Tasmanian Explorer

Day 1: Launceston / Stanley / North-West Coast

After this morning’s meeting 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, and if you have a sweet tooth, Anvers Chocolate may be calling you to taste its famous truffles! Next drop into the Tasmanian Arboretum, where there are reasonable chances for you to spot a platypus. After a brief stop in the picturesque 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. Wander down to the working wharf where some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania comes in each day. Continue to our accommodation in the rural countryside of Tasmania’s remote north-west corner, and perhaps enjoy the onsite heated pool.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• North Coast – Visit to Penguin Village
• North Coast – Narawntapu National Park
• North Coast – Lunch at Spreyton Cider Company
• Stanley – The Nut
• North Coast – Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

Meals Included

• Lunch

Special Information

It’s very important that you meet the group early this morning at 8am to begin your tour. Find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ section of your Essential Trip Information. We recommend spending a night in Launceston before your tour begins.

Day 2: The Tarkine / North-West Coast

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 Chisholm 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. Later return to our accommodation for the night.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• The Tarkine – Trowutta Arch
• The Tarkine – Lake Chisholm Sinkhole
• The Takine – Edge of the World

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 3: North Coast / 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 to the historic lighthouse at Table Cape and 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

• Corinna – Philosopher Falls
• North Coast – Rocky Cape National Park
• North Coast – Boat Harbour Beach
• Corinna – Hellyer Gorge
• North Coast – Table Cape Lighthouse Visit

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Day 4: Corinna / North Coast / Devonport

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. Continue to Devonport where you’ll spend the night.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Corinna – Hiking in Corinna
• North Coast – Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 5: Cradle Mountain National Park / Launceston

Head back to Launceston, via the one of Tasmania’s outdoor art galleries, the Sheffield Murals. After this you will spending time in the stunning Cradle Mountain National Park. With many options to enjoy the breathtaking peaks, you can take a walk around the lovely Dove Lake in Cradle Valley or hike up to Marion’s Lookout for breathtaking views across the area – the options are open for you. Keep your eyes peeled for wombats at Ronny Creek. Along the way to Launceston, there will be more optional stops for tastings and shopping, including for locally grown raspberries, cheese and ice cream.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Cradle Mountain National Park – Park Visit & Hikes
• Sheffield – Murals Trail
• North Coast – Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch

Day 6: Hobart / Richmond / Tasman Peninsula

After an early breakfast, make the drive to 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). Here a meeting will take place to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your journey. 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. Join your group for lunch at Pooley Wines then drive to the Tasman Peninsula where you may like to visit the aptly named Remarkable Cave. Or, you may want to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement with a horrific past (extra cost). After you have checked into your hotel at Eaglehawk Neck, join your group for a delicious, included dinner.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Tasman Peninsula – Eaglehawk Neck
• Richmond – Colonial Village Visit
• Richmond – Winery Visit & Lunch

Optional Activities

• Port Arthur – Historic Site Entry, Guided Walk & Harbour Cruise – AUD47

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Special Information

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 7: Tasman Peninsula / Hobart

Drive down the beautiful Tasman Peninsula, passing through the narrow sliver of land that is Eaglehawk Neck. Stop at Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Tessellated Pavement to view the unusual rock formations. On your return to Hobart, the Salamanca Markets await, ready to tempt you with local delights – everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. In the afternoon, drive to the quirky Museum of Old and New Art, home to an eclectic collection of pieces. Tonight you are free to relax for the evening or perhaps head out with your group for dinner.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Tasman Peninsula – Tasman Arch
• Hobart – Salamanca Markets
• Tasman Peninsula – Devils Kitchen
• Hobart – Visit to Museum of Old & New Art (MONA)

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 8: Huon Valley / Hartz Mountains National Park / Hobart

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. After driving to the top of kunanyi/Mount Wellington to savour some magnificent views over the city and its surrounding mountains, forests and waterways, you’ll depart for the Huon Valley. Stop in Geeveston, a small township known for its forestry heritage and gateway to the Hartz Mountains wilderness, where you’ll explore this remote and rugged place shaped by ancient glaciers on a number of short walks. 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.

 

Accommodation

• Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

• Hobart – Farmers’ Market
• Huon Valley – Willie Smith’s Cider Apple Museum
• Huon Valley – Geeveston & Hartz Mountains National Park
• Hobart – Excursion to the Summit of Mt Wellington

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Day 9: Bruny Island / 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 at 5.30pm, and you are free to depart at your leisure.

 

Included Activities

• Bruny Island – Truganini Lookout
• Bruny Island – South Bruny National Park
• Bruny Island – Day Trip by Ferry
• Bruny Island – Adventure Bay

Meals Included

• Breakfast

Special Information

Please note that your trip comes to an end upon arrival back in Hobart, at approximately 5:30pm. Please consider this when booking onward travel. We recommend you stay the night in Hobart. If you would like to do this, we can book additional accommodation for you (pending availability).