Tasmania needs little introduction to a mainlander. A place on everyone’s bucket list of places to visit. If you don’t own a caravan, aren’t keen on guided tours, or dealing with car rental companies, you can always opt for touring Tasmania using public transport. Apart from railway and tramway historical groups there are no passenger trains serving the island. But there are plenty of buses and coaches running services between the towns and cities. Tasmanians are friendly people and super proud of their beautiful island home, so expect to meet them firsthand as you travel around using local bus services.
There are two ways to get to Tasmania: fly or float. You can fly directly to either Hobart or Launceston from most major cities on the mainland. If you’re not keen on air travel and would like to soak up some sea views, there’s always the Spirit of Tasmania. Fares one way Melbourne to Devonport start at just $69.
The trip I’ve laid out below starts from Devonport, travels around the island, and returns to Devonport. The trip takes in the east coast with a stop in Bicheno, then on to Hobart and then across to the west coast to Strahan, with a stop in Queenstown along the way. Then it goes north to Burnie on the Northwest coast and then from Burnie back to Devonport. If you fly into either Launceston or Hobart, start your trip from there. Map of Tasmania.
Seniors Travel Discounts
Seniors and pensioners discounts are easily available. Information on fares.
You can also apply online for a Greencard which will give you a discount of 20%.
Devonport to Launceston coach service
This service is operated by Redline and there are three services (M-F) a day from Devonport to Launceston. The full timetable is at:
https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/307430/Intercity_3_Oct_2021.PDF
Accommodation close to the centre of Launceston | Close to the centre of Devonport
Launceston to Bicheno coach service
There are two services a day from Launceston to Bicheno at 1.20pm and at 4.15pm (M-F) The full timetable can be found at:
https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport/bus_timetables/east_coast/coles_bay_to_launceston
Accommodation close to the centre of Bicheno
Bicheno to Hobart coach service
There is a daily service that leaves Bicheno at 8.45am and gets you into Hobart at 11.45am. The timetable is at:
https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport/bus_timetables/south/colesbay_bicheno_swansea_to_hobart
Accommodation close to the centre of Hobart
Hobart to Queenstown coach service
There’s a daily service from Hobart thru to Queenstown.
https://areaconnect.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Route-Service-Area-Connect-West-Coast-to-Hobart-Effective-10-July-2023.pdf
Accommodation close to the centre of Queenstown
Queenstown to Strahan coach service
https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/218210/West_Coast_to_Burnie_timetable.pdf
Accommodation close to the center of Strahan
Strahan to Burnie coach service
https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/218210/West_Coast_to_Burnie_timetable.pdf
Accommodation close to the center of Burnie
Burnie to Devonport coach service
There is an hourly service from Burnie through to Devonport and Launceston
https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/307433/North_West_Express_03_Oct_21.PDF
Accommodation close to the center of Devonport
Diversions
Hobart to Cygnet and the Huon Valley
There are numerous services to Huonville and a couple of services to Cygnet each day. https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/194954/Huon_Valley_to_Hobart_Web_timetable.pdf
Accommodation close to the center of Huonville
Hobart to Launceston coach service
There are also regular services between Hobart to Launceston, taking you down through the middle of the island. A fast inland trip.
https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/public_transport/bus_timetables/north/intercity
Image by Andrew Phelps