5 RV-Friendly Towns to Visit on Tasmania’s East Coast
5 RV-Friendly Towns to Visit on Tasmania’s East Coast
From the Bay of Fires to Maria Island, discover five great East Coast Tasmania towns for your next motorhome, campervan or caravan adventure.
Tasmania’s east coast is almost made for travelling by motorhome, campervan or caravan. The Great Eastern Drive combines seaside towns, white-sand beaches, fishing villages, national parks and some of Tasmania’s best coastal scenery, with plenty of places along the way where RV travellers can stop for a night or settle in for a few days. From the Bay of Fires in the north to the gateway to Maria Island in the south, there are some excellent towns to include on an East Coast Tasmania RV itinerary. Here are five worth adding to your trip.
1. St Helens – Gateway to the Bay of Fires
St Helens is one of the best bases for RV travellers exploring Tasmania’s north-east coast. As the largest town on the east coast, it is also a particularly useful place to stock up on groceries, fuel and other supplies before heading into the more remote coastal areas to the north. The big attraction is, of course, the Bay of Fires. From St Helens you can easily explore Binalong Bay, The Gardens and the magnificent string of beaches and camping areas stretching north along the coast. For RV travellers wanting to stay close to town, St Helens provides a convenient stopping point, while those looking for a more traditional beach camping experience have several choices around Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires.
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Where to Camp
Cosy Corner North is an attractive coastal camping option suitable for caravans, campervans, motorhomes and other larger RVs. Campers should be prepared for basic facilities and bring their own drinking water.
View Cosy Corner North Camping →
Another excellent option nearby is Jeanneret Beach, offering a beautiful coastal setting and access for caravans, camper trailers, campervans and motorhomes.
View Jeanneret Beach Camping →
Why stop here? Spend a couple of days exploring Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires, go fishing, enjoy some Tasmanian seafood, walk the beaches or simply use St Helens as a convenient place to restock before continuing south.
2. Scamander – Beaches, Fishing and a Relaxed Coastal Stop
Continue south from St Helens and you soon reach Scamander, one of those small Tasmanian coastal towns particularly well suited to a leisurely RV road trip. The town sits beside the Scamander River and a long stretch of surf beach, making it popular for fishing, surfing, swimming and beach walking. Scamander is conveniently positioned between St Helens and Bicheno, so there is no need to cover large distances each day. Instead, slow down and explore some of the quieter parts of Tasmania’s east coast. For those happy to travel a short distance inland, Trout Creek Campground at Upper Scamander provides another camping option surrounded by bushland rather than the more developed coastal environment. Scamander is a good example of why an RV trip around Tasmania shouldn’t be rushed. Explore the beach, throw in a fishing line and enjoy the slower pace before continuing down the coast.
3. Bicheno – One of Tasmania’s Classic Seaside Towns
Further south, Bicheno is one of the east coast’s most popular holiday towns and deserves more than an overnight stop. There is plenty to see without travelling far. Take a walk around the foreshore to the Bicheno Blowhole, visit the beaches, look for wildlife or join one of the town’s famous evening penguin tours. Bicheno is also an excellent base for exploring Douglas-Apsley National Park and sits within easy driving distance of Freycinet National Park.
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Where to Camp
Bicheno Bush Camp, approximately 5 km from the town centre, caters specifically for self-contained recreational vehicles. The property offers flat camping areas in a peaceful bush setting. Travellers should be self-contained as facilities are limited.
Why stop here? Bicheno makes a particularly good two or three-night stop, allowing you to explore the surrounding coastline, beaches and national parks without having to move the RV every morning.
4. Swansea – Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet Views
Swansea occupies one of the prettiest positions on Tasmania’s east coast, overlooking Great Oyster Bay towards the Freycinet Peninsula.
It is a lovely town for simply walking along the waterfront, enjoying a coffee or taking in the views across the bay. Swansea is also conveniently positioned for exploring wineries, beaches and historic sites along this section of the Great Eastern Drive.
Where to Camp
About 15 minutes south of Swansea is one of the east coast’s attractive low-cost camping locations – Mayfield Bay Coastal Reserve.
The campground sits beside the beach with beautiful views across Great Oyster Bay towards Freycinet. It accommodates motorhomes, campervans and other larger rigs and provides basic facilities, making it an excellent stop while travelling the east coast.
Nearby you’ll also find the unusual convict-built Spiky Bridge, while Swansea itself has shops, a supermarket, bakery, cafés and other useful services for travellers.
Why stop here? Swansea and Mayfield Bay make an excellent combination – supplies and services in town followed by a night beside the water overlooking one of Tasmania’s most beautiful coastal landscapes.
5. Triabunna – An RV-Friendly Gateway to Maria Island
At the southern end of an east coast road trip, Triabunna is another very useful town for RV travellers.
The historic port town is best known as the departure point for ferries to Maria Island National Park, making it a great place to base yourself if you’d like to leave the RV behind for the day and explore the island on foot or by bicycle.
Where to Camp
The Spring Bay Hotel Campground provides a convenient camping option in Triabunna for motorhomes, campervans and other travellers. Its location makes it easy to explore the town, waterfront and surrounding district.
Why stop here? Triabunna is much more than somewhere to drive through. Stay a couple of nights, explore the waterfront and consider taking the ferry across to Maria Island for one of the east coast’s best day trips.
Make an East Coast RV Road Trip of It
One of the great things about travelling Tasmania by RV is that the distances between destinations are relatively short. On the east coast in particular, there’s rarely a reason to spend an entire day behind the wheel.
A fantastic itinerary is:
St Helens & Bay of Fires → Scamander → Bicheno → Swansea & Freycinet → Triabunna & Maria Island
Allow at least five to seven days, although it’s very easy to turn the journey into a ten-day or two-week adventure if you want time for fishing, bushwalking, beaches and a few lazy days beside the water.
RV Traveller Tip
Camping conditions, fees, maximum stays and access arrangements can change. East coast campgrounds can also become extremely busy during summer, particularly over Christmas, New Year, Easter and school holidays. Always check current conditions before travelling and have an alternative campsite in mind.
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