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Planning a holiday in Australia and wondering how to spend 10 days in Tasmania? We are here to help!
Tasmania is filled with exciting places to visit. From nature to modern man-made landmarks, there are a million things to do in Tasmania!
Surrounded by the water and wilderness, it is one of the most incredible places on Earth!
You will have the option to camp, fish, hike, swim in the ocean, eat different cuisines, experience different old heritage sites, and more.
NEED TO HIRE A CAR IN TASMANIA?: Check out Discover Cars
They will show you the best deals from both international car rental companies and local ones. Discover Cars also provide great insurance options.
With this Tasmania 10-day itinerary, you will discover exactly how to spend your days in Tasmania.
The itinerary starts in the capital, Hobart but it’s a loop which means you can still follow it if you start in Launceston or Davenport.
Summary of this Tasmania Itinerary 10 days
In a rush and just want to see a quick overview? No problem! Here is a quick summary of your Tasmania itinerary for 10 days. For more information about every stop, keep reading!
- Day 1: Hobart
- Day 2: Mount Wellington and MONA
- Day 3: Port Arthur &Tasman National Park
- Day 4: Freycinet National Park
- Day 5: Bay of Fires
- Day 6: Mount William National Park
- Day 7: Launceston
- Day 8: Cradle Mountain
- Day 9: Waterfalls on the West coast of Tasmania
- Day 10: Bruny Island
Map of your Tasmania 10-day itinerary
How to get to Tasmania
Getting to Tasmania from continental Australia is only possible by air or sea. You can either opt for a flight or the ferry from Melbourne. Hobart is the capital of Tasmania.
It’s the main city on the island which means that it’s where you will find the biggest airport. This is the best place to start this 10-day itinerary.
Flights to Tasmania
There are direct flights to Hobart and Launceston from Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane.
If you are flying from Melbourne, you will find direct flights to smaller cities and towns in Tasmania (Wynyard, Devonport, King and Flinders Island).
Ferry to Tasmania
The second transport option is to take the ferry. Spirit of Tasmania is the company that operates the ferry trips from Melbourne to Devonport.
This is ideal if you already are in Victoria and want to take your own car. You will need a car once you get to Tasmania so that will come in handy.
Please note that if you opt for the ferry, you will be arriving in Devonport. In this case, you will start the itinerary with day 8 and finish it with day 7. As it is a loop, it won’t be an issue anyway.
How to get around Tasmania
Tasmania is a fairly big island and most of the sites you will see are natural landmarks, located in National Parks.
The best way to get around is by car. Driving will give you more flexibility and will work out cheaper altogether.
If you don’t wish to rent a car or are travelling solo, you can take public transport to the main cities (Hobart and Launceston) and opt for day tours from there.
Renting a car in Tasmania
If you are flying to Hobart, you can easily rent a car from there and start exploring. Renting a car is the best option. It will give you more freedom and you can also camp.
This is by far the best way to get around Tasmania (except from guided tours).
If you are interested in renting a car, head to Discover Cars and you can see all the best prices.
Public Transport in Tasmania
There is no train in Tasmania so if you want to rely on public transport, you will need to take buses.
You can find the timetables on Metro Services and Tassie Links.
Please note that buses will take more time which means that you will spend a lot of time on public transport instead of exploring.
Tours of Tasmania
If you don’t want to rent a car or deal with the hassle of planning your 10-day trip to Tasmania, you can opt for organised tours. These are a great way to experience Tasmania.
You don’t have to worry about a thing, your guide will organise everything for you. The only thing you will have to do is to enjoy and have fun!
The ideal way to plan your 10 days with tours is to fly to Hobart, go on the Tasmania 6-day tour with Intrepid Travel and book day trips from Hobard to make up the other couple of days.
By doing that, you will get to see all the places mentioned in this article.
The 6-day tour includes: Hobart, Richmond, Swansea, Freycinet National Park, Bicheno, Bay of Fires, Launceston, Cradle Mountain, Tarkine, Strahan, Lake St Clair and Mount Wellington.
It’s extremely good value for money, especially since you will get to see so much!
