6 Unforgettable Self Drive Tasmania Itinerary Ideas (2025)

Ready to explore the stunning landscapes, rich history, and incredible food of Tasmania at your own pace? A self-drive holiday is the ultimate way to experience the freedom and flexibility of the Apple Isle. But with so much to see, planning the perfect route can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies your planning by presenting six distinct self drive Tasmania itinerary examples, each designed for different travel styles, durations, and interests.

Whether you’re a retiree, a solo traveller, a family, or a food enthusiast, we have a route for you. We’ll break down the best options, from the iconic Cradle Mountain to the pristine beaches of the East Coast. For those wanting a broader perspective on this travel style, exploring resources dedicated to understanding various self-drive options can be incredibly helpful.

This article goes beyond simple suggestions. We will analyse each itinerary, offering strategic insights and actionable takeaways to help you craft a seamless and unforgettable journey. From a quick five-day highlights loop to a comprehensive three-week circumnavigation, you’ll find everything needed to build your perfect Tasmanian road trip. If you decide you’d prefer an expertly organised tour, we’ll also point to guided experiences that handle all the logistics for you. Let’s get started.

1. The Classic Cradle-to-Coast Circuit

This 7 to 10-day loop is arguably the quintessential self drive Tasmania itinerary, offering a magnificent cross-section of the island’s diverse landscapes. Starting from either Launceston or Devonport, it guides you inland to the dramatic alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain before sweeping you back out to the ruggedly beautiful and historic northwest coast. This route is a favourite for a reason; it perfectly balances iconic natural wonders with charming small towns and coastal scenery.

Popularised by major tourism bodies like Tourism Tasmania and featured in international media, this circuit has become a must-do for first-time visitors. Its structure allows for a deep dive into Tasmania’s wild heart without feeling rushed, making it ideal for those who want to combine hiking with scenic driving.

Why This Itinerary Works

This route is successful because it packages Tasmania’s most famous mountain destination with the lesser-known but equally stunning northwest coast. It creates a journey of contrasts, moving from jagged peaks and glacial lakes to windswept beaches and rolling green farmland. This variety ensures you experience multiple facets of Tasmania in a single, logical loop, minimising backtracking and maximising sightseeing time.

Strategic Insight: The circuit’s power lies in its pacing. By recommending 2-3 nights in the Cradle Mountain area, it encourages travellers to slow down and truly immerse themselves in the national park’s extensive network of walking trails, from the easy Dove Lake Circuit to more challenging hikes like the summit climb.

Actionable Tips for Your Trip

To make the most of this classic self drive Tasmania itinerary, planning is key. Follow these specific recommendations for a smoother journey:

• Book Ahead: Accommodation in and around Cradle Mountain is limited and highly sought after. Book your stay at least 3-6 months in advance, especially for travel during peak seasons (summer and school holidays).
• Layer Up: The weather at Cradle Mountain is famously unpredictable and can change in an instant, even in summer. Pack thermal layers, a waterproof jacket, a beanie, and gloves regardless of the season.
• Time Your Coastal Stops: The northwest coast is full of highlights. Allow at least 45 minutes for the steep but rewarding climb up The Nut in Stanley for panoramic views. If travelling in spring (September-October), a visit to the Table Cape Tulip Farm near Wynyard is an absolute must.
• Embrace the Journey: The drive itself is part of the experience. The roads winding through towns like Sheffield, known for its murals, and along the coast past Penguin are incredibly scenic. Allow for spontaneous stops.

2. The East Coast Gourmet Trail

This 5 to 7-day culinary journey is the ultimate self drive Tasmania itinerary for food and wine lovers. Tracing the spectacular Tasman Highway from Hobart to Launceston, it showcases Tasmania’s reputation as a world-class gourmet destination. This route combines pristine beaches and breathtaking coastal views with an abundance of cellar doors, farm gates, and award-winning restaurants, offering a true taste of the island’s finest produce.

Popularised by influential publications like Gourmet Traveller and wine authorities such as James Halliday, this trail highlights the very best of Tasmania’s food and wine scene. It’s a sensory experience, perfectly suited for those who believe a region’s culture is best explored through its flavours, from freshly shucked oysters on the coast to cool-climate pinot noir in the valleys.

Why This Itinerary Works

This route is expertly designed to follow Tasmania’s premier food and wine regions in a logical, scenic progression. It begins in the historic Coal River Valley wine region near Hobart and meanders up the coast, where the maritime climate yields incredible seafood and cool-climate wines. The journey provides a perfect blend of indulgence and natural beauty, ensuring every stop is as memorable for its scenery as it is for its palate. To get a taste of what’s on offer, you can explore various Tasmania food tours for inspiration.

