13 Day Premium Tasmania Tour

Meet and greet for an evening meal and drinks in Hobarts’ city centre and get to know your host for the 13 days. Tonight you will be staying at the lovely 4-star Movenpick Hotel. Comprehensive tour itineraries will be provided along with a personalised map graphically depicting your 13-day Tasmanian journey which covers approximately 2000 km.

Pick up from the Movenpick Hotel and set off for the summit of Tasmania’s Mt Wellington (1270m) boasting spectacular views in all directions. A short exploration around Australia’s 2nd oldest capital city of Hobart, including stops at Constitution Dock & the Cascade Brewery. A short stop off at Tassie’s boutique Federation Chocolate factory in town is a must to taste what delicious and unusual flavours are available. Lunch with wine tastings at a positively charming vineyard in the Coal Valley region before proceeding to the beautiful township of Richmond. This impeccable historic settlement boasts the country’s oldest bridge still in use, the lovely convict built, sandstone arch construction of the Richmond Bridge.

Then on to the Tasman Peninsula for more spectacular coastline of the Tasman National Park. From its towering sea cliffs, we look over Pirates Bay, Tasman’s Arch, the Devils Kitchen and the amazing Tessellated Pavements. See the infamous dog line at Eaglehawk Neck before overnighting right on the cusp of the Port Arthur Historic site.

Spend several hours being personally guided through the most interesting buildings and attractions of the Port Arthur World Heritage Site. Learn about Point Puer, Isle of the Dead and the history of convicts in Tasmania before taking a harbour cruise to view the site in panorama as incoming convicts must have.

From here we head north to take in the sights of Tasmania’s east coast. Stop for a wander on Raspins Beach with views across the passage to the beautiful Maria Island. See the quirky Spikey Bridge and enjoy coffee & snacks at Spikey Beach with panoramic views over Coles Bay to Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula. Arriving at our accommodation in Bicheno, an optional & free penguin small group tour is available in the evening.

Bask in the morning sunshine while witnessing the amazing blowhole on the rocky coast of Bicheno. Spend time at the award-winning East Coast Nature World Wildlife Park, where we watch the iconic Tasmanian Devils feeding. Learn about this incredible little animal’s struggle for survival while petting wombats and hand feeding wallabies, kangaroos & Cape Barron geese.

Next up is Tasmania’s most scenic coastal road with breathtaking views of the east coast, Bay of Fires. Dip your feet while walking along one of Tassie’s best beaches – Binalong Bay. Visit a working Tassie oyster farm, sample cheeses at the award winning Pyengana dairy and enjoy afternoon tea & coffee at the highly emotive Legerwood memorial trees. Proceed through an ancient Myrtle rainforest and the renowned Tamar Valley region before arriving in Launceston for our first of 2 evenings in town.

Let’s slow the pace down just a little as we explore the landscape north of Launceston around the beautiful Tamar River, beginning with a morning tour of the famous Beaconsfield Gold Mine & Heritage Centre. Embark on a historical journey as you learn about the significance of this site in Tasmanian history and the dramatic collapse of the mine in 2006, which led to one of the most publicized rescue missions in Australian history.

Lunch will be on the banks of the Tamar River at the ever-delightful Beauty Point, where, afterward, we will take a short stroll to explore the wonders of the acclaimed Seahorse World. Our afternoon activities include a scenic drive up to George Town and Low Head, home to some amazing tree carvings by renowned artist Eddie Freeman, with tea and coffee at the Low Head Historic Lighthouse site. A second restful evening in the comfort of our Launceston CBD Best Western Plus Hotel will end our day’s touring.

A short drive through downtown Launceston before enjoying a morning stroll at the lovely Cataract Gorge, a fantastic urban wilderness only minutes from the CBD. Heading west out of Tasmania’s biggest northern city, we visit the heritage-listed R. Stephens honey factory in Mole Creek, Tasmania’s oldest and largest honey producer. Here, we will take a guided tour through the working factory, which includes free tastings of Tasmania’s famous Leatherwood honey.

