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Map of Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain Explorer including Australia

Explore the edge of the world along Tasmania’s untamed Cradle Coast

The dramatic, natural beauty of north west Tasmania awaits on this 5-day discovery tour. Make a loop from the historic city of Launceston, up along the coast and then back inland, passing though seaside towns, ancient rainforest and Aboriginal heritage sites along the way. Hike the coastal trails of Narawntapu and Rocky Cape national parks, explore the richness of the Tarkine and take in sweeping ocean views from clifftop lookouts. In between sightseeing, sample the best flavours of the region, from whiskey to chocolate truffles, with visits to locally owned shops on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.

Start
Launceston, Australia
Finish
Launceston, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
PUKT
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the natural beauty of Tasmania’s untamed Cradle Coast, from the ancient landscapes of Rocky Cape National Park to the seemingly endless stretch of ocean at the Edge of the World.

  • Explore the country’s oldest temperate rainforest with a visit to the Tarkine, home to unique species that have evolved over hundreds of millions of years and are a living connection to the Gondwana supercontinent.

  • Learn about the rich Aboriginal heritage and spiritual connections of Tasmania’s northern landmarks and national parklands.

  • Unplug and unwind with an overnight stay in a remote, rural community that was a booming mining town during the 1870s goldrush.

  • Indulge in delicacies like locally made ice cream and cider as you sample a variety of treats along Tasmania’s famed Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that it includes several guided walks, allowing you to get among nature. Most are relatively short and easy although there are some more challenging options. However, joining a walk is always up to you. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.

  • Temperatures can fluctuate in Tasmania. It's important to prepare – pack suitable clothing for hot, cold, dry and wet weather, just in case.

PUKT - Group of travellers posing in front of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
PUKT - Close up of a Wombat, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Man kayaking in Corinna, Tasmania
Group of travellers trekking toward Cradle Mountain
PUKT - Sunny and blue skies on the coast of Boat Harbor beach
PUKT - Traveller walking down to Edge of the World, Arthur River, Tasmania
The coastline of Rocky Cape National Park
PUKT - Optional Whiskey tasting Cradle to Coast tasting trail
PUKT - Traveller looking through Trowutta Arch, Tasmania
Up close and personal with a Kangaroo at Narwantapu National Park
Travellers posing along the Cradle Mountain Trail
The waters of Edge of the World coast, Tarkine

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2021 to 30 Jun 2023.
 View the 2023 itinerary

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! 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
Today's first meeting and pick up will take place at 8am this morning. It’s very important that you are on time today and checked out already, as we will head out towards Stanley right away. 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.

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, 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 Tarkine - Edge of the World
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

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
  • Waratah - Philosopher Falls
  • North Coast - Rocky Cape National Park
  • North Coast - Boat Harbour Beach
  • Waratah - Hellyer Gorge
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

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 another stop along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail to enjoy a whisky tasting tour at Hellyers Road Distillery. Once in Devonport you'll stop at Mersey Bluff where you'll see Aboriginal petroglyphs and learn about the importance of this landscape to the palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Devonport is now located. Continue to your hotel 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

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. Your trip comes to an end in Launceston.
Included Activities
  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Park Visit & Hikes
  • Sheffield - Murals Trail
  • North Coast - Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Please note that your trip comes to an end upon arrival in Launceston, at approximately 5:30pm. Please consider this when booking onward travel. We recommend you stay an additional night in Launceston.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nights)

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
  • The Tarkine - Trowutta Arch
  • The Tarkine - Lake Chisholm Sinkhole
  • The Tarkine - Edge of the World
  • Waratah - Philosopher Falls
  • North Coast - Rocky Cape National Park
  • North Coast - Boat Harbour Beach
  • Waratah - Hellyer Gorge
  • Corinna - Hiking in Corinna
  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Park Visit & Hikes
  • Sheffield - Murals Trail

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Tasmania's Tarkine & Cradle Mountain Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

START & FINISH TIME
This trip begins with a Welcome Meeting at 8:00am on day 1 in Launceston and finishes upon arrival back into Launceston on the last day at approximately 5:30pm.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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