Strategic Insight: The trail’s genius lies in its accessibility and concentration of premium experiences. World-renowned sites like Freycinet National Park are seamlessly integrated with culinary highlights, such as the Freycinet Marine Farm. This allows travellers to pair an iconic hike to Wineglass Bay with a lunch of fresh oysters and mussels, creating a uniquely Tasmanian day.

Actionable Tips for Your Trip

To savour every moment of this gourmet self drive Tasmania itinerary, a little forward planning goes a long way.

• Book Restaurants in Advance: Top-tier restaurants along the East Coast, particularly in Freycinet and Bicheno, can be booked out weeks ahead. Secure your reservations before you travel to avoid disappointment.
• Pack a Cooler Bag: You’ll inevitably be tempted by cellar-door wine purchases, artisan cheeses, and fresh berries. A cooler bag (or esky) is essential for keeping your delicious finds fresh as you travel between destinations.
• Time Your Lavender Visit: If travelling in summer, plan your trip to the Bridestowe Lavender Estate between December and early February to see the spectacular lavender fields in full purple bloom.
• Embrace Roadside Stalls: Keep an eye out for farm-gate stalls selling seasonal produce like cherries, apples, and scallops. These authentic local experiences are a highlight of the drive.
• Stay Amongst the Vines: For a truly immersive experience, consider booking accommodation at a winery. Several vineyards in the Coal River and Tamar Valley regions offer stunning on-site lodging.

3. The Wild West Coast Adventure

For the truly adventurous at heart, this 8 to 12-day expedition is the ultimate self drive Tasmania itinerary, plunging you into the island’s remote and untamed western wilderness. Starting from Hobart or the north coast, this route takes you through pristine temperate rainforests, past historic mining towns, and along some of Tasmania’s most challenging and scenic roads. It’s a journey for those who want to disconnect and immerse themselves in raw, powerful nature, culminating in the serene beauty of Strahan and the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

Popularised through campaigns like Tourism Tasmania’s ‘Wild West Coast’ and featured in publications such as Australian Geographic, this route is celebrated for its authenticity. Experiences like the Gordon River Cruises and the West Coast Wilderness Railway offer structured ways to access this remote landscape, making it a bucket-list trip for nature explorers and history buffs alike.

Why This Itinerary Works

This route’s appeal lies in its profound sense of isolation and discovery. It leads travellers away from the more beaten paths and into a region shaped by glacial forces, pioneering history, and incredible resilience. The drive itself, particularly the infamous 99 Bend Road between Queenstown and Derwent Bridge, becomes a core part of the adventure, offering a thrilling challenge with rewarding views. It’s a journey that connects you deeply with Tasmania’s wild spirit.

Strategic Insight: The magic of this itinerary is its focus on a singular, powerful region. By dedicating the trip to the west, you allow for deep exploration of its key hubs like Strahan and Queenstown, and the vast wilderness that surrounds them. This avoids a “touch-and-go” approach, enabling a true appreciation for one of the world’s last great wild places.

Actionable Tips for Your Trip

Venturing into Tasmania’s west coast requires more preparation than other routes. Follow these tips for a safe and memorable adventure:

• Vehicle Readiness: Before you depart, ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition with a full tank of fuel. Petrol stations are infrequent in this region.
• Book Strahan Early: Strahan is the heart of the west coast and accommodation, like Strahan Village, fills up quickly. Book your stay and any major tours (Gordon River Cruise, Wilderness Railway) several months ahead, especially for peak travel times.
• Drive with Care: Take your time on the winding roads, particularly the 99 Bend Road. Adhere to speed advisories, use low gear on descents, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Allow for extra travel time and take frequent breaks.
• Be Self-Sufficient: Pack extra food, water, and warm layers. Mobile phone reception is patchy to non-existent outside of the main towns, so download offline maps. For those looking to connect with nature, you can find a guide to some of the best campsites in Tasmania to plan your stay.

4. The Ultimate Tasmania Circumnavigation

For travellers with ample time, this 14 to 21-day grand tour is the definitive self drive Tasmania itinerary, covering the entire island in one epic loop. This comprehensive journey combines Tasmania’s world-renowned wilderness, vibrant food and wine scene, rich convict history, and stunning coastlines. Spanning roughly 2,000 kilometres, it leaves no stone unturned, offering the most complete Tassie experience possible.

