Day 1
Hobart
Arrive in the breathtaking capital of Hobart just in time for a once in a lifetime experience: Dark Mofo. This intriguing festival brought to you by the famous Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)runs from the 12th to 22nd of June and lights up Hobart’s CBD and surrounding suburbs like never before. This year embrace the cold and take part in the Nude Solstice Swim or dine in at the City of Hobart Dark Mofo Winter Feast lit by eerie candles and offering up the states most mouth-watering produce. Don’t miss the spectacular and unforgettable interactive light display that will leave you utterly impressed by the spell bounding power of MONA. Trust us; you won’t want to miss this festival.
Day 2
Hobart
Make your way up iconic Mount Wellington for fun in the snow with sweeping views of beautiful Hobart. Craft a snowman before returning back to the city for lunch besides a roaring fire in one of the city’s charismatic pubs or restaurants in the historic precinct of Salamanca. Navigate south towards the charming country-town of Huonville to Willie Smiths Apple Shed which is hosting its own version of the mid-winter festival. Sample their craft ciders, artisan cheeses and admire the charming and rustic apple shed setting. Don’t hesitate to take home one of their Growlers – we dare you to try Willie Smiths Bone Dry!
Day 3
Hobart to Port Arthur
Distance : 100km
Time : 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Venture up the rugged Tasman Peninsula to the historically significant former convict settlement of Port Arthur. Explore the coal mines and appreciate the sheer beauty of the imposing ruin of the Penitentiary. Wander around the beautiful grounds and admire the haunting bare branches of the surrounding trees. In the afternoon, experience aPennicott Wilderness Journey around the Tasman Peninsula ripe with sea life. Breathe in the crisp winter air and the colourful landscape under the grey winter sky. At night stay at Port Arthur Tourist Park where you can sit around the comforting warmth of your own camp fire and stare at the stars.
Day 4
Port Arthur to Freycinet National Park
Distance : 190km
Time : 2 Hour 44 Minutes
Take your self-drive motorhome adventure further into the heart of Tasmania’s unforgettable East Coast to Freycinet National Park. This area is ideal for bush-walks year round and offers mesmerising views no matter what the season. Spend the day leisurely wandering around Coles Bay and the night hauled up by the fire at Iluka Pub just a hop, skip and a jump from BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park. Try their delicious green prawn curry and sample one of their boutique dark ales, ideal for winter. Wander back to the caravan park and admire the looming silhouette of the Hazards cutting a haunting figure into the winter sky.
Day 5
Freycinet National Park
Rug up and walk the 30 kilometre Freycinet Peninsula Circuit that winds around the iconic Hazard Mountains to the pristine and untouched shores of Hazards Beach. Don’t forget to stop and appreciate the otherworldly and award-winning beauty of Wineglass Bay. If you’re lucky you will come across snow on some of the higher peaks – be sure to dress accordingly!
Day 6
Freycinet National Park to St Helens
Distance : 90km
Time : 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Before you get too comfortable in the delightful seaside village of St Helens, swing by the world-famous Bay of Fires just a short drive away to experience the iconic orange lichen-covered rocks and world class beaches. Zip up your full-body wetsuit and ride the waves before warming up just outside of St Helens at Pub in the Paddock, one of Tasmania’s oldest country pubs. Taste award-winning cheddar cheeses and enjoy a hearty pub meal before returning to BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park.
Day 7
St Helens to Scottsdale
Distance : 100km
Time : 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Explore Tasmania’s magnificent forests in Scottsdale. Visit the Forest EcoCentre where you will see Tasmania’s most complex digital video disc player-based interpretation system. Relish a hot cup of coffee in one of the boutique cafes in the town or enjoy a hit of golf at Scottsdale Golf Club.
Day 8
Scottsdale to Launceston
Distance : 70km
Time : 1 Hour
From Scottsdale your winter journey travels north-west towards Tasmania’s second largest city of Launceston. Enjoy a hot mug of cocoa in one of the city’s quirky cafes, visit the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania and admire an impressive collection of vintage cars and bikes or wander through Launceston City Park. Don’t hesitate to experience the raw beauty of the Cataract Gorge and ride the chairlift for panoramic views. Stay at Treasure Island Caravan Park in the city for a great location.
Day 9
Launceston
It’s finally time to hit the slopes and there’s no better place to do so than Ben Lomond just a short and scenic drive from the city. Tasmania’s only vehicle accessible alpine resort is ideal for skiers at all levels and includes a ski school for anyone desiring to learn the ropes. Join in on a group lesson or enjoy some one on one advice in a private tutorial. Ben Lomond is home to the state’s second highest peak, Legges Tor which stands over 1,500 metres above sea level. After a hard day of skiing, peel off your ski-wear and head for the lodge for a hot chocolate or two. You can hire ski gear there.
Day 10
Launceston to Devonport
Distance : 100km
Time : 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Rise early for a gourmet breakfast down at Launceston’s water-side Seaport before venturing north to the city of Devonport, the major regional centre of the north west. Spend the day indoors visiting Devonport Regional Gallery with its collection of 20th century artwork or visit the Don River Railway to see the largest collection of steam trains in Tasmania. Visit one of the farmer’s markets specialising in fresh produce.
