Road Trip Guide
Tasmania's East Coast: Bay of Fires Run
Hobart to Launceston
Start
Hobart
Finish
Launceston
Distance
450km
Duration
4-6 Days
Best Months
December - March
Budget
$$
EV Ready
7/10
Kid-Friendly
9/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Hobart
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Sorell
Supplies
This is your last chance for major supermarkets and specialty stores before hitting the remote east coast. Stock up on snacks and water here.
Swansea
Fuel & Rest
A great midpoint for fuel. The town also has a pharmacy and a post office if needed.
Scamander
Rest Area
A beautiful river mouth with public toilets and a great playground if you are traveling with kids.
Insider Driving Tips
Purchase a Tasmania National Parks Pass before you leave Hobart; it is essential for Freycinet and Mount William.
Avoid driving at dusk or dawn. Tasmania has the highest density of roadkill in the world, and the local wildlife (wombats and wallabies) are extremely active at night.
Book your dinner in Bicheno and Coles Bay in advance, as local restaurants have limited capacity and fill up fast during peak season.
Pack layers. Even in summer, the Tasmanian weather can shift from a warm 25 degrees to a chilly 12 degrees in a matter of minutes.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Orford and Triabunna
The Fish Van
“Located on the Triabunna wharf, this iconic blue van serves what many locals claim to be the freshest fish and chips in the state.”
Raspins Beach Lookout
A panoramic viewpoint offering a clear shot of Maria Island across the turquoise water.
Prosser River Bridge
The perfect spot to capture the reflections of the fishing boats in the still river waters during the 'blue hour'.
Spring Beach
A secluded, white-sand beach tucked away from the main road, perfect for a quiet morning swim or a peaceful walk away from the tourist crowds.
Maria Island National Park
National Park
“Accessible by ferry from Triabunna, this island offers stunning coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, and fascinating convict history.”
Spring Beach
Beach
“This pristine, white-sand beach near Orford is perfect for a refreshing swim or a scenic coastal walk with views of Maria Island.”
Triabunna Marina
Harbour
“A picturesque working waterfront where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and watch the fishing boats come in.”
Freycinet National Park & Coles Bay
Freycinet Marine Farm
“An absolute must-visit for seafood lovers. Sit at the outdoor picnic tables and feast on oysters and mussels harvested just meters away.”
Wineglass Bay Lookout
The quintessential Tasmanian photo. Be prepared for a steep climb, but the reward is a world-class aerial view of the bay.
Cape Tourville Lighthouse
An easy boardwalk offering dramatic cliffside views and a chance to spot whales during migration seasons.
Friendly Beaches
Located at the northern end of the park, these vast, windswept beaches are often completely empty, offering miles of pristine sand and crashing surf.
Wineglass Bay Lookout
National Park Lookout
“This iconic vantage point offers world-famous panoramic views of the perfectly curved white sand beach and turquoise waters.”
Cape Tourville Lighthouse
Scenic Landmark
“An easily accessible boardwalk trail provides breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Tasman Sea.”
Friendly Beaches
Nature Reserve
“This pristine stretch of coastline is perfect for a peaceful walk, beachcombing, and enjoying the raw beauty of Tasmania's eastern wilderness.”
Bicheno
Blue Edge Bakery
“Famous for their scallop pies—a Tasmanian delicacy that you simply cannot leave the island without trying.”
Bicheno Blowhole
Capture the raw power of the ocean. Best photographed during high tide with a fast shutter speed to freeze the spray.
Waubs Bay
A picturesque bay with crystal clear water, ideal for capturing the vibrant colors of the granite rocks against the sea.
Whalers Lookout
A short, steep walk from the town center that provides a 360-degree view of Bicheno, the coastline, and the hinterland.
Bicheno Penguin Tours
Wildlife Experience
“Join a guided evening tour to witness adorable little penguins returning to their burrows along the rocky coastline.”
Douglas-Apsley National Park
National Park
“Explore this hidden gem featuring lush rainforests, diverse hiking trails, and picturesque swimming holes in the Apsley River.”
