Planning road trips from Hobart? Tasmania’s capital offers incredible day trips within 1-3 hours drive. Here are the 6 best road trips from Hobart that showcase Tasmania’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and natural wonders – all perfect for day trips with a rental car.(update 2025)
Table of Contents
Top 6 Road Trips from Hobart
- Port Arthur Historic Site (1.5 hours) – Australia’s most significant convict site
- Bruny Island (1.5 hours + ferry) – Gourmet food and rugged coastlines
- Mount Field National Park (1.5 hours) – Famous Russell Falls and rainforest walks
- Huon Valley (1 hour) – Wine tasting and apple orchards
- Richmond Village (30 minutes) – Historic Georgian architecture and Australia’s oldest stone bridge
- Freycinet National Park (2.5 hours) – Iconic Wineglass Bay and pristine beaches
Essential Info: Rent a car from Hobart Airport or city center. Public transport is limited in Tasmania, making a rental car necessary for these destinations. Book through DiscoverCars for competitive rates and insurance options.
Why Choose Hobart for Road Trips?
Hobart serves as Tasmania’s perfect road trip base. The capital city offers easy car rental access, with all major destinations within day-trip distance. Tasmania’s compact size means you can experience dramatic coastlines, ancient rainforests, and historic sites without long drives.
Best Day Trips from Hobart with a Rental Car
Here are some brilliant day trips to enjoy with your hire car:
1. Port Arthur Historic Site (1.5 hrs drive)
Distance: 102km southeast via Tasman Peninsula Driving Time: 1.5 hours each way Best For: History lovers and dramatic coastal scenery
Drive through the stunning Tasman Peninsula to Australia’s most significant convict heritage site. Port Arthur served as a penal colony from the 1830s, featuring remarkably preserved ruins including the iconic Penitentiary and sandstone church.
Route Highlights:
- Stop at Tessellated Pavement (natural rock formations)
- Visit Devil’s Kitchen coastal blowhole
- Explore Tasman Arch natural bridge
- Tour Port Arthur’s historic grounds and museum
Practical Tips: Allow a full day. Entry tickets include guided tours and boat cruise. The site offers cafes and picnic areas with harbor views.
2. Bruny Island (1.5 hrs including ferry)
Bruny Island combines gourmet local produce with spectacular coastal landscapes. The island requires a car (no public transport), making it perfect for a road trip adventure.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Sample oysters at Get Shucked Oyster Farm
- Taste artisan cheese at Bruny Island Cheese Company
- Visit House of Anvers chocolate factory
- Spot echidnas and wallabies in natural habitats
- Hike to stunning cliff viewpoints
Ferry Info: Operates hourly, bookings recommended during peak season. Vehicle ferry costs approximately $35 return.
3. Mount Field National Park (1.5 hrs drive)
Distance: 75km northwest
Driving Time: 1.5 hours Best For: Nature photography and easy bushwalks
Home to Tasmania’s most photographed waterfall, Mount Field offers accessible rainforest walks through ancient fern forests and towering eucalyptus trees.
Park Highlights:
- Russell Falls: Multi-tiered 58-meter waterfall (15-minute easy walk)
- Lady Barron Falls: Scenic 45-minute return walk
- Tall Trees Walk: Experience giant swamp gums up to 85 meters tall
- Alpine areas for more challenging hikes
Facilities: Visitor center, cafe, picnic areas, and well-marked trails suitable for all fitness levels
4. Huon Valley (1 hr drive)Distance: 40km south Driving Time: 1 hour
Best For: Wine enthusiasts and scenic countryside
The Huon Valley combines cool-climate wine tasting with charming rural landscapes, making it Tasmania’s premier wine region within easy reach of Hobart.
Featured Wineries:
- Home Hill Winery (38 B Road, Ranelagh) – Award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, open 10am-5pm daily
- Kate Hill Wines (21 Dowlings Rd, Huonville) – Handcrafted wines with vineyard views, Tuesday-Sunday 11am-4pm
Additional Attractions:
- Cygnet village antique shops
- Tahune Airwalk treetop experience
- Historic apple orchards and farm gates
5. Richmond (30 mins drive)
Distance: 25km northeast Driving Time: 30 minutes Best For: History buffs and photography
Richmond preserves Australia’s finest collection of Georgian architecture, centered around the nation’s oldest stone bridge spanning the Coal River.
Historic Highlights:
- Richmond Bridge (1825) – Australia’s oldest stone bridge
- Richmond Gaol – Well-preserved 1825 jail with fascinating convict stories
- St. John’s Catholic Church (1837) – Beautiful sandstone architecture
- Quaint cafes and artisan shops along historic streets
Perfect For: Half-day trip, family-friendly with easy walking distances.
6. Freycinet National Park (2.5 hrs drive)
Distance: 200km northeast via Coles Bay Driving Time: 2.5 hours
Best For: Iconic coastal photography and beach experiences
While the longest drive, Freycinet rewards with Tasmania’s most famous beach. Wineglass Bay consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Key Experiences:
- Wineglass Bay Lookout: 1.5-hour return hike for panoramic views
- Hazards Beach: Easier access to pristine white sand
- Pink granite mountains (The Hazards)
- Abundant wildlife including wallabies and native birds
Planning Note: Start early for this full-day trip. Coles Bay offers accommodation if you prefer to stay overnight.
Car Rental Guide for Hobart Road Trips
Best Rental Locations –Hobart Airport: Most convenient for immediate departure and City Center: Good for exploring Hobart first
Recommended Companies – Compare rates through DiscoverCars for:
Hertz, Avis, Budget for international brands and Bargain Car Rentals, Cruisin’ Tasmania (local options)
Vehicle Recommendations
- Compact cars: Perfect for sealed road destinations
- SUV/4WD: Better for gravel roads and camping gear
Consider: Fuel efficiency for longer trips
- Hidden Costs to Avoid
- Insurance excess: Purchase reduction cover
- Fuel charges: Return with full tank
- One-way fees: Return to pickup location
- Additional drivers: Factor in extra charges
- Mileage limits: Choose unlimited for road trips
Essential Driving Tips for Tasmania
- Road Conditions
- Drive on the left (standard in Australia)
- Well-maintained sealed roads to all destinations
- Speed limits strictly enforced
- Limited fuel stations in remote areas
- Wildlife Safety
- Peak danger times: Dawn and dusk
- Common animals: Wallabies, wombats, possums
- Prevention: Reduce speed in wildlife areas, especially Tasman Peninsula and Freycinet
Weather Considerations
- Rapid weather changes in mountain areas
- Check forecasts before departing
- Pack layers for temperature variations
- Winter (June-August) may require chains in alpine areasis half the fun.
Planning Your Perfect Hobart Road Trip
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warmest weather, longer days, peak tourism
- Autumn (Mar-May): Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Crisp clear days, possible snow in mountains
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflowers, mild weather, good value
Budget Planning
- Car rental: $35-80/day depending on vehicle type
- Fuel: Budget $15-40/day for driving
- Park fees: $12-40/person for national parks
- Food/activities: $50-150/person/day
Booking Recommendations
- Book rental cars in advance for better rates and vehicle choice
- Check ferry schedules for Bruny Island trips
- Purchase park passes online to save time
- Reserve winery tastings during peak seasons
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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