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Why you should put Tasmania on your road trip itinerary
Tasmania is an essential stop on any campervan rental road trip itinerary, thanks to its stunning natural scenery, diverse landscapes, and rich history. It’s more than just scenic views; Tasmania offers a deep dive into nature, with over 40% of its land protected in parks and reserves. Aside from the stunning nature, there are plenty of reasons to put Tasmania on your road trip itinerary:
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Foodie Haven: Foodies will love the local produce and wines. Want to delve into Tasmania’s food scene? Check out the full foodie’s guide to Tasmania or check out our wine lovers guide.
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History Galore: History buffs will appreciate the island's storied past.
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Enjoy the Clear Night Skies: Everyone in your campervan troupe will be in awe of Tasmania’s night sky. These southern skies are one of the clearest you’ll find anywhere while you explore Australia. Perfect for stargazing or even catching the Southern Lights.
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Explore the Stunning Beaches: From surfing beaches to serene hideaways, there are plenty of breathtaking beaches in Tasmania to explore.
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Soak Up the Views: Every corner of Tasmania is a natural beauty (or so it would seem!) Whether you’re enjoying the scenery from your campervan or exploring on foot, there are plenty of breathtaking views in Tasmania to soak up on a road trip.
What’s the best way to explore national parks in Tasmania?
The best way to see Tasmania is undoubtedly in a campervan. It offers unmatched freedom to explore everything from Freycinet National Park to the remote Southwest National Park at your own pace. Tasmania’s roads are camper-friendly, and the island’s size makes it easy to hop from one stunning location to the next. A campervan hire in Tasmania combines adventure with comfort, providing everything you need for the road. It’s the ultimate way to maintain flexibility and ensure you’re always just a stone’s throw from your next hike or photo op. Plus, Tasmania offers plenty of enviable wild campsites (there are even a number of stunning freedom camping sites to park up at for the night.) The best part? Staying in a campervan lets you wake up right in the heart of nature. To kick off your Tasmania campervan rental planning, explore Tasmania’s top driving routes. In short, opting for a campervan hire means embracing an adventure filled with discovery, comfort, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Image: Instagram - @flynngraham_
What you need to know about exploring Tasmania's national parks
Exploring the national parks of Tasmania is an adventure that requires a bit of preparation. Before you dive into the island's natural beauty, securing a Tasmania parks pass is essential. These passes are your ticket to experiencing the vast landscapes and protected areas of Tasmania. Whether planning a single-day visit or a longer campervan road trip, there's a range of pass options to suit your itinerary. By purchasing a parks pass, you're not just gaining access to these stunning locations; you're also contributing to their preservation. The funds from park pass sales go directly into maintaining and enhancing the parks, including visitor facilities, walking tracks, and conservation efforts. This ensures that Tasmania’s natural heritage remains pristine and accessible for future visitors.
The best national parks in Tasmania
Tasmania is a haven for nature lovers, and its national parks are the crown jewels of the island's natural wonders. Each park offers its own unique landscape, from rugged mountains and serene lakes to pristine beaches and dense rainforests. Get ready to discover the natural beauty that makes Tasmania a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Let’s dive into the best national parks in Tasmania, from the granite beauty of Freycinet National Park with its iconic Wineglass Bay to the dramatic landscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and more.
1. Freycinet National Park
Freycinet National Park is tucked away on the east coast of Tasmania and is famous for being home to the stunning shores of Wineglass Bay. The park's crystal-clear waters and white sandy beach make it one of Tasmania's most photographed national parks in Tasmania. But Tasmania’s Wineglass Bay is just the beginning. The Freycinet peninsula’s landscape is a dramatic mix of rocky coves, surging surf, sheltered bays, and sandy beaches, all set against the backdrop of the Hazards, a spectacular granite mountain range. Best of all, it's a 3-hour drive from Hobart, making it an accessible adventure for anyone exploring Tasmania. Beyond the scenery, the park offers a range of activities, from hiking and sea kayaking to wildlife spotting, making it a must-visit national park in Tasmania.
