Self-Drive Tasmania
A self-drive escape to Tasmania will deliver a journey of discovery through some of the most diverse landscapes.
Tasmania may look small on a map, but it’s much bigger on the inside. Experience vast mountain ranges, dense rainforests, glaciated peaks and pristine beaches. Observe marine wildlife, learn of Tasmania's World Heritage convict sites, visit galleries, boutiques, markets and antique stores and indulge in luxurious accommodation, fresh produce and premium wine, whisky, cider and beer.
Cradle Country
Experience the variety of Tasmania’s landscape, from the North Coast’s patchwork of agricultural hinterland to the renowned Cradle Mountain on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Food lovers will take delight in sampling fine wine, whisky, cheeses, raspberries, chocolates, salmon, ginseng and honey to name just a few. The option of driving from Melbourne is a possibility with the Spirit of Tasmania ferry daily crossing from Devonport.
Journey snapshot:
- Nearest Major City: Launceston
- Duration: 2-4 days
- Distance: 250 km (156 miles)
Highlights
- Sample traditional English country cheeses at Ashgrove Cheese.
- Enjoy the blaze of colour and stories told at the Sheffield murals.
- Taste raspberries year-round at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm.
- Get the heart pumping on a canyon jump with Cradle Mountain Canyons.
- Make hand crafted paper products at Creative Paper in Burnie.
Convict Trail
From historic Richmond to the Tasman National Park, Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur Historic Site, this fascinating journey is rich in convict history and natural beauty. The Tasman Peninsula is a place of breathtaking seascapes, some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world and wild ocean views. On the way, sample wine and oysters, drop in to visit Tasmanian Devils or take a walk and explore the rugged coastline.
Journey snapshot:
- Nearest Major City: Hobart
- Duration: 1-3 days
- Distance: 100 km (63 miles)
Highlights
- Old meets new at the village of Richmond
- Experience the breathtaking dolerite, sandstone and granite cliffs from the sea on a Pennicott Tasman Island Cruise
- Step back in time at the Port Arthur Historic Site
- Sample succulent oysters and wine at Bangor Wine and Oyster Shed
- Visit the Port Arthur Lavender Farm or McHenry’s Distillery
Driving in Tasmania
All major car rental operators have offices at Hobart and Launceston Airport and in various city, suburban and regional locations. There are no toll roads in Tasmania. The island is compact, the roads uncrowded and the scenery varied. Tasmania's network of highways allows drivers to loop around the island discovering an ever-changing landscape.
