Self-guided Tasmania backpacker trip

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!

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!

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).

Although the best exploring is at the other beaches, as well as the best camping. That’s because there are so many free beach side camps in this area! If you want an activity to break up the beaches, there are some wineries on the east coast you could visit.

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.

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.

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.

Mount Field, a beautiful national park near Hobart, offers stunning natural scenery and up to four waterfalls. Nearby, you can also explore a cave or enjoy fresh Tasmanian berries, either by picking them yourself or purchasing them.

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 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.