Based on the search results provided, here is a summary of how long it takes to road trip around Tasmania:
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How Long Does it Take to Drive Around Tasmania?
The search results indicate that the total non-stop drive time for a lap around the outer rim of Tasmania is around 22 hours.
However, to comfortably experience all that Tasmania has to offer, the recommended duration is around 7-14 days.
Some key points:
- Tasmania has a land area of 68,401 square km, similar in size to Ireland or Sri Lanka.
- Driving distances between major towns and attractions range from 45 km to over 400 km.
- Recommended itineraries suggest spending 3-10 days to see the main sights, with 5-7 days being optimal.
- Factors like sightseeing, breaks, and exploring side trips can significantly extend the total trip duration.
The search results emphasize that the ideal length of a Tasmania road trip depends on your interests and how much of the island you want to cover.
But in general, 7-14 days is recommended to fully experience the island’s natural beauty, historic sites, and charming towns.
What is the recommended duration for a Tasmania road trip?
Based on the search results, the recommended duration for a Tasmania road trip is:
6-12 days
The key points are:
- “It depends what you’re coming for, but generally speaking, nothing less than 6 days if you want to see the main sights but even then you may feel a bit rushed.”
- “If you want to get a good taste of Tassie and see most of its highlights, I personally think 10 days, +/- 2 days either way is an optimal time.”
- The 3-week itinerary provided covers the best of the island, including several national parks and wildlife viewing. This could be adapted to a shorter 1-2 week trip.
So in summary, the search results recommend a Tasmania road trip of 6-12 days as the ideal duration to see the main sights and highlights of the island without feeling too rushed.
A 10-day itinerary seems to be the sweet spot recommended by the sources.
What are the must-see destinations and highlights to include on a Tasmania road trip?
Based on the search results provided, here are the key must-see destinations and highlights to include on a Tasmania road trip:
Top Destinations
- Hobart
- Mount Wellington/kunanyi
- MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
- Bruny Island
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Huon Valley
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Freycinet National Park
- Wineglass Bay
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Cape Tourville
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Tasman National Park
- Dramatic sea cliffs and rock formations
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Hiking, rock climbing, abseiling
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Bay of Fires
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Stunning white sand beaches and orange-hued rocks
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Cradle Mountain
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Strahan
- Scenic hikes like Hogarth Falls
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Henty Dunes
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Launceston
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Gourmet food and wine experiences
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Three Capes Track
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Panoramic views of dramatic sea cliffs
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Mount Field National Park
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Diverse scenery from rainforests to alpine areas
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Bridestowe Lavender Estate
- Lavender fields in bloom (December-January)
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Port Arthur Historic Site
- Well-preserved convict-era prison ruins
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The Nut in Stanley
- Iconic volcanic rock formation
Key Highlights
- Compact size allows seeing a lot in a short time
- Diverse landscapes from mountains to coasts
- Abundant wildlife like Tasmanian devils and wombats
- Excellent hiking and photography opportunities
- Gourmet food, wine, and cider experiences
- Historic sites like Port Arthur
- Scenic drives with stunning views
The search results provide a comprehensive overview of the must-see destinations and highlights to include on a Tasmania road trip.
The itineraries and guides cover the top natural wonders, national parks, historic sites, and culinary experiences across the island.
What are some of the best routes or itineraries to consider for a Tasmania road trip?
Based on the search results provided, here are some of the best routes and itineraries to consider for a Tasmania road trip:
10-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
The search results suggest the following 10-day Tasmania road trip itinerary:
- Spend 4 days in Hobart, visiting attractions like the MONA museum and taking day trips to the Tasman Peninsula and Huon Valley.
- Drive to Eaglehawk Neck and explore the Tasman Peninsula, including Devil’s Kitchen, Tasman Arch, and the Blowhole.
- Visit the historic Port Arthur convict settlement, and consider taking a ghost tour at night.
- Head to the east coast, stopping in Coles Bay to access Freycinet National Park.
- Continue north to the Bay of Fires and the town of St Helens.
- Spend time in Launceston and the Tamar Valley wine region.
- Drive to the northwest, visiting Stanley and the unique geological feature called “The Nut”.
- Explore Cradle Mountain National Park in the central highlands.
- Finish the trip in Strahan on the west coast, near Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
3-Week Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
For a more comprehensive 3-week itinerary, the search results suggest the following:
- Spend 4 days in Hobart and the surrounding area.
- Drive to the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur.
- Explore the east coast, including Freycinet National Park and the Bay of Fires.
- Visit Launceston and the Tamar Valley.
- Head to the northwest, stopping in Stanley and Cradle Mountain.
- Spend time in Strahan and the west coast.
- Consider adding additional destinations in the midlands, such as Mount Field National Park.
The search results emphasize that Tasmania has a surprisingly large number of things to see and do, and that it’s important not to try to rush through the state in just a few days.
The recommended itineraries provide a good balance of the top attractions while allowing time to truly experience the natural beauty and unique culture of Tasmania.
