Camping Tasmania

Camping Tasmania, a paradise for the adventurous traveller.

Get inspired for your own Tasmania Road Trip with this camping Tasmania guide. In this blog, we’ll share our experiences, break down costs, highlight things to do, find the most epic free and low-cost campgrounds, and provide honest insights into each region of Tasmania.

Free camping is the way to go in Tasmania, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. You’ll find hundreds of campgrounds on WikiCamps or other apps, and trust us, we had no idea where to start. We tested and tried over 40 campgrounds, and we listed our top 10 best campgrounds we’ve explored during our time in Tasmania.

Where is Tasmania located?

Tasmania, an island state located 240 kilometres south of Australia’s mainland, separated from it by the Bass Strait. Tasmania is known for its pristine beaches, rugged wilderness, and a rich history.

Getting to Tasmania

By Ferry: The Spirit of Tasmania

For those looking to bring their own vehicle or camper, the Spirit of Tasmania is the ideal choice. Departing from Geelong, the ferry takes approximately 9 to 11 hours to reach Devonport and offers both day and overnight crossings

Onboard amenities:

Two cinemas;
A restaurant and several bars;
Various seating options, including sleeping cabins and recliner seats.

Our Experience:

We chose for the day trip with recliner seats, which provided comfortable, dedicated seating with power outlets, perfect for working or watching Netflix. The separate lounge area allowed us to securely leave some of our belongings while exploring the vessel. Although we chose the day crossing due to concerns about seasickness, we would consider the overnight crossing for future trips.

By Plane: You can also fly into Tasmania’s major airports located in Hobart and Launceston. We would still recommend to rent a vehicle to explore the island at your own pace.

How much does it cost to travel to Tasmania?

For our round-trip to Tasmania with The Spirit Of Tasmania, including our vehicle with a camper trailer and roof racks carrying surfboards (over 2.1 metres in height), we paid about A$1600 in total, covering the vehicle fees, passenger fares and recliner seats.

How much time do you need in Tasmania?

The length of your stay in Tasmania will depend on how extensively you wish to explore. We spent 10 weeks on the island, and still didn’t cover everything we wanted to, partly due to unexpected weather changes that made us change our travel plans. We have a complete outdoor set up, so we always make sure to alter our travel plans according to wind and rain.

Here’s a suggested timeframe for different regions:

East Coast: 2 to 3 weeks
Tasman Peninsula: 5 to 7 days
Bruny Island: 3 to 5 days
West Coast: 1 to 2 weeks
Cradle Mountain: 3 to 5 days

What is the best time to Go Camping in Tasmania?

While Tasmania is a year-round destination, the summer months (from December to early March) offer the most favourable conditions for camping and road tripping. During summer, the weather is warm and dry, and is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, etc. Keep in mind that this is also the peak season due to school holidays. Some areas may be busier than usual, so whenever you can, make sure you book tours and accommodation upfront.

Free Camping Tasmania

Tasmania is known for its wide range of free and low-cost camping sites. It’s the ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers who are seeking adventure.

Can you freecamp anywhere in Tasmania?

You’ll find hundreds of freecamps in Tasmania when checking apps like WikiCamps. When you want to camp at National Parks, you’ll need to purchase a park pass and pay a camping fee of A$13 a night for two people. You’ll mostly need to pay in cash and self-register upon arrival.

Do you need to book campsites in Tasmania?

Free camps and some National Park Campgrounds go on a first come, best seats basis. Meaning you don’t have to make a booking. We would recommend checking the National Parks Website to see if bookings are required.

Finding free camps in Tasmania

We always use WikiCamps to find free camps across Australia. This app gives you an overview of all free camps in your area. You can read reviews, view photos, and mark favourites which makes it easy to plan your journey.

National Park Camping Tasmania

Free and low cost camping Tasmania

Many national parks offer affordable camping options. A National Parks Pass is required to enter these areas, and camping fees are typically A$ 13 per night for two people.

How much does it cost to Go camping in Tasmania?.

National Park Camping Cost Overview:

2 people (minimum fee) – $13.00
Each additional adult (18+) – $5.00
Each additional child (5-17 years, under 5 years no charge) – $2.50
Family (2 adults, 3 children) – $16.00

TIP: Always carry cash and coins. Most of the National Park campsites have a self-registration payment system without card facilities or change available.

