Rent a 4x4 car for off-road adventures and experience camping with Walkabout Camper Vans and top gear for your ultimate bucket list journey.

A 7 day getaway with a Defender from Project Walkabout in Tasmania 

Embark on a 7-day road trip to Tasmania in one of our Land Rover Defender equipped with a rooftop tent and off road camping equipment promising for an unforgettable adventure ahead. 

Starting from Melbourne, you'll traverse stunning landscapes, explore quaint towns, and immerse yourself in Tasmania's rich natural beauty. 

Here's a curated itinerary for your perfect road trip:

Day 1: Melbourne to Devonport

Depart from Melbourne early in the morning and catch the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Devonport. A well oiled machine as everything is perfectly organized. You will be able to pick from several decks for entertainment and food- we brough out own and had a cheeky drink aboard. 

Enjoy the scenic ferry ride across the Bass Strait, indulging in onboard amenities and soaking in ocean views.

Arrive in Devonport in the evening and set up camp at a nearby campground.

Cook a delicious meal such as some boiled potatoes and top it off with cottage cheese and some Garlic Salt and capers- and finally relax under the starlit sky in your rooftop tent.

Day 2: Cradle Mountain National Park

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and head to Cradle Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wear high socks and proper closed off shoes because you may encounter the occasional snake on your trail. 

Embark on a hike along one of the park's picturesque trails (and please give yourself a few hours for this), such as the iconic Dove Lake Circuit or the challenging Cradle Mountain Summit Track.

Take in breathtaking views of rugged mountains, ancient rainforests, and alpine landscapes.

Spend the night camping within the national park, enjoying the tranquility of nature.

Day 3: Launceston

Drive to Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city, known for its vibrant culture and culinary scene.

Explore Cataract Gorge Reserve, a stunning natural reserve just minutes from the city center, offering walking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and a chairlift ride.

Visit local markets and artisan shops, sampling gourmet delights and picking up souvenirs.

Camp at a campground near Launceston- use Wikicamps for some additional help whether you prefer to pay or find one for free and savor a home-cooked meal prepared in your Land Rover's kitchen.

Day 4: Bay of Fires

Depart for the Bay of Fires on Tasmania's northeast coast, renowned for its pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, and orange-hued granite rocks.

Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun.

Explore the scenic coastal trails, dotted with secluded coves and hidden gems.

Set up camp near the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, but be aware you need to book ahead during peak season and enjoy a cozy evening by the campfire, admiring the starry sky above.

Day 5: Freycinet National Park

Drive south to Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay and dramatic granite peaks of the Hazards.

Leave early so you are guaranteed a parking spot- this place is quite popular- and definitely buy a parking ticket.

Don’t forget to hit up some wineries on the way such as the Freycinet one or the Devil’s Corner Cellar Door. 

Hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout for panoramic views of the bay's pristine crescent-shaped beach and crystal-clear waters. There are several different trails so pick the one that you have time for. 

Relax on the beach, swim in the azure sea, or explore nearby trails leading to secluded bays and viewpoints.

Camp at a campground within the national park, surrounded by nature's tranquility. And if you didn’t plan ahead like we did during the Easter period- stay at Freycinet Lodge- a 4 Star Hotel with an amazing mini bar and epic sunsets.

Day 6: Hobart

Journey to Hobart, Tasmania's capital city, nestled beneath the towering peak of Mount Wellington.

Explore Salamanca Place, a historic waterfront precinct lined with cafes, galleries, and boutique shops.

Visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), an avant-garde art museum set within a subterranean labyrinth.

Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Hobart's acclaimed restaurants, sampling fresh Tasmanian produce and seafood.

Camp at a campground near Hobart, reminiscing about the highlights of your Tasmanian adventure.

Day 7: Return to Melbourne

Depart from Hobart early in the morning and drive back to Devonport to catch the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.

Reflect on your unforgettable journey through Tasmania's diverse landscapes and vibrant culture or use the time to visit the onboard cinema. It was a small cinema but for the price and excellent way to pass some time. Eventually go to your cabin or to the recliners (we picked the recliners and had our own pillows, just as comfortable as a bed). 

