5 Budget-Friendly Places to Visit in Tasmania by Campervan
Tasmania is known for its wild beauty, pristine coastline, and small-town charm—and the best part? You don’t need a big budget to enjoy it.
Tassie is packed with places where nature, history, and local culture come at little to no cost. With free and low-cost campsites scattered across the state, plenty of scenic driving routes, and natural attractions that don’t cost a cent, Tasmania is tailor-made for affordable road trips.
Here are five budget-friendly destinations in Tasmania that should be on every traveller’s list.
1. Bay of Fires
Location: North-East Coast (near St Helens) – 264 km from the branch (4 hours)
Why it’s great for campervans: Stunning free campsites just steps from the beach.
The Bay of Fires is a dream destination for campervan travellers. Picture crystal-clear waters, sugar-white sand, and bright orange boulders lining the shore—all accessible without spending a cent. This stretch of coast runs from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point and is packed with peaceful places to swim, walk, or simply unwind.
The best part? There are multiple free beachfront camping areas for self-contained campervans, including favourites like Cosy Corner North, Swimcart Beach, and Jeanneret Beach Campground. Wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy your morning coffee with an ocean view—all from the comfort of your camper.
Top things to do:
- Swim and snorkel in calm, clear bays
- Walk the short track at The Gardens for incredible photo ops
- Spot dolphins and whales during migration season (May to November)
- Cook dinner with a beach sunset from your camper’s outdoor kitchen
This spot truly delivers million-dollar views on a shoestring—and makes the most of having your home-on-wheels with you.
Image: Bay of Fire, Tasmania
2. Mount Field National Park
Location: West of Hobart – 101 km from the branch (2 hours)
Why it’s great for campervans: Affordable campground inside the park with powered and unpowered sites.
Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s oldest and most accessible national parks—and it’s perfect for campervan travellers looking to experience Tasmania’s rainforest, waterfalls, and alpine scenery all in one place.
Entry to the park is just a small national park pass fee, and in return, you’ll get access to a range of walks and natural wonders. Base yourself at the Mount Field Campground, a well-maintained, budget-friendly site with clean facilities and access to short walking tracks starting right at your doorstep.
Top things to do:
- Russell Falls Walk (20 min return): An easy, wheelchair-accessible stroll to one of Tassie’s most iconic waterfalls
- Tall Trees Walk: Wander beneath towering swamp gums, some of the tallest flowering trees in the world
- Lake Dobson: A short scenic drive uphill from the campground, great for spotting platypuses and enjoying alpine walks
Campervan tip:
There’s a small visitor centre with maps, hot drinks, and picnic areas—plus a large open area for cooking or relaxing under the trees. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the park’s peaceful atmosphere once the day-trippers head home.
Mount Field is the kind of place where you slow down, take deep breaths of eucalyptus-scented air, and reconnect with nature—without straying too far (or spending too much).
Image: Russell Falls, Mount Field, Tasmania
3. Richmond Historic Village
Location: Just 25 minutes from Hobart
Why it’s great for campervans: Easy day trip with nearby holiday parks or free/low-cost campgrounds in surrounding areas.
Richmond is a charming heritage town that feels like stepping back in time—without spending a fortune. It’s packed with historic buildings, quaint shops, and peaceful picnic spots, making it an ideal stop for a relaxed, low-cost day out in your campervan.
At the heart of Richmond is Australia’s oldest stone bridge, built by convicts in 1825 and still in use today. The whole village is walkable and photogenic, with bakeries, craft stores, and museums to explore at your own pace. You can easily park your camper just outside the town centre and stroll in.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Richmond Bridge and feed the ducks in the Coal River
- Explore the Richmond Gaol (entry fee applies but under $10)
- Treat yourself to a budget-friendly pastry or coffee from the Richmond Bakery
- Walk through historic streets lined with sandstone cottages
Campervan tip:
While overnight parking in the town centre is limited, you’ll find several great options nearby like Discovery Parks Hobart or Barilla Holiday Park.
Richmond is a perfect slow-travel stop—easy, affordable, and rich in character. Grab a coffee, sit by the river, and enjoy one of Tasmania’s most photographed little towns.
Image: Richmond Bridge, Tasmania
4. Tarkine Drive (North West Tasmania)
Location: North-West, between Smithton and Arthur River – 384 km from the branch (5 hours)
Why it’s great for campervans: Free and low-cost bush camps along the route, plus remote roads made for self-contained travellers.
If you’re chasing raw wilderness and remote beauty without the price tag, the Tarkine Drive delivers. Winding through the ancient rainforests of the Tarkine (one of the largest temperate rainforests in the Southern Hemisphere), this self-drive loop is made for campervan adventurers.
From Smithton or Stanley, follow the loop through dense forest, button grass plains, and rugged coastline. There’s little infrastructure and very few crowds—just winding roads, rich wildlife, and plenty of places to pull over and soak it all in.
Things to do:
- Trowutta Arch: A short, mossy forest walk to a collapsed cave system
- Lake Chisholm: A peaceful mirror-like sinkhole surrounded by tall trees
- Edge of the World: A wild, windy lookout at the mouth of the Arthur River
- Sumac Lookout and Julius River Walk: Perfect picnic and forest walk spots
Campervan tip:
Many free and low-cost campsites are available for self-contained vehicles, such as Prickly Wattle Campground or the Arthur River Parks and Wildlife campsite. There are no major towns on the loop, so stock up on fuel and groceries before you go. The remoteness is part of the magic.
This is a budget road trip in its purest form—no tour groups, no ticket booths, just you, your campervan, and some of Tasmania’s most untouched landscapes.
Image: Tarkine Drive, Tasmania, Sarajayne Lada
5. Maria Island
Location: Off the east coast, accessible via ferry from Triabunna
Why it’s great for campervans: Park your camper safely in Triabunna while you explore the island on foot or bike.
No cars, no shops, no worries—Maria Island is a wild, off-grid adventure that contrasts beautifully with your campervan journey. Though you can’t take your van onto the island, it’s still incredibly camper-friendly. Just drive to Triabunna, park securely near the ferry terminal, and hop on a short ferry ride to this nature-lover’s paradise.
Once on the island, you can walk or cycle between windswept beaches, convict ruins, fossil cliffs, and grassy open spaces dotted with wombats and kangaroos. It’s a national park, so all you need is a valid Parks Pass and a small ferry fare.
Things to do:
- Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs: Short walks with stunning natural formations
- Darlington: A former convict settlement turned peaceful picnic and camping area
- Wombats, wallabies, and Cape Barren geese wandering freely
- Hire bikes to see more of the island
Campervan tip:
Stay the night before or after your trip at Triabunna Cabin & Caravan Park, or opt for free RV parking available in town for self-contained vehicles. The ferry runs multiple times per day.
Maria Island gives you a chance to stretch your legs, slow down, and experience a different pace of Tassie travel—without breaking your budget.
Image: Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, Tasmania
Explore More, Spend Less
Travelling Tasmania by campervan opens the door to some of the most incredible experiences, without the premium price tag. From coastal sunrises and ancient forests to charming heritage towns and island escapes, these five budget-friendly destinations prove that the best things in Tassie really are free (or close to it!).
So fuel up, stock the fridge, and hit the road—your next affordable adventure is just around the corner. Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
