Discover Tasmania’s wild west at your own pace with Hop West – the flexible, hop-on hop-off tour designed for free-spirited travellers without a car. Experience the freedom of self-guided travel with the ease of reliable daily transfers. No fixed schedules, no rental stress — just the adventure, your way.
How It Works
Hop West is a flexible hop-on hop-off-style tour (not a public bus service) designed for travellers exploring Tasmania’s wild west without a car. You decide your route, choose how long to stay at each stop, and book your own accommodation — we handle the transport in between.
Start in Launceston and finish in Launceston. Along the way, visit incredible destinations like Cradle Mountain, Sheffield, Strahan, Lake St Clair, Deloraine, and more — all at your own pace.
Once you’ve chosen your stops and how many nights you'd like at each, just send us your itinerary. We’ll then organise and coordinate the transfers between each location, picking you up and taking you to your next destination. No rental car, no fixed timetable — just a smooth, customisable journey through Tasmania’s wild west.
How to Book
To book your Hop West journey, simply email us with:
Your planned route (where you want to stop)
How many nights you’ll stay at each location
The number of travellers
We’ll confirm availability and organise transfers between each stop. We pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the next destination — no fixed timetable, just flexible, small-group travel designed around you with our driver guide chatting with you between stops.
Cost $590 per person (book here)
Contact us with your itinerary
You can get off and then continue from any of these locations starting from Launceston :
Deloraine
Sheffield
Cradle Mountain
Zeehan
Strahan
Queenstown
Frenchmans Cap
Lake St Clair
Miena
Finishing in Launceston
For any variations such as finishing in Hobart please contact us to arrange
Book and choose your own Accommodation
With Hop West, you have the freedom to choose and book your own accommodation in each location. Whether you prefer boutique lodges, cosy cabins, heritage hotels, or budget-friendly motels and campsites, the choice is entirely yours. Stay one night or linger longer — it’s up to you. We recommend booking accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, and choosing places close to town centres. We drop and pick up from your accommodation if on our route or within the town area.
Day 1: Depart Launceston
Launceston to Cradle Mountain
Launceston to Deloraine
Launceston to Sheffield
Launceston to Queenstown
Launceston to Strahan
From Deloraine
Deloraine to Cradle Mountain
Next day from Sheffield if stopping here, skip otherwise
Sheffield to Cradle Mountain
From Cradle Mountain your next stop when ready
Cradle Mountain to Tullah
Cradle Mountain to Zeehan
Cradle Mountain to Queenstown
Cradle Mountain to Strahan
Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair
Cradle Mountain to Hobart
If you have spent the night at Tullah travel onwards
Tullah to Queenstown
Tullah to Strahan
Tullah to Lake St Clair
If you stayed at Zeehan the next stops
Zeehan to Strahan
Zeehan to Queenstown
Strahan is a very popular stop and the next hops are:
Strahan to Queenstown
Strahan to Frenchmans Cap
Strahan to Lake St Clair
Strahan to Launceston
From Queenstown travel on to:
Queenstown to Lake St Clair
Queenstown to Frenchmans Cap
Queenstown to Launceston
From Lake St Clair Lodge & Derwent Bridge
Lake St Clair to Launceston
Lake St Clair to Miena
Lake St Clair to Deloraine
From Miena and Great Lake
Miena to Launceston
This is the order to follow
Deloraine – What to Do
Deloraine sits gracefully on the banks of the Meander River and is known for its artistic community and heritage charm. Explore local galleries, artisan craft shops, and the Deloraine Creative Studios. Enjoy riverside walks, stop by the historic Deloraine Inn, and use the town as a springboard to visit nearby natural highlights such as Liffey Falls, Alum Cliffs, and Mole Creek Caves.
Deloraine – Where to Stay
Accommodation in Deloraine includes heritage inns, cosy cottages, and budget options. Stay at Blakes Manor, Arcoona Manor, or Bonney’s Inn for a boutique experience. For mid-range comfort, try Mountain View Country Inn or Deloraine Hotel. Budget and camping options are available at the Deloraine Apex Caravan Park.
Sheffield – What to Do
Known as the “Town of Murals,” Sheffield is a creative and welcoming town nestled beneath Mount Roland. Over 100 murals bring the streets to life, telling stories of local history, culture, and identity. Take a relaxed stroll along the mural trail, visit art galleries and quirky shops, and enjoy locally roasted coffee in one of the many friendly cafes. Sheffield is also a great base for exploring Mount Roland and the surrounding countryside.
Sheffield – Where to Stay
Sheffield offers a range of accommodation options. For mid-range stays, consider Sheffield Motor Inn, Kentish Hills Retreat, or Glencoe Country Bed & Breakfast. Budget travellers can stay at the Sheffield Hotel, or nearby Railton Hotel. There are also self-contained farmstays and cabins in the surrounding hills.
