5 Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary (North West)
North-West Tasmania is a hidden gem by itself. Most travellers choose to spend their Tasmanian journey in Southern Tasmania, yet we believe that North West Tasmania can hold its own.
This 5-day Tasmania road trip itinerary will show you the best places North West Tasmania has to offer: things to see, food to eat, and accommodation to stay at.
Find something else along the way? Stop over and check it out! This is purely a guide to help you plan your trip to the best destinations in Tasmania. Go write your own story!
Want to see the rest of Tasmania? We have a full tour of the island state in 7 days that you can view.
Anvers Chocolate Factory
Reliquaire
Bells Parade
Wild Mersey Mountain Biking
Tasmanian Arboretum
Prickly Mo
Spreyton Cider
The Cove
Novotel Devonport
Tasmazia
Verona
Mrs Jones
Cradle Mountain
Leven Canyon
Silver Falls
Wings Wildlife Park
Turners Beach Berry Patch
Ulverstone to Sulphur Creek Coastal Drive
The Penguin Pantry
Preservation Bay
Mount Montgomerie
Guide Falls
Hellyer Distillery
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
Table Cape Tulip Farm (Late September/October only)
Table Cape Lighthouse
Boat Harbour
Sister's Beach (access Rocky Cape here too)
Rocky Cape National Park
Highfield Historic Site Stanley
The Nut
Trowutta Arch
Bruce's Cafe
The Vault
Whether you choose to fly into Launceston or catch the Spirit into Devonport, this Tasmanian adventure promises a blend of natural wonders, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. We recommend catching the Spirit into Devonport to start as early as possible, but if you fly into Launceston, you can cut out Bells Parade from day 1's morning activities to make up on time! Also, make sure to hire a car! See our recommendations for car hire.
This itinerary is short and sharp, highlighting our favourite places to visit in Tasmania. Click on links where available for more information!
You'll arrive in Tasmania in the dawn of the morning. Take your time. Take in the views. Did you see something from the Spirit as you pulled into the Mersey River? Go check it out! Anvers opens at 7 a.m. and is only a short 10-minute drive from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal so you're in no rush.
Breakfast
Anvers Chocolate Factory
Activities
Bells Parade and Pig Island Walk
Reliquaire toy and gift shop
Wild Mersey Mountain Biking. Hire from Wild Ride Cycles.
Tasmanian Arboretum
Lunch
Prickly Mo's
Spreyton Cider
Activities
Tasmazia
Sheffield Murals
Supermarket to pack a lunch for tomorrow
Dinner
Verona
Mrs Jones
Accommodation
The Cove
Novotel Devonport
Start of Dove Lake walk (beginning Overland Track)
We have two accommodation options here, either stay in Cradle Mountain for the evening or return to your accommodation in Devonport. Staying at Cradle Mountain offers a unique experience and is closer to activities on day 3, so you'll minimise travel time. In winter months, you'll be driving in the dark and have a high chance of seeing (and possibly hitting) wildlife along the roads. We wouldn't recommend this. Ultimately, it's your decision! We'll let you decide!
Breakfast
Early at accommodation
On the way from Fundamental Cafe (light breakfast)
Start the day with breakfast before driving to Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre. Catch the shuttle bus from here to Dove Lake!
Activities
You won't be able to do all of these, research ahead and choose your favourite! In winter, climbing the summit of Cradle Mountain can be dangerous and sometimes not possible. Regardless, you'll love your time here!
Dove Lake Circuit (easy)
Marions Lookout + Crater Lake (intermediate)
Cradle Mountain Summit (challenging)
Lunch
Packed Lunch
Activities
Catch the shuttle back after your time at Dove Lake.
Explore the area around the Visitor Centre. (There are plenty of walks to do)
Check in to your accommodation (if staying at Pepper's Lodge)
Dinner
Fish & Chips from Straight off the Boat
Takeout of choice
At Pepper's Lodge
Accommodation
Pepper's Cradle Mountain Lodge
Choice from Day 1
Leven Canyon Lookout
Breakfast
At accommodation
Activities
Leven Canyon
Silver Falls
Wings Wildlife Park
Lunch
Turners Beach Berry Patch
Activities
Ulverstone to Penguin Coastal Drive
Goat Island (low tide only. There is no signage, so go explore!)
Mount Montgomerie (the best view of the North West)
Preservation Bay (a peaceful walk from Penguin)
Dinner
Penguin Beer Co.
Season by the Sea
Accommodation
Penguin Beachfront Apartments
Madsen Boutique Hotel
Table Cape Tulip Farm
Breakfast
Letterbox Cafe
Activities
The road to Stanley has a lot to explore! As you travel here from Penguin, pick and choose from these as you wish!
