Day 1: PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE
Start the tour with a quick look at Australia’s best-preserved colonial village, Richmond before heading south for magnificent views of the Tasmania Peninsula and some features of the Tasman National Park. Explore Tasmania’s ruthless convict past today at the World Heritage Listed Port Arthur Historic Site (guided walk and harbour cruise included). Rich in visual history, learn of the chilling realities of life as a convict amid the restored sandstone prison buildings and preserved ruins. We'll also view some of the amazing rugged scenery and unique rock formations of the Tasman National Park at Pirate's Bay, the Blowhole, the Devil's Kitchen and Tasman Arch.
Overnight: Hobart
Day 2: HOBART > STRAHAN
Our journey begins as we traverse the island from east to west. Leaving Hobart through the Derwent Valley, we walk in the land of the giants and admire the beauty of Russell Falls and Mt Field National Park. Visit Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake. Enter the temperate time capsule that is the Franklin-Gordon Wild River National Park. End the day in Strahan beside Macquarie Harbour.
Overnight: Strahan
Day 3: WILD WEST COAST
Join your guide as we venture into the untouched wilderness of Tasmania’s West Coast. Travelling along the coast from the seaside town of Strahan, we explore the shifting sands of Henty Dunes before continuing into the Tarkine Rainforest and walking to Tasmania’s highest waterfall – Montezuma Falls. Alternatively, there is also the option today of joining the world famous cruise on the Gordon River. This scenic cruise provides a great way to explore the rich history and scenic beauty of Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River (optional cruise at own expense).
Overnight: Strahan
Day 4: CRADLE MOUNTAIN > LAUNCESTON
We journey to 950m above sea level to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Claire National Park. We share some local knowledge and interpretation of the landscape to help you choose a walk that will enhance your experience here. With an extensive range of tracks, you will be able to take it easy with a stroll around Dove Lake and one of the many boardwalks or perhaps challenge yourself with a hike to Marion’s Lookout. We'll head to Ronny Creek in the hope of spotting some wombats before a short drive to Sheffield, the ‘town of murals’. We finish the day in Launceston, Australia’s third oldest city.
Overnight: Launceston
Day 5: LAUNCESTON > BICHENO
Enjoy a morning walk at Cataract Gorge in the heart of Launceston before we make our way to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Here you can stretch your legs with some quality time to enjoy this highly recommended coastal region (a Lonely Planet favourite). The beaches are gleaming and the water inviting. Perhaps a swim (weather permitting)? Enjoy Tasmania’s most scenic coastal drive from St Helens to Bicheno, stopping at a wildlife sanctuary on the way. This evening you can join a guided viewing of the Little Penguins (optional at own expense & seasonal) as they return to their rookeries on the edge of this seaside village.
Overnight: Bicheno
Day 6: FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK > HOBART
An early start means we are the first to the lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo of Wineglass Bay. Relax on the secluded beach or choose the more challenging Mt Amos or Hazards Beach walk. This afternoon, we take a break at a picturesque village and check out a local convict-built bridge. A short drive returns us to Hobart.
