Plan

  1. Home
    2. ›
  2. Plan

planning your trip to the east coast

Dreaming of your next holiday is always exciting. To make the experience even more delightful, we’ve gathered here some useful information to make your trip unforgettable – including how to get to the East Coast, what to do when you arrive as well as information on events, seasons and itineraries to inspire you.

We’ve compiled lots of information about getting around on the East Coast, weather and climate, maps and visitor guides, itinerary ideas, our surrounding regions and our tips for planning and packing. Start planning your East Coast trip today and have fun!

COVID-19 Update: For up to date information regarding COVID-19 restriction and border measures in Tasmania, please visit the Government Website here.

 

weather

DSC_0904Tasmania’s east coast has a temperate maritime climate, with mild average temperatures and four distinct seasons. Tasmania’s average maximum summer temperatures range between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius (62-73 degrees Fahrenheit) with winter temperatures of between three and 11 degrees Celsius (37 and 51 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather on Tasmania’s east coast is often milder and more settled than other parts of the island, thanks to the moderating influence of the ocean. Here, you’ll enjoy long summer days, crisp, clear winters, mild autumn weather and the vibrant freshness of spring. Weather conditions in Tasmania can chance quickly, so make sure you’re well equipped with adequate clothing, sun and rain protection, and check local weather reports before you travel. For detailed local weather reports and forecasts, visit: http://www.bom.gov.au/tas

getting there

DSC_8396By air Tasmania’s airports in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and Burnie all service regular commercial arrivals and departures. All airport terminals also include car rentals, café and bar facilities. Hobart is serviced by regular flights by Qantas, Qantas Link, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger airlines. Launceston Airport has regular services to and from mainland capitals by Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger Airways. Devonport and Burnie offer smaller airports with regular turboprop services to the mainland. By sea/car You can travel to Tasmania with your own car, campervan or caravan aboard the Spirit of Tasmania’s two car and passenger ferries, the Spirit of Tasmania I and II.  Overnight crossings between Melbourne and Devonport depart daily year-round, with additional day crossings available during peak holiday times. Both ferries also offer restaurants, bars, a cinema and shops.

By bus There are a number of bus services accessing the east coast: Calows Coaches Calows Coaches operate a daily return service between St Helens and Launceston during school terms. During school holidays there is no Saturday service. Calows also operates a return service from Bicheno to Launceston and Bicheno to St Helens each Monday-Friday and Sunday. A connection to Hobart is also available via Tassielink. (Please note: timetables may be subject to change on public holidays).

TassieLink TassieLink provides a service from Hobart to Bicheno four days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) with connections through the Bicheno Coach Service to Freycinet National Park and Coles Bay.

Maria Island Shuttle Maria Island Shuttle offers transfers from Hobart to the Triabunna marina where you can connect with East Coast Cruises or the ferry to Maria Island. Service operates daily from November to April and Friday-Sunday in May and October.

Bicheno Coach Service

Please note: bookings are required for all services

distances and driving times

DSC_8167Tasmania’s east coast region encompasses 220 kilometres of coastline, and infinite options for exploring. The region is easily accessible from Hobart or Launceston and towns and attractions along the coast are all within an easy drive of each other. The Great Eastern Drive, which stretches between St Helens in the north and Orford in the south, extends over 176 kilometres of highway and roads that are a pleasure to drive, and will lead you to some of the region’s best experiences. To help plan your visit, and make the most of your Tasmanian east coast holiday, check our travel times and driving distances here.

mobile phone reception

DSC_8258Depending on your mobile phone provider, you may experience limited or no mobile phone reception at some locations on the east coast. The Telstra and Optus networks offer coverage in most locations, with Vodaphone (who are planning more reception towers along the east coast) currently offering limited coverage. Check your mobile phone provider’s coverage maps for more information.

winter opening hours

If you’re travelling to the east coast in winter, please be aware that some businesses in the region are seasonal, and do not operate year-round. Before you travel, be sure to contact individual operators direct, or check operator websites to confirm opening hours, tour departure times and booking requirements.

Sign up to our newsletter

Join us and be the first to hear about exclusive deals, insider travel tips, competitions and events.

Site
map
© East Coast Tasmania Tourism

The Tasmanian tourism industry acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a tourism industry that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors Tasmania's deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully. We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.