Australian Accommodation

With so much diversity squeezed into such a small area, Tasmania lends itself very well to campervan travel. Whether cruising through the beaches of the east coast or at the foot of Cradle Mountain, you’re in for a visual treat any day of the year. The comfort of a campervan allows you to explore as much of the island as you want, taking your time at every scenic turn. It’s an option you don’t always have when you’re on your own at peak season, scrambling for limited slots at hotels and organized tours.

Campervan hire in Tasmania is particularly useful for those who want to go up the highlands, where the best lake and mountain systems thrive. The problem with these sites isn’t so much the access as it is the energy: after a four-hour bus ride, you’re never really rested enough for a day’s hike. Going by campervan is much more comfortable—you can go at your own pace, choose your own stops, and reach the site in great form.

If you’re into outdoor activity and adventure travel, Tasmania campervan hire is probably the best way to get around. When you’re not tied down by bus or train schedules, you can pack up and go any time: come to the beaches early to avoid the midday surfing crowd, or late in the afternoon to catch the sunset. Campervans are also great if you need to bring your own gear—canoes and kayaks, surfboards and diving suits—which can be a drag to check in and claim when you take the bus.

Another unique advantage to traveling by campervan is that you can take less-traveled roads and see parts of the island that don’t make it to the travel books: quaint roadside cafes, unexplored beaches, little creeks and gardens just hiding behind the thoroughfare. These are particularly abundant in southwest Tasmania, where there’s decidedly less tourist activity. Hiring a campervan in Tasmania gives you free rein on where you want to go and how long you want to stay, all without giving up your creature comforts.

Most of Tasmania’s attractions are campervan-friendly; you can safely drive along the mountainsides and stop to admire the scenery, or follow coastal roads for endless views of the water. Or if you’re up for it, park your campervan at one of the national parks and explore on foot. You’ll find everything from rock formations, streams, and waterfalls to forest paths teeming with endemic flora and fauna. And the best part is that at the end of the day, you have the comfort of a campervan to come home to, where you can gear up for yet another day on the island.

Thanks to Looney Tunes, Tasmania is probably best known as the home of the now-endangered Tasmanian devil. Some of us may know it as an important sailing hub. But this small Australian island is also home to a world-famous walking trail that starts at the foot of Cradle Mountain, one of the most beautiful sights this side of the Pacific.

Cradle Mountain stands on the banks of Lake St. Clair, Australia’s deepest lake. Together, they form the center of a World Heritage national park at the heart of the island, easily Tasmania’s most popular attraction. The park itself spreads over 1,200 square kilometers and includes the three other peaks that make up Cradle Mountain system: Smithies Peak, Weindorfers Tower, and Little Horn.

The best way to explore Cradle Mountain is to follow the Overland Track. The 80-km trail, which takes just under a week to complete, will take you up the slopes of Cradle Mountain, up and down smaller peaks, and to the edge of the lake, all the while treating you views you won’t soon forget. There are of course other tracks around the mountain, some much easier and others downright dangerous. The loop walk around nearby Dove Lake takes under half a day and is a great way to admire the scenery as well, including Mount Ossa, the island’s highest peak.

Accommodation around Cradle Mountain is largely provided by inns, lodges, and camping grounds. The Cynthia Bay and Cradle Valley areas have some of the best selections. Within the park, the most popular is probably the Cradle Mountain Lodge. Overnight huts can also be found in parts of the Overland Track, although slots may be limited in the warmer seasons.

Visitors get to Cradle Mountain by car or bus. Buses take off from Devonport and Launceston, two of the closest major cities. If you’re driving, you’ll want to take A1 (Bass Highway) to Don, follow B19 to Forth, and follow C132, which will take you to the Cradle Mountain exit. Total driving time is about four hours.

Climbers visit Cradle Mountain practically year-round, although the best time to go is from December to March when everything’s in full bloom. Winters can be cold and wet, owing to the mountain’s height (over 1,500 meters above sea level). From June to August, temperatures will average 12°C on the island and can drop below zero around the lake, so make sure to dress appropriately.