When road tripping through Tasmania, every route is a scenic route. And even though you need to fly there first, renting a car and driving across this exceptionally beautiful state has never been more worth it—especially during the cooler months when the landscape comes alive with vivid colours.
From the countryside to small coastal towns, we’ve partnered with Tasmania to bring you all the cosy retreats worth checking out.
Freycinet Lodge
Nestled between the rugged Hazards mountain range and the blue waters of Great Oyster Bay, the scenery at Freycinet Lodge is completely captivating. Check into the mountain terrace king room boasting generous floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor tub—it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun fall behind the striking pink granite mountains. During your stay, book into the hotel’s The Bay Restaurant for delicious sea-to-table food and fine Tasmanian wine. There’s plenty to do in the area, and the three-hour hike up Mount Amos is worth it for the breathtaking views of Wineglass Bay below. You’ve got the choice of flying into Hobart or Launceston, though starting your road trip at Launceston means you can first drive northeast to the tip of Tasmania and explore Mount William National Park and Eddystone Point Lighthouse, then drop in at the Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay on your way back south to Freycinet Lodge. When exploring Tasmania, choosing the longer route is always a good idea.
The Route:
Fly into Launceston and drive two hours and 30 minutes north east to Mount William National Park and the Bay of Fires before driving 3 hours south along the Great Eastern Drive to Freycinet Lodge.
Bay of Fires Bush Retreat
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Set out on the coastal-hugging Great Eastern Drive to the beautiful Bay of Fires Bush Retreat. Here, stunning white bell tents are framed by lush forest and fairy lights glimmer overhead. What awaits inside your tent is more befitting to a simple-yet-stylish hotel room decked out with a cosy king bed and all the luxury comforts. Once dusk falls and the bell tents come aglow, gather around the communal fire pit with a whisky in hand. The retreat is perfectly positioned just minutes from Binalong Bay and Bay of Fires, where you can stroll along world famous white sand beaches without coming across another soul. Here, the world feels entirely yours. On your way to the retreat from Hobart, stop in at Orford for fish and chips and visit Bicheno for a photo opportunity at the majestic blowhole.
The Route:
Fly into Hobart and drive north along the Great Eastern Drive for 3 hours and 30 minutes to the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat. To avoid backtracking or if you’re time-poor, drop your car to a local hire company and fly out of Launceston.
Piermont Retreat
Wake up in the wilderness at Piermont Retreat. Sustainably renovated to create a sense of home in the wild, this remote sanctuary is an experience unlike anything else. Curl up on the couch with a book in hand, hike the surrounding landscape or drop in for a wine tasting at Spring Vale Vineyard, just 20 minutes away. Before hitting the road to your luxury escape, stop in at Mona, Hobart’s home of old and new art. Close by, just off the east coast lies Maria Island, full of blue waters, sweeping bays and wildlife. Catch the ferry from Triabunna, but not before stopping at the Triabunna Fish Van for locally caught and deliciously fresh fish.
The Route:
Fly into Hobart and drive 1 hour and 50 minutes along the Great Eastern Drive to Piermont Retreat.
Pumphouse Point
Sitting 250 metres from shore in the middle of Lake St Clair surrounded by World Heritage listed wilderness, Pumphouse Point is a truly magical experience. This old industrial building has been gently renovated into an intimate and luxurious retreat for travellers to truly connect. The rooms are cosy and fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows boasting views of Australia’s deepest lake and snow-dusted forest. Pack a picnic and spend your days bushwalking or exploring from the saddle of your bike, and your nights sipping fine wine by the fireplace or in the private outdoor bath at the retreat. On your way to the retreat, grab coffee from Deb at New Norfolk’s Cheeky Little Place, stretch the legs at Mt Field National Park and grab lunch from Hamilton’s Wild Fennel Cafe. The retreat focuses on sustainability and low-impact tourism, so you can travel and tread lightly.
The Route:
Fly into Hobart and drive 2 hours and 30 minutes to Pumphouse Point.
Rocky Hills Retreat
Perched high among the trees overlooking the glittering Mayfield Bay, Rocky Hills Retreat has incredible Tasmanian beauty right at your doorstep. The retreat has a modern aesthetic and is fitted with large windows so you can soak up the magical view at every moment. There’s a fully equipped art studio just 300 metres away and a custom built Huon pine tub awaits on the deck. Close by is Freycinet National Park, vineyards as well as jams and ice-cream at Kate’s Berry Farm. Framed by the forest and glittering bay, a romantic getaway to Rocky Hills Retreat is pure bliss.
The Route:
Fly into Hobart and drive north for 1 hour and 40 minutes to Rocky Hills Retreat.
Start packing your bags, Tasmania’s cosy retreats are waiting for you just a short flight away. Come thrive on winter and revel in your best road trip yet.
Image credits: Tourism Tasmania, Emilie Ristevski, Jesse Desjardins, Stu Gibson, Melissa Findley, Lisa Kuilenburg.
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