5 Day Tasmania Itinerary: The Best Way to Explore Tasmania!

Tasmania is the land of pink granite mountains, white sand beaches, eucalyptus forests, rare Tasmanian devils, and some of the purest air and water on the planet.

We’ve visited twice now, once as university students, wide-eyed and eager to explore, and more recently as more experienced (and slightly better organised!) travellers! If you are reading this, you are probably planning a trip, and we have a perfect 5-day Tasmania itinerary to share with you!

On this itinerary, you’ll hike to awe-inspiring viewpoints, breathe in refreshing coastal air, indulge in world-class seafood, and wander through lively spots like the Salamanca Market and Australia’s oldest brewery. And if you’re like us, you’ll already be thinking about your return before your five days are over.

Best Time to Visit Tasmania

Tasmania is beautiful year-round, and deciding when to come here depends on the events or weather you enjoy the most. We highly recommend visiting between November and March. Towards the start of November, there’s a balance, and until March, it’s extremely lively. However, it’s also a great winter trip for those who love the cold and want cozy vibes!

Here’s what each season is like:

Summer (December to February)

This is the busiest time of year. The weather is warm and many outdoor activities are in full swing. It’s a great time for visiting places like Wineglass Bay, Bruny Island, and MONA. Popular events during this time include The Taste of Summer and MONA FOMA. Since it’s a popular season, it’s a good idea to book your accommodation and tours in advance.

Autumn (March to May)

Temperatures drop slightly, and there are fewer people around. You’ll see autumn colours in places like the Derwent Valley and Mount Field National Park, and it’s a great season for exploring the local food and wine scene. Many towns host food festivals and harvest events during this time.

Winter (June to August)

This is the quietest time to visit. Snow is common in the highlands, and there’s a cosy feel across much of the island. Winter is also the best time for off-season travel deals. Dark Mofo, a mid-winter arts and music festival in Hobart, is one of the biggest events of the year.

Spring (September to November)

Spring is full of new growth. Wildflowers appear across the national parks, wildlife is active, and it’s a great time to visit waterfalls and walking trails. It’s also less busy than summer, which makes it ideal if you prefer a quieter experience. Look out for events like Blooming Tasmania and the Junction Arts Festival in Launceston.

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Can You See Tasmania in 5 Days?

Five days are enough to explore the best attractions in Tasmania. However, if you can extend the trip, then we recommend spending at least two days in Hobart and following this five-day itinerary at a slower pace.

This itinerary will take you through the major parts of Tasmania and is very beginner-friendly. So, if you are worried that five days are not enough, follow this itinerary, and I’m sure you will feel otherwise.

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Our 5-Day Tasmania Itinerary

This itinerary begins with exploring Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart, and wraps up in Port Arthur, which is just a 25-minute drive from Hobart. We personally followed this itinerary, so it’s completely doable!

➡️5-Day Tasmania Itinerary On A Map!

Here’s an overview of the itinerary on a map. You can drag the map around or click the menu in the top left corner to see the full list. If you’re starting from Launceston, you can drive to Hobart in around 2 hours and follow this itinerary. Alternatively, you could explore Launceston first, spend a few days at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, and then join the itinerary on Day 3 to explore Freycinet National Park (without Kunanyi) and spend the last day exploring Hobart.

Day 1: Arrive & Explore Tasmania’s Capital City- Hobart

Once you arrive in Hobart, settle into your accommodation and get ready to explore the city! Hobart is Australia’s second oldest city, and as you look around, you’ll discover charming cobblestone streets, outstanding art galleries, inviting restaurants, and a lively atmosphere!

The city sits between two riverbanks, stretching along the Derwent River in both directions. Every neighbourhood in Hobart is close to the next, and public transport is well-connected and reliable.

For breakfast, we highly recommend grabbing coffee and pastries at Jackman & McRoss. Their baked goods are some of the best you’ll find in the city and a perfect way to start your day in Tasmania!

Late Morning: Battery Point & Salamanca Market

Spend your first few hours wandering through Battery Point, Hobart’s oldest suburb. Here, sandstone cottages and rose gardens meet narrow, winding streets that tell stories of a bygone era. Battery Point lies immediately south of the central business district and is known for its premium real estate and historical charm.

If you like learning about history, a visit to the Narryna Heritage Museum on Hampden Road is a must. This museum has a stunning collection of colonial furniture and artifacts displayed in their natural settings, giving you a real sense of Hobart’s past.

From Battery Point, head down to Salamanca Place, a lively precinct lined with sandstone warehouses turned into shops, cafes, and galleries. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Saturday, you can’t miss the Salamanca Market, running from 8:30 am to 3 pm it’s filled with stalls offering fresh Tasmanian produce, handmade art, jewelry, and gourmet snacks.

