The Scenic Route: Choosing Beauty Over Speed in Tasmania
The Scenic Route: Choosing Beauty Over Speed in Tasmania
Tasmania is made for slow travel. While it’s tempting to plug your destination into the GPS and take the fastest route, you’d be missing out on the real magic of this island state—its winding coastal drives, lush forest roads, and charming little towns that aren’t found on the highway. Whether you’re a local planning a weekend escape or a visitor flying in from Sydney or beyond, choosing the scenic route in Tasmania is more than a detour—it’s the best part of the journey.
With a reliable rental car from YesDrive, you can take your time, explore at your own pace, and discover places that rarely make it into guidebooks. Here’s how to make the most of Tasmania’s scenic routes and why slowing down is totally worth it.
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Why Go Slow? Tasmania Was Built for It
Unlike the mainland, Tasmania doesn’t rush. The roads are quieter, the towns are smaller, and the landscapes are stunningly diverse—soaring mountains one minute, rugged coastline the next. Taking your time isn’t just more enjoyable; it’s often safer too, especially with Tasmania’s winding roads and surprise wildlife appearances.
Renting a car in Hobart gives you the freedom to avoid the A-to-B mindset. You’re not just driving to get somewhere—you’re driving through somewhere. And every turn might reveal a misty rainforest, a roadside art gallery, or a bakery that makes the best scallop pie you’ve ever had.
Top Scenic Routes Worth the Extra Time
1. Hobart to Strahan via Queenstown (Lyell Highway)
Forget the straight shot—this winding westward route is packed with wilderness wonders. Departing from Hobart, the Lyell Highway (A10) snakes through the Derwent Valley, the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, and the eerie mining town of Queenstown before arriving in the coastal village of Strahan.
Travel tip: Stop in Lake St Clair for a short walk or a hot drink at the lodge. Allow at least 6–7 hours with stops.
2. The East Coast Escape: Hobart to Bay of Fires
Take the longer route up Tasmania’s East Coast to experience turquoise beaches, coastal wineries, and national parks. You’ll pass through Orford, Swansea, and the iconic Freycinet Peninsula before reaching the red-tinged rocks of the Bay of Fires.
Local insight: Avoid the main highway shortcut inland. Stick to the coastal Tasman Highway (A3) for uninterrupted ocean views.
3. Huon Valley Loop from Hobart
If you’re after a relaxed day trip, head south from Hobart into the lush Huon Valley. Explore cider houses, walk among treetops at Tahune Adventures, and follow the Huon River as it winds through farmland and forest.
Travel tip: Keep your camera ready—this area is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn gold and red.
4. The Midlands Heritage Highway (Hobart to Launceston)
Sure, you could fly from Hobart to Launceston in under an hour—but you’d miss Tasmania’s colonial charm. Take the Midland Highway and explore historic towns like Richmond, Ross, and Oatlands. It’s not as wild as the west, but the quiet beauty and heritage feel like a step back in time.
Local insight: Ross Bakery is famous for its vanilla slices. Worth the stop.
Make the Journey Work for You with YesDrive
At YesDrive, we know that the best road trips aren’t rushed. That’s why we make car hire in Hobart and Sydney simple, flexible, and suited to scenic adventurers. Here’s how we help make the scenic route easier:
A wide range of vehicles – Whether you need a compact car for coastal curves or a comfy SUV for mountain drives, we’ve got options that suit your trip and budget.
Unlimited kilometres – Don’t worry about distance caps while you explore winding roads and hidden gems.
Local knowledge – Our Hobart team knows these roads inside and out. Ask us for route tips or lesser-known stops.
Convenient pick-up and drop-off – Whether you’re landing in Hobart or starting in Sydney for a bigger trip, we make pick-up and returns easy.
A Few Tips for Scenic Driving in Tasmania
Watch for wildlife: Especially at dawn and dusk—wallabies, possums, and even wombats are common on the roads.
Take it slow: The beauty of the scenic route is the lack of rush. Speed limits may be lower than you’re used to.
Pack snacks and water: Some stretches are remote with limited service stations.
Download maps: Coverage can drop in rural areas. Offline navigation apps can be a lifesaver.
Stay spontaneous: The best detours are often unplanned. Give yourself wiggle room for unexpected stops.
Conclusion: Choose Beauty Over Speed
In Tasmania, taking the long way isn’t a delay—it’s the destination. From coastal escapes to forest drives, the scenic route invites you to connect with the land and its people in a deeper way. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, pausing for farm-fresh cherries, or just rolling down the windows to let in the sea breeze, it’s the journey that will stick with you.
Ready to hit the road? Book your rental car with YesDrive today and discover Tasmania the way it was meant to be explored—at your own pace.