Once you are back to Hobart, you can explore the city and go on the following day trips:
- Bruny Island. See prices.
- Port Arthur. See prices
The Ultimate Tasmania 10-Day itinerary
Now that you know everything about the logistics of travelling around Tasmania, it’s time to get down to the interesting part and discover your itinerary for 10 days in Tasmania.
Tasmania Itinerary Day 1: Hobart
You will start your trip in the capital of Tasmania, Hobart. Located in the south of the island, Hobart is much more than just a harbour city.
The population is quite low (about 250,000 people) which makes it a very pleasant city for people who don’t like the crowds.
Hobart is surrounded by water as it’s located at the estuary of the River Derwent. The best way to explore the city is just to go on a walking tour. Click here to see the latest prices.
During 2 hours, you will be discovering the city and its history with a local guide.
Here are some of the sights you will get to see:
- Brooke Street Pier
- Salamanca Place
- Princes Park
- Battery Point
- St Georges Church
- St Georges Terrace
- Wrest Point Casino
- Sandy Bay Village
- Cascade Brewery
- Female Factory
- South Hobart Village
- Village Cinema
- Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery and Maritime Museum of Tasmania
- Hobart Convict Penitentiary
- Aquatic Centre
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
- Victoria Docks
You can also choose to go on the Hop-on Hop-Off bus. It will bring you to all these places! See prices here.
If you are visiting on a Saturday, make sure to head to the Salamanca markets.
Salamanca Market takes place in Hobart which is the central location of the Tasmanian island. On the River Derwent, you’ll find this the ideal place to quench your thirst for adventure. The market is situated in one of the heritage sites of Salamanca.
It is one of the most popular things you’ll find in Hobart. It is also known to be Australia’s most diverse market places, enriched with culture.
Being Tasmania’s most famous tourist attraction, based on what it offers to its visitors, you’ll find a collection of items in this market that takes place every Saturday. With over 300 stalls, you’re sure to be overwhelmed by the number of things that this marketplace has to offer.
WHERE TO STAY IN HOBART: There are many options when it comes to places to stay in Hobart. Here are some recommendations:
- Shoestring: Narrara Backpackers Hobart is a great hostel in Hobart CBD.
- Mid-budget: Ibis Styles Hobart is an amazing hotel with a swimming pool and fitness centre. It’s located on Macquarie Street and prices are reasonable. Very good value for money.
- Luxury: Grand Vue Private Hotel is a historic property located in Battery Point.
Alternatively, you can opt for one of these awesome Airbnbs in Hobart.
Day 2: Mount Wellington (Kunanyi) & MONA
Mount Wellington
Mount Wellington is one of the most famous mountains in Australia. It stands just behind Hobart and is a beautiful place to visit.
If you have a car, drive from. the CBD to Mount Wellington car park. From there, take the Pinnacle or Organ Pipes walk. From the summit, you will discover stunning views of Hobart and South Tasmania.
There are many walking trails in the area. If you love hiking, you may want to also check out the following places: Fern Tree Park, The Springs, The Chalet, Big Bend, and The Pinnacle.
Even in winter, it’s well worth the trip. The snow might make accessing a bit more difficult but the landscapes are stunning.
If you don’t have a car, you can book a bus trip here.
If you love the outdoors and hiking, you can easily spend the whole day at Mt Wellington. There are many trails including the Milles walk which takes 6 hours to complete.
If, on. the other hand, you prefer cultural places, you should only stay in Mt Wellington for the morning and head back to Hobart in the afternoon.
Mt Wellington is only 30 minutes away from Hobart CBD which means you can go for half a day and then discover the MONA in the afternoon.
Mona Museum and Art Gallery
Less of an adventurer and more into history and art? Mona Museum is just the spot for you.
It’s no ordinary building and as soon as you’ll look at its structure, you will fall in love with it.
Inside the museum, you’ll get to witness a lot of different forms of art that are sure to make you think. With portable devices that provide commentary on each item at the museum, you’ll get to learn about them easily.
However, if you feel like you are getting bored, there are other things that you can do as well at this museum! Your entertainment at this museum and art gallery isn’t limited to just viewing art, but you will also get access to a great restaurant and library.
