There’s something quietly magical about Tasmania. The air feels cleaner. The light seems softer. And when you’re travelling by motorhome, you notice the small things – a shy wallaby grazing at dusk, the scent of eucalyptus after a cool morning shower, the way the sea shifts from steel blue to turquoise along the coast.
If you’re planning a 7-day motorhome itinerary Tasmania adventure, it’s important to be realistic. Tassie might look small on the map, but winding roads, mountain passes and the temptation to stop “just for a look” mean you won’t want to rush. The beauty of motorhome travel is slowing down – not ticking off every landmark.
Here’s what you can comfortably see in seven days, without turning your holiday into a race. If you have the time available, we’d strongly suggest, if possible, a minimum of 14 days to explore Tasmania in a motorhome. If possible, 21 – 28 days is better. For even greater detail to see Tasmania suggested highlights, you’ll find our website packed full of useful information.
Planning a Realistic 7-Day Motorhome Itinerary Tasmania Loop
Day 1–2: Hobart and the Huon Valley
Most journeys begin in Hobart, and it’s worth spending your first night here to settle in. Pick up your motorhome, stock the fridge with local produce from Salamanca or Hill Street, and ease into holiday mode. The Salamanca markets on a Saturday morning are definitely worth a look if it fits in with your travel plans.
Mount Wellington (kunanyi) offers sweeping views across the River Derwent if the weather is kind. Down on the waterfront, the fishing boats bob gently and cafés hum with relaxed conversation.
On day two, head south into the Huon Valley. The drive is short but lovely – rolling farmland, apple orchards and glimpses of quiet inlets. Many couples tell us their favourite moments are the simplest: brewing a cuppa beside the Huon River or sharing fresh berries from a roadside stall.
If you’re wanting to fit in as much as possible, other options in this area are the Tahune Adventures and rainforest area. Or even a quick trip over to beautiful Bruny Island is possible for a whistle stop visit.
Driving distances are gentle here, making it a perfect start to your 7-day motorhome itinerary Tasmania plan.
Day 3: Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula
From Hobart, it’s about 90 minutes to the Tasman Peninsula. The road curves along rugged coastline, and you’ll notice the landscape becoming wilder.
Port Arthur Historic Site is sobering but beautifully presented. Allow at least half a day to explore properly. Afterwards, visit natural landmarks like the Blowhole or Tessellated Pavement – short walks with dramatic views and salty sea air that lingers long after you leave.
Overnighting nearby means you’re not backtracking, keeping your 7-day motorhome itinerary Tasmania relaxed and manageable.
Day 4: Freycinet National Park
This is one of Tassie’s icons, and rightly so. The drive from Port Arthur to the East Coast is longer (around 3–4 hours), so start early and take breaks.
Freycinet’s pink granite cliff rise above Wineglass Bay’s curved sweep of sand. You don’t have to tackle strenuous hikes – many of our travellers prefer the lookout walk or simply enjoying the coastal scenery from accessible vantage points. It is also popular to take a boat cruise from Coles Bay to really get a good look at this area…and maybe see some dolphins putting on a show too!
Evenings here can be special. As the sun dips, the sky often turns soft apricot and grey. You might hear distant waves while settling in for the night.
Day 5: Bay of Fires to Launceston
Continuing north along the East Coast, the Bay of Fires offers brilliant orange-lichen-covered rocks against clear blue water. It’s photogenic, and also wonderfully peaceful if you find a quiet stretch.
From here, head inland towards Launceston (about 2–3 hours). Cataract Gorge Reserve sits right near town and is perfect for a gentle stroll. Peacocks wander the lawns, and the chairlift glides silently overhead.
At this point in your 7-day motorhome itinerary Tasmania, you’ve seen coast, heritage and wilderness – without feeling rushed.
Day 6: Cradle Mountain
Cradle Mountain deserves an early start. The drive from Launceston takes roughly 2.5 hours through changing scenery with farmland giving way to dense forest.
Weather here can shift quickly, even in summer. Pack layers. Dove Lake’s circuit walk is popular, but you can tailor your time to suit your comfort level. Even short boardwalk strolls reward you with alpine air, still water reflections and perhaps a wombat sighting if you’re lucky.
It’s one of those places where you instinctively lower your voice.
There is a caravan park near the visitor centre where the shuttle bus takes you up to Dove Lake. You’ll need a special national park pass to access Cradle Mountain which includes the shuttle bus. For safety, it is not possible to drive up to Dove Lake these days.
Day 7: Return via Sheffield or Deloraine
On your final day, loop back towards Hobart (around 4–5 hours from Cradle Mountain). Break the journey in towns like Sheffield, known for its murals, or Deloraine with its craft galleries and river walks.
Arriving back in Hobart, many travellers reflect on just how varied Tasmania feels -rugged coastlines, cool-climate forests, heritage towns and abundant wildlife – all within relatively short distances.
That’s the true strength of a well-paced 7 day motorhome itinerary Tasmania journey.
Practical Tips for a 7-Day Tasmania Motorhome Trip
A few things that make all the difference:
- Allow more time than the map suggests. Tassie roads are scenic and winding.
- Book popular caravan parks ahead in peak season (summer and school holidays).
- Pack layers year-round. Even in January, evenings can be cool.
- Drive cautiously at dawn and dusk – wildlife is active.
- Keep fuel topped up when travelling in more remote areas.
- Grab a national park pass – you can get this online and saves paying to enter each national park. Note that Cradle Mountain requires a special pass at the time of writing.
Most importantly, don’t try to see the entire island in a week. The west coast, for example, deserves several days on its own. Seven days is ideal for a focused loop rather than a full circumnavigation.
Independent Travel or Guided Support?
Some couples love planning their own route and travelling at their own pace. If that sounds like you, our personalised motorhome hire assistance can help you choose the right vehicle and feel confident before you set off. You can explore the options on our motorhome hire page.
Others prefer the reassurance of having everything organised – campsites booked, highlights mapped out, and a friendly tour leader along for support. Our small-group escorted motorhome tours are designed especially for mature travellers who value comfort and camaraderie.
And if Tasmania is calling, you can also read more about our dedicated Tasmania escorted motorhome tour, which explores the island at a relaxed and carefully planned pace.
A final tip
A thoughtfully planned 7-day motorhome itinerary Tasmania experience isn’t about covering every kilometre. It’s about mornings wrapped in misty mountain air, unhurried coastal drives, and evenings sharing stories over a simple meal in your own comfortable space.
Tasmania rewards those who slow down.
If you’d like help planning your journey, whether independently or with guided support, we’re always happy to chat and share what we’ve learned from years on the road.
We are looking forward to speaking with you further about your exciting adventure.
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