10-Day Tasmania Return Road Trip from Sydney with Hiking and Targa Tasmania Stages

Journey from Sydney to Hobart

This is a demanding transfer day: allow roughly 14–16 hours overall from Sydney to Hobart, including the drive to Geelong, early vehicle check-in, the Spirit of Tasmania sailing to Devonport, disembarkation and the drive south. Leave Sydney as early as possible and follow the Hume Freeway toward Melbourne, then the M1 and Princes Freeway to the terminal; confirm your sailing and vehicle check-in deadline directly with Spirit of Tasmania, as cars generally need to be checked in well before departure. Once off the ship, the drive to Hobart via Latrobe, Deloraine, Campbell Town and the Midland Highway takes about 3½ hours without stops. Keep dinner timing flexible, and if arriving late, use your accommodation’s parking rather than trying to find a street space in the centre.

Evening in Hobart

After checking in, head to Salamanca Place in Battery Point for an easy first look at Hobart’s sandstone warehouses, galleries and waterfront lanes. In the evening it is atmospheric rather than busy, and 45 minutes is enough for a relaxed wander; the precinct is about a 10–15-minute walk from most central hotels, or use nearby paid car parks rather than attempting the narrow Battery Point streets. Continue along the waterfront to Mures Upper Deck for Tasmanian seafood and harbour views—allow about 1½ hours and roughly A$45–75 per person, with a reservation strongly recommended, particularly on a Saturday. After dinner, stroll around Constitution Dock for 30 minutes, taking in the fishing boats and marina lights. It is a compact, flat walk from Mures, making this a good low-effort introduction to Hobart after the long journey.

Early Morning — Ferry and The Neck

Leave Hobart around 6:30–7:00am for Kettering, allowing roughly 45 minutes via the A6 and B68. Arrive early for the Kettering–Bruny Island ferry, particularly on a Sunday, as vehicles are loaded in order and sailings can fill during busy periods. The crossing to Roberts Point takes about 20 minutes; fares are roughly A$50–80 return per vehicle, and it is sensible to check the day’s timetable and road conditions before setting out. Once on the island, drive south to The Neck Lookout—the staircase and viewpoint take around 45 minutes, with excellent early light over the channel and Adventure Bay. Keep the car locked and take food and water with you, as services become sparse farther south.

Late Morning and Lunch

Continue to Bruny Island Honey at Great Bay for about 30 minutes of tastings and local produce. It is a good place to pick up honey or small gifts, but opening hours can vary seasonally, so check before relying on it for a late breakfast. From there, drive toward Adventure Bay for the Mavista Rainforest Walk, an easy, atmospheric one-hour stroll beneath myrtle, fern and eucalyptus canopy. The track can be muddy after rain, so wear shoes with a proper grip. Afterwards, continue to Get Shucked Oyster Bar on Lower Bruny for lunch; allow around an hour and budget A$25–50 per person for oysters and seafood. Order at the counter and expect a relaxed, casual setup rather than a long restaurant meal.

Afternoon — Cape Bruny Lighthouse

After lunch, allow roughly 45–60 minutes for the drive to Cape Bruny Lighthouse, using the island’s slower gravel and sealed roads and leaving extra time for wildlife. The lighthouse visit and coastal cliffs need about 1½ hours; the guided tower tour is worthwhile when operating, though the grounds and views are still rewarding if tour times do not align. Check the final ferry timetable before committing to the southern end of the island, and start back with a generous buffer—there are few places to refuel, phone coverage is patchy, and dusk brings wallabies onto the road. Return to Roberts Point for the vehicle ferry to Kettering, then drive back to Hobart; if you arrive after dark, take the B68 slowly and watch carefully for wildlife.

Morning

After leaving Bruny Island, aim to reach Mount Field National Park by late morning. The drive via Kettering, Hobart and New Norfolk takes roughly 3–3½ hours including the ferry queue, so an early departure is essential. Stop for fuel and supplies in New Norfolk before continuing along the B62; mobile coverage becomes patchier near the park. At Russell Falls, park at the visitor centre and take the gentle, well-marked forest walk—allow about an hour for the waterfall and the surrounding wet eucalypt forest. The national-park entry fee is generally around A$45 per vehicle, or use a valid Parks and Wildlife Service pass; check current winter access conditions before setting out.

Continue within Mount Field National Park to the Tall Trees Walk, a short loop among enormous swamp gums. It is quieter and more atmospheric than the main falls track, especially in the morning mist, but the access road can be wet or icy in August. Wear waterproof shoes and bring a warm layer. After the walk, drive back toward New Norfolk for lunch at Waterfalls Cafe, a relaxed stop for sandwiches, hot meals and coffee, usually around A$20–35 per person. Check its current opening hours before relying on it, as regional cafes can close on quieter weekdays.

