The Most Beautiful Campsites In Tasmania

A nature-lover’s paradise is worth exploring from these seriously scenic camping sites.

Tasmania boasts some of Australia’s most picturesque places, and nature lovers swarm to get a glimpse of this relatively untouched paradise.

If you’re dreaming of Tassie’s bucket-list worthy wonders, then there’s no better way to explore than by packing your tent and setting up camp at one of these awe-inspiring spaces. Be prepared – much of the camping here is on the rough side (the price you pay for paradise, and why many people decide to hire a campervan) and you may need to bring your own supplies – including water.

If you’re happy to camp by the roadside then you can take advantage of free campsites, but if you fancy a view you’ll need to book ahead of time – especially during peak periods. Lucky for you, we’ve done the heavy lifting so you can start dreaming.

Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park

Cradle Mountain is a photographer’s dream. Think sparkling, glacial lakes beneath rugged mountains – some of the most Insta-worthy views you’ll come across in all of Tasmania. The park attracts bushwalkers of all levels, and wildlife lovers will delight in visits from the local devils and quolls. Camping at Cradle Mountain provides your own storyland wilderness adventure, and the best views can be snagged by setting up a tent on the mountain’s peaks.

If you’re walking the famous Overland Track , campsites and huts are located throughout the track, and this is where you’ll find the real gems. If you’re not tempted to trek, but still crave a fairy forest immersion, you can book a cabin at Waldheim , located five kilometres inside the park and equipped with heating, beds, basic cooking utensils and amenities (though it’s not technically camping, it’s almost as humble).

There’s also the privately owned Discovery Park near the park entrance, which, as far as caravan parks go, is nice enough and perfectly places you for majestic daytime adventures. Make sure to include a soak at Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge – offering beautiful views and a steam room, sauna, plunge pool and spa to soak away the day.

The brooding Waldheim cabin (Photo: Graham Freeman)

Cockle Creek, Southwest National Park

Sitting upon the pristine Recherche Bay, on the edge of the wild and untouched Southwest National Park, Cockle Creek boasts tranquil coves and sandy beaches with a snow-capped mountain backdrop – and that’s just the beginning. Add a rich history that’s still visible – including Aboriginal sites, abandoned tramways, gravestones and ruins – and you have yourself a recipe for an incredibly inspiring adventure.

There are plenty of rustic camping options at Recherche Bay Nature Recreation area that take advantage of the abundant nature surrounds (head to Bolton’s Green if you’re looking for a roomy site). Camping is free, but once you’re over the Cockle Creek bridge national park entry fees apply.

The road to the creek is rough in places, so take care (especially if you’re travelling in a camper). If you’re up for it, the five-hour walk to South Cape Bay is well worth the magnificent views of the Great Southern Ocean that greet you. Put together a pack (with plenty of food and water) and make a day of it – you won’t be disappointed.

Cockle creek boasts tranquil waters and sandy beaches (Photo: Geoffrey Lea)

Bay of Fires

With 50 kilometres of pristine coastline from Binalong Bay (in the south) to Eddystone Point (the bottom of Mt William National Park), you’ll be spoiled for choice at the beautiful Bay of Fires. Hop along bright orange boulders, feel the white sand between your toes and enjoy a (very invigorating!) dip in crystal clear waters. Binalong Bay is a good place to start, and there are campgrounds aplenty along the way, but Bay of Fires Bush Retreat really takes the cake if you’re feeling something extra special.

The perfect base to explore the area, you can choose from a handful of accommodation options – including bell tent glamping (which is basically camping, right?). If you’re looking for something just as lush but a little less lavish then head to Bay of Fires Conservation area (park fees apply), still on the southern side of the bay, which offers a handful of more humble temporary homes, or Dora Point for free camping by the water.

Mt Field National Park

If you like the idea of escaping to enchanted forests then Mt Field National Park is a must for your bucket list. Where trees tower above and fern forests envelop you, it’s easy to forget the outside world exists and bask in the bosom of this natural wonderland. The park provides refuge for the heavenly habitat, and verdant views inspire awe. Tucked amidst it all is Mt Field National Park Campground, a small and peaceful place near the entrance by the Tyenna River.

Wake to romantic river sounds, explore the wondrous walks nearby, and visit Tasmania’s most spectacular waterfall – Russell Falls. There are 14 sites available and amenities and hot water on site, but camping fees apply and bookings can’t be made. While we don’t play favourites, there’s something majestic about this place. Like drunken stargazing in your twenties, you’ll leave feeling a lot smaller, and just a little bit enlightened.

Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park is home to some of Tasmania’s most incredible camping spots, which may explain why you have to enter a ballot system to camp during peak times (Easter and Christmas). Set up amongst sleepy sand dunes mere metres from the ocean, wake up to breathtaking views, and explore the beautiful bays by day (Honeymoon Bay, Sleepy Bay and Wineglass Bay) – with panoramic views of wondrous Wineglass Bay the main drawcard for visitors. A slightly adventurous hike takes you to the lookout, and if you have any energy left, another hour-long walk will guide you down to the mesmerising water for a dip. And that’s really just the beginning.

Dramatic pink granite peaks (perfect for sunrise and sunset snaps), white sandy beaches and bird-filled lagoons await in this postcard-perfect paradise.

Freycinet National Park campground is a small coastal strip along the dunes of Richardsons Beach and the granite knoll of Honeymoon Bay – and while there are plenty of options, they go fast. Freycinet Camping Information provides everything you need to know to enter the ballot, and for non-peak times, you can book your site through the Freycinet Visitor’s Centre.

Freycinet national park camping — Pitch a tent in Freycinet national park

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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Tasmania’s most beautiful camping spots