Grand Circle of Tasmania Self Drive

Spend the day exploring the city of Hobart at your own pace. Visit the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, which provide a quiet space away from the bustle of the city. Wander along Constitution Dock and watch to the yachts as they bob on the water, or head to Sandy Bay for upmarket shops and some excellent restaurants. Salamanca Place is the historic heart of Hobart, where you’ll find galleries, theatres and other cultural attractions, while the Saturday market offers a selection of local handicrafts and produce stalls.

Pick up your hire car and embark on the 300km journey to Strahan, which takes you through the centre of Tasmania to its west coast. Along the way our experts recommend stopping off for a short walk through the beautiful countryside, with many walking paths to be found just off the highway. In the evening, book tickets to local play ‘The Ship that Never Was’, which tells the tale of a shipwreck, set against the history of the town.

Our experts recommend taking a morning cruise along the River Gordon. See the luscious forests surrounding the river and listen to local guides as they teach you about the native flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, head north to Zeehan, about 138km. This pretty, colourful town was a booming mining settlement in the 1900s and offers an interesting history.

Explore Cradle Mountain National Park at your own pace. Hike through the wild landscapes and take in the luscious surroundings, which include ancient rainforests and beech forests, rugged mountains and glacial lakes. The Dove Lake Circuit can be completed in about three hours and takes you around this sparkling stretch of water, offering views of the forests and Cradle Mountain. 

Set off in the morning and drive 141km east to Launceston. Our experts recommend stopping at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm where you can enjoy a fresh local lunch in idyllic surroundings. Arrive in Launceston in the afternoon and take in its colourful houses which are nestled among the emerald green trees. Cataract Gorge is just a 10-minute drive from the centre and is home to Victorian gardens with colourful peacocks, walking and cycling tracks, cafés and a suspension bridge.

Travel northwest for 160km to the seaside town of St Helens. Known for its delicious local seafood, this little town has some beautiful beaches to be explored. Relax on the white sands as you watch the shipping boats bring in their catch of the day.

Take the 108km journey from St Helens to Freycinet National Park, stopping off to admire the beautiful sights along the way. Enjoy an hour or two in Scamander for long stretches of beach and stop in St Mary’s, where you can immerse yourself in the quaint, historic architecture of the streets. Elephant Pass is also along the way and offers pretty scenery, as well as a chance to try the famous pancakes. For another idyllic stop off, head to Bicheno, which is where many locals from around the island spend their summers.

Spend the day enjoying a leisurely exploration of Freycinet National Park. Stretching out into the sea and offering a beautiful horseshoe shaped bay, you can relax on the white sandy beaches or climb into the rugged mountains behind. Bird watchers will love catching glimpses of the native wildlife, including eagles and gannets, while swimming and hiking are also available.

Drive from Freycinet National Park back to Hobart, around 185km. Along the way, stop in Port Arthur, which is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site and former prison. Said to be inescapable, it was in use during the 19th Century and is separated from the island’s mainland by waters populated by sharks. Take the 40-minute guided tour or enjoy this beautiful spot at your own pace. The idyllic town of Richmond provides a perfect stopping point, and is home to Georgian architecture, art galleries, vineyards and boutiques all surrounded by luscious countryside.

Return your hire car before departing for the airport. To continue your Australian adventures, book one of our mainland tours, including the Pacific Coast Explorer or the Australian Signature Highlights.