Hobart to the Wild West Coast and Beyond Road Trip

If you are interested in a great Australian road trip in Tasmania there are so many to do. Tasmania is ideal for a road trip as you can get around easily, there are lots of lovely places to stay and incredible scenery of the Tasmanian wilderness.

You probably need to start with how you are getting to Tasmania. If you fly and hire a vehicle then you can start in Hobart the capital city of Tasmania towards the south of the island or the second largest city in Tasmania is Launceston which is to the north of the island. If you are brining your won vehicle then you will enjoy a cruise on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry which departs Melbourne and arrives in Devonport in the north of TAS.

The Tasmania road trip you do will probably depend on where you want to start your trip from and what your interests are. This itinerary is a bit different to most, heading Tasmania’s west from Hobart. We are also suggesting that you stay in each location for a day or two, rather than moving every night. This makes it feel more like a holiday and allows you to explore the area.

Hobart to the Wild West Coast and Beyond Road Trip to Do in Tasmania

The magic of Hobart will soon have you spell bound 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 8am-3pm, with approximately 300 stalls which are known for their local arts and craft, and fresh gourmet produce.  Something for everyone, you will need a few hours to explore the markets. Stroll through Sullivans Cove and the Salamanca Markets at your leisure and enjoy a short walk through handicrafts, organic foods and more! 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 bush walk through the fern forest to see amazing waterfalls such as, 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 hydro-electric 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 area listed area known as Tasmania’s 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 you 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 tour 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, Tasmanian devils and possums while out and about. For a touch of luxury, you can stay at the Cradle Mountain Lodge. 

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 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. 

If you would prefer to go with guides, have everything planned out, and booked for you. Then you can sit back relax and learn about the area, history, people and produce we can recommend a guided tour Cradle Country or Tassies Parks Nature. There are many other options so talk to our team and see what suits you best.