Afternoon and Evening

Return to Mount Field after lunch and allow about two hours for the uphill drive and a short lakeside wander at Lake Dobson. The alpine road is narrow and may be snow-covered or closed in winter; check the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania alerts locally before committing to the climb, and do not drive beyond any barrier. If access is open, the snow gums and mountain air make a rewarding contrast with the rainforest below. Finish back in New Norfolk at the Tynwald Heritage Hotel, a historic riverside dining room on Westerway Road, for dinner at roughly A$35–60 per person. Book ahead if possible, and allow extra time for the unlit rural drive back to your accommodation after dark.

Early Morning — Mount Field to Queenstown

Leave Mount Field around 7:00am for the westward drive along the Lyell Highway, allowing 4½–5 hours before stops. Fill the tank and buy snacks in New Norfolk or Hamilton, as services become sparse beyond Derwent Bridge. Check Tasmania Police road conditions and the day’s Targa Tasmania closures before departing; this route is remote, alpine and winding, with possible ice, snow or fog in late August. Keep the morning flexible rather than trying to make up time—wildlife is common near the road edges.

Midday — Lake St Clair

Break the drive at Lake St Clair, near Derwent Bridge, for about an hour. The Lake St Clair foreshore and short lakeside paths are ideal for stretching your legs, with much better views when the weather clears briefly between showers. Allow roughly 20–30 minutes to reach the lake access from the highway and dress for exposed, changeable conditions; the visitor facilities are seasonal, so carry water and food rather than relying on a café. From here, continue west on the Lyell Highway toward Queenstown, watching for roadworks and rally-related traffic.

Afternoon and Evening — Rainforest, Rally Cars and Queenstown

A worthwhile final stop is Nelson Falls, signposted from the Lyell Highway west of Derwent Bridge. The easy rainforest walk takes around 45 minutes return, with boardwalk and steps leading to a secluded waterfall—good waterproof shoes help after rain. Continue to Queenstown and park in the town centre, then make your way only to the designated Targa Tasmania spectator area, following marshals precisely and never stopping on an unofficial roadside bend; expect roughly two hours for viewing, but closures can alter access and timing. Finish at The Empire Hotel on Driffield Street, a classic timber-lined pub where dinner is generally A$30–55 per person. Book or arrive early on event nights, as the dining room fills quickly; the hearty menu and old hotel atmosphere are exactly what you want after the long mountain drive.

Morning — Queenstown to the race stages

Leave Queenstown around 8:00am after checking the day’s Targa Tasmania road closures and official spectator instructions. The drive along the Lyell Highway to Strahan normally takes about 45 minutes, but competition traffic, marshals and temporary holds can make it considerably longer. Carry water and snacks, and do not stop on bends, inside corners or anywhere without clear marshal approval.

Spend late morning at the designated Targa Tasmania West Coast stage viewing area along the Queenstown–Strahan corridor. Allow two to three hours, including the possibility of waiting for road access and the stages to run. Follow event staff exactly—spectators must remain behind barriers and within signed safe zones. Once the road reopens, continue into Strahan and allow time to park near the waterfront before the afternoon railway departure.

Afternoon — Rainforest railway

Take the West Coast Wilderness Railway from Strahan if a suitable afternoon service is operating; the longer heritage journeys generally take around four to five hours and should be booked ahead, particularly during event week. The original steam railway climbs through dense rainforest and follows the King River, with commentary and short stops that explain the logging and mining history of the west coast. Fares vary by service and class, commonly from about A$ honderd–A$200 per adult; confirm the exact timetable, return time and check-in requirement before committing, as services are not frequent.

Evening — Strahan waterfront

After returning, walk along the Strahan waterfront to the performance venue for The Ship That Never Was, Australia’s long-running comic play about convict shipbuilding. It runs for roughly 90 minutes and is a particularly good choice here because it brings the settlement’s harsh maritime history to life without requiring another drive; evening sessions and ticket prices vary, so reserve in advance. Finish at Bushman’s Bar & Café, a relaxed local option for dinner—allow about A$25–45 per person for a hearty West Coast meal. It is casual rather than fast, so arrive before the theatre crowd if you want an unhurried table.

