Hobart to the Wild West Coast and Beyond: Best Road Trip to take in Tasmania

Looking for a Tasmanian road trip? Tasmania is ideal for a road trip as you can get around easily, and still take in the incredible scenery and beautiful places.

Firstly, you probably need to start with how you are getting to Tasmania. If you fly and hire a vehicle then you will most likely start in Hobart the capital city of Tasmania. Hobart is towards the south of the island, but you may also want to start in the second-largest city, Launceston which is to the north of the island. If you are bringing your own vehicle then you will enjoy a cruise on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry which departs Melbourne and arrives in Devonport in the north of Tasmania. 

What type of Tasmania road trip you decide to take will probably depend on where you want to start your trip and what your interests are. Now one of our biggest suggestions to you would be to stay in each location for at least a full day or two, rather than moving every night. This will a) make it feel more like a holiday, but b) allows you to explore the area and really soak up off the wonders Tasmania has on offer. 

Hobart to the Wild West Coast and Beyond

The magic of Hobart will soon have you spellbound with the beautiful Georgian buildings, converted convict buildings and the massive harbour. There are no skyscrapers and although it is a bustling town it feels more like a country town. 

If you time your trip, you can catch the famous Salamanca Markets which are held on a Saturday morning along the harbour. They are open from 8 am-3 pm, with approximately 300 stalls that are known for their local arts and craft, and fresh gourmet produces.  Something for everyone, you will need a few hours to explore the markets. Stroll through Sullivans Cove and the Salamanca Markets at your leisure. Other attractions that you may want to experience includes MONA, Marilla Bay Oysters and Mount Wellington. 

Accommodation is plentiful in Hobart. There is enough to do in Hobart to spend a few days here. 

When you are ready for a new destination, travel from Hobart to Strahan along the Lyell Highway. You will be driving through the heart of the World Heritage-listed wilderness. There are several places to stop along the way so make sure you take your time for this part of the trip. The first stop is New Norfolk with the famous Willow Court Antiques. Here you can explore the store and enjoy a bite to eat in the café. 

If you have the time you can head to Mount Field National Park (100kms side trip) where you can stretch your legs on a bushwalk through the fern forest to Russell Falls, Horseshow Falls ad Lady Barron Falls. Enjoy the views from Tarn Shelf. 

Along the Lyell Highway, you can stop off at Tarraleah and see Australia first hydroelectric system was built. Queenstown is the next stop. This area was once a gold and copper mine location, so you can join an underground tour. You will be amazed at the unique landscape of the Queenstown area. Then on to the beautiful village of Strahan. Where there are many places to stay in Strahan Village.

Strahan is a beautiful coastal town at the doorstep of the World Heritage-listed area known as the Wild West. Here you can kayak on Macquarie Harbour, walk the longest beach in Tasmania, Ocean Beach. While in the area, there are a number of activities, Gordon River Cruises, where you can travel along the beautiful Gordon River, make sure you wear your walking shoes so you can enjoy Sarah Island and Heritage Landing. Another well-known activity is the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Enjoy travel on a steam train and hear the stories of the local area along the way. AN activity that the whole family will enjoy. 

Once you have explored the Wild West and Strahan the next stop, for a day or two, we would recommend is Cradle Mountain. Here you can walk on accessible paths to Dove Lake or explore some of the other trails. You take a scenic flight or try a spot of fly fishing. Something for everyone here. This is a great place to see wallabies, wombats, and possums while out and about. For a touch of luxury, you can stay at the Cradle Mountain Lodge. 

The next stop is Launceston, one of Australia’s oldest cities has several reasons to stay a day or two. You can visit Cataract Gorge and ride the world’s longest single-span chairlift, walk the beautiful grounds along the Tamar River. There is a café and swimming pool all surrounded by bushland. From Launceston, you can visit the vineyards of the Tamar Valley, and you can visit boutique cool-climate wineries that line both riverbanks. If you visit in January, you can go to Birdestowe Lavender Farm. Enjoy Ashgrove Cheese and the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, where the whole menu is based on Raspberries. 

Launceston is a great base for some other day trips or extend your road trip to the East Coast. If this is the end of your holiday, then you can head home from here. 

However, if you are still on which Tasmania Road trip you’re thinking of taking or if you would prefer to go with a guide and have everything planned out. Then you can sit back relax and learn about the area, history, people and produce we can recommend a guided tour of Cradle Country or Tassies Parks Nature. There are many other options so talk to our team and see what suits you best.