Experience the splendour and remote wonders of an island that prospers in its isolation on this six-day nature-filled adventure through Tasmania. Discover uninterrupted UNESCO national parks, from the coastal heath and sand dunes that meet the rainforest in Takayna/Tarkine to the glacier-sculpted terrain that envelops Cradle Mountain. Stroll along the stunning Wineglass Bay in the shadow of Freycinet’s pink peaks and be mesmerised by the contrasting powder-white sands, turquoise waters and orange-hued granite in the world-famous Bay of Fires. Surround yourself with endemic wildlife, from Tasmanian devils to fairy penguins, and spend your free evenings indulging in world-class seafood in quaint coastal towns.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hobart / Richmond / Bicheno

Welcome to Tasmania! Your adventure begins in Hobart (nipaluna in the language of the Muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). You’ll have a welcome meeting at 9:30 am to meet your fellow travellers, followed by a short walk to ningina tunapri – TMAG’s Tasmanian Aboriginal culture gallery – to start your journey off by connecting to the Traditional Owners of Tasmania. Then, leave Hobart behind, and head to the historic town of Richmond – home to over 40 heritage buildings. Stop for lunch and walk the charming streets before continuing north. On the way, there are optional stops at a local whiskey, gin and vodka distillery or at a winery. After your tasting, continue to the coastal town of Bicheno and your accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 2: Freycinet National Park / Bicheno

From your base in Bicheno, drive south to the beautiful Freycinet National Park, home to a wild domain of sublime beaches, whose powder-white sands are lapped by translucent waters. Join your leader for the walk to Wineglass Bay, voted one of the world’s top 10 beaches, then after lunch follow the path up to Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Pose for a picture (or two) in front of the panoramic views, and then head back to Bicheno. This evening, there’s the option for you to join a guided tour for a closer look at the life of the area’s Little Penguins as they return nightly to their rookeries to feed their young.

Day 3: Bay of Fires / Sheffield

This morning, you’ll depart Bicheno and follow the Great Eastern Drive until you encounter the peaceful northeast corner of Tasmania. The Bay of Fires is remarkable for its long stretches of dazzling white beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, coastal heath and woodlands abundant with wildlife and orange coloured granite rocks. Take on one of the multiple walking paths, then head to St Marys – a heritage hinterland town surrounded by natural beauty. Your next stop is Campbell Town, steeped in convict history. Later, arrive at your accommodation in Sheffield. The former hydroelectric hub has reinvented itself as an arts community. Before settling in for the night, maybe admire the more than 140 murals on its streets that depict local stories and characters.

Day 4: Cradle Mountain National Park / Tullah

This morning, drive over to the magnificent wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park. The mountain, at 1545 m high, is one of the park’s iconic features and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech, rainforest, alpine heath lands and button grass. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes. You’ll have the chance to explore the park along a number of different walking tracks, including Dove Lake Circuit – your leader will be at hand to explain the options depending on your or the group’s ability. In the afternoon, there’s an optional visit to Devils @ Cradle – a unique Tasmanian Devil conservation sanctuary in the national park. End the day by driving to your accommodation in Tullah – a former mining town sitting on the scenic shores of Lake Rosebery.

Day 5: Tarkine Wilderness / Strahan

From Tullah, enjoy a full day exploring Tasmania’s West Coast. You’ll drive to a range of lookout stops before entering the enchanting takayna/Tarkine region. The largest tract of temperate rainforest in Australia, the Tarkine is alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else on earth, and is home to vast forests of myrtle, leatherwood and pine trees – living links to Gondwanaland that it once shared with Patagonia and New Zealand. Take a walk among the pristine rainforest and discover Tasmania’s highest waterfall encased in a lush fern forest and rocky cliffs. Then, take the road to the very edge of the west coast, and your accommodation for the night in Strahan.

Day 6: Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park / Lake St Clair / Hobart

Start the final day on the Apple Isle by passing through Queenstown’s eroded landscape of treeless hills, then stretch your legs on some great short walks along the Franklin River and to Nelson Falls. Your next stop is Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, then continue over the Central Plateau and through the Derwent Valley. After traversing Tasmania back to Hobart, your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Tasmania, please speak to your booking agent.

Departure Dates