13 Day Premium Tasmania Tour

Meet and greet over an evening meal and drinks in Hobart’s city centre, and get to know your host for your 13-day guided tour of Tasmania. Tonight, you will be staying at the lovely 4-star Mövenpick Hotel. Comprehensive tour itineraries will be provided, along with a personalised map graphically depicting your 13-day Tasmanian journey, which covers approximately 2,000 km.

Pick up from the Mövenpick Hotel and set off for the summit of Mt Wellington (1,270m), which boasts panoramic views in all directions. Enjoy a short exploration of Hobart, Australia’s second-oldest capital city, including stops at Constitution Dock and the Cascade Brewery. A visit to Tasmania’s boutique Federation Chocolate Factory is a must, where you can sample a range of unique and delicious flavours. Lunch with wine tastings is enjoyed at a charming vineyard in the Coal Valley region before continuing to the historic township of Richmond, home to Australia’s oldest bridge still in use—the convict-built Richmond Bridge.

Continue on to the Tasman Peninsula to explore the spectacular coastline of Tasman National Park. From its towering sea cliffs, take in views over Pirates Bay, Tasman’s Arch, the Devil’s Kitchen, and the remarkable Tessellated Pavement. See the infamous Dog Line at Eaglehawk Neck before overnighting on the doorstep of the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Spend several hours being personally guided through the Port Arthur World Heritage Site. Learn about Point Puer, the 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 once would have experienced it.

We then head north to take in Tasmania’s east coast. Stop for a wander along Raspins Beach with views across the passage to the beautiful Maria Island. See the quirky Spiky Bridge and enjoy coffee and snacks at Spiky Beach, with panoramic views over Coles Bay to the Freycinet Peninsula. Arriving in Bicheno, your accommodation awaits, with an optional free small-group penguin tour 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 Natureworld 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, and Cape Barren geese.

Next up, we tour Tasmania’s most scenic coastal road with breathtaking views of the east coast and Bay of Fires. Dip your feet while walking along one of Tasmania’s best beaches—Binalong Bay. Visit a working Tassie oyster farm, sample cheeses at the award-winning Pyengana Dairy, and enjoy afternoon tea and 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 two evenings in town.

Let’s slow the pace down 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 an 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 publicised rescue missions in Australian history.

Lunch will be on the banks of the Tamar River at the ever-delightful Beauty Point, after which we 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 Hotel ends our day’s guided touring.

A short drive through downtown Launceston before enjoying a morning at the lovely Cataract Gorge, a fantastic urban wilderness only minutes from the CBD. Heading west out of Tasmania’s largest northern city, we enjoy lunch at a small, family-operated salmon farm hidden off the main touring route. After lunch, visit Melita Honey Farm, which includes free tastings of Tasmania’s famous leatherwood honey among many other flavours.

Next, enjoy a private tour of the Marakoopa Caves, featuring 250-million-year-old crystal formations and the only show caves in Tasmania with resident glow worms. Travelling up onto Tasmania’s Central Highlands, we reach the World Heritage–listed Cradle Mountain National Park. Enjoy a short animal-spotting walk in the evening before overnighting at the 4-star Cradle Mountain Hotel.

Visit Tasmania’s divine Dove Lake at the foot of Cradle Mountain—a photographer’s paradise. Take in the stunning views of this iconic location from several angles as we complete a short walk to Glacier Rock. Wonders abound while strolling through the mossy forests of the Enchanted Walk and the mesmerising cascades of Pencil Pine Falls. Visit the old “Waldheim Chalet” of pioneer Gustav Weindorfer—the father of this wondrous park.

After lunch, we make our way on to Strahan via Tasmania’s west coast. View the Southern Ocean from one of the best lookout points on the west coast and see as far as you can imagine—perhaps Madagascar? Your lungs will thank you as you inhale some of the cleanest air on Earth. Arrive at Tasmania’s most westerly town, Strahan, for some afternoon relaxation and accommodation for the next two nights.

