5-Day Southern Tasmania Road Trip

Tasmania’s south is made for slow travel — winding coastal roads, wild forests, quiet beach camps, and small towns where time seems to stretch just a little longer. Starting and finishing in Hobart, this 5-day campervan road trip takes you deep into the island’s southern heart, from the foodie delights of Bruny Island to the apple-growing valleys of the Huon, and right down to the rugged, windswept beauty of Australia’s deep south.

Travelling by campervan gives you the freedom to stop where the views demand it, wake up close to nature, and explore at your own pace. This itinerary is designed to be scenic, relaxed, and realistic, perfect if you want to experience Tasmania’s wild landscapes without rushing or clock-watching. Expect short drives, unforgettable coastal walks, fresh local produce, and some of the most peaceful campsites in the state. 

Activities On Your Campervan Adventure

Hit the road and discover the wild beauty of southern Tasmania in just 5 days.
From stunning beaches and quiet forests to rivers, mountains, and remote coastlines, every stop has a view worth remembering.

  • Bruny Island Beaches: Walk, relax, spot wildlife.
  • Adventure Bay: Stunning views and picnic spots.
  • Huon Valley: Charming towns and riverside walks.
  • Tahune AirWalk: Treetop views over rivers.
  • Hartz Mountains: Alpine scenery without long hikes.
  • Cockle Creek: Australia’s southernmost road-access point.
  • Hastings Caves: Explore caves and warm thermal springs.
5-Day Southern Tasmania Road Trip

ITINERARY

  • Day 1

    Hobart to Bruny Island

    Distance : 87.4 Kms

    Time : 1 Hour 33 Minutes + 20 min ferry

    Morning: Pick up your GoCheap campervan in Cambridge and stock up on supplies before hitting the road (closest supermarket and easy access will be in Sorell). Drive south to Kettering and board the Bruny Island vehicle ferry (book ahead during peak seasons). Once on the island, make your first stop at The Neck Lookout for sweeping views over North and South Bruny, a must-see introduction to the island.

    Afternoon: Cruise down to Adventure Bay for lunch with a view, followed by a beach walk or short coastal hike. If you’re keen on local flavours, stop in at the Bruny Island Cheese Co. or grab fresh oysters from Get Shucked. The relaxed pace makes this an ideal first day to settle into campervan life.

    Evening: Wind down with a peaceful evening by the beach. Cook dinner in your campervan or enjoy a sunset stroll along the sand. Keep an eye out for wallabies, penguins, and seabirds as the light fades.

    Where to stay: Captain Cook Holiday Park, 786 Adventure Bay Rd, Adventure Bay TAS 7150. Powered site.

    day 1

    Image: The Neck, Bruny Island, Jason Charles Hill

  • Day 2

    Bruny Island to Huon Valley

    Distance : 162 Kms

    Time : 3 Hours + 20 min ferry

    Morning: Wake up to a peaceful morning on Bruny Island and enjoy breakfast at Adventure Bay. Drive down to Cape Bruny Lighthouse enjoying the scenic roads. Spend some time on a coastal walk, relax on the beach, or simply take it slow before making your way back north to catch the ferry to Kettering.

    Afternoon: Head south into the Huon Valley, stopping in Cygnet for lunch. Known for its creative community and café culture, it’s a great place to stretch your legs and soak up small-town Tasmania. Continue on to Geeveston, set on the banks of the Huon River.

    Evening: Check into your campsite and enjoy a relaxed evening by the river. Cook dinner in your campervan, take a gentle stroll, and unwind after the day’s drive.

    Where to stay: CMCA RV Park Geeveston, 49 Arve Rd, Geeveston TAS 7116. Powered site.

    day 2

    Image: Geeveston, Osborne Images

  • Day 3

    Huon Valley

    Distance : 82.7 Kms

    Time : 1 Hour 50 Minutes

    Morning: Start the day with breakfast in Geeveston, then head out to explore more of the Huon Valley’s natural beauty. Make your way to the Tahune AirWalk, where you can wander through the treetops and enjoy views over the Huon and Picton Rivers. There are also shorter forest walks at ground level if you prefer to keep things easy.

