⚡ Opening Traverse Travel booking engine in 5 seconds...
Overview
"Join the Share Bus 14 day Tasmania Loop & embark on a nature lovers dream. See iconic animals & hike stunning scenery, all at your own pace & budget!
We’re not a tour, you share the rental of our bus, trailer & equipment with other adventurous ..."
You’ll have 14 days to do a full loop of Tasmania. The start and end date is set, but the rest is flexible to modify as you like. We're a shared rental, not a tour! This way of travelling is cheaper than a tour and more flexible, but you get a group of travel mates and everything you need for a camping road trip.
Tasmania is a photographer and nature lover’s dream! There are so many natural wonders packed into this island with all of the waterfalls, lakes, beaches and mountains to explore. Plus animals to spot as well. Start in Hobart, then head anti-clockwise to hit Port Arthur first. There is plenty to explore there – with excellent hiking and convict history/prison to discover.
On the east coast, some highlights are Maria Island (wombats), Freycinet National Park where you will find Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires. You’ll also have the chance to see Launceston (with its in-town gorge!) and Cradle Mountain. In the West, you’ll enjoy mountainous and wild scenery as you explore lakes, waterfalls and rainforests. Towards the end of the Tasmania road trip, you’ll see the South – and the highlight of Bruny Island’s scenery and food.
Expect to get fit with lots of hiking, swimming and exercise as you appreciate the natural sights. This is a no-frills adventure – you’ll be setting up your own tents, sharing the driving, cooking your own dinner and sharing your tent with other 1 or 2 travellers. The target age group is 18-35. It’s a fun and social option for backpacking Tasmania.
Itinerary
Day 01/02 Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
Time to start your Tasmania road trip! First, head to the Tasman Peninsula, taking time to view various coastal lookout points, until you reach Port Arthur. It is the best preserved convict site in Australia and deserves some time. However, the whole Tasman Peninsula is beautiful and has excellent hiking. Head to Fortescue Bay (also a pretty beach) and start the Cape Hauy track to do a fantastic hike and get a view from the top of the tallest sea cliffs in Australia. Other hiking is available leaving from the same location though if that sounds too difficult for you!
Day 01/02 Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
Time to start your Tasmania road trip! First, head to the Tasman Peninsula, taking time to view various coastal lookout points, until you reach Port Arthur. It is the best preserved convict site in Australia and deserves some time. However, the whole Tasman Peninsula is beautiful and has excellent hiking. Head to Fortescue Bay (also a pretty beach) and start the Cape Hauy track to do a fantastic hike and get a view from the top of the tallest sea cliffs in Australia. Other hiking is available leaving from the same location though if that sounds too difficult for you!
Day 03/04 Great Eastern Drive and Freycinet National Park
Head up the east coast. If you can plan it in, definitely go to Maria Island for very nice hiking and old convict buildings (which feel much less commercial than Port Arthur). It’s also covered in wombats and other wildlife. Otherwise, you can view other coastal spots until you reach Freycinet. Freycinet has many different hiking options, but the most famous is the Wineglass Bay lookout. You can also hike down to Wineglass bay, if you don’t mind hiking back up again. Alternatively, if you are fit and the weather has been good, the hike up to Mount Amos has the best views at the top! But it is difficult!
Day 03/04 Great Eastern Drive and Freycinet National Park
Head up the east coast. If you can plan it in, definitely go to Maria Island for very nice hiking and old convict buildings (which feel much less commercial than Port Arthur). It’s also covered in wombats and other wildlife. Otherwise, you can view other coastal spots until you reach Freycinet. Freycinet has many different hiking options, but the most famous is the Wineglass Bay lookout. You can also hike down to Wineglass bay, if you don’t mind hiking back up again. Alternatively, if you are fit and the weather has been good, the hike up to Mount Amos has the best views at the top! But it is difficult!
Day 05 Bay of Fires
Head to Binalong Bay; to start your exploration of the Bay of Fires. You will find many different beaches you can stop at; all with firey red rocks, white sand and beautiful clear blue water. The best swimming spot would be Binalong Bay (the town before the drive up the beaches). Although the best exploring is at the other beaches, as well as the best camping. That’s because there are so many free beach side camps in this area! If you want an activity to break up the beaches, there are some wineries on the east coast you could visit.
Day 06/07: Launceston
Head into Launceston. Spend one day in town, and visit it’s local gorge which is right in the middle of town. Then spend another day to head North to explore the area and wineries along the river. Afterwards, you could drive north up to Narwantapu National Park and camp there. You’ll be able to see many animals come out at night.
Day 06/07: Launceston
Head into Launceston. Spend one day in town, and visit it’s local gorge which is right in the middle of town. Then spend another day to head North to explore the area and wineries along the river. Afterwards, you could drive north up to Narwantapu National Park and camp there. You’ll be able to see many animals come out at night.
Day 08/09: Cradle Mountain
Make your way to Cradle Mountain, one the must-see stops for anyone backpacking Tasmania. Once there, you will have a choice of many hikes depending on what you want to see and your fitness level. However, definitely keep an eye on the weather, as its only worth going up to the top if its a clear day! Otherwise you can check out Dove Lake or do another hike
Day 08/09: Cradle Mountain
Make your way to Cradle Mountain, one the must-see stops for anyone backpacking Tasmania. Once there, you will have a choice of many hikes depending on what you want to see and your fitness level. However, definitely keep an eye on the weather, as its only worth going up to the top if its a clear day! Otherwise you can check out Dove Lake or do another hike
Day 10/11: West Coast Tasmania
Drive around the west coast of Tasmania with the aim to arrive in Lake St Clair. On the way there you can stop to see some nice views and hikes in the mountains, some picturesque lakes as well as many waterfalls. Once in Lake St Clair you can choose another hike to do. There’s a chance you could spot a platypus on the platypus viewing trail – best seen early in the morning, or late in the afternoon.
Day 10/11: West Coast Tasmania
Drive around the west coast of Tasmania with the aim to arrive in Lake St Clair. On the way there you can stop to see some nice views and hikes in the mountains, some picturesque lakes as well as many waterfalls. Once in Lake St Clair you can choose another hike to do. There’s a chance you could spot a platypus on the platypus viewing trail – best seen early in the morning, or late in the afternoon.
Day 12: Mount Field National Park
Mount Field is a nice national park not too far from Hobart. Here, You’ll be able to see some beautiful nature, and up to 3 or 4 waterfalls. Nearby, you can also visit a cave, or go pick up some fresh Tasmanian berries (pick your own, or just buy)
Day 13/14: South Tasmania and Bruny Island
Head South. You can stop by the Hartz Mountains to hike, or past farms and wineries to try some delicious treats. However, instead of camping on the mainland, you should consider camping at Bruny Island. We think it’s a must-do for people backpacking Tasmania. We recommend camping at ‘the Neck’ where you can see penguins come out at night! On Bruny you can also enjoy more beautiful beaches and nature, as well as taste some delicious food like oysters or cheese. Then head back to Hobart on Day 14 and celebrate the end of your trip
Day 13/14: South Tasmania and Bruny Island
Head South. You can stop by the Hartz Mountains to hike, or past farms and wineries to try some delicious treats. However, instead of camping on the mainland, you should consider camping at Bruny Island. We think it’s a must-do for people backpacking Tasmania. We recommend camping at ‘the Neck’ where you can see penguins come out at night! On Bruny you can also enjoy more beautiful beaches and nature, as well as taste some delicious food like oysters or cheese. Then head back to Hobart on Day 14 and celebrate the end of your trip