7 Day in Tasmania from Launceston or Devonport

Visiting Tasmania, but only have 1 week to spare? Here is a 7-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary from Launceston and Devonport. Hope you can find it helpful in your trip planning.

For your convenience, suggestions on meals and accommodations for this 7 Day Tasmania Road Trip are also included.

If you happen to be looking for a 7 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary from Hobart, feel free to check out this ‘7 Day in Tasmania from Hobart‘ Road Trip Itinerary.

7-Day Tasmania Road Trip from Launceston or Devonport – Overview

• Day 1: Launceston > Devonport > Stanley
• Day 2: Stanley > Edge of the World > Cradle Mountain
• Day 3: Cradle Mountain
• Day 4: Cradle Mountain > Bicheno
• Day 5: Freycinet National Park
• Day 6: Bicheno > Bay of Fires > Launceston
• Day 7: Launceston

Day 1: Launceston > Devonport > Stanley

Depending on your mode of transport, you may find yourself starting this 7 Days Tasmania Road Trip from either Launceston or Devonport.

If you are starting this trip from Devonport, congratulations! You are over 1 hour ahead of our schedule on your Day 1 Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary.

For more information on the drive between Launceston and Devonport, feel free to check out this ‘Launceston Road Trip’.

Itinerary

1. Devonport: A beautiful coastal city, where this stunning coastal drive starts. Make sure you also take a walk around Mersey Bluff Reserve for some impressive coastal views, before heading west.
2. Wynyard: Stop by for a break and some impressive views from Fossil Bluff Lookout and Table Cape Lookout.
3. Stanley: Step back in time in the Highfield Historic Site; enjoy a relaxing stroll along Tatlows Beach; admire a great view of The Nut from Trethewies Lookout.

Food

• Breakfast: Ashgrove Cheese Diary Door for a cheesy brunch, if driving from Launceston to Devonport; or enjoy a relaxing brunch with an unobstructed beachfront view from Drift Cafe in Devonport.
• Lunch: The Vault in Wynyard for a fantastic meal and unique decor.
• Dinner: Hursey Seafoods in Stanley for some fresh seafood.

Where to Stay

• There are quite a few accommodations to choose from around The Nut in Stanley. They may not be the cheapest, but all decently priced and with a fabulous view.
• Check out accommodations in Stanley on Booking.com

Day 2: Stanley > Edge of the World > Cradle Mountain

Itinerary

1. Tarkine Drive: Take part of the Tarkine Drive via Bass Highway towards Edge of the World (just over 1 hour one-way), to get a taste of the Tasmanian wilderness along this drive.
2. Arthur River: For a quick stroll and photo around the bridge.
3. Edge of the World: An epic view, looking out west to the longest uninterrupted ocean stretch in the world.
4. Edge of the World to Cradle Mountain: This will be an over 3 hours long drive. Make sure you take plenty of breaks along this drive.
5. Cradle Mountain: Check out a few short walks near the Ranger Station after arriving at Cradle Mountain.

Food

• Breakfast: Touchwood Cafe in Stanley.
• Lunch: Thistle Hut in Boat Harbour (cafe).
• Dinner: Tavern Bar & Bistro is my favourite place in Cradle Mountain for casual dining.

Where to Stay

• There is a range of accommodations to choose from in Cradle Mountain National Park. However, they generally cost much more than outside of Cradle Mountain.
• Cheaper options can be found around Sheffield and Tullah, but they are all a significant drive away from Cradle Mountain.
• For accommodations in Cradle Mountain, you can find them here on Booking.com.
• Find accommodations in Sheffield (a 50-minute drive from Cradle Mountain) here on Booking.com.
• Find accommodations in Tullah (a 40-minute drive from Cradle Mountain) here on Booking.com.

Day 3: Cradle Mountain

I have written a detailed article on the walking tracks, wildlife, entrance fee, shuttle bus, where to eat and shop, where to stay, weather, and how long to spend in Cradle Mountain.

You can check it out here on ‘All Things to Know When Visiting Cradle Mountain’.

Itinerary

1. Hikes around Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain Summit: Dove Lake carpark > Dove Lake Circuit (clockwise direction)> Hansons Peak > Face Track > Cradle Mountain Summit (depending on hiking experience & fitness level) > Marions Lookout > Dove Lake Circuit > Dove Lake Boat Shed > Dove Lake carpark
2. Wildlife Spotting: If you are staying the night at Cradle Mountain, you may wish to try and ‘make friends’ with some of the wildlife near your hotel (feel free to admire them, but please do not feed them or disturb their natural habitat).

Food

• Breakfast: Visit Elements Cafe near the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre for a selection of well-priced meals.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic & enjoy it at the Cradle Mountain Summit.
• Dinner: Enjoy a buffet dinner at the Cradle Mountain Hotel after your long hike.

Where to Stay

• You may wish to choose the same place to stay (as per Day 2), so you do not need to constantly pack & unpack.

