Day 1.
Welcome to the "Apple Isle"! Tasmania
Welcome to Launceston
One of Australia's oldest cities, Launceston is a charming riverside town full of Colonial and Victorian heritage buildings. Located at the head of the picturesque Tamar Valley, Launceston offers beautiful attractions such as the spectacular Cataract Gorge Reserve and its stunning parks and gardens.
Take a stroll along the waterfront, venture to the Tamar Valley for a taste of Tasmania’s fine wines, or take a short walk to the wild and beautiful Cataract Gorge, just 15 minutes from town.
Launceston Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston - 2 nights
Day 2
Cradle Mountain World Heritage Tour
Discover Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake, Tasmania's premier World Heritage Area, on a classic adventure designed for active travellers. This tour offers ample opportunities to hike and explore scenic trails while keeping an eye out for friendly local wombats. Immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient rainforests, alpine heaths, glacial lakes, and rugged mountains, all while enjoying close encounters with the unique wildlife of the region.
Highlights include the picturesque Dove Lake Circuit, a short walk through Rainforest City, and a visit to Pencil Pine Falls. You'll also explore Sheffield, known as the "Town of Murals," and indulge in delicious samples at the Ashgrove Cheese Factory. Experience the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture of Tasmania on this unforgettable journey!
Day 3
Launceston to Bicheno (Approximate Distance: 165 km | 102 miles | Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins)
Pick up your rental vehicle and head for Bicheno, one of the East Coast’s most beloved holiday destinations. Even the locals choose to holiday here! With the mildest climate in Tasmania, seaside Bicheno is the perfect place for relaxing foreshore walks, beachcombing, and fishing. With great cafés, shops, and luscious local produce, this friendly town is the ideal base to explore the East Coast.
Bicheno Penguin Tour
As night falls, join a twilight guided penguin tour and watch Little Blue Penguins return to their burrows. This rare opportunity lets you get very close to the world's smallest penguins in a private rookery, observing them as they emerge from the ocean after a day of fishing and head home for the night.
Accommodation: Diamond Island Resort, Bicheno - 2 Nights
Day 4
Freycinet and Wineglass Bay Cruise (Approximate Distance: 45 km | 27 miles | Total Driving Time: 45 mins each way)
Make a return day trip to explore the breathtaking Freycinet National Park, known for its pink granite peaks and pristine beauty on Tasmania’s east coast. Cruise to Wineglass Bay, one of the world’s top beaches, nestled beneath the Hazards Mountain range. With white sands, turquoise waters, and diverse wildlife, including penguins, dolphins, seals, and whales, this serene destination offers a perfect escape.
The award-winning Wineglass Bay Cruise offers stunning views and an intimate experience of this extraordinary location. Enjoy a gourmet lunch featuring Tasmania’s fresh produce as you sail from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay.
Included Meals: Lunch
Day 5
Bicheno to Port Arthur (Approximate Distance: 200 km | 124 miles | Total Driving Time: 2 hours 45 mins)
Follow the East Coast Drive's gentle curves through wine country, beach towns, and forests as you journey from Bicheno to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula. Be sure to stop at Kate's Berry Farm for delicious freshly picked berries, jams, and ice cream!
Port Arthur: The Inescapable Prison
Discover the real stories and living history of Port Arthur Historic Site, established in 1830, where over a thousand of Tasmania's most notorious convicts were housed. Take a Harbour Cruise around the Isle of the Dead and learn about the grim history of Australia’s early penal system. Explore the prison buildings to experience the isolation felt by the convicts in this "inescapable prison."
Accommodation: Stewarts Bay Lodge, Port Arthur - 1 Night
Day 6
Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise & Hobart (Approximate Distance: 95 km | 59 miles | Total Driving Time: 1 hour 30 mins)
The Tasman Peninsula boasts some of Tasmania’s most remote and dramatic coastal scenery. Take a Wilderness Cruise this morning to see the peninsula at its best. Cruise between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck with unrivalled views of the rugged shoreline. Along the way, enjoy sightings of wildlife such as gannets, albatross, sea eagles, and dolphins.
Travel onwards to Hobart via historic Richmond Village, where you can walk across Australia’s oldest bridge, still in use. Tasmania's capital city, Hobart, is a harbour town with heritage charm and a modern lifestyle, nestled amongst the foothills of Mt Wellington.
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart - 2 Nights
Day 7
Hobart at Leisure
Spend the day exploring Hobart’s highlights at your own pace. Wander Salamanca Place's lively waterfront and the historic streets of Battery Point. For stunning views, take a bus trip to the summit of Mount Wellington and hike down via Cascade Brewery for a refreshing tasting. Don’t miss the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), accessible by ferry from Brooke Street Pier.
For food lovers, indulge in Hobart's gourmet scene or take a trip to Bruny Island to sample artisan cheeses, oysters, berries, and smoked meats—all while enjoying breathtaking coastal views.
Day 8
Farewell from Hobart
Say farewell to Hobart today as you return your rental vehicle and board your onward flight, taking with you magical memories of a truly exceptional Australian experience. We hope you will return soon to explore even more of this incredible continent.
