Our visit to Tasmania was a total of 54 nights. Almost 8 weeks.
Our preferred caravanning style is to free camp or stay in low cost campgrounds, our van is totally self contained. We use a 1000W inverter to run the washing machine, and that is all we need power for. A gas heater provides warmth while we are unpowered camping. We also choose not to carry a generator. Our solar set up has always provided us with enough power in the past.
Before we left for Tasmania we did have our doubts whether the overcast skies and frequent rain would provide a challenge for us. We were wrong. Our batteries recharged after overnight use to 100% every day without any problems. There was never a need to stay in a Caravan Park.
The Free camping and Low Cost options in Tasmania are plentiful.
Tasmania is a wonderful destination for caravanning.
Our Favourite Free Camp in Tasmania
Free Camping at Tungatinah Lagoon was our favorite free camp in Tasmania. The lagoon is just off The Lyell Highway, a fifteen minute drive from the town of Tarraleah. There are no facilities.
The view is spectacular, you can have a campfire and dogs are allowed. We were happy to find there was Telstra 4G reception at camp, so our planned overnight stop turned into two nights. It was a perfect location to unwind and catch up with online work, phone calls and photo editing etc. A day of work is always made easier with a view like that!
Our Favourite Low Cost Camp in Tasmania
Lime Bay Campground was our favourite Low Cost camp in Tasmania.
Lime Bay is within the National Park on the Tasman Peninsula. Camping is $13 per night. You must also hold a National Park pass. It just makes sense to purchase a National Park pass while visiting Tasmania. We stayed at several campgrounds and also visited many National Parks as day visitors. We definitely came out on top financially with having the pass.
There are toilets at Lime Bay. Ufortunately dogs are not allowed. Fire restrictions were in place after the recent devastating Tasmanian fires, and I expect the restrictions will be in place for quite some time.
The campground is a short drive from the very interesting Convict Mine.
Wild life was prolific and the view was amazing!
During our Tasmanian stay we camped at 32 different locations.
16 were Free or Donation Camps.
16 were Low Cost camps – average of $11.30 per night.
We stayed a maximum of 4 nights and had 19 overnight stops.
WikiCamps is a valuable tool to help find the really special spots.
We are planning on being there in Oct/Nov this year but are also hoping to stay for as long as we can handle the Winter :). Love the map with the roads you went on in black, we do that now but very excited to be getting to Tassie soon !!!! Sorry about your little bangle at the end but all will be good in the end 🙂
Hi Peter. We would loved to have stayed longer, it will be spectacular in winter! The accident was an unfortunate end to our trip, but at least we are not hurt. Our car is a total write off, it will slow us down, but not stop us. There is so much more to see!
Sounds fantastic. We are set up much the same. Where did you source your water to fill tanks ? We can run our washing machines with the inventor but the water is our problem when free or low cost camping.
Cheers Charee
We have found water more of a problem in the outback. Tasmania was fine. We use WikiCamps to search water points, and they were not too hard to find in Tasmania.
should change you page name to freeloading campers. glad you enjoyed living off the poor rate payers of tas. kudos to you.
Hi “nameless”
We, and all other self contained caravanners contribute significantly to the local economy of the area. The fact that we spent many thousands of dollars in your state is insignificant to you?
You need to think of the negative impact to the state if us “free loaders” did not make the trip across Bass Straight.
We are extremely appreciative to the towns who offer low cost camping, and show our appreciation with our wallets.
We wish you happy and safe travels.
Kind Regards,
Always …. Happy Campers Australia
You guys come back anytime. You are welcome . thank you for sharing your holiday and don’t worry what some people might say. Free camping or low cost camping wouldn’t be available if it wasn’t ment to be used and locals love the idea of having people visit . ye all come back now. Hear ?
Thanks Chris, we experienced so much kindness and friendship from Tasmanian’s during our visit. We would love to come back one day.
Hi we are looking at going to Tasmania next year. Would like to do some free camping . Water is a problem for us . Is it safe to leave your van in free camps and go out for a day sight seeing ? Thanks
We are very comfortable leaving our van at free camps while sight seeing. We often stay a few days, so we explore the area. We put a lock through the tow hitch, and don’t leave anything outside. Free camping is our preference. We have never felt unsafe.