The Blowhole
Natural Landmark
“Experience the power of the ocean as waves force water through a natural granite rock formation, creating impressive sprays.”
St Helens
Raida St Helens
“A contemporary restaurant blending local Tasmanian produce with Japanese influences, offering a sophisticated dining experience.”
St Helens Wharf
Great for capturing the early morning fog over the fishing fleet and the reflections in Georges Bay.
The Serpent MTB Trail
For action shots, this trail offers stunning vistas of the bay as riders descend through the bush.
Peron Dunes
A massive system of shifting sand dunes located just north of town, perfect for photography or a bit of sand-sliding fun.
Bay of Fires
Conservation Area
“Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and iconic orange lichen-covered granite boulders along the pristine coastline.”
Binalong Bay
Beach
“A stunning stretch of white sand perfect for swimming, surfing, and enjoying breathtaking coastal sunrises.”
St Columba Falls
Waterfall
“One of Tasmania's highest waterfalls, accessible via a lush rainforest walk that offers a refreshing escape into nature.”
The Bay of Fires (Binalong Bay)
Meresta Eatery
“Overlooking the bay, this restaurant offers incredible views and serves up high-quality local seafood and wood-fired pizzas.”
Sloop Reef
Perhaps the most photographed spot in the bay, where the orange rocks form a natural jetty into the blue water.
The Gardens
The end of the sealed road, offering a rugged and wild landscape of rocks and crashing waves.
Cosy Corner
A free camping area and beach that offers some of the most dramatic orange rock formations without the crowds found at the main Binalong Bay beach.
Binalong Bay Beach
Beach
“This stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water serves as the perfect gateway to explore the iconic orange lichen-covered granite boulders.”
Cosy Corner North
Camping and Nature Reserve
“A picturesque coastal spot ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and witnessing the dramatic contrast of vibrant red rocks against the deep blue Tasman Sea.”
The Gardens
Scenic Lookout
“Located at the northern end of the Bay of Fires, this area offers spectacular coastal views and winding paths through diverse coastal heathland.”
Derby
The Hub Derby
“A bustling spot for pizza and local craft beer, perfect for refueling after a day of exploring the trails or the forest.”
Floating Sauna Lake Derby
The architectural beauty of the sauna reflected in the dark, still waters of the lake is a must-capture.
Main Street Derby
Capture the historic charm of the mining cottages against the backdrop of the steep, forested hills.
Little Blue Lake
Located just outside Derby, this lake is a vivid, unnatural bright blue due to the minerals left over from the mining era. It’s a stunning, surreal sight.
Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails
Adventure Sports
“Renowned globally as a premier mountain biking destination, these world-class trails wind through stunning temperate rainforests.”
Lake Derby
Nature Reserve
“This tranquil, man-made lake offers a picturesque spot for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the vibrant blue water.”
Derby Tin Mine Centre
Museum
“Discover the fascinating history of the region's mining heritage through immersive exhibits and preserved artifacts from the 19th-century boom.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Maria Island National Park
Take the ferry from Triabunna to this car-free island sanctuary.
Why It's Worth It
“It is one of the best places in Australia to see wombats in the wild, along with the historic Darlington convict settlement.”
Pyengana Dairy
A short drive inland from St Helens into the lush Pyengana Valley.
Why It's Worth It
“Visit the Holy Cow Cafe to taste award-winning cloth-bound cheddar and see the robotic milking station in action.”
Douglas-Apsley National Park
Located just north of Bicheno, this park features deep river gorges and waterholes.
Why It's Worth It
“The Apsley Waterhole is a spectacular natural swimming hole surrounded by forest, perfect for a mid-trip dip.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
Summer (December to February) offers the best beach weather, but Autumn (March to May) provides stable weather, fewer crowds, and stunning light for photography.
The roads are generally well-maintained but can be winding and narrow in sections. Always drive to the conditions and be mindful of wildlife.
Yes! The East Coast has very low light pollution. If there is solar activity, south-facing beaches like those in Orford or Bicheno are great spots to see the Southern Lights.