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It is a lovely loop around Tasmania, with a good mixture of wilderness, beaches, historic sites and small towns. With 15 days, there is also enough time to stay two nights in some of the best spots rather than constantly packing up and moving on.
Day 1, Welcome to Tasmania
Hobart
Pick up your campervan in Hobart and keep your first day nice and easy. Allow plenty of time for the vehicle handover, then stop for groceries and anything else you would like for the trip.
Once you are settled in, spend the afternoon exploring Hobart. Salamanca Place and the waterfront are lovely for a wander, or simply find somewhere for dinner and enjoy your first evening in Tasmania.
Tonight: Hobart
Tip: Don't plan a big drive for collection day. Getting comfortable with the camper before heading further afield makes for a much nicer start.
Day 2, Hobart to Port Arthur
Around 100 km, approximately 1.5 hours driving
Today the road trip really begins. Head south east from Hobart towards the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur.
There are some great places to stop on the way, including the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch and Devil's Kitchen. None require a huge amount of time, so you can pick and choose depending on how the day is going.
Spend the afternoon exploring Port Arthur Historic Site, one of Tasmania's best known historic attractions.
Tonight: Port Arthur
Day 3, Explore the Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur
No need to pack up this morning. You have the whole day to explore.
The Tasman Peninsula has some spectacular coastline, walking trails and viewpoints. You could visit Remarkable Cave, spend more time around Port Arthur, or simply have a slower day enjoying the scenery.
For something memorable in the evening, Port Arthur also runs its famous after dark ghost tours.
Tonight: Port Arthur
Day 4, Port Arthur to Mount Field
Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours driving, depending on stops
Make your way back towards Hobart before turning inland towards Mount Field National Park.
One of the highlights here is Russell Falls. It is an easy walk through beautiful rainforest and is a great introduction to Tasmania's wilderness.
If you arrive early enough, spend the afternoon exploring some of the other short walks in the park.
Tonight: Mount Field area
Day 5, Mount Field to Strahan via Lake St Clair
Allow most of the day
Today is one of those days where the journey is every bit as good as the destination.
Head west through Tasmania's interior, stopping around Lake St Clair along the way. Stretch your legs, have lunch and enjoy the scenery before continuing towards the west coast.
Your destination is Strahan, a little harbour town on the edge of Macquarie Harbour.
Tonight: Strahan
Day 6, Strahan
No big drive today
After a few days on the move, today is all about enjoying the west coast.
One of the most popular ways to experience the area is a Gordon River cruise, taking you deep into Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness.
Alternatively, enjoy a slower day around Strahan, visit Ocean Beach or explore the waterfront.
Tonight: Strahan
Day 7, Strahan to Cradle Mountain
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours driving
Leave the west coast behind and make your way towards one of the biggest highlights of the trip, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
There is no need to cram everything into this afternoon because you have another full day here tomorrow. Get settled, visit the information centre and perhaps choose one of the shorter walks.
Tonight: Cradle Mountain
Day 8, Cradle Mountain
No driving required
This is exactly why having 15 days is so worthwhile.
Spend the day exploring Cradle Mountain at your own pace. Dove Lake is the star attraction and there are walking options ranging from easy strolls to much longer hikes.
Keep your eyes open for wombats and wallabies, particularly later in the day.
Tasmanian mountain weather can change quickly, so take warm and waterproof layers even if the morning looks beautiful.
Tonight: Cradle Mountain
Day 9, Cradle Mountain to Launceston
Approximately 2.5 hours driving
Leave the mountains and make your way towards Launceston.
There is no need to rush. Stop for lunch along the way and arrive in Launceston with enough time for a wander around the city.
Tonight: Launceston
Day 10, Launceston
A nice slow day
Spend the morning exploring Cataract Gorge Reserve. It is incredibly close to the city centre, yet feels a world away.
You can walk the trails, enjoy the gardens or take the chairlift across the gorge.
The rest of the day is yours. Explore Launceston, enjoy a long lunch, or simply take advantage of having another night in the same campsite.
Tonight: Launceston
Day 11, Launceston to St Helens and the Bay of Fires
Around 165 km, approximately 2.5 hours driving
Today you cross Tasmania towards the east coast.
Once you reach St Helens, continue north to explore the spectacular Bay of Fires.
White beaches, turquoise water and huge granite boulders covered in orange lichen make this one of the most distinctive stretches of coastline in Tasmania.
Tonight: St Helens or Bay of Fires area
Day 12, Bay of Fires
Another day without a big drive
Keep today flexible. Explore different beaches, go for a walk, have a picnic and enjoy having nowhere in particular you need to be.
Binalong Bay is well worth visiting and is a lovely spot to spend some time by the water.
Tonight: St Helens or Bay of Fires area
Day 13, St Helens to Freycinet
Around 115 km, approximately 1.5 hours driving
Follow Tasmania's east coast south towards Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park.
Because the drive is relatively short, you have plenty of time to stop along the coast before arriving at Freycinet.
Spend the afternoon exploring Coles Bay or one of the shorter national park walks.
Tonight: Coles Bay or Freycinet area
Day 14, Wineglass Bay and back towards Hobart
Get an early start and enjoy one of Tasmania's most famous sights, Wineglass Bay.
The Wineglass Bay Lookout walk gives you that classic view over the curved white beach and blue water below.
Afterwards, start making your way south towards Hobart. Allow time for stops rather than treating it simply as a drive back.
Tonight: Hobart
Day 15, Hobart and campervan return
Enjoy a relaxed final morning before returning your campervan.
Give yourself enough time to pack your belongings, tidy the camper, empty any waste tanks if required and refuel according to your rental conditions.
Then it is time to say goodbye to your little home on wheels and, quite possibly, start planning the next road trip.
A few campervan tips for Tasmania
Tasmania is compact, but don't judge driving times by distance alone. Roads can be winding and slower than expected, particularly through the mountains and west coast.
Try to avoid driving around dawn and dusk where possible, as wildlife is much more active. It is also worth booking campsites ahead around Cradle Mountain, Freycinet and the Bay of Fires, particularly during busy periods.
Most importantly, keep some flexibility in the itinerary. If you find a beautiful beach, a great little bakery or a campsite you absolutely love, staying a little longer is all part of the fun.
15 days gives you enough time to see a fantastic amount of Tasmania without making the holiday feel like a race.
