Take a leisurely one hour drive from Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula, home to World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Australia’s second penal colony, after Botany Bay, is awash with ruined and restored buildings, including the Guard House, Governor’s Cottage, church and formidable prison itself. You can almost hear the cries of the original inmates.

Outside the historic site, the Tasman Peninsula is renowned for its deserted beaches, bays, soaring cliffs and abundant wildlife, so take time to explore it if you can.

Hobart > Port Arthur | 95 kms

Stewarts Bay Lodge or similar

Travel up Tasmania’s east coast, stopping at sleepy coastal villages on the way, until you reach beautiful Freycinet National Park and its iconic Wineglass Bay. This is truly a magical place, with sweeping white beaches and calm turquoise bays sheltered between dramatic granite headlands, rocky coves and surging surf. Enjoy bush and coastal walks for some fantastic views before settling down for the night.

Port Arthur > Freycinet | 200 kms

Freycinet Lodge or similar

The scenic route to Launceston takes in the seaside town of Bicheno, Elephant Pass, Fingal Valley and the historic village of Evandale, so there is plenty to see on the way.

Launceston itself is Tasmania’s second largest town and is known as the ‘garden city’ because of its well kept gardens and public parks. Its best known attraction is the steep sided Cataract Gorge, close to the town centre. There is a pleasant one mile walk through the gorge and a popular chairlift over it.

Freycinet > Launceston | 180 kms

Best Western Launceston or similar

Leave city life behind as you drive west towards Cradle Mountain St Clair National Park. This vast area of untouched wilderness includes some of Tasmania’s highest mountains, with glorious forest, valley and moorland scenery.

A two night stay in Cradle Mountain will give you plenty of time to explore the region. There are lots of walking trails, or use your car to discover beauty spots nearby. In the evenings, enjoy comfortable lodge accommodation with log fires, excellent meals and enjoyable company.

Launceston > Cradle Mountain | 150 kms

Cradle Mountain Hotel or similar

Soak in more of the mountain scenery today as you make your way to Strahan on Tasmania’s rugged west coast. First stop is Tullah, encircled by mountain lakes, and then on to Rosebery and Zeehan. These sleepy mountain towns were booming in the 1800s with mining activity for gold, silver, but mostly copper, and there are many historical reminders to of it.

Strahan, itself, sits on a sheltered inlet and is the only real harbour on Tasmania’s west coast. Stunningly beautiful, it now makes most of its income from tourism, and there is plenty to see in the area.

Cable Mountain > Strahan | 145 kms

Strahan Village Hotel or similar

From Strahan, the road climbs up to Queenstown, the major centre for mining a hundred years ago. The hilltops around still show the scars. A spectacular drive then takes you through the heart of Tasmania, with the fabulous scenery of the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park all around, and finally on to Hobart. We would recommend another night here before flying to your next destination.

Strahan > Hobart | 295 kms