Share Bus Tasmania Loop

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A 14 day, 13 night camping road trip around Tasmania on the Share Bus — a shared rental of minibus, trailer and camping equipment between up to 12 backpackers, taking in bays, mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls.

Days

14 days, 13 nights

Age

Aimed at 18 to 35

Start / finish

Hobart / Hobart

Return

See itinerary for details

Tour style

Shared minibus rental, not a guided tour. You and up to 11 other backpackers share the driving and plan the route, with a recommended itinerary

Accommodation

Camping in shared tents at free or low-cost camps
Campsite fees not included

Transport

Minibus with camping trailer, fuel and insurance included

Meals

Not included — you cook with the equipment provided

Route

View map

Included experiences

Port Arthur — historic prison site
Freycinet — Wineglass Bay swimming and hiking
Bay of Fires — beaches and lookouts
Launceston — Cataract Gorge and wine tasting
Cradle Mountain — world heritage wilderness
West coast — waterfalls and lakes
Bruny Island

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAYS 1-2: HOBART TO PORT ARTHUR AND THE TASMAN PENINSULA

Your trip starts in Hobart, Australia's second-oldest capital, founded in 1804. You pick up the minibus, meet the people you'll share it with and stock up on food. The route below is the recommended plan, and your group is free to change it. Head south-east onto the Tasman Peninsula, joined to the rest of Tasmania by a strip of land so narrow that convict-era guards chained a line of dogs across it to stop escapes. Stop at the coastal lookouts on the way to Port Arthur, which held convicts from 1830 to 1877 and is now World Heritage-listed. At Fortescue Bay the Cape Hauy track climbs to clifftops above the Totem Pole, a slender dolerite sea stack. Easier walks start from the same beach.

DAYS 3-4: THE EAST COAST AND FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK

Head north up the east coast. If the group can plan it, take the ferry across to Maria Island, a car-free national park where wombats graze around the brick buildings of an old convict station, far quieter than Port Arthur. Otherwise, follow the coast and its lookouts to Freycinet National Park, declared in 1916 as one of Tasmania's first two national parks. The famous walk climbs to the lookout over Wineglass Bay, a perfect curve of white sand below the pink granite peaks of the Hazards, and you can carry on down to the beach if you don't mind the climb back. Fit walkers with good weather can tackle Mount Amos, a steep scramble up bare granite with the best view on the peninsula.

DAY 5: BINALONG BAY AND THE BAY OF FIRES

Next comes Binalong Bay, the small town at the southern end of the Bay of Fires and the best spot along it for a swim. The bay was named in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux, who saw the fires of Aboriginal people burning along the shore. Today the colour comes from orange lichen on the granite boulders, set against white sand and clear blue water. North of town the road runs past beach after beach, with free campsites just behind the dunes, so this is a night to fall asleep to the waves. Want a break from the sand? There are wineries along the east coast too.

Overnight: Bay of Fires (free beachfront camps)

DAYS 6-7: LAUNCESTON, THE TAMAR AND NARAWNTAPU

Drive inland to Launceston, Tasmania's second city, settled in 1806, and spend a day in town. A short walk from the centre, Cataract Gorge has cliff paths above the South Esk River, a swimming basin and a suspension bridge. The next day, head north along the Tamar River, where cellar doors line the banks of one of Tasmania's main wine regions. Finish on the north coast at Narawntapu National Park, often called the Serengeti of Tasmania. At dusk Forester kangaroos, wombats, wallabies and pademelons come out onto the open grassland, so it's well worth camping there.

Overnight: Narawntapu National Park (camping)

DAYS 8-9: CRADLE MOUNTAIN

Head west into the high country to Cradle Mountain, one of the stops nobody backpacking Tasmania should miss. It sits in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, its jagged dolerite summit reaches 1,545 metres, and the 65 km Overland Track sets out from here. There are hikes for every fitness level, so pick one that suits your legs and the sky: the summit is only worth the climb on a clear day, because cloud can close in fast. Otherwise, the 6 km circuit of Dove Lake stays beneath the peak the whole way. Late in the afternoon, look for wombats grazing beside the tracks.

DAYS 10-11: THE WEST COAST TO LAKE ST CLAIR

Drive around the wild west of Tasmania towards Lake St Clair, stopping on the way for mountain views, short hikes, lakes and waterfalls in some of the wettest country in Australia. Lake St Clair, leeawuleena or "sleeping water", is the deepest lake in the country, carved out by glaciers, and it marks the southern end of the Overland Track. Choose a walk from the shore, then try the platypus viewing trail. Platypus are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon, so go quietly and watch for rings spreading on the water.

DAY 12: MOUNT FIELD NATIONAL PARK

Turning back towards Hobart, stop at Mount Field National Park, proclaimed in 1916 alongside Freycinet. Up to four waterfalls are within reach here. The best known, Russell Falls, drops in tiers through tree ferns and swamp gums, the tallest flowering plants on earth, a short and easy walk from the entrance. There's a cave nearby to look into too, and local farms sell fresh Tasmanian berries in season, picked by you or ready in a punnet.

DAYS 13-14: THE SOUTH, BRUNY ISLAND AND BACK TO HOBART

Head south, perhaps for a hike in the Hartz Mountains, an alpine plateau inside the World Heritage wilderness, or past farms and wineries with local treats to try. Then take the car ferry to Bruny Island and camp there rather than on the mainland. The best spot is the Neck, the thin sandy isthmus joining North and South Bruny, where little penguins come ashore after dark to their burrows in the dunes. Bruny is also known for its oysters and cheese, and its beaches are some of the quietest in the state. On day 14, drive back to Hobart and celebrate the end of the trip with your new mates.

Overnight: Bruny Island (camping at the Neck)

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Hobart.
Suits: The target age group is 18 to 35.
Fitness: Moderate — lots of hiking, snorkelling and exercise.

What to bring

Sleeping bag
Water bottle
Appropriate clothing and shoes

What is included

Rental of minibus and trailer
Camping equipment
Cooking equipment
Fuel
Insurance and RAC roadside assistance
National park entry
Consumables like oil, salt, pepper, sunscreen and alfoil
Guidebook and recommended itinerary
A group of other solo travellers to travel with

Not included

Sleeping bag (for hygiene reasons)
Accommodation — tents and recommended free camps are provided
Food

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.