Camping in National Parks Tasmania

You can find all the National Park campgrounds on the official Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website: https://parks.tas.gov.au/where-to-stay

Do you need a permit to camp in Tasmania?

You’ll need to purchase a National Parks Pass to enter or camp at a National Park. You can purchase either day passes ($46.60 per vehicle – up to 8 people, Cradle Mountain excluded), holiday passes for two months ($93.15 per vehicle – up to 8 people, Cradle Mountain excluded) or an annual pass for $99.20 per vehicle – up to 8 people, shuttle service at Cradle Mountain excluded.

You can purchase your National Park Pass online through the official Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website. https://passes.parks.tas.gov.au/

Things to do In Tasmania

East Coast Tasmania

The East Coast of Tasmania is probably the most popular region to visit when travelling in Tasmania. Here you’ll find iconic destinations such as Freycinet National Park, Maria Island National Park, the famous Bay of Fires, and much more.

The East Coast has dreamy white sandy beaches, the clearest water, incredible national parks and charming towns that make you feel like you’re entering another world. I think it’s fair to say that this part of Tasmania is one of Australia’s greatest road trips, stretching from the North East Coast all the way South to Maria Island.

Highlights:

Freycinet National Park: Home to the stunning Wineglass Bay and numerous hiking trails and campgrounds
Bay of Fires: Famous for its striking orange granite rocks and pristine beaches
Maria Island: A haven for wildlife enthusiast and keen hikers

Camping on the East Coast

Beachfront camping is very common along the East Coast. Lots of free camps have a prime location, offering spectacular ocean views

Petal Point Village Green: Located in the North East of Tasmania. Beautiful free camp with incredible ocean views but exposed to strong winds.
Little Mussleroe Bay: Located in the North East of Tasmania. Free camp close to the picturesque Little Musselroe Bay.
Swimcart Beach Campground: Very popular beach front free camp close to Bay of Fires.
Cosy Corner North and South: Also close to the Bay of Fires with beach front sites available.
Diana Basin Conservation Area: Located near Saint Helens. Great free camp with easy access to the beach and Basin Creek.
Friendly Beaches: Beachfront free camp close to Freycinet National Park.
The Mayfield Bay Campsite: Small free campground with a few stunning spots, but you can be unlucky here.

Find more information about Free Camping on the East Coast in Tasmania on our blog The Best FREE Camping at the East Coast of Tasmania.

Tasman Peninsula and Tasman National Park

Located southeast of Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula is rich in natural beauty and history. In this beautiful part of Tasmania, you’ll find Port Arthur Historic Site and the most dramatic coastal landscapes.

The road to Tasman National Park is a beautiful scenic drive that brings you past Eaglehawk Neck, a natural wonder with lots of history. Eaglehawk Neck is located 20 km North from Port Arthur historic site, and was the reason why Port Arthur was chosen as the site for a prison. The tiny strip of land was easy to be patrolled by soldiers and dogs.

Tasman National Park is famous for one of the best multi day hikes Tasmania has to offer: the Three Capes Track. The Tasman Peninsula is one of the most memorable places we visited during our trip in Tasmania, and we would highly recommend spending 5 to 7 days here. Read here 5 Must-Do Adventures on The Tasman Peninsula.

Camping Tasman Peninsula

Fortescue Bay – Mill Creek Campground: Nestled by the beach, easy access to the Cape Hauy Trailhead.
Lime Beach Campground: A serene coastal campsite perfect for relaxation, swimming, kayaking or SUPping, fishing and hiking.

Tasman Peninsula Things To Do

Port Arthur Historic Site

When you’re visiting the Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur Historic Site is a must. We regret not going there during the day, we only did the Ghost Tour at night. No cameras were allowed, so we have no photos from this tour, but it was a fun and scary experience at the same time. Tip: for the daredevils, they’ll ask who would like to hold lanterns or a candle, when you hold the candle, you’ll get the full experience.

Tasman Peninsula Hikes

The Tasman Peninsula is home to the famous 4-day Three Capes Track. You can walk two of the three capes on a day hike. We would highly recommend hiking Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul. Cape Hauy starts at the campground at Fortescue Bay and was probably our favourite hike we did in Tasmania.

