Self-guided Tasmania backpacker trip

Tasmania Loop

Jump on the Share Bus in Tasmania and explore incredible natural wonders such as impressive mountains and views, rivers, beaches, wild forests, isolated lakes and waterfalls.

14 Days

Early bird $1,030 6+ weeks before start date

Full fee $1,126

see dates Get in touch

Start Hobart, Tasmania

Finish Hobart, Tasmania

Destination Port Arthur, Freycinet National Park, Bay of Fires, Launceston, Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair, Mount Field, Bruny Island

Style Shared rental camping road trip

Age range 18-35+

How it works

We’re not a tour – we’re a shared rental! So that means it works a little differently to any tour or car rental you’ve done before.

The people joining the trip share the driving, camping, trip planning and experience. This way of travelling offers a more flexible and self-guided trip.

However, you get everything you could need for a camping road trip plus an awesome group of travel mates! Plus, it’s a great option if you are looking for a budget option for backpacking Tasmania.

Share Bus about the route

about the
tasmania loop

You’ll have 14 days to do a full loop of Tasmania.

Tasmania is a photographer and nature lover’s dream! There are so many natural wonders packed into this island with all of the waterfalls, lakes, beaches and mountains to explore (plus animals to spot as well!). Start in Hobart, then head anti-clockwise to hit Port Arthur first. There is plenty to explore there – with excellent hiking, convict history and prisons to discover.

On the east coast, some highlights are Maria Island (wombats), Freycinet National Park where you will find Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires. You’ll also have the chance to see Launceston (with its in-town gorge!) and Cradle Mountain. In the West, you’ll enjoy mountainous and wild scenery as you explore lakes, waterfalls and rainforests. Towards the end of the Tasmania road trip, you’ll see the South – and the highlight of Bruny Island’s scenery and food.

Expect to get fit with lots of hiking, snorkelling and exercise as you appreciate the natural sights. This is a no-frills adventure – you’ll be setting up your own tents, sharing the driving, cooking your own dinner and sharing your tent with other 1 or 2 travellers. The target age group is 18-35. It’s a fun and social option for backpacking Tasmania.

Things to note

Please note this is a minibus rental, not a guided tour. Therefore, the group share the rental and responsibility for a minibus, trailer and camping equipment. You essentially ‘rent your seat’ on the minibus!

We provide a recommended itinerary to help you. This includes recommendations for different places, camps and activities (like beaches, snorkel spots and hikes!).

We also teach you how to use the equipment before you leave, teach you how to attach, detach and pack the trailer. We also remain fully contactable during your trip for any questions.

You will rent your seat as either a ‘driver’ or ‘non-driver’. If you choose non-driver you must never drive.
Drivers can share driving and must be aged 21+.

The minibus seats 12, and anyone with a regular driver’s license can drive it.

Please bring your own water bottle and sleeping bag. However, limit your luggage to about 20kg – 1 big bag, and one day bag/small backpack. The trailer is full of all the camping equipment you need and has space for your bags.

You should also be prepared to free camp at least half the time!

inclusions and exclusions

Inclusions:

Your Toyota Hiace Minibus, to drive to the places you choose (but not on 4WD roads!)
Fully equipped trailer with everything you need for camping, cooking, and fun
Consumables such as: Toilet paper, oil, salt and pepper, gas, bin bags
Recommended itinerary (but you have freedom!)
All Fuel consumption
Insurance and roadside assistance
National Park entries

Trip-specific inclusions:

National Park entries

Exclusions:

Accomodation: Although you can choose to stay at plenty of free camps (Tasmania has some excellent ones), or budget pay camps
Food: We will give you all the equipment you need to cook what you like!
Sleeping bag: Bring your own for hygiene reasons
Guide: It’s just you and fellow ‘rentees’ driving this minibus. Enjoy!

about the bus and trailer

On this trip you will travel in a 12-seater Toyota Hiace Commuter with a custom-built trailer fully equipped with everything you need. All you need to drive the bus is a regular drivers license. You will have the option to sign up as a driver or non-driver when you book, although we do recommend signing up as a driver if you can.

Equipment List Learn More

Share Bus book tasmania loop

tasmania loop
trip dates

START DATE	END DATE	PRICE	NOTES
05/12/2025	18/12/2025	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
16/12/2025	29/12/2025	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
27/12/2025	09/01/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
06/01/2026	19/01/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
13/01/2026	26/01/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
23/01/2026	05/02/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
30/01/2026	12/02/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
10/02/2026	23/02/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
17/02/2026	02/03/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
27/02/2026	12/03/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
06/03/2026	19/03/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW
24/03/2026	06/04/2026	$1030	EARLY BIRD PRICE	BOOK NOW

Share Bus about the route

discover the
highlights of
tasmania loop

cradle mountain

Experience the natural wonder of Cradle Mountain.

east coast tasmania

The east coast of Tasmania with the Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay and Binalong Bay.

amazing wildlife

Opportunity to spot echidnas, wallabies, wombats and possums quite easily.

untouched nature

The feeling of being in untouched nature throughout the whole Tasmania road trip.