This route is championed by major operators like Spirit of Tasmania, whose ferry packages are designed for extended car-based holidays, and is a staple in guidebooks like Lonely Planet. It’s the go-to choice for those who want to see it all without feeling rushed, from the urban culture of Hobart to the remote beauty of the west coast.

Why This Itinerary Works

The strength of this itinerary lies in its sheer comprehensiveness and immersive nature. Unlike shorter trips that force you to choose between regions, the full circumnavigation allows you to experience the distinct character of every corner of the island. You’ll journey from the historic ruins of Port Arthur to the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fires, the alpine majesty of Cradle Mountain, and the wild rivers of the Franklin-Gordon wilderness.

Strategic Insight: The success of this grand tour is rooted in its unhurried pace. By allocating 2-3 weeks, travellers can dedicate multiple days to major regions, allowing for deep exploration, spontaneous detours, and crucial rest days. This avoids road trip fatigue and turns the journey into a true immersion rather than a frantic checklist.

This infographic breaks down the journey into three manageable stages, helping you visualise the flow of the trip from culture to wilderness and coast.

By structuring the trip into thematic stages, you can better appreciate the transitions between Tasmania’s diverse landscapes and experiences.

Actionable Tips for Your Trip

A full circumnavigation requires careful planning to ensure it’s enjoyable and stress-free. Use these tips to craft the perfect extended Tasmanian road trip:

• Plan Rest Days: Driving for two to three weeks can be tiring. Schedule a full day with no driving every 3-4 days. Use cities like Hobart, Launceston, or coastal towns like Strahan as bases for 2-3 nights to recharge.
• Book Key Accommodation: While a long trip allows for flexibility, popular spots like Freycinet, Cradle Mountain, and Strahan should be booked well in advance, especially during summer (December-February).
• Embrace Flexibility: Don’t overschedule your days. Allow time for spontaneous stops at farm-gate stalls, lookouts, or short walking trails. Weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared to swap a hike for a museum or gallery visit.
• Split the Drive: If 2,000 kilometres feels daunting, consider splitting the journey. Focus on a southern loop (Hobart, East Coast, Midlands) for one trip and a northern loop (Launceston, Cradle Mountain, Northwest Coast) for another.

5. The Southern Wilderness Explorer

This 6 to 8-day route is an intense and rewarding self drive Tasmania itinerary designed for the serious nature lover. It plunges you deep into the state’s rugged southern frontier, exploring the remote wilderness of the Huon Valley, the alpine heights of Hartz Mountains National Park, and the edge of the vast Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This journey prioritises pristine, untouched landscapes over town amenities, appealing to adventurers, keen hikers, and photographers.

Championed by Parks Tasmania and adventure travel specialists, this itinerary takes you to the end of the road, literally. It’s less about ticking off famous sights and more about experiencing the raw, untamed beauty that defines Tasmania’s global reputation for wilderness. This is a trip for those prepared to embrace solitude and the powerful forces of nature.

Why This Itinerary Works

This route is effective because it offers a genuine sense of escape and exploration. It moves away from the more populated tourist trails and focuses on a single, vast region, allowing for a deep, immersive experience. The journey from the gentle Huon River out to the wild southern coast creates a powerful narrative of leaving civilisation behind and venturing into true wilderness.

Strategic Insight: The success of this itinerary lies in its focus on remote, world-class natural attractions. It leverages highlights like the Tahune Airwalk and Hastings Caves not just as stops, but as gateways to understanding the region’s unique geology and ancient forests. It’s about experiencing the wilderness from multiple perspectives, from below ground in a cave to high above the forest canopy.

Actionable Tips for Your Trip

Venturing into Tasmania’s southern wilderness requires more preparation than other routes. Follow these tips for a safe and memorable trip:

• Be Self-Sufficient: Services are scarce south of Geeveston. Ensure you have a full tank of fuel, ample food, and water. Carry emergency supplies, including a first-aid kit, and a satellite phone or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), as mobile reception is non-existent in many areas.
• Plan Your Activities: Book your visit to Hastings Caves and the thermal springs in advance, especially during holiday periods, to secure a spot. For the Tahune Airwalk, check opening times and conditions online before you drive out.
• Check Conditions Rigorously: The weather in the Hartz and Southwest National Parks can turn severe without warning. Always check the Parks Tasmania website for alerts, road closures, and track conditions before you depart. Be prepared to change your plans.
• Prepare for Basic Facilities: Accommodation in the far south is often basic, with campgrounds and simple cabins being the norm. Embrace the rustic nature of the trip as part of the authentic wilderness experience.

