Tasmanian Explorer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.