The Tasman Peninsula

If you are heading from Port Arthur before your trek north:

• Cape Raoul Hike: Get world-class "Three Capes" scenery without the price tag. It’s a stunning 4 hour round trip with scenic views of the cliffs and the ocean. Park your campervan at the Cape Raoul Trailhead Carparkand head out on an amazing hike!  View on Maps
• Eaglehawk Neck: The Tessellated Pavement is a geological must-see. For affordable overnight van parking, the Eaglehawk Dive Centre offers $15 camping with full access to their facilities. View on Maps

Nature’s geometry: The Tessellated Pavement is a geological wonder.

The Journey North: Marion Bay to Orford

• Marion Bay: A stunning stop for a low-tide beach walk. Always check Willy Weather Marion Bay for tide times before you head out. There is a public toilet here and it's a great spot for a quiet break.
• Driving Tip: When driving toward Orford, stick to the main inland road (A3). The coastal route is unmaintained gravel through the forest - not ideal for a self-drive van holiday and often specifically restricted in rental agreements.
• Spring Beach: Our absolute favourite. The turquoise water and white cliffs remind us of the coast of Portugal. View on Maps
• Orford Town: Grab a coffee or lunch at Orford Riverside Cafe & Providore by the bridge. Enjoy a lovely walk on the Esplanade with river views or head over to  the nearby Millingtons beach.

Scenic coastal views and perfect pitstops on the East Coast drive

Triabunna & Maria Island

• Maria Island National Park: Often called a "wombat paradise," this island is a car-free sanctuary. Catch the Encounter Maria Island Ferry from Triabunna to see the Painted Cliffs and meet numerous grazing wombats with spectacular views of the water.
• Van Life Essentials: If you need a refresh, Triabunna has excellent hot showers and laundry facilities for travellers. View on Maps

Freycinet & The Great Eastern Drive

Unforgettable hikes and breathtaking views inspire some Tasmanian wines

• Freycinet Marine Farm: Perfect for a fresh seafood fix (the oysters are world-class!). Check the Freycinet Marine Farm website for seasonal hours.
• Devil’s Corner Winery: A "must-stop" for the architecture and the view. The tasting room overlooks the Hazards, but it’s best to book a tasting online in advance.
• Wineglass Bay: Park at the main National Park lot. You can do the short hike to the lookout or trek down to the beach.
• Camping: There is popular beachside camping next to the Visitor Centre - perfect for watching the sunrise over the water.

Bicheno to St. Helens (Bay of Fires)

As you move north, you’ll see the iconic orange lichen-covered rocks that make Tasmania road trips so famous.

• Surf Towns: Every beach along this stretch - Four Mile Creek, Falmouth and Scamander - are worth a quick pull-over.
• St. Helens: You can drive on a paved road to Beerbarrel Beach or head north to Taylor’s Beach for white sand and total seclusion.
• Binalong Bay: This area has fantastic freedom camping spots and is the best place to overnight before heading inland.

Pro Tip: North of St. Helens the roads turn to gravel and the most of the North-East of Tassie will have a lot of gravel roads. The best route back to Launceston is the main road heading west through the mountains (A3 via Derby).

Secluded white sands and clear waters of Taylor’s Beach and the charm of of St. Helens town followed by a windy road through Sideling Hill

The Home Stretch: Derby & The Sideling

• Derby: This town is a world-class mountain biking destination. For the ultimate recovery after the long drive, book a session at the Floating Sauna Lake Derby.
• The Sideling Lookout: Expect a very windy road with plenty of elevation (it’s a famous rally stage!). The view from the top is the perfect final photo op of your Tassie campervan journey.

Final Stop: Launceston

• Souvenirs: Visit the Launceston shop of Red Parka (closes at 5:00pm) for the best local wildlife-themed gifts and sustainable Tasmanian art. You can still buy some Red Parka at the airport, but the range is much smaller (and more expensive!).
• The Return: Usually our gusts have later flights and prefer to return the van in town - we will advise on best location close to restaurants. This allows to have a night out in Launceston and catch the flight in time, avoiding eating airplane food.
• Last Supper: Our favourites are: Du Cane Brewery for excellent wood-fired pizzas and local craft beer in a bushwalking-themed dining hall; around the corner - Saint John Craft Beer Bar, that serves an impressive collection of drinks and tasty food. 
• If you need more inspiration for dinner, just let us know and we'll help you. Launceston is a UNESCO town of gastronomy, so you won't have a problem finding the right place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to see the East Coast of Tasmania?

The best way to experience the East Coast is via a RV rental. Traveling in a campervan allows you to stay at stunning beachside campsites, cook local produce on the road and wake up to the sound of the ocean and birds at places like Binalong Bay or Freycinet National Park.

Can you drive a rental van on gravel roads in Tasmania?

Most Tasmanian campervan rental companies advise against driving on unsealed or gravel roads to avoid damage. On the East Coast, we recommend sticking to the paved A3 highway and avoiding the coastal gravel roads between Marion Bay and Orford.

How many days do I need for a Hobart to Launceston road trip?

While you can drive the distance in a few hours, we recommend at least 4 to 6 days to explore the Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet and the Bay of Fires properly. This allows for hiking, winery visits and relaxing at secluded beaches.

Is it easy to find showers and toilet facilities while van-touring in Tasmania?

Yes! Many small towns like Triabunna and St. Helens offer public hot showers and laundromats specifically for travellers. Most major caravan parks also offer day-use passes for these facilities.

Public toilets are located near most (if not every) barbecue spot, which are run by local councils and usually kept tidy. You can rent a chemical toilet from us for a fee, if you need. Remember, that emptying the toilet upon return is hirer's responsibility! Tasmania is generally camping-freindly and we will advise on where to empty the toilet when you rent from us!

Where are the best free camping spots on the East Coast of Tasmania?

Tasmania offers excellent free camping and low-cost sites. Always check local signage to ensure camping is permitted.

Free Coastal Camping

Most free sites are managed by local councils or the Parks and Wildlife Service. While free, many require you to be fully self-contained (meaning you carry your own water and waste).

• Mayfield Bay Conservation Area: Located south of Swansea, this is often cited as one of the best freedom camps in the state.It offers direct beach access and is perfect for a coastal overnight stay.
• White Sands Estate (Four Mile Creek): This estate provides free RV parking for self-contained vehicles for up to 3 nights. It’s one of the few places where you can park right on the beachfront for free.
• Bay of Fires Conservation Area: Just north of St. Helens, this area features several stunning free beach camps including Swimcart Beach, Cosy Corner, and Sloop Reef. These sites are extremely popular and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Low-Cost & Community Sites

These sites typically offer basic amenities like toilets or showers for a small fee or a voluntary donation.

• Eaglehawk Dive Centre (Tasman Peninsula): Offers $15 camping with access to facilities, making it a great base for exploring the Port Arthur region.
• Triabunna Recreation Ground: A convenient low-cost stop that often provides access to hot showers and laundry—essential for longer trips.
• St. Marys Sport & Recreation Ground: Offers free camping with an amenities block where you can use a hot shower for a small coin-op fee (approx. $2).