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Map of Highlights of Tasmania including Australia

Discover an untamed land with untold beauty.

Capture the ethereal splendour and remote wonders of an island that prospers in its isolation on this nature-filled adventure through Tasmania. Discover uninterrupted UNESCO national parks, from the coastal heath and sand dunes that meet the rainforest in Tarkine to the glacier-sculpted terrain that envelops Cradle Mountain. Stroll along the stunning Hazards Beach in the shadow of Freycinet’s pink peaks and be mesmerised by the contrasting powder-white sands, turquoise waters and orange-hued granite in the world-famous Bay of Fires. Surround yourself with endemic wildlife, from Tasmanian devils to fairy penguins, and spend your free evenings indulging in world-class seafood in quaint coastal towns.

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Terms & Conditions
Start
Hobart, Australia
Finish
Hobart, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Explorer
Code
PUST
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 18

Why you'll love this trip

  • Gain an insight into the unique flora, fauna and landscapes of Tasmania on this pioneering trip that takes you to parts of the island that are more off the beaten track.

  • Discover the breathtaking Bay of Fires – an incredible stretch of coastal heaven, famous for the fiery orange lichen that clings to its boulder-clad beaches.

  • Watch translucent waters lap powder-white sands in one of Freycinet National Park’s secluded bays – perhaps climbing to the summit of Mt Amos for a panoramic vista of this iconic landscape.

  • Trek along multiple walking trails in the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park – keeping an eye out for furry critters, including wombats and wallabies.

  • Explore the uninterrupted wilderness of Tarkine on a guided walk through its pristine rainforest – alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else on earth.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Please note that due to operational reasons some departures throughout the year may operate in the opposite direction. All experiences and inclusions remain the same but are simply experienced in reverse.

  • This trip is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that it includes several leader-led 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.

  • No meals are included on this trip. This allows you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip.

  • Our leaders are the classic do-it-all Aussie – they know the best spots to watch the sunset, will drive you to your next destination and take you on a hike. Be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and may have less time to spend with you. They will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Tasmania.

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

Views of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, Australia
PALB_Australia_tasmania_bay-of-fires-group
PUKT - Group of travellers posing in front of Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
australia_tasmania_tarkine_rainforest_traveller_waterfall
PUKT - Two female travellers posing on bridge in Tarkine rainforest, Tasmania, Australia

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jul 2023 to 30 Jun 2024.
 View the 2022 itinerary

Welcome to Tasmania! Your adventure begins in 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). You’ll be picked up at 8.00 am this morning, marking the start of your adventure. Traverse the island from east to west, leaving Hobart behind and venturing through the Derwent Valley, and then up onto the Central Plateau. Your first stop is Mount Field National Park – home to an abundance of wildlife, diverse fauna and stunning lush vistas. Walk in the land of the giants, the world’s tallest flowering trees, as you explore beautiful surrounds on a guided walk through tremendous fern forests to Russell Falls. Continue to Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake before entering the temperate time capsule that is the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Along the way, stretch your legs on some great short walks including along the Franklin River and to Nelson Falls. Pass through Queenstown with its intriguing eroded landscape of treeless hills then finish the day in Strahan at the very edge of the west coast.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lake St Clair - Lakeside Visit
  • Mt Field National Park - Tall Trees & Russell Falls Hike
  • Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - Nelson Falls Walk
  • Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - Franklin River Nature Trail
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
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 Mount Field National Park right away. Find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ section of your Essential Trip Information. We recommend spending a night in Hobart before your tour begins. The driving distance today is approximately 350 kilometres (around 5 hours). There will be three hikes today, one will take approximately 1 hour and the other two will take around 30 to 45 minutes each.

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Tasmania’s West Coast, beginning with a visit to the shifting sands of Henty Dunes. Reaching heights of up to 30 metres, these vast dunes are a desert amid Tasmania’s dense rainforests. Then venture into the Tarkine region. Nestled in the largest tract of temperate rainforest in Australia, the Tarkine is alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else on earth, and home to vast forests of myrtle, leatherwood and pine trees – living links to Gondwanaland that it shared with Patagonia and New Zealand millennia ago. Take a guided walk among its pristine rainforest and discover Tasmania's highest waterfall encased in a lush fern forest and rocky cliffs. Afterwards, return to Strahan and head to Ocean Beach to inhale some of the freshest air in the world.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Strahan - Henty Dunes & Ocean Beach
  • Tarkine - Rainforest Hike to Montezuma Falls
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The driving distance today is approximately 150 kilometres (around 2.5 hours). Today's hike will take approximately 3 hours. Today you have the alternative option to join a cruise along the Gordon River. Please note that if you do take advantage of this optional activity you will miss the visit to Henty Dunes and the trip to the Tarkine with the rest of the group. Your leader will be of assistance to book the cruise if you wish.

