Description

Tasmania may be just across the ditch from mainland Australia, but when it comes to standout scenery, unique wildlife and intriguing history, this island is a world away. This 9-day adventure will weave you through must-sees and lesser-known treasures, with a local leader to provide expert knowledge at every step. Set off from the historic city of Launceston, hike the coastal trails of Narawntapu and Rocky Cape national parks and explore the prehistoric Tarkine Rainforest. Hit the markets in Hobart, sample the homegrown flavours of Bruny Island, learn about the region’s colonial past and explore a rugged, wild coastline shaped over the centuries by the southern seas.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Launceston to Stanley

Today you head from Launceston, one of Australia’s oldest cities, to the seaside town of Stanley, with plenty of scenic stops along the way. Visit Narawntapu National Park, whose coastal plains are home to stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies and a variety of bird species. Learn about the rich Aboriginal heritage of this area, where artefacts can still be found along the walking trails. Together, we’ll enjoy a platter lunch at an amazing cidery that is part of Tasmania’s Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. You may opt to sample their local brews – perhaps a vintage pear cider. After a brief stop in the picturesque town of Penguin, visit the historic Table Cape Lighthouse, perched atop the rocky cliff’s edge. In Stanley, climb the famous landmark The Nut, an ancient volcanic plug that juts out into the Bass Strait and offers outstanding views from the top. Later, wander down to the working wharf where some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania comes in each day. At night, there is an optional dinner at Hursey Seafood, another part of the Tasting Trail.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 Night)

Included Activities

• Visit to Penguin
• Table Cape Lighthouse Visit
• Narawntapu National Park
• Platter style lunch at Spreyton Cider Co.
• Climb The Nut

Optional Activities

Meals

• Lunch

Day 2: The Tarkine

The Tarkine is home to the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world. It is rich with geological wonders, Aboriginal history and unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else on earth. Explore sites like the hidden Trowutta Arch and the Lake Chisolm sinkhole, both examples of fascinating geological change. Other highlights along the Tarkine Coast include Marrawah, famous for its big wave surfing, Mount Cameron West, one of the most important Aboriginal art sites in Tasmania, and the desolate Edge of the World, marking the longest stretch of ocean on the planet – from here, there’s no land until Argentina. You’ll enjoy numerous short walks to explore the sites, with a picnic lunch along the way.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 Night)

Included Activities

• Trowutta Arch
• The Tarkine Coastline
• The Tarkine Rainforest
• Lake Chisolm sinkhole
• Edge of the World

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 3: Corinna

Today you travel to Corinna via Rocky Cape National Park, home to windswept heathlands, sea caves, rock pools and twisted rocks that have formed over millions of years. Discover the cultural and spiritual connection to this area among the Aboriginal community. Continue on to the stunning Boat Harbour Beach before stopping for lunch at either the spectacular Hellyer Gorge or in the historic town of Waratah. Take a short walk (approximately 1.5 hours roundtrip) to see the pretty Philosopher Falls. In the remote, rural town of Corinna, settle into your accommodation in restored miners’ cottages and put away your phone – there’s no service out here anyway. Here you will enjoy a lovely dinner with your fellow travellers.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 Night)

Included Activities

• Philosopher Falls
• Rocky Cape National Park
• Town visit to Waratah
• Boat Harbour Beach
• Hellyer Gorge

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 4: Corinna
Get active today with opportunities for kayaking and hiking around the Corinna area, exploring the Pieman River and Tarkine rainforest. After lunch in Corinna, begin your return towards to the North West coast, with plenty of stops along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Enjoy a whisky tasting tour at Hellyers Road Distillery, and further along the Tasting Trail you will have the option sample local beers at Buttons Brewing. If you have a sweet tooth, Anvers Chocolate may be calling you to taste its famous truffles!