Day 11
Devonport to Penguin
Distance : 30km
Time : 20 Minutes
Get a feel for life on the North West coast in the small yet perfectly formed seaside town of Penguin just a stone’s throw from Devonport. There is something about this charming town in the winter, with its spectacular views over rugged Bass Strait and cafes crammed with home-made crafts and steaming pots of tea. Wander around the town by foot, sample the trademark cheesecakes from the bakery and visit the hustle and bustle of the market that runs every weekend to experience live music and good ol’ country hospitality. Don’t forget to have your photo taken besides the giant penguin before you leave.
Day 12
Penguin to Stanley
Distance : 100km
Time : 1 Hours 20 Minutes
The next stop on your 21 day motorhome hire itinerary is the postcard-perfect destination of Stanley, the second largest township on the isolated north-west coast of Tasmania. This historically rich townboasts original buildings dating back to the 1800s and offers an impressive fresh range of seafood. Observe the local penguins as they waddle ashore at dusk.
Day 13
Stanley
Climb to the top of the iconic Stanley Nut (or take the chairlift) for majestic views, explore Highfield House or experience the mesmerising beauty of the Tarkine offering fantastic bushwalking activities, wildlife observation and bird watching. If you’re seeking a low key getaway, simply curl up in the comfort of your motorhome and enjoy a range of fresh local produce.
Day 14
Stanley to Wynyard
Distance : 60km
Time : 45 Minutes
Start your Wynyard motorhome adventure at the Wynyard Visitor Information Centre where the friendly staff are happy to offer you advice on what to see or where to go. Stop by nearby Table Cape to admire the isolated beauty of the lighthouse and peruse a fantastic car exhibition at Wonders of Wynyard Veteran Car Collection.
Day 15
Wynyard to Strahan
Distance : 200km
Time : 2 Hours 30 Minutes
No winter motorhome itinerary is complete without visitingcharming Strahan. Take a leisurely stroll around the town and enjoy a long lunch at one of the top restaurants located on The Esplanade. Read up on the history of the west coast at the Strahan Wharf Centre and admire the magnificent Huon pine front desk before appreciating the historical buildings in the town including the post office and customs office. Visit Water Tower Hill Lookout for spectacular views before settling for a quiet night at one of the local caravan parks.
Day 16
Strahan
It’s time to experience one of Tasmania’s prime attractions; a world heritage Gordon River cruise. Choose from half to full day tours and appreciate the mirror-like quality of this magnificent waterway. Glide through the narrow entrance of Hells Gates and visit Sarah Island with its remnants of a penal settlement. In the afternoon, pay a visit to Oceans Beach and marvel at the pristine white sand and wild winter waves.
Day 17
Strahan to Cradle Mountain
Distance : 140km
Time : 2 Hours
Experience a winter wonderland at unbeatable Cradle Mountain in Lake St Clair National Park. Escape the chill in the air and take a scenic helicopter ride over Cradle Mountain or warm up at The Waldheim Alpine Spa with its steam room, hot tubs and pools. Spend the night enjoying a world-class dinner at Peppers Lodge where you sampleTasmania’s finest red wine beside the warmth of the roaring fire.
Day 18
Cradle Mountain
After a hard day of driving and relaxing, it’s time to get up close and personal with the sheer natural beauty of Cradle Mountain. Walk around reflective Dove Lake and watch as snowflakes pass in front of your eyes. Discover the secret side of Cradle Mountain by taking a tour to Cradle Mountain Canyons or go tobogganing amid spectacular scenery through pure white snow. Cradle Mountain truly is a winter wonderland ready to be explored.
Day 19
Cradle Mountain to Oatlands
Distance : 240km
Time : 3 Hours
Start your motorhome hire journey back towards the striking capital of the Apple Island and stop off at the quaint country town of Oatlands, one of Tasmania’s oldest settlements. Visit the charming and sandstone Callington Mill and enjoy freshly baked produce at the onsite café. Afterwards stop by Casaveen Knitwear Australia to purchase some woollen products that will keep you warm all winter long.
Day 20
Oatlands to Richmond
Distance : 55km
Time : 45 Minutes
Head south to the historic town of Richmond nestled in the Coal River Valley region of the state. Wander around the charming streets, drink in the beauty of the sandstone buildings and get a taste for what life was like in the colonial era. Visit a miniature of Hobart during colonial times, escape the cold and get lost in antique stores, enjoy a cheese platter pared with some of the regions finest wine, visit Australia’s oldest bridge and while away the hours feeding the ducks.
Day 21
Richmond to Hobart
Distance : 30km
Time : 30 Minutes
Make your way back to the Cruisin’ depot. On your way stop at one of the many cellar doors specialising in cool climate wine including the unbeatable Frogmore Creek. Dine in at the cosy restaurant and appreciate the rolling vines extending from the charismatic homestead.