Morning — Strahan to Cradle Mountain

Leave Strahan by about 7:00am for Cradle Mountain, following the Lyell Highway through Zeehan and Tullah, then joining the Murchison Highway. Allow 2½–3 hours, longer if there is snow, ice or roadwork. This is a remote drive, so carry breakfast, water and lunch; fuel and food options are limited once you leave the west coast. Check Tasmania Police road updates and the Parks & Wildlife Service alpine conditions before setting out, and keep an eye out for wallabies and wombats near the roadside. At the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre, allow time to park, confirm walking conditions and collect park information before taking the shuttle—private vehicles generally cannot continue to Dove Lake during visitor hours. A national-park pass is required; the shuttle ride into the park takes roughly 30 minutes.

Midday — Dove Lake

Take the shuttle to Dove Lake and tackle the Dove Lake Circuit, an approximately 2½–3-hour loop with superb views towards Cradle Mountain. The track is mostly manageable but can be wet, muddy, icy or slippery in August, particularly on boardwalks and shaded sections, so wear waterproof boots and bring warm layers, gloves and a waterproof jacket. Start with enough daylight to finish comfortably, and don’t rush the exposed sections if the weather closes in; the lake can look completely different within minutes. There are no cafés or reliable food outlets inside the park, so eat the lunch you carried and use the toilets at the visitor facilities before returning on the shuttle.

Afternoon and Evening — Rainforest and Dinner

Return towards the shuttle stops for Pencil Pine Falls and Rainforest Walk, an easy forest outing of about one hour and a good contrast to the open, wind-exposed lakeside track. Boardwalks may be frosty or slick, so take it slowly and check the final shuttle times before starting; services are less forgiving late in the afternoon, especially outside summer. Afterward, drive the short distance to Cradle Mountain Village and settle in at Altitude Restaurant + Lounge Bar for dinner, budgeting around A$40–70 per person. Booking is sensible in winter, and it is worth confirming the kitchen’s current closing time before leaving the park—many local venues finish service earlier than city restaurants. Expect a relaxed meal close to the accommodation area rather than a late-night scene; tomorrow’s drive will be much easier if you are on the road early.

Morning

Leave Cradle Mountain around 7:30–8:00am for Launceston, allowing about 2½ hours via Sheffield and Deloraine, plus a little extra for winter conditions. Top up fuel before leaving the mountain area, as prices and opening hours are less predictable en route. Aim to reach Cataract Gorge Reserve by late morning; the First Basin car park is the easiest base, though it can fill on weekends. Spend roughly two hours walking the riverside paths and crossing the historic suspension bridge—keep an eye out for wallabies in the quieter bush sections. The gorge is free, with the main paths generally accessible from early morning until dusk.

Lunch and Afternoon

Drive about 10 minutes into Invermay for lunch at Stillwater, a polished riverside restaurant beside the North Esk River. Allow around 1½ hours and budget approximately A$35–65 per person; booking ahead is sensible, particularly on a Friday or Saturday. Afterwards, stay in Invermay for the Queen Victoria Museum at Invermay, one of Launceston’s best rainy-day stops. Its natural-history, transport and Tasmanian-heritage displays are broad enough for an unhurried two-hour visit; check the museum’s current opening hours before setting out, as galleries typically close in the late afternoon. Parking is usually straightforward around the museum precinct.

Evening

Head into central Launceston—roughly a 10-minute drive from Invermay, or around 20 minutes on foot if you prefer to stretch your legs—for a guided tasting at James Boag Brewery. Allow about 1½ hours for the brewing-history tour and samples, with advance reservations recommended. It is a good place to finish the day, but designate a driver: Tasmania’s rural roads are dark and winding, and you may still be driving on to St Helens tomorrow. For dinner, remain around the Civic Square and Wellington Street area rather than adding another long cross-town trip.

Early Morning — Launceston to the northeast

Leave Launceston around 6:30–7:00am and follow the Bridestowe Road through Scottsdale, then continue via Derby and the Tasman Highway toward St Helens. Allow 3½–4 hours including fuel, winter-road conditions and photo stops; services thin out once you leave the larger towns, so top up before departing. The route is especially scenic in the morning, with open farmland and forested hills, but watch for wildlife and black ice in shaded sections.

Late Morning and Lunch — Little Blue Lake and Pyengana Dairy Company

Make a short roadside stop at Little Blue Lake near South Mount Cameron—about 20 minutes is enough for the vivid mineral-coloured water and photographs. Stay behind barriers and do not swim; the colour comes from mining-related minerals, not a natural swimming environment. Continue to Pyengana Dairy Company, where the farmhouse café is an excellent place for lunch and a tasting plate of local cheeses. Allow about an hour and budget A$20–40 per person; check current opening hours before leaving, as winter trading can be reduced.