Where to stay: You will be staying in Hobart tonight and leave in the morning.
Day 3: Port Arthur and Tasman National Park
It’s time to leave Hobart now and start exploring the rest of Tasmania. Your first stop will be the Tasman Peninsula.
In the morning, drive to Port Arthur. It takes about 90 minutes from Hobart CBD.
Port Arthur is one of the most important historical sites in Australia.
It is home to a huge penitentiary where the penal colony convicts were kept during the British colonisation. It is the most visited tourist attraction in Tasmania.
The site consists of a hospital, church, museum and a prison. You can buy your entrance ticket here. It also includes a guided tour.
For the full experience, also opt for a ghost tour in Port Arthur. See prices here.
Once you are done with Port Arthur (or iff the history becomes too gloomy for you) head to Remarkable Cave. It’s only a few minutes from the penitentiary and well worth a visit. Don’t forget to also go to The Maingon Bay Lookout while you are in the area.
After that, head to the Tasman National Park.
It is just nearby and has noteworthy formations of rock, cliffs, and abandoned coves. If you love looking at rugged natural beauty then it is worth it to visit this national park.
No matter what, make sure to go to the Devil’s Kitchen. If you have a bit of time left, you can also go to Fortescue Bay.
WHERE TO STAY: The best place to stay in the Tasman Peninsula is Eaglehawk Neck. Here are some recommendations:
- Mid-budget: Lufra Hotel and Apartments is the perfect place to stay at. It’s very well located and good value for money.
- Luxury accommodation: Eaglehawk Pavilions is a wonderful studio with ocean views.
Day 4: Freycinet National Park
On day 4, you will start going on a bit of a road trip. From Eaglehawk Neck, drive 2 and half hours to Freycinet National Park. Make sure to leave early (ideally before 8AM) so you can enjoy the entire day in Freycinet.
This national park is one of Australia’s oldest nature reserves. It’s filled with beauty the moment you take your first step here.
The most famous natural landmark here is Wineglass Bay. It’s absolutely stunning!
With the beautiful and crystal clear water running, you can enjoy a quick swim there.
The white powder sand and the beautiful surrounding is the perfect place where you can head down to and enjoy a nice day at the beach.
Although visiting Wineglass Bay is amazing, the best way to enjoy it is to take a bit of height. Take the hike to Mount Amos. It’s only 4km return but quite steep so be prepared to spend about 3 hours walking. Once you get to the top, you will discover the breath-taking views over Wineglass bay.
Another way you can experience Wineglass Bay is by going on a cruise. It lasts 4 hours during which you will cruise around the bay, discover the wildlife and get a delicious Ploughman’s lunch made with local products. Click here to see the latest prices.
WHERE TO STAY IN FREYCINET: The beach resort town within this national park, called Coles Bay, is one of the most renowned resorts in Tasmania. From there you can go on different tours and cruises to observe nature, wildlife and have a swim in the crystal clear water. This will be the ideal base.
- Budget: There are a few national park campsites including one by Wineglass bay. They are free, making it the perfect budget accommodation. You will need your own tent though.
- Mid-range: For mid-budget accommodation, opt for a cabin at the BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet. See prices here.
- Luxury: If you want to treat yourself, Freycinet National Park is the perfect place to do so. Book a wonderful cabin with spa at the Freycinet Lodge. See prices.
Day 5: Bicheno Beach & Bay of Fires
In the morning, leave Freycinet and drive up to Bicheno. This little coastal town is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Tasmania, Bicheno Beach.
Grab a coffee or brekkie in town and go to the beach. You will love it! Make sure to also walk along the beach and soak up the views.
At around 11 AM, hit the road again. Your next destination will be the Bay of Fires! It’s about 2 hours drive.
The Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s most stunning natural wonders.
Located on the edge of Mount William National Park, in the North-East of the island, the Bay of Fires goes from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. This bucolic conservation area offers a mix between crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and unique orange granite rocks.
If you want to be in perfect harmony with nature, this will be your heaven. There are so many things to do in Bay of Fires such as camping, bird watching, fishing, swimming, surfing, walking, boating and working on your tan!
