| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Tasmania |
| Best Season | Summer (but pack for all weather) |
| Free Camps | Available (Bay of Fires and other locations) |
| Booking Required | Yes, for caravan parks – very busy |
| Driving Time | Allow extra time – 100km ≠ 1 hour |
| In Camps App | Yes – All Tasmanian campsites included |
I am freshly back from the Apple Isle. Who knew I could learn so much in six days? Here’s some essential local knowledge to help you plan and navigate your Tasmanian road trip.
SUMMER IN TASMANIA
- Summer in Tassie does not always equal warmth – but our swims were worth it! Our road trip rule is to at least put your toe in to each ocean you find (do NOT follow this if you have any rips, sharks or other fatal hazards).
- If you do not know what a rip is, please swim in the flagged patrolled areas.
- For any given day trip bring – a jumper, long pants, shorts, a raincoat and umbrella – you may just need them all! PS It can snow in summer!
- Yes, you are further from the equator BUT don’t be misled. The UV factor is severe, so slap on your hat, slip on sunscreen etc…
WINE AND FOOD
- Did you know Tassie has four different wine trails? Their bubbles are sensational. You’ll need a designated driver to really appreciate it all.
- Tassie bakeries stock Banbury tarts, a pastry concoction with currants and jam. I’d never seen one, and had to try it. I think it’s an acquired taste.
- I love that you eat the variety, rather than the fruit or vege. I tasted sublime dutch creams and black (skin and flesh) potatoes. We had a prune that was not dried, but fresh! We dined on fresh raspberries, strawberries and grapes picked from the vine, goggling green with envy at our friend’s ripening orchard.
PRONUNCIATION
- Bicheno is pronounced Bish-en-NO (it does not rhyme with cappucCINo, there is no EEN). Hellyer is Hell-ee-air, not “Hell, YEAH“, like I had hoped. Stanley is pronounced Stanley.
- VERY IMPORTANT: If you are in Tassie, you do not say: ‘Back in Australia…’ To avoid offending anyone, substitute with: ‘Back on the mainland…’
DRIVING IN TASMANIA
- Unless you are free camping, and there are no booking options – organise your accommodation and caravan parks! Even in the larger centres, it was super busy. Don’t try to wing it. You may end up disappointed.
- I love the free and budget camps in Tassie. So many beautiful locations, seaside or in the mountains.
- I was told this but really didn’t believe it until we were there. Allocate more time for driving. 100 km does not equate to an hour’s travel, unless you are on the Midland Highway. Roads are mostly mountainous, narrow and full of curves. So if you want to fit in all the cellar doors and local produce, plan shorter day trips.
- Keep an eye out for road signs. They really are a joy in Tasmania: Nowhere Else, Promised Land, Paradise, Meander, Kindred and Woolly Butt, to name a few.
- The ‘Nut’ is not a pecan, macadamia or almond. You can climb all over it – but it takes fitness to hike up it!
- There are also a lot of Uppers! Try not to get them confused. You might be aiming for Upper Natone and end up kilometres away in Natone, which is just near Upper Stowport, but a fair way from Stowport!
- Just like the roadkill, history and natural wonders are at every turn. I oohed and ahhhed at the spires and turrets, waterfalls and trails.
- Just because the map indicates the name of a town – please do not expect a pub, or perhaps a little store. Some of those place names seem to be districts. For example in Arthur River you can take a cruise, but not a sit down meal. The Arthur River store does make great takeaway burgers, however!
TASMANIAN ANIMALS
- You won’t just find Tasmanian devils in zoos. They are all over the place! Our friends had them fighting out their farmhouse windows! Quolls can steal chooks. They’re vicious. Tassie devils are more likely to eat roadkill – and so become roadkill themselves.
- Possums and pademelons are the darkest I’ve seen, compared to “on the mainland” – and very bold. There are no apex predators, like across the Bass Strait. The echidnas are fluffier in Tasmania! Who would have thought? And wallaby stew is on the menu!
- There are penguins in Penguin. They just aren’t living, breathing penguins – but we hear they are nearby. You’ll find them resident at loads of beaches in this beautiful state.
FINAL TIP
- Book another trip! For the smallest state, it is jam packed with wonders and experiences just waiting for you.
You’ll find caravan parks and free and budget campsites all in our CAMPS AUSTRALIA WIDE App and guides. The latest CAMPS Pendium box set has separate state guides. It means you can just take the one book, all about Tasmania (with camps and caravan parks) and a protective jacket. This is much lighter compared to your CAMPS 11 books with all Australian campsites, from every state and territory.
Thanks to Mark, Tanya and Leisa for sharing their knowledge on their home state.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book accommodation and caravan parks in Tasmania?
Yes, absolutely. Even in larger centres, Tasmania gets super busy and you shouldn’t try to wing it unless you’re free camping with no booking options. You may end up disappointed if you don’t book ahead.
How long does it take to drive 100km in Tasmania?
Don’t assume 100km equals one hour of driving. Unless you’re on the Midland Highway, Tasmanian roads are mostly mountainous, narrow and full of curves. Always allocate more time than you think you’ll need for driving.
What weather should I prepare for in Tasmania during summer?
Summer in Tasmania doesn’t always equal warmth. For any day trip, bring a jumper, long pants, shorts, a raincoat and umbrella – you may need them all. It can even snow in summer! However, the UV factor is severe, so sun protection is essential.
Are there Tasmanian devils outside of zoos?
Yes, Tasmanian devils are all over the place in Tasmania. They’re more likely to eat roadkill and unfortunately become roadkill themselves. You’ll also see possums, pademelons, quolls, echidnas and wallabies throughout the state.
Where are the best free camping spots in Tasmania?
Tasmania has many beautiful free and budget camps, both seaside and in the mountains. The Bay of Fires has one beautiful free beachside camp after another. Check the Camps App for current details on which sites are suitable for your vehicle and what facilities are available.
What food and wine experiences should I try in Tasmania?
Tasmania has four different wine trails with sensational bubbles, so you’ll need a designated driver. Try Banbury tarts from local bakeries, sample fresh local produce like dutch cream and black potatoes, and enjoy fresh berries and grapes. Spring Vale vineyards has a cellar door in a convict-built stable from 1842.
How do you pronounce Bicheno?
Bicheno is pronounced Bish-en-NO (not like cappuccino). Hellyer is Hell-ee-air, and Stanley is just Stanley. Also important: when you’re in Tasmania, say ‘back on the mainland’ rather than ‘back in Australia’ to avoid offending locals.
What should I know about Tasmanian town names?
Just because a map shows a town name doesn’t mean there’s a pub or store – some are just districts. For example, Arthur River has a cruise but no sit-down meals, though the Arthur River store makes great takeaway burgers. Watch out for confusing names like Upper Natone versus Natone, or Upper Stowport versus Stowport.