Board the ferry back to Melbourne, bidding farewell to the island state with memories to last a lifetime.

Tips

1. Plan months ahead as the ferry sells out for both cars and cabins to sleep

2. Download wikicamps for easy overview of camping grounds

3. If staying at the National Parks- book ahead for camping permits

4. Stop by wineries 😊 and try all the local beers and ciders. 

5. Be aware of wallabies while driving, they can easily jump under your wheels out of nowhere.

6. Project Walkabout - Land Rover Defender 4WD rental would appreciate you leaving 5 star review on Google and share your experience and footage on Social Media by tagging us.

Good Tucker on the Go: Your 4x4 Camp Kitchen Guide

Packing for a four wheel drive holiday? Forget fancy recipes. You want food that lasts. Stuff that won’t bruise. Tinned spaghetti works. So do potatoes, onions, and UHT milk. Trust me, a reliable 12V fridge changes everything. It is not a luxury, it’s essential.

Keep Your Cooking Simple

I stick to one-pan meals. A basic stew with diced meat, any veg you have, and a packet of seasoning. Cooks up fast on the gas burner. Damper is a must-try. Just self-raising flour and water, twisted around a stick. Kids love it. It’s about warmth and fullness after a long day’s drive.

Shop Where the Locals Do

The real flavour isn’t in your kit. It’s out there. Pull over at that farm gate with an honesty box. Grab some tomatoes. That small-town butcher might have amazing pepper steak. These stops turn a meal into a memory. They’re the best part.

Leave It Just Like You Found It

This bit matters. All rubbish goes with you. Every wrapper, every tin. If you’re cleaning up, use soap that breaks down in nature. We look after this land. It’s the only way.

Your adventure starts with the right vehicle. When you rent a Four Wheel Drive from Project Walkabout, you get a Land Defender set up for real life. A fridge that works, a proper kitchen kit, and the freedom to find your own story.

FAQs

Why should we rent a four wheel drive for a camping food trip in Australia?

When we rent a four wheel drive in Australia, we get freedom. Real freedom. Not just city roads and neat little tourist stops. We can pull into beach camps near Byron Bay, cook brekkie beside the coast in Jervis Bay, or chase cool mountain air through the Blue Mountains without stressing about rough tracks.

A proper 4WD also gives us space for camping gear, eskies, cooking kits, and food supplies. That matters on long Aussie road trips. Especially once the snacks start multiplying. Honestly, they always do.

Is it hard to drive a rented four wheel drive around Tasmania and regional Australia?

Not really. Most modern 4WD vehicles are easier to drive than people expect. We usually tell travellers to take it slow on gravel roads and stay alert near wildlife zones around places like Freycinet or the Tasman Peninsula.

The big advantage is confidence. Rainy roads, uneven tracks, steep campground entries, soft sand near coastal areas. A four wheel drive handles these conditions far better than a standard car. It turns stressful moments into part of the adventure instead of a holiday headache.

What are the best places in Tasmania for a four wheel drive camping and food trip?

Tasmania is packed with unreal camping spots. We love the Bay of Fires for beach cooking and ocean views. Freycinet is brilliant for fresh seafood and winery stops. Around Hobart, Salamanca markets and local cafés make food lovers very happy very quickly.

Then there’s Cradle Mountain. Cold air. Hot camp meals. That quiet feeling you only get deep in the bush. Renting a four wheel drive lets us connect all these places comfortably without rushing from hotel to hotel like exhausted tourists.

Why do travellers choose Project Walkabout to rent a four wheel drive?

People choose us because the vehicles are built for proper Australian adventures, not just city cruising. The rooftop tents, camping gear, fridge setups, and cooking equipment save travellers from organising everything separately.

We also know local camping culture. That helps. A lot. From hidden beach camps near Bicheno to scenic drives outside Devonport, experience matters when planning a road trip. The goal is simple: less stress, better memories, hotter camp meals, and more time enjoying Australia the way it should be explored.

With Love

Corinna & Phoenix