Spend the day 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 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. Overnight once again in Strahan Village. There is some optional entertainment this evening for those that would like to see Australia’s longest running performance play The Ship That Never Was.

Today we journey back in time on Tasmania’s beautifully restored West Coast Wilderness Railway. Departing from Strahan, we travel in premium “Wilderness” class and are welcomed onboard with complimentary sparkling wine. The 2.5-hour journey heads deep into the heart of the west coast, crossing the Iron Bridge at Teepookana, once a thriving port town, before disembarking at Lower Landing Station on the King River. Enjoy a short nature walk and taste honey sourced from local and endemic species before heading back to Strahan.

Listen as your guide brings the stories of the railway and its resilient people to life, while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the King River—this is truly one of Tasmania’s premier experiences. Lunch is back in quaint Strahan Village, followed by time to enjoy views over Macquarie Harbour from Strahan’s highest scenic lookout. We then journey on to Queenstown, where tonight’s evening meal will be provided by your hosts.

Take in the views from the Iron Blow lookout above Queenstown, where the cantilever platform offers panoramic vistas over the colourful surrounding landscape. Head into the World Heritage area for a morning stroll through thick forest to the majestic Nelson Falls—beautiful in any season. A little further along, we stop on the banks of the infamous Franklin River, a waterway at the centre of major conservation efforts and national debate in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After lunch at the renowned Lake St Clair Lodge, we stroll to the jetty to take in Australia’s deepest natural freshwater lake at nearly 200 metres, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks.

Next, we visit a true gem of Australian art—The Wall in the Wilderness. Learn about the history and significance of the 100-metre-long Huon pine carvings by artist Greg Duncan and enjoy lunch in this unique setting. This is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable privately owned art galleries in Australia.

Our afternoon journey continues to the former Hydro township of Tarraleah for our evening accommodation. Now transformed into a unique tourism estate, Tarraleah is one of the most distinctive locations we stay at on tour. Learn about the monumental hydro-electric project and its development in the 1950s, then wander the grounds to spot abundant wildlife in the late afternoon, including resident Highland cattle. In the evening, dine at the warm and welcoming Highlander Restaurant.

Wake up feeling refreshed after your night in 5-star luxury. First, take in the beautiful Tarraleah lookout, gazing over the hydro power station below. We then continue via a scenic drive into the Derwent Valley, with its rolling, meandering hills. A stop at Lawrenny Distillery is in order—a stunning 1800s-built estate on the banks of the Derwent River. For those inclined, there is an optional whiskey and gin tasting, or alternatively tea, coffee, and light snacks.

We then continue to one of Tasmania’s most visited national parks—Mt Field National Park. This is home to the state’s iconic Russell Falls. The impressive three-tier waterfall is especially spectacular in flood and is easily accessible for guests of all physical abilities. The 40–60 minute walk features some of the most beautiful forest on the island. Giant eucalyptus trees over 300 years old tower above, while tree ferns over six metres high line the pathway, creating a prehistoric, enchanted atmosphere. Keep your eyes open for pademelons and other wildlife frequently seen along the track.

We enjoy lunch at a charming local venue in the Derwent Valley with delicious homemade food on offer. This evening we return to Hobart for a two-night stay at the stylish 4-star Mövenpick Hotel.

Journey down the beautiful Huon Valley for a wilderness experience at the acclaimed Tahune Airwalk. The Airwalk itself is an elevated walkway 30 metres above the forest floor, with the final cantilever section standing 50 metres above the Huon River. It boasts spectacular views of the confluence of the Huon and Picton Rivers and beyond. Enjoy the Huon Pine walk, a stroll along the riverbank and through lovely forest to see some of these ancient trees up close.

Stop at the Geeveston Timber Museum to learn the story of the early settlers who harvested timber from this area. On our return journey to Hobart, we visit the famous Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, with the opportunity for an afternoon snack or refreshment—we recommend trying the apple cider made from apples grown in the surrounding orchards. Enjoy another relaxing evening at the Mövenpick Hotel. Being Friday, there are plenty of opportunities for nightlife, with many great Hobart city restaurants and venues nearby.

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.