Next, enjoy a private tour of the spectacular Marakoopa Caves, with their 250-million-year-old crystal formations—the only show caves in Tasmania boasting resident glow worms! Traveling up onto Tasmania’s central highlands, we will reach the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Come for a short animal spotting jaunt in the evening before relaxing at the acclaimed Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Visit Tassie’s divine Dove Lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain – a photographer’s paradise. Take in the stunning views of this iconic space from several angles as we complete a short walk to Glacier Rock. Wonders abound strolling through the mossy forests of the Enchanted Walk and the mesmerising cascades of Pencil Pine waterfall. Visit the old ‘Waldheim Chalet’ of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer, the father of this wonderous park.

After a delicious lunch, we make our way on to Strahan via the meandering forest highways of Tasmania’s west coast. View the Southern Ocean from the best lookout point on the West Coast and see as far as you can imagine – perhaps Madagascar? Your lungs will thank you as you inhale possibly the cleanest air on Earth. Arrive at Tasmania’s most westerly town for some afternoon relaxation and accommodation in Strahan.

Spend the morning enjoying one of the most scenic and unique tourist attractions in Australia – the Gordon River Cruise. Aboard the famous ‘Harbour Master’ in upper-deck Gold Class luxury, your 6-hour cruise will include stunning views of Tasmania’s Hells Gates and Macquarie Harbour, Sarah Island, the salmon farms and, of course, the jewel in the crown – the Gordon River World Heritage area itself. The cruise will also include a freshly prepared buffet lunch meal onboard the vessel.

Our afternoon plan will see us visit the Morrison Sawmill for a close-up look at Tasmania’s most famous timber—Huon Pine—followed by some further exploring in Strahan village before heading to Queenstown for the evening’s accommodation. Tonight’s evening meal will be provided by your hosts.

Take in the wondrous views from the Iron Blow lookout above Queenstown. The cantilever platform allows panoramic viewing over the colourful surrounds. Lake Burbury boat ramp is another scenic opportunity to photograph the surrounding mountains before we head into the World Heritage area for a morning stroll through thick forest to the imperial Nelson Falls – beautiful any time of year in Tassie.

A little further along, we stroll the bank of the infamous Franklin River, the waterway at the center of a huge controversy and major conservation effort in the late 1970s and early 80s. Take time to wander the 35-minute loop, which showcases some of the prettiest scenery and plant species in Tasmania.

After lunch at the famous Lake St Clair Lodge, we stroll down to the jetty to take in Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake, nearly 200 meters deep and surrounded by numerous stunning mountain peaks.

Next, we stop at a true gem in Australian art—the Wall in the Wilderness. Learn about the history and significance of the 100-meter-long Huon Pine carvings by artist Greg Duncan and enjoy lunch in unique surroundings. This is legitimately one of the most incredible privately owned art galleries in Australia.

Our afternoon travels will see us arrive at the old Hydro township of Tarraleah for our evenings lodgings. Now converted to a beautiful, scenic tourism venue, Tarraleah Estate is one of the most unique locations we overnight at on tour.

Learn about the monstrous hydro-electricity project and how it came to life back in the 1950’s. Wander the grounds to see abundant wildlife in the late afternoon and the resident Highland cattle that roam the property. In the evening, dine in the very comfortable and warm Highlander restaurant.

First up this morning is a stop at the beautiful Tarraleah lookout, gazing over the hydro power station down below. We then continue via a magical drive into Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, with its meandering, rolling hills. A morning stop at Lawrenny Distillery is in order—a stunning 1800s-built house and estate on the banks of the Derwent River. For those inclined, there are optional whiskey and gin tastings on offer, or tea, coffee, and snacks for those who would simply prefer to wander the immaculate gardens.

