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Best of Tasmania

Best of Tasmania

From $ 4,790 AUD

Description

Traverse the unique landscapes of Tasmania from tip to toe on this nine-day adventure. Starting in Launceston – one of Australia’s oldest cities – you’ll sample some of the north’s finest wares along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail and experience the rich geological wonder of takayna/Tarkine and Cradle Mountain National Park. Then the beauty of the south beckons, with visits kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Hartz Mountains National Park and Bruny Island. Throw in the artisanal offerings of Hobart and the off-the-grid magic of Corinna and you’ll walk away with a dinky-di Tasmanian experience.

Trip Name
Best of Tasmania
Last Updated
2024-08-07
Days
9
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore Australia’s oldest temperate rainforest with a visit to takayna / Tarkine– home to unique species that have evolved over hundreds of millions of years and are a living connection to the Gondwana supercontinent.
  • Hike the Dove Lake Circuit in Cradle Mountain National Park – passing the immense lake, high peaks of the mountain and lush vegetation while looking out for wombats.
  • See the highlights of the picturesque Tasman Peninsula, including the rock formations of Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, the Tessellated Pavement and the tragically historic Port Arthur.
  • Join a bush tucker experience and learn all about the culturally rich landscape with a palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guide then browse through the Salamanca Market in historic Hobart.
  • Discover the rugged beauty and delicious flavours of Bruny Island as you sample local delicacies and explore the national parkland where towering cliffs fall away into the crashing sea.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Greening Australia. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges, restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