Where to stay: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Caravan Park provides comfortable accommodation near the park.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
2. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is at the heart of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area, offering a glimpse into the pristine environments Tasmania is known for. Lake St Clair, or ‘leeawuleena’ in the local Aboriginal language, meaning ‘sleeping water’, mirrors the tranquillity of this region. This national park in Tasmania is particularly famous for the Overland Track, a six-day journey that takes bushwalkers through diverse and spectacular Tasmanian wilderness, ending at the peaceful shores of Lake St Clair. Plus, this national park in Tasmania is just a 2-hour and 30-minute drive from Hobart, making it an easy road trip itinerary addition for anyone wanting to immerse themselves in Tasmania's wild beauty. Whether you’re an avid hiker looking to conquer the Overland Track or simply seeking a serene escape, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is easily one of the best national parks in Tasmania.
Where to stay: Cradle Mountain Holiday and Caravan Park is the perfect base for exploring this national park in Tasmania and a comfortable stay amidst nature.
3. Southwest National Park
Tasmania’s Southwest National Park, the island's largest wilderness area, is a remote, rugged gem within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This national park in Tasmania is a sanctuary for ancient Huon pine, sassafras, celery top, and myrtle trees, filling the air with the rich, earthy scents of the Tasmanian forest. The Gordon River Road offers a passage through this untamed landscape, revealing the sprawling vistas of Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon amidst vast forests and mountain ranges. This national park in Tasmania's untouched nature makes it a prime spot for those seeking solitude and an authentic Tasmania wilderness experience. Best of all, it’s a 2-hour drive from Hobart, making it an accessible escape into the wild as part of your campervan road trip.
Where to stay: Southwest National Park campgrounds offer an idyllic place to rest and set up your campervan amidst the serene wilderness.
4. Mount Field National Park
Mount Field National Park is celebrated as 'the park for all seasons', showcasing some of the world’s tallest eucalypt forests and a diverse alpine landscape. Plus, as one of Tasmania’s oldest and most varied national parks, Mount Field National Park easily finds its place amongst the best national parks in Tasmania. Mount Field National Park is home to Russell Falls, a stunning three-tiered waterfall among Tasmania’s most photographed natural sites. Located just a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Hobart, Mount Field National Park offers visitors a chance to explore glaciated landscapes, ancient forests, and cascading waterfalls, making it one of the best national parks in Tasmania for a day trip while exploring Hobart.
Where to stay: If you prefer to extend your stay in this region, Mount Field Campground provides a convenient base to access the park's natural wonders.
5. Tasman National Park
Covering the dramatic coastline of Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula, Tasman National Park is known for its towering 300m-high dolerite cliffs – the highest in Australia – and a collection of fascinating geological formations. This national park in Tasmania is also the backdrop for the renowned 48 km Three Capes Track, along with other trails that wander through this magical landscape. From sheer cliffs overlooking tumultuous seas to serene white-sand beaches and a unique waterfall that cascades directly into the ocean, Tasman National Park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers. Situated just a 1-hour-and-30-minute drive from Hobart, it offers a wild and pristine exploration experience just a short drive from the heart of the city.
Where to stay: Fortescue Bay Campground is an ideal base for exploring the rugged beauty of Tasman National Park.
Image: Tourism Tasmania
Ready to explore Tasmania with maui?
Tasmania is a land of unparalleled natural beauty, rich in wilderness and waiting to be explored. From the pristine beaches of Freycinet National Park to the ancient forests of Southwest and the dramatic landscapes of Tasman National Park, Tasmania offers a diverse array of natural wonders. And there's no better way to discover these treasures than in the comfort and freedom of a campervan rental. With maui, you can tailor your journey to your own pace, ensuring an adventure as unique as the landscapes you’re exploring. Book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from any maui branch. Start your unforgettable Tasmanian adventure today.