Tasmania’s East Coast: 7 day road trip
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 20 Feb 2026
Packed with panoramic coastlines, historical towns, and beautiful forests and wildlife, the Tasmanian east coast has something for everyone. From the inland wonders of Launceston, to the fascinating islands of Maria and Bruny, expect a fun and insightful Tasmanian holiday.
VroomVroomVroom has created a seven-day east coast Tasmania itinerary which begins with renting a car in Launceston, then taking in some of the best the region has to offer, before finishing up in the capital, where you can return your rental car at Hobart Airport and fly out. So if you’re into beach activities, bustling food scenes, and rich historical tours, read on and start planning your next road trip vacation.
Tasmanian east coast itinerary:
Day 1: Launceston to Bridport
Day 2: Bridport to The Gardens
Day 3: The Gardens to Freycinet
Day 4: Freycinet to Triabunna
Day 5: Triabunna to Port Arthur
Day 6: Port Arthur to Kettering (Bruny Island)
Day 7: Kettering (Bruny Island) to Hobart
Tasmanian east coast road trip: Key facts
| From | To | Distance & duration |
| Launceston | Bridport | 77 km & 55 min |
| Bridport | The Gardens | 144 km & 2 hr |
| The Gardens | Freycinet | 138 km & 2 hr |
| Freycinet | Triabunna | 112 km & 1hr 30 min |
| Triabunna | Port Arthur | 92 km & 1hr 30 min |
| Port Arthur | Kettering (Bruny Island) | 122 km & 1 hr 45 min |
| Kettering (Bruny Island) | Hobart | 32 km & 30 min |
| Launceston | Hobart | 717 km & 10 hr 10 min |
All distances in kilometres, calculated on the shortest direct route by car with Google Maps. Distances and trip times correct as of 29 May, 2026.
Day 1: Drive up from Launceston to Bridport
Start your seven day roadtrip at Tasmania’s second largest city, Launceston, famous for the Cataract Gorge chairlift that takes you to scenic steep cliffs and views of the South Esk River. Hailed by UNESCO as a City of Gastronomy, Launceston prides itself on highlighting local produce into the food community’s delectable food selections. Leave Launceston via the Tamar Valley, and drive by cool-climate vineyards and their wine-tasting opportunities — if you need a break after all that wine and cheese, a 20-minute detour from Pipers Brook leads to the base of pretty Lilydale Falls.
With the Tamar Valley behind, continue driving down Road B82 to the coastal town of Bridport. Explore the town’s white sandy beaches, dunes and the photogenic Mermaid Pool. If you’re partial to an afternoon walk, the Bridport Walking Track, is a famous 11 kilometre circuit linking the town’s river landscapes, forested areas, foreshores, and wildflower environments all in one route. Stay the night at Bridport in your accommodation of choice, or if you’re driving a campervan, in one of the numerous caravan parks and campgrounds in town.
How far: Bridport is about 77 kilometres from Launceston CBD.
Drive time: The drive from Launceston to Bridport will take around 55 minutes.
Day 2: Drive the coast from Bridport to The Gardens
From Bridport, drive eastward on the B82/C843 until you pass by Mount William National Park, a popular stop known for wildlife encounters with kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, and coastal birdlife. Simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views of the coast, go fishing, or try a short hike for a better view of the coastline and islands beyond. Also located within the park is Eddystone Point and its 35-metre tall lighthouse. Built from local granite in the 1880s, the lighthouse once guided sailors along the very rugged coastline you’ve been exploring.
It’s a 70 kilometre drive south to The Gardens, where orange-hued granite rock formations framed by the turquoise waters and white sand of the Bay of Fires stretch down to Binalong Bay. Known for its abundant sea life, popular activities include snorkelling and diving the bay’s scenic reefs and underwater caves. Relax and go for a free stroll or a guided walk but if you’ve got some energy to burn, the St Helens Mountain Bike Trails network offers options from smaller 1.2 kilometre trails to the famous 42-kilometre long Bay of Fires trail. Settle down for the night in one of the hotels or if you’re in a campervan, in one of the many beachside campgrounds along the bay.
How far: The Gardens is 144 kilometres from Bridport town proper.
Drive time: The drive from Bridport to the Gardens takes about two hours.
