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Map of Tasmanian Explorer including Australia

From ancient rainforests to dramatic coastlines, uncover Tasmania’s natural wonders

Tasmania may be just across the ditch from mainland Australia, but when it comes to standout scenery, unique wildlife and intriguing history, this island is a world away. This 9-day adventure will weave you through must-sees and lesser-known treasures, with a local leader to provide expert knowledge at every step. Set off from the historic city of Launceston, hike the coastal trails of Narawntapu and Rocky Cape national parks and explore the prehistoric Tarkine Rainforest. Hit the markets in Hobart, sample the homegrown flavours of Bruny Island, learn about the region’s colonial past and explore a rugged, wild coastline shaped over the centuries by the southern seas.

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

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover Tasmania’s Cradle Coast, from the ancient landscapes of Rocky Cape National Park to the stunning stretch of ocean at the Edge of the World, with plenty of stops along the famed tasting trail.

  • 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 – a living connection to the Gondwana supercontinent.

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

  • See the highlights of the picturesque Tasman Peninsula, such as the rocky formations of Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, the secluded Crescent Bay and the tragically historic Port Arthur.

  • Delight in the rugged beauty and delicious flavours of Bruny Island as you sample local delicacies and explore national parkland where towering cliffs fall away into the crashing sea.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Just as a heads up before you book: 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’.

  • 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.

PUKT - Traveller looking through Trowutta Arch, Tasmania
PUKT - Group of travellers posing in front of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
PUKH - Travellers looking over Tasmania from Mount Wellington
PUKH - View of the Port Arthur historic site, Tasmania
The coastline of Rocky Cape National Park
PUKH - Stairway to the Neck lookout on Bruny Island
Man kayaking in Corinna, Tasmania
Remarkable Cave, Tasmania, Australia
Group of travellers trekking toward Cradle Mountain
Up close and personal with a Kangaroo at Narwantapu National Park

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.
Included Activities
  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Park Visit & Hikes
  • Sheffield - Murals Trail
  • North Coast - Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

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 make a trip to the summit of kunyanyi (Mount Wellington) for spectacular, sprawling views of the city and southern Tasmania. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurant options along the Hobart waterfront, where local fishermen, sailors and travellers have gathered for more than 200 years. In the afternoon, catch the ferry to the quirky Museum of Old and New Art, home to an eclectic collection of pieces – such as a man named Tim, whose tattooed back has been on display since 2011 as living art. You’ll take the ferry back to check into your hotel, where you are free to relax for the evening or head out and explore local Hobart nightlife.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hobart - Visit to Museum of Old & New Art (MONA)
  • Hobart - Excursion to the Summit of Mt Wellington
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
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.

Today, the Salamanca Markets await, ready to tempt you with local delights – everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. We’ll spend 2 hours exploring the market, 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. From there, head down the peninsula to the southern tip at Port Arthur. Driving down the beautiful Forestier and Tasman peninsulas, you’ll pass through the narrow sliver of land that is Eaglehawk Neck and stop at Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen, where the surging sea meets stunning rock formations. Once you reach Port Arthur, you can opt to hike from the aptly named Remarkable Cave, a picturesque sea cave shaped by ancient earthquakes, out to the breathtaking Crescent Bay, surrounded by steep sand dunes and offering awesome views along the coastline and sea cliffs. Or, you may want to explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former convict settlement with a horrific past (extra cost). We’ll return to Hobart for the night.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tasman Peninsula - Tasman Arch
  • Hobart - Salamanca Markets
  • Tasman Peninsula - Devils Kitchen
  • Tasman Peninsula - Eaglehawk Neck
  • Richmond - Colonial Village Visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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. Depart for the Huon Valley and the riverside town of Franklin where we’ll visit the Wooden Boat Centre, to learn the fine art of hand-crafted timber boats. From here we’ll go to 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. 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. Return to Hobart for the evening to enjoy dinner at an iconic Battery Point pub.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hobart - Farmers' Market
  • Huon Valley - Willie Smith’s Cider Apple Museum
  • Huon Valley - Wooden Boat Centre Tour
  • Huon Valley - Geeveston & Hartz Mountains National Park
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

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.
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 an additional night in Hobart.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (8 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
  • Hobart - Visit to Museum of Old & New Art (MONA)
  • Hobart - Excursion to the Summit of Mt Wellington
  • Tasman Peninsula - Tasman Arch
  • Hobart - Salamanca Markets
  • Tasman Peninsula - Devils Kitchen
  • Tasman Peninsula - Eaglehawk Neck
  • Richmond - Colonial Village Visit
  • Hobart - Farmers' Market
  • Huon Valley - Willie Smith’s Cider Apple Museum
  • Huon Valley - Wooden Boat Centre Tour
  • Huon Valley - Geeveston & Hartz Mountains National Park
  • Bruny Island - Truganini Lookout
  • Bruny Island - South Bruny National Park
  • Bruny Island - Day Trip by Ferry
  • Bruny Island - Adventure Bay

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Tasmanian 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 & END TIME
This trip begins with a Welcome Meeting at 8:00am on day 1 in Launceston and finishes upon arrival into Hobart 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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