Experience the splendour and remote wonders of an island that prospers in its isolation on this six-day nature-filled adventure through Tasmania. Discover uninterrupted UNESCO national parks, from the coastal heath and sand dunes that meet the rainforest in Takayna/Tarkine to the glacier-sculpted terrain that envelops Cradle Mountain. Stroll along the stunning Wineglass Bay 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.
Is this trip right for you?
Welcome to Tasmania! Your adventure begins in Hobart, or Nipaluna in the language of the Muwinina and Palawa peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Hobart is now located. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 9:30 am to meet your fellow travellers, followed by a short walk to ningina tunapri – TMAG's Tasmanian Aboriginal culture gallery. Depart Hobart for a stopover in the historic town of Richmond – home to some of Australia’s oldest institutions. Enjoy some time to wander its streets, then head to a family-owned and operated winery for a tasting session. Finish your tasting experience and continue to the coastal town of Bicheno, where you will stay for the next two nights.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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From your base in Bicheno, 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. Join your leader for the walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout, or continue to the beach itself for a swim. It was voted one of the world’s top 10 beaches. Then after lunch follow the path up to Cape Tourville Lighthouse. Pose for a picture (or two) in front of the panoramic views, and then head back to Bicheno. This evening, there’s the option for you to join a guided tour for a closer look at the life of the area’s Little Penguins as they return nightly to their rookeries to feed their young.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. The walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout is a 3 km/1.5 hour return walk on a Grade 3 trail. It is a gradual uphill walk the whole way (and then back down) with some steep sections, but with many places to stop for a rest. You also have the option to continue from the lookout down to Wineglass Bay beach itself, which will add an additional 3 km/1.5 hours on a trail with many steps and some rough sections. To get to Cape Tourville Lighthouse & Lookout is a Grade 1, 600 m/20 min walk mostly on a raised boardwalk. If you are interested in doing the guided penguin tour tonight, please book directly through the operator's website: bichenopenguintours.com.au. This activity can sell out far in advance, so we recommend booking well ahead of time.
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This morning, you’ll depart Bicheno and follow the Great Eastern Drive until you arrive in the northeast corner of Tasmania, home to the Bay of Fires. This popular conservation area features Tasmania’s signature white sand beaches, coastal heaths and woodlands filled with protected wildlife, as well as its unique orange-coloured granite rocks. Set off on a leader-led beach walk along one of the many bays before continuing today’s journey towards your accommodation in Sheffield. The former hydroelectric hub has reinvented itself as an arts community with more than 140 murals on its streets that depict local stories and characters. You’ll have a free evening tonight to explore the town and spot some of its street art.
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Your Bay of Fires walk will depend on weather conditions, but is usually approximately 1 km return along the beach.
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This morning, drive over to the magnificent wilderness of Cradle Mountain National Park. The mountain, at 1545 m 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. You’ll have the chance to explore the park along a number of different walking tracks, including Dove Lake Circuit. Your leader will be at hand to explain the options depending on your or the group's ability. End the day by driving to your accommodation in Strahan.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. The Dove Lake Circuit is a Grade 3, 6 km circuit typically taking around 2-3 hours. Your leader can suggest other suitable walks for the time spent at Cradle Mountain. To best enjoy your time at Cradle Mountain, please keep in mind that sudden changes in weather may occur at any time in Tasmania. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.
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From Strahan, enjoy a full day exploring Tasmania’s West Coast, including the Tarkine, which is not only Australia’s largest temperate rainforest, but the second largest in the world. This cool-temperate rainforest has largely been left untouched and still homes wildlife not found anywhere else on earth, including the endangered Tasmanian Devils. It even retains a biological history from when this area was still connected to Patagonia and New Zealand, known collectively as Gondwanaland. Return to Strahan in the late afternoon.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
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Start the final day on the Apple Isle by passing through Queenstown’s eroded landscape of treeless hills, then stretch your legs on some great and moderately easy short walks along the Franklin River trail and along to the Nelson Falls boardwalk. Your next stop is Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, then continue over the Central Plateau and through the Derwent Valley. Finish your trip traversing Tasmania as you head back to Hobart, where your adventure will come to an end. If you’d like to extend your time in Tasmania, please speak to your booking agent.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your walking time will be approximately 1 hour. The Nelson Falls walk is a Grade 2, 1.4 km walk along a boardwalk. The Franklin River Nature Trail is a Grade 1, 1 km walk, partly on a boardwalk with no steep sections or steps. Your trip comes to an end this evening upon arrival in Hobart at around 6 pm. Please take this into consideration when booking your onward travel. We recommend you stay an additional night in Hobart.
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