7‑Day Tasmania Road Trip: Hobart to Launceston via Bruny Island, Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet and Cradle Mountain

Viewed by 235 travelers

Day 1: Discover Hobart

Hobart, Australia on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Jackman & McRoss (Battery Point)

Classic Hobart bakery and café in historic Battery Point; great pastries and cooked breakfasts to fuel a walking morning. Check opening times as many cafes open from around 7:30–8:30am.
AUD25, 1h0m.

9:30am

Battery Point & Salamanca Place walk

Scenic stroll through colonial streets and Salamanca Place's historic warehouses, helpful to get a feel for Hobart's waterfront and architecture; outdoor and open daily (shops open variable hours).
AUD0, 1h0m.

11:00am

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

World‑class contemporary collection with striking architecture; take the Moorilla/overnight interpretive ferry or drive — MONA is typically open 10:00–17:00 but check the website for seasonal hours.
AUD30, 2h30m.

2:00pm

Lunch — The Drunken Admiral

Casual seafood‑focused lunch on Hobart’s waterfront; open for lunch most days, great for local seafood and friendly atmosphere.
AUD35, 1h0m.

4:00pm

Mount Wellington (kunanyi) drive/lookout

Short drive to the summit lookout for panoramic views over Hobart and the Derwent; summit access is weather‑dependent — check road and weather conditions, summit area is generally accessible daylight hours.
AUD0, 1h30m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Franklin Restaurant (Hobart CBD)

Modern Tasmanian cuisine focused on local produce; book ahead for dinner (service typically from early evening).
AUD70, 1h30m.

Day 2: Bruny Island day

Bruny Island (day trip from Hobart), Australia on November 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & depart for Kettering

Early coffee and light breakfast in Hobart before the 30–40 minute drive to Kettering for the Bruny Island ferry; plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before ferry times.
AUD20, 45m.

8:30am

Ferry to Bruny Island

Vehicle ferry between Kettering and Bruny Island; ferries run frequently during the day but check the timetable and book if travelling with a vehicle.
AUD50, 30m.

9:15am

Pennicott Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise (optional)

Coastal wildlife cruise to see sea cliffs, seabirds and marine life—departures usually in the morning and early afternoon; book in advance, tours often run 8:30–15:30 depending on season.
AUD140, 3h0m.

1:00pm

Lunch — Bruny Island Get Shucked / Bruny Island Cheese

Freshly shucked oysters and local produce — a signature Bruny food experience. Many food stops are open from late morning to mid‑afternoon (check seasonal hours).
AUD35, 1h0m.

2:30pm

South Bruny National Park highlights: Cape Bruny Lighthouse & The Neck

Short walks, superb coastal views and the iconic Neck lookout; most walking areas are open daylight hours (lighthouse may have specific tour times).
AUD0, 2h0m.

5:30pm

Return ferry to Kettering and drive to Hobart

Catch an evening ferry back to the mainland and return to Hobart for the night; ferries run into the evening though times vary seasonally.
AUD50, 1h0m.

7:30pm

Dinner — Peppina or local Hobart trattoria

Hand‑stretched pizzas and Italian fare close to Salamanca — popular for relaxed dinners, usually open evenings from 5:00–9:00pm.
AUD40, 1h0m.

Day 3: Tasman Peninsula

Port Arthur / Tasman Peninsula, Australia on November 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Hobart and depart for Tasman Peninsula

Fuel up with breakfast and prepare for a roughly 1h15–1h30 drive to the Tasman Peninsula (Port Arthur is about 1.5 hours from Hobart).
AUD20, 1h0m.

9:30am

Port Arthur Historic Site

World Heritage convict site with guided tours and extensive ruins; site open around 9:00–17:00 (confirm seasonal hours) and tickets are recommended in advance.
AUD45, 2h30m.

12:30pm

Lunch — Port Arthur Café or picnic

Simple café fare at the site or bring a picnic to enjoy in designated areas; cafes generally open late morning to mid afternoon.
AUD20, 45m.

2:00pm

Scenic stops: Remarkable Cave, Tasman Arch & Devil’s Kitchen

Short coastal walks and dramatic sea cliffs on the Tasman Peninsula — excellent photo stops and short walks accessible during daylight hours, free to visit.
AUD0, 1h30m.

4:30pm

Optional Tasmanian Devil Unzoo or wildlife viewing

Small conservation‑focused wildlife parks in the area open mid‑morning to late afternoon; check individual opening times (commonly 10:00–17:00) if you want guided encounters.
AUD30, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Fox and Hounds (Eaglehawk Neck)

Comfortable pub dinner near Eaglehawk Neck; a good stop if staying overnight locally, usually open evenings for dinner.
AUD40, 1h0m.

Day 4: Freycinet / Wineglass Bay

Coles Bay / Freycinet National Park, Australia on November 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast & depart for Freycinet (Coles Bay)

Early start for the ~3 hour drive from Tasman Peninsula area to Freycinet National Park; stop in Swansea or Richmond en route for coffee if needed.
AUD20, 3h0m.