Cradle Mountain What to Do
Cradle Mountain is Tasmania’s most iconic wilderness destination, renowned for dramatic alpine scenery, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy the popular Dove Lake Circuit for a scenic and accessible walk, spot wombats and wallabies at Ronny Creek, or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout or even the summit of Cradle Mountain. The park also offers shorter forest walks, photography spots, and opportunities to connect with Tasmania’s unique alpine environment.
Cradle Mountain – Where to Stay
Accommodation at Cradle Mountain caters to a wide range of travellers. For a premium wilderness experience, stay at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge or the Cradle Mountain Hotel. Mid-range options include Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village and Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain, which also offers budget-friendly cabins. Campers and budget-conscious travellers can stay at the Waldheim Cabins or the Cradle Mountain campground, both located close to the park entrance.
Zeehan – What to Do
Once known as the “Silver City,” Zeehan is a historic mining town that offers a fascinating glimpse into Tasmania’s wild west heritage. Explore the impressive West Coast Heritage Centre, with its galleries, old mining machinery, and underground mine simulation. Stroll the wide, quiet streets lined with historic buildings, visit the Gaiety Theatre, and imagine life during the mining boom of the late 1800s. Surrounded by rugged mountains and wild forests, Zeehan also offers access to bushwalks and natural attractions like the Montezuma Falls walking track nearby.
Zeehan – Where to Stay
Zeehan offers a selection of affordable and comfortable accommodation options. Mid-range travellers can stay at Heemskirk Motor Hotel or Zeehan Bush Camp and Caravan Park, which also offers cabins and powered sites. Budget travellers will find value in simple motel rooms or camping options, and the town’s quiet atmosphere makes it a peaceful overnight stop on a west coast journey.
Strahan – What to Do
Strahan is a picturesque harbour town and the ideal base for exploring Tasmania’s west coast wilderness. Cruise the serene Gordon River, explore the convict ruins on Sarah Island, or catch the lively production of The Ship That Never Was. Take a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway or walk along the wild sands of Ocean Beach.
Strahan – Where to Stay
Strahan offers a variety of accommodation across all budgets. Top choices include Strahan Village Waterfront Cottages, Franklin Manor, and Risby Cove for luxury. Mid-range options include Motel Strahan, Strahan Bungalows, and Aloft Boutique Accommodation. Budget travellers can stay at Big4 Strahan Holiday Retreat, Strahan Backpackers, or local caravan parks.
Queenstown – What to Do
Queenstown’s rugged landscape and dramatic mining history make it one of Tasmania’s most fascinating towns. Visit the Iron Blow Lookout for panoramic views, ride the heritage West Coast Wilderness Railway, or explore the Galley Museum and old mining trails. The unique, raw terrain and rich industrial past create a memorable and visually striking destination.
Queenstown – Where to Stay
Queenstown features a mix of historic and practical accommodation. The Empire Hotel offers classic heritage charm at affordable rates. Other options include Mt Lyell Anchorage, Silver Hills Motel, and West Coaster Motel. Budget-conscious travellers can stay at Queenstown Cabin & Tourist Park or in local backpacker lodges.
Frenchmans Cap – What to Do
Frenchmans Cap is one of Tasmania’s most rewarding alpine hikes, set in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The multi-day walk (typically 3–5 days) includes dramatic views, glacial valleys, and the stunning white quartzite summit. The track is for experienced hikers, offering a challenging but unforgettable wilderness experience.
Frenchmans Cap – Where to Stay
There is no commercial accommodation on the track. Walkers stay in public huts at Lake Vera and Lake Tahune, or camp in designated areas along the route. Hikers must be self-sufficient and prepared for remote conditions. Before or after the hike, options include Derwent Bridge Wilderness Hotel and Lake St Clair Lodge, or free camping at the Franklin River trailhead.
Lake St Clair – What to Do
Lake St Clair is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake and a peaceful wilderness destination at the southern end of the Overland Track. Explore gentle forest walks like Platypus Bay and Watersmeet, enjoy birdwatching and wildlife spotting, or simply relax beside the lake’s tranquil shores. It’s an ideal place to unwind in a pristine, alpine setting.
Lake St Clair – Where to Stay
The main accommodation is Lake St Clair Lodge, offering cabins, chalets, and bunkrooms with lake views. Budget travellers can opt for the Wilderness bunkrooms or the national park campground, which includes powered and unpowered sites. Book early during peak hiking season due to limited availability.
Miena – What to Do
Miena is a remote lakeside village in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, best known for its trout fishing and peaceful alpine setting. Perched on the shores of Great Lake, it’s a favourite with anglers and outdoor lovers. Visitors can enjoy fishing, highland walking trails, and stunning lakeside sunrises and sunsets. The area offers a true off-the-grid escape with fresh mountain air and quiet solitude.
Miena – Where to Stay
Miena has a range of rustic and comfortable accommodation. Great Lake Hotel offers pub-style lodging and hearty meals. Other options include Central Highlands Lodge and Riverside Retreat, both with self-contained cabins. There are also budget cabins, shacks, and informal camping areas popular with anglers.