21 Day Sample Camping Itinerary Tasmania
Camping in Tasmania is a very popular activity, and particularly in the warmer months from November through until April. And whilst 21-days is barely enough, it is often the maximum amount of time that people have to stay in Tasmania unless of course you are a backpacker and we encourage you to use of Camping Tasmania Map to plan a much longer stay. The following 21-day Tasmania Camping itinerary is interchangeable and can start at any point. Please note, not all campsites are free, and only a few can be booked. Please also note, camping in Tasmania from mid-December until mid-February and again during Easter, long weekends, and school holidays is extremely popular and many campsites (including camping Bay of Fires) will be absolutely packed and your chances of getting a campsite will be very low. We continue to be amazed, people plan a summer camping holiday in Tassie with the family and don’t do any research, and somehow expect to rock up at beautiful campsites and expect to get a prime position! It won’t happen – we strongly recommend you avoid camping in Tasmania over Summer. Most of our recommended campgrounds are suitable for all forms of camping, but please check each listing carefully in advance of travelling. We’ve even made you a map, so you can see if advance what we’ve proposed. Click for 21-Day Camping Tasmania Itinerary Map
- Narawntapu National Park
We’ll assume you are starting in Devonport, having crossed Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania. Narawntapu National Park campground is only a short drive from Devonport and a great way to start your Tassie camping trip. See Video Camping Narawntapu National Park - Peggs Beach Campground or Black River Camping
After exploring Narawntapu National Park, head further up the North-West Coast and explore the towns of Ulverstone, Penguin and Wynyard before enjoying a night at either Peggs Beach or Black River campgrounds. Choose either location, Peggs Beach is smaller and closer to a beach whilst Black River is bigger and offers more seclusion, privacy, and different camping options. See Video Camping Peggs Beach - Montagu Park Campground
To get to Montagu Park is only a short drive from Peggs Beach and Black River, however, we highly recommend you take a side trip to the beautiful town of Stanley and walk to the famous Nut to take in the spectacular views it offers. Please note Montagu Park does close for a short period in October for maintenance. See Video Montagu Park Camping - Marrawah Campground (Green Point)
Stock up on supplies from the town of Smithton and head towards the rugged West Coast and the spectacular camping area at Marrawah. Its only small, but definitely worth a visit – be warned the weather can be wild. If surfing isn’t your thing, we recommend a stop at Marrawah and then to drive on to the beautiful town of Arthur River, where you will find several different camping options. See Video Marrawah Campground - Trial Harbour Campground (Waratah Campground if you have time). Its a decent drive from either Marrawah or Arthur River to the campground at Trial Harbour, but well worth the effort. If you have time, we recommend a stop at the beautiful town of Waratah, where you can freshen up with a shower and look for a platypus at dawn or dusk. Video Trial Harbour Campground
- Macquarie Heads Campground (Lake Burbury Campground near the historic town of Queenstown f you have time)
Keeping heading down the East Coast and on to the popular West Coast tourist town of Strahan. We recommend at least 2-nights at this spectacular campground, where you can take your vehicle onto magnificent Ocean Beach. Simply spectacular. The Gordon River Cruise is a must whilst visiting Strahan. Video Macquarie Heads Camping - Lake St Clair Camping (Central Highlands as an alternative) Lake St Clair is famous as the endpoint or possibly starting point if going from South to North) of the Overland Track. Definitely worth a visit and if you have time, undertake a short walk around the spectacular lake.
Lake Meadowbank (Hamilton / Bothwell / Mt Field / Strathgordon / Campbell Town / Oatlands)
- As you head further South towards Hobart, we recommend a stay in the beautiful Derwent Valley – there are lots of choices, and you can even head inland and chose from a wide range of camping options as listed above. Video Lake Meadowbank Campground
- Arve River Campground If you have time, keep heading South and visit Cockle Creek campground.
