Hobart’s waterfront, with Mount Wellington (kunanyi) in the background, is the perfect start for a Tassie road trip. Tasmania’s East Coast is often called the island’s “sunny side,” hemmed by beach on one side and forest on the other, and blessed with fresh seafood and cool-climate wines. The classic Great Eastern Drive route spans roughly 220 km between the towns of Orford (just north of Hobart) and St Helens in the northeast, with gorgeous coastal scenery all along the way. On this road trip, you’ll experience everything from white-sand beaches and turquoise bays to historic sites and unique wildlife. Imagine hiking to the iconic Wineglass Bay lookout, spotting wombats on Maria Island, slurping oysters straight from the farm, or watching little penguins waddle ashore at dusk – East Tasmania has it all.
Day 1: Hobart to Orford (Gateway to the East Coast)
Begin your journey in Hobart, Tasmania’s charming capital. If you have a morning to spare, explore Hobart’s waterfront and consider stocking up on groceries or fuel here (small east coast towns have limited supplies). Then hit the road heading east. In about an hour you’ll reach Orford, the start of the Great Eastern Drive. This relaxed coastal village is a popular local holiday spot, known for its pretty beaches like Spring Beach (with views across to Maria Island).
For an unforgettable side trip, catch the ferry from nearby Triabunna to Maria Island National Park. This car-free island is a wildlife haven – you can often see wombats grazing and Cape Barren geese wandering around old Darlington, a former convict settlement turned World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon hiking to the Painted Cliffs or Fossil Cliffs, and keep an eye out for kangaroos and even Tasmanian devils. After ferrying back, overnight around Orford/Triabunna (caravan parks and free camps are available).
Day 2: Orford to Coles Bay (Freycinet National Park)
Continuing north, enjoy one of Tasmania’s most scenic drives towards Coles Bay. Plan for around 2.5 hours drive time, but you’ll want to stop along the way:
Swansea & Kate’s Berry Farm: Pause in the quaint seaside town of Swansea for a snack. Just before town, follow signs to Kate’s Berry Farm – a local favorite for fresh berry ice cream, jams, and desserts with a beautiful view.
Spiky Bridge: A few minutes south of Swansea, this quirky 19th-century bridge was built by convicts without mortar. Its rows of stone “spikes” make for a quick, interesting photo stop.
East Coast Wineries: The East Coast is dotted with vineyards. Consider a tasting at Devil’s Corner or Gala Estate, known for cool-climate wines (especially Pinot Noir and Rosé). Many vineyards offer views over the coast – perfect for a picnic lunch.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Coles Bay, the gateway to Freycinet National Park. Coles Bay itself has a laid-back vibe and a lovely foreshore with views of the Hazards mountain range. Catch the sunset from the town beach or nearby Cape Tourville lighthouse lookout. Set up camp at the local holiday park or a nearby free campground (Friendly Beaches north of town is a famous free camping area with oceanfront sites).
Day 3: Freycinet National Park (Wineglass Bay)
Devote Day 3 to exploring Freycinet National Park, Tasmania’s oldest national park known for its pink granite peaks and secluded bays. Start early with the popular hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout for that postcard view of a perfect crescent of white sand and azure sea. If you’re feeling energetic, continue down to Wineglass Bay beach itself or do the loop via Hazards Beach for a 4–5 hour circuit.
After your hike, cool off with a swim or picnic at Honeymoon Bay (a sheltered cove near the park entrance) or at Friendly Beaches just outside the park. Kayaking tours are also available to explore the coastline from the water. In the evening, reward yourself with fresh seafood – perhaps locally harvested oysters or fish and chips from Coles Bay. Camp a second night in the Coles Bay area so you can wake up to the sounds of nature.
Day 4: Coles Bay to Bicheno
A solitary traveler enjoys one of the pristine white-sand beaches along Tasmania’s East Coast. It’s a short drive (about 30 minutes) up the coast from Coles Bay to the fishing town of Bicheno, so take your time. On the way, you could stop at Freycinet Marine Farm (along the highway near Coles Bay turn-off) to sample freshly shucked oysters and mussels. Also worth a visit is the Bicheno Blowhole, a natural spout that puts on a show as waves burst through a rock gap – it’s best seen at high tide.
Bicheno is a laid-back beach town known for its seafood and wildlife. Stroll the sandy curve of Waub’s Bay Beach, visit the local bakery or seafood stall for lunch (don’t miss the fish and chips or crayfish if in season), and in the late afternoon head to the blowhole if you haven’t yet. Come nightfall, one of Bicheno’s top attractions awaits: a guided Little Penguin tour. Watching tiny fairy penguins emerge from the sea and waddle to their burrows is a magical experience. There are caravan parks in Bicheno as well as free camp spots just outside town, making it easy to stay overnight.