Even if you visit on other days, Salamanca Place remains vibrant with plenty of shops and eateries to explore. Find our detailed guide to the best things to do in Hobart here! For lunch, we recommend Da Angelo Ristorante for delicious Italian cuisine and Kosaten Hobart for fresh Japanese flavours.

Afternoon: Mawson’s Hut Replica + MONA

After exploring Salamanca Place, head to the exact replica of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition base from 1911–14! We couldn’t be more excited to recommend this fascinating piece of history brought to life in this world-class small museum. It stands right on the waterfront, near the very wharf from which the SY Aurora sailed itself!

Step inside to get a glimpse of what life was like for the expeditioners who spent two winters living and working in one of the harshest places on Earth — the true home of the blizzard. For two years, these huts were their haven of warmth, light, and companionship amid the freezing winds of Antarctica.

The Mawson’s Huts Foundation manages the museum, with all profits going toward preserving the original huts located at Cape Denison in Antarctica.

In the later part of your afternoon, prepare for a unique cultural experience at MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. MONA is Australia’s largest private art museum, located on the banks of the Derwent River, famous for its bold, sometimes unsettling exhibitions that challenge conventional ideas about art. Themes like sex, death, and the darker sides of human nature are explored in provocative and thought-provoking ways.

The easiest way to get there from Hobart’s CBD is by ferry, the MONA Roma ferry offers a scenic 25-minute ride across the river. Booking the combined ferry and museum entry costs around $67. The ferry itself is a relaxing and enjoyable way to arrive, giving you a chance to soak in the waterfront views.

One memorable exhibit to look out for is “The Cloaca Professional”, which simulates the human digestive process. It’s unsettling but utterly fascinating!

Evening: Cascade Brewery

Your evening is reserved for Australia’s oldest operating, Cascade Brewery, where you can enjoy a tour and sample some local brews to round out your first day in Tasmania. We highly recommend getting the tasting paddle from the Cascade Beer Garden & Café to sample a variety of their beers!

Where to Stay in Hobart

• Budget: Rydges Hobart – best for families exploring Tasmania on a budget!
• Mid-range: Salamanca Inn – spacious suites, steps from Salamanca Market.
• Luxury: MACq 01 Hotel – right on the waterfront, beautifully designed with storytelling in every room.

For the best affordable accommodation in Hobart, refer to our guide.

Day 2: Bruny Island Day Trip

Bruny Island is a bucket-list destination in Southern Tasmania that’s absolutely worth it. With some of the tallest sea cliffs in the Southern Hemisphere, a rugged coastline, and incredibly rich wildlife, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

But it’s not just the stunning natural beauty that makes Bruny famous—it’s also renowned for its seafood. We enjoyed some of the best cheese and oysters we’ve ever had here. And in case you didn’t guess already, Bruny Island is actually an island off an island!

You can get to Bruny Island by taking your car on the SeaLink ferry or opt for a full-day guided tour from Hobart. I’ve included a quick overview below, but if you want a detailed guide, check out our full Bruny Island day trip from Hobart post here!

Morning: Ferry to Bruny Island + The Neck Lookout

Drive or shuttle down to Kettering, about 35 minutes from Hobart, and catch the ferry to Bruny Island. The charges are on a vehicle basis!

Your first stop is The Neck Lookout. A short climb up a staircase rewards you with a panoramic view of the isthmus connecting North and South Bruny. Keep an eye out for fairy penguins during nesting season.

Afternoon: Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

This Bruny Island tour from Hobart was a highlight of our trip! We recommend booking a Bruny Island Cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys (departing from Adventure Bay). These fast boats take you around dramatic sea cliffs, into sea caves, and up close to seals, seabirds, and even dolphins!

Afterwards, grab a bite, Bruny Island is famous for fresh oysters, locally made cheeses, and small-batch chocolate. Stop at Get Shucked, Bruny Island Cheese Co., and Bruny Island Chocolate Company if time allows. We have a detailed review of this tour and what you can expect from it, find it here!

Evening: Return to Roberts Point Terminal

Catch the evening ferry back to Kettering and drive back to Hobart. Expect to be back by dinnertime. We recommend dining at The Drunken Admiral.

Day 3: Mount Wellington + Freycinet National Park

If you’ve ever searched “Tasmania” on Google, chances are Wineglass Bay was one of the first things you saw. It consistently ranks among the world’s top beaches, and Day 3 of your 5-day Tasmania itinerary is dedicated to experiencing it for yourself.

Freycinet National Park, on Tasmania’s stunning east coast, is where you’ll find Wineglass Bay. With its striking pink granite mountains, quiet eucalyptus forests, and sunshine that graces the region most of the year, this national park is a must-visit for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone who appreciates jaw-dropping coastal views.

Morning: Mt Wellington

Before heading to Freycinet National Park, we highly recommend driving about 30 minutes west of Hobart CBD to catch stunning views of Hobart and much of southern Tasmania from the summit of Mount Wellington (kunanyi).

