22 Places That Prove Tasmania Is The Best State For An Aussie Road Trip

There's so much crammed into this tiny state!

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Whether you've been dreaming of visiting Tassie for years, or this year's international travel restrictions have got you considering a trip there for the first time, Tasmania is a top pick for a lot of Aussie holidays.

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Because it's relatively small it's the ideal place for a road trip – but don't be fooled! There's a huge number of things to see and do in Tasmania, and it's basically impossible to cram it all in to one trip.

Instead focus on one region at a time: Here are some ideas to get you started.

By the way, where we've been able to, we've named places featured in this post in both English and palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

North Tasmania and Launceston/Tommeginne Country

1. The floating sauna at Lake Derby

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On Lake Derby there's a little wooden hut floating on the water, where you can really lean into the cold alpine vibes of northern Tasmania. After sweating it out in the traditional wood-fired sauna, plunge into the icy water of the lake for a truly rejuvenating experience. It's a great way to recover after a day exploring the area's mountain bike trails.

2. Glamping at the Bay of Fires

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A visit to the Bay Of Fires, with its orange boulder-lined beaches is a no-brainer road trip spot. While you're there, why not indulge in a little glamping? The Bay of Fires Bush Retreat has giant bell tents complete with real beds, a luxe camp kitchen and cosy fire pit to drink wine by as the sun sets.

3. Sledding down the Meander river

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Sure, kayaking and canoeing are fun, but have you ever gone river sledding? Float down the Meander River (great name, btw) on an inflatable sled past the stunning lush scenery for which Tasmania is famous. With bends and rapids it's not exactly a leisurely ride, so be ready for an adventure.

4. Cataract Gorge

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This is one of the top spots to visit in Tassie, but just because it's popular doesn't mean you should skip it. Enhance your visit by doing a SciArt walk – a collection of auditory artworks featuring Tasmanian artists and scientists. Each episode is paired to a different walk around the state, designed to be listened to while you amble down a nature trail.

5. The Restaurant with No Food

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This restaurant on King Island has no food or drink, no menus and no staff – but is overflowing with ambiance and charm. It's designed to be a place where you can bring food and use the kitchen and equipment on site to create your own meal. It has incredible views of the harbour and lighthouse, and is a great place to cook up some delicious local produce.

6. The guided wukalina walk

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If you love the idea of a multi-day hike, but aren't too keen on reading maps and carrying all your junk, the wukalina walk is for you. It's a four-day guided walk in the Bay of Fires region, owned and operated by local palawa guides who will introduce you to cultural practices that have been handed down for centuries. You stay in these amazing eco-friendly huts built into the wild environment.

Southern Tasmania and Hobart/Nuenonne Country and nipaluna

7. Artisanal cheese and chocolate at Coal River Farm

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It's hard to narrow down the best cheese in Tassie, but Coal River Farm's triple cream brie has to be somewhere near the top. Sample their range of artisanal cheese and handmade chocolate, then wander through the farm to see how it's produced. There's a great restaurant on site and they have some very cute goats you can feed.

8. Sunrise or sunset from kunanyi (Mt Wellington)

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Tasmanian sunsets are amazing all over the country, but seeing the sky change to dusk from kunanyi, the peak that looms over Hobart, is magnificent. You can ride a bike, catch the bus or drive to top – bring a little picnic or some drinks to make it even more special. If you're a morning person, the trek up at sunrise is definitely worth it too!

9. The giant trees at Styx Valley

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Just outside of Hobart, this forest is home to the world's tallest flowering trees, a pretty incredible thing to see with your own eyes. They're almost 100 metres tall, set in an ancient forest full of winding walking paths to explore. Keep your eye out for wildlife like echidnas and platypi.

10. The surf break at Shipstern Bluff

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You have to be a very confident surfer to tackle the waves at Shippies, as the locals call it, but it's just as fun to watch from dry land. This spot on the south coast is revered as one of the wildest breaks in the world, with waves reaching 10 metres high. Afterwards you can do the two-hour walk around the bluff for the best views of the coast.

