I've driven the Tasmanian north coast more times than I can count, usually with a van in tow and a rough itinerary that tends to fall apart the moment I spot a good foreshore camp. There's something about this stretch — from the Bass Strait ferry terminal at Devonport right across to the rocky headlands around Smithton — that feels genuinely unhurried in a way that even the state's more celebrated regions don't quite manage.
Why the North Coast Suits Every Type of Traveller
Most people roll off the Spirit of Tasmania at Devonport and immediately point themselves south toward Hobart or west toward Cradle Mountain, and I understand why — those are spectacular destinations. But doing that means skipping a coastline that runs past farmland, sea cliffs, fishing villages, and some of the most relaxed campgrounds in the state. The north coast suits a wide range of accommodation styles: there are basic council-run sites for self-sufficient campers, full-facility caravan parks for families and grey nomads, farm stays, and a handful of holiday units that book out fast over summer.
One practical note before we get into specifics: Tasmania's north coast experiences four proper seasons, and winters here are genuinely cold. If you're planning a caravan or camping trip, late October through April gives you the most comfortable conditions, though I've had beautiful, uncrowded weeks here in June with the right gear.
Devonport and the Mersey Estuary Area
Devonport is the natural starting point for most north coast travellers, and the accommodation density here is the highest you'll find on this stretch. It's a working port city rather than a tourist town, which keeps prices reasonable and the atmosphere unpretentious.
Caravan Parks and Camping in Devonport
The Devonport Gateway Motor Inn and Caravan Park sits close to the ferry terminal on the Mersey River foreshore — genuinely convenient if you're arriving late or leaving early on the Spirit of Tasmania. It offers powered sites, unpowered grass sites, and basic cabins. The sites aren't enormous, but the location saves you a 45-minute drive to find somewhere to sleep on arrival night.
Further east, Abel Tasman Caravan Park in East Devonport is a family-run park right on the waterfront. I've stayed there in both a tent and a van and it holds up well either way. The ablution blocks are clean and the owners are the kind of people who'll tell you exactly where the best flathead fishing is without being asked. Sites book up in January, so phone ahead.
Holiday Units and Budget Rooms
Devonport has a reasonable spread of motels along the Esplanade and in the CBD. If you want a kitchen and a bit more space, the self-contained units along Stewart Street tend to offer better value than the motel strips. There's also a well-regarded YHA-affiliated hostel in the city that suits solo travellers on a budget.
Penguin, Ulverstone, and the Central North Coast
This middle section of the coast — roughly between Devonport and Burnie — is dotted with small towns that most travellers drive through without stopping. That's a mistake. Penguin is one of the prettiest towns in Tasmania, with a main street that slopes toward a beach and a functioning community feel you don't always find in places that have been heavily promoted to visitors.
Camping at Penguin and Ulverstone
Penguin Beachfront Holiday Park sits directly behind the foreshore. Powered sites here are a short walk from the beach, and the park has a good camp kitchen. It's particularly well-suited to vans and motorhomes given the relatively flat terrain and wide site spacing. Book at least six weeks ahead for the summer school holiday period.
Ulverstone has a council-managed campground near the Leven River mouth at Anzac Park. This is a no-frills setup — basic amenities, grassy sites, reasonable fees — and it works well as a one- or two-night stop. The river swimming here is better than it looks from the road.
Burnie
Burnie often gets overlooked in favour of smaller coastal towns, but it has solid mid-range accommodation options and is the largest service centre on this coast. If you need to do a big supermarket shop, get the van serviced, or find a reliable Wi-Fi connection, Burnie is your best bet. The Treasure Island Caravan Park on the western edge of the city has been operating for decades and is a dependable choice for a night or two, with a direct beach access track.
Stanley and the Far North-West
Stanley is the standout destination on the far western end of the north coast — a small fishing village built on the isthmus below the dramatic basalt plug called The Nut. It's genuinely striking, and the accommodation fills fast because there isn't a lot of it.
Caravan Parks Near Stanley
The Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park is the primary caravan option in town, situated on a flat site with views toward Circular Head. It's a well-maintained park with a mixture of powered sites, unpowered tent sites, and self-contained cabins. The cabins are particularly popular with couples who want comfort without paying boutique-accommodation prices. The park is within easy walking distance of the main street and the chairlift up to The Nut.
For something more remote, Smithton — about 20 kilometres further west — offers a couple of budget accommodation options and a caravan park that suits travellers using the town as a base to explore the Tarkine wilderness. For proper Tarkine access, check the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website for current track and camping conditions before heading out, as the region is genuinely wild and conditions vary considerably.
Accommodation Between Stanley and Launceston
If you're doing a loop that brings you back through the interior, the drive from Stanley toward Launceston via the Bass Highway and then south takes you through farmland and small towns with limited but decent accommodation options. Deloraine and Westbury both have caravan parks worth knowing about if you're breaking the drive.
Booking Tips and Seasonal Advice
The north coast operates on a fairly straightforward seasonal pattern. Summer (December to February) sees the parks fill quickly, particularly around Christmas and Australia Day. Easter is the next busy period. The shoulder seasons — October-November and March-April — are genuinely my preference: the parks have breathing room, staff are more relaxed, and the light on the coast in autumn is exceptional.
What to Book in Advance vs What You Can Leave Open
Powered sites at the major parks in Devonport, Penguin, Ulverstone, and Stanley should be booked ahead between December and February. The smaller, council-run sites tend to operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are less likely to leave you stranded. Cabins and holiday units throughout the region book out faster than you'd expect — Tasmania's domestic tourism has grown considerably over the past decade, and the north coast is getting more attention than it once did.
For a comprehensive overview of what's available across the state, the Discover Tasmania website maintains a reasonably up-to-date accommodation directory that includes operators the booking aggregators sometimes miss, particularly small council parks and farm stays.
Self-Sufficient Camping and Free Camping
There are legitimate free and low-cost camping options along the north coast, particularly on crown land and in some roadside rest areas, but regulations change and enforcement has tightened in recent years. I'd strongly recommend checking current rules with Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania before assuming a spot is legal. A fine on day one of a holiday is a poor start.
If you're putting together a longer Tasmanian itinerary that combines the north coast with time at Cradle Mountain and a few nights in Hobart, allow at least ten days to do it without feeling rushed — the roads are good but the distances are real and there's too much to see to rush through. The north coast rewards slow travel, and the best nights I've had there have been in a camp chair by the van watching the Bass Strait go from silver to grey at dusk.