Weekenders from Hobart 

With our partners at Nissan, we’re highlighting inviting TAS locations that create the ideal weekend road trip from Hobart.

Coles Bay

In a sentence: A great place to ‘get away from it all’, this picturesque seaside village is perched at the doorstep of amazing Freycinet National Park.

The drive: The 200km route heads in a northeast direction, hugging sections of coast before veering sharply to descend along Freycinet Peninsula.

Top attractions in Coles Bay and surrounds

• Freycinet National Park: An absolute star. Wineglass Bay might be the headliner, but the support acts are just as remarkable.
• Muirs Beach: A lovely stretch of sand backdropped by the striking Hazards mountain range.
• Devil's Corner winery: Tasty vino meets stunning vistas.
• Freycinet Marine Farm: Fresh seafood enjoyed from the source.

What’s nearby: Either on the way to or from Hobart, divert to Bicheno to see its famed blowhole in action. Spectacular.

Stay at: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park.

Strahan

In a sentence: Overlooking magical Macquarie Harbour on the state’s rugged west coast, this historical village is effortlessly enchanting.

The drive: A 300km route, largely along the Lyell Hwy, points northwest with the windy sections around Queenstown revealing incredible scenery. This has ‘long weekend’ written all over it.

Top attractions in Strahan

• Boat cruise: An absolute essential. Sublime scenery, fascinating history.
• Ocean Beach: Mystic. Wild. Isolated. Beautiful.
• Henty Dunes: Huge sand dunes suiting pics and play.
• Hogarth Falls: Eye candy galore on the 1.2km one-way stroll.
• West Coast Wilderness Railway: Additional visual delights between Strahan and Queenstown.
• Water Tower Hill lookout: The waterfront, Macquarie Harbour, Ocean Beach, and more are revealed here.
• The Ship That Never Was: Entertaining live theatre with a 25-year history.

What’s nearby: The old-mining town of Zeehan, 45km north of Strahan, is full of stunning heritage buildings. There’s plenty of scope to unearth its intriguing past.

Stay at: BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat.

St Helens

In a sentence: This charming northeast coastal town overlooks striking Georges Bay and is central to a wealth of amazing natural wonders.

The drive: Choose between a 250km inland route taking in some of the state’s most attractive towns like Oatlands and Ross. Or take the slightly longer stretch that hugs spectacular coastline and factor in a stop at Bicheno to view its famous blowhole.

Top attractions in St Helens

• St Helens mountain biking trails: An almighty world-class network.
• Fishing tours: This is the state’s game-fishing capital, after all.
• Mainly Maritime: Museum with a massive collection.
• St Helens Point Conservation Area: Rugged beaches and sublime views.

What’s nearby: Iconic Bay of Fires conservation area is must-visit material, but Evercreech Forest and St Columba Falls are just as Insta-worthy.

Stay at: BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park.

Tamar Valley

In a sentence: Sliced by the Tamar River, this stunning region takes famed food and wine and pairs it with a feast of fascinating attractions.

The drive: The 305km route (to Kelso) passes attractive heritage-rich towns along the Midland Highway as mentioned in the St Helens section – Campbell Town is another eye-catcher – before reaching Launceston and heading to the top of the state.

Top attractions in Tamar Valley

• Tamar Valley Wine Route: Cellar doors aplenty.
• Seahorse World: Deserves its name.
• Platypus House: Guaranteed sightings!
  
• Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre: Simply compelling.
• Brady's Lookout: Excellent views, bushranger style.

What’s nearby: Narawntapu National Park is stuffed with goodies, including engaging wildlife.

Stay at: BIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday and Native Wildlife Park or BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park.

Want more? All BIG4 parks in TAS are here.

For weekender ideas in other state capitals, head here.