*** Updated January 2020 ***
Growing up in the western suburbs of Sydney money didn’t grow on trees (according to my Mum anyway) and our annual family holiday usually meant a road trip in the trusty Kingswood. Fast forward 40 years and after enduring enjoying my fair share of road trips with my own kids, Low Cost Carriers (LCC’s) are changing the face of domestic travel. Australia is a huge country and going anywhere other than ‘just up the road’ means long hours behind the wheel so I can certainly understand the appeal of a quick, cheap flight. That said, the great Aussie road trip is the unfortunate victim of these bargain basement fares. We are raising a whole generation that may never know the joy of travelling in a car packed to the rafters on a scorching summer day with endless whines of ‘are we there yet’ coming from the back seat. Good times! Even with the advent of cheap flights, I’m not quite ready to put the road trip out to pasture just yet. On our recent Tasmanian road trip, The Hubs and I explored Hobart, The Freycinet Peninsula, The Bay Of Fires and Launceston, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. Read on for all the details …
Tasmanian Road Trip Overview
This is the last in a series of posts featuring my recent Tasmanian road trip and is an overview of everything we covered in our six days down south. Tassie may be Australia’s smallest state, but it sure packs a punch in terms of natural beauty. Before you hit the bitumen make sure you are well prepared for your road trip. I’ve kept each day deliberately brief, just click through the hyperlinks to the dedicated blog posts to get a lot more detail on anything that takes your fancy. Here goes ….
Day 1- Launceston To Hobart
Our return Jetstar flight from Sydney to Launceston cost just $55pp but one of the conditions on getting the bargain flight was that we had to fly in and out of the same airport. Had this not been the case, I would have flown into Hobart and out of Launceston to cut about 250klms from our road trip. We hired the car we picked up from Launceston Airport from Airport Rentals for a tiny $200 for six days. If you are considering flying in and out of separate airports, be aware that this often adds to the cost of the hire. Road tripping through Australia can be expensive and we tried to watch the pennies where we could. Once we had the keys, we wasted no time hitting the road and driving straight through the middle of the state to reach the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart right on lunch time.
The Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart is right across the road from Hobart Harbour and we checked out all the fabulous places to eat in Hobart before deciding on the obligatory fish and chips from Fish Frenzy for lunch. After refueling we wandered around Salamanca Place, Battery Point and Hobart’s CBD. I admit I did indulge in a little retail therapy 🙂
After a long day we grabbed a pizza for a no-fuss dinner from Cargo in Salamanca Place. It’s the perfect place for an alfresco dinner. Stroll past the harbour on the way home and if you are lucky you will be treated to a spectacular sunset across the water.
Day 2 – Hobart
We hit the road early on day two as we had a full day planned at Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur is just over an hour from the capital and provides a chilling glimpse into what life might have been like as a convict in Australia’s early days. We grabbed a drive through brekkie at Maccas in Sorrel so as not to lose time. There are plenty of scenic stops along the way and you will be driving through devil country so make sure you stay alert. If you want to get a closer look at these fascinating critters stop in at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo along the way. I wish we had left Port Arthur a little earlier so we could have stopped in at one of the fabulous wineries on the way back to Hobart. I rectified that on my next visit and visited 5 fabulous wineries near Hobart.
We headed back to Salamanca Place for dinner that night and burgers from Jack Greene were on the menu. Make sure you try a cocktail while you are there. They are amazing! The walk back was littered with fairy lights which was a lovely way to finish the day.
Day 3 – Hobart to Bicheno
We left Hobart in the rear view mirror and set off toward the coast and the second stop on our Tasmanian road trip. The Great Eastern Drive took us most of the way to Freycinet National Park. We had patches of rain for most of the 2 ½ trip along a windy road perfect for those on two wheels. I think The Hubs wished we had his beloved two wheeler rather than the Toyota Yaris which he didn’t care for at all. We made a few stops along the way and when we saw The Hazzards dead ahead we knew we were close to our destination.
Parking near the the start of the Wineglass Bay walk was challenging. We circled both car parks at least four times before giving up and parking on the verge miles away. There are a number of different walks and we started with the short walk to the top of the lookout. The views from the top are amazing, but it gets crowded so you will have to jostle for position. After seeing the perfect white sand crescent we knew we needed to see it up close and personal. We were a long way up and I was a little apprehensive about how steep the decent would be. I’m not going to lie. It was tough. My calves took three days to recover, but it was worth it. Wineglass Bay has some of the clearest water I have ever seen and the ‘sand’ is actually much more granular than you would think. The upside is that it sticks to nothing! It was too cold to swim, but I slipped off my shoes and dipped my aching feet in the wonderfully refreshing water.
