Description

Come and experience Tasmania’s natural beauty and fascinating history on this 6-day loop around the island. Our experienced guides will make sure you see the major highlights and attractions (as well as some hidden treasures) of the West Coast, East Coast, and Cradle Mountain wilderness, plus discover our captivating convict past at the famous Port Arthur Historic Site. Make the most out of your time exploring Tasmania’s wilderness and history in a small group and wildly fun eco-certified tour.

Starts: Hobart 7.30am
Finishes: Hobart 5.30pm

Highlights:

· Richmond Village, Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur Historic Site
· Russell Falls, Mt Field National Park, Lake St Clair
· Henty Dunes, Tarkine Rainforest, Strahan
· Cradle Mountain, Launceston, Cataract Gorge
· Bay of Fires, St Helens, Bicheno
· Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Cape Tourville
· Advanced Eco-Certified Tour

Includes:

• Accommodation for 5 nights
• National Park entry fees
• Guided walks and free walking options
• Port Arthur Historic Site entry, guided walk and harbour cruise
• Hobart CBD Hostel and motel pickups and drop offs. Airport drop off available

Additional activity options available (at own expense):

• Gordon River Cruise
• Strahan Theatre – “The Ship that Never Was”
• Bicheno Evening Penguin tour

DAILY OVERVIEW

Day 1: PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE

We’ll visit Australia’s best-preserved colonial village, Richmond, then on to the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site (guided walk and harbour cruise included). Wander the preserved ruins in the open-air museum and imagine the harsh convict life. Throughout the day you will be amazed by the dramatic coastal scenery of Tasman NP. We’ll visit Pirate’s Bay lookout, Tasman Arch, Waterfall Bay and the Devil’s Kitchen to see these magnificent geological formations.
Overnight: Hobart

Day 2: HOBART > STRAHAN

Today we will drive through the Western Wilds. We’ll walk among some of the world’s tallest trees and see the beautiful Russell Falls at Mt Field NP. We’ll visit the expansive Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. The drive through the Franklin-Gordon NP offers pristine rainforest and mountain scenery. You’ll enjoy the quirky mining town of Queenstown before arriving in the charming harbourside village of Strahan.
Overnight: Strahan

Day 3: WILD WEST COAST

The untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast is today’s playground. In the Tarkine rainforest we’ll hike to Tasmania’s highest waterfall, Montezuma Falls, then explore the gigantic Henty Sand Dunes. Alternatively, today you have the option of cruising the scenic Gordon River (own cost). Later at Ocean Beach we’ll breathe the world’s freshest air. Back in Strahan, with luck our guide can help you find the unique platypus.
Overnight: Strahan

Day 4: CRADLE MOUNTAIN > LAUNCESTON

At the alpine and glacial carved World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain NP, choose a walk to suit your fitness. The Dove Lake circuit offers what some call the best short walk in Tassie, while the hike to Marion’s Lookout is more challenging. After looking for wombats at Ronny Creek (fingers crossed!), we’ll leave the highlands, stopping at the Town of Murals (Sheffield) before enjoying the urban delights of Launceston at your leisure.
Overnight: Launceston

Day 5: LAUNCESTON > BICHENO

Discover Launceston’s picturesque Cataract Gorge and look for local wallabies, then we’ll hit the road for some breathtaking East Coast scenery. Enjoy lunch in St Helens before walking along the white sands of the magical Bay of Fires (and swim, weather permitting!). We’ll take our time to savour the coastal views as we travel south to the picturesque fishing village of Bicheno (our home for tonight), where you may also join an optional guided tour of the little penguins (own cost) as they emerge from the sea.
Overnight: Bicheno

Day 6: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK > HOBART

The Wineglass Bay lookout provides outstanding vistas so it’s worth us getting up early and beating the crowds. Then we can relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mt Amos climb or a beach walk. Before heading to Hobart along the Great Eastern Drive we’ll take in the incredible ocean and mountain views of the Hazards pink granite peaks from Cape Tourville.