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7-Day Road Trip Hobart to Launceston: Complete East Coast & Bay of Fires Highlights

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Day 1: Hobart highlights

Hobart, Australia on August 18, 2025

1:00pm

Salamanca Place & Wharf walk

Historic sandstone warehouses, art galleries and cafes make Salamanca Place a great introduction to Hobart; it's an easy stroll to get orientation and waterfront views. Check shops and galleries (many open weekdays 10:00–17:00).
AUD0, 1h0m

2:15pm

Battery Point heritage walk

Charming colonial streets and cottages—walk through Arthur Circus and onto Kelly's Steps to see early Hobart settlement architecture. Public area; typically always accessible although some private gardens close early evening.
AUD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

A provocative private museum reached by a 25–30 minute ferry from Brooke Street Pier; fascinating modern and contemporary collections and architecture—book tickets and ferry times in advance as closing times are usually around 17:00.
AUD35, 1h30m

5:30pm

Kunanyi / Mount Wellington lookout drive

Short scenic drive to sweeping views over Hobart and the River Derwent – the summit area is open at all times but visitor services are limited after dusk; ideal for sunset photo opportunities. Dress warm; weather changes quickly.
AUD0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Mures or waterfront seafood

One of Hobart's best seafood restaurants on the waterfront; excellent Tasmanian seafood and an iconic local dining experience—check kitchen hours (generally open evenings from 17:30).
AUD60, 1h30m

Day 2: Tasman Peninsula

Port Arthur / Tasman Peninsula, Australia on August 19, 2025

7:30am

Drive Hobart → Port Arthur

Scenic 1½–2 hour drive along the Tasman Peninsula; leaves you with a full afternoon to explore the convict site and dramatic coastal features. Check road conditions and fuelling points en route.
AUD0, 1h45m

9:30am

Port Arthur Historic Site

Extensive convict-era ruins and guided tours explaining Tasmania's penal history—site typically open 09:00–17:00; allow 2–3 hours for the site and harbour cruise. Book tickets in advance to secure entry.
AUD45, 3h0m

12:45pm

Lunch at Port Arthur cafe

Simple cafe options near the Historic Site make a convenient midday stop—relax and sample local produce before more sightseeing. Cafes usually open by 09:00 and close mid-afternoon.
AUD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen & Remarkable Cave

Short drives and coastal walks to dramatic sea-carved rock formations; excellent photo stops and only short walks from car parks—sites open all day, but avoid cliff edges in strong winds.
AUD0, 2h0m

5:15pm

Eaglehawk Neck & Tessellated Pavement

Historic narrow isthmus with unusual coastal geology; a quick stop to see the blowhole and tessellated pavement at low tide is recommended—check tide times for best viewing.
AUD0, 45m

8:30pm

Overnight in Triabunna / Orford

Drive up the eastern side to Triabunna/Orford for an easier start for tomorrow's Maria Island ferry; evening restaurants open until around 20:00–21:00 in peak season so check ahead.
AUD0, overnight

Day 3: Maria Island & Freycinet

Triabunna → Maria Island → Coles Bay (Freycinet), Australia on August 20, 2025

8:30am

Maria Island ferry (Triabunna)

Ferry crossing takes ~30 minutes—book the morning sail to maximise your day on Maria Island (ferry timetables vary seasonally; arrive early to board).
AUD45, 30m

9:00am

Maria Island day exploration (Darlington)

Walk or hire a bike to see convict-era Darlington, Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs and abundant wildlife such as wombats and kangaroos—allow 4–5 hours for the island circuit; park/beach areas are open daily but there are no shops once ashore.
AUD0, 5h0m

3:00pm

Return ferry to Triabunna & drive to Coles Bay

Ferry back in the afternoon, then a scenic 1¾–2 hour drive to Coles Bay at the gateway to Freycinet National Park; arrive late afternoon to settle into Coles Bay accommodation.
AUD0, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner in Coles Bay

Local eateries specialise in seafood and Tasmanian produce—book ahead in peak periods; many restaurants open evenings from about 18:00.
AUD45, 1h30m

Day 4: Freycinet National Park

Freycinet / Coles Bay, Australia on August 21, 2025

6:30am

Wineglass Bay lookout hike

Early start for the 1–1.5 hour climb to the famous lookout, with optional descent to Wineglass Bay beach (allow 3–4 hours return for lookout + beach). The park is open 24/7 but facilities operate in daylight—start early to avoid crowds.
AUD0, 3h30m

11:00am

Freycinet Scenic Cruise or kayaking

Choose a two-hour boat cruise or guided kayak to see sea caves and remote beaches from the water—operators generally run mid-morning and early afternoon; book in advance in high season.
AUD120, 2h0m

