Leave Adelaide around 7:00am for the straightforward five-and-a-half-hour drive east via the South Eastern Freeway, Murray Bridge, Keith and the Western Highway. Allow closer to six-and-a-half hours once you include fuel, coffee and a proper rest break; Bordertown is a useful midpoint for stretching your legs and refuelling. Keep an eye on roadside fatigue signs and wildlife as you approach Horsham, particularly if the journey runs later than planned. Arriving before dusk is worthwhile, both for easier hotel check-in and safer driving around the outskirts.
After checking in and having a short break, head into central Horsham for the Horsham Regional Art Gallery. Set aside about an hour for its rotating Australian and regional exhibitions; opening hours and admission arrangements can vary, so check the gallery’s current listing before setting out. It is an easy town-centre stop, with nearby street parking generally more practical than moving the car repeatedly.
From the gallery, walk or drive a few minutes to the Horsham Botanic Gardens, where a gentle 45-minute stroll beside the Wimmera River makes a good reset after the long drive. Follow the paths through the landscaped gardens rather than trying to cover every corner—the appeal here is the quiet riverside atmosphere and broad lawns, especially in the late afternoon. In hot weather, carry water and avoid leaving valuables visible in the car.
Have dinner at Horsham Town Hall Kitchen, budgeting approximately A$30–45 per person for a main meal. It is conveniently placed in the centre, so you can leave the car parked and make an easy evening of it. Because regional venues can operate reduced hours or close for private functions, check the dinner service and reserve ahead if your arrival is during a busy holiday period. Afterward, keep the evening relaxed: tomorrow’s drive to Geelong is another substantial leg, and an early start will leave useful time for the waterfront before ferry check-in.
Leave Horsham around 7:00am and follow the Western Highway via Ballarat toward Geelong. The drive is roughly 4½ hours without a long stop, so allow closer to five hours for fuel, coffee and holiday traffic. A practical break is at Ballarat, where you can stretch your legs and refuel before continuing; budget approximately A$60–90 for fuel. Keep your ferry booking and vehicle details readily available, as the Spirit of Tasmania terminal at Corio Quay requires vehicle check-in before the sailing deadline.
After arriving in Geelong, make your first stop at Eastern Beach Reserve, a relaxed waterfront area well suited to a short break after the drive. Allow about an hour to stroll the promenade, enjoy the bay views and, if conditions and time permit, take a quick swim. The historic Geelong Waterfront Carousel is beside the promenade and makes an easy 30-minute visit; check its operating status on the day, as hours can vary during holiday periods. Paid parking is available around the waterfront, though allow a little extra time to find a space on New Year’s Eve.
Drive or take a short taxi/rideshare trip—roughly 10 minutes depending on traffic—to Pakington Street in Newtown for lunch and coffee. This leafy shopping strip has independent cafés, bakeries and small shops, with about 1½ hours enough for an unhurried meal. Allow approximately A$20–35 per person, and avoid lingering too long: New Year’s Eve traffic and terminal queues can make the trip to Corio Quay slower than expected.
Leave Pakington Street with a generous buffer and drive to the Spirit of Tasmania Geelong terminal at Corio Quay. Follow the signs for vehicle check-in, keeping passports or identification, booking confirmation and vehicle paperwork accessible. Arrive well before the required check-in cut-off—ideally at least two hours before sailing—because holiday sailings can involve queues. Once aboard, settle into your cabin, have dinner on the ship and keep the evening simple; the overnight crossing to Tasmania is much more comfortable when you are ready for bed soon after departure.
Once the Spirit of Tasmania has docked at Devonport, allow 45–60 minutes to disembark, collect the vehicle and clear the terminal. Head first to Mersey Bluff Lighthouse, where the short coastal walk follows the clifftop around Mersey Bluff and gives you a proper first look at Bass Strait. Allow about 45 minutes; it can be breezy, so keep a jacket handy and take care near the cliff edges.
Continue into central Devonport for the Bass Strait Maritime Centre, a compact museum that puts the town’s ferry and seafaring history into context. An hour is enough for the displays, though opening hours can vary around public holidays, so check ahead—particularly for a New Year’s Day arrival. Entry is generally modest, around A$10–20 for adults.
