10 Day Tassie Icons Package DEAL From Launceston
10 days - Tour PackageIf you arrive in the morning or early afternoon, you’re lucky! After picking up your hire car, you have the option to explore our second largest city. Launceston is simultaneously lively and laid-back, and finds itself conveniently located close to the Tamar Valley Wine Trail. From gorgeous natural beauty to a charming, traditional atmosphere, this city will please a variety of travellers looking for a place to step back and breathe some of the freshest air on the planet.
LAUNCESTON ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3-star Accommodation: Adina Place (Studio apartment) or similar
4 star: The Mecure Launceston (Superior Hotel room) or similar
Tasmania’s Tamar Valley is found in the northern part of the state and centres around the approximately 65 km-long Tamar River that runs from Launceston to Bass Strait. Exploring both the eastern and western banks is a must if you have the time, venturing off the highway onto the twists and turns of smaller, lightly trafficked roads passing through vineyards, orchards, lavender fields, dairy farms, forests, national parks, and quaint townships.
On your way to Cradle Mountain, go through the town of Sheffield and see the murals created by talented artists. Or go the longer way via Mole Creek to check out the Caves. Arriving at Cradle Mountain, explore the many walks of the Cradle Mountain National Park.
CRADLE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3-star Accommodation: Silver Ridge Retreat (1 bedroom apartment) Farmstay style 35 mins from Cradle Mountain or similar
4-star Accommodation: Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat Wilderness Chalet with Spa Bath plus breakfast for 2 people, Moina – 35 mins from Cradle Mountain or similar
Upgrade to Cradle Mountain Hotel available on request
Waking up its time to discover Dove lake. Set at the feet of Cradle Mountain, Dove lake is an amazing lake to walk around taking only a few hours. Calm and serene, pleasant and rocky, it would be easy to assume that “Cradle Mountain” takes its name from a baby’s bed. But locals say no – it’s derived from the mountain’s resemblance to a miner’s cradle. This unique shape creates a dramatic vista that’s impossible to miss as visitors walk along the shores of the many lakes, river gorges and waterfalls that decorate the surrounding areas. And never fear, the chances of spotting a wombat is extremely high.
CRADLE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3-star Accommodation: Silver Ridge Retreat (1 bedroom apartment) Farmstay style 35 mins from Cradle Mountain or similar
4-star Accommodation: Lemonthyme Wilderness Retreat Wilderness Chalet with Spa Bath plus breakfast for 2 people, Moina – 35 mins from Cradle Mountain or similar
Upgrade to Cradle Mountain Hotel available on request
Heading south from Cradle Mountain, stop at Tullah, a peaceful former mining town surrounded by a beautiful landscape of lakes, rivers and mountain ranges. Explore the wilderness around Tullah on walking and mountain bike trails with guided nature tours available on sea kayak, canoe or horseback. The town of Rosebery, a short drive farther south-west, is a working mine township proud of its environmental management. Then make your way to Strahan.
Strahan is a fantastic jumping point for exploring the west of Tasmania. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had, an abundance of fresh food, and a dark-yet-rich history. Surrounded by national parks and wildlife refuges.
STRAHAN ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3 star: Sharonlee Strahan Villas (1 bedroom apt) or similar
4 star: Marsden Court (Studio Apartment) or similar
Strahan is a fantastic jumping point for exploring the west of Tasmania. There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had, an abundance of fresh food, and a dark-yet-rich history. Surrounded by national parks and wildlife refuges, Strahan is the perfect destination for the naturalist and those seeking a relaxing escape from the daily stress of modern life. Adventure to the end of the world, see the rarest of animals, stand at Hells Gates, and take the selfies to prove it. This small village of farmers and fishermen is surrounded by 19 national parks and regional reserves. Tasmania is 45 percent national wildlife parks and preserves, so it’s hard not to stumble upon one.
STRAHAN ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3 star: Sharonlee Strahan Villas (1 bedroom apt) or similar
4 star: Marsden Court (Studio Apartment) or similar
Our Strahan to Hobart self drive itinerary climbs up into the mountains to Queenstown, then across valleys and more mountains on the Alpine Plateau to Derwent Bridge at the southern end of Lake St Clair. A must-stop is the stunning sculpture at Derwent Bridge called The Wall in the Wilderness. “The Wall” is carved from three-metre high wooden panels and tells the story of Tasmanian history in the Central Highlands region – starting with the indigenous people, then pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers. There is also a cafe at the Wall. The Derwent River rises here, and the drive passes through the Hydro Electric generating area and follows the Derwent Valley downhill all the way to Hobart. Visit Russell Falls on the way.
HOBART ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3 star: Bay Hotel & Apartments (studio apt) OR Waterfront Lodge (motel) or similar
4 star: Travelodge Hobart City (hotel) or similar
If you like the sound of unearthing a new craft beer, delving into history that dates back to Australia’s earliest days and exploring museums, then Hobart is for you. Tasmania’s lively capital retains an old town salty-air feel that draws visitors flocking here in numbers not seen before. This vibrant city offers plenty of urban sites, as well as proximity to gorgeous natural surroundings and a mountain summit. What began as a penal colony in 1804 is now a hot tourist destination. Great live tunes, independent stores, mind-pausing art, and food so fresh you’ll be wiping the dirt off spuds the farmer plucked from the earth that morning.
HOBART ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3 star: Bay Hotel & Apartments (studio apt) OR Waterfront Lodge (motel) or similar
4 star: Travelodge Hobart City (hotel) or similar
Experience one of Australia’s greatest road trips on the Island.
The most popular attraction on the Tasman Peninsula is the Port Arthur Historic Site, which is often on the bucket list for travelers to Tasmania. Whether visiting Port Arthur or not, exploring the Tasman Peninsula is a must-do, as the natural beauty of this region will really leave an impression on you.
From the Tasman Peninsula to the East Coast, experience one of Australia’s greatest road trips on the Great Eastern Drive.
Stop off at Spiky Bridge for some history, Kates Berry Farm for the produce and one of the many vineyards for nibbles and wine tasting. Many cellar doors offer tasting plates or meals, or even a gourmet hamper of Tasmanian produce to enjoy in the vineyard or at a nearby beach.
EAST COAST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3 star: Wintersun Gardens (Motel) or similar
4 star: Apartments on Fraser (1 bedroom apt) or similar
Freycinet Lodge available on request
Explore the sunny east coast and Famous Freycinet National Park. This region which includes Coles Bay, Bicheno. Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park is the place to be if you like fishing and boating, bushwalking, sea kayaking, rock climbing, sun, and sand, or just spectacular coastal scenery. Walk up Wineglass Bay Lookout for one of the best views you will see on the trip.
Take the optional Wineglass Bay Nature Cruise. Then explore the quaint seaside village of Coles Bay.
EAST COAST ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
3 star: Wintersun Gardens (Motel) or similar
4 star: Apartments on Fraser (1 bedroom apt) or similar
Freycinet Lodge available on request
This route from Freycinet to Launceston Airport runs up the coast to Bicheno and beyond, but cuts inland at the Elephant Pass to St Marys You will drive up the Fingal Valley, and then cut off through the backroads to Evandale and on to Launceston. Evandale is classified as an historic town, and is famous for its Sunday Morning market as well as the annual World Penny Farthing Races which are held in February. This itinerary is designed to explore off the beaten track to take the scenic and historic route into Launceston. It is about 3 hours drive point to point, but if you allow time to look around at different stops it will take all day before returning your rental car at Launceston airport for departure.
