Tasmanian Road Trip from Devonport to Hobart
Australia’s island state of Tasmania is a place of vibrant landscapes and exciting adventures. Explore what Tasmania—known affectionately as Tassie—has to offer with a road trip from the northern city of Devonport to the capital city: Hobart.
Follow this guide as your road trip in your Dollar rental car from north to south of this unique state to discover the hidden beauty nestled around Tasmania. You’ll follow the scenic route as it winds you through rolling hills and quaint towns, dense forests and expansive national parks.
Travel from Devonport to Launceston
Situated on the northern coast of Tasmania, Devonport is a historical seaside city that will be many travelers’ first experience of the island state if they are arriving by the Spirit of Tasmania. History is all around in Devonport, embedded into the buildings and the heritage architecture. If you’re wanting to learn a little more about Devonport’s past, head over to the beautiful Home Hill, a National Trust-listed property that holds within its walls plenty of significant Australian political history. Keep the history lesson going with a visit to the village of Don on the outskirts of Devonport and stop by the Don River Railway, a collection of heritage trains. Once you’re ready to get on your way, head an hour south to the quaint riverside city of Launceston. Characterized by steep hills and historic architecture, the must-do activity to experience when you’re stopping in Launceston is a visit to Cataract Gorge. This expansive stretch of forested river includes a network of bush walks through lush vegetation, a sparkling gorge to swim in, a heritage scenic chairlift and a 130-year-old tree—all in the heart of the city.
Marvel at the Freycinet National Park
Once you’ve wrapped up your adventures in Launceston, the next place to stop on this scenic road trip itinerary is the sensational Freycinet National Park. Only two hours’ drive from Launceston, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole new world. The intensity of the colours and vibrancy of the vegetation is a reflection of the kind of stunning landscapes Tasmania has become known for, and one of the reasons why it’s a must-visit for all who travel to Australia. While the park is expansive and brimming with adventure around every corner, if you only have a limited amount of time to make the most of it, walking to the picture-perfect Wineglass Bay should be at the top of your list. The 2.6-kilometre return walk is well worth it, both to stretch your legs after time spent in the car, and for the view that is delivered when you arrive. The pristine white curve of the sand of the bay is as soft to stand on as it is pretty to look at, scooping around to form an image of a wine glass. Make sure to remember your camera for this activity—pictures of the bay are best snapped from high above at the lookout.
Travel Back in Time in Richmond
From Freycinet, journey a further two hours’ south and you’ll find yourself in Richmond/Mumirimina, an intact colonial-era town that is like stepping back in time. As with so many of the cities and towns in Tasmania, the architecture has been carefully maintained, resembling the face of a town from a bygone era. You can experience some of this old fashioned hospitality and architecture at the Richmond Bakery and the Richmond Lolly Shop, although if you’re wanting to really immerse yourself in a Richmond of yesteryear, pay a visit to the famous Richmond Bridge. Over 200 years old, this is Australia’s oldest bridge still in use, but you can even drive across it in your rental car. With a reputation not only for its age but for its beauty, make sure to get out of the car and step onto the banks of the river to marvel at the sandstone that was built by hand by the convicts more than two centuries ago.
The World is Your Oyster in Hobart
Only another 20 minutes’ drive from Richmond and you’ll arrive in the bustling city centre of Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city. This historic cityscape is nestled between the ocean and the rolling hills of rugged Tasmania, providing a hub of arts, culture and adventure amongst spectacular landscapes. Hobart is a city that holds more than meets the eye, so if you’re looking to start tackling this epic hotspot of activity and excitement, make sure to check out the iconic MONA museum, the stylish Salamanca Place, the quaint seaside suburb of Battery Point or the vibrant bush of Mount Wellington.
From the coastal city of Devonport and through the rugged landscapes of Tasmania, follow this scenic road trip in your Dollar rental car to the capital city of Hobart to experience all the best of what this island state has to offer.
