Coastal Bliss and Bushland Wonders:
A Two-Week East Coast Tasmania Campervan Adventure

Week 1: Devonport to Swansea – Embarking on a Tasmanian Odyssey

Day 1-2: Devonport to Launceston – Welcoming Tasmania’s Charms

Stepping off the Spirit of Tasmania in Devonport, you’ll embark on a remarkable journey through Tasmania’s stunning landscapes. The first leg takes you to Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city and a vibrant cultural hub. Before leaving Devonport, spend a few hours exploring the city, maybe even take a brief stroll around the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse.

As you begin your journey towards Launceston, the landscape transforms into a picturesque blend of farmland and low-lying hills. Upon reaching Launceston, Cataract Gorge Reserve is a must-visit. Here, you can take the world’s longest single-span chairlift for an overview of the magnificent gorge or traverse the various walking trails. The lush green basin is home to peacocks and wallabies, while the South Esk River adds an enchanting allure.

Launceston’s well-preserved colonial and Victorian architecture offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. Stroll around and soak in the historic ambiance, then retreat for a peaceful night at the Treasure Island Caravan Park.

Day 3-4: Launceston to St. Helens – Tracing Tasmania’s Natural Grandeur

Depart Launceston for St. Helens, the game fishing capital of Tasmania, located on George’s Bay. As you head east, consider stopping at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. If you visit during summer, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking purple sea of flowering lavender.

Upon reaching St. Helens, the Bay of Fires undoubtedly warrants your attention. The bay’s white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and orange-hued granite rocks create a captivating sight. Named for the Aboriginal fires spotted by early European explorers, the bay offers ample opportunities for beach walks, bird watching, fishing, and surfing.

Nearby, St. Helens Point is an excellent spot for those eager to cast a line. The area is known for its Australian salmon and rock lobster. As the day ends, Swimcart Beach presents an ideal free camping location. As you fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves, it’s clear you’re embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 5-6: St. Helens to Freycinet National Park – Immersed in Tasmania’s Pristine Wilderness

Next, the journey turns south to Freycinet National Park, a gem of Tasmania’s East Coast. A peninsula of pink granite mountains interspersed with azure bays and white sandy beaches, Freycinet is a testament to Tasmania’s pristine wilderness.

Hiking to the Wineglass Bay lookout offers a rewarding view of the curved bay, often listed among the world’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re up for it, descend to the beach itself, a slightly challenging but worthwhile trek.

Also, explore Honeymoon Bay and Sleepy Bay, both perfect for a relaxing dip. Nearby, the Cape Tourville Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the park and the Tasman Sea.

For the night, Iluka Campground in Coles Bay makes a convenient base, equipped with basic facilities and nestled within a captivating setting.

Day 7: Freycinet National Park to Swansea – Seaside Tranquillity

The final leg of the first week leads to Swansea, a charming seaside town. The town’s Heritage Centre offers insights into Swansea’s history. For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the local vineyards, known for their excellent cool-climate wines, is highly recommended.

Relax and reflect on your week’s journey on Swansea’s beautiful beaches. As you retire for the night at the Swansea Holiday Park, the memories of the places you’ve explored in just the first week promise even more adventure in the week ahead. Tasmania’s east coast is just beginning to reveal its treasures, and there’s plenty more to explore!

Week 2: Swansea to Devonport – Concluding an Unforgettable Tasmanian Journey

Day 8-9: Swansea to Port Arthur – Remnants of the Past

Commence the second week of your journey by heading south from Swansea towards Port Arthur. Make a pit stop at Triabunna, a charming fishing town known for its fresh seafood, before continuing to Tasmania’s historical heart.

Port Arthur is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, once home to a harsh penal settlement. Today, it stands as a poignant monument to Australia’s convict history. Spend a day exploring the well-preserved buildings, the eerie solitary confinement cells, and the ruins of the convict church. Don’t miss the boat tour around the harbour, included in your entry ticket, and the Isle of the Dead, a cemetery that narrates stories of the settlement’s inhabitants.

Spend the night at the Port Arthur Holiday Park. Their comfortable amenities will provide a pleasant contrast to the historic hardships witnessed earlier in the day.

Day 10-11: Port Arthur to Hobart – A Fusion of History, Art, and Culture

From Port Arthur, a scenic drive along the Tasman Peninsula brings you to Tasmania’s capital, Hobart. Nestled between Mount Wellington and the Derwent River, Hobart boasts a harmonious blend of natural beauty, history, and vibrant modern culture.

Saturday visitors shouldn’t miss the Salamanca Market, a lively street market teeming with local produce, arts, crafts, and delicious food. Regardless of the day, the historic Salamanca Place, with its sandstone buildings now housing galleries, theatres, and restaurants, is worth exploring.

Next, head to the Hobart waterfront, once the hub of Hobart’s whaling and apple industries. Today, it’s the city’s social centre, lined with restaurants, cafes, and the bustling fish market. While here, sample Tasmania’s renowned seafood – oysters, scallops, salmon – freshly caught from the surrounding clean waters.

No visit to Hobart is complete without a trip to MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. Accessible by a high-speed ferry from the city centre, MONA houses a unique and sometimes controversial collection of modern art and antiquities. Its subterranean architecture and thought-provoking exhibits offer an immersive art experience.

The Hobart Showgrounds is a convenient spot to set up camp for the night, with easy access to city attractions.

Day 12-13: Hobart to Mount Field National Park – Encountering Tasmania’s Wilderness

Venture inland from Hobart to Mount Field National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most diverse national parks. The park’s rainforest, alpine moorlands, and tall swamp gum forests are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the Tasmanian devil and platypus.

Start with the Russell Falls, an easy walk from the visitor centre. Its three elegant tiers, particularly stunning after rainfall, make it one of Tasmania’s most adored waterfalls. The Tall Trees Track takes you among some of the world’s tallest trees, the swamp gums, reaching up to 80 metres high. If time and energy permit, the Lake Dobson area, a longer drive up a winding road, offers higher altitude walks and spectacular views.

For overnight camping, Mount Field National Park Campground offers basic facilities amidst a tranquil natural setting.

Day 14: Mount Field National Park to Devonport – Homeward Bound

With a heart full of memories and a camera full of breathtaking photos, it’s time to make your way back to Devonport. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Tasmania one last time as you drive north. You may choose to make a brief stop at Sheffield, known as the ‘Town of Murals’, adorned with over 140 murals depicting its history.

Arriving back in Devonport, it’s time to return your camper van and bid goodbye to Tasmania’s rugged landscapes, stunning coastlines, rich history, and welcoming towns. As the Spirit of Tasmania ferries you back across the Bass Strait, begin planning your next Tasmanian adventure, because this enchanting island is sure to lure you back for more.