Recently, I was having a rough time, so my friend and I decided to do a manifestation night where we drew some vision boards for what we wanted in our lives that year. On my vision board, I drew a campervan trip, a house with a pool and a few other dream ideas.
A few weeks later, my boss came to me with an opportunity from a company called Apollo that offers campervan and motorhome rentals Australia-wide. The opportunity was to try out one of its campervans with my family (husband and two-year-old son) anywhere in Australia. Naturally, I couldn’t believe my vision board was coming true and jumped at the chance (side note: my house with a pool came true too, but that’s a different story).
I’ve always been fond of Tassie for its stunning natural beauty. It’s also relatively small compared to other states, so a perfect road-tripping destination. We booked flights from Sydney to Hobart and a couple months later, we were at Hobart airport, ready to pick up the van.
Road-tripping from Hobart to Launceston in a camper van is an adventure that’s as much about the journey as the destination. For us, the trip’s highlight wasn’t just the iconic locations we visits, but the magical moments that came from improvisation. The van gave us the freedom to explore unexpected gems when plans shifted, and the flexibility to adapt — especially with a toddler in tow.
@thelatchau Who’s brave enough? 👶✈️🛣️☀️ #toddlertravel #vanlife #travelwithkids #roadtrip #thelatchau ♬ My Coffee – Megan Yagami
At the start of our trip, the weather threw us a curveball. Long stretches of driving weren’t practical with a toddler, so we embraced the unpredictable and made more frequent stops. These spontaneous detours turned out to be the real stars of the show, leading us to charming, lesser-known spots we might have otherwise missed. Here’s a rundown of the must-see stops from our journey.
Hope and Anchor Hotel, Hobart
Hope and Anchor Hotel is Hobart’s oldest pub. It’s a cosy venue full of character, offering hearty meals. It was the perfect spot to kick off the trip with a little slice of local history (and a great glass of butter whiskey for me who wasn’t driving after!).
Daci and Daci Bakers, Hobart
No road trip starts without snacks, and Daci and Daci Bakers delivered in spades. This charming bakery is a Hobart institution, with its shelves piled high with flaky pastries, artisan breads, and decadent cakes. Pro tip: the almond croissant is a must-try.
Wineglass Bay Lookout, Freycinet National Park
Our first big nature stop was Freycinet National Park, home to the stunning Wineglass Bay Lookout. The 45-minute hike to the lookout rewarded us with breathtaking views of the turquoise bay framed by rugged mountains. It’s a bit of a trek with a toddler, but totally doable if you take it slow—and the payoff is worth every step.
Bicheno
This was one of those improvised stops that turned into a highlight of the trip. Bicheno, a quaint seaside town, charmed us with its white sand beaches and old-fashioned buildings. The real gem? A quirky little beach toy library, where kids can borrow buckets, spades, and beach toys for the day. Watching our toddler play while we soaked up the laid-back vibes made for an unforgettable stop.
Bay of Fires, Mount William National Park
Driving along the Bay of Fires was nothing short of magical. The journey was stunning, with its famous orange-tinged rocks contrasting against crystal-clear waters. What made it even more special was being able to stop wherever we wanted to snap photos or simply take in the views. We ended our day here, enjoying a mesmerizing starry night sky that felt like our own private show.
City Park, Launceston
Once in Launceston, City Park was a hit for our whole family. This picturesque park is home to a Japanese macaque enclosure (yes, monkeys!), a playground, and sprawling green lawns perfect for a picnic. It’s a peaceful spot in the city centre and a great way to let little ones burn off some energy.
Cataract Gorge, Launceston
Our final stop was the awe-inspiring Cataract Gorge. With walking trails, suspension bridges, and even peacocks wandering around, this spot felt like something out of a storybook. We took the chairlift for a bird’s-eye view of the gorge and ended the trip with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the journey we’d shared.
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