Highlights
- Richmond Village, Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur Historic Site
- Russell Falls, Mt Field National Park, Lake St Clair
- Henty Dunes, Tarkine Rainforest, Gordon River
- Cradle Mountain, Sheffield, Launceston
- Bay of Fires, St Helens, Tasmanian Devils, Bicheno
- Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay
Inclusions
- 5 nights' accommodation
- National Park entry fees
- Wildlife Sanctuary entry including Tasmanian devils
- Port Arthur Historic Site entry, guided Walk and harbour cruise
- Hobart CBD Hostel and motel pickups and drop-offs. Airport drop off available
Day 1: PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE
We begin our journey with a visit to Australia’s best-preserved colonial village, Richmond, before we head south to explore Tasmania’s ruthless convict past at the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site (guided walk and short harbour cruise included). Rich in visual history, learn of the chilling life as a convict in the restored sandstone prison buildings and preserved ruins. Staying overnight in Hobart.
Day 2: HOBART > STRAHAN
We leave Hobart and drive through the Derwent Valley – travelling east to west across the island. You’ll see the beautiful Russell Falls, walk among the Mt Field National Park Tall Trees, and visit Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, Lake St Clair. Explore the pristine Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park and end the day in Strahan. Staying overnight in Strahan.
Day 3: WILD WEST COAST
In the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast, we will explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Then we continue into the Tarkine Rainforest and walk to Tasmania’s highest waterfall – Montezuma Falls. Or you can choose to join the world-famous Gordon River Cruise (optional, at your own expense). Staying overnight in Strahan.
Day 4: CRADLE MOUNTAIN > LAUNCESTON
Around 950m above sea level is the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where you can choose a walk to suit you. With an extensive range of tracks, stroll around Dove Lake or challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. A short drive takes us through Sheffield, the ‘town of murals’ and then to Launceston. Staying overnight in Launceston.
Day 5: LAUNCESTON > BICHENO
We make our way to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. If the conditions are right, this is the perfect place for a swim. Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive takes you from St Helens to Bicheno where we meet the iconic Tasmanian devil as we stop at a wildlife sanctuary. This evening you may choose to join a viewing experience of the Little Penguins (optional at your own expense and seasonal). Staying overnight in Bicheno.
Day 6: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK > HOBART
An early start means we are the first to the Wineglass Bay lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mt Amos or a beach walk. We continue our journey south passing the coastal villages of Swansea and Orford before arriving back to Hobart.
Departs: This tour departs on Saturdays (Oct-April) at 7:00 am
Returns: Hobart 5.30 pm
Pickups: Available from central Hobart hostels & hotels
What to bring
- Camera
- Drink bottle
- Comfortable trail walking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Clothes to suit conditions (layers are a good idea)
- Waterproof jacket (just in case)
- Swimwear and towel (conditions permitting)
- Note: Meals are not included, bring cash to buy meals