For lunch or a strong coffee, settle in at Providore 24 in Devonport. Allow roughly an hour and A$20–35 per person; it is a useful pause before heading inland. From there, drive about 15 minutes south to the Tasmanian Arboretum at Eugenana. The lakeside plant collections are best enjoyed slowly, with easy paths through the grounds and plenty of birdsong after the ferry journey. Allow around 1½ hours, and bring water—the site is spacious and some paths are exposed. Entry is typically by honesty box or donation, with a small admission fee often requested.
Return to Devonport and finish at Devonport Regional Gallery, a relaxed way to ease into Tasmania’s art scene without committing to another large attraction. Allow about an hour, but check the gallery’s holiday opening schedule before setting out; New Year’s Day hours may be reduced or the venue may be closed. If it is shut, use the extra time for a quiet walk along the Mersey River or an early check-in, rather than trying to pack in another major stop. After a night crossing, keep the evening simple and aim for an early dinner and rest.
After arriving in Devonport, allow roughly 30–45 minutes to collect the car and get organised before leaving around 8:00am. The Midlands Highway is the most practical route to Hobart: it is an easy drive, but allow 4½–5 hours with fuel, coffee and sightseeing stops rather than relying on the bare three-and-a-half-hour driving time. At Ross, about halfway along the route, take a relaxed 45-minute break at Ross Village Bakery for its well-known scallop pie. Budget around A$15–30 per person, and expect a queue during the summer holiday period.
Continue south to Richmond, a worthwhile detour before heading into Hobart. Spend about 30 minutes at Richmond Bridge, Australia’s oldest surviving stone arch bridge, then wander briefly through the compact historic centre. Parking is generally straightforward around the village, though spaces fill quickly in the afternoon. From Richmond, allow around 25 minutes to Mona at Berriedale; arriving by approximately 1:00pm gives you a useful three-hour visit without making the evening feel rushed.
Give Mona three to four hours for the galleries, tunnels, outdoor installations and grounds. Advance tickets are strongly recommended, especially during the New Year holiday period; check the museum’s official website for the current timed-entry requirements and opening arrangements before setting out. The museum is large and deliberately disorienting, so do not try to see every work—follow the areas that interest you and leave time for the river views. The car park is on site, but allow a little extra time to walk from parking to the entrance.
From Mona, it is about 15–20 minutes by car into central Hobart, depending on traffic. Check into your accommodation first, then head to Franklin Wharf for an easy waterfront dinner. The restaurants around the wharf suit a first evening in town, with seafood, Tasmanian produce and casual options generally costing around A$30–50 per person. In January, daylight lasts well into the evening, so take a short stroll along the harbour after dinner before turning in.
Start with Salamanca Market at Salamanca Place, but note the important catch: it operates on Saturdays, not Sundays. As today is Sunday, the stalls will not be trading, so don’t build your morning around finding an alternative market here. Instead, take a quiet walk through the sandstone warehouses and continue uphill into Battery Point, where the historic lanes around Kelly Street, Arthur Circus and Cromwell Street are especially pleasant before the day warms up. Allow about an hour for an unhurried wander; the streets are close together but hilly, and parking is limited, so walking from the waterfront is easier than moving the car.
For lunch or coffee, settle at Jackman & McRoss on Macquarie Street in Battery Point. It is a good local-style stop for pastries, sandwiches, cakes and coffee, with roughly A$20–35 per person for a light meal. Arrive before the main lunch rush if you want a better chance of a table, and check Sunday trading hours before setting out, as opening times can vary seasonally.
Drive or take a short taxi or rideshare trip from Battery Point to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens on Queens Domain—around 10 minutes by car in light traffic. The gardens are free to enter, although the Conservatory and any special exhibitions may have separate charges or seasonal hours, so check the official website before leaving. Give yourself about two hours to explore the themed plantings, conservatory and shaded paths; summer is a lovely time for the gardens, but bring water and sunscreen. Parking is available near the entrance, though spaces can fill during busy holiday periods.
Finish at Constitution Dock, reached in roughly 10–15 minutes by car from the gardens, or by a longer downhill walk if you prefer to leave the vehicle parked. Take a relaxed 45-minute stroll around the waterfront as fishing boats return and the lights come on across the harbour. If you want dinner afterward, the nearby Hobart waterfront has plenty of options, but book ahead for a Sunday evening during the January holiday period. Since the market is not operating today, keep the day deliberately easy: this combination gives you historic streets, a substantial garden visit and a scenic harbour finish without racing between sights.
