep up to six people, so there’s lots of space to rest and recharge, ready hit the ground running tomorrow.

Day 2: Launceston and Beauty Point

On my first morning in Tasmania, I’m heading straight into Launceston and starting at Cataract Gorge. There’s something here for every weather—wilderness walks, a scenic chairlift and suspension bridge for great views, river cruises through the gorges, and if the sun’s out, I’ll join the locals and go swimming. Walks range from the easy First Basin Loop to the steeper Zig Zag Track. After exercising, there’s a tearoom to sweeten the day with tea and scones. (Tip: If you’re a mountain biker, make sure you ride the nearby Trevallyn Gorge trails.)

Image Credit: Oscar Sloane, Tourism Tasmania

Over the lunchtime hours, I’ll explore one of Australia’s premier wine regions: the Tamar Valley. There should be enough time to visit at least two or three cellar doors on the Tamar Valley Wine Trail … right?

There are two fantastic G’day Parks to choose from near Launceston. Me? I’ll be driving 40 minutes to Beauty Point Tourist Park to stay in a Two-Bedroom Riverview Cottage. These cabins sleep up to five people, with an open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge. Meals are sorted from breakfast to dinner, thanks to a coffee machine and full stove, plus there’s a washing machine, dryer, and air conditioning. Best of all, the outdoor deck overlooks the Tamar River, and I’m a sucker for a riverfront view.

Image Credit: Tourism Australia

From here, I’ve planned an evening full of animal encounters. Beauty Point is home to Seahorse World, where you can take a behind-the-scenes tour and meet these beautiful creatures. Just next door is Platypus House, to interact with platypuses and echidnas for double the sweetness. By sunset, I’ll drive to Low Head for a penguin-watching tour. Rugged up in a warm coat and scarf, I can’t wait to catch a glimpse of cute fairy penguins waddling towards their burrows as night falls.

Day 3: The East Coast

Image Credit: Robert King Visuals, Tourism Tasmania

My next destination is a few hours away: Tassie’s east coastline. First, I’m heading south to Bicheno and its famous blowhole (hopefully I’ll spot a whale poking out of the ocean). I haven’t decided whether I’ll go hiking in Apsley National Park or Freycinet National Park, but what a great dilemma!

Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park is nestled in a quiet beachside town. You’ve got direct access to the surf and next-door nature reserve, a coin-operated laundry, camp kitchen, a playground, and communal BBQs. Their Deluxe Three-Bedroom Safari Tent has a huge deck illuminated by a canopy of fairy lights, outdoor furniture, and a private fire pot to stay warm while watching the stars emerge. These glamping tents are super spacious, with your own ensuite, kitchenette, and couch.

Image Credit: Tourism Australia

I’m going to explore the Bay of Fires in the afternoon, just 30 minutes north of the park, and walk along the coast admiring pristine white sand, calming blue waves, and orange lichen-covered rocks. If there’s time, I might drive a little further to pop into St Columba Waterfalls. This is a straightforward hike (just 1.2km) with a big payoff, leading to the 90-metre-high cascades.

On the way home to Scamander, I’ll pop into St Helens to grab dinner (and a yummy local dessert to enjoy back at my tent). After a day of hiking, I’ll be ready for a chilled-out evening on the deck, listening to the peaceful sounds of local wildlife and the waves.

Day 4: Hello Hobart

Image Credit: City of Hobart and Alastair Bett, Tourism Tasmania

My fourth day will begin with a leisurely beachside stroll, stretching the legs before getting in the car. No trip to Tassie is complete without visiting Hobart, so that’s where my two-and-a-half-hour road trip leads.

I’ll ensure my trip coincides with the iconic Salamanca Markets, which run from 8.30am to 3.00pm every Saturday, featuring more than 300 stalls worth of local creations and regional produce. While I’m there, I’ll browse and shop through the city’s galleries, stores, and boutiques.

Image Credit: Tourism Tasmania and Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority, Tourism Tasmania

By afternoon, I’ll learn about the town’s history at the Port Arthur Historic Site. Entry includes a harbour cruise, self-guided audio, and multiple complimentary site talks. I’ll also sign up for a tour when booking my ticket; the Escape from Port Arthur experience sounds particularly interesting, providing an insight into the convicts who tried to escape once upon a time. I’ll pass Richmond’s historic sites – including the country’s oldest convict bridge, Catholic Church, post office, and gaol – on my way to a delicious dinner at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants or bars.

There are two G’day Parks within a short drive of Hobart. I’ll be checking into a four-berth Deluxe Two-Bedroom Cabin at Discovery Parks - Hobart, with a full kitchen, bathroom, TV, air conditioning, and a private deck. I can indulge my inner child on the bouncing pillow, putt putt course, and playground, plus there are on-site BBQs and selected pet-friendly cabins.

After a busy day, I’ll make myself a steaming mug of hot chocolate followed by a cosy night’s sleep.

Days 5–6: Strahan Beach

Image Credit: Tourism Australia

Before I leave Hobart, it would be a crime not to visit MONA. Open Friday to Monday, this art gallery has built a reputation for being a little bit out there. With its ominous dark chambers and remarkable architecture, MONA is designed to ignite the senses, showcasing art both new and old – as the name suggests – from David Walsh’s private collection. (Note for families: some art at MONA may not be suitable for kids.) The museum also has a ferry service, leaving the Brooke Street Pier and arriving at the 99 steps.