After a full afternoon of hiking we pointed the car towards Bicheno. If you don’t fancy the rather arduous walk to Wineglass, check out the friendly beaches on the way out of Freycinet National Park. They are almost as pretty and much more accessible. The Freycinet Peninsula has a number of renowned wineries and we made it to Devil’s Corner right on 5pm closing. Luckily the Freycinet Vineyard stays open until 6pm so we could also squeeze in a stop at the cellar door.
When we arrived at the Best Western Beachfront At Bicheno we had just enough time for a quick dip and a wander over to the beach for another fabulous sunset before dinner at the onsite restaurant. The Hubs’ Waub’s Bay Chicken was sensational.
Day 4 – Bicheno – Launceston
After doing Wineglass Bay the hard way, we decided to do it the easy way on day four and we headed to Coles Bay to board our Wineglass Bay Cruise. We spent all morning eating, drinking, chatting to our fellow passengers and enjoying the fabulous views from the upper deck of the luxurious sky lounge. We were blessed to have a pod of frisky dolphins dancing in the ships wake for much of the cruise .
After the cruise, we followed the coast for 2 hours until we reached the Bay of Fires. In hindsight, this was not a wise move. It was after 2pm when we arrived and we knew we had another 3 hour drive to Launceston before we could call it a day so our time exploring this spectacular area was rushed. I think we simply tried to squeeze to much into one day. I’d love to come back and spend a few days here to do it justice.
The road from Binalong Bay was winding, narrow, undulating and seemed to go on forever. The Yaris’ under powered engine wasn’t loving this part of our Tasmanian road trip but got us there in the end. It was around 6pm by the time we reached the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston which was to be our home for the next two nights. After a long day in the car we were happy to park it and explore Lonnie on foot in the little daylight we had left. We had a late dinner at The Prickly Cactus who’s take on Mexican food is unlike any I have ever tried before.
Day 5 – Launceston
We woke up to torrential rain on our first day in Launceston. We sulked in the room for a while before deciding to throw caution to the wind and get out and about anyway. It was freezing and we stopped for warmth and sustenance at the Hog’s Breath Cafe. Who says you don’t make friends with salad!
The afternoon brightened up and we headed to Cataract Gorge. It’s hard to believe that this natural wonder is only a 15 minute walk from the CBD. Check out the magnificent peacocks while you are there.
I have been to Lonnie before and had the most fabulous meal at the Black Cow Bistro and I just had to return. They didn’t let me down. Everything was faultless and I reckon this could quite possibly be Australia’s best steak.
Day 6 – Launceston
We had a midday flight home so on the last morning of our Tasmanian road trip we had a leisurely brunch at Banjo’s Bakery Cafe before driving ourselves to the airport and bidding the apple isle farewell. The three-for deal on the miniatures was a perfect way to sample a few of the fabulous choices. Launceston is also the gateway for road trips to the west. While we couldn’t fit it in this time, Cradle Mountain Lodge should be on everyone’s bucket list!
We squeezed lots into our 6 day Tasmanian Road Trip. Did we miss anything on the East coast? Let me know in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Disclaimer:Â We travelled as guests on Wineglass Bay Cruises as part of our Tasmanian road trip. As always, all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links which will earn me a few cents to contribute to the running of this blog if you make a qualifying purchase at no extra cost to you.
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Nuraini says
Looks like a fantastic road trip! Haha I have a Toyota Yaris myself … but I love mine!
Allison Smith says
It was Nuraini! Maybe we just had a dud car lol
Celine says
That’s one of the best post I have ever seen! I have been the kind of person who has been confined by the belief that road trips are not the best, but after reading this post, I know it is one way of travelling the world.
Kana says
Oh my goodness, that’s an intense road-trip! But it reminds me how much I love road-trips though, since I’m always so used to flying! Love all your adventures…especially the food 😀 Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday, hope to see you this weekend! xo
Allison Smith says
The Hubs always cautions me about trying to do ‘too much’ lol
Reshma says
Loved your road trip, first of all, 200$ is so cheap! Plus look at all the food, looks too yummy! It must have been an incredible ride for sure. I loved Bicheno for the gorgeous beaches! The itinerary seems to be perfect!
