An action-packed road trip in Tassie with Roady

Hi there, I’m Clara, and my partner Adam and I are the full-time content creators behind @tourist_thebus. For the past few years, we have been roaming Australia in our bus, sharing the trails we hike, the places we stay, and what life on the road really looks like.

Recently, we partnered with Roady as ambassadors and hit the road for a whirlwind eight-day adventure through Tasmania, staying at six BIG4 parks along the way. Even though we have spent months exploring the Apple Isle in the past, this trip reminded us just how much there is to discover, often just a short drive away.

This blog wraps up our route, our favourite moments, and everything you should know if you are dreaming of a Tassie road trip of your own. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll on to find out all about our amazing adventure.

First impressions (all over again)

Even though this was far from our first time in Tasmania, sixth time for Adam and third for me, we were hit with that same ‘wow, this place is magic’ feeling within minutes of landing.

Tasmania has that rare ability to feel familiar and new at the same time. No matter how many times we visit, we stumble across something unexpected, whether it’s an unmarked trail, a quiet bay or a town we hadn’t given much thought to. It is a place that rewards curiosity and slow exploration, even when you are moving fast like we were on this trip.

Why Tassie is made for road tripping

The best part of travelling around Tasmania is how much variety you can experience in such short distances. One day you are walking along white sand beaches, the next you are hiking alpine trails, exploring a historic town or spotting penguins at dusk.

Everything is close, beautifully maintained and incredibly accessible. That means you spend less time driving and more time actually doing the things you came for, like hiking, eating, exploring, photographing and reconnecting with nature or one another.

Every day on this trip genuinely felt like an adventure.

The six BIG4 parks we stayed at

We covered six parks during our visit, each totally different and perfectly positioned for exploring its region.

BIG4 Hobart Airport Tourist Park

The ideal arrival point. Being minutes from the airport made our first and last days completely stress-free. Super convenient when you want to hit the road quickly.

BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park

An unbeatable location for exploring Freycinet National Park. We loved the onsite café and restaurant and how easy it was to get an early start for our Mount Amos sunrise hike.

BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks St Helens

This one was all about comfort with glamping tents, deluxe ensuite sites and fantastic access to the unbeatable Bay of Fires region. One of the easiest and nicest bases on the east coast.

BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park

We stayed in a cabin here, and we really loved it. The gift shop was a pleasantly surprising standout, stocked with local products and thoughtful souvenirs. It is also perfectly located to visit the Cataract Gorge.

BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks Ulverstone

An incredible coastal setting and a great launch point for Cradle Mountain day trips. Close enough to get there early but far enough to avoid the crowds as well.

BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks Stanley

Waking up beneath The Nut was unreal. We could walk straight into town, climb The Nut for sunrise and even watched Little Penguins wandering through the park at night.

Every park felt clean, well maintained and thoughtfully laid out, with accommodation options to suit any traveller.

The unexpected moments that made the trip

Tasmania always has surprises, and a few stood out on this trip.

• How quickly the weather can change, even in summer
• Snow on Cradle Mountain in the warmer months makes for great pics!
• More wildlife than we expected, especially around Cradle Mountain and Stanley
• New discoveries, even after spending three months exploring Tassie in previous visits

But the biggest surprise was Leven Canyon, which we had never heard of. The views from Cruickshank Lookout were incredible, and the whole area quickly became one of our favourite finds. We used the Roady app to find lesser-known places to visit, like this one.

Our favourite beaches, lookouts and must dos

After six days of early mornings, late sunsets and everything in between, a few places truly stood out.

Best beach

Boat Harbour Beach for its bright turquoise water and white sand. On a clear day, it is absolute magic.

Best lookouts and trails

• Mount Amos for sunrise overlooking Wineglass Bay
• Cradle Mountain and the Dove Lake walk
• The Nut in Stanley

Other highlights

• Sunrise on Mount Amos
• Spotting wombats at Ronny Creek
• Exploring Cataract Gorge
• Seeing the bright orange lichen at Bay of Fires
• Watching Little Penguins returning to their burrows under The Nut

Tassie knows how to put on a show.

The towns that stole our hearts

Three towns from this trip really stuck with us:

• Stanley for its dramatic coastal backdrop and character
• Penguin for its charm and small-town feel
• St Helens for being the perfect east coast base

Each offered something slightly different and memorable.

How long you really need in Tasmania

One of the biggest misconceptions about Tasmania is that you can see it all in a few days because it is small.

We spent 8 nights on this trip and 3 months on a previous visit and still feel like we have barely scratched the surface.

If you can, give yourself 10 to 14 days. Add more time if you want to explore the west coast or more remote areas. Places might be close together as the crow flies, but the roads can be windy and often have slower speed limits for safety, and it can take longer to get places than you might expect.

How we planned the trip

Our planning approach was simple and flexible.

• Used the Roady app to map out the highlights
• Booked BIG4 stays around those regions
• Left space for spontaneous changes
• Packed warm layers even in summer, which we definitely needed

Tasmania rewards both planning and going with the flow.

Embracing the unknown 

Tasmania’s weather is famously unpredictable, and when it changed on us, we leaned into it.

• Embracing the moodier conditions for photos
• Relaxing in our BIG4 cabin or site
• Exploring local cafés, shops and towns
• Resting and resetting for the next window of good weather

Sometimes the stormy days become the standout memories.

Why everyone should visit the Apple Isle

Tasmania is wild yet accessible, rugged yet inviting. It is full of character, flavour and variety. The landscapes are dramatic, the communities are warm, and the experiences are endless.

If you have ever considered visiting, make the effort. It is one of the best road trip destinations in Australia and one of those places you will keep wanting to return to.

Ready to embark on your own adventure?

If this trip has sparked some inspiration, you can find more Roady guest stories along with itinerary ideas and planning tips here, or browse more Tassie inspo here.