11:30am

Wineglass Bay Lookout hike

Iconic 1–1.5 hour walk to the lookout with spectacular views over Wineglass Bay; the track is open during daylight (allow 1.5–2.5 hours return depending on pace).
AUD0, 1h30m.

1:30pm

Lunch — Freycinet Marine Farm

Fresh local oysters and seafood by the water; the café and oyster shed typically open late morning through mid‑afternoon.
AUD35, 1h0m.

3:00pm

Optional Wineglass Bay cruise or Coles Bay beach time

Half‑day cruises run from mid‑morning to mid‑afternoon offering alternate perspectives of the bay, or enjoy the beaches and short coastal walks which are accessible in daylight hours.
AUD80, 2h0m.

6:00pm

Dinner — The Bay Restaurant (Coles Bay) or local seafood

Evening dining focusing on seafood and local Tasmanian produce; most restaurants open evenings from around 6:00pm—book ahead in peak season.
AUD55, 1h30m.

Day 5: Drive to Launceston

Launceston, Australia on November 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and depart Coles Bay for Launceston

Relaxed breakfast then a scenic ~2.5–3 hour drive to Launceston; consider a short stop in Swansea or St Marys en route for views and coffee.
AUD20, 3h0m.

12:00pm

Lunch in Launceston — Stillwater or Harvest Market (if open)

Stillwater is a riverside restaurant offering modern Tasmanian dishes; the Launceston Harvest Market (Saturdays) is excellent for local produce—confirm market day/time.
AUD40, 1h0m.

2:00pm

Cataract Gorge Reserve

Short hikes, the chairlift and riverside walks close to the city centre; the chairlift typically runs 9:00–5:00 (seasonal) — the reserve is open year‑round during daylight.
AUD14, 1h30m.

4:00pm

Explore Launceston CBD & local galleries

Stroll the historic streets, visit Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (check opening hours, generally 10:00–5:00) for local history and art.
AUD0, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Stillwater or Black Cow Bistro

Choose riverfront fine dining (Stillwater) or the steak‑focused Black Cow Bistro — both need reservations for dinner service which typically starts around 6:00–7:00pm.
AUD70, 1h30m.

Day 6: Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain‑Lake St Clair National Park, Australia on November 8, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and drive Launceston → Cradle Mountain

Set off early for the ~2–2.5 hour drive to Cradle Mountain to maximise time in the national park; pack warm layers as mountain weather can change quickly.
AUD20, 2h30m.

10:00am

Visitor Centre orientation & short walks

Start at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre for maps and advice, then explore short nearby walks like Enchanted Walk (easy, 20–30 min) to acclimatise; the centre is generally open 8:00–17:00.
AUD0, 1h0m.

11:30am

Dove Lake Circuit

The classic Cradle Mountain walk around Dove Lake with superb views of the mountain—allow 2–3 hours for the full circuit depending on stops; trails are open daylight hours and can be wet/icy in places.
AUD40, 2h30m.

3:00pm

Wildlife spotting & short hikes

Late afternoon is good for wombat and kangaroo sightings near park roads and trails; short walks like the Waldheim Alpine Track offer varied scenery and history.
AUD0, 1h30m.

6:30pm

Dinner — Cradle Mountain Lodge restaurant

Dine at your lodge or hotel for convenience and a warm meal after a day of walking—most lodges offer evening service but check reservation policy.
AUD60, 1h0m.

Day 7: Final Cradle walk & finish Launceston

Cradle Mountain → Launceston, Australia on November 9, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise short walk or wildlife viewing

Early morning walk near your accommodation or a short walk to a viewpoint for sunrise — dawn is excellent for crisp light and wildlife activity; always check tracks are open and park conditions.
AUD0, 1h0m.

8:00am

Breakfast & check out

Hearty breakfast at the lodge before the drive back to Launceston; allow time to pack and refuel for the ~2 hour journey.
AUD25, 1h0m.

10:30am

Drive back to Launceston

Scenic drive returning to Launceston (approx 2–2.5 hours); plan for comfort stops and a relaxed arrival into the city by early afternoon.
AUD0, 2h30m.

1:00pm

Lunch & Tamar Valley winery stop

Light lunch in Launceston followed by a short drive into the Tamar Valley for cellar door visits and a tasting—many cellar doors open 10:00–17:00 but check individual venues and tasting fees.
AUD20, 2h0m.

4:30pm

Finish — Launceston CBD & departure

Return to the city for any final sightseeing, shopping or onward travel; Cataract Gorge is lovely for a final stroll if time permits (reserve chairlift earlier if desired).
AUD0, 1h0m.

7:00pm

Dinner — Launceston farewell meal

Finish with a relaxed dinner in Launceston—choose from riverside dining or a cosy bistro in the CBD to celebrate the trip.
AUD50, 1h30m.
0