It’s also an amazing place to go snorkelling!
There are many hikes available and I highly recommend you to go for walks as it is always the best way to discover a place! You can, for example, take the Bay of Fires Lodge walk up to the lighthouse. It’s a coastal walk so the views are stunning!
If you wonder where the name comes from. It was named by Captain Tobias Furneaux who saw Aboriginal fires when he sailed past in 1773.
WHERE TO STAY IN BAY OF FIRES: The only places where you can stay in Bay of Fires are the conversation area’s campgrounds. If you want to opt for traditional accommodation, you will need to stay in one of the nearest towns, Binalong Bay or St Helens.
- Shoestring: Staying in one of the campgrounds in the Bay of Fires conversation area is the most budget-friendly option. They are entirely free!
- Mid-range: Anchor Wheel Motel offers comfortable rooms for a very reasonable price.
- Luxury: Tully Cottage B&B is a beautiful bed and breakfast in St. Helens. The reviews are excellent and it’s good value for money. A continental breakfast is also included. See prices.
Day 6: Mount William National Park
On day 6, you will explore more of Mount William National Park. The good thing about this day is that you won’t spend as much time in the car.
In the morning, drive up to the national park. Your first stop will be Picnic Rocks. It should be about 1 hour from your accommodation. Make sure to get a sandwich on the way as you will spend the entire day in the national park and won’t find many places to grab food.
It’s pretty similar to Bay of Fires but less popular. Visitors tend to rush to Bay of Fires and completely skip Picnic Rocks. This is not a mistake you will make.
Picnic Rocks is a beautiful place and the photo opportunities are endless!
Once you’re done, head to Eddystone Point Lighthouse where you can enjoy your lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Stumpys Bay. It’s a beautiful beach with soft white sand. It’s a great place to enjoy some relaxing time.
WHERE TO STAY: The best place to stay tonight is Launceston. Accommodation options are very limited in Mount William National Park and as you will be spending the day in Launceston tomorrow, you may as well stay there tonight. It takes about 2 hours to get there from Stumpys Bay so make sure to take that into consideration so you don’t leave too late.
Here are some places where you can stay in Launceston:
- Shoestring: Launceston Backpackers is an excellent hostel in the CBD.
- Mid-range: The Cornwall Historic Hotel is a beautiful hotel in the CBD. It was built in 1824 and features a very unique style. See prices.
- Luxury: The Dragonfly Inn is a stunning Bed&Breakfast in Launceston. Perfect for people who want to relax for a couple of nights.
Make sure to book 2 nights as you will be staying here again tomorrow!
Day 7: Launceston
Launceston is the second biggest city in Tasmania. Located at the north of the island, it is one of Australia’s oldest cities. You will find in Launceston way more European influence (brought by the first settlers) and therefore more historical buildings as well.
As a matter of fact, the city was named after a UK city in Cornwall. Like many others in Australia including Perth!
Launceston is a bit more of an adventurous destination compared to Hobart. If you chose to stay in Launceston last night, you will get to spend the whole day exploring the city and won’t have to drive.
You can discover the city on foot or by going on a walking tour (you know I love my walking tours!). Click here to see the latest prices.
Go around the CBD and discover the beautiful examples of colonial architecture.
After that, head to Cataract Gorge. This is Launceston’s most famous landmark! To make the best of the experience, go on a cruise! It’s really good fun and also quite cheap.
Click here to see the prices for the cruise.
WHERE TO STAY: You should be staying in Launceston again tonight.
Day 8: Cradle Mountain
If you’re one for hiking and love to be surrounded by the wilderness, then Cradle Mountain is the place for you!
Leave Launceston in the morning. It takes about 2 hours to get to Cradle Mountain so I would recommend to take off at 8AM. That way, you will get there by 10AM and can enjoy your full day! Don’t forget to grab something for lunch on the way. You will be spending the day outside and won’t find many places to eat.
Cradle Mountain is home to beautiful tracks such as the Lake Dove Circuit Walk. It’s a moderate 5.7km loop. Not only is the lake beautiful but you will also get to enjoy the amazing views of the mountain.
