When people think of Australia, mental images of Tasmania will often be overpowered by those of Sydney’s harbour, the Great Barrier Reef and the iconic red sands of the outback. However, those that do spare a thought for Tasmania will be rewarded not only by beating the crowds, by arguably besting them as well. Tasmania’s strongest draw is in its variety of natural wonders and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in this nature than by camping. Tasmania is well set up for travellers to camp in all corners of the island and here are some camping experiences catered towards all levels of adventure, budget and experience.
Base Camp Tasmania
Base Camp Tasmania is 41-hectare property in south-eastern Tasmania, where you can splash out on a family cabin $140 or camp for $18 a night per guest. Even though you’ll be staying in complete isolation, the campsite is only a drive away from some of Tasmania’s best natural attractions such as Styx valley, the Salmon Ponds and Port Arthur convict prison, however, the location is a destination within itself. You’ll be hugged by wilderness from every direction and can take guided bushwalks to explore the local area. The owner, Graham, will also help set you up for the rest of your Tasmanian travels. Perhaps Base Camp’s greatest attraction is the wildlife. During your stay you could happen across Pademelons, Bennetts Wallabies, Echidnas, Wombats, Spotted Quolls, and Brushtail Possums. Base Camp Tasmania is also heavily involved in animal conservation so you can appreciate the environment around you while knowing you’re contributing to its preservation.
More info: basecamptas.com.au
8-Day Sea Kayak Expedition
If your taste buds are truly tingling for adventure, this is the way to satisfy those cravings. It’ll put you $3600 out of pocket, but based off of reviews, you will not regret it. These tour will take you through 8 days of challenging sea kayaking, though that challenge will be offset by 8 days of mind blowingly beautiful landscapes. Experienced guides will teach you all you could want to know about Tasmanian wilderness and campsites will be expertly chosen and set up for you. You can be sure you are getting a unique experience as the conditions and remote nature lead to every itinerary being at least slightly different. However, an example itinerary is provided. You’ll truly feel like an adventurer as you leave your normal life behind and spend 8 days paddling through alpine peaks, glistening lakes and postcard perfect coastlines.
More info: roaring40skayaking.com.au
Cradle Mountain camping
Cradle Mountain simply looks like a real life tourism campaign. There are stunning views to be seen in every direction and it should be a must in any Tasmania hiking and camping itinerary. Shimmering glacial lakes stretch beneath well-worn mountain peaks, with wildflowers, pastel skies and seasonal snow only adding to the picture. There are plenty of options for shorter visits but if you really want say you’ve conquered Cradle Mountain, take on the 6 day, 65km Overland track. You can do this track with a guide or tour, or self-guided and stay in public huts and campgrounds along the way. The hike is undeniably difficult, particularly if weather conditions are poor, but a relatively experienced hiker should be able to complete it and will be rewarded with 6 days of instagram ready views of the unspoiled wilderness.
More info: parks.tas.gov.au
4 days DIY from Hobart to Bicheno
Take yourself through wineries, national parks, oyster farms, lakes, beaches, boardwalks and more in this 4 day itinerary. Enjoy the adventures of hiking and camping, but with the comfort of beautiful towns in between destinations. With plenty of places to stop and camp along the way, this itinerary is especially recommended by Discover Tasmania. You’ll spend your first day going from Hobart to Coles Bay, then make your way to Freycinet National Park, then after a day exploring the natural wonders, move on to Bicheno, having experienced some of Tasmania’s best beaches. Freycinet National Park’s campground, BIG lluka, Swan River Camping and Coles Bay Conservation Area all have plenty of camping options available for you. Highlights include the impossibly perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay, the turquoise tinted Honeymoon Bay and the opportunity for sea kayaking in Freycinet National Park.
More info: discovertasmania.com.au
Take a cycling trip
If you think rental cars are a hassle, buses are a drag and hitchhiking is just plain irresponsible, then why not take on Tasmania on two wheels. Tasmania is littered with free camping sites to split up your ride and the road infrastructure is perfectly designed for long haul riding. Hobart is an extremely bike friendly city and is equally easy on the eye. However, there’s plenty more to see than the capital city. You can fight the hills on a journey from Cradle Mountain to Queenstown or take on a longer one week voyage from Launceston to Hobart, exploring the east coast with full freedom. If you don’t particularly enjoy overly worrying about where you’ll lay your head each night, you could take a tour with a company such as Tasmanian Expeditions, that will give you the itinerary for a self-guided cycle tour but set up your accommodation and other logistics so you can just focus on pedalling, exploring and taking in the views.
More info: tasmanianexpedititons.com.au
Tasman National Park
Home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs, take your pick of 35 different trails as you explore Tasman national park. The crown jewel is the famous Three Capes Track. Any picture you take on the 3 night, 48km walk will have all the beauty of a Monet painting. As you stroll through the natural wonderland, you may enjoy the bonus of looking over the ragged sea cliffs and spotting fur seals, dolphins or whales. This track is even friendly to hikers that don’t have a wealth of experience, as the path is extremely well carved and maintained, furthermore there are well planned intervals along the way. If you don’t have it in you to tackle the entire Three Capes Track, the Cape Hauy or Cape Pillar track’s will provide a smaller, yet also beautiful taster version. Whether you have a few days to take on the Three Capes Track or just time for a daytrip, Tasman National Park supplies a completely unique landscape and you’ll feel like you’re on the edge of the earth.
More info: parks.tas.gov.au