Day 1 - Launceston / Cradle Coast / Stanley / Smithton
Welcome to Tasmania or Lutruwita in the language of the Palawa peoples – the Traditional Owners of this land. Your adventure begins in Launceston with an 8 am welcome meeting. Your first stop this morning will be the Tiagarra Museum on Mersey Bluff in Devonport. You’ll watch a Welcome to Country ceremony and then head out on a guided tour of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. See Aboriginal petroglyphs and learn about the importance of this landscape. Travel along part of the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Along the way, there will be plenty of scenic stops, and if there’s time, sample some local ciders, chocolates and truffles along the trail. After stopping for lunch in the town of Penguin, continue along the rocky coastline to 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 – then wander down to the working wharf where some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania comes in each day. Continue to your comfortable accommodation, set in the rural area near Smithton, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 2 - Tarkine Wilderness / Smithton
Today, you’ll explore the Tarkine Wilderness area (Takayna in the language of the local Palawa peoples) – home to the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world. Rich with geological wonders, Aboriginal history and unique creatures with habitats not found anywhere else on earth, you can explore sites like the hidden Trowutta Arch and the Lake Chisholm sinkhole – both examples of fascinating geological change. Along the Tarkine Coast, you’ll also see Marrawah – famous for its big wave surfing – and the desolate Edge of the World which marks the longest stretch of ocean on the planet. From here, there’s no land until Argentina! You’ll head out on a few short walks to explore the sites. Later, return to your rural accommodation near Smithton for the night and look up after sunset (this is a gorgeous spot for stargazing). 
Day 3 - Rocky Cape National Park / Waratah / Corinna
Today, you’ll travel to Corinna via Rocky Cape National Park – home to windswept heathlands, sea caves, rock pools and twisted rocks formed over millions of years. Continue to the historic lighthouse at Table Cape and Boat Harbour Beach. Stop by Hellyer Gorge, then walk to see Philosopher Falls near Waratah. Tonight, settle into your accommodation for the night in Corinna’s remote, rural town in a restored miners’ cottage, where you can soak up some phone-free time, as there’s no service out here! Enjoy a group dinner with your fellow travellers and watch the sunset. 
Day 4 - Corinna / Cradle Mountain
You have a free morning this morning to get active. Maybe head out for some optional kayaking or hiking around the Corinna area, exploring the Pieman River and Tarkine Rainforest. After lunch, head to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where your accommodation for the night sits among the trees. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure, then as the sun begins to set, maybe head out to meet Tasmania’s most emblematic animal – the Tasmanian devil. This optional activity visits a wildlife conservation facility aimed at protecting these endangered creatures. Watch how they feed, learn their story, visit the nursery and meet some of the facility’s youngest residents. Finish your day with a sunset over Cradle Mountain and listen out for the unmistakable sound of the devils. 
Day 5 - Cradle Mountain / Launceston
After breakfast, hike the scenic Dove Lake Circuit in the Cradle Mountain area. This trail will take you around the lake and beneath the impressive spires of the mountain, passing gorgeous scenery along the way. As the circuit is board-walked most of the way, it’s a fairly easy walk and gives you plenty of time and energy to focus on the surroundings. After, head to a local restaurant in the park for a group lunch – maybe grab a drink and relax by the fire as you wait. Then, drive to Launceston, where you'll spend the night, stopping for optional tastings and shopping opportunities along the way (pick up some delicious, locally grown raspberries or cheese and ice cream). Tonight, you’re free to relax at your accommodation or head out for dinner with your group.
Day 6 - Hobart / Port Arthur / Tasman Peninsula
After breakfast hit the road for Hobart (or nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). On arrival have another welcome meeting for new members of your group. Then move on to the Port Arthur Historic Site – a former convict settlement with a horrific past where you’ll learn about the history of this former penal colony with an audio experience and a short boat cruise. Next, check out Remarkable Cave and get a glimpse of the stunning beach scenery. Head to your waterside accommodation at Eaglehawk Neck on the Tasman Peninsula then join your group for a delicious, included dinner tonight and get to know your new group members a little better.
Day 7 - Tasman Peninsula / Hobart
This morning after breakfast, drive down the beautiful Tasman Peninsula, passing through the narrow sliver of Eaglehawk Neck. Stop at Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Tessellated Pavement to view the unusual rock formations. Head back to Hobart, where the vibrant Salamanca Markets await, ready to tempt you with local delights. Find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts here – it’s a must-do for any Hobart visit. After lunch head to piyura kitina (Risdon Cove). Here, you’ll join a bush tucker experience and learn all about the culturally rich landscape with a palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) guide. Taste some bush tucker, listen to cultural stories and walk the landscape. Tonight, you’re free to relax at your accommodation in Hobart or maybe head out with your group for dinner at one of the popular restaurants.
Day 8 - Hartz Mountains National Park / Huon Valley / Hobart
Today, you’ll drive to the top of kunanyi / Mount Wellington to take in some magnificent views over the city and its surrounding mountains, forests and waterways. Then, drive into the Hartz Mountains wilderness, where you'll explore the remote and rugged place shaped by ancient glaciers on a few short walks. Next, head to Geeveston – a small township known for its forestry heritage, then continue up the Huon Valley and visit a honey farm and a cidery, where you’ll learn about the history of local apple farming in the valley, maybe with a few cider samples from the fourth-generation orchard (optional). Return to Hobart for your final night together.
Day 9 - Bruny Island / Hobart
This morning you’ll hop on the ferry over to Bruny Island – one of the most gorgeous spots in Tassie! Climb 279 steps to Truganini Lookout at The Neck for sweeping views, Indigenous history and wildlife spotting. Explore South Bruny National Park, where the Cape Bruny Lighthouse perches high above the wild waves of the Southern Ocean. Stop in at a few local shops for tastings of locally sourced products such as oysters, honey, cheese and beer. Then, stop at a local producer where you’ll taste pairings of local beer or wine and then head back to Hobart where your trip will come to an end.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-01-202513-01-2025AUD $ 5,265-
12-01-202520-01-2025AUD $ 5,265-
26-01-202503-02-2025AUD $ 5,265-
02-02-202510-02-2025AUD $ 5,265-
09-02-202517-02-2025AUD $ 5,025-
16-02-202524-02-2025AUD $ 5,025-
02-03-202510-03-2025AUD $ 5,025-
09-03-202517-03-2025AUD $ 5,025-
16-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 4,790-
13-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 4,995-
10-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 4,995-
07-09-202515-09-2025AUD $ 4,995-
05-10-202513-10-2025AUD $ 4,995-
12-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 4,995-
19-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 4,995-
02-11-202510-11-2025AUD $ 4,995-
09-11-202517-11-2025AUD $ 5,245-
16-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 5,245-
30-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 5,245-
07-12-202515-12-2025AUD $ 5,245-
14-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 5,490-
21-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 5,490-
04-01-202612-01-2026AUD $ 5,490-
11-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 5,490-
18-01-202626-01-2026AUD $ 5,490-
25-01-202602-02-2026AUD $ 5,490-
01-02-202609-02-2026AUD $ 5,490-
08-02-202616-02-2026AUD $ 5,490-
15-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 5,490-
22-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 5,245-
01-03-202609-03-2026AUD $ 5,245-
08-03-202616-03-2026AUD $ 5,245-
15-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 5,245-
29-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 5,245-
12-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 4,995-
26-04-202604-05-2026AUD $ 4,995-
12-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 5,220-
09-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 5,220-
06-09-202614-09-2026AUD $ 5,220-
04-10-202612-10-2026AUD $ 5,220-
11-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 5,220-
18-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 5,220-
01-11-202609-11-2026AUD $ 5,220-
08-11-202616-11-2026AUD $ 5,480-
15-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 5,480-
29-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 5,480-
06-12-202614-12-2026AUD $ 5,480-
13-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 5,740-
20-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 5,740-
03-01-202711-01-2027AUD $ 5,740-
10-01-202718-01-2027AUD $ 5,740-
17-01-202725-01-2027AUD $ 5,740-
24-01-202701-02-2027AUD $ 5,740-
31-01-202708-02-2027AUD $ 5,740-
07-02-202715-02-2027AUD $ 5,740-
14-02-202722-02-2027AUD $ 5,740-
21-02-202701-03-2027AUD $ 5,480-
28-02-202708-03-2027AUD $ 5,480-
07-03-202715-03-2027AUD $ 5,480-
14-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 5,480-
28-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 5,480-
11-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 5,220-
25-04-202703-05-2027AUD $ 5,220-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights),Cottage (1 night)

Transport

Private Vehicle,Ferry

Map