Head to the summit’s west side for views deep into the Southwest Wilderness. At the summit, there’s the Pinnacle Observation Shelter, open from 7 am to 10 pm from September to April, and 7 am to 5:30 pm from May to August. The city is dominated by this mountain, and standing anywhere in Hobart, chances are you’ll see its forested flanks.

Reach Freycinet National Park

From kunanyi, it will be a 3-hour drive to Freycinet National Park, northeast of Hobart via the scenic Great Eastern Drive, with ocean views, rolling vineyards, and small seaside towns. Make a quick coffee stop at Orford or Triabunna to stretch your legs!

Once you arrive at Freycinet National Park, stop by the Visitor Centre to grab your Park Entry Pass ($40 per vehicle a day). A park pass is required for entry to Tasmania’s national parks.

As you drive into the park, you’ll pass Freycinet Lodge and start to spot the Hazards mountain range, the region’s pink granite peaks. These ancient rocks are over 400 million years old, formed when molten rock cooled slowly beneath the Earth’s surface, which created large mineral crystals that reflect a rosy colour in the sunlight.

Late Morning: Freycinet Marine Farm

As I mentioned earlier, sea food in Tasmania is some of the best! To expeirence that, we recommend stopping by the Freycinet Marine Farm the first thing as you reach the National Peninsula!

Their oysters and mussels are harvested daily, and the scallops, rock lobster, and fish are all sourced from fresh Tasman waters. Pair a dozen oysters with a cold Tassie white wine and enjoy them right there, or take them to go for a picnic later in the day.

Afternoon: Wineglass Bay

The Wineglass Bay Lookout hike is a must-do here. It’s a moderately steep uphill walk (about 1.5 hours return), but once you reach the top, the view is spectacular: white sand, deep blue water, and those curved pink granite peaks. If you’re up for more, you can continue down to the beach itself, which adds a couple of hours but rewards you with a swim and serenity.

As you explore, keep an eye out for Bennett’s wallabies grazing peacefully near the track and echidnas shuffling through the undergrowth. One of Freycinet’s quiet superpowers is its wildlife!

Evening: Kates Berry Farm

How about ending the day with some of the best ice cream on Tasmania’s east coast? Kate’s hugely popular Just Desserts Cafe offers a mouth-watering menu of desserts and savoury dishes, overlooking rows of berries and breathtaking views across Great Oyster Bay to Freycinet National Park.

The cafe is open Friday to Tuesday from 9 am. The kitchen closes at 3 pm, but ice cream, coffee, and fresh produce are still available while they clean up. Customize your itinerary if you don’t want to miss out on their jams! You can even visit the farm before heading to the Wineglass Bay lookout hike.

Where to Stay in Freycinet National Park

• Budget: Iluka Holiday Centre – cozy cabins and camping sites close to Coles Bay.
• Mid-range: Edge of the Bay Resort – private beach, modern rooms, and kangaroos at your doorstep.
• Luxury: Freycinet Lodge – right inside the park, with cabins nestled among bushland and sea views.

Day 4: Bicheno

Small, coastal, and full of charm, Bicheno is just under an hour north of Freycinet and if you are planning a trip to Tassie in February, we highly recommend doing this penguin tour as February is typically the moulting season for penguins, during which they are based more on land.

Morning: Bicheno Blowhole & Beaches

Start your day with a walk to the Bicheno Blowhole. It’s loud, wild, and definitely one of those “you have to see it” things. Then, take your pick of beaches. Redbill Beach is peaceful and ideal for a morning stroll. If you’re into snorkeling, the waters off Governor Island Marine Reserve are crystal clear.

Afternoon: Lobster Shack & Whalers Lookout

For lunch, treat yourself to the freshest seafood at The Lobster Shack, you can’t go wrong with a lobster roll or grilled scallops. Then, walk off your meal with a short hike up to Whalers Lookout. It’s a gentle uphill path with panoramic views of the town and coast.

Evening: Penguin Tour

Bicheno is known for its nightly little penguin parade. Book a guided tour with Bicheno Penguin Tours, it’s the best way to respectfully observe the penguins as they waddle ashore at dusk.

Settle in with dinner at Pasini’s, a warm and casual spot with wood-fired pizzas and local wine.

Day 5: Port Arthur & Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Your final day of this 5 day Tasmania itinerary is packed, but in the best way: history, wildlife, chocolate, and a farewell dinner back in Hobart!

Morning: Reach Port Arthur

Leave Bicheno early and head south, about 3 hours to Port Arthur, one of Australia’s most important convict-era sites. On the way, you can make a quick detour for coffee in Sorell or Dunalley.

As you reach Port Arthur Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, explore its fascinating history, walk, explore the old penitentiary, and hop on the included harbor cruise to see the Isle of the Dead.

