Intrepid Travel: Best of Tasmania

Welcome to Tasmania or Lutruwita in the language of the Palawa peoples – the Traditional Owners of this land. Your adventure begins in Launceston with an 8 am welcome meeting. Your first stop this morning will be the Tiagarra Museum on Mersey Bluff in Devonport. You’ll watch a Welcome to Country ceremony and then head out on a guided tour of the Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place. See Aboriginal petroglyphs and learn about the importance of this landscape. Travel along part of the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Along the way, there will be plenty of scenic stops, and if there’s time, sample some local ciders, chocolates and truffles along the trail. After stopping for lunch in the town of Penguin, continue along the rocky coastline to Stanley. Climb the famous landmark The Nut – an ancient volcanic plug that juts out into the Bass Strait and offers outstanding views from the top – then wander down to the working wharf where some of the freshest seafood in Tasmania comes in each day. Continue to your comfortable accommodation, set in the rural area near Smithton, where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Today's welcome meeting and pick-up will take place at 8 am this morning. It’s very important that you’re on time and checked out already, as you’ll head towards Stanley right after the meeting. Find more details in the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ section of your Essential Trip Information. It’s heavily recommended that you spend a night in Launceston before your trip starts. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours. Climbing The Nut is a short but steep track to the plateau. There’s also an optional chairlift (closed over winter) for $19 return or $12 one way.

Activities:

• Cradle Coast - Visit to Penguin Village
• Stanley - The Nut
• Cradle Coast - Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail
• Cradle Coast - Mersey Bluff Petroglyphs
• Cradle Coast - Welcome to Country Ceremony
• Cradle Coast - Tiagarra Tasmanian Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Today, you’ll explore the Tarkine Wilderness area (Takayna in the language of the local Palawa peoples) – home to the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and the second largest in the world. Rich with geological wonders, Aboriginal history and unique creatures with habitats not found anywhere else on earth, you can explore sites like the hidden Trowutta Arch and the Lake Chisholm sinkhole – both examples of fascinating geological change. Along the Tarkine Coast, you’ll also see Marrawah – famous for its big wave surfing – and the desolate Edge of the World which marks the longest stretch of ocean on the planet. From here, there’s no land until Argentina! You’ll head out on a few short walks to explore the sites. Later, return to your rural accommodation near Smithton for the night and look up after sunset (this is a gorgeous spot for stargazing). 

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 2.5 km.

Activities:

• takayna / Tarkine - Trowutta Arch
• takayna / Tarkine - Lake Chisholm Sinkhole
• takayna / Tarkine - Edge of the World

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Today, you’ll travel to Corinna via Rocky Cape National Park – home to windswept heathlands, sea caves, rock pools and twisted rocks formed over millions of years. Continue to the historic lighthouse at Table Cape and Boat Harbour Beach. Stop by Hellyer Gorge, then walk to see Philosopher Falls near Waratah. Tonight, settle into your accommodation for the night in Corinna’s remote, rural town in a restored miners’ cottage, where you can soak up some phone-free time, as there’s no service out here! Enjoy a group dinner with your fellow travellers and watch the sunset. 

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 3.9 km or 1 to 2 hours. The walk can be muddy, and there are sections of metal stairs that can be slippery. Please note that your accommodation in Corinna for tonight is in individually set up cottages. There is the possibility that you may be sharing a 2-bedroom cottage with other members of your group. These cottages have 2 individual private rooms, however the bathroom in the cottage will be shared among the 2 rooms. This is made up by the unique setting deep in Tarkine's wilderness on the banks of the Pieman River.

Activities:

• Waratah - Philosopher Falls
• Cradle Coast - Rocky Cape National Park
• Cradle Coast - Boat Harbour Beach
• Waratah - Hellyer Gorge

Staying in:

• Cottage (1 night)

You have a free morning this morning to get active. Maybe head out for some optional kayaking or hiking around the Corinna area, exploring the Pieman River and Tarkine Rainforest. After lunch, head to the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where your accommodation for the night sits among the trees. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure, then as the sun begins to set, maybe head out to meet Tasmania’s most emblematic animal – the Tasmanian devil. This optional activity visits a wildlife conservation facility aimed at protecting these endangered creatures. Watch how they feed, learn their story, visit the nursery and meet some of the facility’s youngest residents. Finish your day with a sunset over Cradle Mountain and listen out for the unmistakable sound of the devils. 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. There are several short walks available in Cradle Mountain National Park. Your leader will recommend walks based on the weather and suitability for the group. To best enjoy your time at Cradle Mountain please keep in mind that sudden changes in weather may occur at any time in Tasmania. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

After breakfast, hike the scenic Dove Lake Circuit in the Cradle Mountain area. This trail will take you around the lake and beneath the impressive spires of the mountain, passing gorgeous scenery along the way. As the circuit is board-walked most of the way, it’s a fairly easy walk and gives you plenty of time and energy to focus on the surroundings. After, head to a local restaurant in the park for a group lunch – maybe grab a drink and relax by the fire as you wait. Then, drive to Launceston, where you'll spend the night, stopping for optional tastings and shopping opportunities along the way (pick up some delicious, locally grown raspberries or cheese and ice cream). Tonight, you’re free to relax at your accommodation or head out for dinner with your group.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Your walking distance will be approximately 6 km or 2 to 3 hours.

