How much can you see in just four days in Tasmania? More than you’d think, but maybe not enough. With mountains, wild beaches, dramatic coastlines, and some of the best food in Australia, this island has a way of making you want more.
Is 4 Days Enough for a Tasmania Road Trip?
Yes. If you focus on early starts and plan your route in advance, you can see Tasmania’s top highlights in 4 days. We recommend exploring in the morning and driving or setting up camp by late afternoon.
Tip: Pick up your campervan early and drop it off late to maximize your road trip. Check with Indie Campers when booking, if this is possible and bear in mind this might come with an extra cost
Free Camping in Tasmania: What You Need to Know
Free camping is one of the biggest perks of a Tasmania campervan road trip. Tasmania offers an incredible number of free campsites in national parks, near beaches, and by lakes.
WikiCamps and Campermate became our best friends. These apps are lifesavers when you’re out in the middle of nowhere looking for a place to park for the night. But be warned, in peak season, especially around holidays like Australia Day, those spots fill up fast. We made it a rule to stop driving around 16:00 or 17:00 so we could settle in while there was still daylight and space.
Facilities can be basic. Many free camps don’t have showers or toilets. We planned ahead, used the campervan’s shower when needed, and made sure to clean up after ourselves. Free camping saved us money and gave us some of the best sunset views of the whole trip. Discover our customers favorite campsites in Tasmania and beyond here.
Our Chosen Campervan: The Active Pop Top
We chose the Active Pop Top from Indie Campers. It was the right size for four people and still felt easy to handle on winding mountain roads. What surprised us most was how much storage it had. Each of us had our own space for bags, clothes, and gear, no clutter.
We never had to plug into power thanks to our daily driving, which kept the battery charged. That made a big difference since we stayed mostly at free camps without powered site, however I recommend to charge the vehicle every other night. One night we even managed to take four showers in a row. Quick ones, of course. But still impressive.
Tasmania Campervan Itinerary: Day-by-Day Breakdown
Day 1: Hobart to Freycinet National Park
We landed in Hobart and picked up the van from Indie Campers in Sorell. Before hitting the road, we stocked up at Woolworths nearby. The large parking area made it easier to get used to driving the camper.
We drove straight to Freycinet National Park. On the way, we stopped at Freycinet Marine Farm, and wow, what a start. We shared a plate of oysters, sipped some local wine (not the driver, of course), and had the most flavorful mussels curry. The setting was simple but charming.
Once inside Freycinet, we tackled the Wineglass Bay Lookout hike, the view makes it worth every step. Afterward, we cooled off at Honeymoon Bay with a quick swim. We’d hoped to stay at Friendly Beaches Campground, but it was already full when we got there. Luckily, we found a free spot facing Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve, thanks to WikiCamps. Quiet. Scenic. Free, and with some friendly wombats as a plus (I personally love them!).
Day 2: Bicheno to Bay of Fires
We took it slow the next morning. Bicheno is a laid-back surf town with a lot of charm. We grabbed coffee at Governor’s Bicheno and wandered the streets, checking out local shops and the beach at Waubs Bay. The water there is so clear it looks unreal.
For lunch, we headed to the Lobster Shack Tasmania. If you’re into seafood, this is a must. The lobster was fresh and flavorful, and the views didn’t hurt either.
In the afternoon, we drove north toward the Bay of Fires. Along this coast, you’re spoiled with free campsites. We stayed at Jeanneret Beach, mainly because it had direct access to two different beaches. Jeanneret Beach Cove became my favorite, calm, clear waters, big orange rocks, and even a little shack nearby. We took a dip, even though it was chilly. Totally worth it.
Day 3: Bay of Fires to Cradle Mountain
This was a big driving day. Ideally, I would have added an extra day here to explore the northeast coast. If you can, stop by the Bridestowe Lavender Estate, especially if you’re traveling in December or January when the fields are in bloom.
We made a short stop at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. This place does conservation work for animals that can’t survive in the wild. At 11am, 1pm, and 3pm, they offer interactive tours where you get to meet wombats and Tasmanian devils (found only in Tasmania) up close. It was a highlight of the trip.
By the time we reached Cradle Mountain, car access into the park was already closed for the day. So we parked at the visitor center and took the shuttle bus, they run regularly and stop at all the main trailheads.
We started with Dove Lake. Even without a swimsuit, the water looked too good to resist. So we swam in our sports gear, so essential tip, bring swimwear! From there, we walked toward Ronny Creek, passing by the boatshed, Lake Lilla, and a short detour to Wombat Pool. We didn’t have time for Marion’s Lookout, but it’s worth adding if you’re earlier than us.
We stayed at Discovery Parks Cradle Mountain. It’s right next to the shuttle bus station and a great base for exploring the area. Tip: Book in advance because powered sites were already gone.
Day 4: Cradle Mountain to Hobart
Before heading back, we squeezed in the Enchanted Walk. It’s nice, especially if you’re traveling with kids, but not as striking as the other trails, maybe I would echange this one for another one.
On our way south, we made an unplanned stop at Meander Valley Vineyard. They were hosting a community event for Australia Day, live music, local food stalls, and a relaxed crowd. It was the perfect slow moment after three days of intense sightseeing.
Back in Hobart, if you have time, spend a day wandering. Walk the Kings Pier Marina, visit the Art Mob Aboriginal gallery, and explore the Salamanca Arts Centre. If it’s Saturday, don’t miss the Salamanca Market. My favorite part? Battery Point. Walk the neighborhood and grab something sweet at Jackman & McRoss. The pastries are famous for a reason.
Final Thoughts: Is a 4-Day Tasmania Road Trip Worth It?
Absolutely, for a first taste. In just four days, I managed to swim in turquoise bays, hike alpine trails, and wake up to wild coastlines.
But I also left knowing I barely scratched the surface. I missed out on places like Mount Field’s alpine trails, the west coast near Strahan, the full MONA Museum experience in Hobart, I didn’t make it to Bruny Island or the waterfalls near Queenstown. And I wish I had time for the full loop, not just a slice of it.
If you’re planning your Tasmania campervan trip and want to cover it well, aim for 7 days or more. That way, you can slow down, take detours, and discover those smaller spots that make Tasmania special.
Still, even in 4 days, Tasmania makes a mark. It’s raw, wild, and incredibly accessible.
Need more road trip ideas? Check out our Top Campervan Road Trips in Australia.
