Waterside camping in Tasmania with swimming
Rugged coastal walks, alpine panoramas, and farm-fresh foodie experiences await on Australia’s island state.
- Tasmania
Popular camping styles for Tasmania
Waterside camping in Tasmania with swimming guide
Overview
Tasmania is Australia in miniature—mist-shrouded lakes, craggy mountain peaks, and golden beaches all lie within a day’s drive of Hobart. National parks and reserves cover more than 40% of the island, affording outdoor lovers ample opportunities to hike, mountain bike, swim, or kayak. Tassie weather is as changeable as its natural landscapes, but each season brings a new highlight, from sunny summer strolls and springtime wildflowers to autumnal woodlands and snowy mountains. The island has a huge variety of camping options, from fully equipped caravan parks to simple bush camping, making it easy to plan multi-day hikes and road trips.
Where to go
Hobart and the South
The island capital is a strategic base from which to explore the south coast, Port Arthur, and the Coal River Valley wine region. Spot Tasmanian devils along the Tasman Peninsula, camp out among the mountains and waterfalls of Mount Field National Park, or cruise to Bruny Island to pitch your tent by the beachside and hit the surf.
West Coast
Jagged mountains, tangled forest trails, and hidden waterfalls draw hikers to Tasmania’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed wilderness. Set out from Queenstown and enjoy the scenery, wildlife, and rustic camping sites, where you can get back to nature.
East Coast
Ready for an epic road trip? Follow the 220-kilometre Great Eastern Drive along Tasmania's East Coast, from St. Helens to Orford and break it up with coastal walks, beach strolls, and wine tasting. To the north, the Bay of Fires’ white-sand beaches are fringed with bright orange, lichen-covered rocks. At the southern end, the pink mountains of Freycinet National Park provide a prime backdrop for bushwalking and camping, with options from basic campsites to luxury glamping retreats.
Launceston and North
Launceston is the gateway to northern Tasmania, where you can hop between colonial towns, sample Tassie wines in the Tamar Valley, or catch coastal views and diverse wildlife at the Narawntapu and Mt. William national parks.
North West
The glacial lakes and wildflower-carpeted moorlands of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park are northern highlights, watched over by the much-photographed Cradle Mountain. Ambitious hikers can tackle the popular 65-kilometre Overland Track. On the north coast, boats from Melbourne arrive in Devonport, from where you can set out along the coast or follow the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.
