*Based on twin share accommodation. Single supplement available.
Discover the wild heart of Tasmania on this 7-day journey through Australia's most pristine island state. From the dramatic peaks of Cradle Mountain to the crystal-clear waters of Wineglass Bay, and the haunting history of Port Arthur, this trip showcases Tasmania's remarkable diversity of landscapes and experiences.
With more than 40% of the island protected in national parks and reserves, Tasmania offers unparalleled opportunities to encounter unique wildlife, ancient rainforests, and spectacular coastal scenery. Our expert local guides will share their knowledge of the island's rich natural and cultural heritage as you experience the best of Tasmania's wilderness and charming regional towns.
Tasmania may be Australia's smallest state, but it packs an extraordinary amount of natural beauty and cultural richness into its compact island geography. Separated from mainland Australia by the Bass Strait, Tasmania has developed a distinct character shaped by its isolation, pristine wilderness, and fascinating history.
Our 7-day Tasmanian Wilderness Journey is carefully designed to showcase the island's highlights while providing experiences that go beyond the typical tourist route. Starting and ending in Hobart, this circular itinerary takes you through UNESCO World Heritage wilderness areas, along breathtaking coastlines, and into charming historic towns with opportunities to encounter Tasmania's unique wildlife, sample its renowned cool-climate wines and fresh produce, and connect with local communities.
This trip is rated as moderate. Most walks are 2-3 hours in duration on well-maintained tracks, with some uneven terrain and occasional uphill sections. The longest walk option in Cradle Mountain is 6km (approximately 3 hours) but shorter alternatives are always available. A reasonable level of fitness will enhance your enjoyment, but all activities can be tailored to different fitness levels.
Tasmania can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring (September-November) brings wildflowers and flowing waterfalls. Summer (December-February) offers the warmest weather and longest daylight hours. Autumn (March-May) features stunning fall colors and is ideal for hiking. Winter (June-August) brings snow to the highlands and is perfect for cozy fireside experiences, though some alpine areas may have limited access.
Experience the diverse landscapes and rich culture of Tasmania through this thoughtfully planned itinerary.
Welcome to Tasmania! Upon arrival at Hobart Airport, you'll be transferred to your centrally located accommodation in Tasmania's charming capital city. After check-in and time to refresh, meet your local guide for an orientation tour of Hobart, including the historic Salamanca Place with its sandstone warehouses now housing galleries and boutiques.
In the afternoon, we'll take a drive up to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington (1,271 meters) for spectacular panoramic views over Hobart, the Derwent River, and beyond to the Tasman Peninsula. On clear days, you can see up to 100 kilometers in all directions. Your guide will explain the mountain's significance to both Aboriginal people and European settlers.
Return to Hobart for a welcome dinner at a waterfront restaurant specializing in Tasmania's renowned seafood. Over dinner, your guide will brief you on the adventure ahead and answer any questions about your Tasmanian journey.
Accommodation: MACq 01 Hotel, Hobart (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we depart Hobart and travel northwest to Mount Field National Park, Tasmania's oldest national park. Here we'll take a walk through temperate rainforest to the enchanting Russell Falls and Horseshoe Falls, surrounded by towering swamp gums and magnificent tree ferns. Keep an eye out for native wildlife including pademelons and bird species unique to Tasmania's forests.
We'll continue our journey west, traveling through the stunning Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The landscape changes dramatically as we enter the pristine wilderness of Tasmania's west coast, with ancient rainforests and rugged mountains.
Arrive in the historic harbor-side village of Strahan in the late afternoon, positioned on the edge of Macquarie Harbour. After checking into our accommodation, enjoy some free time to explore this charming town before dinner at a local restaurant featuring fresh west coast seafood.
Accommodation: Strahan Village (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today begins with a spectacular Gordon River Cruise into the heart of Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness. Board the purpose-built vessel for a journey across Macquarie Harbour and through the ancient temperate rainforests of the Gordon River. The reflections of the dense rainforest in the dark, tannin-rich waters create perfect mirror images that are truly breathtaking.
The cruise includes a stop at Sarah Island, once Tasmania's most notorious convict settlement, where our guide will bring the harsh history of this remote penal colony to life. You'll also visit Heritage Landing for a boardwalk through ancient rainforest with Huon pines over 2,000 years old.
Enjoy lunch on board before returning to Strahan. In the afternoon, we'll travel northeast through mining towns and wild landscapes to reach Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, one of Tasmania's most iconic wilderness areas. After checking into our accommodation on the edge of the park, we'll gather for dinner at the lodge restaurant.
Accommodation: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to exploring the alpine beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. After breakfast, we'll take the shuttle to Dove Lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain. Here, we'll embark on the famous Dove Lake Circuit, a 6km track that takes us through different vegetation zones with spectacular views of Cradle Mountain reflected in the lake's surface (weather permitting).
For those seeking a gentler experience, alternative shorter walks are available, including the Enchanted Walk or Rainforest Walk. Your guide will help you choose the best option based on your interests and abilities.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary at Devils @ Cradle, where you can learn about these unique marsupial carnivores and the conservation efforts to protect them from the facial tumor disease that has devastated wild populations.
Early evening is one of the best times for wildlife spotting in the park, so we'll take a guided twilight wildlife tour to look for wombats, wallabies, quolls, and other native animals as they become more active at dusk. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your leisure at one of the lodge's restaurants.
Accommodation: Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the mountains and travel east through the heart of Tasmania toward the stunning east coast. Our journey takes us through the scenic Midlands and past historic towns like Ross, known for its convict-built bridge and bakery.
