Is it better to drive or hike Tasmania? I tested both

How to explore the island state: by car or by foot.

Before you book a trip to Australia's southernmost state... here's what to consider.

Drive

Think of Australia’s most spectacular road trips and several routes spring to mind – the Great Ocean Road, Waterfall Way, Cape York, Tasmania. That’s right … Tasmania. All of it. Or take your pick. One favourite with mainlanders is the Tasmanian Circle – cross Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania to Devonport, A10 to Hobart via Queenstown, up to Launceston along the coast then back to the ferry terminal. Do it in seven days and you can see rainforests, Georgian architecture and dazzling coastlines.

Another is the Great Eastern Drive, travelling down the east coast from Launceston to Hobart, pausing to swim at beaches in St Helens, Bicheno and Coles Bay. Add an extension to the Tasman Peninsula to visit the penal settlement at Port Arthur.

Add an extension to the Tasman Peninsula to visit the penal settlement at Port Arthur

Allow time to call in at cellar doors; the climate is perfect for producing pinot noir and sparkling varietals. The inland route connecting Hobart and Launceston passes through historic towns of Richmond and Ross. Or there’s a wilder, hillier version via the Great Lakes.

South of Hobart, all roads terminate at Cockle Creek, but not before passing through the Huon Valley, Australia’s apple-growing heartland. “When it comes to driving holidays Tassie ticks all the boxes,” says Lee Atkinson, author of Ultimate Road Trips: Australia, Hardie Grant.

Hikers on Overland Trail in Tasmania

Hike

They talk about the air being purer down in Tasmania and the only way to verify that claim is to step outside. The best way do that? Hiking. Hiking is the original form of slow travel and, on that front, Tasmania is arguably better equipped for it than any other Australian state or territory. Consider the stats: 880 designated walks; 2800 km of trails; 40 per cent of land area reserved as national parks; UNESCO’s World Heritage protection for 20 per cent of the state. Add it all up and you couldn’t get a better hiking space.

Much of Tasmania’s vast wilderness areas are only accessible on foot. No roads connect Cradle Mountain with Lake St Clair – a route known as the Overland Track, Australia’s most celebrated multi-day hiking trail. Nor can you drive to the Walls of Jerusalem or park beside Cox Bight on the South Coast Track.

You won’t see Wineglass Bay from behind the wheel of a car

You won’t see Wineglass Bay from behind the wheel of a car. And even the many coves and beaches along the Bay of Fires are best explored on foot. “Hiking allows you to slow down, to go deep, and to get box-office views of the state’s natural wonders,” says Brett Godfrey, co-owner of the Tasmanian Walking Company. “If you are on one of the many enchanting trails and take the rare opportunity to walk in silence, hiking can really move you. “You are disconnected from the whole world, in the middle of nowhere. No amount of driving can move you like hiking does.”

Originally published as Is it better to drive or hike Tasmania? I tested both