Historic Lighthouses of Tasmania: A Coastal Car Route
Historic Lighthouses of Tasmania: A Coastal Car Route
Tasmania’s wild coastline is not only stunning, it’s also dotted with some of Australia’s most iconic and historic lighthouses. These beacons have guided ships for over a century, and many are located in breathtaking settings worth the drive. If you’re a history lover, photographer, or coastal road tripper, here’s how to explore Tasmania’s lighthouses by car.
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Why Explore Tasmania’s Lighthouses?
These lighthouses aren’t just beautiful—they’re living links to Tasmania’s maritime past. Many sit atop dramatic cliffs or at the edge of remote beaches, making them perfect for:
Scenic drives
Coastal walks
Photography at sunrise or sunset
Learning about Tasmania’s nautical history
Top Lighthouse Stops by Car
Low Head Lighthouse
Near George Town, this is one of Australia’s oldest lighthouses. It’s a great starting point for a north-coast road trip and offers panoramic views over Bass Strait.
Eddystone Point Lighthouse
Located in the Bay of Fires area, this remote lighthouse features pink granite cliffs and rugged scenery. It’s accessible via a scenic drive from St Helens and is perfect for a detour on an East Coast itinerary.
Cape Tourville Lighthouse
Situated in Freycinet National Park, this lighthouse is on a short and accessible coastal loop walk. The views over Wineglass Bay and the Tasman Sea are unmatched, especially in golden hour light.
Bruny Island Lighthouse
Take the car ferry from Kettering and head to South Bruny. This lighthouse is one of Tasmania’s oldest and most iconic, offering cliffside views and a great chance to spot seals, whales, and seabirds.
Table Cape Lighthouse
West of Wynyard on the north coast, this lighthouse sits on a plateau that bursts into colour during tulip season. The views stretch out across Bass Strait, and you can take a guided tour of the lighthouse during certain times of the year.
Planning Your Route
You can structure your trip around the East Coast or loop around the island depending on how much time you have. For a weekend, choose a cluster (like Freycinet and Bay of Fires). For a longer adventure, plan a full clockwise or counter-clockwise loop starting from Hobart or Launceston.
What to Bring for Your Lighthouse Road Trip
Comfortable walking shoes for short hikes
Camera or phone with zoom lens
Windproof jacket (coastal winds can be strong)
Snacks and water for remote locations
A printed map or offline navigation tools
How YesDrive Can Help You Explore Tasmania’s Coast
Whether you’re setting out from Hobart or Launceston, YesDrive offers the right vehicle for a comfortable coastal journey. Our cars are:
Perfect for long drives with panoramic windows
Reliable on sealed and semi-rural roads
Available with flexible hire periods
Book your Tasmanian road trip with YesDrive and discover the island’s historic lighthouses at your own pace.
