Wild Tasmania itinerary: Hobart, Launceston & the West Coast

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See grazing wallabies on Bruny Island
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Head to Mount Wellington for wonderful views over Hobart
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Soak up the scenery in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
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Spot the colourful native birds of Tasmania
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Take a cruise on the gorgeous Gordon River
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See boxing kangaroos in the Tasmanian wilderness
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Discover the beautiful beaches of Tasmania's West Coast

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See grazing wallabies on Bruny Island
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Head to Mount Wellington for wonderful views over Hobart
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Soak up the scenery in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
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Spot the colourful native birds of Tasmania
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Take a cruise on the gorgeous Gordon River
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See boxing kangaroos in the Tasmanian wilderness
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Discover the beautiful beaches of Tasmania's West Coast

Trip ideas

Duration(in days): 9

From: Launceston

To: Hobart

From

£1,465

Get a quote

or Call 01273 320580

See more ideas for: Australia

Overview

Explore Tasmania from top to bottom with our 9-day road trip from Launceston to Hobart via the rugged west coast. You’ll be treated to scenic drives throughout, passing towering peaks and skirting shimmering lakes. Visit Cradle Mountain and spot native wallabies, wombats, possums and even the Tasmanian Devil. Discover Macquarie Harbour for a glimpse into Australia’s convict history, cruise the Gordon River and pack in some gentle hikes before making your way to Hobart where you’ll stay in a waterfront hotel with plenty of time to explore.

This Australia road trip can be tailored to suit your requirements, so please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream Tasmania itinerary, as well as multi-stop flights to Australia.

Highlights

Visit Cradle Mountain and hike through the forests, spotting wallabies, possums and wombats
Admire the wild and rugged beauty of the Wilderness World Heritage area of the West coast
Take a twilight cruise to Bonnet Island to see the fairy penguins
Learn about the dark and fascinating convict past in Strahan

Itinerary

Itinerary in brief:

2 nights Launceston
2 nights Cradle Mountain
2 nights Strahan
1 night Tarraleah
1 night Hobart

Days 1 & 2: Arrive Launceston

Arrive in Launceston and collect your rental car. You can choose from either of the following itineraries:

Drive north and stay on the banks of the River Tamar in stunning surrounds. Visit the ‘Serengeti of Tasmania’ at Narawntapu National Park and the historic gold mining town of Beaconsfield

Head west to an eco B&B run by an accomplished chef and ecologist. Staying at the edge of the World Heritage Wilderness you can take a guided rainforest walk and enjoy a gourmet dinner.

Days 3 and 4: Cradle Mountain

Your drive today will take you through breath-taking scenery as you head into the bush for a two night stop. Enjoy walks spotting wallabies, wombats and possums and visit a nearby wildlife sanctuary to see the native Tasmanian Devil.

Day 5: Strahan

Heading deeper into the Wilderness World Heritage area of Tasmania’s rugged west coast, today you’ll drive to Strahan, which is nestled on the shores of the enormous Macquarie Harbour. This area is steeped in convict history with a dark and fascinating past relating to the prisoners housed here.

Take a twilight cruise to Bonnet Island to see the fairy penguins returning from their fishing expeditions in the Southern Ocean.

Day 6: Strahan

Cruise the Gordon River through the towering rainforest, or take a day trip on the West Coast Wilderness Railway which crosses huge ravines and climbs steep mountains.

In the evening catch, Australia’s longest running play - The Ship That Never Was. It's a dark but hilarious account of the mutiny and hardship suffered by Australians and audience participation is likely!

Day 7: Tarreleah

Today your drive will wind through Queenstown to the Highlands past beautiful lakes and mountains. Stop for gentle hikes or perhaps a ferry ride on the waters of Lake St Clair, the deepest freshwater lake in Australia. The scenery here is just stunning.

Day 8: Hobart

Your final drive brings you into the state capital of Hobart today. It’s an arty city, nestled under Mt Wellington and overlooking a pretty harbour. On the journey in there are plenty of places to stop and take a walk or enjoy waterfalls and nature.

Your waterfront accommodation offers you the perfect position to enjoy local cuisine in a beautiful setting. If you're in Hobart on a Saturday, you'll also be able to enjoy the famous Salamanca market, which showcases local arts, crafts and produce.

Day 9: Depart Hobart

Return your rental car to the airport before continuing to the next leg of your trip.

Info

The seasons are distinct in Tasmania;

Spring (Sept-Nov) brings long, warm days and cooler nights. The gardens will be in bloom and the lakes will be packed with fish.
Summer (Dec-Feb) is full of festivals and sees the warmest weather, so it's best to book accommodation well in advance.
Autumn (Mar-May) is one of the best seasons for walking, with calm sunny days and cool crisp evenings. There are also several big events in autumn, including a car rally, a foodie event and an arts festival.
Winter (May-Aug) brings cooler temperatures. This is the ideal time to relax indoors by a log fire or enjoy an alpine national park.

While Hobart is Australia’s second driest capital, the west coast is home to lush rainforests and sees plenty of rainfall.

This Australia trip is purely a suggestion and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.

What's included