Packed Lunch from the Penguin Pantry or Supermarket
Guide Falls
Table Cape Tulip Farm (Late September/October only)
Table Cape Lighthouse (Alternative to Tulip Farm)
Boat Harbour
Sister's Beach (you can access Rocky Cape here. There are also two small caves you can explore!)
Lunch
A packed lunch from the Penguin Pantry
Applebys Mediterraneo Bar & Grill
Activities
Highfield Historic Site Stanley
The Nut
Dinner
Stanley Seafood
Stanley Hotel Bistro
Accommodation
Lakeside Spa Cabins
Stanley Hotel and Apartments
Tall Timbers (if choosing to visit Trowutta Arch)
Rocky Cape Lighthouse
Breakfast
Stanley - Touchwood Cafe
Smithton - Hugo's Brew and Chew
Activities
Trowutta Arch
Rocky Cape National Park (and lighthouse)
Hellyer Distillery
Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden
Lunch
Stop by in Wynard for lunch!
Bruce's Cafe
The Vault
Departure
What an adventure! Depending on your form of transportation, you'll have around half a day to return to Devonport or Launceston.
Embarking on a 5-day road trip in Tasmania, especially through the enchanting North West, offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the rugged peaks of Cradle Mountain to charming coastal towns like Penguin. This itinerary, though packed, is designed to be flexible, allowing you to immerse yourself in each destination and perhaps discover a few hidden gems of your own along the way (we'd love to hear about your travels in our Facebook group)!
Key Takeaways for Your Tasmania Road Trip:
Flexible Travel: While this guide provides a structured plan, remember that the best road trips often include unexpected detours. Explore freely and make the journey your own!
Wildlife Caution: Particularly if you opt for evening drives, be mindful of the local wildlife to ensure safe travels through Tasmania’s picturesque landscapes. Highways are safe for evening driving.
Seasonal Considerations: Some activities, like visiting the Table Cape Tulip Farm, are season-dependent. Ensure to check the availability and operational hours of chosen destinations, adapting your itinerary accordingly.
Safety and Preparedness: Ensure your vehicle is road-trip ready and familiarise yourself with Tasmanian driving conditions. Always have a backup plan, especially for outdoor activities, considering Tasmania’s sometimes unpredictable weather.
Local Experiences: From the Anvers Chocolate Factory to the serene Dove Lake Circuit, each stop offers something unique. Engage with locals, savour regional cuisines, and take time to immerse yourself in each location.
Accommodation: Whether staying in the rustic elegance of Cradle Mountain Lodge or the cozy Penguin Beachfront Apartments, ensure to book accommodations in advance, particularly during peak tourist seasons. We have recommendations on how far to book in advance here.
Returning Home: Whether you’re catching a flight from Launceston or boarding the Spirit back from Devonport, ensure to allow ample time for the return journey, soaking in any last-minute sights along the way.
Your Tasmanian adventure, though outlined in a 5-day itinerary, is bound to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. From the epic vistas of the island state’s North West to encounters with the infamous Tasmanian devil, every moment, every destination, and every day spent exploring is a story waiting to be told.
So, as you hit the road, remember: the journey is as spectacular as the destination. Safe travels, and may your 5 days in Tasmania be everything you’ve dreamed of and more!
Embarking on your initial road journey, or simply stumped about how to begin packing? We've got your back. Explore our thorough Tasmanian packing guide here!
How many days are enough for a trip to Tasmania?
While Tasmania is rich in sights and experiences, a minimum of 6 days is recommended to explore key attractions without haste, or 5 days if you're okay with a lot of driving throughout your holiday. For a thorough exploration of the island, a stay of 2-3 weeks would allow a more immersive experience.
What is the best month to visit Tasmania?
The optimal time to visit Tasmania is during its summer months, between November to March offering warm, dry conditions with temperatures averaging 20°C to 24°C. This is highly favoured for outdoor adventures like trekking, cycling, and rafting due to the generally clear skies and pleasant weather, making it the peak season for active explorations. Ultimately, it depends on what you enjoy!
Is Tasmania expensive for a holiday?
The cost of a holiday in Tasmania can vary based on travel choices and preferences. On average, visitors might find daily expenses for meals and local transportation to be moderate. While the winter months (June to August) tend to be more budget-friendly with generally lower prices for flights, accommodation, and activities, your overall expenditure will largely depend on your travel style, chosen activities, and dining preferences. Opting to fly is often quicker and potentially more economical, but taking a ferry is a viable option for those wishing to bring a vehicle and possibly circumvent car rental costs. With mindful planning, a trip to Tasmania can be tailored to accommodate a range of budgets.
Discover more for your Tasmanian adventure below!
The best distilleries in Greater Hobart include Lark, Callington Mill, Spring Bay, Sullivans Cove & Old Kempton. We also mention a few bottles you might like.