From Street Markets to Campgrounds: The ‘Weekend Everything’ Drive
From Street Markets to Campgrounds: The ‘Weekend Everything’ Drive
Can’t decide between browsing stalls and sleeping under the stars? Why not do both. This weekend road trip blends the buzz of Tasmania’s street markets with the stillness of a good campsite. You’ll eat well, shop local, and end your days by the fire. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure itinerary where you don’t have to compromise.
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What Is a ‘Weekend Everything’ Drive?
It’s not just a market crawl or a camping trip—it’s both. The idea is simple: start your day with a coffee and croissant from a local market, fill your boot with handmade goods and gourmet produce, then head into nature and camp somewhere beautiful. Wake up to fresh air and eat market cheese for breakfast. Repeat as needed.
Why Tasmania’s Perfect for It
Tasmania’s small scale makes this kind of trip easy. Markets are dotted across towns big and small, and stunning campgrounds are often less than an hour away. You don’t need to drive for hours to feel like you’ve had a full weekend escape. Plus, the local produce is top-tier—and perfect for an outdoor meal.
Friday Night: Market Meals and First Stop Fun
If you’re starting from Hobart, hit a twilight market if there’s one on. Franklin Square or Long Beach markets sometimes host Friday evening pop-ups with food trucks and live music. If not, grab supplies at Hill Street Grocer or Salamanca Fresh to prep for your weekend.
Camp close to the city on your first night—like at Snug Beach or South Arm—and wake up near the water with fresh air and breakfast ready to go.
Saturday: Shop, Drive, Explore, Camp
Morning: Head to Salamanca Market early. Grab pastries, cheese, handmade snacks, and maybe a bottle of local cider. Don’t forget to pack it in a cooler for later.
Midday: Hit the road. Drive down to Huonville or Cygnet for more markets or farm gate stops. Pick up firewood or anything you’ll need for your night under the stars.
Afternoon: Set up camp. Some great picks include:
Cockle Creek: Remote, wild, and beautiful
Crabtree Bush Camp: Peaceful and close to Huon produce
South Bruny National Park: Camp near Adventure Bay
Evening: Build a fire, cook your market haul, and enjoy a sunset with zero crowds.
Sunday: One Last Market Before Heading Home
Pack up slowly and drive back via a new route. If you’re near Bruny, stop at the cheese factory or oyster sheds. If you’re heading through the Midlands, hit the Brighton Market or detour to Richmond. There’s always one more market.
Bonus: You’ll be home by late afternoon and won’t feel like you missed the weekend.
Tips for Mixing Markets and Campsites
Use a cooler bag and ice bricks to keep food fresh
Buy snacks in small portions you can eat without needing to cook
Look for markets that list local producers—good for sourcing fresh dinner ingredients
Check campground rules for fires and facilities
Bring reusables (cups, cutlery, plates) to reduce waste and keep things tidy
What to Pack for a Mixed-Mode Trip
Reusable shopping bags + cooler
Picnic blanket or small table
Camp stove or fire-safe cooking gear
Lantern or headlamp
A basic first aid kit
Portable speaker (keep the volume campsite-friendly)
Warm layers—even in summer
Final Word: Make It Yours
You don’t have to choose between town energy and bush silence. With the right plan and a good car, you can squeeze it all into one weekend—markets, makers, fresh bread, cold rivers, and a night under the stars. That’s the beauty of a “Weekend Everything” drive. Just get in and go.
Book your YesDrive car and hit the road with the boot half full and the weekend wide open.
