3 day tasmania ROAD TRIP
* Note: This was written pre COVID-19, some finer details like prices and accessibility may differ once business resumes as normal 🙂
Tasmania offers an impressive blend of experiences and attractions such as the rugged UNESCO heritage national parks, gourmet culinary experiences that are shaped by sustainable local farming, and world class culture and art. In contrast to the sizeable landmass that is mainland Australia, Tasmania (or Tassie as we Aussies who love to abbreviate refer to), is a small island (and state) that sits below the south eastern edges of Australia. This 3 day guide (arriving in Hobart and departing from Launceston/Hobart) will help you to plan your travels around this stunning and serene part of Australia – but rest assured there is an abundance of things to see and do so it’s hard to go wrong.
When to Go
Being the winter seeker that I am, we travelled in July which is the colder (averaging 12 degrees) time to visit. The autumn months of March, April, and May are quieter, however, give way to beautiful autumn leaves and picturesque forest foliage. The summer months of December, January and February tend to be the most popular, however, given the quiet nature of Tasmania I can’t imagine areas being too overcrowded even during peak season. Humpback whales can be seen travelling along their migratory path in May, June, July and again during September, October, and November.
Getting there
Flight
Domestic: Book a flight into Hobart and out of Launceston. Flights into Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, is by far the easiest and quickest option. There are regular direct flights into Hobart from most major cities. Flights coming from the south east coast cities (Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide) are commonly around $100 – $150 each way. Direct flights from the north west coast cities (Perth, Darwin) can be a lot more expensive but there are also indirect flights that are a bit cheaper. The 3 common airlines (Tiger, Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas) all offer flights into Hobart. Tiger is the most budget option however I have found that the flights are often significantly delayed. Jetstar is your next best option, which still offers competitive prices and is slightly more reliable. Jetstar is usually my first choice as they offer great flight deals, so if you are flexible with travel dates this is the best option. Virgin and Qantas are your higher standard airlines, which typically run smoothly and offer full airline service (hello bar) but of course at a higher expense. Australia is kind of huge so here is rough idea of direct flight times:
Perth – 4h / Darwin – 7h (no direct flights) / Brisbane – 2h 45m / Adelaide – 2h / Melbourne – 1h.
International: Check out Sky Scanner to compare the best prices.
Ferry
Ferry is another option if travelling from Melbourne however takes just over 10 hours and can be more expensive ($300-$500) depending on the peak season.
Getting around
Rental Car
We hired a rental car for 2 of the 3 days with pick up from Hobart city and recommend this as the easiest option to allow for 100% roaming freedom. The cost was about $200-$250 for 2 days including insurance and probably comparable to the cost of multiple bus/train tickets and taxis, however, with much more convenience. Being a small quiet island, public transport in Tasmania is pretty skim so it is definitely worth the extra cost for car hire.
Itinerary: Day 1
Day 1: Hobart CBD
Being Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart CBD is marked by beautiful colonial buildings and architecture. After dumping your bags and potentially having a quick power nap, head outside to wander the city on foot. Though you won’t have to look too hard, find yourself a freshly brewed coffee and explore the local shops, city sights and restaurants along Elizabeth Street Mall.
Day 1: Salamanca Markets
Offering an eclectic mix of colourful artisan goods and produce, the Salamanca Markets are one of Australia’s most famous outdoor markets. Open every Saturday 8:30am to 3pm. The markets even offer a free shuttle service, more information here.
Day 1: Hobart Waterfront
Once you have taken in the city take a walk down to the iconic Hobart waterfront where you will find an abundance of culinary choices and port side scenery. For lunch, mosy around the pier and then head to Mure’s Restaurant at Sullivan’s Cove where you will be able to select from a menu of extremely fresh seafood options.
Day 1: MONA
MONA or Museum of Old and New Art is undoubtedly an Australian cultural and art gem. Privately owned by David Walsh, art collector, professional gambler, and businessman, MONA is synonymous with the often provocative and contentious Dark Mofo music and arts festival held annually. You may not realise upon first glance, but the MONA galleries are entirely mapped out underground, making it a must visit just to experience the eerie labyrinth-feel architecture. Art enthusiasts coin MONA as a sensory experience that stands out from your typical modern and historical art galleries, and this was definitely my final verdict after our visit. Check it out and let me know your thoughts! Getting to MONA details here. We recommend taking the camouflage patterned fast ferry that is ordained with fake sheep and cows (approx. 25 minutes).