Day 3: View Freycinet from Wineglass Bay Lookout
After an hour and a half drive on Tasman Hwy/A3, just before reaching Bicheno you’ll reach Douglas-Apsley National Park. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the Douglas and Apsley rivers or go for a quiet walk through open forests home to native orchids and seasonal wildflowers. Upon reaching Bicheno, if tides are high, you’ll witness the famous Bicheno Blowhole in action, hurling powerful streams of seawater in the air through the narrow hole in the granite rocks.
From Bicheno, take the Tasman Hwy/C302 for 40 minutes to reach the Freycinet Peninsula. In the Freycinet National Park, hike three kilometres to Wineglass Bay Lookout where sweeping views of white sand, azure waters, and curved shoreline of the Wineglass Bay await. Kayak the clear waters to spy diverse marine life, or take a cruise around the tip of the peninsula, often accompanied by dolphins, and if lucky, whales. After satisfying your appetite for nature, savour fresh seafood from oysters and mussels to rock lobsters, before lodging in a hotel or a caravan park at Coles Bay for the night.
How far: It is a 138 kilometre drive from Freycinet from The Gardens.
Drive time: You can reach Freycinet from The Gardens in about two hours.
Day 4: Explore Maria Island along with the wombats
The fourth day starts by returning to Tasman Hwy/A3 and driving south for 112 kilometres to Triabunna. Take time to pay respect to all the lives lost at sea at the public Tasmanian Seafarers Memorial, browse town shops and galleries, and try the popular locally-caught fish and chips. Wash everything down with a cup of coffee at the Spring Bay Hotel before taking a ferry to one of Tasmania’s historical sites, Maria Island.
A convict settlement in the early 1800s, mountainous Maria Island is now home to the Maria Island National Park. Unearth years of Tasmania’s penitentiary history at the Darlington Probation Station, one of Tasmania’s 78 most intact probation stations. Maria Island offers varied hiking trails to spots such as the Fossil Cliffs where ancient sea creature fossils can be seen, or the Painted Cliffs where patterned sandstone cliffs in shades of orange, yellow, and red surface when the tide lowers.
While hiking the island sanctuary, be ready for encounters with thriving populations of wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils. Staying on the island overnight is possible at either the Darlington Penitentiary bunkhouse, or camping in tents behind the dunes, but if you’re looking for a complete service stay, return to the mainland for lodgings in Triabunna.
How far: Triabunna is 112 kilometres from Freycinet.
Drive time: It takes around an hour and a half to reach Triabunna from Freycinet.
Day 5: Learn the history behind Port Arthur
Dive deeper into Tasmania’s convict settlement history by driving for an hour and a half down to the town of Port Arthur. Explore the town’s most significant buildings on a guided tour of the Port Arthur Historic Site which consists of 30 buildings including the Convict Church, the Penitentiary, and Separate Prison.
The now UNESCO World Heritage Site offers insight into Tasmania’s history under British colonial rule. Prisoners built the Convict Church as a general place of worship while the Separate Prison was built and utilised for isolation as a psychological punishment. he Penitentiary, originally a flour mill before being converted into prisoner housing, is now one of the most popular attractions in Tasmania, preserved and improved with digital displays for tourists.
Looking for a spook? The Port Arthur Ghost Tours offer a nighttime walking tour around heritage buildings accompanied by rich storytelling of the town’s convict history. As the 90 minute lantern-lit tour includes a two-kilometre walk through dark ruins, the Ghost Tour is not suitable for people with restricted mobility.
On your way out of Port Arthur, consider a stop to view the Tessellated Pavement at Eaglehawk Neck, where you can see how tectonic movements and coastal erosion carved geometric patterns into rocks.
How far: The distance between Port Arthur and Triabunna is about 91 kilometres.
Drive time: The driving time from Triabunna to Port Arthur is about an hour and a half.
Day 6: Indulge in the beauty of Bruny Island
From Port Arthur, drive via the Arthur Hwy/A9 for under two hours to reach Kettering, a portside town from where the ferries to Bruny Island depart. The island is a popular holiday destination for beach-lovers and foodies, and making your bookings early is recommended during peak season. The north and south islands of Bruny are connected by “The Neck”, a low-lying narrow isthmus with adjacent sand dunes where wildlife can be observed, more particularly in the warmer months.
While driving on the North Bruny part of the isthmus, climb the 279 timber steps to the Truganini Lookout. There, you can read about how Truganini from the Bruny Island became a powerful figure in Aboriginal history while taking in panoramic views of the northern and southern halves of the island.