Tasmania backpacker road trip: where will you explore?

our recommended itinerary

Day 10-11

West Coast Tasmania

Drive around the west coast of Tasmania to arrive in Lake St Clair. On the way there, you can stop to see some nice views and hikes in the mountains, some picturesque lakes and many waterfalls.

Once in Lake St Clair, you can choose another hike to do. There are chances you could spot a platypus on the platypus viewing trail – they are best seen early in the morning, or late in the afternoon.

Day 13-14

South Tasmania and Bruny Island

Head South. You can stop by the Hartz Mountains to hike, or past farms and wineries to try delicious treats. Instead of camping on the mainland, you should consider camping at Bruny Island. We think it’s a must-do for people backpacking Tasmania.

We recommend camping at ‘the Neck’ where you can see penguins come out at night! On Bruny Island you can also enjoy more beautiful beaches and nature, as well as taste some delicious food like oysters or cheese.

Head back to Hobart on Day 14, and celebrate the end of your trip.

Day 1-2

Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

Time to start your Tasmania road trip! First, head to the Tasman Peninsula, taking time to view various coastal lookout points, until you reach Port Arthur. It is the best-preserved convict site in Australia and deserves some time. However, the whole Tasman Peninsula is beautiful and has excellent hiking.

Head to Fortescue Bay (also a pretty beach) and start the Cape Hauy track to do a fantastic hike and get a view from the top of the tallest sea cliffs in Australia. Other hiking is available leaving from the same location though if that sounds too difficult for you!

Day 3-4

Great Eastern Drive and Freycinet National Park

Head up the East Coast. If you can plan it, definitely go to Maria Island for very nice hiking and old convict buildings (which feel much less commercial than Port Arthur). It’s also covered in wombats and other wildlife. Otherwise, you can view other coastal spots until you reach Freycinet.

Freycinet has many different hiking options, but the most famous is the Wineglass Bay lookout. You can also hike down to Wineglass Bay, if you don’t mind hiking back up again.

Alternatively, if you are fit and the weather has been good, the hike up to Mount Amos has the best views at the top — but it is difficult!

Day 5

bay of fires

Head to Binalong Bay; to start your exploration of the Bay of Fires. You will find many different beaches you can stop at; all with fiery red rocks, white sand and beautiful clear blue water. The best swimming spot would be Binalong Bay (the town before the drive up the beaches).

The best exploring and camping spots are at the other beaches, thanks to the many free beachfront camps in the area! If you’re looking for a break from the beach, you can also visit some wineries on the east coast.

Day 6-7

launceton

Head into Launceston. Spend one day in town, and visit its local gorge which is right in the middle of town. Then spend another day heading North to explore the area and wineries along the river.

Afterwards, you could drive north up to Narawntapu National Park and camp there. You’ll be able to see many animals come out at night.

Day 8-9

Cradle Mountain

Make your way to Cradle Mountain, one of the must-see stops for anyone backpacking in Tasmania. Once there, you will have a choice of many hikes depending on what you want to see and your fitness level.

However, keep an eye on the weather, as it’s only worth going up to the top if it’s a clear day. Otherwise, you can check out Dove Lake or do another hike.

Day 10-11

West Coast Tasmania

Drive around the west coast of Tasmania to arrive in Lake St Clair. On the way there, you can stop to see some nice views and hikes in the mountains, some picturesque lakes and many waterfalls.

Day 13-14

South Tasmania and Bruny Island

Head back to Hobart on Day 14, and celebrate the end of your trip.

Day 1-2

Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

Day 3-4

Great Eastern Drive and Freycinet National Park

Freycinet has many different hiking options, but the most famous is the Wineglass Bay lookout. You can also hike down to Wineglass Bay, if you don’t mind hiking back up again.

Alternatively, if you are fit and the weather has been good, the hike up to Mount Amos has the best views at the top — but it is difficult!

Day 5

bay of fires

Day 6-7

launceton

Head into Launceston. Spend one day in town, and visit its local gorge which is right in the middle of town. Then spend another day heading North to explore the area and wineries along the river.

Afterwards, you could drive north up to Narawntapu National Park and camp there. You’ll be able to see many animals come out at night.

Day 8-9

Cradle Mountain

However, keep an eye on the weather, as it’s only worth going up to the top if it’s a clear day. Otherwise, you can check out Dove Lake or do another hike.

Day 10-11

West Coast Tasmania

Drive around the west coast of Tasmania to arrive in Lake St Clair. On the way there, you can stop to see some nice views and hikes in the mountains, some picturesque lakes and many waterfalls.

Day 13-14

South Tasmania and Bruny Island

Head back to Hobart on Day 14, and celebrate the end of your trip.

Book your Tasmania backpacker road trip

Access Our
Early Bird Deals!

Book early (over 6 weeks in advance) to automatically receive an early bird discount.

If you're booking as a group, contact our team for a special group rate.

Not ready to book yet? Fill out our form to be contacted in your preferred way and ask as many questions as you want!

Get in Touch

Self-guided Tasmania backpacker trip