Self-drive road trip · Australia
Hobart, Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain & the Wild West
Per person, estimatedUS$617
Discover Tasmania at your own pace on an unforgettable island road trip. Begin in waterfront Hobart before exploring the dramatic coastline and convict history of the Tasman Peninsula. Continue to the white sands and turquoise waters of Freycinet National Park, the historic streets of Launceston and the alpine wilderness of Cradle Mountain.
The journey then crosses Tasmania’s rugged west coast to Strahan before returning to Hobart through Queenstown and Lake St Clair. With accommodation and rental car arranged in one booking, you are free to enjoy the scenery while we take care of the essential travel arrangements.
Car and accommodation arranged in one booking
No punishing driving days — the route is planned sensibly
One booking takes you across the whole island
Two full nights beside Cradle Mountain
A mix of coast, highlands, rainforest and history
Spot wombats, wallabies and echidnas in the wild
Explore at your own pace — no group, no guide
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Stay longer or shorter in Arrive in Hobart
Your stay in Arrive in HobartDays 1–3
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Pick up your car at SUNNY ISLES BEACH (MIA), from 10:00. It's yours for all 9 days.
Arrive at Hobart Airport, collect your rental car and drive to your selected hotel.
Spend the remainder of the day discovering Tasmania’s welcoming capital. Wander around Constitution Dock and the historic sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place, or enjoy dinner overlooking Hobart’s attractive waterfront.
Overnight: Hobart
Overnight: Black Buffalo Hotel, night 1 of 2
Enjoy a full day to explore Hobart or take a scenic excursion to the Tasman Peninsula.
The drive to Port Arthur passes dramatic coastal landscapes and unusual rock formations, including the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen. Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site to learn about Tasmania’s convict history before returning to Hobart.
Alternatively, remain in the city and visit Salamanca Market when operating, Battery Point, Mount Wellington or one of Hobart’s museums and galleries.
Approximate driving for the Port Arthur excursion: 190 km / 118 miles, approximately 3 hours return
Overnight: Hobart
Overnight: Black Buffalo Hotel, night 2 of 2
“The Black Buffalo combines exceptional hospitality with outstanding value in a prime North Hobart location. Guests rave about the spacious, recently renovated rooms, acclaimed restaurant featuring some of Hobart's best steaks, attentive service, and the welcoming team that goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, 14 Federal Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Arrive in Hobart surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Hobart to Freycinet National Park
Your stay in Hobart to Freycinet National ParkDays 3–4
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Leave Hobart and travel north along Tasmania’s beautiful east coast. Small coastal communities, vineyards and sweeping sea views make this one of the island’s most enjoyable drives.
Continue towards Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park. Depending on your arrival time, visit Cape Tourville Lighthouse, Honeymoon Bay or one of the area’s quiet beaches.
Approximate driving: 193 km / 120 miles, 2 hours 35 minutes
Overnight: Coles Bay or Freycinet area
Overnight: Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park
“This well-maintained caravan park in Bicheno offers spacious sites, excellent amenities including a fantastic camp kitchen, and is within walking distance of shops and the beach. Guests consistently praise the warm hospitality and attentive service from the friendly management team.”
Included in your trip1 night, 4 Champ Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Hobart to Freycinet National Park surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Wineglass Bay to Launceston
Your stay in Wineglass Bay to LauncestonDays 4–5
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Begin the day with time to explore Freycinet National Park. Walk to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for one of Tasmania’s most celebrated coastal views. Travellers wanting a gentler outing can enjoy the short Cape Tourville circuit or explore the beaches around Coles Bay.
Later, drive inland through Tasmania’s rural heartland to Launceston. After arriving, explore the city centre or take an evening stroll along the Tamar River.
Approximate driving: 175 km / 109 miles, 2 hours 10 minutes
Overnight: Launceston
Overnight: Sporties Hotel
“Experience exceptional pub dining and warm hospitality at this beloved Launceston venue, where guests rave about phenomenal food, attentive staff, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for casual meals, celebrations, or sports-watching gatherings.”
Included in your trip1 night, 252 Charles Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Wineglass Bay to Launceston surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Launceston to Cradle Mountain
Your stay in Launceston to Cradle MountainDays 5–7
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Spend the morning visiting Cataract Gorge, located only minutes from central Launceston. Walking paths, gardens and viewpoints make it an excellent introduction to northern Tasmania.
Continue west through Deloraine and the picturesque countryside towards Cradle Mountain. You may also stop in Sheffield, known for the colourful murals decorating buildings throughout the town.
Arrive at Cradle Mountain and settle into your accommodation surrounded by Tasmania’s alpine wilderness.
Approximate driving: 141 km / 88 miles, 2 hours
Overnight: Cradle Mountain
Overnight: Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain, night 1 of 2
Enjoy a complete day in Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.