We'll stop in the Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania's premier wine regions, for lunch at a vineyard restaurant and a tasting of cool-climate wines that the region is famous for, particularly Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling varieties.
Continuing east, we arrive at Freycinet National Park in the late afternoon. This peninsula of pink granite mountains, azure bays, and white sandy beaches is one of Tasmania's most photogenic locations. After checking into our accommodation, we'll take a short walk to a lookout for our first views of the area before dinner at the lodge restaurant.
Accommodation: Freycinet Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we'll set out on the scenic walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout. The moderately challenging uphill track rewards us with one of Tasmania's most photographed views—the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay beach below. For those feeling energetic, there's the option to continue down to the beach itself for a walk along the pristine white sand.
After exploring Freycinet, we'll travel south along the picturesque east coast, stopping at the seaside town of Swansea for lunch. Our journey continues to the Tasman Peninsula, known for both its natural beauty and sobering convict history.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia's most intact and evocative convict site. We'll take a guided tour of the main penitentiary and grounds, learning about the harsh conditions endured by the convicts sent here in the 19th century.
As darkness falls, we'll experience the site in a different way on an atmospheric ghost tour, walking by lantern light as our guide shares eerie stories of paranormal occurrences and the site's troubled past. Dinner tonight is at a restaurant near our accommodation.
Accommodation: Port Arthur Motor Inn (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our final day begins with a coastal eco-cruise along the Tasman Peninsula's dramatic shoreline. Marvel at Australia's highest sea cliffs, peer into deep sea caves, and watch for abundant marine wildlife including seals, dolphins, and seasonal migratory whales (May-November).
After the cruise, we'll begin our journey back to Hobart, stopping at the remarkable geological features of the Tasman Peninsula including the Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, and the Blowhole. We'll also stop at a local berry farm (seasonal) to taste some of Tasmania's famous cool-climate berries.
On the way to Hobart, we'll visit Australia's oldest bridge still in use (built 1823) in the charming historic town of Richmond. There's time to explore the village and learn about its role in Tasmania's colonial past.
We'll arrive back in Hobart in the mid-afternoon, where your Tasmanian Wilderness Journey concludes. You'll be transferred to Hobart Airport for your onward flight, or you may choose to extend your stay in Tasmania's capital city. Your guide can provide recommendations for further explorations.
Meals: Breakfast
Note: This itinerary may change due to weather conditions, seasonal variations, or other unforeseen circumstances. In particular, some walks may be altered if conditions are unsuitable. Your experienced guide will make appropriate adjustments to ensure the best possible experience while maintaining safety and comfort.
Enhance your Tasmanian experience with these optional activities (additional costs apply):
These can be arranged before your trip or during your welcome briefing on the first day, subject to availability.
On this journey, we've selected accommodations that enhance your Tasmanian experience, from historic waterfront hotels to wilderness lodges nestled in national parks.
Located on Hobart's historic waterfront, this storytelling hotel combines luxury with a deep connection to Tasmanian history and character. Each room is themed around a Tasmanian character, telling the story of the island through the lives of its people.
Superior Waterfront Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
Positioned on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, Strahan Village offers charming accommodation in a historic setting. The property features cottage-style rooms and waterfront locations that reflect the area's maritime heritage.
Village Waterfront Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
This iconic wilderness lodge is set on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park. The property offers a genuine wilderness experience with comfortable accommodations, excellent dining options, and direct access to walking trails.
Pencil Pine Cabins (included in standard package) feature:
Room upgrades are available at additional cost:
Located within Freycinet National Park, this lodge offers secluded cabins nestled in coastal bushland with easy access to the park's beautiful beaches and walking trails. The property features excellent dining showcasing local seafood and Tasmanian produce.
One Room Cabins (included in standard package) feature:
Room upgrades are available at additional cost:
Located just 250 meters from the Port Arthur Historic Site, this comfortable accommodation provides the perfect base for exploring this significant heritage area. The property offers modern rooms and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Standard Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
After visiting mainland Australia several times, we decided to explore Tasmania and couldn't be happier with our choice! The diversity of landscapes was incredible - from the misty mountains of Cradle Mountain to the stunning blue waters of Wineglass Bay. Our guide, David, was exceptional - knowledgeable about both the natural environment and Tasmania's fascinating history. The accommodations were perfectly chosen, especially Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge where we watched wallabies grazing right outside our cabin! The Gordon River cruise was absolutely magical with those perfect reflections. If you love nature, history, and good food, this trip is a must-do.
As a photographer, Tasmania had been on my bucket list for years, and this trip provided countless perfect shots. The quality of light in Tasmania is unlike anywhere else I've been, and the pristine environments make for stunning compositions. The itinerary was well-paced, allowing enough time at each location to really explore and find those magic moments. Our guide Sophie was excellent at positioning us at the right places at the right times for optimal light. The Tasman Peninsula coastal cruise was a highlight - those sea cliffs are simply spectacular! My only suggestion would be to allow a little more free time at Cradle Mountain for individual exploration.
We traveled with our two children (ages 10 and 14), and this trip was perfect for the whole family. The kids were absolutely thrilled with the wildlife encounters - seeing Tasmanian devils up close was a highlight for them. Our guide Tim was brilliant with the children, keeping them engaged with fun facts and wildlife spotting challenges. The walk to Wineglass Bay lookout was manageable even for our 10-year-old, and the sense of achievement she felt was wonderful. The accommodation was comfortable throughout, and the food was excellent - our teenagers particularly loved the seafood in Strahan and the berry farm visit. A perfect family adventure that balanced education with fun!
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View DetailsContact our team to check availability or customize this journey.