Day 4: Cradle Mountain > Bicheno

Itinerary

1. Cradle Mountain: Enjoy some of the short walks near the Ranger Station after breakfast, before leaving this wonderful park for East Coast Tasmania.
2. Cradle Mountain to Bicheno: This drive will take at least 3.5 hours, be sure to take plenty of stops along the drive to avoid fatigue.
3. Diamond Island: A beautiful granite island near Bicheno & accessible during low tide.
4. Bicheno Blowhole: An impressive blowhole in Bicheno, with a lovely sunset view.
5. Bicheno Penguin Tour: Guided penguin tours are available in Bicheno to watch those cute fairy penguins heading back home after sunset.

For more detailed information on Attractions and Things to do in Bicheno, you may wish to also check out this article on: ‘Things to do in Bicheno’.

Food

• Breakfast: Buffet breakfast from Cradle Mountain Hotel.
• Lunch: Along your drive to Bicheno, you can visit Ashgrove Cheese for a cheesy lunch; Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm for some fresh berries; or Hazelbrae Hazelnuts for a delicious hazelnut menu.
• Dinner: Feast on some fresh lobsters at the Lobster Shack (Bicheno).

Where to Stay

• From my experience, Bicheno is the best place to base yourself in East Coast Tasmania – you can find a range of facilities and affordable accommodations in Bicheno & it is also within an easy commute to most East Coast attractions.
• Check out accommodations in Bicheno on Booking.com

Day 5: Freycinet National Park

Itinerary

1. Mt Amos Summit: Mt Amos Summit provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Freycinet National Park.
2. Wineglass Bay: The most famous attraction in Freycinet National Park. You can view it from either Mt Amos Summit or the Wineglass Bay Lookout.
3. Hazards Beach: Being lesser known by visitors, Hazards Beach is in general much quieter and more peaceful than Wineglass Bay Beach. It’s a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.

For more information on how to plan your day in the Freycinet National Park, you may wish to also check out this ‘Freycinet National Park Day Trip.

Food

• Breakfast: Geographe Restaurant and Espresso Bar in Coles Bay.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy at Mt Amos Summit.
• Dinner: Fresh seafood from Freycinet Marine Farm or Scalefish Takeaway in Coles Bay.

Where to Stay

• My preference is to stay in Bicheno again tonight to save the hassles of packing & unpacking.
• Alternatively, staying near the Freycinet National Park can also be a great option.
• For more detailed information on where to stay when visiting the Freycinet National Park, you may wish to also check out this article on ‘Where to Stay in Freycinet National Park’

Day 6: Bicheno > Bay of Fires > Launceston

Itinerary

1. East Coast Natureworld: Check out East Coast Natureworld (a wildlife sanctuary) in the morning, before heading off to Binalong Bay.
2. Binalong Bay: Check out the signature soft white sand, turquoise clear water, and bright orange-lichen-covered granite rocks from the Bay of Fires at Binalong Bay.
3. Binalong Bay to Launceston: A 2.5-hour drive from Binalong Bay to Launceston. You may wish to take a break at St Columba Falls along your drive (if time allows).

Food

• Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Little Bay Patisserie (Bicheno).
• Lunch: Check out Spicy Mamas (food van in Bicheno) for her mouth-watering southern-style chicken tacos.
• Dinner: Reward yourself with a mouth-watering burger and a cold beer from Burger Junkie in Launceston.

Where to Stay

• Launceston has a range of accommodations to suit every budget and needs
• My suggestion is to stay around Launceston CBD, so you are close to all the eateries and pubs. In this way, you can also have a self-guided walking tour of this beautiful city, after dinner and/or breakfast.
• Check out accommodations around Launceston on Booking.com

Day 7: Launceston

Itinerary

1. Tamar Island Wetlands Centre: A peaceful wetlands centre, home to a variety of beautiful birds & only a 10-minute drive from Launceston.
2. Brady’s Lookout: Offers a spectacular panoramic view of Tamar Valley, with the stunning view of Ben Lomond plateau as a background.
3. Low Head Lighthouse: Sitting at the northernmost tip of Tamar Valley & offers a magnificent view of the Bass Strait and the entrance of Tamar River.
4. Bridestowe Lavender Farm: Offers over 260 acres of fragrant lavender field, which is perfect for an insta-worthy photo. Be sure to also check out their unique lavender ice cream.
5. Cataract Gorge Reserve: Only a 30 minutes walk (or 5 minutes drive) from Launceston CBD, you will find this impressive reserve for a leisure stroll.

Food

• Breakfast: Local Hideout Cafe in Launceston CBD.
• Lunch: Try out the lavender scones at Bridestowe Lavender Farm, followed by their delicious lavender ice cream as dessert.
• Dinner: For the last night of this 7 Days Tasmania Road Trip, why not indulge yourself at Geronimo Aperitivo Bar & Restaurant (in Launceston). It is a bit pricey, but this is your last night in Tasmania!

Where to Stay

• Stay in either Launceston or Devonport, depending on which city you are departing from tomorrow.
• If staying in Devonport tonight, make sure you head to Lillico Beach after sunset, to watch the cute fairy penguins out and about.
• Check out accommodations around Launceston on Booking.com
• Check out accommodations in Devonport on Booking.com