Take the park shuttle to Dove Lake and choose a walk suited to your interests and ability. Options range from short lakeside walks to the approximately two-to-three-hour Dove Lake Circuit. The scenery includes ancient rainforest, glacial lakes, mountain peaks and the famous Dove Lake boatshed.
Keep watch for wombats, wallabies, echidnas and other native wildlife. Weather conditions can change quickly, so carry warm and waterproof clothing even during summer.
Overnight: Cradle Mountain
Overnight: Discovery Parks - Cradle Mountain, night 2 of 2
“Guests rave about this exceptional park's prime location across from the visitor centre with easy access to national park attractions, premium cabins featuring heated floors, full kitchens, and luxurious amenities, plus spotless facilities and consistently warm hospitality that make it an ideal base for an unforgettable wilderness retreat.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, Cradle Mountain Road
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Launceston to Cradle Mountain surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Cradle Mountain to Strahan
Your stay in Cradle Mountain to StrahanDays 7–8
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Travel south-west into Tasmania’s remote and rugged western region. The journey passes mountain landscapes, rainforest and former mining communities before reaching the harbour town of Strahan.
After arriving, explore the waterfront, visit Ocean Beach or walk to Hogarth Falls. Strahan is also the departure point for cruises across Macquarie Harbour and into the Gordon River wilderness.
Approximate driving: 145 km / 90 miles, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
Overnight: Strahan
Overnight: Motel Strahan
“This welcoming motel in Strahan delights guests with spotlessly clean, comfortable rooms featuring quality bedding, thoughtful amenities like laundry facilities and in-room conveniences, and exceptionally attentive management that goes the extra mile—from pre-arrival heating to helpful local recommendations. Perfectly positioned near cafes, attractions, and the Gordon River, it's an ideal peaceful retreat for travelers exploring Tasmania.”
Included in your trip1 night, 3 Andrew Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Cradle Mountain to Strahan surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Arrive in Hobart
Your stay in Arrive in HobartDays 8–9
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Depart Strahan and travel through Queenstown, where the surrounding landscape reveals Tasmania’s mining history.
Continue across the island’s spectacular central highlands. Stop at Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, and enjoy a short lakeside walk before travelling through the Derwent Valley to Hobart.
This is the longest driving day of the journey, but the route offers numerous scenic stops and changing landscapes.
Approximate driving: 300 km / 186 miles, 4 hours 30 minutes excluding stops
Overnight: Black Buffalo Hotel
“The Black Buffalo combines exceptional hospitality with outstanding value in a prime North Hobart location. Guests rave about the spacious, recently renovated rooms, acclaimed restaurant featuring some of Hobart's best steaks, attentive service, and the welcoming team that goes above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.”
Included in your trip1 night, 14 Federal Street
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Arrive in Hobart surprise you.
Return your car at SUNNY ISLES BEACH (MIA) by 10:00, then check in for your flight home.
Enjoy breakfast and any remaining free time in Hobart. Drive to Hobart Airport, return your rental car and continue with your onward journey.
Your Tasmanian fly-drive adventure concludes today—but flights, additional nights or another Australian itinerary can be added to your booking.
Departure day · No overnight stay
A rental car is included for all 9 days. Want more room or comfort? Upgrade below.
Pick up, day 1SUNNY ISLES BEACH (MIA), from 10:00
Return, day 8SUNNY ISLES BEACH (MIA), by 10:00
Good to knowUnlimited miles. Rates assume a driver aged 30 or over.
Operated by Avia Travel & Tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.
Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$1,234
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$774 | US$436 | US$495 | US$420 |
| Per night | US$97 / night | US$62 / night | US$83 / night | US$53 / nightBest |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 9 days, 8 nights | 8 days, 7 nights | 7 days, 6 nights | 9 days, 8 nights |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
| Stops | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
|---|
| Places | Hobart TAS, Freycinet TAS, Launceston TAS, Cradle Mountain TAS, Strahan TAS | Melbourne VIC, Apollo Bay VIC, Port Fairy VIC, Halls Gap Accom - Grampians Under the Stars, Ballarat VIC | Sydney, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Brisbane | Tirana, Gjirokaster, Himarë, Berat |
|---|
| Start and finish | Hobart – hOBART | Melbourne | Sydney Airport (SYD) – Brisbane Airport (BNE) | Tirana |
|---|
| On the road |
|---|
| Total driving | About 525 km | About 695 km | About 965 km | About 300 km |
|---|
| Longest drive day | About 155 kmBest | About 195 km | About 375 km | About 175 km |
|---|
| Car included | Compact | Compact | Economy | Compact |
|---|
| Stays and extras |
|---|
| Hotels included | 3 to 4-star hotels | 3 to 4-star hotels | 3 to 5-star hotels | 2 to 3-star hotels |
|---|
| Hotel choice | About 9 hotels per stop | About 9 hotels per stop | About 10 hotels per stopBest | About 10 hotels per stop |
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| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
|---|
FromUS$495per person
