Start with a relaxed lunch at Salamanca Square cafés or one of the waterfront eateries on Brooke Street Pier — many open from 08:00 to mid-afternoon and offer local produce and pastries.
Explore the historic sandstone warehouses, galleries and boutique shops along Salamanca Place — galleries are typically open 10:00–17:00 on weekdays and this walk gives a great city introduction.
A short heritage walk around Arthur Circus and Kelly's Steps to view colonial architecture and harbour outlooks; accessible at all times and ideal in mid-afternoon light.
Catch the Mona Roma ferry (25–30 minutes) from Brooke Street Pier to MONA to see contemporary and provocative exhibits — MONA is generally open 10:00–17:00 so afternoon visits require pre-booking tickets and ferry times.
Drive up to the Pinnacle for sunset views over Hobart and the River Derwent; summit access is open 24/7 but visitor facilities close after dusk, so allow 45–60 minutes and bring warm layers.
Finish your first night with seafood or modern Tasmanian cuisine on the waterfront — most restaurants open for dinner from around 17:30–21:30 and reservations are recommended.
Explore the convict-era ruins, guided onsite tours and harbour cruise — the site typically opens 09:00–17:00; allow 2–3 hours to see the key highlights and join the harbour boat if available.
Convenient lunch at the site café or nearby eatery — kitchens on-site usually operate until mid-afternoon, so arrive before about 15:30 for sit-down service.
Short drives and boardwalks to dramatic sea-carved formations — accessible all day but watch weather and cliff safety; each stop needs 20–40 minutes for photos and short walks.
Visit the historic isthmus and tessellated pavement formations — best seen at lower tide for clearer patterns; check tide times for optimal photography.
Dinner at a local restaurant or your accommodation — many places serve until 20:00–21:00; a relaxed evening prepares you for an early ferry to Maria Island tomorrow.
Board the ferry to Maria Island (crossing ~30 minutes) — book the morning sailing in advance as timetables vary seasonally and arrivals maximise time on the island.
Explore convict-era Darlington, Painted Cliffs, fossil cliffs and abundant wildlife (wombats, wallabies and sea birds) by foot or hire bike — allow 4–5 hours; no shops on the island so bring water and snacks.
Afternoon ferry back then a scenic 1.75–2 hour drive north to Coles Bay (gateway to Freycinet National Park) — arrive late afternoon and relax by the coast.
Enjoy fresh Tasmanian seafood or local produce at a Coles Bay restaurant — many open evenings from around 18:00; check opening times and book if possible.
Hike to the famous Wineglass Bay lookout (about 1–1.5 hours up) and, if energetic, descend to the beach for the full circuit — start early to avoid crowds and stronger midday winds; park and trails accessible 24/7.
Take a 2-hour boat cruise or guided kayak to see sea caves, secluded beaches and marine wildlife — operators run mid-morning and early afternoon; pre-booking is recommended in peak times.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a harbour-side café focusing on local seafood and produce — most daytime cafés are open 09:00–15:00 and lodge restaurants serve from midday.
A short, accessible boardwalk to the lighthouse with expansive coastal views; Hazards Beach offers a gentle shoreline stroll and birdwatching opportunities.
Short visits to the blowhole, rock pools and birdlife, plus a pleasant foreshore stroll; the blowhole is best seen with some swell and is accessible all day.
Walk the white-sand beaches and photograph the famous orange-lichen granite outcrops — beach access and short walks are available year-round though facilities are limited; allow time for multiple viewpoints along the coast.
Have an early breakfast before the longer inland drive to Cradle Mountain — cafes open times vary but aim to depart by 07:00–07:30 for the best use of daylight.
Approximately a 1.5–2 hour drive inland to Bridestowe; while lavender peaks in Dec–Jan, the farm shop and café are pleasant year-round (check opening 09:00–16:30 typically).
Drive inland to the Cradle Mountain area (approx. 2–2.5 hours) through scenic Tasmanian countryside — aim to arrive mid-afternoon to make the most of short walks before dusk.
Visit the visitor centre to get maps and current track conditions, then do the short, gentle Enchanted Walk (30–45 minutes) to stretch legs — the centre is usually open from 08:00–17:00.
If daylight allows, take the Dove Lake short circuit for lakeside views or attempt Marion's Lookout (longer) — Dove Lake walking options are accessible year-round; adjust to weather and daylight conditions.
Dine at your accommodation (Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge or similar) or the on-site bistro — dining service typically starts around 18:00; book ahead where possible.
Early cooked breakfast at your lodge or café to prepare for the Dove Lake Circuit or another full morning walk — most accommodation offers breakfast from 07:00; pack water and warm clothing.
The iconic Dove Lake Circuit (easy–moderate, 2–3 hours) offers the classic Cradle Mountain vista and is best done early to avoid crowds and changing weather; tracks are open 24/7 but conditions can be icy off-season, so wear sturdy footwear.
Arrive in Launceston for a relaxed lunch—options include The Black Cow Bistro for premium Tasmanian beef or a riverside café; many lunch services run 12:00–14:30 in the city centre.
Short drive to Cataract Gorge for the suspension bridge, chairlift (seasonal hours typically 09:00–16:30) and riverside walks — allow 60–75 minutes to see the highlights near the city centre.
Conclude your Hobart → Launceston road trip at 16:00 in Launceston city centre; prepare for car rental return or onward travel to the airport or Tamar Valley wineries from this point.