Day 1: Hobart to Mount Field National Park
Distance: 75 km (1.5 hours)
Start your trip in Hobart, Tasmania’s charming capital. Before hitting the road, grab a hearty breakfast at Machine Laundry Cafe in Salamanca and stock up on supplies at the famous Farm Gate Market (Sundays only).
Highlights:
Mount Field National Park: Your first wilderness stop is just a short drive away. Known for its towering eucalyptus forests and stunning waterfalls, Mount Field is perfect for easing into Tasmania’s natural wonders.
Russell Falls: An easy 20‑minute walk leads to this iconic three‑tiered cascade—one of the most photographed falls in the state.
Tall Trees Walk: Wander among massive swamp gums, some of the tallest trees on earth.
Overnight: Stay at the Mount Field Campground or drive 30 minutes to Maydena for a cabin stay.
Local Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, bring warm layers—this area can get surprisingly chilly, even in daylight.
Day 2: Mount Field to Lake St Clair
Distance: 130 km (2 hours)
From Mount Field, take the scenic drive toward the Central Highlands, a region that feels worlds away from city life.
Highlights:
The Wall in the Wilderness (Derwent Bridge): A must‑see art installation featuring intricate wood carvings that tell the story of Tasmania’s pioneers.
Lake St Clair: Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. Part of the Cradle Mountain‑Lake St Clair National Park, this area is a haven for wildlife and a hub for bushwalkers.
Short walks: Try the Watersmeet Walk (45 minutes) or the Lakeside Walk for stunning views of the glacial lake.
Overnight: Stay at the Lake St Clair Lodge for a cozy wilderness experience or camp at the national park site if you prefer sleeping under the stars.
Local Tip: Pack insect repellent—the Central Highlands can get buggy in summer.
Day 3: Lake St Clair to Strahan
Distance: 180 km (3.5 hours)
Leave the alpine lakes behind and wind your way to the rugged west coast. This drive takes you through remote landscapes and past eerie stretches of button‑grass plains.
Highlights:
Franklin‑Gordon Wild Rivers National Park: Stop at Nelson Falls for a short, easy walk to a magical rainforest cascade.
Queenstown: This mining town has a stark, otherworldly beauty. Grab lunch here and explore its historic streets before continuing west.
Strahan: A peaceful harbor town on Macquarie Harbour, Strahan is your base for exploring Tasmania’s wild west coast.
Overnight: Stay at Strahan Village or opt for a rustic B&B.
Local Tip: Book your Gordon River Cruise for tomorrow—spots fill up fast, especially in summer.
Day 4: Strahan and the Gordon River
Spend the day exploring Strahan’s wilderness offerings—this is a place where history and nature collide.
Highlights:
Gordon River Cruise: A half‑day journey through the UNESCO World Heritage‑listed wilderness. You’ll glide through mirror‑calm waters and step onto Sarah Island, a former convict settlement with a fascinating (and brutal) history.
Ocean Beach: Watch the sun set over Tasmania’s longest beach—a wild, windswept stretch where the Southern Ocean meets the shore.
Henty Dunes: For a thrill, try sandboarding or simply take in the views from the top of these massive dunes.
Overnight: Return to Strahan for another night—it’s worth savoring the town’s laid‑back pace.
Local Tip: For dinner, try View 42° Restaurant—fresh Tasmanian seafood with panoramic harbor views.
Day 5: Strahan to Cradle Mountain
Distance: 140 km (3 hours)
For your final leg, head northeast to one of Tasmania’s most famous wilderness areas: Cradle Mountain‑Lake St Clair National Park.
Highlights:
Dove Lake Circuit: A 6 km loop that offers stunning views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Tasmania and accessible for most fitness levels.
Enchanted Walk: A short but magical trail through moss‑covered forests—perfect if you’re short on time.
Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for wombats and echidnas, especially around dusk.
Overnight: Treat yourself to a night at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, or choose from one of the area’s campgrounds if you’re traveling on a budget.
Local Tip: Pack layers and rain gear—the weather at Cradle Mountain is famously unpredictable, even in summer.
Road Trip Essentials
Car hire: A sturdy sedan or SUV is ideal for Tasmania’s winding roads.
Park passes: You’ll need a Tasmanian Parks Pass to enter national parks. Buy it online in advance.
Supplies: Stock up on fuel and groceries in larger towns—petrol stations can be sparse in remote areas.
Connectivity: Expect limited phone reception in many wilderness areas—download offline maps.
When to Go
The best time for this trip is late spring to early autumn (November–April) when roads are clear and hiking trails are more accessible. Winter (June–August) transforms parts of the island into a snow‑dusted wonderland, but some areas may be harder to reach.
The Bottom Line
This 5‑day road trip through Tasmania’s wilderness blends towering forests, glacial lakes, wild rivers, and rugged coastlines, offering a deep dive into one of Australia’s most unspoiled landscapes. Whether you’re sipping coffee by a mountain lodge fire or standing on the deck of a boat gliding through the Gordon River, every moment reminds you why Tasmania is a dream for road‑trippers.
Pack your hiking boots, bring a camera, and set out to discover the wild heart of Australia’s island state—Tasmania is waiting.
