

Written by Shef
Updated 23th May 21
Will take 8mn to read
Tasmania is by far the most beautiful, easy, safe and cheap to travel state of Terra Australis. This is a personal reflection after living and travelling in all the other states on the mainland. I’m Shef, soul of solo traveler from Bulgaria. But you can also call me ‘Tassie lover’. I’ve visited magical spots on Tasmania’s east coast. And I’ve created for you a realistic and enjoyable Tasmania’s East Coast road trip. A short road trip around Hobart or a longer one on Tasmania’s east coast? Choose from 1-3 days to 7-10 days Tasmania road trips !
Where to go on a Tasmania's East Coast ?
Overview
- Tasmania East Coast road trip Hobart – 2 to 3 days
- Tasman peninsula – 3 to 7 days
- Tasmania East Coast road trip Hobart- Launceston – 7 to 10 days
How much for a 7 days road trip on Tasmania's east coast ?
From 350 $
1 - Tasmania's east coast road trip in Hobart
For the ones on a short road trip in and around Hobart: where to go near and in Tasmania’s capital? A stress-free 1 to 3 day self drive on Tasmania’s east coast!
Must see places in Hobart and what to do - 1 to 3 days
Hobart is small. Hobart is tranquille. Tassie’s capital isn’t made for crazy backpackers’ parties. But you’ll find here nice spots for photographing, nice locals (special mention to Narrara Backpackers!) and the quiet charme of promenades along the shore at Hobart’s harbor. A good way to start your exploration of Tasmania’s east coast.

MONA, Hobart
Mona travel tips
- Fee 30$ adults
- ID required at the entrance
- Time to spend: min. 3h, whole day if you can
- Access by bus: 510, 520, 521, 522, X20 pass Mona
- Visit MONA official website for more travel tips
2 - Tasman peninsula: Tasmania's east coast in 3 to 7 days
Upgrade your trip! Leave Hobart to explore the nearby Tasman peninsula. A good introduction to Tasmania’s east coast: wild beaches, impressive cliffs and no time to get bored.
3 to 7 days self drive: Tasman peninsula
By car: Hobart to Lime Bay
113 km – 1h50
Where to start the self drive on the peninsula: at Lime Bay! It’s located up North on the Tasman peninsula, meaning further away from the other must-see places to see, on the east coast of the peninsula. Lime Bay is a reserve that is also an amazing place with a beautiful beach for kayaking and fishing. The joy of backpacking capricious Tasmania’s east coast!



Backpacking Tasmania‘s East Coast: tips on Tasman peninsula
- Fuel: best price in Tas – Lewisham on the way
- Walk to Cape Raoul: 4h return, moderate
- Ship Stern Bluff: 3h return, easy
By car: Cape Raoul to Eaglehawk Neck
36 km – 37mn
And now, continuing your way on the Tasman peninsula… don’t miss these must-see places! The South of Tasmania’s east coast is spiced by natural treasures. All short but so nice stops! Remarkable Cave is very cool. As these must see spots on the east coast are within Tasman National Park, you’ll only need one Pass to enter then all parks on Tasmania’s east coast.
If you want to visit one of the World Heritage sites, the best-preserved convicts site Port Arthur has to be added to your bucket list. Eaglehawk Neck is the last place to see just before getting out of the Tasman peninsula – natural isthmus connecting the Peninsula to the island.
Must see places on Tasman peninsula
Port Arthur
- Most known place in Tasmania – best preserved convicts site in Oz
- Touristy spot – fee 40$
- Nice to make a break at the fancy coffee shop
Remarkable Cave
- For photography
- Quick stop but very worth it
- Jump above the fence to go inside the cave – impressive! Safe at low tide
- Photography place
- Short walk
- Natural bridge and trench above the sea
Fortescue Bay
- For photography
- Camp ground at the lake’s shore
- Magical place to spend a might!
- Quite rough drive in the forest to access it
- Camp spot to book in high season
- Wild kangaroos!

3 - Hobart to Launceston: full Tasmania's east coast road trip up to 10 days
From Hobart: 7 to 10 days
Triabunna is the starting point to get to Maria island, one of the unmissable spots, on Tasmania’s east coast. It’ a small one, so if you are in a rush, 1 night stay is doable. Best is to spend 2-3 days there and do free camping, super for beginner photographers and hike lovers. The painted cliffs are probably the most known natural wonder to see there. The awesome point: no car allowed on Maria island! Peace guaranteed.

By car: Maria ilsand to Freycinet
101 km – 1h17
In my humble opinion, the highlight of a Tasmania’s east coast road trip is Freycinet national park. Because of its amazing views and its diversity of landscapes – from the blue sea and mountainous view at Wineglass bay or the yellow tinted cliffs and transparent (cold!) waters at Honeymoon beach. Starting point for your road trip through Freycinet is Coles Bay – to do shopping before entering Freycinet National Park but also to free camp near the sea and get very nice views on the sea and surrounding mounts. Totally worth the stop for a night!
Freycinet road trip: 2 – 3 days

Must see places in Freycinet National Park
Coles Bay
- Gate to Freycinet Park
- Nice little town with some hotels, hostels and camp grounds
- To do groceries and fill up the car’s tank before entering Freycinet
Sleepy Bay
- Spot to do photography
- Easy short walk down to the Bay, with giant shiny rocks
- Cristal blue waters
Honeymoon Bay
- To do kayaking, swimming or just chilling
- For photographers
- Free camping with toilets and tap water
- Beach and yellow tinted mountains
Wineglass Bay
- Impressive view on Hazards Beach, mountains and the Bay below, from the lookout
- Steap walk but very well maintained path
- Wallabis to pat!
Mount Amos
- To do photography at sunrise
- 4km return, grade 3 hike
The Hazards
- Walk through the bush
- Majestic beach with huge waves
- Mystic atmosphere – Aboriginals lived there
Friendly Beaches
- Place to stop just before exiting Freycinet
- Windy but worth the view!
1. Start at Coles Bay
2. By car: Coles Bay to Bicheni
35 km – 27mn

Next stop: Bicheno! At dusk time, see the penguins near the famous but temperament blowhole. To spot the penguins at twilight, best is also to be very silent and go to a deserted spot on the beach. They are shy penguins!
Driving at night is not so great, so best to either park nearby cost/beach parks overnight or pay for caravan site opposite IGA and use facilities. Further drive stop at Douglas-Apsley Nat Park.
Bicheno to Chain of lagoons
24 km – 18mn
Chain of Lagoons are 2 very amazing spots on Tasmania’s east coast. A chilled place near the beach and lagoon inlet; for swimming, kayaking. You can also divert to St Marys to see old school high street and eat some pancackes on the way for elephant price.
From Chain of lagoons to Mt William
128 km – 2h


I am Shef, Bulgarian soul of solo traveler. Since 2 years on the road, I’ve spent time in Russia, Mongolia, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand… to name a few! I share my used and tested tips for other solo travelers and backpackers. Enjoy seeing the World!