6. The Family-Friendly Highlights Loop

This 7 to 10-day route is a thoughtfully paced self drive Tasmania itinerary designed from the ground up for families with children. It focuses on accessible attractions, short walks, and interactive experiences, ensuring that both kids and adults are engaged and entertained. The loop typically centres around Hobart and the east coast, minimising long driving days while maximising fun.

Promoted by family travel bloggers and through Tourism Tasmania’s family-focused campaigns, this itinerary proves that an adventure in the wild can also be comfortable and kid-friendly. It brilliantly balances Tasmania’s stunning natural beauty with activities that cater directly to shorter attention spans and curious minds.

Why This Itinerary Works

This route succeeds because it prioritises engagement and accessibility over long, arduous journeys. It acknowledges that travelling with children requires a different pace and focus. By selecting attractions like Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the historic Port Arthur site, it combines education with entertainment in a way that feels like an adventure, not a lesson.

Strategic Insight: The strength of this itinerary lies in its flexibility and focus on “doing” rather than just “seeing.” It encourages hands-on activities, from seeing Tasmanian devils up close to exploring kid-friendly sections of MONA, which keeps children invested in the journey and reduces travel fatigue.

Actionable Tips for Your Trip

To ensure your family adventure is a resounding success, careful planning is essential. Consider these tips for a smooth and enjoyable trip:

• Plan for Downtime: Don’t overschedule your days. Factor in frequent stops for snacks, playground visits, and rest. Aim for no more than 1-2 hours of continuous driving between major stops.
• Book Family-Friendly Stays: Look for accommodation with family rooms, kitchenettes, or even a swimming pool. Self-contained apartments can be a lifesaver for preparing simple meals and having extra space.
• Pack Smart: Bring a car kit with snacks, drinks, wet wipes, and entertainment like tablets or activity books to keep boredom at bay during drives.
• Check Accessibility and Hours: Before visiting attractions, confirm their opening hours, age restrictions, and pram accessibility. Many places offer family passes, so it’s worth checking online beforehand. For more ideas, you can learn more about exploring Tasmania with kids.

6 Tasmania Self-Drive Itinerary Comparison

Choosing Your Perfect Tasmanian Adventure

Your journey through Tasmania begins long before you turn the ignition key. It starts right here, with the crucial decision of which path to take. We’ve explored six distinct examples, from the iconic Cradle-to-Coast Circuit to the rugged Wild West Coast Adventure, each offering a unique flavour of the Apple Isle. The power of a well-planned self drive Tasmania itinerary is that it transforms your trip from a simple holiday into a personalised narrative, shaped by your interests and passions.

The core takeaway from these detailed examples is strategic alignment. Your most important task is to match the itinerary’s character with your own travel style.

Strategic Insight: The best itinerary isn’t the most popular one; it’s the one that resonates most deeply with you. Don’t choose the Ultimate Circumnavigation if what you truly crave is an in-depth gourmet experience on the East Coast.

By analysing these routes, you’ve gained a blueprint for success. You can now see how different durations, daily driving times, and activity types combine to create entirely different holidays. This is the strategic framework you can use to build your perfect trip.

From Blueprint to Reality: Your Actionable Next Steps

Mastering the art of itinerary planning means you’re in complete control of your adventure. The benefits are immense: you maximise your time, minimise travel-related stress, and ensure every day is filled with experiences that truly matter to you. To move forward, here are your next steps:

• Identify Your Priorities: Are you a foodie, a hiker, a history buff, or someone seeking pure relaxation? Rank your interests. This is your most important filter.
• Determine Your Timeline and Pace: Be realistic about how much you can comfortably see. Do you prefer a relaxed pace with 2-3 nights in each location, or a faster-paced tour that covers more ground? Our 7-day, 10-day, and 14-day examples provide a clear guide.
• Customise and Combine: Use the itineraries we’ve provided as building blocks. Feel free to borrow a day from the East Coast Gourmet Trail and add it to the Family-Friendly Loop. This is your adventure; tailor it to fit.
• Book Key Elements in Advance: Especially during peak season, it’s vital to book your rental car, key accommodation (like Cradle Mountain Lodge), and must-do tours (like a Bruny Island cruise) well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Embracing this planning process empowers you to craft a journey that is as unique as Tasmania itself. You are no longer just a tourist; you are the architect of an unforgettable experience, with every road, meal, and mountain view chosen with intention. The result is a richer, more meaningful connection to this incredible island state.

Ready to explore but prefer to leave the planning to the experts? The team at Tasmania Tours specialises in crafting seamless, all-inclusive guided holidays that capture the very best of the island. Let their local knowledge and meticulous planning create the perfect stress-free adventure for you.