Tasmania backpacker road 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.
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.
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
inclusions and exclusions
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.
tasmania loop
trip dates
| START DATE | END DATE | PRICE | NOTES | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/12/2026 | 17/12/2026 | $1215 | BOOK NOW | |
| 16/12/2026 | 29/12/2026 | $1215 | BOOK NOW | |
| 23/12/2026 | 05/01/2027 | $1215 | BOOK NOW | |
| 05/01/2027 | 18/01/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE ENDS SOON |
BOOK NOW |
| 12/01/2027 | 25/01/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
| 22/01/2027 | 04/02/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
| 29/01/2027 | 11/02/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
| 09/02/2027 | 22/02/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
| 16/02/2027 | 01/03/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
| 26/02/2027 | 11/03/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
| 05/03/2027 | 18/03/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
| 16/03/2027 | 29/03/2027 | $1106 |
EARLY BIRD PRICE |
BOOK NOW |
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.
our recommended itinerary
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mount Field National Park
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.
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.
Access Our
Early Bird Deals!
Book early (over 6 weeks in advance) to automatically receive an early bird discount.
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