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Map of Walk the East Coast of Tasmania including Australia

Hike eastern coastal trails to spectacular clifftop vistas

Maria Island and Freycinet National Park are jewels in Tasmania’s already studded crown of coastal wonders, and on this hiking adventure, you will be able to discover both and more in all the East Coast’s wild beauty. From Hobart, spend four days hiking some of the southern state’s best coastal walks, including part of the Three Capes Track, the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs loops and to the awe-inspiring Wineglass Bay. With a knowledgeable leader joining you each step of the way, plus a selection of group dinners included in your itinerary, Tasmania’s East Coast will no doubt delight in this active escape.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Hobart, Australia
Finish
Launceston, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
PIXE
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Navigate the scenic Cape Freycinet isthmus on foot, marvelling at the white sands of the famous Wineglass Bay, and discovering lesser known beaches and coves along the way.

  • Ferry to the acclaimed Maria Island, and embark on two looped hikes to some of the region’s most incredible cliffs and coastal views. Full of settler history, consider hiring a bike to discover more of the island.

  • Keep an eye out for swooping sea birds and Australian animals like kangaroos and wombats as you walk. Plus, depending on the time of the year, you could spot a breaching whale from these promontories!

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Tasmanian weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

PIXE - Tasmania - Maria Island - Fossil Cliff
PIXE - Tasmania - Maria Island - Close up of Painted Cliffs
PIXE - Tasmania - Maria Island - Wombat
PIXE - Tasmania - People enjoying Wineglass Bay
PIXE - Tasmania - Freycinet - Coastline Rocks and Water at Sunset
PIXE - Person overlooking Tasmania Wineglass Bay Scenic View
PIXE - Tasmania - Group on Cape Hauy Hike
PIXE - Maria Island - Group Hike

Itinerary
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Welcome to Hobart! Be ready bright and early at the Hobart Travelodge at 7.45 am, for an 8 am departure. On your way to the first hike, stop quickly in Sorrell to grab yourself some lunch, then arrive at the Cape Huay walk. Head along a section of the Tasman Peninsula, with spectacular views greeting you along the way. Part of the Three Capes Track, walk through heathland full of wildflowers on undulating tracks until you hit the coastline. The scenes of dolerite cliffs get more and more pronounced as you near the narrow edge of the promontory – it’s seriously incredible viewing. Stop by a number of vantage points to soak in the best of The Lanterns, Mitre Rock, The Candlestick and Totem Pole – the perfect walk to begin your adventure. After returning to your private vehicle, drive to Orford (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). Spend the evening in this sleepy coastal town, with a delicious two-course meal included for you and your group to enjoy.
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you meet the group early this morning to begin your East Coast tour. Find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ section of your Essential Trip Information. If you are going to be late, we recommend spending a night before your tour begins in Hobart. If so, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Today’s hike is 8.8 kilometres. It will take around 4 hours, depending on the group.

As you are heading on a number of short and medium length hikes in the first few days, we recommend you bring snacks with you – like a trail mix – to keep you going on the walks. There will be little-to-no access to supermarkets or stores until the end of Day 2, so we recommend you bring your own. Refrigeration and small kitchen facilities are available at your accommodation.

After breakfast, jump on a ferry bound for Maria Island (approximately 45 minutes). A natural wonder full of history, sweeping bays and rugged cliffs sitting off the coast of Tasmania, Maria Island is an ideal destination for hiking. You’ll be tackling two trails of the island – Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs loop walks. Starting from where the ferry dropped you in Darlington, head north past silo ruins and cement works towards the Convict Barn, full of early farming artefacts. Continue across coastal plains, past other reminders of settler history, along a track that often has forester kangaroos and wombats lurking about. Climb the short steep track to Fossil Cliffs and marvel at the thousands of shellfish fossils embedded in the limestone, formed millions of years ago. Today you will have the option skip one of the two hikes to hire a bike for an hour or so to check out more of the island. Enjoy your own lunch that you brought with you during the day, then ferry back to the mainland and drive to the quaint coastal town of Swansea (approximately 45 minutes). After a busy day of walking, perhaps take a quiet stroll along the foreshore, stock up on supplies and join your leader for some dinner in town.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s two hikes are 4.2 and 4.5 kilometres, respectively. It will take around 4 hours total, depending on the group.

This morning, you’re in for a treat. Take a 1-hour drive to Freycinet National Park – one of Australia’s most renowned and picturesque regions. As you enter the park, the views over Coles Bay towards what’s known as The Hazard Range is a sight to behold. On arrival, lace up your walking shoes for a scenic 11.5-kilometre circuit walk which takes you to the iconic white sands of Wineglass Bay, and also a lesser-known but no less stunning Hazards Beach on the opposite site of the Cape Freycinet isthmus. Best to have your camera at full charge today, because the vistas are out of this world. Afterwards, drive towards Tasmania’s central hub, Launceston, taking around 2.5 hours. Once arrived and checked in, join your group and local leader for a celebratory dinner at the well-known Hotel Grand Chancellor. Included will be a two-course meal for you all, so toast to the sights and sounds of the East Coast.
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s hike is 11.5 kilometres.

With no activities planned for today, you are free to depart the accommodation at any time. That doesn’t mean your Tasmanian adventure has to finish just yet! If you would like to explore Launceston and surrounds more, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Ferry, walking

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights)

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk the East Coast of Tasmania trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. Trip will begin at Travelodge Hobart, 167 Macquarie St, Hobart TAS 7000, at 7:45am.

2. Unless a Single Supplement has been requested, all rooms will be with Twin Bedding. If you would prefer Double Bedding please advise Intrepid as early as possible, however please note that Double Bedding will be on request and is determined by the availability of the accommodation on your trip.

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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