You may wish to choose a commercial campground in or around Hobart, there are no free camping options anywhere close to Hobart. After a visit to the states capital, head South towards the Huon Valley. If you like bushwalking, we recommend this great little campground at Arve River. - Bruny Island Camping
No camping holiday in Tassie is complete without visiting Bruny Island. Head back towards Hobart, and across to the small seaside town of Kettering where you will catch the ferry to Bruny. We recommend you allow 2-nights minimum on Bruny Island. - Lime Bay Campground or Fortescue Bay Campground
This will be quite a drive, but well worth it to visit the South East of Tasmania famous for the Three Capes Track walk and also Port Arthur. There are 2 choices here, we recommend Fortescue but make sure you book in advance. - Mayfield Beach Campground
Time to head up the spectacular, sun-drenched and stunningly beautiful East Coast of Tasmania and a camping stop at one of Tassie’s most popular campsites, Mayfield Beach. Be warned, you won’t want to leave! Video Mayfield Beach Camping - River Rocks Campground or Friendly Beaches Camping
No visit to Tasmania is complete without visiting the Freycinet National Park, and the small coastal town of Coles Bay. We’ve given you 2 choices, we love Friendly Beaches but it is very popular especially over Summer and is a reasonable drive from Coles Bay. River & Rocks is much closer, but the camping is not as good. If you have lots of time and aren’t visiting over the peak Summer, school holiday or Easter periods we recommend a stay at both options. A reminder, if you are planning to camp in Freycinet itself over Christmas, be aware that a ballot system operates and this is the only way to obtain a campsite other than using a commercial caravan park. Video Friendly Beaches Camping
Shelly Point is a sometimes overlooked small camping area on the East Coast of Tasmania near the beautiful small beachside town of Scamander. This camping area isn’t suited to caravans or big rigs; if travelling in a bigger vehicle we recommend either Lagoons Beach Campground (Chain of Lagoons – very popular) south of Bicheno or Dianas Basin which is closer to St Helens. For more of a bush camping adventure, and fewer people, maybe a side trip to Trout Creek Campground – it’s one of our favourite spots in Tassie.
- Bay Of Fires Camping
No camping holiday to Tasmania is complete without a stay in the magnificent Bay of Fires Conservation Area where sandy white beaches meet azure blue waters and lichen-covered granite boulders. The area is simply stunning, and you can camp at no cost for up to 4-weeks at a number of different fabulous campgrounds. Each is quite different, so please read the conditions of each carefully – for example, some sites strictly don’t allow pets. If you prefer something a little less busy or have more time, add Policemans Point campground to your itinerary, but be sure not to tell everyone as it’s a hidden gem. Video Camping Grants Lagoon - Mt William National Park Camping
We love camping in the Mt William National Park at any of the Stumpys Bay campsites, Deep Creek and also Petal Point. Sometimes we feel Mt William is a little bit overlooked as it does take some effort to get to and can get very wet and windy. We, however, think it’s a must-do camping area when visiting Tasmania and where on land you can see Wombats and the Magnificent Forester Kangaroo and on the water sea a whale or sea eagle if you are really lucky. - Waterhouse Conservation Area
We don’t like to mention Waterhouse too often, as it’s simply superb and great for many purposes including boating, fishing, swimming or simply relaxing. There are several different camping options suitable for all forms of camping. The road into Waterhouse can be a bit tricky if you are towing a big rig, but just take your time and care and you’ll easily get your big van into Waterhouse. Video Waterhouse Campground - Bridport Caravan Park
Bridport is a very popular coastal, seaside fishing town located around 1.25 hours Northeast of Launceston. There is no free camping at Bridport, but we recommend a stay at the fabulous caravan park where you can shower and use the laundry facilities. There are also great amenities in this small town, so grab some fresh-caught local fish with chips or a meal at the local pub. If you are into golf, the famous Barnbougle and Old Farm golf courses are just out of Bridport. See Bridport Caravan Park. - Lilydale Campground
Lilydale is a small town located around 40-minutes outside of Tassie’s 2nd largest city, the beautiful Launceston. We recommend if you have time that you stay a night at this great little campground and also walk to the nearby waterfalls. Please note there is a maximum 2-night stay at the Lilydale Falls Reserve Campground. This campground is suitable for campervans, caravans, and motorhomes as well as tent based camping. This reserve is a popular picnic area. The reserve has amenities, fireplaces, toilets, water and camping facilities. A small charge is made for showers, caravan power connection, and campsites. - Camping Devonport
This itinerary assumes you’ve arrived in Tasmania aboard the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. Spend your last night or 2 in Devonport, and explore its many local attractions and features. If you have time, make sure you take a trip to Cradle Mountain. It’s a decent drive through windy but beautiful countryside.
