9 Day Western Wilderness and Wildlife Tour

Upon your arrival at Hobart airport, scheduled no later than 3:00 pm, you’ll be promptly transferred to your accommodation in the CBD. Take a moment to refresh before embarking on the first highlight of our tour at 4:30 pm. We’ll whisk you away to Bonorong Sanctuary, where an exclusive 2.5-hour behind-the-scenes night tour awaits. Here, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to intimately encounter Tasmania’s endemic wildlife and gain firsthand insights from our knowledgeable guides.

Accommodation: Old Woolstore Hotel Hobart, Studio apartment (or similar)

This morning, set off on a journey to the quaint seaside village of Triabunna, where you’ll board a ferry to traverse the Mercury Passage to Maria Island. Situated just off Tasmania’s east coast, this unique island national park beckons with its tranquil beauty and rich history.

Upon arrival, immerse yourself in a day of serene exploration amidst historical ruins, sweeping bays, rugged fossil cliffs, and majestic mountains. Maria Island’s pristine landscapes provide a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including wombats, Cape Barren Geese, Tasmanian Pademelons, Forester Kangaroos, and the iconic Tasmanian Devil, offering a rare glimpse into their natural habitats.

As the afternoon unfolds, continue your journey along Tasmania’s sun-kissed east coast, making your way to the charming town of Bicheno in the Freycinet area. Here, you’ll discover more of Tasmania’s coastal treasures, setting the stage for further adventures and unforgettable experiences.

Accommodation: Beachfront at Bicheno Hotel, Pool view room (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch

After a hearty breakfast, journey to Coles Bay for an unforgettable experience: the award-winning 4-hour Wineglass Bay cruise. Embark on a voyage along the stunning coastline of Freycinet National Park, from Coles Bay to the iconic Wineglass Bay. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range. Discover a coast dotted with sparkling white sand beaches, including Cooks and Bryans beaches, only accessible by water or a full day bushwalk. Explore the inner passage of remote Schouten Island, home to little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters, before heading into the Tasman Sea towards Wineglass Bay. Look out for hidden sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls amongst the sheer granite cliffs. Disembark the vessel in the early afternoon and visit the Friendly Beaches before your guide takes you to your accommodation.

The rest of this afternoon is at leisure. At dusk, we invite you to an information tour on private property to get close to the local colony of fairy penguins nesting and breeding in the dunes.

Accommodation: Beachfront at Bicheno Hotel, Pool view room (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast and lunch (ploughman-style)

We journey further along the East Coast, where we encounter the striking orange-lichen-covered granite rocks of the Bay of Fires conservation area. Explore the pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters at your leisure. Next, we venture to St. Columba Falls, among the tallest waterfalls in Tasmania, nestled in lush green valleys. Finally, our journey brings us to Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city, where you can immerse yourself in its charm and vibrancy.

Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston, Deluxe Room (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, begin your exploration of Launceston with a visit to the breathtaking Cataract Gorge, where the South Esk River cuts through imposing granite cliffs. Marvel at the sheer natural beauty of this iconic landmark before continuing your journey to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain National Park. En route, stop in Sheffield to see the famous murals. Travel through lush rolling farm pasture before reaching the alpine bush of the Cradle Valley. In the later afternoon be taken to a local Tasmanian Devil sanctuary where you will have the unforgettable opportunity to interact closely with some of Tasmania’s native animals, including the iconic Tasmanian Devil. Don’t miss the chance to hold a joey, whether it’s a baby wombat or a baby devil, for a truly memorable experience.

Accommodation: Cradle Mountain Hotel, Deluxe room (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Today, prepare to be enchanted by the breathtaking alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain, where the unique geological formations, including dolerite columns, create awe-inspiring sculpted mountains and cliffs. Weather permitting, you’ll witness the rugged grandeur of Cradle Mountain mirrored in the serene waters of Dove Lake, or you might encounter its dramatic peaks shrouded in swirling mist.

Accompanied by your guide, you’ll embark on a selection of captivating walks, showcasing the beauty of this little island paradise. In the afternoon, journey towards the rugged west coast and the quaint fishermen’s town of Strahan. (Please note, depending on seasonal factors, overnight accommodation may occasionally be arranged in Queenstown, particularly during the winter months.)

Accommodation: Strahan Village, Hilltop Harbour View room (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Begin your day with a transfer to Queenstown, where you’ll step back in time aboard the nostalgic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Enjoy a heritage steam train journey through pristine rainforest to the breathtaking King River Gorge with the captivating four-hour Rack and Gorge tour. Traverse the rugged landscape, marveling at the natural beauty, before the train turns at Dubbil Barril, leading you back to Queenstown.

NOTE: If the West Coast Wilderness Railway is unavailable, it may be replaced with the Gordon River Cruise. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Gordon River, immersing yourself in Tasmania’s natural beauty.

Accommodation: Strahan Village, Hilltop Harbour View room (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

Following a leisurely morning, embark on a scenic road journey, pausing to visit a mining pit lookout and captivating waterfalls along the way. Your adventure leads you to Derwent Bridge, situated near the picturesque Lake St Clair, where the tranquil beauty of Tasmania’s wilderness awaits.

Accommodation: Derwent Bridge Chalets, Double en-suite room (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

This morning, your guide leads you into the enchanting Mount Field National Park, Tasmania’s oldest national park. Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes, ranging from temperate eucalyptus rainforests to alpine moorlands (if accessible). Traverse the lush forest canopy, marveling at some of the world’s tallest flowering trees.

In this cool temperate rainforest, keep an eye out for Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species, including the elusive Scrubtit, majestic Black Currawong, and charming Tasmanian Thornbill. As the afternoon unfolds, return to Hobart, where the tour concludes around 4 pm in the city or at the airport (Outbound flights should be scheduled with departure times after 6 pm).

Meals: Breakfast