Afternoon — St Columba Falls

From Pyengana Dairy Company, drive roughly 15 minutes through quiet rural lanes to the St Columba Falls reserve. The rainforest walk to the lookout takes around 20–30 minutes each way, with damp, uneven ground and steps—good shoes are worthwhile. Allow about an hour overall, and bring a waterproof layer: the falls are often at their most impressive after rain, but the track can be slippery.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Rally viewing and seafood in St Helens

Return toward St Helens for the Targa Tasmania northeastern stage viewing area, arriving only at the official spectator point shown in the event’s current road-closure and spectator information. Expect delays as stages open and close, and never stop on a live road or cross barriers; marshals’ instructions take priority. After the stage, head into town for fresh East Coast seafood at Skippers Fish Shop—allow roughly A$20–35 per person and arrive before closing, as popular evening items can sell out. Book accommodation with parking if possible, since event traffic and temporary closures can make a short drive around St Helens take longer than expected.

Morning

Leave St Helens around 7:00am for Coles Bay, following the coast through Scamander and Bicheno. Allow about 2½ hours, adding time for winter conditions and a coffee stop. Bicheno is the sensible place to refuel and buy water or snacks before turning inland toward Freycinet National Park; mobile coverage and shop hours become less reliable once you are near the park. Arrive late morning, pay the national-park entry fee—around A$45 per vehicle unless your pass is already covered—and allow extra time to find a space at the Wineglass Bay car park.

Walk first to Wineglass Bay Lookout, a steady uphill return of about 1½ hours. The view opens suddenly over the curved white beach and blue water, and it is worth taking a few quiet minutes beyond the main platform if the track is busy. If the weather is clear and you have enough energy, continue down to Wineglass Bay Beach; the return walk is roughly 2 hours and includes a demanding climb back to the saddle. Carry lunch, water and a warm layer—weather on the peninsula can change quickly, and there are no cafés at the lookout or beach.

Afternoon and evening

Drive back toward Coles Bay for a late lunch at Freycinet Marine Farm, where oysters, mussels and other local seafood are served simply and best enjoyed outdoors when the wind allows. Budget about A$30–60 per person and check the day’s opening hours before setting out, as winter service can be seasonal. After lunch, return into Freycinet National Park for the easy Cape Tourville Lighthouse Walk, a roughly 45-minute coastal loop with broad views toward the Hazards and occasional seals or seabirds below. It is a good low-effort finish after Wineglass Bay; arrive before sunset and remember that park gates and facilities are limited after dark.

For dinner, settle into Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar in Coles Bay, a relaxed local option with Tasmanian produce and a budget of about A$30–55 per person. Book ahead if possible, particularly on a Saturday, and allow a little time to wander the quiet foreshore before eating. Refuel in Coles Bay if the station is open, otherwise plan to top up early tomorrow in Swansea or Bicheno; avoid relying on late-night services in this small coastal settlement.

Early Morning — Coles Bay to Hobart

Leave Coles Bay around 6:30–7:00am, following the Tasman Highway via Swansea. Allow 2½–3 hours, with winter darkness, wildlife and possible wet roads in mind. Refuel around Swansea, Orford or on Hobart’s eastern outskirts before reaching the city. For the Farm Gate Market, aim for the Bathurst Street area soon after opening; it is held on Sunday mornings, generally from around 8:30am to 1:00pm, but check the 2026 schedule before travelling. Spend about an hour browsing local bread, cheese, fruit and ready-to-eat breakfast supplies—ideal provisions for the long trip ahead.

Late Morning — Hobart culture

From the market, walk or drive roughly 10 minutes to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery on Macquarie Street. Allow about 1½ hours for its Aboriginal, colonial, natural-history and Antarctic displays. Entry is generally free, although donations and charges for special exhibitions are common; allow time for bag checks and check the opening hours before setting out, as Sunday hours can vary. Street parking in central Hobart is limited, so leaving the car in one paid CBD car park and walking between the morning stops is easier than moving it.

Lunch and the long journey home

Walk about 15 minutes south-west toward Salamanca for lunch at Machine Laundry Cafe on Hunter Street, a relaxed, practical stop for a meal and coffee before departure. Expect roughly A$20–35 per person; allow an hour, and check its Sunday opening hours because service can finish earlier than on weekdays. After lunch, collect the car and begin the long return: drive north through Launceston toward Devonport, then continue to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal at Geelong for the sailing to the mainland and onward drive to Sydney. Allow approximately 14–16 hours overall, and arrive at vehicle check-in well ahead of the booked sailing—ideally several hours early. Keep fuel, water and snacks in the car, and confirm the sailing time and terminal instructions on the day, as missing vehicle check-in is far more costly than an early wait.