From Market to Campfire: A Weekend Drive for Foodies and Campers in Tassie
From Market to Campfire: A Weekend Drive for Foodies and Campers in Tassie
Tasmania is a paradise for slow travellers—especially those who love eating well and sleeping under the stars. Imagine browsing a Saturday market for fresh produce and local delicacies, loading your esky with cheese, wine, and sourdough, and heading off on a scenic drive to a quiet bush campsite or a beachside spot where you can cook it all up by the fire.
This weekend road trip itinerary is for foodies who crave fresh flavours and the freedom of camping. With a rental car from Hobart, you can turn a short break into a feast-filled adventure that blends Tasmania’s markets, makers, and natural beauty.
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Why This Trip Is Perfect for Food-Lovers and Nature Fans
Tasmania is known for its pristine landscapes—but it’s also a hotbed of small-scale producers, growers, and artisans. This road trip combines both worlds: you start your day shopping for fresh food in charming markets, then drive into the wild to enjoy it all around a fire with a view. You’re not just buying local—you’re living it.
What to Pack for a Foodie Camping Road Trip
An esky or cooler (yes, a must!)
Reusable containers, cutlery, and picnic gear
A gas burner or campfire grill plate
Firewood or heat beads (some sites don’t allow foraging)
A basic spice kit, oil, and foil
Your tent, sleeping bag, and headlamp
Blankets and a camp chair for slow sunsets
Weekend Itinerary: Market-to-Campfire Drive from Hobart
Day 1: Hobart to the Huon Valley (via Salamanca Market)
Drive time: ~1.5 hours (with stops)
Start your Saturday at Salamanca Market in Hobart. Stock up on gourmet sausages, smoked salmon, locally baked bread, cheese, and seasonal produce. Don’t forget something sweet for later (like a honey cake or fruit tart).
From there, drive south into the Huon Valley, a region known for apples, cider, and cool-climate wines. Make a tasting stop at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Franks Cider House, or Home Hill Winery.
Where to camp: Head toward Esperance River Camping Ground or Cockle Creek Campground—both are simple, remote, and stunning. Set up by the water and cook dinner over the coals with your Salamanca spoils.
Day 2: Southport to Franklin (Market + Scenic Drive)
Drive time: ~1.5–2 hours with market stop
Wake up to birdsong, brew a coffee, and take your time packing up. On Sundays, swing by the Cygnet Market if it’s on (every 1st and 3rd Sunday) or the Geeveston Twilight Feast (seasonal).
Stop in Franklin for a casual lunch at The Aqua Grill or to browse the Yukon Wooden Boat Centre, which often features handmade items from local craftspeople.
Where to camp: Petcheys Bay or River’s Edge Wilderness Campground—great spots for a more forested riverside setup. Bring out the leftover cheeses, slice up fresh market bread, and enjoy a sunset picnic.
Optional Day 3: Return to Hobart via Cygnet
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Take the scenic route back via Cygnet, a small artsy town where you’ll find craft stores, local galleries, and plenty of coffee. Stop at Cygnet Old Bank for brunch or pick up one last jar of jam for the road.
If you’re not in a rush, detour through Pelverata Falls for a short bushwalk before heading back to Hobart.
Tips for Campfire Cooking with Market Finds
Pre-chop at camp: Keep things simple at night by prepping ingredients while it’s still light.
Foil parcels = magic: Wrap root veg, fish, or seasoned meat in foil and cook over coals.
Grill haloumi or local sausages: Easy crowd-pleasers with bread and chutney.
Don’t forget dessert: Grilled stone fruit or banana with chocolate in foil is always a hit.
Travel Easy with YesDrive
YesDrive makes it easy to build your perfect weekend escape—whether you’re planning a full camping trip or just want the flexibility of carrying your gourmet haul. Our vehicles offer plenty of boot space, comfort for the drive, and the freedom to explore Tasmania’s food trail at your own pace.
Book your rental today and make your next Tassie road trip a feast for all the senses.
