8 Hidden Destinations to Visit on Your Tasmanian Motorhome Adventure

With Lonely Planet touting Tasmania as one of the top 10 regions in the world to visit for 2015, the Apple Isle is a must for your Australian motorhome travel itinerary next year. Think of Tasmania and picture breathtaking national parks, ragged mountain peaks and some of the freshest local produce you will find anywhere on the globe. Our standard Tasmanian itineraries will direct you to the state’s most popular destinations and attractions, but now it’s time to guide you away from the well-worn tourist routes to the cultured and quirky gems of Tasmania that are hiding in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.

Penguin, North West Coast of Tasmania

Located just 25 kilometres from the city of Devonport, you will discover the seaside town of Penguin overlooking Bass Strait with a backdrop of scenic Mount Montgomery. A drive to this corner of the state is peaceful, rural and not unlike rambling through the countryside and villages of England. Penguin is the ideal haven for a dose of peace and quiet and offers a charismatic main street dotted with art and craft stores, lively cafés and a popular bakery selling mouth-watering pastries and cakes. Take a walk along the rugged coastline or visit on Saturday to encounter the bustling market selling a variety of trinkets and hand-made Tasmanian crafts. Sit in the sun and listen to live music and sip on boutique beer and wine produced in the local area. A visit to penguin is the perfect remedy for a fast-paced lifestyle. Don’t forget to hug the giant penguin while you’re in town!

Kettering, Southern Tasmania

The secluded and picture-perfect town of Kettering is the ideal base to explore the many quirky and cultured charms of Southern Tasmania including the breathtaking Huon Trail. The harbour-side village is perfect for encountering the reflective waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and offers private charters and sailing trips. Visit beautiful Bruny Island to sample some of the best produce the state has on offer or spend the day exploring wineries and national parks. By night appreciate the unblemished sky from the comfort of your motorhome’s outdoor setting.

Orford, East Coast of Tasmania

The east coast of Tasmania will delight all travellers with its pristine beaches, out-of-this-world seafood experiences and charming coastal walks. The small town of Orford is just one hour’s drive from Hobart and offers all of the above and much, much more. Explore the rugged beauty of Spring Beach, visit Darlington Vineyard perched on a hillside overlooking famous Maria Island or enjoy culinary delights at Scorchers by the River Gallery Café specialising in gourmet wood fired pizza made from local ingredients as well as a vast range of Tasmanian beer, east coast wine and cider. Orford on the east coast is the perfect place to lap up the iconic beauty of Tasmania.

Bothwell, Central Tasmania

Home to the oldest golf course in Tasmania, Bothwell is a historically significant town in Tasmania and well worth a stopover for anyone travelling through the centre of the state. Wander down the quiet main street and appreciate a wealth of historical buildings including St Michaels and All Angels Churches and ‘Ratho’ and ‘Wentworth’, two 19th century ‘gentlemen’s residences’ just outside of town. To sample world-class whisky, pay a visit to Nant Estate located where Australia’s oldest working flour mill once existed. Take a daily tour of the estate and try award-winning single malt whisky.

Dover, Southern Tasmania

Nestled in the far south of Tasmania on the idyllic D’Entrecasteaux Channel you will find the quaint village of Dover surrounded by secluded bays, tranquil mountains and charming farm gates. From Dover, it is a short drive to iconic Hastings Caves State Reserve where you can relax in the warm water of thermal springs, walk amongst ancient forest and explore the depths of Newdegate Cave, the largest tourist cave in Australia occurring in dolomite. Once you have explored Dover and surrounds stay at Southport Caravan Park where you will discover Australia’s most Southern pub.

Arthur River, West Coast of Tasmania

The coastal village of Arthur River is home to just 25 local residents and will give you a true taste of what life is like on the untamed and wild west coast of Tasmania. This oasis at the end of the world is home to untouched beaches ideal for sunset walks, a brilliant lighthouse at Bluff Hill Point and an abundance of crayfish and abalone. Don’t miss the opportunity to take an Arthur River Cruise amid the Tarkine Wilderness where you can catch a glimpse of the unique Azure Kingfishers and local platypus.

New Norfolk

Nestled on the banks of the Derwent River just 30 minutes west of Hobart you will encounter the charming hidden town of New Norfolk. With spectacular river, mountain and valley views and an array of historic houses and quirky antique stores, this river-side oasis is the perfect place for a peaceful motorhome escape. Take a scenic walk alongside the Derwent River or pay a visit to Willow Court, a former insane asylum housed in a charming old stone building.

Tarraleah, Central Highlands

Unheard of to most of the Tasmanian population, Tarraleah is home to quirky Highland cows and is a great place to get off the beaten
tourist track. Stay at charming Tarraleah Highland Caravan Park and explore all that this small country town has to offer including a myriad of charming walks, guided 4WD or bicycle tours, the mysterious Moonlight Monster Tour and get up close and personal with  Tassie’s unique wildlife including the iconic Tasmanian Devil. The town also has a vast range of dining options on offer for anyone looking for a hearty paddock to plate experience.