Best Free & Low-Cost Things to Do in Tasmania

Tasmania is famous for its wild landscape, incredible beaches and world-class scenery and exploring the Apple Island doesn’t have to cost a fortune! In fact, some of the best experiences and place are completely free or require a small national park fee.

When travelling by campervan, you’re already saving some money on accommodation and dining out! That means you can have a little more budget for experiences (or extra snacks on the road… no one’s judging!). We wrote a full comparison with Car + Hotel if you wanted to see the difference…

Here’s our guide to the best free and affordable things to do in Tasmania, perfect for couples, friends and families exploring by campervan, with easy access and sealed roads throughout.

Image: Campervan Cruisin’ along Tasmanian roads

 

Take in the Views from Mount Wellington (Free)

Just a short drive from Hobart, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington offers sweeping views over the city, the River Derwent and beyond. Rising 1,271m above sea level, the mountain’s slopes transition from temperate rainforest to sub-alpine hill near the submit.

Why campervan travellers love it:

• Fully sealed road to the summit
• Multiple lookout points over Hobart, Bruny Island, and Tasmania’s south-west wilderness
• Short, family-friendly walking tracks –  Zig Zag, Pipeline, and Organ Pipes Tracks
• Picnic areas

It’s the perfect first-day activity after picking up your camper. Pack lunch, bring a jacket (it can get chilly up top!), and enjoy one of Tasmania’s most iconic views – completely free.

 

Image: Camper parked overlooking Hobart

 

Wander the White Sands of Bay of Fires (Free)

Located on Tasmania’s east coast, Bay of Fires is famous for its stunning, white-sanded beaches, striking orange lichen-covered rocks and clear turquoise waters. Stretching from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point, it is renowned for its natural beauty, marine biodiversity, and Indigenous heritage.

What makes it budget-friendly:

• No entry fee
• Easy access via sealed roads
• Free beach walks, rock pools and picnic spots

It’s ideal for families! Kids can explore the rocks, paddle in calm waters and enjoy wide open spaces. Bring your own lunch and make a full day of it. Then, what better way than going back to your own home on wheels and wash off the sand in your own shower.

 

Image: Parked right next to the beach along Bay of Fire

 

Explore Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay (Low-Cost)

A visit to Freycinet is one of Tasmania’s must-do experiences and it’s surprisingly affordable. Protected coastal reserve on the east coast of Tasmania, it is renowned for its dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays, and white-sand beaches, particularly the world-famous Wineglass Bay.

Entry requires a National Parks Pass, which gives you access to:

• The Wineglass Bay Lookout walk
• Family-friendly coastal trails
• Scenic beaches
• Picnic areas

All main roads into the park are sealed and suitable for 2WD campervans.

Budget tip: If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, a holiday pass offers great value.

 

Image: Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Roady

 

Visit Cataract Gorge in Launceston (Free)

Right near Launceston’s city centre, Cataract Gorge is a dramatic natural river gorge and is one of the best free attractions in Tasmania, known for its striking scenery and historic amenities.

Why it’s perfect for campervan families:

• Free entry
• Easy walking tracks
• Suspension bridge
• Free BBQ facilities
• Seasonal public swimming pool

You can park nearby and spend hours exploring without spending a dollar.

 

Image: Cataract Gorge Reserve, Roady

 

Visit Little Blue Lake (Free)

Located in Tasmania’s north-east near South Mount Cameron, Little Blue Lake is famous for its striking, almost fluorescent blue colour. Originally a former mining site, the lake’s vivid hue is due to mineral content in the water, and while it may look inviting, it is not suitable for swimming.

Why it’s still worth a stop on your campervan road trip:

• Free to visit
• Sealed road access all the way
• Unique and photogenic landscape
• Quiet, off-the-beaten-path feel

There are no facilities on site, so come prepared and enjoy it as a scenic stop rather than a swimming destination (high mineral content in the water). It’s a fascinating reminder of Tasmania’s mining history and a memorable addition to an east coast or north-east itinerary.

 

Image: Campervan parked at Little Blue Lake

 

Chase Waterfalls in Mount Field National Park (Low-Cost)

Just over an hour from Hobart on sealed roads, Mount Field is home to stunning, easily accessible waterfalls, including Russell Falls. It is also renowned for glacial lakes and unique Tasmanian flora and fauna within a compact, easily reached reserve.

With a National Parks Pass, you’ll enjoy:

• Short, pram-friendly rainforest walks
• Tall tree forests
• Clearly marked trails
• Picnic areas

It’s a great family day trip that feels like stepping into a fairytale. Well-developed walking tracks accommodate all abilities, from short boardwalks to the Tarn Shelf alpine circuit. Popular activities include hiking, birdwatching, photography, and in cooler months, cross-country skiing.

 

Image: Russell Falls, Mount Field National Park, Stu Gibson

 

Step Back in Time in Richmond (Free)

Richmond is one of Tasmania’s prettiest historic towns  in the Coal River Valley of southeastern Tasmania, and exploring it costs nothing. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, it is one of Tasmania’s most visited heritage destinations and offers a window into early 19th-century convict-era settlement.

Highlights include:

• The historic Richmond Bridge
• Quaint Georgian streets
• Riverside picnic spots
• Easy parking for campervans

It’s an ideal half-day stop between Hobart and the east coast. Tourism, viticulture, and artisanal food production drive Richmond’s economy. The surrounding Coal River Valley supports boutique vineyards and farms, while the town attracts day-trippers from Hobart for its galleries, tearooms, and scenic rural views.

 

Image: Iconic Richmond bridge, Tasmania

 

Stroll the Hobart Waterfront & Salamanca (Free)

Back in Hobart, the waterfront precinct and Salamanca area are perfect for a relaxed wander. Check out the boats there, have a delicious ice-cream at Van Diemens Land Creamery and breath-in the ocean air.

You’ll find:

• Historic sandstone warehouses
• Street performers
• Free-entry markets (Saturdays)
• Harbour views

It’s a great low-cost day where you can simply explore at your own pace. Kids will love the boats and trying to spot the jellyfish in the water!

 

Image: Nighttime at Hobart Waterfront with views over Mt Wellington

 

Extra Budget Tips for Tasmania

To stretch your travel budget even further:

• Purchase a Holiday Parks Pass if visiting multiple national parks
• Use free public BBQ facilities (available in many towns)
• Travel outside peak summer season for better campsite availability
• Use apps such as WikiCamps or CamperMate to find free or affordable campsites
• Self-cater in your campervan instead of dining out every meal
• Want to go further? Check out our Best Budget Friendly Places to visit in Tasmania!

When you hire a campervan from Hobart with GoCheap, your transport and accommodation are sorted in one affordable package, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace without stretching your budget.

Ready to start your Tasmanian road trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!