Continue your journey until you reach the South Bruny National Park. One of Tasmania’s few lighthouses open to the public, the Cape Bruny Lighthouse lets you witness the towering cliffs and striking coastal sceneries facing off the fierce Southern Ocean. You can immerse yourself in the island’s lush rainforests, encounter diverse birdlife, and discover spots to see migrating whales and rare visitors such as the leopard seal on the Fluted Cape Walk.
Finish the day by feasting on the island’s gourmet food, from oysters, artisanal cheese and chocolate, to whisky. For your overnight stay, hotels as well as tents and campers are available on the island.
How far: Kettering, where you take a ferry to Bruny Island, is 122 kilometres away from Port Arthur.
Drive time: The drive time to reach Kettering from Port Arthur is about an hour and 45 minutes, and the ferry takes 20 minutes.
Day 7: A taste of everything in Hobart
After returning to Kettering from Bruny, the fastest way to Hobart is by taking the Channel Hwy/B68, and in just over 30 kilometres, you’ll be amongst the bustling shops and boutiques of Tasmania’s capital city.
Saturdays in Hobart are dedicated to the myriad of food options from savory meals to sweet pastries, as well as newly-harvested produce at the Salamanca Market. After filling your stomach, keep the sensory vibe going and have fun on a visit to the Museum of New and Old Art (MONA), where eccentric collections and exhibits will take on all your senses.
If you’re seeking time with nature after MONA, or if museums aren’t your thing, go for a drive to the summit of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Once there, enjoy a bird’s eye view of Hobart and watch the sun set on the Tasman Peninsula from the summit’s walking tracks and lookout platforms. Take the boardwalk for a top-down view of the Derwent River and if the winds are freezing, seek shelter in the glass observatory — almost an attraction in its own right.
A thirty minute drive north of Hobart takes you to the historic town of Richmond, where you’ll find Australia's oldest bridge. The heritage-listed Richmond Bridge, built by convicts in the 19th century, is still in use and is one of the historic sites of the Richmond Heritage Walk. Conclude the day by wandering Richmond Village’s olden lollie shops and distilleries, and perhaps buy some wooden crafts while you’re at it.
How far: Kettering is 32 kilometres away from Hobart.
Drive time: Hobart is a mere 30 minute drive from Kettering.
Top three stops from Launceston to Hobart
Curious about what amongst all stops you can look forward to? Make the long drive worthwhile and don’t miss out on our favourites:
Fiery colours on huge boulders: From Eddystone Point to Binalong Bay, witness how orange lichen rocks at the Bay of Fires create contrast with turquoise waters.
Nature and history in one: Explore the Darlington Probation Station and walk around with wombats and Tasmanian devils on Maria Island.
Change of perspective: See the Bruny Island from a high vantage point either at the Truganini Lookout or the Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
Best time to travel Tasmania’s East Coast
The ideal time of year to travel to Tasmania is during the Australian summer months of December until February when weather is mostly sunny, offering clear skies and moderate temperatures floating around 28°C(82F) and reaching as low as 6°C(43F).
Spring and autumn in Tasmania bring cold mornings to mild days great for colorful farm visits, gourmet food crawling, and wine-tasting opportunities.
The winter months of June, July, and August, bring about temperatures between 0°C and 15°C and the heaviest rainfall of the year. Tasmania, especially inland regions, can drop below freezing in the winter, so don’t forget to pack thermal base layers and waterproof clothing to keep warm, and sturdy boots for navigating slippery ground and muddy trails.
Driving tips for a Tasmanian east coast road trip
As you’ll be spending a long time on the road, be mindful of your speed on freeways and regional roads. Speed limits in Tasmania may differ as you drive up north — anticipate changes as roads transition from freeways to urban or residential spaces. When driving at night, especially in rural areas, take extra precaution and slow down for Tasmanian devils, wombats, wallabies, and other wildlife. For traffic-related infringements acquired during your rental, you’re liable for the fine and expected to pay it on time.
Long drives can take a toll on any driver. In case you’re driving several hours to a destination, register an additional driver with your booking as a safety measure. In case the drive becomes unbearable for you both, take advantage of rest stops or lay-bys until you’re ready to drive again. For longer rest stops, find a designated parking spot or campground that allows legal overnight parking.
ImportantTo reach Bruny Island . . .
