As an island state, Tasmania is rich in natural beauty and charming regional destinations — many just a short drive from our major cities. Whether you’re after coastal views, heritage sites, or fresh sea air, here are five easy day trips to inspire your next break from the boardroom.

Low Head

Image Credit: Tourism Australia

Just 45 minutes north of Launceston along the scenic Tamar River, Low Head is a peaceful coastal escape steeped in maritime history. Home to Australia’s oldest continuously operating pilot station, this quaint town boasts restored heritage cottages, windswept beaches, and the iconic Low Head Lighthouse, which offers sweeping views of the Tamar estuary and northern coastline.

History lovers will enjoy the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum, with 13 rooms of artefacts that bring to life the seafaring past of the 1800s. Many of the original station buildings, including the lightkeepers’ cottages, have been beautifully restored and now operate as unique heritage accommodation. After a stroll along the shore or through the museum, stop by the Waterfront Kiosk, located in the original 1847 Coxswain’s Cottage, for a relaxed lunch with coastal views.

Want to find out what else Northern Tasmania has to offer? Head over to Visit Northern Tasmania for even more inspiration.

Port Arthur

Image Credit: Alastair Bett

Located just a 90-minute drive from Hobart, Port Arthur is a must-see historic site that’s easy to explore at your own pace. The drive to this Tasman Peninsula gem is scenic, with seaside cliffs and quaint villages making the journey part of the experience. Once there, you can wander through the well-preserved 19th-century penal settlement set in lush gardens, with displays that bring its convict history to life. Despite its poignant past, Port Arthur offers a peaceful atmosphere: it’s easy to spend a few unhurried hours strolling between ruins, waterfront walkways, and the museum, soaking up harbour views backed by wooded hills.

This day trip works well solo or with a colleague or two, with plenty of casual discoveries along the way. You might stop at the Tasman Arch or Devil’s Kitchen rock formations nearby for a quick photo op, or simply enjoy the fresh sea air.

You can find more experiences and places to visit over at Hobart and Beyond.

Cradle Mountain

Image Credit: Sean Scott Photography

If you have a free day, Cradle Mountain National Park offers a rejuvenating wilderness escape about 1.5 hours’ drive from Devonport. The iconic silhouette of Cradle Mountain mirrored in Dove Lake is worth the journey alone. Once you arrive, breathe in the crisp alpine air and choose a walking trail that suits your pace: the Dove Lake Circuit is a relatively gentle two-hour loop with postcard views, while the shorter Enchanted Walk near the visitor centre leads you through mossy rainforest and streams in just 20 minutes. Keep an eye out for wildlife too – it’s not uncommon to spot wallabies or wombats grazing peacefully in the button grass plains as you wander.

Continue discovering what the West Coast has to offer over at West Coast Tasmania.

Coles Bay (Freycinet)

Image Credit: Jess Bonde

Coles Bay, the gateway to Freycinet National Park, is about a 2.5-hour drive northeast of Hobart. As you approach, the pink granite Hazards mountains loom above the bay – a sure sign you’ve arrived somewhere special. In Freycinet, you can fill your day with casual outdoor adventures. Hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout for an unforgettable view of a perfect curve of white sand and turquoise sea (about a 45-minute uphill walk). For an easier outing, stroll the Cape Tourville Lighthouse boardwalk for panoramic coastal vistas without breaking a sweat. Back at sea level, wander along Honeymoon Bay’s shoreline or dip your toes in the clear water – this peninsula is all about slowing down and soaking up the scenery.

To continue exploring possible East Coast experiences be sure to check out East Coast Tasmania.

Strahan

Image Credit: Stu Gibson

If you have a full day to spare – or even a night – a trip to Strahan on Tasmania’s remote West Coast is well worth it. The drive from Devonport takes just over two and a half hours through lush farmland, forests, and winding highland passes, a journey that feels like an adventure in itself. At the end, you’ll find a quaint harbourside village on the shores of Macquarie Harbour. Explore at a relaxed pace: wander the docks to watch fishing boats or follow the easy trail to Hogarth Falls – an undemanding 40-minute return through fern glades to a waterfall (and maybe a platypus if you’re lucky). A short drive from town leads to Ocean Beach (Tasmania’s longest), where roaring Southern Ocean waves and endless sands create a dramatic spot to breathe in the salty air.

You can explore more of what the West Coast has to offer by visiting West Coast Tasmania.