Getting to Tasmania with Your Van
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry runs from Geelong (near Melbourne) to Devonport on Tasmania's north coast. The overnight crossing takes approximately 9-10 hours. Book vehicle passage well ahead in summer — the ferry fills up fast and the price varies significantly by season.
Approximate costs: $400-700 AUD one way for a van and driver (vary significantly by season and cabin type). Check spiritoftasmania.com.au for current pricing.
Alternative: leave your van on the mainland and hire one in Tassie. Several rental companies offer campervans — useful if you are only going for 2-3 weeks.
The North: Cradle Mountain to the Northeast
Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park
The postcard image of Tasmania. Cradle Mountain is genuinely spectacular — a jagged dolerite peak rising above a glacial plateau with buttongrass moorland and pandani heath. Day walk to Dove Lake (2 hours return) is the classic introduction. The Overland Track (6 days, world-class) starts here.
Camp at the Discovery Parks site in Cradle Mountain village ($40-55/night). Within the national park itself, camping is only permitted at designated huts on the Overland Track.
Bay of Fires
The orange lichen on white granite boulders meeting turquoise water is one of Tasmania's great visual experiences. The camping at Binalong Bay (informal, council managed) and the DOC sites along the coastal reserve are basic but the setting is extraordinary.
The Bay of Fires is busier than it used to be — visit in March-May or September-October for the best experience with fewer people.
Bridestowe Lavender Estate, Nabowla
Between late December and late January, the Bridestowe lavender farm is one of the most photographed landscapes in Australia — purple rows extending to the horizon. No camping at the farm but the nearby Scottsdale showground allows overnight parking.
The West: True Wilderness
Strahan and Macquarie Harbour
The gateway to Tasmania's wild west coast. Take the World Heritage Cruise up the Gordon River — the reflection of the ancient King Billy pines in the still water is genuinely moving. Camp at Strahan Foreshore (basic, free, right on the water).
Lake St Clair, the South End of the Overland Track
The deepest lake in Australia sits at the southern end of the Overland Track. The Cynthia Bay camping area has good facilities and several excellent day walks. The ferry across the lake ($40 AUD return) connects to the Overland Track trailhead.
Southwest National Park
The most remote wilderness in Australia outside of Antarctica. Road access ends at Cockle Creek — beyond that is foot traffic only. The campsite at Cockle Creek (free, basic) is the jumping-off point for multi-day walks into the Southwest. This is serious wilderness country — plan carefully and tell someone your itinerary.
The East Coast: The Easy, Beautiful Side
Freycinet National Park
Wineglass Bay. The photograph that sells Tasmania to the world. Getting to the bay requires a 45-minute walk over the saddle — the effort is entirely worth it. Camp at the Freycinet Parks campground (book ahead, $40-50/night) or at one of the walk-in sites in the park.
Maria Island National Park
No cars, no roads, no internet. Maria Island is a 30-minute ferry from Triabunna and is home to wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils, and Cape Barren geese. The convict ruins at Darlington are genuinely haunting. Camp at Darlington (booking essential in summer) or at a backcountry site.
Tasman Peninsula
Port Arthur historic site is one of Australia's most significant convict sites — allow half a day and take the ghost tour if you are inclined. The Remarkable Cave and Cape Hauy day walks nearby are spectacular coastal walking. Camp at the Fortescue Bay Campground ($18/night) for access to the best coastal walks on the peninsula.
Tasmanian Van Life Essentials
- Weather: Tasmania can produce all four seasons in a day. Carry waterproofs and warm layers year-round. The west coast especially can receive horizontal rain at any time of year.
- National Park pass: Buy a 2-month pass ($80 AUD per vehicle) on arrival — it pays for itself at the first major park
- Water: Tap water in most of Tasmania is exceptional quality — straight from mountain catchments. Many campgrounds have drinking water.
- Supplies: Hobart and Launceston are fully stocked but smaller towns have limited options. Do a proper shop before heading west.