Activities:

• Cradle Mountain - Dove Lake Circuit walk

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

After breakfast hit the road for Hobart (or Nipaluna in the language of the Muwinina and Palawa peoples, the Traditional Owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). When you arrive, you'll have another welcome meeting for new members of your group. Then move on to the Port Arthur Historic Site – a former convict settlement with a horrific past where you’ll learn about the history of this former penal colony with an audio experience and a short boat cruise. Next, check out Remarkable Cave and soak up the beach scenery. Head to your waterside accommodation at Eaglehawk Neck on the Tasman Peninsula then join your group for dinner tonight and get to know your new group members a little better.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours. As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today. The walk to Remarkable Cave is Grade 3 due to the 115 steps down (and back up) to the cave. At certain times of year, the waves rush through the tunnel creating a thrilling spectacle for those lucky enough to witness it. Be prepared to get a little wet!

Activities:

• Port Arthur - Historic Site Visit & Harbour Cruise
• Tasman Peninsula - Remarkable Cave

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning after breakfast, drive down the beautiful Tasman Peninsula, passing through the narrow sliver of Eaglehawk Neck. Stop at Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and the Tessellated Pavement to view the unusual rock formations. Head back to Hobart, where the vibrant Salamanca Markets await, ready to tempt you with everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Then, head out for a bush tucker experience with NITA Education – a local First Nations organisation working to inspire connection to their 50,000-year-old culture. Watch a Welcome to Country ceremony, then try some bush tucker and listen to their stories. Tonight, maybe head out with your group for dinner at one of the popular restaurants near the waterfront.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Both Tasman Arch & Devil's Kitchen can be seen from the carpark, as well as from other viewpoints accessible on a 1km loop walk. The Tesselated Pavement viewpoint is only a few minutes walk from the carpark, and a few minutes further to access the beach via stairs.

Activities:

• Tasman Peninsula - Tasman Arch
• Tasman Peninsula - Devils Kitchen
• Hobart - Salamanca Markets
• Hobart - Bush Tucker Experience & Coastal Walk with Aboriginal Guide

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

Today, you’ll drive to the top of kunanyi / Mount Wellington to take in some magnificent views over the city and its surrounding mountains, forests and waterways. Then, drive into the Hartz Mountains wilderness, where you'll explore the remote and rugged place shaped by ancient glaciers on a few short walks. Next, head to Geeveston – a small township known for its forestry heritage, then continue up the Huon Valley and visit a honey farm and a cidery, where you’ll learn about the history of local apple farming in the valley, maybe with a few cider samples from the fourth-generation orchard (optional). Return to Hobart for your final night together.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. The kunanyi / Mount Wellington scenic drive this morning is weather-dependent. Your leader will choose the most appropriate short walks in Hartz Mountains National Park today based on the weather and your group. These may include the Lake Osborne (Grade 2, 2km return/45-60 min), Arve Falls (Grade 2, 1km return/20 min) or Waratah Lookout (Grade 1, 300m/5 min) walks.

Activities:

• Hobart - kunanyi / Mount Wellington scenic drive
• Hartz Mountains National Park - Short walks
• Huon Valley - Honey & cider farm visits

Staying in:

• Hotel (1 night)

This morning you’ll hop on the ferry over to Bruny Island – one of the most gorgeous spots in Tassie! Climb 279 steps to Truganini Lookout at The Neck for sweeping views, Indigenous history and wildlife spotting. Explore South Bruny National Park, where the Cape Bruny Lighthouse perches high above the wild waves of the Southern Ocean. Stop in at a few local shops for tastings of locally sourced products such as oysters, honey, cheese and beer. Then, stop at a local producer where you’ll taste pairings of local beer or wine and then head back to Hobart where your trip will come to an end.

Your trip comes to an end in Hobart at approximately 5.30 pm. Please consider this when booking your departure – you may want to stay an extra night in Hobart. If you do want to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours and includes short ferry rides to and from Bruny Island.

Activities:

• Bruny Island - Full day tour
• Bruny Island - South Bruny National Park
• Bruny Island - Local produce, beer or wine tasting
• Bruny Island - Truganini Lookout