Whether you’re an interstate blow-in, naturalised Taswegian or card-carrying local, there’s little argument that Hobart just about tops the list of state capitals for close range offroad getaway opportunities.

We’d be arguing all week if we were to definitively rank every offroad hotspot within cooee of the capital, so let’s start with Tasman National Park and agree that it most certainly warrants a visit.

The park is splayed across the remarkable stretch of coastline between Cape Surville, Waterfall Bay and Fortescue Bay. Highlights include Cape Pillar, Cape Raoul and Cape Hauy, as well as the Hippolyte Rocks and Fossil Island.

There’s 4WDing, there’s fishing, there’s camping and there’s some of the most unique and pretty scenery you’ll lock eyes on anywhere. What more could you want?

STUFF TO DO

4WDING: If getting offroad is your priority, head on over to Fortescue Bay. The 12km drive is pretty gentle under normal conditions, but can deteriorate after heavy rain. Access to Fortescue Bay is via Joiners Link Road and the Arthur Highway.

FISHING: If wetting a line is on the agenda, you’ll want to scope out Pirates Bay, Fortescue Bay and Port Arthur. Boat ramps are located at the Blowhole in Pirates Bay State Reserve, Fortescue Bay and at Stewarts Bay.

IMPORTANT INFO

LOCATION: The Tasman National Park is located 80km southeast of Hobart. Depending on traffic it’s about an hour’s drive from the city.

CAMPING is available within the park at the Fortescue Bay camping area and fees of $16 per family per night apply. There are over 40 sites available and caravan access is possible. A shower block, flushing toilets and barbeques are provided.

FUEL is available in Hobart.

MORE INFO is available at www.parks.tas.gov.au