On the road

Your favourite Tasmanian caravan destinations

As voted by you, here are your top ten caravan destinations in our beautiful island state.

We think Tasmania is one of Australia's best kept secrets. With pristine beaches, lush rainforests and an array of wildlife, what's not to love.

We asked you to tell us your favourite caravan destinations, and here are your top ten. We hope they inspire you to start packing for your next adventure.

Bay of Fires

Location: 2hr20mins from Launceston, and 3hr20mins from Hobart

It comes as no surprise that Bay of Fires was one of the most popular caravan spots in Tasmania. Who doesn't want to fall asleep to the sound of the ocean right outside your door? Yes please. With options to free camp along Swimcart Beach, or tuck yourself in a more private spot in Cosy Corner, there are plenty of options to choose from. As these are free camps, there's no need to book. Just rock up and find your own slice of paradise. Sites are allocated at a first come, first serve basis.

TIP: Make sure you're set up to go off-grid for these sites.

If you haven't managed to find yourself a spot on Swimcart Beach or Cosy Corner, there are plenty of other free camps that will still keep you nice and close to the beach:

Grants Lagoon
Jeanneret Beach Camp Ground
Sloop Reef

If going off-grid isn't your thing, don't overlook the beautiful town of St Helens which is only a short drive from Bay of Fires. With two of Tasmania's bigger caravan parks to choose from, you'll be sure to find the perfect site.

Port Arthur

Location: 1.5hrs from Hobart

There is something for everyone in Port Arthur. The NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park is fantastic, with options for powered and unpowered sites. You're also a very short walk from the beautiful Stewarts Bay.

At this park you'll find a wood-fired pizza oven, huge camp kitchen, fire pits on many sites and a playground/pump track for the kids. You'll be sure to have a visit from the wildlife while you're there too.

TIP: Don't forget the birdseed. You'll have the local parrots eating out of your hands.

Bruny Island

Location: 1hr35mins from Hobart including Ferry

Captain Cook Holiday Park has all the bells and whistles. Located on Southern Bruny Island in the heart of Adventure Bay, you'll want to pack the beach toys for this one. Enjoy listening to the waves from your site, let the kids run wild on the playground, or maybe hire a kayak or pedal cart, the options are endless. With options for powered and unpowered, it's suitable for lots of budgets.

TIP: We've noticed they book out fast at peak times, so be sure to plan your getaway to this gem well in advance.

River's Edge

Location: 1hr from Hobart

There isn't much they haven't thought of at River's Edge Wilderness Campground. Enjoy spacious grass sites, with some big enough for the big rigs. This campground is close to a world heritage area on the banks of the Russell River, with two deep natural waterholes to enjoy and plenty of shallow water for the little ones to splash in. Each site has its own fire pit so be sure to pack some firewood and kindling or buy some on-site. If you're lucky enough to be there at peak times, you might even have access to coffee and food vans, and maybe even get to enjoy a live band.

TIP: Check out the River's Edge Wilderness Camping Facebook page to keep up to date with all their events.

Cockle Creek

Location: 2hrs from Hobart

The gateway to the southernmost point of Australia and an absolute must-see. Here you'll find Boltons Green campgrounds, with approximately ten sites that are suitable for tents or caravans. Be prepared to be off-grid, and to level out your caravan for a comfortable stay. These campgrounds are free and are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to pack hiking boots, swimmers, snorkels and fishing rods.

If you run out of luck finding a spot at Boltons Green, have no fear. Take a look at the nearby Recherche Bay Nature Recreations Area for plenty of other sites to choose from.

TIP: Be sure to consider the restrictions before lighting a fire.

Bridport

Location: 3.5hrs from Hobart, and 1hr from Launceston

Tucked away in the north of Tasmania, you'll find Bridport Seaside Caravan Park. With incredible views of the ocean, it will make it hard to leave this one. Visit at the right time of year to enjoy swimming at the beach which is just a short stroll from the caravan park, or toast marshmallows by the fire pit.

This location is the perfect spot to have access to Barnbougle Gold Course, Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails and Bridestowe Lavendar Estate.

Port Sorell

Location: 1hr5mins from Launceston, and 3hr20mins from Hobart

Another incredible seaside location where you'll want to pack your swimmers, snorkels and fishing rods. Port Sorell Caravan Park is one of the bigger parks, with over 100 powered sites on offer, and a small number of unpowered sites too. Fish from the jetty, work on your step count on the nearby walking tracks or just enjoy the serenity and listen to the waves.

White Beach

Location: 1hr30mins from Hobart

White Beach is a great escape in southern Tasmania where you get to set up seaside, while still being close enough to experience all the tourist attractions in Port Arthur.

White Beach Tourist Park is situated right on the beach, with a private track taking you straight to the water's edge. Powered and unpowered sites are available, along with a kiosk for all your basic necessities, plus a TV room and playground for the kids.

Bicheno

Location: 2hr30mins from Hobart, and 2hrs from Launceston

We haven't met anyone who isn't a fan of Tasmania's east coast. Bicheno is not only popular with tourists, but locals still frequent this destination. With so many options to explore at your fingertips, including penguin tours, glass bottom boat or Douglas Apsley Waterhole, you can be as busy or as relaxed as you like.

Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park has both powered and unpowered sites available, as well as a TV room and table tennis. Here you'll be close to the main beach, shops and cafes.

Coles Bay

Location: 2hr40mins from Hobart, and 2hr10mins from Launceston

An east coast favourite for many of us. Coles Bay is the gateway to Freycinet National Park where even the toughest critics will be blown away by the most incredible scenery and wildlife. You'll really want to pack the hiking boots for this one. Take an uphill stroll to Wineglass Bay lookout or go all the way to the iconic beach and let your toes sink into the white sand. For those avid hikers, challenge yourself with an incredible climb to the summit of Mt Amos. Or for an easy walk, take the flat yet breathtaking track around Cape Tourville lighthouse.

Big4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park is a perfect resting stop for you to unhitch your caravan and put your feet up. You'll be situated opposite Muirs Beach with great pub meals, seafood and pantry essentials all at your fingertips.