Make an early start for kunanyi / Mount Wellington, ideally leaving central Hobart around 8:00am. The drive to the summit takes roughly 30–40 minutes, with parking near the pinnacle but limited spaces on busy summer days. Allow about two hours for the lookout and short summit walks; the views can stretch across Hobart, the Derwent estuary and southern Tasmania, although cloud and strong wind are common even when the city is sunny. Check Wellington Park’s road conditions and summit forecast before leaving, and bring a warm waterproof layer. There is no reliable food stop at the top, so take water and a snack.
Drive down through South Hobart to Cascade Brewery, allowing around 15 minutes from the summit in clear conditions. The heritage grounds are worth seeing even if you do not join a tasting, while a brewery tour or tasting generally takes about 1½ hours and should be booked ahead for the holiday period. Remember that the driver will need to skip alcohol tastings or use the brewery’s non-alcoholic options. Afterwards, stay in South Hobart for lunch rather than returning to the CBD. The cafes along Cascade Road and Macquarie Street are convenient for a relaxed meal, usually around A$20–35 per person; expect reduced hours or full tables in January, so check the day’s trading before setting off.
From South Hobart, walk or drive into the Hobart CBD—allow 10–15 minutes by car, with central paid parking easier than trying to find a free kerbside space. Spend roughly two hours at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, where the natural-history displays and Tasmanian collections make a good contrast to the mountain morning. Admission is generally free for the main museum, though special exhibitions may charge separately; opening hours and exhibition access can change over the summer holiday period, so check the official listing before you go.
Finish at the historic Theatre Royal on Campbell Street, a short walk from the museum. If a performance is scheduled, book tickets in advance—January shows can sell out, and you will need to allow roughly 1½–2 hours plus time to arrive before the curtain. If there is no suitable performance, admire the theatre’s exterior and spend the evening exploring the nearby CBD lanes for dinner. Keep the car parked and walk between the museum, theatre and restaurants; Hobart’s central streets are compact, and this avoids evening parking charges and the need to drive after the brewery visit.
Leave Hobart around 8:00am for the drive along the Tasman Highway to Orford, allowing about 1½ hours before stops. The road is easy, but summer traffic and ferry check-in can add time, so arrive at Triabunna with your ferry booking, water, food and sun protection ready. Before boarding, pause in Orford for coffee and a short walk along Orford Beach—it is a pleasant 45-minute stretch of sand and a useful chance to pick up anything you do not want to carry across to the island.
Continue the few minutes to Triabunna Wharf for the ferry to Darlington on Maria Island. Ferry times and vehicle capacity are seasonal, and the crossing must be booked or checked in advance; do not assume you can simply turn up during the busy January period. Bring a packed lunch, as café options on Maria Island are very limited, and remember that national-park fees apply. Once ashore, allow the full day rather than trying to squeeze in too many walks.
From Darlington, follow the signed coastal track to the Painted Cliffs, allowing roughly two hours return at an unhurried pace. The colourful sandstone patterns are best viewed around low tide, when more of the cliff face is exposed, so check the tide against your ferry schedule before setting out. Stay on the formed track and keep well back from the cliffs; the surface can be hot and exposed in January. Leave a generous buffer for the walk back to Darlington and ferry boarding—missing the return sailing means arranging an overnight stay on the island, where accommodation is very limited.
After returning to Triabunna, settle in around the marina and have dinner near Triabunna Wharf. Allow about 1½ hours and budget approximately A$30–50 per person, with seafood and simple pub-style meals generally the easiest choices in town. Book ahead if possible, particularly in January, and keep the evening relaxed: after a full day walking on Maria Island, an early night is more enjoyable than adding another drive.
With no long transfer today, start around 9:00am and drive north from Triabunna along the Tasman Highway toward Coles Bay, allowing roughly 45 minutes to Freycinet Marine Farm. This is an easy, scenic run through coastal farmland, but check the farm’s opening hours and seafood availability before leaving—summer trading can vary, and oysters may sell out. Set aside about an hour for oysters, mussels and other local seafood; expect roughly A$25–45 per person. From there, continue south toward Swansea and Spiky Beach, rather than rushing straight back to town.