We then continue our journey to one of Tassie’s most frequented national parks—Mt Field NP. Here, you will find the State’s most iconic waterfall, Russell Falls. The large, three-tier falls are quite a sight to see, especially in flood, and are easily accessible for guests of all physical abilities. The 40-60 minute walk features some of the most beautiful trees in Tassie. For guests seeking a slightly more challenging walk, there will be an option to walk further and see a second beautiful waterfall higher up in the park. Giant Eucalyptus trees, 300+ years old, are as big as you will find in Tasmania. Tree ferns, standing 6+ meters high and dating back hundreds of years, also line the pathway, giving this walk a prehistoric and enchanted feel. Keep your eyes open for the many pademelons and other creatures that are very regularly seen along the pathway.

Another scenic drive back through Tassie’s Derwent Valley is next, past cherry farms, rolling pasture, hops fields, and many scenic vistas. We are lunching at a fantastic winery in the Derwent Valley, with their great new restaurant – The Shed. No hurry here as we enjoy a long lunch; an accompanying glass of wine will be included in your package. Simply relax and enjoy the bounty of delicious foods that will be delivered your way. Additional wine tastings onsite are also an option for those inclined. This evening, we return to Hobart city for a three-night stay at the very stylish, 4-star Movenpick Hotel.

Today, we journey down the beautiful Huon Valley for a wilderness experience at the acclaimed Tahune Airwalk. After being ravaged by fire in 2019, this attraction has been re-developed and is now back to its beautiful best, showcasing the pristine rivers and tranquil native forests, which include some specimens of Tasmania’s most famous tree – Huon Pine.

The Tahune Airwalk itself is an elevated walkway, 30 meters above the forest floor, with the final cantilever section sitting at a height of 50 meters above the Huon River. It boasts spectacular views of the confluence of the Huon and Picton Rivers, and beyond, to the peaks of the World Heritage Area in Tasmania’s south-west.

Today, guests will have a choice between four activity options to fill your day. These are some of the most famous day tour options in Hobart.

Option #1 – Bruny Island Gourmet & Sightseeing Day Tour

A full day trip from Hobart, this is a spectacular tour with nature, wilderness, coast, and heritage included. Taste your way across Bruny Island with fantastic food and stunning scenery.

Option #2 – Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise 

For the more adventurous, this full-day tour of Bruny Island includes an amazing 3-hour fast boat cruise around the rugged Tassie coastline. Experience the awesome power of the mighty Southern Ocean, towering cliffs, and deep-sea caves. Encounter the region’s remarkable wildlife, keeping a close lookout for sea eagles, dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds. Amazing photographic opportunities abound.

Option #3 – MONA Museum

For those seeking a later start and a slightly more leisurely option, perhaps MONA is a good choice. The Museum of Old & New Art has become one of Tasmania’s premier attractions over the last 10 years and is a real cultural adventure. Enjoy the 25-minute ferry ride to MONA, where you will encounter one of the most unique and fascinating buildings in Australia. The MONA complex features beautiful vineyards, two restaurants, a hotel, and lovely garden areas adorned with sculptures above ground.

*Note lunch is not included in this option.

Option #4 – Historic Harbour Lunch Cruise

This is the most leisurely option of the four, leaving plenty of free time to rest, relax, or wander the Salamanca area. A 90-minute lunchtime river cruise with the reputed Hobart Historic Cruises is a fantastic way to see Hobart’s stunning harbour area. Departing at 12:15 p.m., this lovely scenic cruise will take you in a southerly direction on the river, passing famous locations such as Battery Point, Sandy Bay, the Wrest Point Casino, and over to Bellerive and the Eastern Shore area.

The world-famous Salamanca Markets are held every Saturday, and we wouldn’t want to miss them. After a full buffet breakfast, explore the market at your leisure and sample some of the abundant street foods.

This officially concludes our most extensive and premium tour of Tasmania. We are sure you’ve enjoyed the experience of a lifetime, formed many new friendships during our travels, and will take home great memories, stories, and photographs.