Top Places to Visit in Tasmania by Car

Tasmania is one of Australia's most beautiful destinations for a road trip. With stunning coastlines, mountain landscapes, charming towns and world famous national parks, travelling by car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Unlike many destinations where public transport can limit your travel plans, Tasmania offers countless hidden gems that are best reached by road. Whether you are visiting for a few days or planning a longer holiday, having your own vehicle allows you to discover places that many travellers miss.

In this guide, we explore some of the top places to visit in Tasmania by car and why they deserve a place on your travel itinerary.

Why Explore Tasmania by Car?

Driving around Tasmania allows you to enjoy complete flexibility during your trip.

Benefits of travelling Tasmania by car include:

• Visit remote attractions and hidden locations

• Travel on your own schedule

• Stop at scenic lookouts whenever you like

• Explore national parks with ease

• Enjoy comfortable travel between destinations

• Access smaller towns and local attractions

Many of Tasmania's most spectacular sights are located outside major cities, making a car one of the best ways to experience the island.

Hobart

Hobart is the perfect place to begin your Tasmania road trip.

As Tasmania's capital city, Hobart offers a mix of history, culture, food and natural beauty. Spend time exploring Salamanca Place, the waterfront and Battery Point before heading further around the state.

Popular attractions in Hobart include:

• Salamanca Market

• Mount Wellington

• Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

• Constitution Dock

• Battery Point

The city also serves as a gateway to many nearby attractions, making it an excellent starting point for your journey.

Mount Wellington

Located just a short drive from Hobart, Mount Wellington offers some of the most impressive views in Tasmania.

The drive to the summit takes you through beautiful bushland before reaching the top, where panoramic views stretch across Hobart, the River Derwent and beyond.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Scenic lookouts

• Walking tracks

• Photography opportunities

• Wildlife spotting

• Fresh mountain air

The changing weather conditions make every visit unique.

Richmond

Richmond is one of Tasmania's most charming historic towns and an easy drive from Hobart.

Known for its well preserved colonial architecture, Richmond offers visitors a glimpse into Tasmania's past.

Highlights include:

• Richmond Bridge

• Historic churches

• Boutique shops

• Local cafes

• Richmond Gaol

It is an ideal destination for a relaxed day trip.

Port Arthur Historic Site

Port Arthur is one of Tasmania's most famous attractions and an important part of Australian history.

Located on the Tasman Peninsula, the drive to Port Arthur is filled with beautiful coastal scenery and fascinating stops along the way.

Things to see include:

• Historic prison buildings

• Guided tours

• Harbour cruises

• Heritage gardens

• Museum exhibits

The site provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is one of the most photographed locations in Tasmania.

Located on the east coast, this stunning destination is known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and granite mountains.

Popular attractions include:

• Wineglass Bay

• Honeymoon Bay

• Cape Tourville Lighthouse

• Walking trails

• Scenic viewpoints

The drive itself is part of the experience, offering beautiful coastal scenery along the way.

Bay of Fires

The Bay of Fires is famous for its bright orange rocks, white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

Many visitors consider it one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Australia.

Why people love the Bay of Fires:

• Stunning beaches

• Swimming and snorkelling

• Coastal walks

• Photography opportunities

• Peaceful surroundings

Travelling by car allows you to explore multiple beaches and viewpoints throughout the region.

Cradle Mountain

No Tasmania road trip is complete without visiting Cradle Mountain.

Located within the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, this area offers some of the state's most spectacular scenery.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Dove Lake Walk

• Mountain views

• Wildlife encounters

• Hiking trails

• Scenic drives

The region is particularly popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Launceston

Launceston is Tasmania's second largest city and an excellent destination for travellers exploring the north of the state.

The city combines heritage charm with modern attractions and excellent food experiences.

Must visit attractions include:

• Cataract Gorge Reserve

• City Park

• Tamar Valley

• Local wineries

• Historic buildings

Launceston also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby regions.

Tamar Valley

The Tamar Valley is one of Australia's leading wine regions and is easily explored by car.

The area offers beautiful countryside views, vineyard experiences and local produce.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Winery tours

• Scenic drives

• Local food experiences

• River views

• Small country towns

It is a great destination for couples, families and food lovers.

Bruny Island

Bruny Island offers a unique adventure for travellers looking to experience Tasmania's natural beauty.

After a short ferry ride from Kettering, visitors can explore dramatic coastlines, beaches and local food producers.

Popular attractions include:

• The Neck Lookout

• Adventure Bay

• Cape Bruny Lighthouse

• Coastal walks

• Local seafood and produce

A car makes it much easier to explore the island's many attractions.

Stanley

Located in north west Tasmania, Stanley is famous for its iconic landmark known as The Nut.

This historic coastal town offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Things to do in Stanley include:

• Climb The Nut

• Explore historic buildings

• Visit local beaches

• Enjoy fresh seafood

• Discover local history

The drive to Stanley also passes through beautiful rural landscapes.

Tips for Planning Your Tasmania Road Trip

Before setting off, consider these helpful travel tips:

Plan Your Route

Tasmania may look small on a map, but travel times can be longer than expected due to winding roads and scenic stops.

Allow Extra Time

Many travellers underestimate how often they will want to stop for photos, walks and local attractions.

Check Weather Conditions

Tasmania's weather can change quickly, especially in mountain regions.

Book Popular Attractions Early

Some locations become busy during holiday periods and peak tourist seasons.

Pack for Different Conditions

It is common to experience several weather conditions in a single day.

Final Thoughts

Tasmania offers some of the best road trip experiences in Australia. From historic towns and mountain landscapes to pristine beaches and world class national parks, there is something for every traveller.

Exploring Tasmania by car gives you the freedom to discover both popular attractions and hidden gems while travelling comfortably at your own pace. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or an extended holiday, these destinations will help you experience the very best this remarkable island has to offer.