Vicky and Buddy says
Wow, you were able to do so much on your trip! I personally love road trips, and it makes me happy to know that other people are still taking them despite cheaper airline tickets. Oh, and that sunset photo… beautiful!!
The Editors Notebook says
Such lovely photos!! Inspires a trip for sure
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Madhu says
What a visual treat of a post! Looks and sounds like a fabulous trip. Bookmarking for a future visit.
Megan Jerrard says
You packed a lot into 6 days – impressed! We just arrived in Tasmania today and bought a house, so we’re very excited to start exploring what this State has to offer. We’re in the North West, so let us know if you make it back down this way, I’m also hoping to take in Cradle Mountain Lodge, can’t wait to explore my new home state!!
Kudos on doing the Freycinet hike – that’s a tough one!!
Allison Smith says
I’m all about time management! Congrats on the move! I’m sure you will have much to explore ?
Rachel Elizabeth says
Tasmania looks like such a great state to visit – especially for taking a road trip. I love the Wild Devil Sign, haha.
Swati & Sam says
The wine glass bay looks stunning. It looks you had great fun during the trip. JetStar also has many flights into Bali. Would love explore Tasmania someday.
Bilyana - Owl Over The World says
What a beautiful crystal clear blue waters. Tasmania is definitely a place I want to visit one day. It seems like you`ve had an awesome time there. 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
Wow, that looks like a fun time. New Zealand is too small for any substantial road trips. I’ve taken my family on a few, but they only last a couple days and that’s with stopping at every little town to have a long look around.
sara | belly rumbles says
Such a great road trip. I agree with you LCCs have made an incredible difference on how we Aussies travel. Doors have opened to getting further afield than where the good old Kingwood could take us (we had a kingwood too).
Allison Smith says
I loved our Kingwood. I was on only child so I got to sit up front with Mum and Dad in the bench seat most of this time. ?
The Travelling Sociologist says
Beautiful pictures. Tasmania is so pretty! And you ate so well 🙂 #FlyAwayFriday
Chiara says
This is the excact road trip that I was planning, great thing I found your article, now I have an itinerary planned out with great photos to refer to as well 🙂
Riely says
Road trips are my absolute favourite. Every child and adult need to experience at least one road trip in their lifetime. It is just a totally different way of travel. Your Tasmanian road trip didn’t seem to disappoint. You had some great stops along the way and gorgeous nature hot spots. It seems like the road trip for me!
Patti Morrow says
I just got back from my first trip to Australia, but was mostly in tropical northeast Queensland. I loved it and would love to go back and visit Tasmania. I’ve got to see Wineglass Bay — even if it means sore calves for three days! 🙂
Anete says
This trip looks amazing! Great route! I’m putting this on my “places to go” list 🙂 And I already know that my favorite part will be watching dolphins dance around 🙂 Thanks for the usefull post!
Carmen Edelson says
Road trips are one of my favorite ways to travel.. especially with my family! Having the freedom to pull over whenever you want and just go at your own pace is incredible. Tasmania looks amazing and it’s definitely going on my list now. Also, I’m drooling now thanks to your food pics! Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂
Adrenaline Romance says
You had a great week! The mix of urbanity, seascapes, and mountainscapes is mesmerizing. For us, Tasmania would be a great place for a range of exciting adventures.
By the way, those oysters and bento box are just mmmmmmmmm!
Sridhar @InterludJourney says
A very well-written guide !
love road trips around Australia! and when will be going to Tasmania, definitely will refer to these tips.
Kim Bui says
You managed to fit so much into your six day itinerary! Thank you for this wonderful guide, I’ll be sure to reference it if I ever find myself in Tasmanian. Also the picture of the magenta sunset, WOW.
Ticking the Bucketlist says
Never been to Australia or Tas … and your post makes me want to go! Blue skies with fluffy clouds … clean water on the beaches … perfect for a road trip! And you seemed to have had some yum food! Cheers!
you.theworld.wandering says
I always love reading your blog. Your Tassie adventure sounds amazing and I would totally love to do the hike at Wine Glass Bay! Some really great flight and hire car tips too! Thank you!!
you.theworld.wandering
Ha says
The nature is sooo stunning! And the food, OMG you make me so hungry just by looking them. I just want to take the same trip as you right now!
