Explore Tasmania in 5 Days: Your Ultimate Itinerary Guide

Looking for an adventure-packed vacation that won’t break the bank? Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, offers a unique travel experience that can be enjoyed in just 5 days. With rugged landscapes, stunning coastlines, and rich history, Tasmania is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Key Takeaways

Tasmania offers a unique travel experience that can be enjoyed in just 5 days.
Getting to Tasmania is easy with direct flights from major Australian cities and budget-friendly accommodation options.
Top attractions in Tasmania include Cradle Mountain, Port Arthur, and MONA museum, as well as outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking.

Getting to Tasmania

Tasmania ferry to go around Hobart (Source: Donald Kojich / Canva)

If you’re planning on visiting Tasmania, there are a few different ways to get there. Here are some options for getting to Tasmania in just five days:

Flying to Tasmania

Flying is the quickest way to get to Tasmania, with direct flights available from Sydney and Melbourne. The main airport in Tasmania is Hobart International Airport, which is located about 20 minutes from the city center.

If you’re traveling from Sydney, you can fly with Qantas or Virgin Australia. If you’re traveling from Melbourne, you can fly with Jetstar, Qantas, or Virgin Australia. Flights take around 1.5 hours from Sydney and 1 hour from Melbourne.

Taking the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry

Another option for getting to Tasmania is to take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. The ferry departs from Melbourne and arrives in Devonport, which is located on the north coast of Tasmania. The ferry journey takes around 9 hours, and there are both day and night sailings available.

If you’re taking the Spirit of Tasmania, you can choose from a range of accommodation options, including cabins, reclining seats, and camping facilities. The ferry also has a range of onboard facilities, including restaurants, bars, and a cinema.

Using Public Transport

If you’re on a budget, public transport is a great way to get around Tasmania. There are regular bus services that operate between major towns and cities, and you can also catch the local bus or train to explore the surrounding areas.

If you’re traveling from Hobart to Launceston, for example, you can catch the Redline Coach or Tassielink Transit bus. If you’re traveling from Hobart to Port Arthur, you can catch the Port Arthur Shuttle Bus.

Here are some other public transport options to consider:

Metro Tasmania: operates bus services in Hobart and Launceston.
TassieLink: operates bus services between Hobart, Launceston, and other major towns.
Tasmania Rail: operates train services between Hobart and Launceston.

Accommodation

Camping at the Walls of Jerusalem National Park (Source: keiichihiki/canva)

Are you planning a 5-day trip to Tasmania but unsure where to stay? Here are some tips to help you find the perfect place to stay during your trip.

Booking Accommodation

Booking.com is one of the most popular websites to book accommodation. It offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some benefits of using Booking.com:

Easy-to-use website and app
Free cancellation on most bookings
No booking fees
24/7 customer service

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to book accommodation, then Booking.com is the way to go. Just enter your travel dates and preferences, and it will show you the best options available.

Airbnb

Airbnb is another popular option for finding accommodation. It offers a unique experience by allowing you to stay in a local’s home or apartment. Here are some benefits of using Airbnb:

Affordable prices
Unique and authentic experience
Personalized service
Wide range of options, from private rooms to entire homes

Other Alternative Options

If you’re after something a bit unique, no stress – there’s heaps of other cool stuff you can go for.

Farm stays: Experience life on a farm and enjoy fresh produce straight from the source.
Eco lodges: Stay in an eco-friendly accommodation and immerse yourself in nature.
Glamping: Enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

No matter what your preference is, Tasmania has something for everyone. Just do your research and book early to secure the best deals.

Transportation

Sloop Bay, Bay of Fires, Tasmania – a beautiful place to stop and camp. (Source: Ellgeemac/Canva)

Renting a Car or Campervan

Renting a car or campervan is the most popular way to explore Tasmania. You can rent a car or campervan from Hobart or Launceston airports, or from rental companies in the city centers. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Make sure to book in advance, especially during peak season (December to February).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
If you plan on camping, make sure to rent a campervan with built-in kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Consider renting a 4WD vehicle if you plan on exploring Tasmania’s remote areas.