At Spiky Beach, take the short coastal walk and spend around 45 minutes enjoying the granite shoreline and open views. It is a better place for a quiet wander than a swimming stop, so bring a hat and water even in mild weather. Continue to Kates Berry Farm near Swansea for coffee and a seasonal berry treat, allowing another 45 minutes; confirm it is open before setting out, as hours and berry availability are seasonal. Return toward Triabunna and, if public access or an event is available, spend about an hour at Spring Bay Mill, the atmospheric repurposed industrial waterfront precinct. Access is not guaranteed as it is also an event and private-use venue, so treat this as a conditional stop rather than relying on it as the day’s only afternoon plan.
Finish with a relaxed coastal walk at either Binalong Bay or Shelley Beach, choosing whichever is practical after checking access and daylight. Allow about an hour; both suit a slower end to the day better than another major attraction. Return to Triabunna for dinner at The Spring Bay Hotel, where a main meal should generally be around A$25–45 per person. Booking is sensible during the summer holiday period, and keep the drive back to your accommodation short—there is no need to add another stop after dinner.
Leave Triabunna around 8:00am, following the Tasman Highway west before joining the Midland Highway north toward Launceston. The direct drive takes about 2½–3 hours, but allow roughly 3½ hours with the planned stop and holiday traffic. After about an hour and a half, pause at Lone Star Valley in Campbell Town for coffee and a 45-minute wander through the town’s heritage streets. It is a useful leg-stretch rather than a major sightseeing stop; keep an eye on the time, as the remaining drive to Launceston is just over an hour. Fuel up here if needed, since prices and services become less predictable once you leave the highway towns.
Continue to Launceston, arriving around midday or early afternoon. Park near City Park and take an easy stroll through the gardens, including the Japanese macaque enclosure; allow about an hour. The park is a pleasant first introduction to Launceston, and the shade is welcome in summer. From there, drive or walk across to the Queen Victoria Museum at Invermay—roughly 5–10 minutes by car, or around 25 minutes on foot. Allow two hours for the Tasmanian history, transport and natural-science galleries. Check the museum’s holiday opening hours before setting out, particularly around the early-January period; entry is generally free, with donations appreciated.
For dinner, head to Stillwater in the North Esk River precinct. From Invermay, allow about 10 minutes by car; walking is possible but less appealing after the museum. Book ahead, especially during the summer school-holiday period, and allow around 1½ hours with a budget of approximately A$40–65 per person before drinks. The riverside setting makes it a good first-night choice in Launceston—relaxed enough after the road transfer, but still a proper meal rather than a quick stop. Afterwards, settle into your accommodation and keep the evening unhurried; the next day is free for exploring the city at a slower pace.
Begin at Harvest Market if its Friday trading schedule is confirmed; the market’s regular day can vary, so check the current listing before setting out. Allow about 1½ hours to browse Tasmanian produce, baked goods and ready-to-eat stalls, with roughly A$10–25 for breakfast or snacks. From the city, drive or take a short taxi to Cataract Gorge Reserve in West Launceston; parking is available near the reserve, though summer spaces fill quickly. Spend around 2½ hours on the First Basin trails, taking in the gorge, the historic bridge and the river scenery. Wear shoes with decent grip and bring water—the easy-looking paths include a few uneven and sloping sections.
Continue to Penny Royal Adventures, only a few minutes by car from the gorge or around 15–20 minutes on foot depending on your exact starting point. Allow about 1½ hours for the gorge-side rides and activities, but check seasonal opening hours and book ahead if a particular ride matters; holiday sessions can sell out. Afterward, return toward the CBD for coffee and lunch at Aromas Café, budgeting approximately A$20–35 per person. It is a good point to slow down rather than trying to add another attraction, especially after the outdoor activities.
Finish with an unhurried walk through Brisbane Street Mall and the surrounding Launceston CBD. Allow about an hour for the shops, arcades and nineteenth-century city architecture, with most retailers generally trading into the late afternoon but reduced hours possible during the holiday period. This is also a practical time to pick up supplies for the next morning’s drive: water, fruit and something easy to eat, as rural shops along the road to Sheffield may have limited hours. Keep the evening simple and check the next day’s weather before travelling, particularly if you plan to continue toward the hills.
