Suggested Itineraries for Tasmania

Being a compact island, Tasmania's regions clip together in little modules, allowing the visitor to easily plan a holiday based on what to see or what to do. In our Regions section we have suggested things to do in each area and our Attractions area has many special interest areas.

As a guide line, allow at least three days for each region you want to explore, remembering that it only takes an hour or two to drive through a region if you just wanted to enjoy, say, Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula and the wild West Coast in a week.

Here are a few sample itineraries:

3 Day South

Day 1: Take in Hobart - the heritage lifestyle and scenery. Start at Battery Point, check out the galleries in Salamanca Place, head up Mt Wellington for amazing views, take a tour and a taste at the Cascade Brewery and cruise the Derwent River to the Cadbury chocolate factory. Overnight in Hobart - take in a play, find a good pub or have a flutter at the casino.

Day 2: Take the Huon Trail south to explore the waterways and wilderness of the Huon Valley, D'Entrecastreaux Channel and Bruny Island. To pack as much in as possible, take a scenic flight. Overnight in the Valley or head back to Hobart.

Day 3: Head up to the wonderful town of Richmond for a stroll about, a look at the gaol and the bridge, morning tea and then head to the Tasman Peninsula. Pull into a wildlife sanctuary on the way to see that unique marsupial the Tasmanian devil but allow plenty of time to soak in Port Arthur, Australia's most significant historic site.

3 Day North

Day 1: Explore Launceston - take the chairlift across Cataract Gorge, a cruise on the Tamar River and visit Penny Royal World and the Waverley Woollen Mills. For fine craft and furniture, check out the Design Centre. For the some safe adventure, try cable hang-gliding. Overnight in or around Launceston.

Day 2: Take the Wine Route through the Tamar Valley and sample the cool climate wines in the vineyards. Pay a visit to the quaint Swiss village of Grindelwald. Overnight Launceston area.

Day 3: A relaxing day to discover the colonial heritage in the region in the charming villages of Longford and Evandale.

5 Day South & East Coast

Day 1: Start the day with breakfast in Salamanca Place and choose between seeing what Hobart has to offer or head to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur. Overnight Hobart or near Port Arthur to take in the nightly Ghost Tour.

Day 2: Head south to explore the natural wonders of the Huon Trail. Overnight back in Hobart or Huon Valley.

Day 3: Take the Heritage Highway up through the historic Midlands to explore towns like Ross, Oatlands and Campbell Town then head east to the coast to overnight in Bicheno, Coles Bay or Freycinet.

Day 4: Explore the East Coast - Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, go scuba diving, whale watching or wine tasting. Overnight in the region.

Day 5: Return to Hobart on the Tasman Highway through the coastal towns of Swansea and Orford then via the lovely historic town of Richmond. Allow a few hours here.

5 Day North and North West

Day 1: Explore Launceston as above and overnight in the region.

Day 2: Take in the historic village of Longford and the colonial estates, Brickendon and Woolmers. Drop in to lovely Deloraine then, via Mole Creek and Sheffield to the World Heritage Area and overnight in Cradle Mountain.

Day 3: Spend the entire day exploring Cradle Mountain. Talk a long walk, a short flight, a trail ride or a nature observation tour - or all options! Overnight Cradle Mountain.

Day 4: Explore the North west Coast - Boat Harbour, Rocky Cape, Smithton, Stanley - and the rich farmlands, dramatic coast, tall forests and colonial history. Overnight Boat Harbour or Stanley.

Day 5: Back to Launceston via the tulip farms of Table Cape and the coastal centres of Wynyard, Burnie and Devonport.

4 Day West Coast

Day 1: Start with Queenstown's eerie mining landscape and take the tour deep down into Mount Lyell. Take a guided 4WD tour to the historic and beautiful Bird River area. Overnight in Strahan.

Day 2: Take a full day or half-day Gordon River cruise, scenic flight in seaplane, helicopter or light plane. In Strahan visit Morrison's Sawmill, Strahan Woodworks and West Coast Reflections Exhibition. Visit Sarah Island then catch the play The Ship That Never Was. Overnight Strahan.

Day 3: Tour by 4WD to Ocean Beach, Macquarie Heads or Teepookana Forest or kayak/canoe Macquarie Harbour or the Henty River. Take a crayfish dinner cruise on the yacht, Stormbreaker. Overnight Strahan.

Day 4: Head to Zeehan (50km north of Strahan) and explore the historic mining town. Head to Rosebery (30km) to take a 4WD tour to the spectacular Montezuma Falls. Paddle a kayak or sail on Lake Rosebery or take a boat trip to see birdlife in the lakeside forest.

Stone Beach Cottage West Coast Adventure Tasmania Cradle Mountain West Coast Tasmania