Late Morning: Chocolate Factory + Port Arthur Historic Site

Before leaving the area, stop by the Federation Chocolate Factory in Taranna. They have unusual flavours like lavender or leatherwood honey, and generous tasting samples.

Afternoon: Government Gardens + Bonorong Sanctuary

On your way back to Hobart, take a moment to visit the Parliament Lawns or Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens if time allows. Then head to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, a rescue center home to Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, and more. You can hand-feed kangaroos and meet animals you’d never see up close in the wild.

Evening: Dinner + Return to Hobart

Wrap up your trip with a final dinner in Hobart. If you haven’t tried it yet, Templo or Franklin are excellent picks for seasonal Tasmanian cuisine with a refined twist.

Cheers to five incredible days!

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Best Activities in Tasmania

You can customise the above 5-day Tasmania itinerary with some of these best activities in Tasmania!

1. Huon Valley

The Huon River runs through the heart of the valley and there are a few ways to get out on the water. Pedal boats in Huonville are a slow, easy option, while jet boat rides further south offer a faster way to take in the scenery.

Tahune AirWalk is one of the main draws in this part of Tasmania, with a treetop platform suspended 50 metres above the forest floor. There are walking tracks nearby if you want to explore more of the bush on foot, and a cable hang glider for a quick shot of adrenaline.

2. Taste Your Way Through the Tamar Valley

Love wine? Then block out a full day for Tamar Valley near Launceston. It’s Tasmania’s premier wine region, known for cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Riesling. Some standouts: Josef Chromy Wines, Bay of Fires Winery, and Velo Wines. Mix in cheese platters and you’ll lose track of time in the best way.

3. Bay of Fires

Stretched along Tasmania’s northeast coast, the Bay of Fires is famous for its white sand beaches and lichen-covered orange boulders that literally glow at sunrise and sunset. Base yourself in Binalong Bay or St Helens. It’s peaceful, raw, and ridiculously photogenic.

4. Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

If you have a couple more days, make the trek to Cradle Mountain. It’s part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and home to Australia’s number one hike, the Overland Track. Even if you’re not hiking for six days, day walks like Dove Lake Circuit or Marion’s Lookout are worth every step.

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FAQs: 5-Day Tasmania Itinerary

I’ve tried answering a few frequently asked questions on Tasmania travel:

Where is it Best to Fly in Tasmania

If you’re travelling from overseas, there are no direct international flights to Tasmania, and you’ll need to connect through a major Australian city

Tasmania has two main airports: Hobart Airport (HBA) in the south and Launceston Airport (LST) in the north. We personally flew with Jetstar from Sydney to Hobart and reached in just 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to reach Tasmania, you can also travel by sea using the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, which operates between Melbourne and Devonport.

➡️How to Get Around Hobart

Once you arrive at Hobart Airport, the city centre is just a 20-minute drive away. You can take the City Express Skybus to get to the CBD.

Hobart is compact and easy to explore without a car. You can purchase a Metro Greencard to access the city’s well-connected public transport system. We also used the Red Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which made sightseeing flexible and stress-free. If you’re following this 5-day Tasmania itinerary without a car, there are excellent day tours from Hobart that cover highlights like Bruny Island and Port Arthur!

That said, we do recommend renting a car if you want more flexibility and the freedom to explore beyond the city. Many of Tasmania’s best attractions, from secluded beaches to national parks and countryside towns, are easiest to reach by car. For car hire, we recommend checking out Discover Cars. They compare prices across major providers, and we’ve had a great experience using them on multiple trips.

Can you go to Tasmania Without A Car?

You can, and while we usually recommend hiring a car for the freedom it gives you, there are still great options if driving isn’t your thing. In addition to public and private bus services, there are plenty of Tasmanian tourism operators that offer coach tours and small group adventures throughout the state.

What is the Prettiest Part of Tasmania?

Tasmania is full of show-stoppers, but if we had to name just one, Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay might just take the cake. The contrast of pink granite mountains, white sand, and turquoise water is unreal. That said, Bruny Island’s rugged cliffs, Cradle Mountain’s alpine views, and the Bay of Fires’ glowing boulders are all serious contenders. If “prettiest” means wild and unforgettable, you won’t be short on options.

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Wrap-Up: 5-Day Tasmania Itinerary

If there’s one thing that becomes obvious the moment you arrive, it’s that Tasmania is not a place you just tick off. It’s a place you breathe in, one stunning lookout and ocean breeze at a time.

Whether you came for the food and wine, the hikes and coastlines, the history and heritage, or just the joy of unplugging from your everyday routine, chances are, you’ll be leaving with a few new favourites. So if you’re already dreaming of your next visit… you’re not alone!

That’s a wrap on our suggested 5-day Tasmania itinerary!

Have any questions/suggestions? DM us on our Instagram!

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