Leave Launceston around 8:30am for Deloraine, allowing 2½–3 hours overall once you include the planned stops. The drive is straightforward via the Bass Highway and Meander Valley Road, with good parking around the town centre. Spend about an hour in the Deloraine Craft Fair precinct, browsing the galleries, small studios and riverside shops along Emu Bay Road and near the Meander River. The annual craft fair itself is a seasonal event, so treat this as a browse through the precinct rather than assuming the fair is operating; check local listings if you are hoping for market stalls.
Continue roughly 15 minutes west to Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm at Elizabeth Town. Allow about an hour for lunch and a look through the shop, which is a useful stop for berry products, chocolates and gifts. Budget approximately A$20–35 per person, depending on your meal and purchases. Opening hours and café service can vary by season, so check on the morning before leaving Launceston; this is also a good place to pick up snacks for the next day’s drive.
From Elizabeth Town, allow around 25 minutes to Tasmazia & The Village of Lower Crackpot at Promised Land. Give yourself about two hours here: the maze complex is much larger than it first appears, and the playful village buildings make it enjoyable even if you are not usually a maze enthusiast. Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time in warm weather. Entry is generally a paid attraction, with current prices and closing time best checked before setting out.
Continue approximately 25 minutes to Sheffield and park centrally for the outdoor Sheffield murals. Follow the town-centre trail for about an hour, looking down side streets as well as along the main shopping strip; the murals are spread around town rather than contained in one gallery. Finish with dinner at The Emporium, a relaxed local option where you can expect to spend around A$25–45 per person. Book or arrive early during the summer holiday period, then keep the evening easy—Sheffield is compact, and most accommodation is only a short drive from the town centre.
Leave Sheffield around 8:30am and follow the back roads through Railton, Wilmot, Moina and Cethana toward Cradle Mountain. It is only about 1½ hours of driving in good conditions, but the road is winding and can be slow in rain, mist or wildlife activity. Stop in Wilmot for about 45 minutes at Wilmot Museum, whose small rural-history collection gives a good feel for the farming communities of Tasmania’s north-west. Opening can be seasonal or volunteer-dependent, so check locally before relying on entry; allow a little extra time if the museum is closed for a short wander through the town instead.
Continue to the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre before heading to your accommodation. This is the useful place to confirm track conditions, weather and shuttle arrangements for the national park. The shuttle is generally included with your national-park pass and is the practical way to reach the main walking areas during busy periods; private vehicle access beyond the visitor centre can be restricted. National-park entry is usually around A$30–45 per vehicle, depending on the pass and current pricing.
From the visitor centre, take the shuttle toward the Enchanted Walk, an easy one-hour loop through cool temperate rainforest beside Pencil Pine Creek. It is a gentle introduction to the area, with mossy trunks, boardwalk sections and a good chance of seeing native birds. Wear waterproof shoes and carry a rain jacket even if the morning is clear—the weather changes quickly here. Allow time to return by shuttle, particularly in the afternoon when services may be less frequent.
Next, visit Devils@Cradle for a sanctuary tour of roughly two hours. The guided experience is the best way to learn about Tasmanian devils and the conservation work being done for the species; advance booking is strongly recommended in January, when tours can fill. Keep the rest of the afternoon unhurried, as this is a cool, remote area and the short walks are much more enjoyable without rushing between shuttle departures.
Have dinner at Altitude Restaurant, allowing about 1½ hours and roughly A$40–65 per person before drinks. It is a convenient choice after the sanctuary visit, but book ahead if possible—Cradle Mountain dining options are limited and summer accommodation is often full. Take a torch for the short walk back to your accommodation and avoid driving around after dark where possible, as wallabies and other wildlife are commonly active on the road.
Make this your main Cradle Mountain day and leave early, ideally around 7:00am, before the car park and shuttle queues build. Walk the Dove Lake Circuit clockwise from the Dove Lake visitor area; allow roughly 5–6 hours at an easy pace, including photo stops. The track passes through pencil pine forest, buttongrass and exposed alpine sections, with changing views of Cradle Mountain and the lake. Summer weather can shift quickly, so carry waterproof layers, warm clothing, water and food even if the forecast looks clear. Check Parks Tasmania track alerts before leaving, and confirm the shuttle-bus requirements and operating times—private vehicles may be restricted from the access road during busy periods. Bring cash or a card for any park fees or visitor-centre purchases, and expect limited mobile reception.