11. Chase the Southern Lights

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During the winter, Tasmania is the best place in the country to see Southern Lights – the natural phenomenon which illuminates the sky with a purple and green light show. Technically, you can see them from anywhere in the state that has low light pollution (think: away from cities) where you have a direct view south.

But you'd be best off down south in some locals' favourite spots: Rosny Hill, Howden, Dodges Ferry, Seven Mile, Tinderbox or Cockle Creek. This Facebook group has live updates of Aurora spottings across the state.

12. Bruny Island

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If you're in the south of the state, definitely allow yourself a day or two to explore Bruny Island. There's the iconic photo spot at the Neck, but the rest of the island is an amazing wilderness experience. It's home to the rare white wallaby, as well as fairy penguins and fur seals. The food scene is great, check out the local producers of artisan cheese, seafood, berries, fudge, wine, whisky, gin and beer — to name just a few.

13. Walk the Three Capes Track

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Tassie has literally hundreds of incredible walks of all lengths, but this one might be the best. It's a three-day hike between huts you can stay in, starting in Port Arthur and including a boat trip across the bay. You'll walk past deserted pristine beaches and see the country's highest sea cliffs. The sunrises and sunsets are amazing, and it's only 48km in total.

14. Cockle Creek

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This small township is the southernmost point on the southernmost road in all of Australia, right on the edge of the state's wilderness area. It's the starting point for a lot of wild multi-day hikes, or just a great place to camp near the beach and soak up the serenity.

North West and Western Tasmania/Peerapper Toogee Country

15. Cradle to Coast tasting trail

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Calling all foodies! This self-drive trail goes from the north coast, near Devonport, inland and up to Cradle Mountain. Check out this map and pick out the spots that most interest you, then spend a day driving around and sampling all the food and wine you possibly can! HIghlights include oysters, honey, a salmon farm, an artisan chocolate factory, plenty of cheese and wine, fresh ice cream and a pick-your-own berry patch.

16. Dove Lake

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You'd be forgiven for thinking this deep blue alpine lake is in some Northen European country, rather than Tasmania. Dove Lake is directly below Cradle Mountain, and is ringed by a walking path so you can see it from all angles. If you're up for it, take the trail up to the Cradle summit for views that seemingly stretch on forever.

17. Picnic at Josef Cromy wines

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You could throw a dart at a map of Tasmania and hit at least one winery, so you're absolutely spoiled for choice. One great place to check out is Josef Cromy, with a tasting room and restaurant set on spectacular grounds. Pack a picnic, buy a bottle, and find a spot near the vineyards or by their lake to enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sun.

And finally, East Coast Tasmania/Paredarerme Pungenna Country

18. Camping at Honeymoon Bay

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This is probably the state's most popular camping spot, and for good reason. Set in Freycinet National Park, it's right near some of Tassie's best and most pristine beaches. You'll need to apply for a lottery to get a campsite in summertime, so plan ahead. It's definitely worth it, though!

19. Maria Island

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Maria Island is completely carless, so it's home to a lot of wildlife. It's a 30 minute boat trip from the mainland, and when you're there you can walk or bike around to enjoy the stunning landscapes and sweeping bays. If you've got the time, spend the night there to really soak it all up.

20. The Keep

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If you're keen for a night or two of luxury, look no further. Perched atop a rocky outcrop with sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding forest, The Keep is all about relaxing in the most decadent way possible. Everything's made with local materials, including the outdoor boulder bath and fire pit to be enjoyed on starry nights. You'll truly never want to leave.

21. Oatlands

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You can't do a road trip without stopping in to at least one cute small town, and Oatlands is a prime choice. The heritage town has the quintessential bakery and antique shops, as well as a trendy bar serving beer wine and spirits all produced within a 60km radius.

22. Douglas-Apsley National Park

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National park swimming holes seem like more of a Queensland activity, but Douglas-Apsley National Park has you covered. Hike through the forest out to the peaceful naturally-formed pool. The water is crystal clear, and is well worth a swim even though it can be pretty chilly! After your swim, warm up with a hike out to one of the park's waterfalls.