Included Activities

• Whisky tasting tour
• Hiking in Corinna
• Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 5: Launceston
Head back to Launceston today, first stopping off to admire the outdoor murals painted on the sides of buildings in the charming town of Sheffield. Continue to the magnificent Cradle Mountain National Park where you can take a walk around the lovely Dove Lake in Cradle Valley, hike up to Marion’s Lookout for breathtaking views across the area, or watch out for wombats at Ronny Creek. Hit the road again, with optional stops for tastings and shopping, including for locally grown raspberries, cheese and ice cream, then arrive in Launceston where you will spend the night.

Included Activities

• Cradle Mountain
• Sheffield Murals

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6: Hobart
After an early breakfast, make the drive to Hobart where a meeting will take place to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your journey. Then make a trip to the summit of kunyanyi (Mount Wellington) for spectacular, sprawling views of the city and southern Tasmania. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurant options along the Hobart waterfront, where local fishermen, sailors and travellers have gathered for more than 200 years. In the afternoon, catch the ferry to the quirky Museum of Old and New Art, home to an eclectic collection of pieces – such as a man named Tim, whose tattooed back has been on display since 2011 as living art. You’ll take the ferry back to check into your hotel, where you are free to relax for the evening or head out and explore local Hobart nightlife.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 Night)

Included Activities

• MONA Museum Entry & Ferry
• Mt Wellington Summit

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast

Day 7: Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula
Today, the Salamanca Markets await, ready to tempt you with local delights – everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. We’ll spend 2 hours exploring the market, then head to the historic town of Richmond. With over 40 heritage buildings, Richmond gives you the impression that you’ve landed back in the colonial 1800s. From there, head down the peninsula to the southern tip at Port Arthur. Driving down the beautiful Forestier and Tasman peninsulas, we’ll pass through the narrow sliver of land that is Eaglehawk Neck and stop at Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, where the surging sea meets stunning rock formations. Once we reach Port Arthur, you can opt to hike from the aptly named Remarkable Cave, a picturesque sea cave shaped by ancient earthquakes, out to the breathtaking Crescent Bay, surrounded by steep sand dunes and offering awesome views along the coastline and sea cliffs. Or, you may want to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement with a horrific past (extra cost). We’ll return to Hobart for the night.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 Night)

Included Activities

• Tasman Arch
• Eaglehawk Neck
• Salamanca Market
• Remarkable Cave
• Devils Kitchen
• Crescent Bay Hike

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast

Day 8: Bruny Island
Feast on local delights at the Hobart farmers’ market, where you can meet local producers and browse for seasonal Tassie produce like gooseberries, pine mushrooms or fresh oysters, depending on the time of year. Depart for the Huon Valley and the riverside town of Franklin where we’ll visit the Wooden Boat Centre, to learn the fine art of hand-crafted timber boats. From here we’ll go to Geeveston, a small township known for its forestry heritage and gateway to the Hartz Mountains National Park, a remote and rugged place shaped by ancient glaciers. Our last stop in the Huon Valley is to learn about the history of local apple farming, maybe with a few cider samples, at a fourth-generation orchard and cidery. Return to Hobart for the evening to enjoy dinner at an iconic Battery Point pub.

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 Night)

Included Activities

• Hobart Farmers Market
• Willy Smith’s Cider Apple Museum
• Hartz Mountains National Park Hikes
• Wooden Boat Centre Tour
• Geeveston

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 9: Huon Valley to Hobart
Hop on the ferry over to Bruny Island. Climb 279 steps to reach Truganini Lookout at The Neck for sweeping views and wildlife-spotting. Explore South Bruny National Park, where the Cape Bruny Lighthouse perches high above the wild waves of the Southern Ocean. Visit Cloudy Bay, at the southernmost tip of the island, where whaling stations operated in the mid-1800s. See the beautiful coastline of Adventure bay, and stop in at a few local Bruny Island shops for tastings of locally sourced products such as cheese, oysters, honey, beer and/or wine. Your tour concludes upon return to Hobart, and you are free to depart at your leisure.

Included Activities

• Truganini Lookout
• South Bruny National Park
• Cloudy Bay
• Bruny Island Ferry
• Adventure Bay

Optional Activities

Meals

• Breakfast