If you wish to hike up to the summit of the Cradle Mountain, then you’re going to find yourself living a dream. The Cradle Mountain summit walk is 13km long and takes 8 hours to complete. It’s a fairly hard walk so this one won’t be for everyone but if you are up for it, I can promise you that the rewards will be huge too!
If you opt for this walk, you may need to leave a bit earlier in the morning.
Unfortunately, you won’t get to do both walks in one day so just pick the one you fancy the most! They are both excellent.
ENTRY FEE: Please note that you need a pass to access any of the National Parks in Tasmania. You can buy it at the visitor centre directly or online.
WHERE TO STAY: Spending a night at Cradle Mountain is a wonderful experience, especially for people who love stargazing. Here are some recommendations:
- Budget: Unfortunately, there aren’t any free campgrounds at Cradle Mountain. The most budget-friendly option will be to stay at Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain.
- Mid-range: Cradle Mountain Hotel offers beautiful rooms in the heart of the national park.
- Luxury: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village is the ultimate place to stay for people looking for a luxury hotel.
Day 9: Waterfalls on the West Coast
Today will be a road trip day! Make sure to leave early as you will drive 6 hours altogether. From Cradle Mountain, you will drive down the western side of Tasmania and discover Montezuma falls and Nelson Falls before making it back to Hobart.
Tasmania’s west coast has one of the most exciting places to visit.
Walking on man-made bridges at the Montezuma falls or taking a look and observing the Tasmanian devil, you’ve got your day set out for you! The Montezuma falls is known to be Tasmania’s largest waterfalls that have a variety of pathways leading up to it.
The waterfall being almost 11 km long, it takes more than two hours to hike up to the top. The trails are not that tricky so anyone, accompanied with the right gear, can go ahead and start hiking up to the waterfall.
Another waterfall that is listed under UNESCO’s world heritage is the Nelson Falls. With its unique pattern of rock placement, it creates a beautiful look. Anyone who sees it is sure to be mesmerized by its beauty. If you look from afar, you’ll see that this waterfall looks like an upside-down wine glass! Wouldn’t you want to witness this in person?
From Nelson Falls, drive down to Hobart where you will spend the night before discovering Tasmania’s most famous island!
WHERE TO STAY: There is no point in driving down to Bruny Island today. It’s an easy day trip from Hobart and you will find more accommodation options in the city.
Here are the places I recommended at the beginning of the article:
- Shoestring: Narrara Backpackers Hobart is a great hostel in Hobart CBD.
- Mid-budget: Ibis Styles Hobart is an amazing hotel with a swimming pool and fitness centre. It’s located on Macquarie Street and prices are reasonable. Very good value for money.
- Luxury: Grand Vue Private Hotel is a historic property located in Battery Point.
Day 10: Bruny Island
Bruny Island is a popular destination for a day trip from Hobart. It takes about 40 minutes to get to the ferry and another 20 minutes to get to the island itself.
One of the best things about Bruny Island is the abundance of fresh and amazing seafood, locally produced berries, artisan cheeses and delicious chocolates that are handmade.
If you want to go on food and wine tours, you can opt for this day tour instead of driving yourself. Alternatively, you can also go to Bruny Island Premium Wines for a wine tasting.
Apart from local treats, the island offers scenery of cliffs, caves, wildlife such as migrating whales, dolphins, seabirds and seals. This is on the sea.
If you are on foot or driving around the island then you can even catch glimpses of animals such as echidnas, wombats, pademelons, and white wallabies.
Tasmania truly is a wonderful place. With this wide variety of activities available, you can do plenty in any given location. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, you can head to all these destinations in Tasmania and have the time of your life!
You may also be interested in:
- 12 Best Day Trips from Hobart that you must take during your stay in Tasmania
- 11 Best Airbnb in Hobart for an awesome stay in Tasmania
- 19 Best Airbnbs in Tasmania to book for your next trip!
- The Ultimate Australia 10-day Itinerary: Exactly how to spend 10 days in Australia
- Man-made landmarks in Australia