How much driving time per day is typical for a Tasmania road trip?
Based on the search results, here is a summary of the typical driving times per day for a Tasmania road trip:
Driving Times for a Tasmania Road Trip
The search results provide the following insights on driving times in Tasmania:
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The shortest itinerary covered in the results involves about 11 hours of total driving time over 7 days, which works out to about 1.5 hours of driving per day on average.
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The longest itinerary covered is about 23 hours of total driving time over 14 days, which works out to about 1.5-2 hours of driving per day on average.
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The sources recommend limiting driving time to a maximum of 4 hours per day to allow for a more relaxed pace and time to stop and explore.
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When traveling by campervan or caravan, the sources suggest adding an additional 20% to the driving time estimates for cars.
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The sources caution that driving times can be impacted by factors like weather, wildlife, and road conditions, so it’s important to build in extra time and flexibility.
In summary, the typical driving time per day for a Tasmania road trip is around 1.5-2 hours, with a maximum recommended of 4 hours per day to allow for stops and a more relaxed pace.
Travelers with larger vehicles like campervans should plan for slightly longer driving times.
What factors should be considered when planning the length of a Tasmania road trip?
Based on the search results, here are the key factors to consider when planning the length of a Tasmania road trip:
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Total distance around Tasmania: The total route around the island is approximately 1,500 km.
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Recommended duration: Most sources suggest spending 7-14 days to comfortably explore the major sights and attractions in Tasmania.
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Driving time: The non-stop driving time to complete a full lap of Tasmania is around 22 hours. However, this does not account for sightseeing, breaks, and unpredictable weather conditions.
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Attractions and activities: Tasmania has many natural parks, coastal regions, historic sites, and small towns that require time to properly visit and experience. Factors like hiking, wildlife spotting, and visiting museums can significantly impact the overall trip duration.
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Travel style: Some travelers may prefer a more relaxed pace, while others may want to cover more ground in less time. The ideal duration can vary based on individual preferences.
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Arrival/departure location: If starting and ending the trip in different locations like Hobart and Devonport, the itinerary and driving distances may need to be adjusted accordingly.
In summary, to plan the optimal length for a Tasmania road trip, consider the total distance, recommended duration, driving time, the number and type of attractions you want to visit, and your personal travel style.
Allowing 7-14 days seems to be the sweet spot for most travelers to see the highlights of Tasmania at a comfortable pace.
Are there any seasonal considerations that impact the ideal duration for a Tasmania road trip?
Based on the search results, there are several seasonal considerations that can impact the ideal duration for a Tasmania road trip:
- Weather and Daylight Hours:
- Spring (September to November) has vibrant landscapes, moderate temperatures, and fewer crowds, but can be windy.
- Summer (December to February) has the sunniest and driest weather, longest daylight hours, and blooming lavender fields, but also more crowds and higher prices.
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Winter (June to August) brings snow in the highlands, whale watching opportunities, and fewer crowds, but also potential road disruptions and shorter daylight hours.
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Activities and Stops:
- The activities you plan to do, such as hiking, camping, or visiting museums, will determine how long you need to spend in each destination.
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Traveling with children may require more stops for breaks and shorter driving days.
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Accommodation Availability:
- During peak travel seasons, accommodation can book up quickly, requiring more advance planning. Off-peak seasons offer more flexibility.
Based on this, the ideal duration for a Tasmania road trip can vary from 6 days to 2-3 weeks, depending on the season, your travel style, and the activities you want to include.
Most sources suggest 10-11 days as a good balance to see the main highlights without feeling too rushed.
The key is to consider your personal preferences, the weather, and the pace you want to maintain when deciding on the duration of your Tasmania road trip.
What tips or advice do you have for first-time Tasmania road trippers regarding trip length?
Based on the search results, here are some key tips and advice for first-time Tasmania road trippers regarding trip length:
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Most sources recommend allocating 10-12 days to see the main highlights of Tasmania without feeling rushed. 10 days is considered an optimal time frame to get a good taste of the island.
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However, the length of the trip can be adjusted based on your interests and travel style. The itinerary can be shortened to around 7 days by skipping some destinations, or extended to 2 weeks or more to explore the island more thoroughly.
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The best time to visit Tasmania is during the summer months from December to March, when the weather is milder and more stable.
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When planning your road trip, factor in time for photo stops, meals, and rest breaks, as driving times between destinations can be longer than expected due to the winding roads and unpredictable weather.
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If you’re bringing your own car or campervan, the overnight ferry from Melbourne to Devonport can be a convenient way to access the island. Alternatively, flying into Hobart is also a popular option.
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Renting a compact car is recommended to navigate Tasmania’s roads comfortably.
In summary, 10-12 days is a good baseline for a first-time Tasmania road trip, but the exact length can be adjusted based on your travel style and interests.
Proper planning and allowing for flexibility in your schedule are key to making the most of your time on the island.