Image Credit: Luke Tscharke, Tourism Tasmania

After lunch at the Moorilla Wine Bar, I’ll start the half-day drive to my next destination: Strahan Beach Tourist Park. The route passes scenic points and short walks, so I’ll make a few stops off the Lyell Highway at Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park to walk to Nelson Falls and up Donaghys Hill for a view over the gorges, rivers, and rainforest.

Strahan Beach Tourist Park is located by the beach, with a games room, playground, picnic area, open-air BBQs, fire pit hire, free Wi-Fi, and coin-operated washing machines and dryers. They have a minimum two-night stay on cabins, so it’s an ideal place to press pause between days on the road. A Family Suite has an ensuite, fully equipped kitchen, and air conditioning (and if you’re travelling with pets, dogs are permitted, subject to manager’s approval).

Image Credit: Supplied Courtesy of Destinations - Tourism Tasmania

The next morning, with a full day to spend in Strahan, I’ll join a six-hour-long cruise at 8.30am with Gordon River Cruises to see Macquarie Harbour, Hells Gates, Heritage Landing, Sarah Island, and the surrounding rainforest.

Image Credit: Paul Fleming, Tourism Tasmania

After lunch, I’m embracing playfulness at the 30-metre-high Henty Dunes that cover 15km of the coastline. Bordered by the ocean on one side, and rainforest on the other, these dunes are perfect for sandboarding (and there are plenty of places to hire a board in town).

Image Credit: Pete Harmsen, Tourism Tasmania

Before sunset, I’ll walk the 45-minute return trip to Hogarth Falls—a Grade 2 hike through tall forest and rainforest, featuring gum trees, leatherwood, sassafras, and myrtle. As the name suggests, it leads to a stunning waterfall, where I can hopefully spot a platypus. Following a beautiful day, it’ll be time for happy hour back at the cabin, before cooking up dinner on the park’s BBQs.

Days 7–8: Cradle Mountain

It’s a two-hour drive to my next destination, but I’ve got a hunch that this could be the “peak” of my trip (pun intended). Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain sits on the fringe of the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park with a wide range of accommodation in the vicinity of alpine lakes and the state’s fifth-highest mountain peak. They’ve even got their own Tasmanian Devil who calls the park home, named Daisy the Discovery Devil.

I’ve been eying off a Premium Mountain Cabin for ages, so I’m excited to finally press ‘Book Now’. These cabins are tucked in a private corner of the woods, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. It’s the most beautiful backdrop for a lazy sunrise from your comfy bed, padding across the toasty heated floors, or sipping a cuppa on your couch. Add in modern cabinetry, a bathroom with a spacious bathtub, and a hamper of local Tassie treats … it almost sounds too good to be true!

Image Credit: Emilie Ristevski, Tourism Tasmania

That afternoon, I’ll traverse the six-kilometre Dove Lake Walk around the magnificent lake, in the constant presence of the imposing mountain peak and forest, which takes up to three hours to complete.

Image Credit: Tourism Australia

In the evening, I’m heading to Devils@Cradle, a wildlife sanctuary offering incredible up-close encounters. I’m signing up for a Sunset Experience, which run from October to April, to see a Tasmanian devil feeding session, take a behind-the-scenes tour of their animal nursery, and get to know some of their littlest creatures—all capped off with drinks and dessert around the campfire, watching the sunset over Cradle Mountain. I’ll take one last look at the stars before retreating to my mountain cabin, ready to wake up to sights of the timber trees.

Image Credit: Tourism Australia

A canyoning tour awaits on the next morning. Among Cradle Mountain Canyons’ many tours, I think I’ll go for the most popular one in Dove Lake, combining walks through the rainforest, abseiling, then jumping and sliding off six waterfalls. It’s not for the faint hearted, and once you’ve started the trip, there’s no turning back. With rewarding swims in refreshing open pools and thrilling slides, this is a must-do for adventurers. Starting at 8.30am, it takes about six to eight hours to complete—I’ll be sure to buy some replenishing local treats to refuel once I’m back at my cabin!

Image Credit: Laura Helle, Tourism Tasmania

It makes sense to spend the evening relaxing, and what better way than to visit Waldheim Alpine Spa? I’ll unwind with a Rest and Restore Massage, before curling up on the couch for my last night amongst the forest.

Day 9: Back to the Ferry

Image Credit: Tourism Australia and Graham Freeman

For my final morning in Tasmania, I’ll fit in one last walk up to Wombat Pool and see how much of the Twisted Lakes track I can squeeze in (it typically takes about three to four hours in full). That said, the Crater Lake Circuit Walk also looks good … I’m still undecided!

Image Credit: Tourism Australia and Graham Freeman

After checking out, it’s time to wind my way back to the ferry at Devonport, an hour and a half away. I’ll spend any spare afternoon hours at the Don River Railway. From Thursday to Sunday, you can take a thirty-minute train ride through the Don Valley along the historic Melrose Line. It’s a chance to see and learn about the town’s riverbank, beach, and history—especially through the railway’s museum, workshop, and heritage locomotives and carriages displayed around the grounds.

Image Credit: Sean Scott, Tourism Tasmania

Most importantly, I’ll line up on time, so I don’t miss my ferry home. Given I’ll be sailing overnight, I’ll pick out a recliner to grab some shut eye—but not before I take time on the deck, looking up at the night sky. It’s the perfect place to see the stars (without the impact of light pollution on the mainland). I can’t think of a more beautiful sight to complete my trip to Tasmania.

I’m ready to book now on the G’day Parks app. How about you?