Tasman Peninsula Cruises

Due to limited timing, we weren’t able to go on a Tasman Peninsula Cruise. We’ve seen the cliffs during our hikes, but it would’ve been pretty cool to see them from the ocean as well. Also the cruise that follows the same track as the convicts who were brought into the Port Arthur site would’ve been impressive to do. Things we unfortunately missed, but something for you to add to your itinerary.

Read the full blog about the Tasman Peninsula here.

Bruny Island

Just an hour south of Hobart lies Bruny Island. You can access Bruny Island by a vehicular ferry that leaves every 20 minutes from the town Kettering.

Things to do on Bruny Island

South Bruny National Park: Think secluded beaches, off-grid campgrounds and lush rainforests.
Food & Wine: Feast on local specialties such as cheese, oysters and artisanal chocolates.
Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for native species such as fairy penguins and white wallabies.

Camping on Bruny Island

The island offers beautiful, beachfront, low-cost campgrounds, and secluded spots accessible only by 4WD. Especially within South Bruny National Park.

For more information about camping on Bruny Island, visit our detailed Camping on Bruny Island blog.

West Coast Tasmania

For those seeking to explore Tasmania off-the-beaten-track, Tasmania’s Wild West won’t disappoint. When you’re keen on an adventure through the Tasmanian wilderness, The Western Explorer Highway should be on your list. It’s not the fastest way to get around the coast, but it is the most interesting one. Exploring the Western Explorer highway is an experience, so don’t rush it.

The Western Explorer Highway

A 100-kilometre journey through remote and rugged terrain, taking approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Find numerous free campsites along the way
The last known habitat of the Tasmanian Tiger

Must-Do Experience:

Fatman Barge in Corinna

Cross the Pieman River on Tasmania’s last cable-driven vehicular barge. The crossing costs A$33 for vehicles with a camper trailer, and A$28 for standard vehicles. You can pay by cash or card. The barge operates 7 days a week, all year round and there’s no need to make a booking for your crossing.

Activities in Corinna:

River Cruises and kayaking: Explore the Pieman River on a guided river cruise or with a kayak at your own pace.
Hiking: There are various walking tracks around to explore.
Camping: Stay overnight at one of the beautiful free camps or low-cost campgrounds in Corinna.

Camping on the West Coast

Tungatinah Lagoon Campground: 2 hours North West from Hobart, you’ll find Tungatinah Lagoon Campground. A great stopover on your way to the West Coast.
Macquarie Heads Pine Forest: A beautiful sheltered spot close to Strahan.
Trial Harbour: Small campground at the West Coast, with incredible ocean views.
Granville Harbour: Stunning location and lots of spots available when camping with a 4WD.
4 Mile Beach Campsite: 4WD only, beach camping.

free camping Tasmania at a lake with a 4x4 camper trailer — Tungatinah Lagoon Campground

Are you heading to the West Coast of Tasmania? Get inspired with our West Coast Tasmania blogs:

Southwest National Park

This National Park was incredibly high on our list, but due to heavy winds and extreme weather, we had to skip this part and move further North. There were two campgrounds that were on our list that are close to Southwest National Park, that we didn’t have the chance to explore ourselves. But we’ve heard great things about them, and would like to include them in our guide:

Cockle Creek Campground: A very popular destination with tons of activities such as swimming, bush walking, snorkelling, kayaking or SUPping and fishing.

Southport Lagoon Campground: 4WD only, it’s a rocky track to get there. Reviews are mixed, but the location seems worth the drive.

What is it like to visit Tasmania?

Tasmania is a beautiful destination with diverse and stunning landscapes, rich history and filled with wildlife. Tasmania is a must visit for keen hikers, beach go-ers, cultural enthusiasts, adventurous travellers and food lovers. We would highly recommend taking the time to explore this incredible island and enjoy everything that Tasmania has to offer.

Start Planning To Go Camping in Tasmania

National Parks Passes: https://passes.parks.tas.gov.au/
National Park Campgrounds: https://passes.parks.tas.gov.au/
Camping Apps: WikiCamps Australia

Watch our Camping in Tasmania YouTube series. Experience Tasmania through our eyes by watching our three-episodes showcasing the island’s most epic locations, best campgrounds and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Happy camping and safe travels!