Sure, you could do a whirlwind trip around the whole of Tasmania in a week. But if you ask anyone who’s done it, they’ll quickly tell you they should have taken their time. No point adding a few extra knocks to your 4X4 (no scars no proof, right?) if you don’t get time to enjoy the scenery. I mean, it’s one of the main reasons we adventure out into the wild.
Speaking of wilderness, despite its small size, Australia’s island state has a lot of it. In fact, 50.35% of Tasmania is reserved, making Tassie a top spot to sit down and enjoy the wild. So rather than rush your one week in Tassie, make plans to explore a particular area. Then come back again to do the rest.
With that in mind, here’s how to do Tasmania in one week the proper way…in a 4X4.
The top end of Tasmania in one week
Yep, Tassie has a top end too and you can absolutely spend a week enjoying it. Kinda convenient considering that the vehicle ferry (Spirit of Tasmania), deposits you in Devonport, smack in the middle of Tassie’s top end.
Bridport to Bellingham 4WD Track
The Bridport to Bellingham 4WD track spans approximately 22km and features soft sand dunes and endless beaches. Although it only takes around two hours, it’s worth making a whole day or even an overnighter out of it. Particularly if you love a spot of beach and dune driving. Campsites can be found heading towards the west point of St Albans Bay.
There are no facilities here so you will need to take everything in and out with you. Do make sure you take your fishing rods though as surf fishing here is a must. Like most coastal 4X4 routes, pay close attention to the incoming tide.
There is a carpark to deflate your tyres at the end of Gees Marsh Rd on the Bellingham side and at the end of Sandy Points Rd on the Bridport side.
Jacobs Ladder
Located in the Ben Lomond National Park, Jacobs Ladder is not particularly technical but is regularly touted as one of the scariest drives in Australia. At 14km long, the track zig-zags up a mountain in spectacular switchback style. Expect to experience cliffside drop-offs and no room to wiggle when a vehicle comes in the opposite direction. Drivers going up are expected to give way to those heading down.
Camping is available just inside the national park below Ben Lomond’s summit. And just for fun, you can expect both sun and snow in a short period of time in this region. You will need a National Parks pass to venture into Ben Lomond National Park.
Sandy Cape Track
Possibly the most iconic track in Tasmania, the Sandy Cape Track is a 48km return journey in the northwest. This is serious 4X4 country and you shouldn’t go without another off-road buddy to help with recovery.
The Sandy Cape features sandy/rocky tracks, quicksand, water crossings, unpredictable weather and tidal movements. The narrow tracks have been known to provide free custom pin striping but anyone who does this track agrees that the stunning views from the wild north-west coast are worth it.
Camping is available at Greenes Creek, Sandy Cape and Pedder River. You will need to organise an Arthur-Pieman Recreational Drivers Pass to do this track.
The bum end of Tassie in one week
As they say, what goes up must go down and thus Tassie has a bum end that you can spend a week enjoying as well. The south of Tasmania is seriously underrated and even though it’s probably the furthest point from Devonport where the Spirit of Tasmania docks, you can easily drive from the top to the bottom of Tassie in one day.
Southport Lagoon Track
The Southport Lagoon Track can be found near Ida Bay and despite only being 12km return, it’s slow going with muddy patches and rock sections. Parks Tasmania rate this track as moderately difficult and recommends a high clearance 4WD.
Stay overnight at the Southport Lagoon Campground at the end of the track and if you’ve bought a dinghy, there is a designated launch area from here also. Unfortunately, Jet-skis and larger boats are not allowed on Southport Lagoon.
Jefferys Track
Jefferys Track is one of five historic fire trails in Wellington Park that are now open for 4X4 adventures. This 14km track is for experienced drivers only and is known to be particularly boggy. Expect mud, dirt, gravel, rocks and bush sections. The payoff? Bragging rights and amazing views over both the Huon and Derwent Valleys.
Running north to south between Lachlan and Crabtree, it’s best to go in a convoy as recovery is often required after a bit of rain. Also, horse riders and walkers share this track so please be respectful.
Fortescue Bay Track
The 12km unsealed (mostly gravel and sand) road leading to Fortescue Bay in the Tasman National Park is a top choice for first-time off-roaders. The road can even be accessed by 2WD in the dry. Experienced 4X4 drivers won’t find anything exciting about this track but it’s absolutely still worth taking as Fortescue Bay itself is a winner.
There are two National Park camping areas available here and you will need to organise a parks pass to enter. Once you’re there, take advantage of the great fishing and hike the Cape Hauy Track which starts from the Fortescue Bay camping area.
The east and west of Tasmania in a week
We’ve covered the top end and the bottom end but as you know, there is much more to Tasmania than meets the eye. The wild west of Tassie has long been a 4X4 bucket list destination and the east coast is hiding some great tracks as well. There are even a few awesome tracks up the middle! So if you’re curious, check out:
- Wielangta Forest Drive, Long Marsh Dam Track, Swanston Track and the Siamese Water Track if you have a week spare for the east of Tasmania.
- For those planning a week in the wild west of Tasmania, don’t miss the Sandy Cape Track, Montezuma Falls tracks, Mt McCall Track, Ocean Beach track, Climies Track and Mount Huxley Track.
- If you’re planning a jaunt up the middle of Tasmania to return to the Spirit of Tasmania, you can’t go past the Borradaile Plains Track.
