Tasmania’s compact size makes it an easy place to explore by car. It has a small population and there are very few freeways but the two-lane roads are mostly well-maintained and the traffic is light.
To help you plan your motoring holiday we have set out below a chart indicating driving distances and travel times.
On many road maps, you will see letters from A to C ascribed to Tasmanian roads:
Some unsealed roads such as the Cockle Creek road in the far south or the Western Explorer road in the far north-west require extra care. Be aware that some car hire contracts have special conditions in relation to unsealed roads.
When estimating driving distances and times, you should always allow extra time for your journey. Roads can be winding and steep, especially on the west coast. And wherever you travel, you'll be tempted to stop and explore along the way.
During the winter months – and occasionally in spring – highland roads may become icy and snow covered. Please take the usual safety precautions and discuss driving requirements with your car hire company or local police.
| Starting point to destination | Distance (kms) | Distance (mls) | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launceston to: | |||
| St Helens (via Scottsdale) | 163 km | 101 miles | 2 hrs 20 min |
| Bicheno (via Scottsdale) | 236 km | 147 miles | 3 hrs 30 min |
| Coles Bay (via Campbell Town) | 209 km | 130 miles | 2 hrs 30 min |
| Hobart (via Midlands Hwy) | 198 km | 123 miles | 2 hrs 20 min |
| Cradle Mountain | 149 km | 93 miles | 1 hr 55 min |
| Strahan (via Cradle Mountain) | 298 km | 185 miles | 3 hrs 55 min |
| Devonport | 99 km | 61 miles | 1 hr 15 min |
| Queenstown (via Sheffield) | 251 km | 156 miles | 3 hrs 30 min |
| Hobart to: | |||
| Bicheno (via Sorell) | 178 km | 111 miles | 2 hrs 25 min |
| Port Arthur | 93 km | 58 miles | 1 hr 30 min |
| Cradle Mountain (via Midlands & Bass Highways) | 302 km | 188 miles | 4 hrs 15 min |
| Queenstown | 260 km | 162 miles | 3 hrs 40 min |
| Strahan | 300 km | 186 miles | 5 hours |
| Coles Bay | 192 km | 119 miles | 2 hrs 20 min |
| Geeveston (via Huon Hwy) | 62 km | 38 miles | 50 min |
| Kettering (via Channel Hwy) | 37 km | 23 miles | 30 min |
| Devonport (via Midlands Hwy) | 277 km | 172 miles | 3 hrs 30 min |
| St Helens | 265 km | 165 miles | 3 hrs 40 min |
| Burnie to: | |||
| Queenstown | 176 km | 109 miles | 2 hrs 25 min |
| Devonport | 49 km | 30 miles | 40 min |
| Smithton | 85 km | 53 miles | 1 hour |
| Hobart | 349 km | 217 miles | 4 hours |