16 Things To Remember When Planning A Road Trip Around Tasmania

Make the most of this idyllic island state.

1. Book a car or camper van in advance, especially if you're travelling over a long weekend or holiday break.

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There are a lot of coastlines and forests to discover in Tassie but there isn't much public transport at all. If you're coming from Melbourne, you could bring your own car across the Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania, but it's a good idea to compare prices before you settle on a transport plan.

2. If you decide to book a van, steer clear of the offensive ones.

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Locals hate them. In fact, they hate them so much that the state government has promised to cancel the registration of any camper with an offensive slogan painted on it.

3. Don't underestimate the size of Tasmania.

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Sure, Tassie may look like a small island drifting off the mainland but some of the best spots to visit will take you a few hours to reach. Make sure you factor in enough time to see everything you want to without rushing from place to place.

4. Get out of the car and take a really long hike.

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There are several multi-day walks to help you really get close to nature. Among some of the most celebrated are the Overland Track, which is a six-day trek through the heart of the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park; the Three Capes Track, which navigates along the breathtaking coastline of the far south-east of the state; the Walls of Jerusalem, which takes you through some of the most remote and protected parts of the Tasmanian Highlands; and Frenchman's Cap, which is a gruelling climb to the highest point of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

5. But before you head off, make sure you've got your feet properly prepared.

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A good pair of shoes can be the difference between an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience, and a hike you'll remember for all the wrong reasons. Be prepared for soil, rock, snow, and rain in Tasmania.

6. Basically, just pack for all four seasons.

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The peak of Hobart's Mount Wellington has seen snow at Christmas before, so pack wisely.

7. Get up early, even if you're not a morning person.

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There's no sunrise like a Tasmanian sunrise. Sure, it means you'll have to roll yourself out of bed in the dark, but it'll be worth it when you get that perfect sunrise shot.

8. Research where you want to stay well in advance and book early.

Accommodation can be hard to find during the busy summer and autumn months.

9. Get ~old school~ and bring a real map.

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Don't freak out, but sometimes Tassie's treks can take you so far into the wilderness you might just lose your Wi-Fi .

10. And bring a CD or three.

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As your Wi-Fi dies, so too will your radio when you're driving through deep mountain ranges and dense bushland.

11. Be sure to spend a night under the stars.

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Tasmania is the best spot in the country to catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights. The further away from the city lights you get, the better your free show will be.

12. And introduce yourself to a Tasmanian devil.

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Devil by name, totally friggin' adorable by nature. Book some time with these cute little terrors at various parks across the state including East Coast Nature World, Devils@Cradle, Tasmanian Devil Unzoo, and the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

13. Leave one big island to find an even smaller island.

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Flinders Island off the north-east coast is populated by only a few hundred and is home to amazing beaches and some of the state's most rugged terrain. The wildly windswept King Island is your best stop for cheese and beautiful seafood. Bruny Island is a culinary dream filled with fresh oysters, cheese, and whiskey. And Maria Island is so rugged that it's a national park, unpopulated, and completely car-free.

14. Organise at least one night ~glamping~ while you're on the road.

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All the luxuries of a powered hotel room, with the hipster charm of a golden safari tent. Wingtons Glamping set up shop on Tasmania's north coast.

15. Travel with a friend who is ready for an adventure.

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Who's that one friend you'd choose to be stuck on a desert island with? Because while Tasmania isn't technically deserted, it can feel like it is at times. You're going to find yourself on the edge of a cliff faces, under cascading waterfalls, and in the middle of lush forests, without another soul in sight for hours, so choose your partner wisely.

16. And don't forget to take a good camera.

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Seriously, you're going to see things you've never seen before. Invest in a good camera so you have something to show your friends back home while you're bragging about your incredible road trip.