Courtney Minor says
Great post! I’ve heard so much about Tasmania, and I think it might be the spot in Australia I’m most excited to visit. I’ll definitely bookmark this for suggestions. #FlyAwayFriday
Katherine says
I’ve done a variation of this road trip and it was awesome. Tassie is so beautiful, it kind of made me want to live there, or at least retire there maybe. Probably my favourite spot was Wineglass Bay – such a gorgeous beach, even if it’s a bit of a hike to get there! #FlyAwayFriday
Allison says
Your photos are stunning! I used to hate road trips as a kid but I’m not warming up to them now as an adult. #FlyAwayFriday
Agnes says
Wow, the Wineglass Bay looks absolutely wonderful! And for real the “sand” sticks to nothing? I always end up having sand everywhere after my beach holidays and keep finding it even weeks later, haha.
Global Girl Travels says
What a packed road trip experience, Allison! I love it and I do agree with what you said in the intro paragraph, road trips are the best. The drive is part of the journey and is far more exciting than sitting on a plane! You have completely sold Tasmania to me – looks like I know where to go in Australia next!
Allison Smith says
I hope you get to see this beautiful state soon!
Jen Morrow says
What a beautiful roadtrip around the island. The beaches, wine, and food look wonderful. I really need to make it down under.
Allison Smith says
I hope you do Jen. It should be on everyone’s list!
Barb says
This road trip looks like a dream. The food and the landscapes look so beautiful. I will have to do this one day, when I visit Australia.
James says
The local food in Hobart sounds perfect, fish and chips! The sunset you witnessed in Hobart was spectacular, enjoying fish and chips whilst watching that sunset would be perfect! On the way to Port Arthur I’d definitely make time to see a Tasmanian Devil at the Unzoo. Burgers at Salamanca Place sound like the perfect way to end a day, or maybe a margarita is! The road trip to Bicheno has some wonderful stops as does that to Launceston.
Allison Smith says
A road trip is right up your alley James. Although you would have to cruise to Tassie ?
Bhusha says
Whoa! That’s one heck of a road trip. Thanks for the tip about taking & leaving the car in the same airport to save up there as well!
The purple skies look way too stunning! And the blue sea with the white sand border is just stunning. The hike is totally worth it, even if it had been difficult!
My guy too would prefer his motobike anyday to his car!
Natasha says
I have never even thought about road tripping Tasmania. I would love to do it after seeing your pictures though. So beautiful
Allison Smith says
It really is spectacular Natasha!
Gina says
I was super impressed that you were able to rent a car for a tiny $200! That’s a bargain for how long you had it! I was so in love with the beaches of Tas. I’ve seen water that blue a few times in my life.
Allison Smith says
Airport Rentals always have the best deals. I have no idea how they do it but I am glad that they do!
Daniela || Ipanema travels to says
I love road trips in general (if I\m not driving myself, hehe). It looks so beautiful there. I hope one day I will be able to visit it!
Allison Smith says
The Hubs does most of the driving Daniela so I am blessed in that respect! Hope you make it to Tassie soon!
Maria Jesus says
It looks like such a wonderful experience!
I’m planning to travel around Australia next year, so this will definitely be on my bucket list!
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers from Argentina 🙂
Allison Smith says
You will love it Maria. Hope you have a wonderful time!
neha says
Road trips come with their own set of flexibility and charm that nothing else can beat. You can go on your own pace, stopping where you want, carrying whatever you want with you. You have laid out a perfect day by day plan to road trip across Tasmania. I am bookmarking it for future reference
Allison Smith says
Exactly Neha! I love the flexibility of only answering to ourselves ?
ada says
I love road trips! Whenever I go I always try to rent a car and explore as much as I can! Tasmania is such a wonderful state! You fitted a lot in your 6 days and its seems like you had an amazing time! Your photos are very good !
Allison Smith says
Some places are just perfectly suited for road tripping and Tassie is one of those.
Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ) says
Luckily, you can have the best of both worlds with cheap flights and car hire – get to your destination quickly and cheaply, then hire a car for a road trip! You sure packed in a lot – we had a much more disorganised 10 day trip a couple of years back where we could have spent the whole 10 days in each of the places we stayed. I’m looking forward to some of the things we missed, like the whole of Wineglass Bay, but I think I’ll just have to organise a couple of months rather than a couple of weeks next time!
Sanne - Spend Life Traveling says
I agree, no matter how cheap flights are, there is something to say for road trips! Unfortunately I didn’t have time to visit Tasmania when I was in Australia but you do make it look and sound absolutely beautiful and I feel I missed out! Hopefully next time…
Allison Smith says
Such a shame you missed Tassie Sanne! Hope you make it next time ?