Morning: Arrive at Hobart Airport, collect your rental car and enjoy a quick coffee in the city centre before setting off. The drive north offers rolling countryside and a glimpse of Tasmania’s heritage.
Afternoon: Follow the Midland Highway, stopping at the historic town of Oatlands to stroll among its well‑preserved sandstone buildings and the famous penitentiary.
Evening: Check into your Launceston hotel and unwind with a dinner at Stillwater, renowned for its fine Tasmanian cuisine and river‑front views.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the spectacular Cataract Gorge – take the chairlift, walk the scenic trails and perhaps dip into the river pool.
Afternoon: Drive along the Tamar River to the Tamar Valley wine region, visiting two boutique wineries for tastings and a light lunch.
Evening: Return to Launceston’s waterfront and dine at Hallam’s Waterfront, where fresh seafood meets a vibrant harbour atmosphere.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Launceston and make a quirky stop in Sheffield, the “Town of Murals,” to photograph the giant outdoor artworks.
Afternoon: Arrive at Cradle Mountain, check into your lodge, and embark on the iconic Dove Lake walk, soaking in alpine reflections.
Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, followed by stargazing in the crisp high‑country air.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike to Marion’s Lookout for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Waldheim visitor centre for wildlife spotting and learn about the park’s conservation efforts.
Evening: Relax back at the lodge, perhaps indulging in a spa treatment or a leisurely walk around the lodge grounds.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early, taking a short detour to the serene Lake St Clair for a brisk lakeside walk.
Afternoon: Continue to the coastal town of Strahan and board a Gordon River Cruise, drifting past ancient rainforests and historic convict sites.
Evening: Dine at the charming Strahan Village restaurant, savoring fresh West Coast seafood as the sun sets over the harbor.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Queenstown, once a bustling mining town, and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Mount Lyell Mine heritage site.
Afternoon: Return to Strahan and wander along the scenic Henty River trail, spotting eucalypt forests and coastal birdlife.
Evening: Relax on Ocean Beach at sunset, then enjoy a casual dinner at a local pub back in Strahan.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin the drive back east, crossing the spectacular highland scenery and stopping again at Lake St Clair for a short walk.
Afternoon: Arrive in Hobart, check into your accommodation, and explore the vibrant Salamanca Market (if open) or stroll the historic waterfront.
Evening: Celebrate the end of your adventure with a dinner at Mures, a historic eatery known for its classic Tasmanian fare.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the world‑renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), taking the ferry across the River Derwent for an eclectic art experience.
Afternoon: Wander through the charming streets of Battery Point and explore the exhibits at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
Evening: Return your rental car and head to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of Tasmania’s rugged beauty.
Find HotelsFor a more relaxed pace, add an extra night in the Cradle Mountain area to explore additional hikes such as the Overland Track sections, or stay an additional night in Hobart to fully enjoy MONA and the surrounding bays. If you need to shorten the trip, consider skipping the Queenstown stop and heading straight from Strahan to Hobart, which saves about a day while still covering the island’s highlights.