The best star host camping in Tasmania

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.

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.

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 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.

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.