After returning from Dove Lake, have a late picnic or simple meal near the visitor facilities, then use Ronny Creek as your shorter alternative only if you have not already had enough walking, or if wind, rain or track conditions make the full circuit unwise. The boardwalk and lower valley section can be enjoyed in about 1½ hours and gives you a quieter look at the alpine landscape without committing to another demanding hike. Keep the afternoon deliberately loose: this is a good time to return to your accommodation, dry wet gear and watch for wombats and wallabies near the village at dusk. Avoid driving unfamiliar park roads after dark, as wildlife is particularly active.
Have dinner at Cradle Mountain Lodge Tavern, allowing about 1½ hours and budgeting approximately A$35–60 per person. It is a relaxed choice after the walk, but summer is busy, so book or arrive early rather than assuming a table will be available. Afterwards, try a short Cradle Mountain night-sky viewing session near your accommodation or another permitted village viewing area, keeping clear of roads and using a red-light torch if you have one. Allow about 45 minutes and dress far more warmly than the daytime temperature suggests. Cloud, wind and moonlight can obscure the stars, so treat it as weather-dependent—and listen for wildlife rather than approaching it.
Leave Cradle Mountain around 8:00am for the drive north-west via Tullah, Smithton and the Bass Highway. The driving time is about 2½–3 hours, but allow closer to 3½ hours with fuel, winding roads and photo stops. Fill up before leaving the national-park area, as fuel and food become less frequent on the western side.
Break the journey at Wynyard Foreshore, where a relaxed coastal walk along the waterfront is a good reset after the mountain roads. Allow about an hour for the walk and coffee; Cafe Umami or another open café in central Wynyard is convenient, but check holiday opening hours before relying on a particular venue. Continue a short distance to Table Cape Lookout for broad views along the north-west coast and the lighthouse area. Allow around 45 minutes, and take a jacket—even in January, the cape can be windy.
Continue west to Stanley, arriving around lunchtime or early afternoon. After checking in or leaving luggage at your accommodation, head to The Nut State Reserve. The steep walking track to the summit takes roughly 45–60 minutes each way and rewards you with an excellent circuit of coastal views; the chairlift is an easier alternative when operating, but it is weather-dependent and may have queues. Check the latest operating status and prices locally before committing, and wear sturdy shoes if walking.
From The Nut, allow about 10 minutes by car to Highfield Historic Site, just outside Stanley. The colonial estate and grounds provide a quieter contrast to the coastal scenery; allow approximately 1½ hours, with seasonal opening times and tour availability needing confirmation on the day. If you arrive after the last entry, prioritise the exterior grounds only if they are accessible rather than rushing the visit.
Finish at Hursey Seafoods on the Stanley waterfront, a practical choice for fresh fish, oysters and other local seafood. Dinner generally works out at about A$30–50 per person. In summer and during school holidays, book or arrive early—tables and takeaway queues can build quickly. After dinner, take a short stroll along the waterfront or drive back toward The Nut for sunset views if the weather is clear.
Leave Stanley around 8:00am and follow the Bass Highway east via Smithton toward Wynyard. The direct drive is about 2½ hours, but allow at least 3½ hours today for fuel, holiday traffic and the ferry check-in deadline. Make Table Cape Tulip Farm your first planned stop; it is roughly 10 minutes north of Wynyard. The gardens are highly seasonal, so confirm that the January opening schedule and admission arrangements are operating before detouring. If open, allow about an hour and wear comfortable shoes—the coastal views are often as worthwhile as the flowers.
Continue inland toward Ridgley for Guide Falls, a short, worthwhile break before reaching Burnie. Allow around 45 minutes, including the walk from the parking area, and take care on wet surfaces. This stop is weather-dependent: after heavy rain the falls are more impressive, but the access can be slippery. Keep an eye on the time, as you should still reach Burnie with enough margin for lunch and the terminal.
In Burnie, spend about 1½ hours at Makers Workshop, where you can see local craft production and browse Tasmanian-made goods. It is a practical lunch stop as well as a final chance to pick up regional presents; budget around A$20–35 per person. Check the workshop’s current trading hours before setting out, particularly around the summer holiday period. From central Burnie, allow roughly 45 minutes to the Spirit of Tasmania Devonport terminal, with additional time for refuelling and returning the vehicle if your booking requires it.