Day 1: Franklin Square
Hang out and people watch at Street Eats @ Franko, Franklin Square’s lively night street food market. Friday Nights from 4pm.
Sleep Day 1: Alabama Hotel
Stay within the charming and cosy walls of locally owned, Alabama Hotel. Make sure to spare some time sipping on a wine (or two) in the plant filled bar/lounge area, which also houses a quirky balcony overlooking the CBD street. Average cost was ~$110pn twin share.
Itinerary: Day 2
Day 2: Maria Island National Park
Accessible only via ferry, Maria Island National Park lies on the east coast of Tasmania and is an example of pristine Australian island habitat. With no permanent human residents on the island, wombats, wallabies, kangaroos and other native Australian animals roam free and in abundance. Despite the island offering a diverse range of stunning nature walks, the island feels secluded, peaceful, and untouched. The walks explore coastal cliffs, eucalypt forests, and old convict settlements. Make sure to see the beautiful patterned sandstones of The Painted Cliffs along Hopground Beach.
Getting there: Catch a 30 minute ferry from Triabunna, which is about a 90 minute drive from Hobart. We booked via Encounter Maria Island. Drop in to the visitor information hut as you walk from the ferry to inland, being the only active building on the island, you can’t miss it.
Sleep Day 2: Orford
Travel to Orford to bunk up for the night. We stayed in this extremely cosy and brightly lit AirBnB garden cabin: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/14491745
Itinerary: Day 3
Day 3: Swansea
Swansea sits on the beautiful east Tasmanian coastline. Rich in history and ideal in climate, this scenic town offers gourmet traveller delights – locally grown wine and food, and locally caught seafood. When not savouring flavours, hike for the view at Mount Swansea Lookout or take a stroll down the local beaches (Jubilee, Nine Mile, Kelvedon or Spiky) and dip your toes into the cool clear blue-green waters.
Day 3: Devil’s Corner Winery
Arrive in time to savour lunch, nibbles and a beautiful drop of red (or white) and soak in the view, where sea meets land.
Sleep Day 3: Piermont Resort
Up until this point, relaxation levels were already at an all-time high. However, staying at The Piermont Resort brought about an even greater sense of tranquillity, blissfully isolated between the seaside and rugged pink granite mountains. Soak in monolithic wooden and stone textures of the age old cottages. After a long day’s hike put the fire on and allow your feet to warm by the embers, whilst sipping on a glass of red. The unmatched dining and hospitality experience of Piermont is remarkable and a must-do whilst in this beautiful corner of Tasmania. Make the effort to wake for sunrise – you won’t regret it.
Day 4: Final Day
After waking with the sunrise, enjoy a slow start morning and don’t forget to soak in the view as you mentally prepare to part ways with it.
Freycinet National Park – Wineglass Bay
From Piermont, it will take you about a 45-minute drive to reach Freycinet National Park, marked by white-sanded beaches and pink granite mountains – also the home of picturesque Wineglass Bay. Take the short trail to Wineglass Bay lookout to revel in the crescent-shaped beach met by azure blue waters. If time permits, explore the extensive hiking tracks that the national park offers.
Home Time 🙁
You can choose to depart from either Launceston or Hobart, which are about 1h 45m either way. I departed from Launceston however, I would suggest booking a later flight and leaving from Hobart, which had much more culture to offer.
Summary
Tasmania feels like Australia’s best kept and rugged secret, calling all adventure seekers, wine lovers, and foodies. In 3 days, it feels like I was only able to touch the surface of this Australian Island. “Tassie” is a place to restart and inhale all that nature has to offer, unmoored by the typical hustle bustle that is city life. would love to hear about your Tasmania experiences and dreams, so don’t forget to comment below. Right now, amidst this global pandemic, I am ecstatically planning my second visit to tackle the 65km Overland Track. Watch this space!
Jess x