1:15pm

Lunch in Coles Bay

Relaxed lunch featuring local seafood and Tasmanian wines—cafes typically open from 09:00 and serve through afternoon.
AUD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Cape Tourville Lighthouse walk & Hazards Beach

Short accessible boardwalk to Cape Tourville lighthouse and a gentle coastal walk to view the Hazards mountain range; a calm late-afternoon activity for photos and wildlife spotting.
AUD0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner & overnight Coles Bay

Enjoy local produce at a Coles Bay restaurant—perfect night to sample regional Pinot Noir or a Tasmanian craft beer.
AUD50, 1h30m

Day 5: East Coast & Bay of Fires

Coles Bay → Bicheno → St Helens → Bay of Fires, Australia on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Drive Coles Bay → Bicheno

Short coastal drive to Bicheno; Bicheno is known for its blowhole and coastal wildlife. Arrive mid-morning for the best light at the blowhole.
AUD0, 1h0m

9:15am

Bicheno Blowhole & coastal walk

A quick stop to see the blowhole and coastal rock pools, then stroll along the foreshore to spot seabirds and possibly seals. Sites are open all day; best at higher swell conditions.
AUD0, 1h0m

11:30am

Drive Bicheno → St Helens; lunch en route

Continue north to St Helens, the gateway to the Bay of Fires, with lunch options in St Helens township—aim to arrive early afternoon for beach time.
AUD0, 1h45m

2:30pm

Bay of Fires (Binalong Bay) exploration

World-famous orange-lichen granite rocks and white sandy coves—explore the shoreline, walk short beach sections and take photographs; the area is open at all times but facilities are limited.
AUD0, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner & overnight in St Helens / Binalong Bay

Seafood and local-catch restaurants in St Helens stay open in the evening—book ahead in peak periods and use this town as a comfortable base for Bay of Fires visits.
AUD45, 1h30m

Day 6: Bridestowe & inland

Bay of Fires → Bridestowe Lavender → Scottsdale → Launceston, Australia on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Morning Bay of Fires beach walk

A last early-morning stroll on the orange-rock beaches for sunrise colours and a calm start before driving inland; beaches are open 24/7 but parking and facilities vary by site.
AUD0, 1h30m

10:30am

Drive to Bridestowe Lavender Farm (Nabowla) / visit

Approximately 1½–2 hour drive inland—Bridestowe is famous for its lavender fields (peak bloom Dec–Jan) but is an attractive farm year-round with a farm shop and café; check seasonal opening hours (usually 09:00–16:30).
AUD12, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Scottsdale

Scottsdale is a regional service town with cafés and country fare—good place to refuel on the way to Launceston.
AUD25, 1h0m

3:15pm

Drive Scottsdale → Launceston (via Derby if time)

Scenic inland drive into Launceston; if you prefer, detour to Derby to see historic mining relics and mountain-bike trails before heading to Launceston—arrive in the evening and check into accommodation.
AUD0, 1h45m

7:00pm

Dinner in Launceston (east city)

Sample local cuisine in Launceston's dining precincts—options range from modern Australian to steak and tapas; many restaurants open evenings from 17:30.
AUD55, 1h30m

Day 7: Launceston finale

Launceston, Australia on August 24, 2025

9:00am

Cataract Gorge Reserve

Short walks, the chairlift (operates approximately 09:00–17:00), suspension bridge and scenic spots; ideal for a morning stroll and panoramic views just minutes from the city centre. Check chairlift opening times before visiting.
AUD10, 2h0m

11:15am

Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG) - Inveresk

Two-site museum with local history, colonial artefacts and art—open generally 10:00–17:00; a compact visit of 1–1.5 hours covers highlights well.
AUD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Black Cow Bistro or Launceston diner

Enjoy premium Tasmanian beef or a lighter urban lunch in Launceston's foodie precinct—many places open 12:00–15:00 for lunch service; booking recommended for The Black Cow.
AUD45, 1h0m

2:15pm

Tamar River waterfront stroll / City Park

Easy late-afternoon walk along the Tamar/Inveresk precinct or relax in City Park to view the conservatory and historic features—perfect wind-down before trip end. City attractions are generally open daylight hours.
AUD0, 1h45m

4:00pm

Itinerary ends in Launceston

Finish your week-long Hobart → Launceston road trip by 16:00 in Launceston city centre; from here you can continue exploring Tamar Valley wineries or depart from Launceston Airport. Plan onward travel or return car rental drop-off accordingly.
AUD0, 0h0m
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Plan Your Organise a week itinerary from Hobart to Launceston by road. Try to cover as many places as possible and all tourist spots. Day 1 starts at 1pm and Day 7 ends at 4pm. Trip