Introduction
Tasmania feels like a completely different side of Australia. Instead of big cities and busy beaches, the island is all about wild nature, long empty roads, and small coastal towns. Waterfalls hidden in rainforest, bright blue lakes, lavender fields, and dramatic coastlines make it one of the most unique roadtrip destinations in the country.
During our trip from 25 January to 12 February, we crossed Tasmania from the east coast to the west, chasing famous views like Wineglass Bay, hiking to Montezuma Falls, and discovering places we had never planned to visit. Some moments were breathtaking, others chaotic — sleeping in the car, finding campsites with no water, and waiting for penguins that never appeared.
But that unpredictability is exactly what made Tasmania special. This guide shares the places we visited, practical tips for roadtripping the island, and the small travel moments that turned this trip into an adventure.
Practical Info
Accommodation
YHA Hobart Central – Hobart
• Type: Backpacker hostel / budget accommodation
• Location: Central Hobart, ~2 blocks from waterfront, Constitution Dock & ferry area (MONA ferry at Brooke Street Pier)
• Vibe: Kinda weird, lots of people scattered around, not very talkative, but nice rooms and showers.
• Price/Value: Affordable for Hobart, good facilities, laundry & communal spaces. Great base to explore the city.
• Personal: Perfect place to rest after east coast driving and before heading inland. Centrally located to walk to restaurants, bars, and tours.
Bicheno Backpackers – Bicheno
• Type: Backpacker hostel / budget accommodation
• Location: Close to town center & seaside, convenient for penguin watching at dusk
• Vibe: Chill but quiet, small communal areas, mixed travellers mostly staying for 1–2 nights
• Price/Value: Affordable and practical for east coast stopovers
• Personal: Great base for exploring the coast, blowhole, and nearby beaches; perfect for evening penguin attempts
Transportation
• Ferry: Spirit of Tasmania ferry (Geelong → Tasmania)
• Getting there / around: Car rental is essential; public transport doesn’t cover the remote spots.
• Distances: East to west drives (Hobart → Mount Field → Lake Gordon → Montezuma Falls) ~2–3 hrs each leg.
• Tips: Download offline maps, fill up petrol when possible, carry snacks and water, prepare for long stretches without services.
Jobs
Tasmania is one of the places in Australia where backpackers can complete their 88 days of regional work, which are required to apply for a second Working Holiday visa. During our trip we met quite a few travelers who had come to Tasmania specifically for farm jobs or seasonal work. Many of them later planned to return to bigger cities like Melbourne after finishing their days. It’s a common path among backpackers: working in remote regions first, then heading back to the city once the requirement is completed.
Activities & Sights
North Tasmania
• Bridestowe Lavender Estate – Famous lavender fields with endless purple rows stretching over the hills. The smell of lavender is everywhere and the scenery almost looks like something from a movie. Entry is around $20, but it’s a beautiful stop if you enjoy photography and landscapes.
• Little Blue Lake – A small lake with an incredibly bright blue color that almost looks unreal. It’s not a big place, but it’s a fun and quick stop during a roadtrip.
East Coast
• Bay of Fires – One of the most beautiful coastal areas in Tasmania, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise water, and the iconic orange-colored rocks. Perfect for scenic roadtrip stops and short beach walks.
• St. Helens – A small coastal town that works well as a base when exploring the Bay of Fires area. It’s a good place to find supermarkets, petrol stations, and WiFi if reception disappears on the road.
• Bicheno – A relaxed seaside town known for its wildlife (penguins) and ocean views. It’s a popular stop along the east coast roadtrip route.
• Bicheno Blowhole – A natural blowhole where waves crash into the rocks and push water through a hole in the cliffs. Simple but fun to watch.
• Penguin Watching (Bicheno) – Little penguins sometimes appear near the beach at dusk. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but sunset is usually the best time to try.
Freycinet National Park
• Wineglass Bay – One of Tasmania’s most famous viewpoints. The curved white beach surrounded by mountains makes it one of the most photographed places on the island. Weather conditions can easily hide the view.
• Freycinet National Park – A beautiful national park with beaches, hiking trails, and campsites. Great for exploring the coastline and spending the night in nature.
• Maria Island – A scenic island known for wildlife, historic ruins, and peaceful hiking trails.
• Colored Rocks (Maria Island) – Striking sandstone cliffs with layered natural colors that create a unique landscape.
Hobart & Surroundings
• Mount Wellington – Scenic drive to the summit with panoramic views over Hobart, the Derwent River, and surrounding mountains.
• Battery Point – Historic neighborhood with charming colonial houses and quiet streets.
• Sandy Bay – Relaxed coastal suburb near Hobart, nice for short walks.
• Richmond – Small historic town with old architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Hobart Harbor – Perfect for evening walks along the waterfront. At night, you can throw rocks into the water, where bioluminescent algae make it glow.
Tasman Peninsula
• Eagle Hawk Neck – A narrow strip of land connecting the peninsula to mainland Tasmania, with beautiful ocean views.
• Tasman Blowhole – Waves crashing into the cliffs and shooting water through rock openings.
• Tasman’s Arch – A dramatic natural rock arch carved into the coastal cliffs.
• Waterfall Bluff – Around a 2-hour hike that rewards you with stunning views over wild ocean cliffs.
Inland & West Tasmania
• Mount Field National Park – One of Tasmania’s most accessible national parks with lush rainforest scenery.
• Russell Falls – One of the most famous waterfalls in Tasmania, surrounded by dense forest.
• Horseshoe Falls – Another beautiful waterfall located on the same walking trail.
• Lake Gordon – A massive reservoir located about 2–2.5 hours west of Mount Field. The landscape is dramatic and remote, although the long drive might not feel worth it for everyone.
• Montezuma Falls – Tasmania’s tallest waterfall, reached via a rainforest hike through lush greenery and misty forest.
Social & Connections
• Hostels: friendly common areas for travellers
• Campsites: chance encounters with kind strangers (like the water-sharing guys)
• Roadtrip: shared car moments, laughter over pasta disasters, and spontaneous roadside stops
Tips & Tricks
• Visit during the Australian summer, as Tasmania can be quite cold during the rest of the year
• Free campsite apps: WikiCamps, CamperMate, iOverlander
• Always bring extra water: many free east coast sites have none
• Weather is unpredictable: rain can ruin views, bring rain gear
• Long drives: music, snacks, podcasts, offline maps
• Mosquitoes: Freycinet & Wineglass Bay area evenings require strong repellent
• Roadtrip mindset: flexibility, accept unexpected delays or missed views, embrace chaos
Reflection
Tasmania was about the journey as much as the destinations.
• Long drives east to west across the island
• Sleeping in the car at remote campsites without water or proper toilets
• Unexpected encounters with locals and travelers
• Nature in all forms: waterfalls, cliffs, oceans, islands, and forested mountains
• Learning to embrace flexibility when weather changes or plans fail
Even uncomfortable moments—cold car nights, missed views, pasta fails—became part of the story. Tasmania remained wild, unpredictable, and breathtaking, and these days taught me that chaos can be the beginning of unforgettable adventures.
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