best drives in tasmania

For a state that’s basically a postcard factory, the roads are the glossy bits. Do the Great Eastern Drive from Orford via Bicheno to the Bay of Fires for beaches so bright you’ll squint in overcast.

Head west on the Lyell Highway to Queenstown and Strahan—twisty rainforest, mining moonscapes, and corners that make passengers rethink lunch. The Highland Lakes Road (A5) from Bothwell to Deloraine serves alpine vistas, mirror lakes, and the occasional wombat with a death wish. Aim for the Tasman Peninsula (Eaglehawk Neck, blowholes, Port Arthur), or loop Sheffield to Cradle Mountain for weather drama on repeat. Distances are short, fuel stops aren’t—plan ahead, mind wildlife, and enjoy it at 80–100 km/h without pretending it’s a rally stage.