The best place to pick up your rental car to visit Bruny Island is Hobart. VroomVroomVroom compares car rental at Hobart Airport as well as city locations. Remember to check with the individual depot you pick up your car from before you visit Bruny Island, as the terms and conditions may be different for each location.
Best car for a Tasmanian east coast road trip
Most of the popular destinations between Launceston and Hobart are relatively short distances apart, so by choosing a fuel-efficient car like Toyota Yaris or Hyundai Kona, you’ll not only reduce your fuel costs, but also need to fill up less. As this road trip is several days long, consider taking a larger vehicle that will carry your luggage, camping gear (if you’re skipping hotels), and other essentials for comfort. As such, rental SUVs and campervans are worth checking out — read on to find out why.
Why rent an SUV?
Driving from Launceston to Hobart is fun to do with family and friends, and thanks to its spacious interior, a rental SUV will let you do that comfortably — you can even add a child seat to your booking. Most SUVs, including 4WDs, also have specialised safety features to prevent the vehicle from rolling over on sharp curves or uneven roads like those you may encounter in national parks. SUVs are the popular choice for long road trips, meaning they can sell out months in advance for school holidays and the summer months between December and February, so if you’re considering a rental SUV for your Launceston-Hobart road trip, it’s important to reserve a car months prior to your trip to have the best chance getting a suitable car.
Campervan for long road trips
For multi-day trips like this, campervans offer more flexibility than cars and SUVs. With a campervan, you can enjoy your road trip at your own pace as you’re free to arrive and leave without worrying about check-in times. Travelling with a campervan also might allow you to park near the beach or, if parking is available, inside national parks — photo-worthy experiences you’ll struggle to take from your hotel lobby. If you decide booking a campervan in Launceston best suits your itinerary, make sure you check that campervans are allowed in your destinations, take note of campgrounds along your route and what amenities they offer.
Electric vehicles and the Tasmanian east coast
Electric vehicles are built with advanced driving technology and smart navigation tools, making them often luxurious alternatives to traditional cars. Electric vehicles have their advantages on long drives, EV charging stations are available between towns along your route from Launceston to Hobart. When you hire an electric car for your Launceston to Hobart road trip, remember to return your rental car fully charged to avoid recharge-related charges from the rental car provider.
Where to pick up and drop off your rental car or campervan in Launceston
You’ll find most major rental car and campervan providers in the Launceston CBD, and if you’re lucky there may even be relocation deals available. At Launceston Airport, both on- and off-airport depots offer return- and one-way car rentals.
| Rental car or campervan company | Depot location |
| AutoRent, Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast, Leisure Rent | Launceston Airport (off-airport) |
| Avis, Bargain, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Redspot, Sixt, Thrifty | Launceston Airport (on-airport) |
| Budget | Wellington St, CBD |
| Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty | Patterson St, CBD |
| Europcar | Tamar Street, CBD |
| Redspot | John St, CBD |
Where to pick up and drop off your rental car or campervan in Hobart
You’ll find most major rental car and campervan providers in the Hobart CBD while both on- and off-airport depots at Hobart Airport offer one-way car rentals.
| Rental car or campervan company | Depot location |
| Apollo, Avis, Budget, Britz, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Maui, Mighty, Redspot, Sixt, Thrifty | Hobart Airport (on-airport) |
| AutoRent, Campervan Village, Cruisin, East Coast, GoCheap, Leisure Rent, Let’s Go, Spaceships | Hobart Airport (off-terminal) |
| Avis | Market Place, CBD |
| Bargain, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty | Harrington St, CBD |
| Indie Campers | Gordon St, Sorell |
| Redspot, Sixt | Argyle St, CBD |
Tips for renting a car or campervan for Launceston to Hobart
If you’re coming from the airport, booking a car at Launceston Airport is easy. There’s over a dozen on-airport rental car desks, located in the terminal building. Remember that car rental pickups at off-airport locations, including city or suburb depots, tend to run cheaper than on-airport pickups.
Before your flight to Launceston, let your rental car provider know your flight information including your flight number and arrival time. This allows them to prepare your vehicle for your arrival. Note that failing to pick up your rental car on time may incur late fees. Read your Rental Agreement for policy details.
Planning a one-way rental from Launceston to Hobart? Most rental car providers accept one-way rental bookings with a substantial fee. applied
Excess reduction is a good way to reduce your maximum damage-related charges in case of accidents during your rental period.
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around Australia by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