Day 5: Bicheno to Bay of Fires (St Helens)
Heading north from Bicheno, you’ll traverse forested hills to reach the Bay of Fires area, about 2 hours drive. Along the way, you can detour via Elephant Pass for a famous pancake breakfast at the Mount Elephant Pancake Barn, or take the main highway through the scenic Fingal Valley. By midday, arrive in St Helens, the largest town on the east coast. It’s a great place to refuel and grab groceries or a bakery lunch. St Helens is known for its fishing and oysters – you can even stop at an oyster farm outlet (such as Melshell Oysters) to taste some straight from the water.
From St Helens, drive 10 minutes east to Binalong Bay, the gateway to the Bay of Fires. The Bay of Fires is renowned for its striking combination of powder-white beaches, clear turquoise water, and boulders streaked with bright orange lichen. Spend the afternoon beach-hopping and taking photos; favorite spots include the main beach at Binalong Bay and the remote coves up the coast at The Gardens. Many travelers consider this one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Australia. Overnight at one of the free beach camping areas in the Bay of Fires Conservation Area (spots like Cosy Corner North or Swimcart Beach are popular for self-contained RVs – arrive early in peak season to secure a site).
Day 6: Bay of Fires to Launceston (via Scottsdale)
Day 6: Bay of Fires to Launceston (via Scottsdale)Wake up to a sunrise over the ocean if you’re camping on the Bay of Fires – it’s worth the early alarm! When you’re ready to leave the coast, travel westward through forested hinterland toward Launceston. The drive to Launceston (Tasmania’s second-largest city) takes around 3 hours. For a scenic route, take the winding road through Scottsdale, which offers viewpoints and farm-gate stops (try local cheese at Pyengana Dairy near St Columba Falls, or pop into a farm stall for fresh blueberries in season).
If you have time before reaching Launceston, consider a stop at Derby – a small town known internationally for its mountain bike trails. Even if you’re not biking, Derby has an interesting mining history and a riverside park perfect for a picnic. Alternatively, continue straight to Launceston and spend the evening exploring Cataract Gorge, a beautiful urban nature park with walking trails and a suspension bridge. After nearly a week on the road, Launceston’s restaurants and hotels will feel like luxury.
(If you need to return to Hobart instead, you can drive south via the Midlands Highway in about 2.5 hours. Stop in the quaint historic towns of Campbell Town or Ross to break up the drive.)
Day 7: Trip Completion and Departure
After six incredible days, your east coast road trip winds down. Launceston makes a convenient endpoint – you can drop off your campervan or continue exploring Tasmania from here. (Devonport’s ferry terminal to mainland Australia is about a 1.5-hour drive from Launceston if you’re catching the Spirit of Tasmania.) Spend Day 7 visiting Launceston’s highlights like the Queen Victoria Museum or the Tamar Valley wine region, or simply relax after your adventure.
Trip Summary: In one week, this itinerary has taken you from Hobart’s harbor, along the sunny east coast up to the wild Bay of Fires and into northern Tasmania. You’ve experienced beaches, mountains, wildlife, and delicious local food and wine along the way. Many travelers extend their trip to explore Tasmania’s west coast or Cradle Mountain, but even in 6–7 days the east coast will leave you with lifelong memories.
Tips for a Tasmania RV Road Trip
National Park Pass: A valid parks pass is required to enter all of Tasmania’s national parks (e.g. Freycinet, Maria Island). Purchase a holiday pass online or in Hobart to cover your whole trip.
Camping & Facilities: Tasmania is RV-friendly, with plenty of campgrounds and free camping areas (especially on the east coast). Download the WikiCamps app to find sites, and note that many free camps have limited facilities – you’ll need to be self-sufficient.
Fuel & Supplies: Fill up on fuel and groceries in larger towns (Hobart, Swansea, St Helens). Outside of these, services can be sparse. Also, carry plenty of water for drinking and cooking.
Driving Time: Distances may seem short, but Tasmania’s roads are winding and scenic – allow extra time for slower speeds and impromptu stops. Driving after dark is not recommended (due to abundant wildlife on the roads).
Best Time to Go: The Australian summer (December–February) offers the warmest weather for beach days. However, it’s also peak season – popular campsites can fill up, so consider traveling in the shoulder seasons or booking ahead. Even in summer, nights can get chilly, so pack layers.
Thinking of trying RV travel? Book your ride with Campstar and see where the road takes you.