A relaxed seven-day Tasmania road trip built for a small group of over-60 friends travelling from Victoria. Covers ferry versus flying, realistic AUD costs split four ways, gentle pacing, and where the autumn colour actually shows up.
Why Tasmania with a small group of friends works so well
There is something easy about Tasmania when you are travelling as a group of friends rather than a couple. The distances are short, the roads are quiet, and you are never far from a warm pub or a decent coffee. For a group of four friends in their sixties, splitting one hire car and one accommodation booking makes the whole thing surprisingly affordable.
Based in regional Victoria, Tasmania feels like a sensible interstate trip rather than a big production. You can be in Hobart in just over an hour by plane, or take your own car across on the ferry. Either way, you are still in the same time zone, the same country, and using the same Medicare card if something goes wrong.
Should you fly or take the ferry from Victoria?
If you want your own car and you are not in a hurry, the Spirit of Tasmania sails from Geelong to Devonport, which is handy for travellers west of Melbourne. Expect to pay from around A$200 per person each way plus a vehicle fee, and book months ahead for the popular autumn sailings. The day crossing is more comfortable than the overnight one if you sleep poorly.
Flying is often cheaper and faster. Melbourne to Hobart or Launceston regularly sits between A$120 and A$200 one way with Qantas, Jetstar or Virgin, and you simply hire a car on arrival. For a one-week trip, flying plus a hire car often works out about the same as the ferry, without two long days at sea eating into the holiday.
When is the best time to go for autumn colour?
Late April through mid-May is when Tasmania puts on its autumn show. The deciduous beech, known locally as the fagus, turns gold and rust in the highlands around Cradle Mountain and Mount Field, usually peaking in the last week of April into early May. The European trees in towns like Ross and Evandale colour up around the same time.
Autumn also means cooler, settled weather and fewer crowds than summer. Pack layers and a proper waterproof jacket, because the weather changes fast. Days sit around 12 to 18 degrees, and it is genuinely cold at night in the highlands, so check that your accommodation has decent heating.
A gentle seven-day loop that does not exhaust you
Flying into Launceston and out of Hobart saves doubling back. Days one and two suit Launceston and the Tamar Valley, with the Cataract Gorge and a couple of cool-climate wineries. Day three, drive to Cradle Mountain, stopping at Sheffield for lunch. The Dove Lake area has flat boardwalk sections that suit anyone who does not want a hard climb.
Days four and five run down through the central highlands to Mount Field National Park for the autumn fagus and Russell Falls, then on to Hobart. Keep Hobart for the last two days for the Saturday Salamanca Market, MONA, and a relaxed wander around Battery Point. Keep driving days to two or three hours so nobody is worn out by mid-afternoon.
What does a week actually cost, split between friends?
An honest tally per person for seven days, travelling as four sharing two twin rooms: Flights about A$320 return. A mid-size hire car split four ways around A$120 each for the week. Accommodation in comfortable self-contained units and motels about A$700 each. Food, fuel, wine and attractions roughly A$500 each.
That lands near A$1,640 per person for the week, not counting the odd splurge dinner. Travelling as a group is what keeps it sensible, because the car and the rooms are shared. A solo traveller doing the same trip should budget for the single room cost, which can add A$400 to A$600 over the week.
Concessions, accessibility and pacing for the over-60s
Tasmania's national parks need a Parks pass, and the Holiday Pass for vehicles is the best value at around A$45 covering up to eight weeks and everyone in the car. Many attractions, MONA included, offer concession pricing, so carry your Seniors Card. Victorian Seniors Cards are recognised for many concessions interstate, though always ask first.
On accessibility, the major sights have good sealed paths and shuttle buses, including the Cradle Mountain shuttle and the Dove Lake boardwalk. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, request ground-floor rooms and avoid packing more than two driving days back to back. Building in one full rest day in Hobart is worth it.
Key takeaways
- Late April to mid-May gives the best autumn colour, especially the fagus in the highlands.
- Flying plus a hire car often matches the ferry cost for a one-week trip without two days at sea.
- Four friends sharing a car and twin rooms brought the week to around A$1,640 each.
- Solo travellers should add roughly A$400 to A$600 for single rooms over the week.
- Buy the Parks Holiday Pass at about A$45 per vehicle and carry your Seniors Card for concessions.
- Keep driving days to two or three hours and build in a rest day.
Where to look and book
Indicative prices only — always confirm with the operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the Spirit of Tasmania far ahead?
Yes. Autumn and summer sailings book out months ahead, particularly if you want a cabin or a day crossing. Reserve as early as you can, especially when bringing a vehicle.
Is Tasmania easy to drive for older travellers?
Generally yes. Roads are quiet and well maintained, but they can be narrow and winding in the highlands, with wildlife at dawn and dusk. Avoid driving after dark and keep daily distances modest.
Will my Victorian Seniors Card get discounts in Tasmania?
Many Tasmanian attractions and transport operators accept interstate Seniors Cards for concession pricing, but it is not guaranteed everywhere, so ask before you pay.
How fit do I need to be for Cradle Mountain?
You can enjoy it without serious walking. The Dove Lake boardwalk has flat sections and there is a shuttle bus, so you can see the scenery without attempting the longer summit walks.
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