Great Eastern Drive

Your road trip starts in Tasmania's capital, Hobart. The Apple Isle's largest city punches well above its weight when it comes to its epic scenery, fabulous dining scene and creative offerings. Before you hit the road, spend a day or two soaking up all the delights that Hobart has to offer.

A sunrise trip to the summit of Mount Wellington is pretty much a rite of passage for Tassie travellers, so be sure to add the city's beloved mountain to your to-do list.

Stroll along the working waterfront, once the hangout of sailors and fisherfolk, and today the perfect place to chow down on a fisherman's basket or partake in a fine dining experience with a view.

Check out the charming sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place, another part of the historic docks. The simple structures were built in the 1830s and used to store grain, wool, whale oil and other imported goods. These days, the square is home to the Saturday morning Salamanca Market, where you can browse farm-fresh produce, locally made handicrafts and delectable street food.

Explore the vast cultural offerings of Hobart nearby in the Salamanca Arts Centre, which occupies seven of the warehouses.

Don't miss MONA either. The Museum of Old and New Art is Hobart's most iconic attraction and is accessible by ferry.

Hobart's got a lot going on and we know you'll want to linger, but the road is calling so buckle up and head north towards the welcoming seaside town of Swansea.

Along the way, make a pit stop at Triabunna, where you can catch the ferry to Maria Island National Park. As well as spectacular scenery and native wildlife galore, the island is home to the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia.

Back on the mainland, continue north towards Swansea. When you arrive, stop by the East Coast Heritage Museum to get acquainted with the town's history. Or, if your legs are restless after the drive, take the Swansea Heritage Walk to explore the many fascinating examples of colonial architecture throughout the town.

The town overlooks Great Oyster Bay, a broad, sheltered body of pristine water teeming with marine life, making it the perfect location for oyster farming. You won't have to look far in Swansea to sample the bounty of these waters. And the best thing to pair with the bounty of Great Oyster Bay, is the bounty of Tassie's fertile soils and cool climate. Stop by the many cellar doors around Swansea to stock up on some of the region's finest vintages.

From Swansea, continue north along the Tasman Highway for about half an hour before branching off at Coles Bay Road down the Freycinet Peninsular for 20 minutes. You'll find yourself in the cute little seaside town of Coles Bay.

The town is perched between the crystal-clear waters of Great Oyster Bay and the pink granite peaks of the Hazards Mountain Range. Coles Bay is an awesome base for exploring the many natural wonders of the area.

Stop by the Freycinet Marine Farm to learn exactly how some of the best oysters in the country are farmed. Then sit back and sample some ridiculously fresh oysters and expertly cooked muscles with a glass of local wine.

Head out on a kayak tour of Oyster Bay, one of the most popular ways of exploring these pristine waters.

The most iconic of the area's natural wonders is Freycinet National Park, a wild landscape of coastal forests, pristine coves, remote stretches of sand and loads of native wildlife. This is the place where those hiking boots will come in handy. The entire park is threaded with walking trails. Whether you want a short walk to a gorgeous viewpoint or a multi-day trek through the most remote parts of the peninsular, there will be something here for you.

It's time to get moving again. Wave goodbye to Freycinet and Coles Bay and get behind the wheel. Luckily you won't be on the road for long because you'll definitely want to stop off after about 30 minutes in the town of Bicheno.

The warm coastal community is yet another gateway to some of the epic landscapes on Tassie's east coast. Just offshore from Bicheno is the Governor Island Marine Reserve, one of the best diving spots in the country. These crystal-clear waters are very inviting, but even in summer, the ocean temperatures will take your breath away. If you want to explore the marine park but prefer to stay warm and dry, head out on a glass-bottom boat tour.

A few kilometres north of Bicheno is Douglas-Apsley National Park, where you'll discover even more of Tassie's gorgeous landscapes. Lace up your walking boots and head out on one of the many walking trails to explore this pristine wilderness area.

Continue north along the highway and enjoy views of the rolling Tasman Sea for much of the journey. You'll soon reach St Helens, the largest town on Tassie's northeast coast.

The first thing to do when you get here is sample some of the town's fresh-as seafood. St Helens is the state's second-largest fishing port, so you'll find no shortage of delectable deliciousness around town.

If you want to catch your own dinner, head out on a game fishing charter, hire a boat and fish in the bay, or if you don't have your sea legs, simply throw a line off the jetty.

From St Helens, take the 10-minute drive north to Binalong Bay, the perfect base for exploring the grand finale of your trip, the Bay of Fires.

The Bay of Fires is a legendary 50-kilometre coastline that stretches from Binalong Bay up to Eddystone Point. It was named the Bay of Fires when Captain Tobias Furneaux sailed past the shoreline in 1773 and spotted a smattering of campfires lit by Aboriginal people along the beaches.

Explore the many secret coves, rock pools and hidden beaches of the Bay of Fires and feast your eyes on the enchanting colour palette of the coast. The granite boulders that line the shore are covered in brilliant orange lichen, the fine sand is as white as snow, and the waters range in hues from deep sapphire to bright turquoise. Yep, this place is pure magic.