Driving in Tasmania

Driving around Tasmania is usually pretty chill, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Tasmania has a lot of winding roads, so make sure to take your time and drive carefully.
Always wear your seatbelt and obey the speed limit.
Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk.
Use Google Maps or a GPS device to navigate, as some roads can be hard to find.

Some of the top driving routes that you can try:

The Great Eastern Drive: This scenic drive takes you along Tasmania’s east coast, from Orford to St Helen’s. Highlights include the Freycinet Peninsula and the Bay of Fires.
The West Coast Wilderness Way: This drive takes you through Tasmania’s rugged west coast, from Strahan to Smithton. Highlights include Cradle Mountain and the Tarkine Rainforest.
The Huon Trail: This drive takes you through Tasmania’s Huon Valley, south of Hobart. Highlights include the Tahune Airwalk and Hastings Caves.

Overall, renting a car or campervan is the best way to explore Tasmania’s stunning scenery and hidden gems. Just remember to drive safely and take your time to enjoy the journey.

Top Attractions

Hobart and Battery Point

Visit the Salamanca Market on Saturdays for local arts, crafts, and food.
Take a stroll around Battery Point, a charming historic neighborhood with quaint cottages and beautiful gardens.
Explore the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), a world-renowned museum showcasing contemporary and ancient art.

Port Arthur

Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a guided tour of the site and learn about the harsh living conditions of the convicts.
Take a boat tour to the Isle of the Dead, a cemetery for the convicts.

Cradle Mountain National Park

Hike the Overland Track, a 65-kilometer trail through stunning alpine scenery and ancient rainforests.
Take a scenic drive to Dove Lake and enjoy breathtaking views of Cradle Mountain.
Go wildlife spotting and see wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils.

Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay

Hike to Wineglass Bay lookout for one of the most photographed views in Australia.
Take a kayaking tour around Coles Bay and see the stunning coastline and marine life.
Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants in the town of Coles Bay.

Mount Wellington

Take a scenic drive to the summit of Mount Wellington and enjoy panoramic views of Hobart and the surrounding area.
Go hiking or mountain biking on the many trails in the area.
Visit the Mount Wellington Observatory and learn about the history of the mountain.

Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park

Visit the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park and see the iconic Tasmanian devil up close.
Learn about the conservation efforts to save the species from extinction.
See other native Australian animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats.

Bay of Fires

Take a scenic drive along the coastline and see the stunning red rocks and crystal-clear waters.
Go swimming, snorkeling, or surfing in the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fires.
Take a guided tour and learn about the Aboriginal history and culture of the area.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking with the stunning view of the Wineglass Bay. (Source: Nathan Chilcott / Canva)

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Tasmania is the perfect destination for you. With its stunning natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse range of activities, you will never run out of things to do.

Hiking in Tasmania

Tasmania has some of the best hiking trails in the world. Some of the most popular hikes you can try:

Dove Lake Circuit: This 6 km hike takes you around the picturesque Dove Lake and offers stunning views of Cradle Mountain.
Overland Track: This 65 km hike takes you through the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness and offers breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and lakes.
Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach Circuit: This 11 km hike takes you to one of Tasmania’s most iconic locations, Wineglass Bay, and offers stunning views of the Hazards mountain range.

Wildlife Watching

Tasmania is home to some of the most unique and fascinating wildlife in the world.

Bruny Island: You can spot penguins, seals, dolphins, and whales on Bruny Island.
Freycinet Marine Farm: You can spot seals, dolphins, and whales while enjoying fresh oysters and seafood at Freycinet Marine Farm.
Cataract Gorge: You can spot wallabies, peacocks, and other wildlife while hiking through the scenic Cataract Gorge.

Beaches and Waterfalls

Tasmania seriously has some of the most stunning beaches and waterfalls on the planet.

Bay of Fires: This stunning beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand.
Mount Field National Park: This park is home to some of Tasmania’s most beautiful waterfalls, including Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls.
Tessellated Pavement: This unique natural formation on the Tasman Peninsula offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.