Depart from Strahan this morning and head to the magnificent wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park. The mountain, at 1545m high, is one of the park’s iconic features and is surrounded by stands of native deciduous beech, rainforest, alpine heath lands and button grass. Icy streams cascade down the mountainsides and ancient pines are reflected in the still glacial lakes. Explore the park along a number of different guided or self-guided walking tracks. If you prefer to travel at a leisurely pace, consider taking a walk to Waldheim Chalet or wandering along the Dove Lake circuit. For those with a little more grit, or people who simply love views of gorgeous lakes with rugged mountain backdrops, the hike to Marion’s Lookout is perfect. Your leader is at hand to explain options. Later today, travel to Launceston via Sheffield, the town of murals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Cradle Mountain Walks & Hikes
  • Sheffield - Town Stopover
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The driving distance today is approximately 300 kilometres (around 3.5 hours). Today's hiking will depend on which walking path you have chosen, please ask your leader for estimates.

Departing Launceston head for the peaceful north east corner of Tasmania. The Bay of Fires is remarkable for its beauty, wildlife and cultural history with long stretches of dazzling white beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, coastal heath and woodlands that abound with wildlife, and of course the orange coloured granite rocks. Explore the beach of Cosy Corner, then continue late in the day to Bicheno where tonight you can take a guided tour for a closer look at the life of the Little Penguins as they return nightly to their rookeries to feed their young.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Bay of Fires - Nature Hike
Optional Activities
  • Bicheno - Bicheno Penguin Tour - from - AUD66
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The driving distance today is approximately 315 kilometres (around 4.5 hours). Today's hike will take approximately 1.5 hours.

This morning, drive south to the beautiful Freycinet National Park, home to a wild domain of sublime beaches, whose powder-white sands are lapped by translucent waters. For those seeking a challenge, try the climb to the summit of Mt Amos or join your leader for the walk to Wineglass Bay, voted one of the world’s top 10 beaches. There are other free walking choices available, including the path up to Cape Tourville Lighthouse, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas across the coast. Afterwards, head back to Bicheno for the night and perhaps indulge in a delicious seafood dinner in this fishing town, from crayfish to abalone.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Freycinet National Park - Hike to Wineglass Bay
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The driving distance today is approximately 80 kilometres (around 1.5 hours). Today's hike will take approximately 3 hours.

Head to a sanctuary for a chance to see some of Tasmania’s native wildlife up close, including the famous Tasmanian devils (they’re not as fiendish as they sound!). The sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation and conservation of Tasmania’s wildlife, and quolls, bandicoots, bettongs and potoroos are also bred here before being reintroduced into the wild. The sanctuary also takes in injured animals to rehabilitate or rehome. After your visit, travel further south along the scenic Great Eastern Drive, passing through the coastal towns of Swansea and Orford, before stopping in the historic village of Richmond in time for lunch. Back in Hobart visit Mount Wellington Park to savour some magnificent views over the city and its surrounding mountains, forests and waterways. We'll hit one of the many walking tracks for a relatively short and moderate walk within this stunning park (weather permitting) before returning to the city centre and bidding farewell to your travel companions and your incredible adventure.
Included Activities
  • Hobart - Mount Wellington Hike
  • Richmond - Town Stopover
  • Bicheno - Tasmanian Devil Wildlife Sanctuary
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The driving distance today is approximately 200 kilometres (around 3 hours). Today's hike will take around 1-2 hours.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel & Motel (5 nights)

Included activities

  • Lake St Clair - Lakeside Visit
  • Mt Field National Park - Tall Trees & Russell Falls Hike
  • Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - Nelson Falls Walk
  • Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park - Franklin River Nature Trail
  • Strahan - Henty Dunes & Ocean Beach
  • Tarkine - Rainforest Hike to Montezuma Falls
  • Cradle Mountain National Park - Cradle Mountain Walks & Hikes
  • Sheffield - Town Stopover
  • Bay of Fires - Nature Hike
  • Freycinet National Park - Hike to Wineglass Bay
  • Hobart - Mount Wellington Hike
  • Richmond - Town Stopover
  • Bicheno - Tasmanian Devil Wildlife Sanctuary

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

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

Prices may go up, so secure your trip today!
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Important notes

START & END TIME
This trip departs from Hobart at 8am on day 1 and finishes back in Hobart at approximately 6pm on the final day. We recommend you arrive a day early, and onward travel should be booked after 8pm or the next day.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 1 and 2 (Motel) where you will be in shared accommodation. A single supplement is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Please note that due to operational reasons some departures throughout the year may operate in the opposite direction. All experiences and inclusions remain the same but are simply experienced in reverse.

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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