    Afternoon: Continue exploring the region with a scenic drive towards the Hartz Mountains area. You don’t need to tackle long hikes to enjoy the landscape, even short walks and lookout areas offer a taste of Tasmania’s alpine scenery (e.g. Waratah Lookout, short 10-minute walk for stunning views). Stop for a picnic lunch along the way before heading back to Geeveston. Stop by Castle Phoenix on your way back.

    Evening: Return to Geeveston for a relaxed evening. Restock supplies if needed, cook dinner at your campsite, and enjoy another quiet night surrounded by nature.

    Where to stay: CMCA RV Park Geeveston, 49 Arve Rd, Geeveston TAS 7116. Powered site.

    Tip: Make sure you plug your campervan overnight, next night will be free camping!

    day 3

    Image: Tahune Adventures – Swinging Bridges Walk, Tourism Australia

  • Day 4

    Geeveston to Cockle Creek

    Distance : 63.9 Kms

    Time : 1 Hour 10 Minutes

    Morning: After breakfast in your campervan, stock up on food and fuel before heading further south. Today’s drive takes you through some of Tasmania’s most remote and scenic landscapes, with forests, rivers, and coastal views along the way. Take your time and enjoy the journey, this is one of the most memorable drives of the trip.

    Afternoon: Arrive at Cockle Creek late morning, the southernmost point in Australia accessible by road. Spend the afternoon exploring the area with short coastal walks, such as Fisher Point, or simply relax and take in the wild, windswept scenery. This is a great spot for photos and quiet moments in nature.

    Evening: Settle into camp and enjoy a peaceful evening by the ocean. Cook dinner in your campervan, watch the light fade over the water, and soak up the sense of being truly off the grid.

    Where to stay: Cockle Creek campground, Recherche, Huon Valley, TAS 7109. Unpowered site.

    day 4

    Image: Cockle Creek, Liam Neal

  • Day 5

    Cockle Creek to Hobart

    Distance : 142 Kms

    Time : 2 Hours 25 Minutes

    Morning: Wake up to the sound of the ocean and enjoy a slow morning at Cockle Creek. If the weather is kind, take a short walk along the beach before heading to Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs. Join a guided cave tour or relax in the warm thermal pool for a few hours, a perfect way to unwind after a few days of exploring.

    Afternoon: Continue on towards Hobart, passing through rolling farmland and riverside towns. Return your GoCheap campervan by 3:30 pm, and celebrate the end of your road trip with dinner in the city, reflecting on five days of southern Tasmania’s wild landscapes and relaxed campervan travel.

    day 5

    Image: Hasting cave, Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett

FAQs

Q: Is this road trip suitable for a 2WD campervan?

A: Yes. This 5-day itinerary is ideal for 2WD campervans and focuses on destinations that are easy to access without needing off-road driving. It’s designed to be relaxed and practical, making it a great choice for budget-friendly campervan travel.

Q: Do I need to book campsites and ferries in advance?

A: Some places, like the Bruny Island vehicle ferry and popular caravan parks, can book out during peak seasons. It’s a good idea to book these in advance, especially if you’re travelling during summer or school holidays. More remote campsites operate on a first-come basis.

Q: What’s the best time of year to do this Tasmanian trip?

A: The best time for a southern Tasmania campervan road trip is from October to April, when the weather is milder and days are longer. Winter trips are still possible but can be colder and quieter, with shorter daylight hours.

 

Packing Tips for your Tassie Road Trip

  • Appropriate clothing for all types of weather and activities
  • Picnic Blankets
  • Footwear (comfortable, versatile shoes for walking on the beach and hiking)
  • Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Insect repellent + band-aids
  • Camera/phone + chargers + portable chargers
  • Light backpack (to carry food + water bottle)
  • Have important documents ready (license, insurance, booking confirmations, and roadside assistance)

Feeling inspired for your own road trip? Then let’s start planning your campervan holiday!

Ready to start your 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!

Download Itinerary