Road Trips

Tasmania is the bomb for a roadie adventure! Here are some of the best routes to take:

Great Eastern Drive: This scenic coastal drive takes you through some of Tasmania’s most beautiful beaches and towns, including Coles Bay and Bicheno.
Tarkine Drive: This drive takes you through the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness and offers stunning views of mountains, forests, and rivers.
Heritage Highway: This historic route takes you through some of Tasmania’s oldest and most charming towns, including Richmond and Devonport.

With so many outdoor adventures to choose from, Tasmania is the perfect destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

Food and Drink

If you’re looking for a destination that hits all the right taste buds, Tasmania should definitely be on your list. The state is known for its fresh, high-quality produce, and its wine industry is thriving.

Local Produce

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Tasmanian salmon: This is some of the best salmon you’ll ever taste. It’s delicious smoked, grilled, or baked.
Leatherwood honey: This honey is unique to Tasmania and has a distinctive, floral flavor.
Bruny Island Cheese: This artisanal cheese is made with local milk and is a must-try for cheese lovers.
Tasmanian truffles: These truffles are some of the best in the world and are a must-try for foodies.

Wine Tasting

Tasmania’s wine industry is booming, and the state is known for its cool-climate wines. Some of the most popular ones are:

Freycinet Vineyard: This vineyard is located on the stunning Freycinet Peninsula and produces award-winning wines.
Josef Chromy Wines: This winery is located just outside of Launceston and offers tastings of its premium wines.
Moorilla Estate: This winery is located just outside of Hobart and is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Seafood

Tasmania is surrounded by pristine waters, so it’s no surprise that the state is known for its seafood. Here are some must-try dishes:

Tasmanian oysters: These oysters are some of the best in the world and are deliciously served raw or cooked.
Scallops: Tasmanian scallops are sweet and tender and are a must-try for seafood lovers.
Fish and chips: You can’t go wrong with a classic fish and chips meal in Tasmania. Look for a restaurant that serves fresh, local fish.

Events and Entertainment

Salamanca Market

For those with a discerning palate, Tasmania offers an exquisite culinary adventure worth undertaking.If you’re in Tasmania on a Saturday, don’t miss the famous Salamanca Market in Hobart. With over 300 stalls, this market is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs, local produce, and handmade crafts. You can also enjoy live music and street performances while you browse. Be sure to try some of the delicious food on offer, including fresh seafood, gourmet cheeses, and artisanal bread.

Saturday Markets

Don’t sweat it if you can’t hit up Salamanca Market. Tassie’s got tons of other rad markets to scope out. From the Farm Gate Market in Hobart to the Launceston Harvest Market, there are markets all over the state offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and local art. Check out the local tourism website for a full list of markets and their locations.

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

For a night of culture and entertainment, head to a performance by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. With a range of classical and contemporary music on offer, there’s something for everyone. The orchestra performs in venues all over Tasmania, including the Federation Concert Hall in Hobart and the Princess Theatre in Launceston.

Isle of the Dead Tour

This tour takes you to the Isle of the Dead, a small island off the coast of Port Arthur that was used as a cemetery for convicts in the 19th century. You’ll learn about the lives and deaths of the convicts buried there, as well as the history of Port Arthur itself. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will answer all your questions.

Other Entertainment Options

Here are a few more ideas:

Visit a local brewery or winery for a tasting
Take a scenic drive along the coast or through the countryside
Go on a wildlife tour to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, and other native animals
Explore the art galleries and museums in Hobart and Launceston

No matter what your interests are, there’s something for everyone in Tasmania. So pack your bags and get ready for a week of adventure and entertainment!

Tips for Traveling in Tasmania

Park Passes

When traveling to Tasmania, it is important to know that many of the national parks require a park pass for entry. These passes can be purchased online or at park entrances. Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing park passes:

The pass is valid for multiple entries to the park within a certain period of time.
There are different types of passes available, including single-day, multi-day, and annual passes.
Some parks offer discounted rates for seniors, students, and families.
Make sure to check the park’s website for updated pricing and pass information.

Credit Cards and Money

Credit cards are widely accepted in Tasmania, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or in case of emergencies.

Notify your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns but may be limited in more remote areas.
Consider carrying a small amount of Australian dollars in cash for smaller purchases or in case of emergency.