Aim to arrive at the terminal at least two hours before sailing, and earlier if travelling with a vehicle during the busy January period. Have booking details and identification ready, keep essentials in a small overnight bag, and remove anything you will need from the car before vehicle loading. Once checked in, board the overnight Spirit of Tasmania sailing from Devonport to Geelong; cabin access, vehicle loading and departure procedures can take longer than expected, so treat the terminal deadline as firm rather than squeezing in another stop.
After the Spirit of Tasmania docks, allow 45–60 minutes to disembark, retrieve the vehicle and clear the terminal. Once you are organised, drive into central Geelong and park in a CBD car park; avoid trying to leave the car on the waterfront all day, as spaces fill quickly in summer. Begin at the National Wool Museum on Market Street, allowing around 1½ hours for its exhibitions on wool, textiles and the region’s industrial history. Check the museum’s holiday opening hours before sailing, as New Year-period schedules can change.
From the museum, it is an easy walk or short drive to Little Creatures Geelong on the Geelong Waterfront. Allow about 1½ hours for lunch, with mains and a drink generally costing A$25–45 per person. It is a relaxed place to pause after the overnight crossing, but bookings are sensible during the summer holiday period. After lunch, drive or walk south toward South Geelong for a gentle one-hour stretch along the Barwon River; keep this as an easy riverside wander rather than a demanding walk, especially if you are still tired from the ferry.
Return to the centre for the Geelong Gallery, allowing roughly 1½ hours. The collection is a good counterpoint to the morning’s industrial history, with Australian and European works in a compact, manageable setting. Admission is often free for the main collection, though special exhibitions may charge separately; confirm the current holiday hours before visiting. Leave a little time afterward for coffee or a slow browse through the nearby CBD rather than packing in another attraction.
Finish at Eastern Beach Reserve, where the promenade and enclosed swimming area make for an easy final walk before dinner. Allow around 45 minutes, arriving before sunset so you can stroll the pier and waterfront gardens rather than simply watching the light from the car. The reserve is close to many Geelong restaurants, and parking can be busy at this time of day, so walking from your accommodation or parking slightly inland is usually easier. Keep the evening early if you are continuing the long drive to Adelaide tomorrow.
Leave Geelong around 7:00am for the long drive back to Adelaide via the Western Highway. Allow 8–9 hours door to door, including fuel, breakfast, rest stops and holiday traffic. Make your first proper break at Lake Wendouree in Ballarat after roughly an hour on the road. A 45-minute walk along the lakeside is enough to stretch your legs; parking is generally easiest around Wendouree Parade, though summer mornings can be busy.
From the lake, take a short drive into central Ballarat for the planned Ballarat Heritage Drive. Keep this to about 30 minutes: pass through Sturt Street, Lydiard Street North and the surrounding historic precinct for a quick look at the grand Victorian buildings before rejoining the Western Highway. This is a good point to refuel and buy takeaway coffee, as services become more spread out west of Ballarat.
Continue west to Horsham, allowing around two hours from Ballarat, and stop at Horsham Regional Art Gallery if the timing works. Give yourself about an hour here, but check the gallery’s holiday opening hours before leaving Geelong, as summer public-holiday schedules can change. For lunch, stay in the town centre rather than detouring: Firebrace Street has the most practical selection of cafés and takeaway options, and a quick meal here will help keep the afternoon on schedule.
After Horsham, continue toward Dimboola and make the brief Pink Lake photo stop only if there is good daylight, safe roadside access and no need to rush. Allow about 20 minutes; conditions and visibility can vary, and it is not worth stopping on an unsafe shoulder. From Dimboola, the remaining drive to Adelaide is still several hours, so keep the final fuel and rest stops efficient—good options are the larger service areas around Kaniva, Bordertown or Keith.
Expect late-afternoon traffic approaching Adelaide, particularly around the South Eastern Freeway and metropolitan exits. Allow time for the final fuel stop and vehicle return, and avoid adding further sightseeing after Dimboola. If you are using a rental car, check the return instructions and after-hours key procedure before setting out; arriving in Adelaide around late afternoon or early evening is realistic, but delays could push the arrival later.
No packing list attached yet.